The economy expanded at a 2.2% annualized rate from April through June, easily topping the 1.5% forecast as consumer spending and business investment remained resilient despite inflation, elevated interest rates and sharply higher gasoline prices.
Sen. Eric Schmitt’s perjury accusation against former Special Counsel Jack Smith collapsed after Smith explained the “Hawks game” referred to Iowa women’s basketball, not Atlanta, leaving Sen. Katie Britt’s stunned reaction to dominate social media.
Seattle’s minimum wage is set to reach $22.14 an hour in 2027 as restaurant closures mount, job postings tumble 35%, downtown office vacancies climb and business owners warn that rising labor costs are squeezing already thin margins.
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to charge President Trump, while Senator Ted Cruz accused him of weaponizing the Justice Department, disgracing the agency, and committing what Cruz called its most egregious abuse of power.
Vance said he and Trump examined a Senate floor strategy in detail, but concluded several Republicans would join Democrats to defeat it. He argued replacing those senators is the practical path toward passing the election integrity measure.
Newsom signed new restrictions on weapons used during immigration enforcement, but federal prosecutor Bill Essayli dismissed California’s authority, advised DHS to ignore the shock glove ban, and mocked the governor’s office with one biting question.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani appealed after Judge Wayne Ozzi canceled mailed notices over procedural failures, automatically pausing the order while New York City continues implementing a surcharge on qualifying luxury second homes.
Jack Smith’s investigators obtained journalist communications linked to 87 White House phones while also collecting nearly 5,000 personal checks from Trump donors, prompting Chuck Grassley to demand accountability during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.