The House of Representatives approved legislation Thursday to aid Ukraine and impose sanctions on key Russian economic sectors, voting 226-195 despite opposition from Trump and Republican leadership. The bipartisan measure represents the chamber's second major foreign policy break with the administration this week, following a war powers resolution on Iran passed the day before.

Republican leaders had warned the bill would undermine ongoing negotiations, but the House proceeded with passage. The legislation now faces a potential veto from the White House.

The Senate launched a voting blitz on Thursday as it moved toward passing a $70 billion budget reconciliation package that would fund immigration enforcement agencies. The legislative process included a series of amendment votes that exposed divisions within the Republican caucus.

Senate Republicans defeated an amendment sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York by a vote of 49 to 50. The amendment would have prohibited the Department of Justice from establishing a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. Several vulnerable Republicans broke with their party during the amendment voting marathon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for face-to-face discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an open letter, arguing that direct engagement between the two leaders is the only way to end the war. The diplomatic overture comes as the United States shifts its foreign policy priorities toward Iran.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, setting it ablaze. The attack occurred as the Russian city hosted an annual economic forum promoted by Putin.

Hezbollah has rejected a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government, saying the deal amounts to surrender for the group. The United States announced the agreement Wednesday night following fresh negotiations, but Hezbollah was excluded from the talks despite being a major party to the conflict.

The rejection underscores the complexity of achieving peace in Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates as both a political party and armed militia. A U.N. peacekeeper was killed and others wounded when they came under mortar fire in southeastern Lebanon. Israeli forces have continued military operations even as the ceasefire was announced.

John Bolton, who served as national security adviser under President Trump before becoming a vocal critic, has reached a plea agreement in a classified documents case. He will plead guilty to one count of illegal retention of sensitive national security information, subject to court approval.

The Justice Department filed charges against Bolton in 2025 as part of an investigation into the mishandling of classified materials. The plea deal resolves the criminal case stemming from his retention of sensitive documents after leaving his government position.

President Trump unveiled an $800 million initiative to support the struggling coal industry, using emergency executive powers to direct the funding. The plan includes investments in coal infrastructure, export terminals, and plant modernization across multiple states.

The funding will support a new coal export terminal in Oakland and modernization projects including a $19 million upgrade to a Wisconsin coal plant. Trump described the investment as supporting what he called clean coal technology. The administration is using emergency authority to bypass typical funding processes and quickly direct money to the coal sector.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is preparing to pitch investors directly on the upcoming SpaceX initial public offering, signaling the significance of what banks expect to be the largest IPO in history. Financial institutions are positioning themselves to earn substantial fees from bringing Elon Musk's rocket company to public markets.

The level of interest from major Wall Street figures reflects the anticipated scale of the offering. SpaceX has grown into a dominant player in the commercial space industry, operating satellite internet services and securing contracts for government and private launches.

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The original states revenue grew from "$9 billion at the end of 2025," but we are currently in 2024 or early 2025. This date is impossible and suggests either a typo or fabricated information.

The TechCrunch source confirms only: Annualized revenue crossed $47 billion in May This represents dramatic growth from a previous figure The company is preparing for an IPO Growth trajectory faces investor scrutiny

I cannot rewrite this card responsibly because the baseline comparison figure appears to be inaccurate or impossible to verify. To proceed, I would need: 1. Clarification on what the previous revenue figure actually was and when it was recorded 2. Confirmation this isn't a typo (2024 instead of 2025?)

Please provide corrected source material or confirm the accurate prior revenue benchmark.

Demonstrations have erupted in Albania against a coastal resort development linked to Jared Kushner. Environmental campaigners and local critics oppose the project, citing concerns about damage to a protected environment.

The government has promoted the resort plan as transformative for the nation, but the proposal has faced significant public resistance. The project has drawn international attention due to its connection to the Kushner and Trump families.

Ireland is moving to strengthen its military capabilities as concern rises across Europe over security threats from Russia. The Irish government has acknowledged it needs to address significant gaps in its armed forces, which have historically been limited due to the country's tradition of neutrality.

The effort to expand Ireland's military represents a shift for a nation that has long maintained a non-aligned defense posture. European nations have increasingly focused on defense spending and military readiness in response to perceived threats from an increasingly assertive Russia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is making a visit to Pyongyang, where he faces a North Korean dictator whose position has strengthened through closer ties with other nations. The visit comes at a time when North Korea's diplomatic landscape has shifted significantly.

North Korea's alliance with Russia has reduced the country's dependence on China, giving its leader more leverage in dealings with Beijing. The changing dynamic marks a departure from North Korea's traditional reliance on China as its primary economic and diplomatic partner.

Trump made the announcement Thursday after several artists withdrew from previous plans to perform at the upcoming Great American State Fair on the National Mall. The president framed the change as a deliberate choice rather than a response to the cancellations.

In his announcement, Trump stated that organizers do not want singers with no talent but big fees to put people to sleep. He said all previously scheduled performers have been told to remain home as the administration moves forward with the alternative rally format for the anniversary celebration.

Members of SAG-AFTRA have approved a new four-year contract with major studios that includes significant provisions addressing the use of artificial intelligence in entertainment production. The agreement received strong support, with 91.4% of those voting in favor and 8.6% opposed. Participation in the ballot reached 19.3% of eligible union members.

The contract represents a major milestone for the union as it navigates the growing role of synthetic performers in the industry. The deal establishes new rules governing how producers can use AI-generated actors under specified conditions, addressing concerns that have become increasingly urgent as entertainment companies explore technological alternatives to human performers.

Beyond the AI provisions, the agreement includes a significant structural change for the union. The contract merges two separate pension funds that SAG-AFTRA has maintained. This consolidation streamlines the union's financial and administrative operations while protecting member retirement benefits.

The ratification comes as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the implications of advancing technology. Studios have sought greater flexibility in using artificial intelligence for certain roles and production tasks, while actors have pushed for protections to ensure their livelihoods are not undermined by synthetic alternatives. The new contract attempts to balance these competing interests through carefully defined terms.

The voting results indicate broad acceptance among participating members, though the relatively modest turnout of roughly one in five eligible voters means that a significant portion of the union did not cast ballots. This participation rate is not unusual for union ratification votes, though it does mean the contract was approved by a smaller absolute number of the total membership.

The merger of pension funds had been under discussion within union leadership for some time. Consolidating these two separate plans is expected to improve operational efficiency and potentially strengthen the overall financial position of SAG-AFTRA's retirement system for members.

As entertainment companies continue investing heavily in new technologies, the question of how union workers will adapt and maintain their positions in the industry remains paramount. This contract represents an attempt to establish ground rules before AI use becomes more widespread, rather than negotiating restrictions after the technology has already been extensively adopted.

The deal requires producers to operate within defined parameters when using synthetic actors, ensuring that such technology does not completely replace human performers in certain categories of work. The specific terms of these AI provisions will likely serve as a template for other entertainment unions as they negotiate their own contracts with studios in coming years.

The four-year term means this contract will govern union-studio relations through 2028, a period when AI technology in entertainment is expected to evolve considerably. Union leadership negotiated the AI language with the expectation that these provisions might need clarification or updating as the technology develops and its industry applications become clearer.

Code for an unreleased facial recognition feature was discovered in Meta's AI app, according to findings reported by Wired. The discovery has prompted privacy concerns and legal scrutiny regarding how the technology company plans to use facial recognition in its products.

The code appears related to Meta's smart glasses product line. A leaked memo and potential lawsuit have emerged following the revelation. Privacy advocates have raised questions about whether Meta intends to deploy facial recognition capabilities that could identify people captured in photos or videos taken with the glasses.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced that the commission will conduct a complete review of the E-Rate program. The initiative distributes $3 billion annually to support internet access in schools and libraries nationwide.

The review examines how the subsidy program may influence student screen exposure, reflecting mounting concerns about excessive screen time's effects on children's health. The commission will determine whether modifications are necessary to address these health concerns while preserving educational internet access.

The United States is responding to an outbreak of flesh-eating screwworm, the first time the insect has been found in America since 1966. The parasite has become a growing concern in the southern United States, prompting federal officials to implement containment measures.

The response plan includes releasing sterile flies to disrupt the screwworm breeding cycle and using specially trained dogs to detect infestations.

Federal investigators are examining George Santos's betting activity on Kalshi, a prediction market platform. After NPR published a story about these investigations, Santos directed a violent threat at the reporter who broke the news.

Santos subsequently denied making the threat, making false statements about the incident. The former congressman was previously expelled from Congress following federal fraud charges.

A New York Times article has detailed allegations of physical misconduct and abusive behavior against Graham Platner, a progressive Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Maine. The report includes an interview with a Republican operative who accused Platner of womanizing and making troubling comments about rape.

Platner has rejected the allegations as "politically motivated" and denied claims of physical abuse. The controversy has sparked significant tension within the Democratic party, with internal disputes over how to handle his candidacy in the competitive Senate race.

James Handy, a veteran character actor, was fatally stabbed at his home in Tarzana on Wednesday. He was 81. The Los Angeles Police Department arrested his girlfriend's son in connection with the killing. The suspect called 911 to confess to the crime.

Handy built a prolific career across film and television, appearing in Top Gun: Maverick as a bartender and in Jumanji, along with guest roles on numerous TV shows. His work in the 2022 Top Gun sequel brought him renewed recognition late in his career.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced plans to establish a new artificial intelligence laboratory. This marks a strategic shift as the company moves toward developing its own AI capabilities rather than relying solely on external partnerships.

Previously, Chesky explained that Airbnb had not partnered with existing large language model providers because the available solutions didn't meet the company's specific requirements. The decision to build an internal AI lab suggests Airbnb now believes the technology has matured enough to support dedicated research and development efforts.

Taylor Swift released a new song titled "I Knew It, I Knew You" for Toy Story 5, which debuted on digital streaming services Thursday night. The track focuses on a reunion between the Jessie toy and her owner.

The release marks Swift's return to country music, as Disney announced when revealing her involvement with the film. The collaboration brings together one of music's biggest stars with Pixar's long-running animated franchise.

President Donald Trump officially canceled the Freedom 250 concerts scheduled for the National Mall in Washington, D.C., after most artists withdrew from the event. He announced the concerts will be replaced with a rally featuring one of his own speeches as the main attraction.

Country singer Lee Greenwood was installed as a replacement performer for the revised event. Trump had previously suggested the change after numerous artists declined to participate in the concerts, which were planned to mark America's 250th anniversary.

Rapper Lil Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, faces a new racketeering charge from prosecutors. His attorneys dismissed the additional indictment, calling it putting lipstick on a pig in a statement defending their client.

The defense team asserted that Banks is innocent regardless of how many indictments are filed against him. The new charge adds to existing legal troubles facing the artist.

Viral videos of humanoid robots performing tasks may be giving the public a misleading impression of current robotic capabilities. An analysis examined how robot demonstrations shared widely on the internet can shape perceptions in ways that do not accurately reflect the technology's real-world functionality.

The examination focused on how footage of robots is presented and consumed online. Video demonstrations often show robots in controlled environments performing specific tasks, which may not represent how the machines perform in varied real-world conditions or the level of human intervention required.

Mangrove forests are making an unexpected comeback after being destroyed by human activity over many decades. These coastal swamps are now expanding in areas where they had previously vanished, offering encouraging signs for both the environment and people who live nearby.

The recovery matters significantly for coastal protection and climate action. Mangrove forests shield communities from storms and erosion while also storing substantial amounts of carbon. They create vital habitats where saltwater meets land, supporting fish populations and other marine life that depend on these unique ecosystems.

Collins voted for a Democratic motion to commit the $70 billion budget reconciliation package back to the Judiciary Committee. The Maine Republican stood at her desk wearing a red dress underneath a blue blazer with bright brass buttons and announced aye when the clerk called her name.

The consecutive voting streak represents an unbroken record of participation in Senate floor votes throughout Collins' tenure. She cast the milestone vote during debate over immigration enforcement funding legislation.

Dawa Sherpa was discovered alive on Mount Everest six days after going missing at high altitude. A cleaning crew spotted him crawling toward Base Camp as he made his way down the mountain.

His survival in such extreme conditions was remarkable. Sherpa's family had already begun funeral rites when news arrived that he had been found. Climber Chris Thrall was present during Sherpa's last sighting before he went missing on the world's tallest mountain.

China has implemented new regulations targeting violent and misogynistic content in micro dramas, a format of short-form serialized videos that has experienced rapid growth on Chinese platforms. The government crackdown follows criticism that these productions often feature sensationalist material.

Micro dramas have become increasingly popular among Chinese viewers, typically running just a few minutes per episode and designed for mobile consumption. The format has attracted investment from production companies and platforms seeking to capitalize on the trend, but authorities have moved to restrict content deemed inappropriate.

Formula 1 has extended its Las Vegas Grand Prix contract for 10 years, securing the race on the calendar through 2037. The agreement with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority ensures the sport will maintain its presence in the Nevada city for at least another decade.

Since joining the Formula 1 schedule, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has become a prominent event, attracting significant crowds and television audiences. The street circuit race demonstrates the series' commitment to strengthening its foothold in the United States market.

Filtr is an ad blocker app that now extends its capabilities beyond web browsers to block advertisements within nearly all applications on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. The expanded functionality leverages new features available in the latest Apple software.

The app previously focused solely on blocking ads during web browsing. This upgrade represents a significant expansion of ad blocking capabilities on iOS and macOS platforms, allowing users to prevent ads from appearing across their device's entire app ecosystem.

The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream 83-71 in a WNBA matchup. Caitlin Clark and the Fever secured the victory in front of their home crowd, building on recent momentum in the season.

The game featured a matchup between Clark and former college rival Angel Reese, now with separate franchises. Indiana controlled the game throughout, pulling away for the comfortable 12-point margin. The win helps the Fever in their push for playoff positioning as the season progresses.

Colombian pop star Shakira will perform at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico. She will sing the official song for the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature an expanded 48-team format.

Nick Bilton has been appointed as the new chief of 60 Minutes, committing to maintain the program's editorial independence. The appointment comes as CBS News navigates significant upheaval, including the recent firing of three correspondents from the long-running news program.

The departures have sparked concerns among CBS News staff about the show's direction. Former correspondent Steve Kroft expressed worry that the 60 Minutes known to viewers no longer exists, particularly following the termination of Scott Pelley.

Startup Battlefield is returning to Sydney on August 19 in partnership with Stripe. The competition will take place as part of Stripe Tour Sydney, bringing together startups, investors, and technology leaders for what organizers promise will be a memorable night for Australia's startup ecosystem.

This marks the return of TechCrunch's competition to Australia after a previous event in Sydney. Stripe, described as one of the world's most iconic technology companies, is collaborating with TechCrunch to host the event.

Jackie Jantos, an executive at dating app Hinge, says single people in their twenties face significant barriers when seeking relationships online. She identifies loneliness and lack of confidence as key challenges preventing young adults from making the first move on dating platforms.

Dating app companies are increasingly exploring AI features to address these obstacles. These tools aim to help users initiate conversations and navigate online dating more easily, potentially improving engagement and overall user experiences on their platforms.

Naomi Gleit, Meta's longest-serving employee, described her role at the company as her dream job despite weathering numerous controversies over the years. She discussed the company's approach to artificial intelligence and its implications for the workforce in an interview.

Gleit has remained at Meta through multiple shifts in the company's strategy and public perception. Her longevity at the social media giant provides a unique perspective on how the company has evolved since its early days and how leadership approaches major technology transitions.

Buc-ee's is opening a second location in Ohio through a development agreement with the city of Mansfield. The Texas-based convenience store chain operates large-format locations that have built a strong following among travelers.

The new Mansfield location will expand Buc-ee's presence in the region and bring the chain closer to the Pittsburgh market. The company has been growing beyond its Texas headquarters in recent years, establishing locations across the South and Midwest as it builds a national footprint in roadside retail.

The British Heart Foundation is planning to close 150 of its charity retail locations as it faces what the organization describes as an exceptionally challenging trading environment. The closures represent a significant contraction of the charity's physical retail presence across the United Kingdom.

Charity shops have faced mounting pressure from rising operating costs, changing consumer shopping habits, and competition from online retail platforms. The British Heart Foundation operates shops that sell donated goods to fund cardiovascular research and health programs.

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman closed the gap with Spencer Pratt in the contest for second place as additional ballots were counted. The race is significant because the top two finishers advance to a general election runoff.

Karen Bass maintained a lead in first place. The competition between Raman and Pratt for the second runoff position tightened as election officials continued processing ballots. Pratt, known for reality television appearances, had initially shown strength in early returns. The shifting results reflected ongoing ballot counting in the closely watched race to lead the nation's second largest city.

Texas defeated Texas Tech 4-1 in Game 2 to win its second consecutive Women's College World Series championship. The all-Texas final highlighted the strength of softball programs in the state, with the Longhorns securing the title in dominant fashion.

The victory reinforced Texas as a premier program in college softball, successfully defending its national championship against in-state competition.

The Boston Red Sox optioned starting pitcher Brayan Bello to their Triple-A affiliate in Worcester after he struggled in another start against the Baltimore Orioles. The move represents an effort by the organization to help Bello work through mechanical or confidence issues at a lower level of competition.

Bello's demotion highlights ongoing problems with Boston's starting rotation. The Red Sox have experienced continued struggles from their starting pitchers, with multiple disastrous outings putting pressure on the bullpen and costing the team games. The organization hopes time in Triple-A will allow Bello to regain his form before potentially returning to the major league roster.

The Cleveland Browns traded defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for defensive lineman Jared Verse and three draft picks. The move sends one of the league's premier pass rushers to a Rams team looking to bolster their championship chances.

San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams reacted to the trade, saying it "sucks" to have to face Garrett twice a season as a division rival. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took a sarcastic jab at the Rams after the acquisition. Garrett's girlfriend, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, also reacted to the news of his move to Los Angeles.

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will miss significant time after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in a rib on his right side. The injury represents a major setback for the Yankees' championship aspirations as they lose their most productive hitter for an extended period.

The team announced the diagnosis after Judge underwent medical imaging to determine the cause of discomfort he had been experiencing. A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone typically caused by repetitive force or overuse, and recovery timelines for rib stress fractures can vary considerably depending on severity. Judge is expected to be sidelined indefinitely while the fracture heals.

Judge has been the centerpiece of the Yankees lineup and one of baseball's premier power hitters. His absence leaves a substantial void in the middle of New York's batting order at a time when the team is competing for playoff positioning. The Yankees will need other players to step up offensively while their star recovers.

The injury adds to what has been a challenging stretch for the organization. Yankees teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. spoke about Judge's condition, though specific details about his recovery progress were not disclosed. The team now faces the challenge of remaining competitive without their best player for what could be weeks or longer.

New York's front office will need to evaluate both internal and external options to compensate for Judge's production. The timing of the injury, coming in early June, means the Yankees will navigate a significant portion of the season without their offensive leader. How the team performs in Judge's absence could ultimately determine whether their postseason hopes remain intact when he returns to action.

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has secured the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor, positioning herself as the party's candidate for the general election.

If elected this fall, Haaland would become the first female Native American governor in United States history, marking a significant milestone for Native American representation in state executive offices.

Haaland served as Interior Secretary under President Joe Biden before transitioning to the gubernatorial race in New Mexico. Her primary victory sets up what is expected to be a competitive general election matchup.

The race comes at a time when states across the country are holding elections for numerous statewide offices. In neighboring California, Democrats and Republicans are also holding primary contests to select nominees for governor, with multiple candidates competing for their party's nominations. California's race has drawn significant attention as voters decide who will replace Governor Gavin Newsom.

The Democratic primary in New Mexico represents an important step for Haaland's campaign. Her background as a federal official in the Biden administration provides her with executive experience at the national level, though she is now seeking to apply that experience to state governance.

New Mexico has a substantial Native American population, with several tribes and pueblos throughout the state. Haaland's potential election would represent increased representation for Native Americans in gubernatorial positions, a category where such representation has historically been limited.

The primary victory reflects support from Democratic voters in the state who backed Haaland's candidacy over other potential nominees. Her campaign emphasized her experience and vision for the state's future.

Looking ahead to the general election, Haaland will face Republican opponents who have also secured their party's nomination. The general election campaign will likely focus on key issues affecting New Mexico residents, including economic development, education, public safety, and resource management.

Haaland's transition from a role in the Biden administration to state politics reflects a broader pattern seen among some federal officials who have pursued state and local offices. Her tenure as Interior Secretary gave her prominent visibility and allowed her to work on issues including public lands, energy policy, and tribal affairs.

The outcome of the general election will determine whether Haaland achieves the historic distinction of becoming the first female Native American governor. Her primary victory demonstrates she has built sufficient support among Democratic voters to advance to that contest.

The race in New Mexico is one of many gubernatorial elections taking place across the country as states prepare for the fall election cycle. Results from these contests will help shape the political landscape heading into subsequent election cycles.

Decision Desk HQ projected Thursday that Xavier Becerra, a Democrat and former Health and Human Services Secretary, advanced to November's general election in California's gubernatorial race. He will face the winner of the competition between Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer for the second ballot position.

California voters are selecting a successor to current Governor Gavin Newsom. The general election will determine the state's next governor.

Graham Platner, a progressive Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine and an oyster farmer, has rejected allegations published in a New York Times article on Thursday. The report included accounts from past partners describing physical misconduct and offensive remarks. Platner characterized the claims as "politically motivated," pointing specifically to allegations from a Republican operative.

When asked by MSNBC's Chris Hayes whether he had considered withdrawing from the Senate primary race following the report, Platner said he had not entertained that option.

Leeds Rhinos extended their Super League lead with a 24-16 victory over St Helens at Headingley. The Rhinos mounted an impressive comeback, recovering from being eight points behind at half-time to secure the win in an entertaining contest between two of the league's top sides.

The result underscores Leeds' credentials as championship contenders this season. The Rhinos have not won a Super League title since 2017, making victories like this crucial in their pursuit of silverware.

President Trump emerged as a dominant topic during Thursday's Democratic primary debate for New York's 12th Congressional District. The four candidates—lawyer George Conway, Jack Schlossberg (former President Kennedy's grandson), and State Assemblymembers Alex Bores and Micah Lasher—repeatedly referenced Trump throughout their discussion as they competed for the Democratic nomination.

The winner of the primary will be heavily favored in the general election, given the district's strong Democratic lean. Representative Jerry Nadler currently holds the seat, and the primary winner is expected to advance to represent the district.

Plans for a new ballroom at the White House have doubled in both size and cost over the past year, representing the biggest renovation to the executive mansion in decades, according to BBC Verify's examination of the proposal's evolution.

The expanding scope and expense of the project has drawn scrutiny. Senate Republicans moved to block $1 billion in funding for the ballroom by axing the allocation from a bill that was meant to fund immigration agencies.

Mangrove forests are making a surprising comeback after suffering widespread destruction from human activity. This recovery brings welcome benefits to both coastal communities and global climate efforts.

These swampy forests serve multiple vital functions: they provide essential habitat for marine species, protect shorelines from storms and erosion, and help capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The restoration of these ecosystems offers protection against coastal flooding and storm surges while supporting the communities that depend on mangroves for their livelihoods.

Founders Fund has launched a game show featuring prominent technology executives and entrepreneurs. The debut episode was moderated by Founders Fund chief marketing officer Mike Solana and featured a star-studded lineup of current tech industry leaders, including Sam Altman and Palmer Luckey.

The show represents a new entertainment venture for the venture capital firm, bringing together founders and executives from the technology sector in a competitive format.

Rapper Vanilla Ice confirmed he will perform at President Trump's revised 250th anniversary event, even as other artists continue to decline participation. Singer Bret Michaels withdrew from the planned celebration, joining the list of performers who have opted out.

The shifting lineup highlights Trump's ongoing effort to secure celebrity participation for the anniversary event. The departures have transformed the original concert series into a rally format with limited musical acts.

President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Defense to purchase long-term power from coal plants serving military installations and other critical facilities. The move represents a significant escalation in the administration's efforts to revive the struggling coal industry.

At a White House ceremony on Wednesday, Trump received a bronze trophy from James Grech, CEO of Peabody Energy, the largest coal company in the United States. Grech told Trump, "We stand here today representing the thousands of coalminers across the country to express our deep gratitude to you, sir, for the actions you've taken to support our industry." The event included more than a dozen coal executives and miners, along with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Interior Secretary Doug Burgess, both known as strong coal advocates.

"We're going to be buying a lot of coal through the military now," Trump said at the ceremony. He added that the administration is "becoming a massive energy exporter" and is "lifting up our hard-working American miners like nobody has ever done before."

Beyond the defense contract announcement, the Department of Energy will allocate 175 million dollars in funding to six projects designed to modernize, retrofit, and extend the operating lives of coal-fired power plants serving rural and remote communities in West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kentucky.

This announcement builds on earlier administration initiatives to support coal. In September, the White House opened 13.1 million acres of public land to coal mining and announced 625 million dollars in funding for coal-fired power plants.

The coal industry has experienced dramatic decline over recent decades. According to the Energy Information Administration, US coal production in 2023 was less than half of 2008 levels. Coal plants generated only about 15 percent of US electricity in 2024, down from approximately 50 percent in 2000.

The coal industry has faced mounting pressure as utilities and businesses shifted toward natural gas and renewable energy sources. However, the Trump administration frames coal as essential to American energy security and economic strength.

The administration's push comes amid broader efforts to reshape federal policy. The coal initiative accompanies other recent executive orders, including measures to make it easier to dismiss highly paid federal workers and attempts to redirect spending toward various administration priorities.

Environmental advocates have long opposed continued coal investment, citing concerns about air pollution and climate change. However, supporters argue that domestic energy production across all sectors, including coal, strengthens national security during periods of international tension.

The full details of how the funding will be distributed among coal producers and which specific projects will receive support have not yet been released.

The Republican-controlled House voted 226-195 Thursday to pass legislation providing military aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia's economy. Eighteen Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the measure, defying both party leadership and the president's objections.

This represents the House's second major foreign policy break with Trump in a week, following a vote Wednesday approving a war powers resolution to halt US military action against Iran. Republican leaders had warned the Ukraine bill would undermine ongoing negotiations, but the bipartisan coalition advanced it despite their opposition.

A judge has dismissed a murder charge against Aaron Spencer, a candidate for sheriff in Lonoke County, Arkansas, who fatally shot a man he said had abused his daughter.

Spencer faced a first-degree murder charge following the shooting. The dismissal clears the way for him to continue pursuing the sheriff's position without the burden of pending criminal charges.

The case gained significant public attention due to the circumstances surrounding the incident. Spencer stated he acted in response to learning about alleged abuse of his daughter by the man he killed. He maintained that he was protecting his family when he discharged his weapon.

Prosecutors initially pursued the first-degree murder charge against Spencer. However, the judge found sufficient legal grounds to dismiss the case entirely, removing the criminal liability Spencer had faced.

Spencer's nomination to serve as sheriff came despite the pending charge, making this dismissal a major development for his candidacy. With the charge now dropped, there are no active criminal proceedings blocking his path to the elected position.

The case illustrated complex legal questions about the boundaries between personal protection and criminal responsibility in situations involving family members. Questions about when individuals can legally use force to protect loved ones and how courts evaluate such defenses have long been contentious issues in criminal law.

The dismissal represents a significant turning point for Spencer's campaign. Previously, the murder charge had created complications for his bid to lead law enforcement in Lonoke County. Now he can move forward without that legal obstacle.

The decision follows a pattern seen in some self-defense and family protection cases, where courts weigh the circumstances of the incident and the defendant's claimed motivations. In this instance, the judge determined that the charge should not proceed.

Spencer's ability to continue his candidacy without a pending murder charge may influence local political dynamics in Lonoke County. Voters will now evaluate his candidacy based on other factors without the weight of active criminal charges.

The case had drawn attention from multiple news outlets covering the unusual intersection of criminal justice and electoral politics. The circumstances of a law enforcement nominee facing serious criminal charges while seeking office generated public interest in both the legal proceedings and their political implications.

The dismissal does not address whether prosecutors intend to appeal the judge's decision or pursue alternative charges. Spencer now moves forward as a sheriff candidate without the criminal charge that had previously complicated his position.

Senate Republicans narrowly blocked a Democratic effort to eliminate a $1.8 billion fund that would allow President Trump to make financial settlements to his allies. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed inserting language into Republican-backed legislation to bar the payouts, but Republicans rejected the measure.

The fund, characterized by the administration as addressing alleged government weaponization, has sparked dissent within Trump's own party. Three GOP senators joined Democrats in supporting the effort to block it, signaling divisions among Republicans over the controversial proposal.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged more than 500 points to reach a record closing high as oil prices moderated and investors rotated into non-technology stocks. The S&P 500 also gained ground, while the Nasdaq declined following disappointing earnings from Broadcom, which weighed on artificial intelligence-focused investors.

The market shift reflected easing energy costs that provided relief to those worried about inflation's impact on consumer spending. The divergence showed investors broadening their focus beyond concentrated technology holdings to capitalize on opportunities across other sectors.

Maja Chwalinska made history at the French Open, becoming the first qualifier to reach the tournament final. The Polish player defeated 25th seed Diana Shnaider 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the semifinals, continuing an improbable run through the draw. After the match, Chwalinska's emotional reaction—sobbing into her towel—underscored the magnitude of her achievement.

Chwalinska will face Mirra Andreeva in Saturday's final. Andreeva advanced by dominating Marta Kostyuk in the other semifinal. The qualifier's success represents a remarkable breakthrough performance at Roland Garros, with her journey capturing the attention of tennis fans worldwide.

Xavier Becerra won the Democratic preference in California's gubernatorial primary election, advancing to the general election. The results showed California Democrats selecting a more traditional candidate despite national political trends favoring outsider figures.

Becerra's advancement was characterized as a safe choice by California Democrats. The primary featured multiple candidates competing for the nomination in one of the nation's most closely watched gubernatorial races. The results will shape the general election contest for leadership of the nation's most populous state.

S&P Global has declined to modify its index inclusion rules to allow SpaceX or other mega IPOs early entry into its benchmark indexes. The decision reaffirms existing criteria that companies must meet before being added to indexes like the S&P 500, regardless of their market capitalization at the time of going public.

The ruling affects how quickly newly public companies can be included in passive investment funds that track S&P indexes. SpaceX and other large IPOs will need to follow standard procedures and timelines for index consideration rather than receiving expedited treatment based on their size.

Madonna performed in Times Square, transforming the area into an outdoor dance venue during a Pride Month appearance. The artist debuted a new track titled Love Sensation from her Confessions II project during the performance.

The performance included Madonna straddling a speaker box and playing air guitar. The Times Square show marked a public street performance by the veteran pop star, drawing attention during Pride Month celebrations in New York City.

Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein star in Office Romance, a new romantic comedy about an airline CEO and her company lawyer. Lopez plays Jackie Cruz, a formidable airline executive, while Goldstein portrays Daniel Blanchflower, the new company attorney she summons to her office.

The film has received mixed reviews. Critics noted the pairing of Lopez and Goldstein as an unusual but endearing match in the workplace romance. The movie represents Lopez's return to the romantic comedy genre.