Here are today's featured stories, posted by DU members and curated by the Administrators. More news items can be found in our Latest Breaking News forum, and for all the most up-to-the-minute stories that are being talked about by DU members, visit the Latest Discussions page.
July 4, 2025
Eyeing Arctic dominance, Trump bill earmarks $8.6 billion for US Coast Guard icebreakers
July 3, 2025 5:06 PM EDT Updated 11 hours ago LOS ANGELES, July 3 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's massive tax and spending bill earmarks more than $8.6 billion to increase the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker fleet in the Arctic, where Washington hopes to counter rising Russian and Chinese dominance. The funding includes $4.3 billion for up to three new heavy Coast Guard Polar Security Cutters, $3.5 billion for medium Arctic Security Cutters, and $816 million for procurement of additional lig ...
Go to discussionDonald Trump Accused Of 'Blatant And Vile Anti-Semitism' With 'Deeply Dangerous' Trope
Jul 4, 2025, 04:47 AM EDT | Updated 2 hours ago President Donald Trump drew fierce criticism and was accused of anti-Semitism for a comment he made during a speech in which he celebrated the passing in Congress of his so-called Big, Beautiful Bill on Thursday. Trump was boasting to supporters in Des Moines, Iowa, at an event starting the year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Americas founding about how they would now benefit from various parts of his signature, controversial ta ...
Go to discussionLawmakers who tried to visit 'Alligator Alcatraz' amid humanitarian concerns were denied entry
Florida lawmakers worried about humanitarian concerns were denied entry into the new detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz Thursday, just hours after the arrival of its first group of detainees. They stopped us pretty immediately, said Florida state Rep. Anna Eskamani, one of the five Democratic state lawmakers who attempted to visit the facility and inspect its grounds following reports of flooding and other issues. The lawmakers were stopped by law enforcement officers from multip ...
Go to discussionGOP Congressman Deletes Post Celebrating '18 Million Kids' Losing School Meals: 'Was an Error'
Jul 3rd, 2025, 7:50 pm Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) claimed on Thursday that a post celebrating that 18 million kids just lost school meals and 17 million people lost health care was made in error. After the Trump-backed Big Beautiful Bill passed both the House and Senate, one social media user protested, 17 million people just lost health care. 18 million kids just lost school meals. 3 million Americans just lost food assistance. Van Orden responded to the post, YES! After he r ...
Go to discussionRussia launches record number of drones at Ukraine after latest Trump-Putin phone call
(CNN) In recent weeks, Russia has launched near-nightly air attacks on Ukraine involving hundreds of missiles and drones. Earlier this week Ukraines foreign minister said that in June alone, Russia launched over 330 missiles, including nearly 80 ballistic missiles, 5,000 combat drones, and 5,000 gliding bombs against Ukraine. Before Friday, the last record-setting night of attacks came just five days ago when Russia fired 537 drones and missiles at Ukraine. On Thursday, Trump held a nearly hour-long call with Putin and voiced frustration afterward about the stalled ceasefire negotiations.
Go to discussion