California pastor John MacArthur hospitalized with life-threatening illness as church community rallies

Atlanta police nabbed a traveler at the airport who was reportedly smuggling a hefty stash of drugs—worth almost $3 million—destined for Brazil. Authorities caught him before the contraband could leave the country.

Editor’s Note: This bust highlights how major airports remain key battlegrounds in the fight against international drug smuggling. While it’s a win for law enforcement, it’s also a reminder of the scale of the drug trade and the creative (or reckless) lengths traffickers will go to move their goods. For travelers, it underscores the serious consequences of getting mixed up in these schemes—whether knowingly or not.

Senate Republicans are gearing up for another budget reconciliation push this fall—their second attempt—despite some internal hesitations. While Senator Ron Johnson claims to have secured enough support, Senator Lisa Murkowski remains skeptical, highlighting the party's mixed feelings about the move.

Editor’s Note: Reconciliation bills are a big deal because they let the Senate pass certain budget-related measures with just 51 votes, avoiding the usual 60-vote hurdle. If Republicans push forward, it could mean major policy changes—but only if they can get everyone on board. The fact that key senators are already divided suggests this won’t be a smooth ride, and the outcome could shape everything from taxes to spending in the coming months.

Ellen DeGeneres publicly supported Rosie O'Donnell after former President Donald Trump bizarrely suggested revoking her citizenship—a threat with no legal basis. DeGeneres, known for her lighthearted talk show persona, took a subtle stand by giving O'Donnell a shout-out, amplifying solidarity between two high-profile LGBTQ+ figures who've both been frequent targets of Trump's insults.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about two comedians clashing with a polarizing ex-president—it underscores how Trump's rhetoric continues to fuel personal vendettas, even after office, while public figures like DeGeneres use their platforms to quietly push back. It also highlights the absurdity of weaponizing citizenship as a political jab, which could normalize dangerous discourse.

Trump is standing by his attorney general, Pam Bondi, despite growing anger from his MAGA supporters over how the Justice Department is handling the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a Trump ally has suggested Bondi and a top DOJ official hold a marathon press conference to try and shut down media scrutiny—basically, a "talk until they're bored" strategy.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about Epstein—it's about Trump trying to balance loyalty to his team with pressure from his base. If his supporters keep pushing back, it could force him into a messy public fight or shake up his inner circle. And the idea of a never-ending press conference? That’s a sign they’re scrambling to control the narrative.

A tragic shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Kentucky left two women dead and two others injured before the suspect was also found dead, according to police. The violence erupted during what should have been a peaceful Sunday gathering, leaving the community shaken.

Editor’s Note: Church shootings—like this one in Kentucky—strike at the heart of communities, turning places of refuge into scenes of trauma. Beyond the immediate tragedy, it raises familiar but urgent questions about safety in public spaces and the broader epidemic of gun violence in the U.S. For locals, the grief is personal; for the rest of us, it’s another grim reminder of how often these stories repeat.