Defense Department halting some missiles and munitions to Ukraine

The USDA is taking a sci-fi-sounding approach to tackling a nasty pest: they're breeding millions of sterile screwworm flies in labs to release over Texas and Mexico. These flies will mate with wild ones, crashing populations of the flesh-eating maggots that harm livestock and even pets. A new "fly factory" is in the works for 2026 to ramp up production.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about gross bugs—it's a clever, eco-friendly way to protect animals (and potentially people) from a painful parasite without pesticides. If it works, it could save ranchers millions and prevent gruesome infections. Plus, it shows how weirdly creative science can get when solving real-world problems.

Border crossings hit a dramatic low in June, with just 6,070 apprehensions—a fraction of daily numbers seen under Biden—and no releases into the U.S. The Trump campaign is crediting stricter enforcement and resumed border wall construction for the drop, calling it proof of his hardline policies working.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a talking point—it’s a tangible shift that could reshape the immigration debate ahead of the election. If these numbers hold, they’ll fuel arguments that Trump’s approach (walls, deterrence, strict enforcement) "works," while Biden’s critics will face tougher questions. But the long-term impact hinges on whether this is a temporary dip or a lasting trend.

Senate Republicans just pushed through a massive spending bill that includes changes to student loan repayment plans—meaning borrowers could soon have fewer options to manage their debt. The bill squeaked by in a tight vote, setting up a potential clash with Democrats and advocacy groups who argue this will make life harder for people already struggling with loans.

Editor’s Note: If you're one of the millions dealing with student debt, this could shrink your flexibility in paying it back. Fewer repayment plans might mean higher monthly bills or longer terms for some borrowers, adding stress to an already contentious issue. With student debt at crisis levels for many, this move could spark serious backlash.

CBS just coughed up $16 million to settle a lawsuit from former President Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. This makes them the latest big media player to fold under his legal pressure—joining a growing list of outlets that’ve backed down rather than fight him in court.

Editor’s Note: Trump’s lawsuits aren’t just about winning in court—they’re about sending a message. Every time a network like CBS settles, it reinforces his strategy of using legal battles to intimidate critics and shape coverage. For journalists, it’s a chilling reminder of how deep-pocketed figures can weaponize the system to silence scrutiny.

Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the high-profile 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, has pleaded guilty as part of a deal that spares him the death penalty. A judge approved the agreement, bringing a grim but decisive close to a case that shocked the community and captivated national attention.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another courtroom update—it’s a pivotal moment in a case that left a small college town reeling. Kohberger’s plea avoids a lengthy, painful trial for the victims’ families, but it also means the public may never hear a full account of what happened that night. For a community still healing, closure comes with unanswered questions.