'Gut check time': Dissent among Senate GOP ranks threatens to reduce Trump's spending cut demand

A New Hampshire judge has put the brakes on Trump's controversial order to strip birthright citizenship from children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. The ruling allows a class-action lawsuit to move forward, joining a growing pile of legal challenges against the policy.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another legal skirmish—it's a fight over who gets to be "American." Birthright citizenship has been a cornerstone of U.S. law for over a century, and this order upends that. If it stands, it could redefine belonging for generations, but judges keep slamming the door on the idea. For now, the courts are calling the shots, not the White House.

Congressman Adriano Espaillat, a key Democratic figure and head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has switched his support from former Governor Andrew Cuomo to NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who stunned many by defeating Cuomo in the primary, just scored a major endorsement that could boost his campaign.

Editor’s Note: Espaillat’s endorsement signals shifting alliances in New York politics—especially after Cuomo’s fall from grace. For Mamdani, this is a big win that could lend credibility and momentum heading into the election. It’s also a sign that establishment Democrats are warming to progressive challengers, at least in this race.

Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon, has revealed that she’s temporarily stepped away from songwriting after the death of her husband, Carl Dean. The couple, who were married for nearly six decades, shared an intensely private but enduring bond. Parton says she needs time to grieve before she can channel her emotions into music again.

Editor’s Note: Dolly Parton’s music has always been deeply personal, so it’s no surprise that losing her lifelong partner has left her creatively paused. Fans might miss new songs for a while, but this story is really a reminder of how profound love—and loss—can shape an artist’s work. It also highlights the quiet strength of a marriage that thrived far from the spotlight.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked former President Trump’s efforts to challenge birthright citizenship, siding with immigrant rights groups who argue his policy could strip citizenship protections from babies born in the U.S. The ruling comes despite a prior Supreme Court decision that seemed to favor Trump’s stance. Meanwhile, a fired Justice Department attorney, Erez Reuveni, has handed over a batch of documents—including text messages—to a Senate committee, adding another layer to the ongoing political drama.

Editor’s Note: Birthright citizenship—the idea that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen—has been a hot-button issue for years. This ruling matters because it keeps the debate alive, signaling that Trump’s hardline immigration policies still face legal hurdles. The Reuveni documents could also stir up fresh controversies, depending on what they reveal. In short, it’s another chapter in the long, messy fight over who gets to be called an American.

A 67-year-old hiker from Texas tragically died at the Grand Canyon this week after attempting—and then abandoning—a grueling hike to the bottom. He turned back toward the rim but succumbed to the extreme conditions, highlighting the dangers of the park's scorching summer heat.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another cautionary tale—it’s a stark reminder that even experienced hikers can underestimate the Grand Canyon’s brutal terrain and temperatures. With heatwaves becoming more intense, the Park Service’s warnings aren’t just bureaucratic noise; they’re lifesaving advice. If you’re planning a summer hike, water and shade won’t cut it—timing and humility matter just as much.