U.S. contractors tell the AP that their colleagues are shooting at Palestinians seeking food in Gaza

Florida health officials are sounding the alarm after four people died this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but dangerous bacteria lurking in warm coastal waters. The "flesh-eating" pathogen can infect people through open cuts or by eating raw oysters—turning a day at the beach or a seafood dinner into a serious health risk.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a freak accident—it’s a reminder that climate change and warmer waters are expanding the threats in our environment. While infections are still uncommon, the stakes are terrifyingly high. If you’ve got a cut, maybe skip the swim, and think twice before slurping down raw oysters, especially if you’re in a high-risk group. It’s one of those "better safe than sorry" situations.

Donald Trump is doubling down on his unsubstantiated claims that the Jeffrey Epstein scandal is a "hoax" orchestrated by Democrats, while also lashing out at fellow Republicans who continue to pursue the case—calling them "stupid people" and "weaklings." His remarks come as scrutiny over the handling of Epstein’s case persists, raising tensions within both parties.

Editor’s Note: Trump’s latest outburst isn’t just another headline—it’s a sign of how deeply conspiracy rhetoric has seeped into political discourse. By dismissing a high-profile case involving sex trafficking and elite connections as a partisan plot, he’s further polarizing an already fractured GOP and muddying the waters around a serious issue. Whether this helps him rally his base or alienates more moderate voices is the real question.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders hosted NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in Washington, D.C., introducing him to Democratic lawmakers who might be on the fence about him. AOC emphasized that skeptics should look beyond media narratives and engage directly with Mamdani to understand his platform and vision.

Editor’s Note: Mamdani, a progressive outsider, is trying to build bridges with establishment Democrats—a tricky but crucial step if he wants broader support. AOC and Sanders are effectively vouching for him, signaling that his ideas deserve a fair hearing. This matters because it shows how progressive factions are working to shift the party’s dynamics, one introduction at a time.

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White is frustrated but resigned about the rough treatment star rookie Caitlin Clark keeps facing on the court. After Clark’s latest injury scare, White acknowledged she doesn’t fully understand why opponents are targeting Clark so aggressively—but emphasized the team has no choice but to adapt and push forward.

Editor’s Note: Caitlin Clark’s transition to the pros has been bumpier than expected, not just because of the usual rookie learning curve but due to what many see as excessive physical play against her. This isn’t just about one player—it’s raising bigger questions about how the league handles star treatment (or lack thereof) and player safety. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see if the WNBA steps in or if Clark’s teammates will take a stronger stand to protect her.

House Republicans are pushing to question both Joe and Jill Biden as part of an investigation into whether the Biden administration hid signs of the president's cognitive decline while in office. The probe has hit a snag, though—former aides are refusing to cooperate, with at least one invoking the Fifth Amendment.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another partisan skirmish—it’s a direct challenge to Biden’s fitness for office, and Republicans are digging in. If they succeed in compelling testimony, it could fuel election-year attacks on his mental sharpness. But with witnesses clamming up, the whole thing might fizzle into political theater. Either way, it’s another headache for a White House already juggling multiple crises.