Military parade and No Kings protests: a split-screen of a divided America

Baseball fans, get ready—Shohei Ohtani is finally returning to the mound. After almost two years sidelined by elbow surgery, the Dodgers' superstar will start Monday’s game against the Padres, marking his long-awaited comeback as a pitcher.

Editor’s Note: Ohtani isn’t just any player—he’s a once-in-a-generation talent who excels both at pitching and hitting. His return to the mound is a big deal not just for Dodgers fans but for baseball as a whole. It’s a sign he’s fully recovered, and if he’s back to his old form, the Dodgers just got even scarier. Plus, it’s a reminder of how fun it is to watch someone rewrite what’s possible in the sport.

A man named Vance Boelter has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses last week. The attack killed legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, while John Hoffman and his wife were injured. Boelter is set to appear in court Monday, facing two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crime story—it’s a chilling attack on public officials and their families, raising questions about safety for lawmakers and the broader issue of political violence. It’s a grim reminder of how quickly tensions can escalate into tragedy.

IndyCar fans held their breath Sunday night when two-time series champion Josef Newgarden and rising star Louis Foster were caught in a dramatic, high-speed crash at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. The wreck, described as "terrifying" by witnesses, sent Newgarden's car flipping violently—a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins in motorsports. Miraculously, both drivers walked away with only minor injuries, thanks to IndyCar’s stringent safety measures.

Editor’s Note: Crashes like this shake fans and drivers alike, but they also spotlight how far racing safety has come. Newgarden’s wreck could have been catastrophic a decade ago; today, it’s a testament to advances in car design and track protocols. Still, it’s a jarring wake-up call about the risks these athletes take every time they hit the track—and why safety innovation can’t slow down.

Federal immigration agents conducted surprise raids at Home Depot parking lots in Los Angeles, targeting undocumented workers who gather there daily for temporary construction jobs like painting or roofing. Long a fixture of the local labor economy, these workers—some of whom have been part of the community for decades—were handcuffed and detained, leaving witnesses like Pedro shaken. Home Depot has historically relied on this informal workforce despite their undocumented status.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about arrests—it’s about the invisible backbone of LA’s construction industry. These day laborers, often overlooked, literally help build the city. The raids disrupt lives and livelihoods, raising tough questions about labor, immigration policy, and who gets to call a place "home." It’s a stark reminder of how enforcement actions ripple through communities beyond just headlines.

This year’s Juneteenth celebrations are facing cutbacks as corporate sponsors and local governments pull funding from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Organizers are having to rethink events, scaling back parades, festivals, and educational activities due to tighter budgets. It’s a stark shift from recent years when Juneteenth—marking the end of slavery in the U.S.—gained broader recognition and support.

Editor’s Note: Juneteenth isn’t just a historical milestone—it’s become a cultural touchstone, especially after its federal recognition in 2021. But with companies and cities dialing back DEI commitments, the momentum behind these celebrations is slipping. This isn’t just about fewer fireworks or smaller gatherings; it reflects a bigger debate over whether corporate support for racial equity was performative or lasting. For communities that rely on these events for education and solidarity, the funding cuts hit harder than just a canceled party.