Highland Park mayor calls Crimo guilty plea ‘1,000%’ better than a trial – Chicago Tribune

Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Lawmakers Amid Escalating TensionsDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set for a contentious hearing on Capitol Hill, addressing issues like a transgender troop ban and his use of an unsecured messaging app for military plans, amidst escalating airstrikes between Iran and Israel. Lawmakers are dissatisfied with Hegseth's handling of Pentagon budgets and social changes, as he prepares to discuss a proposed $1 trillion defense budget and his controversial policies, including the renaming...

At Canada's G7 summit, hosted by Mark Carney, key discussions were overshadowed by the Israel-Iran conflict and US President Trump's early departure. Despite these challenges, leaders focused on cooperation, issuing a joint communique for Middle East de-escalation and addressing other global issues, such as support for Ukraine and trade agreements. Need More Context? 🔎

Democratic politician Melissa Hortman and her husband were tragically killed by a man impersonating a police officer, shocking Minnesota's reputation for civility. This incident follows a troubling rise in political violence across the U.S., raising concerns about safety for lawmakers, while some figures have controversially attempted to link the tragedy to political motives. Need More Context? 🔎

Seven men from California have been charged in the largest jewellery heist in US history, stealing $100 million worth of gold, gems, and luxury watches from a Brinks truck. The robbery occurred in July 2022 at a rest stop in Lebec, California, where the suspects, who tracked the truck from a jewellery show, allegedly stole 24 bags without using weapons, and some items were later recovered during searches. Need More Context? 🔎

Michigan Congresswoman Hillary Scholten received alarming news from state police that she was on a suspected killer's target list, following the murder of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman. The suspect, Vance Boelter, had detailed surveillance notes on various individuals, with Scholten expressing her determination to continue her work despite the threats, emphasizing the need for bipartisan condemnation of political violence. Need More Context? 🔎

Two wildfires in New Mexico, the Buck Fire and Trout Fire, are consuming over 80,000 acres, leading to evacuation orders for around 2,000 homes and a state of emergency declared by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Firefighting efforts involve 875 personnel and helicopters, with severe drought and high temperatures exacerbating the situation, prompting health warnings about smoke impact on air quality. Need More Context? 🔎