Melania Trump Pushes Expansive Second-Term Policy Agenda as Foster Care Bill Faces Senate Test

The first lady is taking a more hands-on role in domestic policy, child welfare, AI safety, and international humanitarian efforts, signaling an evolution from advocacy to legislative engagement.

WASHINGTON | First Lady Melania Trump is pursuing a significantly broader policy agenda during President Donald Trump's second term, moving beyond awareness campaigns to actively engage lawmakers on Capitol Hill, promote legislation, and participate in humanitarian diplomacy centered on child welfare and technology safety.

At the center of her legislative efforts is the **Fostering the Future Act**, bipartisan legislation designed to improve housing, educational opportunities, workforce development, and long-term support for young adults aging out of the nation's foster care system.

According to lawmakers familiar with the effort, the first lady has made passage of the measure a personal priority, urging members of Congress to move quickly so the legislation can reach President Trump's desk before the August congressional recess.

Democrats’ and Republicans’ Screwworm Blame Spin

Politicians of both political parties have blamed either the Trump or the Biden administration for the arrival of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating fly that affects the cattle industry, in the U.S. after decades of eradication. But experts say the reasons are different or more complicated than either side is saying — and that it’s no one administration’s fault.

The agriculture secretary, meanwhile, has said that the previous administration “hadn’t really done anything” to combat screwworm, wrongly claiming that there had been “no funds” secured and “no plan deployed.” The Biden administration approved nearly $275 million in emergency funding to fight screwworm starting in late 2023.

Since the Department of Agriculture announced a confirmed screwworm detection in a calf in Texas on June 3, politicians on both sides of the aisle have lobbed blame at the other. The return of the fly is a major threat to the cattle industry, and its arrival in Mexico has already contributed to rising beef prices in the U.S.

Several Democrats and some in the media have been pointing the finger at President Donald Trump, noting staffing cuts at USDA or funding cuts to screwworm programs made in early 2025 by DOGE, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.

“Apologized yet for the Screwworm outbreak?” Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat of California, wrote in a June 8 X post addressed to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. “You agreed to the DOGE cuts to federal programs that were designed to prevent Screwworm outbreaks.” He repeated a similar statement at a June 9 press conference.

Paraguay Eyes Another World Cup Shock as France's High-Powered Attack Looms in Round of 16 Showdown

After stunning four-time champions Germany, Paraguay faces Kylian Mbappé and tournament favorite France in a high-stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 clash at Philadelphia Stadium.

PHILADELPHIA | Paraguay has already authored one of the biggest surprises of the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the South American underdogs now face perhaps their toughest challenge yet as they prepare to battle powerhouse France in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium.

Fresh off a dramatic knockout victory over four-time world champions Germany, La Albirroja enters the match riding a wave of confidence, while France arrives as one of the tournament's most dominant teams behind a relentless attack led by Kylian Mbappé.

The winner will advance to the quarterfinals on July 9 at Boston Stadium, where Canada or Morocco awaits.

Paraguay's Cinderella Run Continues

Paraguay captured the attention of the football world by eliminating Germany in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter.

A first-half strike from Julio Enciso provided the breakthrough before goalkeeper Orlando Gill delivered a heroic performance in the penalty shootout, securing Paraguay's first FIFA World Cup knockout victory since reaching the quarterfinals in South Africa in 2010.

Now, head coach Gustavo Alfaro hopes his fearless squad can produce another unforgettable upset.

"We're feeling good," Alfaro said. "It's a privilege to play a match like tomorrow's against one of the best teams in the world. Just making it this far is already a victory for us. We're free from pressure now. We want to keep making history."

Paraguay has embraced the underdog role throughout the tournament, combining disciplined defending with timely attacking opportunities and exceptional goalkeeping.

Croatia Exits World Cup with Pride as Luka Modrić Salutes Vatreni's Fighting Spirit After Portugal Heartbreaker

Portugal edges Croatia 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, as Modrić, Zlatko Dalić, and the Vatreni earn global respect despite a heartbreaking elimination in Toronto.

TORONTO | Croatia's remarkable FIFA World Cup legacy may have come to an end in the Round of 32, but the **Vatreni** departed Canada with their reputation enhanced after a courageous 2-1 defeat to Portugal that showcased the resilience and competitive spirit that have defined one of international football's most respected programs.

In front of 43,036 fans at Toronto Stadium, Croatia pushed one of the tournament favorites to the limit before narrowly falling to Portugal, now viewed by many as a legitimate championship contender.

The heartbreaking loss left Croatia's players sitting quietly in the dressing room for nearly two hours after the final whistle as they processed the emotional end of another memorable World Cup campaign.

Trump’s Dubious Claim that Birthright Citizenship Could Still Be Overturned with Legislation

After the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, the president called on Congress to end it through legislation, saying a “long and unwieldy” constitutional amendment was not necessary. But constitutional and immigration law experts disagree.

These experts say the majority opinion from the Supreme Court — which interpreted the 14th Amendment as providing citizenship to anyone born in the country, with very limited exceptions — indicated that a constitutional amendment would be needed.

Shortly after the Supreme Court’s ruling on June 30, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “The Supreme Court upheld Birthright Citizenship, which is too bad for our Country, but we can easily make it up in Congress through Legislation, with the support of the President, that has now been determined during this process. No long and unwieldy Constitutional Amendment is necessary! Congress should start TODAY to work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship. They will have my Complete and Total Support!”

Trump’s Unsupported Claims About Reflecting Pool Vandalism

President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals for damaging the new blue lining of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which is now peeling, as well as for algae in the water. But the administration has not provided evidence to back up the president’s claims. Experts say the pool’s ills have a variety of plausible explanations that do not involve intentional harm.

Installing linings on pools and making sure they properly adhere is challenging, experts in pools and waterproof coatings have told news outlets, and improper surface prep or water intrusion can cause peeling, they said. Meanwhile, algae would be expected in a shallow, still, unshaded pool fed by nutrient-rich water that had been painted dark blue, Steven Chapra, a water quality modeler and professor emeritus at Tufts University, told us.

Despite these competing explanations, Trump has repeatedly asserted that vandals are to blame. “You know, we have 100- … I think 290-, 300-foot slit right through it,” Trump said at a June 22 press event, after news reports surfaced of blue pieces of the pool’s lining separating from the bottom. “Probably a box cutter or a knife of some kind.”

Maya Joint Stuns Serena Williams in Wimbledon Classic, Ending Tennis Icon’s Long-Awaited Singles Comeback

The 20-year-old Australian survives a three-set Centre Court thriller to defeat the 23-time Grand Slam champion, spoiling Serena Williams' first Wimbledon singles appearance in nearly four years.

LONDON | One of the most memorable nights of this year's Wimbledon Championships belonged not to the sport's most decorated champion, but to one of its brightest young stars.

Australia's Maya Joint produced the biggest victory of her career by defeating Serena Williams 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 in a dramatic first-round battle on Centre Court, ending the legendary American's highly anticipated return to Grand Slam singles competition.

The victory instantly becomes the signature moment of Joint's young career, while Williams' emotional comeback reminded the tennis world why she remains one of the sport's most influential and celebrated figures.

Williams, making her first Grand Slam singles appearance in 1,397 days since the 2022 US Open, showed flashes of the championship form that produced 23 Grand Slam singles titles and seven Wimbledon crowns. But despite pushing the match into a deciding set and briefly taking control, she ultimately could not overcome the fearless Australian.

Nestory Irankunda's World Cup Breakout Unites Australia: Burundian Community Celebrates Socceroos Star Ahead of Egypt Showdown

Australia's rising winger has become a symbol of hope, diversity, and football excellence as his FIFA World Cup 2026™ performances inspire a community from Adelaide to Burundi.

DALLAS | Every FIFA World Cup creates unforgettable heroes, but few stories have resonated across continents quite like the emergence of Nestory Irankunda.

The 20-year-old Socceroos winger has evolved from one of Australia's brightest young prospects into an international sensation after scoring on his FIFA World Cup finals debut against Türkiye, helping launch Australia's successful campaign and igniting celebrations that stretched far beyond the stadium.

For Australia's Burundian community, Irankunda's historic goal represented much more than a place on the scoresheet—it became a defining cultural moment that united generations of refugees, immigrants, and football supporters.

A Goal That Echoed Across Communities

When Irankunda found the net during Australia's opening World Cup victory in Vancouver on June 14, celebrations erupted inside homes throughout Adelaide.

Among those celebrating was Joel Hakizimana, president of Burundi FC and a longtime family friend.

Auburn Promotes Caroline Becker to Assistant Coach, Strengthening Tigers' Pursuit of SEC and National Equestrian Titles

Former national champion rider and successful IHSA coach returns to the Tigers' sidelines as Jessica Braswell elevates Auburn alum to key leadership role.

AUBURN, Ala. | Auburn's championship tradition in equestrian received another boost Wednesday as head coach Jessica Braswell announced the promotion of former Tiger standout Caroline Becker to assistant coach, adding one of the program's own to a staff intent on competing for Southeastern Conference and national championships.

Becker, a 2017 Auburn graduate and member of the Tigers' 2016 SEC and National Championship team, moves into the full-time coaching position after four successful seasons leading Auburn's Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) program. She will oversee the program's Jumping Seat discipline while taking on additional responsibilities throughout the nationally recognized program.

The move reinforces Auburn's commitment to developing talent from within while preserving the championship culture that has made the Tigers one of collegiate equestrian's premier programs.

Ole Miss Lands Arizona Standout Jenna Sniffen, Giving Rebels Another Major Transfer Portal Victory

All-Big 12 infielder Jenna Sniffen brings proven power, defensive consistency, and postseason experience to Jamie Trachsel's rapidly reloaded Ole Miss softball roster.

OXFORD, Miss. | Ole Miss softball continues to build one of the nation's most intriguing transfer classes, adding another proven Power Four talent as head coach Jamie Trachsel announced the signing of former Arizona standout Jenna Sniffen.

The versatile third baseman arrives in Oxford after two productive seasons with the Wildcats and will have two years of NCAA eligibility remaining, giving the Rebels another experienced cornerstone as they prepare for the 2027 campaign.

Already recognized as one of the Big 12's premier infielders, Sniffen brings postseason experience, offensive consistency, and elite defensive skills to an Ole Miss program intent on climbing the SEC standings.

Ole Miss Bolsters Pitching Staff with Southern Illinois Transfer Hailey Lucas for 2027 Softball Season

After a standout freshman campaign, Hailey Lucas brings a 2.53 ERA, 94 strikeouts, and three years of eligibility to Jamie Trachsel's rapidly reloaded Rebels roster.

OXFORD, Miss. | Ole Miss softball continues to reshape its roster for another run at SEC contention, adding one of the Missouri Valley Conference's most promising young pitchers.

Head coach Jamie Trachsel announced the signing of Hailey Lucas, a standout transfer from Southern Illinois, giving the Rebels another proven arm with three seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Lucas arrives in Oxford after an impressive freshman season in which she emerged as the Salukis' ace, immediately establishing herself as one of the conference's top young pitchers.

Freshman Season Showcased Elite Potential

Lucas wasted little time making an impact during her first collegiate season.

The Palatine, Illinois, native led Southern Illinois with 116.0 innings pitched, finishing the year with:

• 9-7 overall record
• 2.53 ERA
• 94 strikeouts
• Only 28 walks
• Eight complete games

Her durability and command helped anchor a Southern Illinois pitching staff that finished with a 2.91 team ERA, while her 116 innings ranked 11th in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Those numbers immediately positioned Lucas among the conference's most reliable young pitchers and made her one of the most coveted arms in the NCAA transfer portal.