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BREAKING: US Strikes Iran After Attacks on Commercial Ships in Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Central Command launched strikes against Iranian targets after Iran attacked three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The military described the Iranian actions as unwarranted aggression that violated a ceasefire and targeted innocent civilians in international waters. The operation aims to impose heavy costs on Iran for the incidents, which occurred in a critical global shipping route. This marks the latest escalation in tensions following a fragile interim agreement.
🏛️ News & Politics
Trump Urges Congress to Prioritize Reconciliation 3.0 for Defense and Voter Safeguards
President Trump called on House and Senate leaders to make Reconciliation 3.0 their top priority upon Congress returning from the July Fourth recess. He urged swift passage of a $350 billion defense funding package paired with the SAVE America Act through the budget reconciliation process. Trump highlighted the military’s record recruiting numbers, high morale, and strong performance during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, while stressing the need to maintain superiority. The SAVE America Act requires proof of citizenship for federal voter registration and aims to prevent noncitizen voting. House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated support for advancing the voting measure via reconciliation after prior House passages stalled in the Senate.
DSA Members Openly Call for Dismantling America from Within
Members of the Democratic Socialists of America described their movement’s objectives in a video circulating on social media. One leader stated the most important task is to take the American empire down from within. Multiple speakers outlined aims to overthrow what they term the empire. The group has adopted a platform known as Workers Deserve More that includes scrapping the Senate, abolishing carceral forces, defunding the Department of War, granting amnesty to all immigrants, and replacing the president and Supreme Court with bodies subordinate to Congress. The platform seeks a new constitution and a democratic socialist republic built from the ground up.
Democrats Ditch Maine Senate Hopeful Platner After Rape Claim Surfaces
Democrats abandoned Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Monday after Jenny Racicot, 41, accused him of rape. Racicot, who had an on-and-off relationship with Platner, alleged he entered her home uninvited while intoxicated nearly five years ago in late 2021 and forced non-consensual sex despite her objections. Platner denied the allegation and said he was reflecting on the best path forward for his campaign. Prominent supporters, including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and Kirsten Gillibrand, withdrew their endorsements and urged him to step aside. Other Democrats such as Ro Khanna, Martin Heinrich, Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly, and Elissa Slotkin joined calls for him to exit the race. Groups like VoteVets and End Citizens United also pulled support. Maine law sets a July 13 deadline to withdraw to replace the nominee ahead of the November midterm contest against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.
ICE Makes Nationwide Arrests of Illegals Convicted of Murder and Child Sex Crimes Over Holiday Weekend
Federal immigration authorities conducted arrests across the country over the Independence Day weekend while many Americans marked the nation’s 250th anniversary. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeted illegal immigrants with serious criminal records. Those taken into custody included individuals convicted of murder, child sexual abuse offenses, kidnapping, rape, drug trafficking, burglary, and other violent crimes. DHS officials highlighted specific cases such as a Panamanian national convicted of murder and assault in New York and multiple Mexican nationals with convictions for second-degree murder, sodomy of a child under 12, sexual abuse, and methamphetamine distribution. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis noted that ICE officers worked through the holiday to remove dangerous threats from communities. The operation reflects expanded enforcement capacity from additional officers hired under the current administration.
DSA-Endorsed Maine Democrat Troy Jackson Faces Allegations of Assaulting Female Colleague
Troy Jackson, a former Maine state senator and Democratic Socialists of America-endorsed candidate who positioned himself as the best replacement for scandal-plagued Senate hopeful Graham Platner, now faces his own allegations. Progressive Victory reported claims from contacts in Maine that Jackson threw a water bottle at a female colleague during a heated disagreement in a state Senate caucus meeting several years ago. The group described the incident as a widespread open secret in Maine politics with multiple witnesses. Jackson, who lost his June gubernatorial primary but had campaigned alongside Platner, declared interest in the Senate race on the same day Maine DSA withdrew support from Platner over separate sexual assault claims. Jackson’s campaign and Maine DSA did not respond to requests for comment on the new allegations.
Pfizer Tower Conversion Faces Structural Crisis In Midtown Manhattan
A 37-story former Pfizer headquarters at 235 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan is at risk of collapse after two structural support columns buckled on the 21st floor during its office-to-residential conversion. Bricks fell from the building around 8 a.m., prompting immediate evacuations of the site and at least nine nearby structures, including a school with about 400 children, as well as street closures near Grand Central Terminal. Officials reported sagging floors between the 21st and 26th levels, bending I-beams, and continued movement in the compromised columns hours later, with no injuries reported as emergency teams monitor the instability and prepare to install shoring supports.
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📢 The American Fifth Column
Liberal Media Softens Image of DSA Radicals Amid Primary Wins
Liberal media outlets continue to portray Democratic Socialists of America members as mild reformers focused on everyday issues like free child care and universal pre-K. On MS NOW, contributor Molly Jong-Fast highlighted these priorities while comparing them favorably to certain Trump administration initiatives. CNN host Audie Cornish questioned why Republicans label DSA candidates as communists. Meanwhile, DSA leaders and members have openly stated goals including achieving communism, dismantling the American empire from within, and adopting a platform that calls for scrapping the Senate, abolishing police and prisons, granting amnesty to all immigrants, defunding the military, and restructuring the government under congressional control. Recent primary victories by DSA-backed candidates in New York, Colorado, and elsewhere have heightened concerns about the group’s expanding influence inside the Democratic Party.
U.S. Influencers Back Iranian Regime at Khamenei Funeral
Jackson Hinkle led chants of “Down with the USA” at gatherings in Tehran during the multi-day funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hinkle, who has a history of supporting figures like Putin and attending events for groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, waved a red flag associated with Shia symbolism while addressing crowds. Max Blumenthal, a self-described journalist, participated by drumming in a Shia style at Tajrish Square and described Engelhab Square as “rocking” amid the anti-American atmosphere. Iranian state media reportedly brought in around 400 foreign influencers to amplify the regime’s events, which featured displays of defiance and mourning following Khamenei’s death in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike earlier this year.
Antifa Extremists Attack MAGA Streamer Home with Brick and Bear Mace
Conservative activist and livestreamer Tommy TV reported that Antifa extremists targeted his Oregon home around 3:30 AM on July 6, 2026, by smashing a bedroom window with a brick and spraying bear mace inside, affecting him, his wife, and their dog. The attackers also slashed all tires on the family vehicle, an act the streamer said had occurred previously. Tommy, known for documenting Antifa activities and counterprotesting, attributed the assault to his public work exposing their violence and calls against ICE agents and President Trump, claiming doxxing from his prior time in Seattle enabled the strike, possibly involving leaks from local police. Video footage shared online shows the broken window, scattered glass, damaged blinds, and orange mace stains on bedding and pillows, with his wife reportedly hit hardest. No immediate official police confirmation emerged, though supporters labeled it domestic terrorism and launched a fundraiser for repairs.
Newsom Transfers Iconic California Mendocino Beach to Indigenous Nonprofit
California is handing over 136 acres of prime coastline, including Blues Beach near Westport in Mendocino County, to Kai Poma, a nonprofit representing the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. The California Transportation Commission granted final approval on June 26 for the transfer of the state-owned property originally acquired in the 1960s for Highway 1 expansion and a scenic overlook. The deal, enabled by legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021, marks the first time Caltrans-managed land has gone to a tribal nonprofit. Public pedestrian access remains from sunrise to sunset with no commercial activity allowed, while vehicles will be restricted. Kai Poma will maintain the site, protect natural and cultural resources, and conduct surveys before creating a long-term management plan amid past issues with unregulated camping and litter.
Viral Streamer Declares New York an Islamic Republic
Viral streamer Sneako celebrated Egypt’s World Cup win over Australia by livestreaming from New York City streets filled with fans waving flags and chanting. He shouted “Allahu Akbar” and proclaimed the city the “Islamic Republic of New York-istan,” stating that Islam would enter every household with the prediction that the whole world would become Muslim. Sneako referenced Mayor Zohran Mamdani and told viewers their cities could soon resemble the scene. The remarks drew sharp backlash online, including calls for deportation from Alex Jones and a one-word affirmation from Elon Musk, while former Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill offered a pointed retort. Sneako later responded defiantly on social media.
🌐 International
Nigel Farage Resigns From Parliament to Trigger By-Election
Nigel Farage resigned as Member of Parliament for Clacton on July 7 2026. He did so to force a by-election in the seat, which he plans to contest again. The Reform UK leader framed the vote as a chance for the people to confront the establishment. This move comes amid an ongoing parliamentary standards investigation into undeclared gifts and financial support he received. Farage received a €5 million gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne in May 2024 before his election as MP. He has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not misuse public money or break the law. Farage cited the need for lifelong security due to threats and noted that his funding was reduced after the murder of Charlie Kirk. A by-election is expected within weeks.
French Court Allows Marine Le Pen to Run in 2027 Presidential Election
A French appeals court on July 7 upheld Marine Le Pen’s embezzlement conviction for misusing European Parliament funds but reduced her penalties enough to clear her path for the 2027 presidential race. The Paris Court of Appeal sentenced the National Rally leader to three years in prison, with one year under house arrest with an electronic ankle tag and 15 months of ineligibility, which the court deemed already served due to backdating. This marks a reduction from the original four-year prison term and five-year ban handed down in March 2025. Le Pen has called the case politically motivated and said wearing the tag would make campaigning impossible. She has 10 days to appeal to France’s highest court. If she steps aside, Jordan Bardella could lead the party ticket.
US Revokes Iran Oil Sales Authorization Following Tanker Attacks in Strait of Hormuz
The United States revoked a general license that had authorized Iran to produce, sell, and deliver oil. A U.S. official confirmed the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control took this step after several commercial ships faced attacks in or near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The license, known as GL X, stemmed from a mid-June memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending hostilities. The official emphasized that the agreement remains performance-based and requires good behavior from Tehran, with recent attacks prompting a firm response. Negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, though Iran has not issued a public response through state media.
Explosions Rock Damascus Near Macron Hotel Amid Syria Visit
Explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel in central Damascus on July 7, 2026, where French President Emmanuel Macron had spent the night during his landmark visit to Syria. The blasts occurred shortly after Macron departed for meetings at the presidential palace with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syrian authorities reported that at least 18 people were wounded, including four police officers. Macron remained unharmed and continued his schedule, with the Elysee Palace confirming he did not hear the explosions.
Iranian Regime Loyalists Threaten Trump at Khamenei Funeral Procession
Iranians loyal to the regime called for the assassination of President Trump during the funeral procession for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Monday. Footage showed groups hurling stones at a billboard depicting Trump with a bullet aimed at his head while holding banners that read “KILL TRUMP” and signs with crosshairs over images of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that stated, “There will be blood.” Senior clerics and the Assembly of Experts had previously declared killing Trump and Netanyahu a religious duty. The events occurred amid a cease-fire for the multi-day funeral ceremonies, which began after Khamenei’s death in Israeli airstrikes. Trump noted that peace talks with Iran were paused for the funeral but warned of further action if needed.
