Wildfires in California’s Los Angeles and Ventura counties exploded in size, forcing thousands to evacuate as crews battled triple-digit heat and dangerous winds. The Canyon Fire grew from 30 to nearly 5,000 acres in hours, with 0% containment, while the larger Gifford Fire scorched 100,000 acres in San Luis Obispo County. Officials warned conditions could worsen despite a slight weekend cooldown.
Donald Trump is pushing for a new U.S. Census that excludes undocumented immigrants, a move critics say is unconstitutional and politically motivated. The plan could strip congressional seats and federal funding from states with large immigrant populations. The ACLU promises legal challenges, noting Trump’s previous failed attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census.
Israel’s security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to seize Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in the war. The move drew international condemnation and could displace hundreds of thousands in an already devastated area. Critics warn it risks killing hostages, draining resources, and leaving Israel without a viable postwar strategy, while Hamas vowed Israel would “pay dearly.”
Russia launched 104 drones at Ukraine overnight, targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa. While air defenses downed 82, the rest struck civilian targets, injuring multiple people, damaging homes, and sparking fires. The relentless drone campaign continues to test Ukraine’s defenses, causing destruction even when most attacks are intercepted.
The Trump administration plans to place a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030 to power a U.S. base. Supporters argue it’s essential for long-term lunar missions and maintaining an edge over China and Russia, but critics cite high costs, safety risks, and an unrealistic timeline. The reactor’s design faces unique challenges, including heat dissipation in space and safe end-of-life disposal.
The U.S. Air Force will deny early retirement to transgender troops with 15–18 years of service, forcing separation without benefits. The policy follows a Supreme Court ruling allowing the Pentagon to enforce a full ban on transgender service members. Critics call the move arbitrary and cruel, warning of lawsuits, while affected troops say it betrays years of dedicated service.
