Nevada Hawk Fire explodes in size as it surges towards Reno, devours over 15K acres
A fast-moving wildfire grew nearly 50% in a single day as it bore down on Reno, Nevada, sending evacuation zones sprawling toward the city while flames burned closer. The Hawk Fire has devoured 15,040 acres by Sunday afternoon, according to the New York Post. With the fire still at 0% containment, the danger crept closer as evacuation zones expanded south and east and residents were urged to evacuate. Strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation helped fuel the flames, officials said. The Washoe County sheriff said the blaze was human-caused and encouraged 90,000 people to leave the area, the Associated Press reported. The fire was zero percent contained as of Sunday afternoon. About 1,000 firefighters and other first responders are battling the fire, officials said. A preliminary investigation has found that the Hawk Fire was human-caused, authorities said at a news conference on Sunday. They did not immediately release details on how the fire ignited. About 90,000 people have been affected by the wildfire, including 42,000 who have been forced to evacuate their homes and another 45,000 people who have been warned to be prepared to evacuate, officials said.
Where the accounts differ
The New York Post and the Guardian both report the fire had grown to 15,040 acres by Sunday afternoon, while the Guardian also states the fire had reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus. The Guardian and the UPI report the fire had grown to 15,000 acres, while the New York Post and the ABC News report it had grown to 13,000 acres. The ABC News and the Guardian report that 42,000 residents were under strict evacuation orders, while the New York Post and the UPI report 90,000 people were affected, including 42,000 under evacuation orders. The Guardian and the UPI report that 14,000 homes were evacuated, while the New York Post and the ABC News report 90,000 people were affected, including 42,000 under evacuation orders. The Guardian and the UPI report that 10,000 homes and businesses were without power, while the New York Post and the ABC News report nearly 10,000 homes and businesses were without power. The Guardian and the UPI report that the fire had reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus, while the New York Post and the ABC News do not mention this detail.
Trump will kick off the IndyCar race in the Beast before cars zoom through Washington’s streets
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to watch Sunday’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix as the cars whip through the city’s downtown, including a stretch along Pennsylvania Avenue not too far from the White House. Trump will lead a traditional prerace kickoff in his presidential limo, U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley, Trump’s liaison to the organizing group America250, said in an interview on Fox Business. The open-wheel race, with cars whizzing past Washington’s monuments at speeds approaching 200 mph, is the latest of Trump’s celebrations this year to mark America’s 250th birthday. The event will also include a prerace show and flyovers of military aircraft, which swooped and boomed over the city during the July Fourth celebrations.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is the first major auto race in the capital in more than 24 years. The race will be 250 miles long, or 147 laps, on a 1.7-mile track that includes bumpy DC roads with the Capitol Building, museums, department buildings, and monuments in the background. The cars are capable of hitting speeds of 185 mph on the tight course. Twenty-five racers completed 147 laps around the circuit. President Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted drivers on the paddock before getting in “the Beast” presidential limo for the ceremonial lap. The president then waived the green flag to kick off the race.
Where the accounts differ
The Associated Press reports that Trump and Melania Trump will lead a traditional prerace kickoff in his presidential limo, as stated by U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley. The New York Post states that Trump took the first lap around the 1.7-mile circuit in “the Beast” before drivers raced past the speed limit on the National Mall. The BBC notes that the maximum speed limit in Washington DC is 55mph, but some of the world’s fastest drivers zoomed past the capital’s famous monuments and museums at speeds of up to 190mph. The Washington Examiner mentions that House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to make the event an annual one if Republicans retain control of the lower chamber.
Dems turning more GOP Senate strongholds into midterm battlegrounds
Democrats are focusing on traditionally Republican Senate seats in key states like Iowa, Alaska, Texas, and Ohio as midterms approach. The race in Texas, where Democrat James Talarico leads Republican Ken Paxton, has shifted to a toss-up according to Cook Political Report. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola faces Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, with a second candidate also named Dan Sullivan potentially complicating the race. In Iowa, Democrats are optimistic despite the state's history of Republican victories. Ohio's Senate race features former Senator Sherrod Brown, who is running against Republican Senator Jim Husted. The Democratic strategy includes leveraging economic issues like rising costs and Trump's policies to weaken Republican candidates.
Where the accounts differ
Axios and Newsweek both report that Texas is a toss-up, but Newsweek adds that Libertarian Ted Brown is polling at 2% to 4% and that Talarico's campaign is seen as a landing spot for conservatives uneasy with Paxton's pending securities fraud case. Just The News includes specific poll numbers and mentions that Talarico is leading by four points in the latest Texas Pulse poll. The Daily Caller highlights concerns about Talarico's support among Black voters, noting that Ashley Etienne from the Democratic National Committee warns that Talarico lacks the necessary support from Black voters to win Texas. The Dispatch does not mention the Texas race in detail, focusing instead on other states and candidates.
Sean Grayson, convicted in killing of Sonya Massey, dies in prison, attorney says
Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy convicted of second-degree murder in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, died in prison at age 32, according to his attorney. Grayson was serving a 20-year sentence for the shooting, which occurred in July 2024 when he responded to a 911 call about a possible prowler at Massey's home. Body camera footage showed Grayson confronting Massey, who was holding a pot of hot water, and shooting her after she apologized and ducked. Grayson's attorney, Daniel Fultz, confirmed the death but provided no further details. Grayson had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer before the shooting, which had spread to his liver and lungs by the time of his sentencing in January 2025. His request for medical release was denied by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board in July 2026. Massey's family attorneys stated that Grayson's death does not bring Sonya back, emphasizing the ongoing grief for her loved ones.
Where the accounts differ
CBS News and Newsweek both mention that Grayson's cancer had spread to his liver and lungs, while the New York Post and ABC News refer to the same condition without specifying the spread. The New York Post and Newsweek include details about the Illinois Prisoner Review Board's denial of Grayson's medical release request in July 2026, while CBS News and ABC News mention the denial but do not specify the month. The New York Post and Newsweek also include quotes from Massey's family attorney, Ben Crump, about Grayson's death, while CBS News and ABC News attribute the same statement to the attorneys for Massey's family. The Just The News provides additional context about the family's reaction and the $10 million settlement, which is not included in the other accounts.
Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner Met Privately to Discuss Potential Collaboration
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, in recent weeks to discuss potential areas of common ground on issues such as housing, immigration, and affordability, according to media reports. The meeting, which took place in New York City, was reportedly arranged through a mutual friend. Jeffries did not confirm the meeting in a statement but reiterated his party’s stance against the "my-way-or-the-highway" approach to governing. Kushner encouraged Jeffries to meet with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles as a way to gain the president’s attention. The New York Times first reported the meeting, which was described as a rare engagement between the two men.
The meeting comes as Democrats aim to retake control of the House in the November midterms, with Jeffries positioned as a potential next Speaker if they succeed. Kushner, who has served as a special envoy for Trump on foreign affairs in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran, has no formal government job but remains a key adviser. The White House and Kushner’s spokesperson did not immediately comment on the meeting. Some Democrats, including Congressman Jamie Raskin, have raised concerns about Kushner’s financial ties to Gulf nations while serving as a peace envoy.
Where the accounts differ
Mother Jones and The Guardian both report that Kushner has used his ties to the White House to make business deals with Gulf autocrats and work on foreign affairs as a “special peace envoy.” UPI and Washington Examiner do not mention these specific financial ties or the characterization of Kushner’s role as a “special peace envoy.” The Guardian and Mother Jones attribute the claim about Kushner’s financial dealings to unnamed sources, while UPI and Washington Examiner do not include this detail. The Guardian also notes that some Democrats, like Gretchen Whitmer, have taken a more collaborative approach to working with Trump, a point not mentioned in the other accounts. The Guardian and CBS News both mention that Jeffries did not confirm the meeting in a statement, while UPI and Washington Examiner do not specify whether Jeffries confirmed or denied the meeting.
Tropical Storm Moke poised to slam into Hawaii just days after Hurricane Lala
Tropical Storm Moke is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii, with the Big Island facing the brunt of the storm. Forecasters predict 5-10 inches of rain, with isolated areas seeing up to 15 inches, particularly on the windward and southeast sides of the Big Island. The National Weather Service warns of potential flooding and mudslides, especially in areas already saturated from Hurricane Lala. Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to prepare by restocking essentials and staying informed about the storm’s progress. The storm is expected to pass south of the islands, with impacts likely to be less severe than Hurricane Lala, though still dangerous.
The National Hurricane Center projects that Moke will bring 130mm to 250mm (5 to 10 inches) of rainfall over the next two days on the southeast and windward sides of the Big Island, with some isolated areas seeing up to 380mm (15 inches). Eastern Maui is expected to receive 76mm to 150mm (3 to 6 inches), while the rest of the island chain will see smaller amounts. Governor Green warned that the storm will be followed by another storm front in about a week, emphasizing the ongoing challenges for recovery efforts.
Where the accounts differ
The Guardian and Al Jazeera both mention that at least one person died in Hurricane Lala, while CBS News and UPI do not specify a death, though CBS News notes that "at least one person died" in the storm. Al Jazeera reports that Lala caused more than 1,000mm (39 inches) of rain in some locations, while The Guardian and CBS News cite 15 inches (38cm) in isolated areas. UPI and NPR mention that Lala dropped more than 30 inches of rain in some parts, which is a significant discrepancy. Al Jazeera and CBS News attribute the $43m in infrastructure damage and $4.6m in home damage to Hurricane Lala, while The Guardian and UPI mention these figures without specifying the storm. NPR and CBS News report that more than 8,000 people were without power after Lala, while The Guardian and UPI do not mention this number.
Bill Maher Defends Natalie Harp, While Mother Jones Details Conspiracy Theories and Security Concerns
Bill Maher, a comedian and political commentator, defended Natalie Harp, a top aide to former President Donald Trump, on his show Real Time with Bill Maher. Maher praised Harp for her dedication to her job, noting that she often works long hours and sometimes forgets to eat and sleep. He contrasted her treatment with the more severe criticism Trump has faced from within his own circle, including Vice President JD Vance and former attorney Michael Cohen. Maher also mentioned Harp’s battle with bone cancer, suggesting that Trump’s support for experimental treatments helped her. Trump responded to criticism of Harp by mocking Sen. Jon Ossoff, calling him “pee-wee Herman.”
Mother Jones published an article titled “A Natalie Harp Conspiracy Theory (Not Really),” which explores speculation about Harp’s close relationship with Trump. The article describes Harp as a key figure in Trump’s inner circle, noting her role in managing his social media and facilitating communication with aides and foreign leaders. It references Sen. Jon Ossoff’s remarks at a campaign rally, where he criticized Trump for focusing on personal interests rather than governing. The article also raises questions about Harp’s lack of a security clearance for over a year while working in the White House and her previous employment at One America News Network, a far-right news outlet.
Where the accounts differ
Washington Examiner reports that Maher attributed Harp’s loyalty to Trump to her battle with bone cancer and that Trump speeded up experimental treatments for her. Mother Jones does not mention Harp’s cancer or any medical condition, instead focusing on her role in Trump’s inner circle and the speculation about her relationship with him. Washington Examiner states that Trump called Jon Ossoff “pee-wee Herman” in response to Harp’s comments, while Mother Jones does not mention this direct quote from Trump. Mother Jones includes details about Harp’s lack of a security clearance and her previous job at One America News Network, which Washington Examiner does not cover.
Enes Kanter Ejected From Fever-Sky After Heated Confrontation With WNBA Player
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky after a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Cloud approached Kanter Freedom, who was seated courtside wearing a shirt that read “WOMAN noun: adult human female.” Kanter Freedom stood up and advanced toward Cloud before security intervened. He later posted on social media about the ejection, claiming he was removed for supporting women. The WNBA’s Fan Code of Conduct, which prohibits fans from entering the court, was cited by some outlets as a possible reason for his ejection.
Kanter Freedom had previously declared for the 2027 WN.TBA draft, citing his support for biological women in sports. His attendance at the game and a pregame rally was part of his campaign to support Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has faced criticism from pro-trans activists for her comments on transgender athletes in women’s sports. The WNBA has been discussing eligibility rules for transgender athletes, with a statement expected before the next season.
Where the accounts differ
Newsweek states that Cloud did not speak with the media after the game but met with team and WNBA security, while The Daily Wire mentions that Cloud later posted a social media message in defense of transgender people. Washington Examiner notes that Cloud’s social media post defending transgender individuals was made after the game, which Newsweek does not mention. Just The News reports that Kanter Freedom is one of two former NBA players trying to become eligible for the WNBA draft, a detail not included in Newsweek or Washington Examiner. The Daily Wire also mentions that protests and rallies have followed the Fever to games, which is not covered in the other accounts.