Voters in northern Kentucky on Tuesday rejected incumbent Congressman Thomas Massie, a vocal critic of Donald Trump, in favor of the president's hand-picked candidate, Ed Gallrein. Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL and farmer, defeated the seven-term incumbent in a primary election for Kentucky's fourth congressional district. Trump allies framed the victory as a win for the MAGA movement's hold over the Republican Party.
Other Primary Results
Primaries were also held in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and Idaho. In Georgia, another prominent Trump critic suffered defeat, while a Trump ally won in Alabama.
Significance of Kentucky
Massie had repeatedly clashed with Trump over issues such as Iran, government spending, and the Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump treated the primary as a personal vendetta, actively campaigning against Massie.
Xi and Putin Meet in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin with a military band ceremony in Beijing on Wednesday, days after hosting Donald Trump. The leaders held talks in the Great Hall of the People, focusing on trade, the Iran war, and Taiwan.
Agenda Highlights
For Putin, reciprocal trade and investment are top priorities as Russia's economy suffers from the Ukraine war and sanctions. China, Russia's largest trading partner, buys nearly half of Moscow's oil exports. Xi warned against a return to the "law of the jungle" and called for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Senate Advances Iran War Powers Resolution
The Senate voted 50-47 to advance a resolution aimed at forcing Trump to end the Iran war unless Congress authorizes it. This marks the first time the chamber has advanced the bill, though Trump is expected to veto it if it passes both chambers.
Key Votes
Four Republicans—Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Susan Collins of Maine—joined Democrats in voting for the bill. Pennsylvania's John Fetterman was the sole Democrat to vote against it.
Other News
- The WHO is considering experimental vaccines and medicines to combat Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as deaths rise.
- The NAACP is urging Black athletes and fans to boycott college sports in southern states that have limited Black voting representation.
- The Justice Department has permanently barred the IRS from auditing Trump's tax returns.
- Over 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in southern California due to a wind-driven wildfire.
Gaza Rebuilding Efforts Falter
Nine countries pledged $7 billion to a Gaza relief package at the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump. However, only the UAE and Morocco have sent funds, resulting in just $23 million for operations and $100 million for a Palestinian police force—only $1.75 for every $100 promised.
Protein Guide
Most Americans are trying to eat more protein. Experts recommend considering cholesterol content in beef and fiber from pulses to make healthy choices.
AI vs. Real Photos
Distinguishing real from AI-generated images is increasingly difficult. A photographer and an internet addict took a test to see if there's a science to spotting fakes.
Rainforests at Breaking Point
Growing demand for critical minerals, biofuels, and pulp is pushing the Amazon and other rainforests toward collapse, adding to damage from cattle ranching and logging.
Nina Simone's Gum on Display
An exhibition celebrating extreme pop fandom features a piece of gum chewed by Nina Simone, rescued from the Royal Festival Hall stage by Warren Ellis of Nick Cave's Bad Seeds. The exhibit includes a Dolly Parton shrine and Spice Girls-endorsed soda cans.
