2026-07-05

SCOTUS ruling on trans athletes splits states. Iran buries Khamenei. Trump plays statesman.
Hello. A 250th birthday split three ways: the Supreme Court's trans-athlete ruling sparked defiance from California, Iran's funeral drew threats of retaliation, and Trump spent the holiday bridging culture war and geopolitics in a single speech.
Weekend Update
Runner Nikki Hiltz called the 6-3 ruling disappointing but predictable, noting it's a 'really weird time' in the U.S. The court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in women's and girls' sports.
Trump championed Christian nationalism, military power, and anticommunist messaging in a delayed Fourth of July speech from the National Mall that ran past midnight. The remarks wrapped just as Sunday began.
Newsom's office said the state will keep allowing trans athletes in girls' sports despite the Supreme Court decision. California has explicitly rejected the ruling's precedent.
Sara Duterte, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, faces removal over corruption and death-threat allegations against President Marcos Jr. The trial could bar her from holding office.
Tehran threatened to strike back if the US or Israel attacks during the funeral, where officials expect up to 20 million mourners. The warning came as international attention peaked on succession uncertainty.
Iran's supreme leader, who concentrated authority and built a proxy network across the Middle East, is being buried after decades of rule. The funeral drew official delegations and state displays of military strength.
Trump's pick to lead the Director of National Intelligence began removing staffers. The move marks an early assertion of control over the intelligence community.
During a 90-minute call, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Trump proposed mediation between Moscow and Kyiv. Russia has not disclosed its response.
"Worth paying attention to. Don't doomscroll."
"Quiet day. He's probably golfing."
SCOTUS ruled. California ignored it. Iran mourned. The day's noise outlasted its news.
Back at 7:00 AM ET with the morning shot brief.