[LAUREN TAYLOR]

PRESIDENT BIDEN PREPARES FOR HIS FIRST TV INTERVIEW — FOLLOWING LAST WEEK’S DEBATE.

AND — HISTORY WAS MADE AT CONEY ISLAND ON JULY 4TH — WE’LL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT THIS YEAR’S HOT DOG EATING CHAMPS!

THE MORNING RUNDOWN STARTS NOW.

TODAY IS FRIDAY, JULY 5.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I’M LAUREN TAYLOR.

AMID PRESSURE FROM MEMBERS OF HIS OWN PARTY TO STEP ASIDE –

PRESIDENT BIDEN WILL SIT DOWN TODAY — FOR HIS FIRST TV INTERVIEW SINCE LAST WEEK’S DEBATE.

BIDEN WILL SPEAK TO ABC NEWS ANCHOR GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS — IN AN INTERVIEW THAT WILL AIR AS A PRIMETIME SPECIAL ON THE NETWORK LATER TONIGHT.

THE INTERVIEW IS PART OF THE WHITE HOUSE’S PLANS — TO REASSURE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY — THAT BIDEN SHOULD REMAIN IN THE RACE —

DESPITE A POOR DEBATE PERFORMANCE AGAINST THE REPUBLICAN’S PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE – FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP.

THE PLANS INCLUDED A MEETING WITH DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS ON WEDNESDAY — WHERE  — ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE REPORTS –

THE PRESIDENT TOLD THE GOVERNORS THAT HE NEEDS MORE SLEEP AND WILL STOP SCHEDULING EVENTS AFTER 8 P-M.

BIDEN SAID HE IS IN GOOD HEALTH AND HAD A MEDICAL CHECKUP FOLLOWING THE DEBATE —

REPORTEDLY ADDING THAT HE’S FINE BUT QUOTE “I DON’T KNOW ABOUT MY BRAIN, THOUGH.”

A BIDEN CAMPAIGN SPOKESWOMAN SAID BIDEN WAS CLEARLY JOKING – ADDING THE PRESIDENT SAID “ALL KIDDING ASIDE” AFTER MAKING THAT COMMENT.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM – WHO WAS IN THE MEETING – DEFENDED THE PRESIDENT WHILE SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON THURSDAY – SAYING BIDEN IS JUST ACKNOWLEDGING THAT HE’S HUMAN.

MEANWHILE — WEALTHY DEMOCRATIC DONORS HAVE JOINED THE CALLS FOR BIDEN TO DROP OUT INCLUDING DISNEY HEIRESS ABIGAIL DISNEY – TELLING CNBC SHE PLANS TO WITHHOLD DONATIONS TO THE PARTY UNTIL “BIDEN IS REPLACED AT THE TOP OF THE TICKET.”

WHILE REPORTS SAY BIDEN HAS TOLD KEY ALLIES THAT THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS ARE CRUCIAL TO SAVE HIS CAMPAIGN – THE WHITE HOUSE IS DENYING THOSE REPORTS.

BIDEN HOWEVER IS MAKING HIS INTENTIONS TO REMAIN IN THE RACE CLEAR.

DURING A WHITE HOUSE BARBECUE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES ON JULY 4TH — WHEN SOMEONE IN THE CROWD SHOUTED QUOTE “KEEP UP THE FIGHT” HERE’S HOW THE PRESIDENT RESPONDED.

“You got me man. I’m not going anywhere. Alright.”

Along with his interview, Biden is headed to Wisconsin today and Pennsylvania on Saturday where he will hold campaign events.

AFTER 14 YEARS – THERE WILL BE A NEW MAJORITY IN POWER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM’S PARLIAMENT.

THE LABOUR PARTY WON IN A LANDSLIDE IN THE U-K’S JULY 4TH ELECTION.

LABOUR LEADER KEIR STARMER IS SET TO BECOME THE COUNTRY’S NEXT PRIME MINISTER.

THE CURRENT PRIME MINISTER – CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER RISHI SUNAK — CONCEDED DEFEAT TODAY –

SPEAKING TO THE NATION BEFORE OFFERING HIS RESIGNATION TO KING CHARLES AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE.

[RISHI SUNAK | OUTGOING UK PRIME MINISTER]

“To the country, I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry. I have given this job my all. But you have sent a clear signal that the government of the U.K. must change, and yours is the only judgment that matters. I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”

[LAUREN TAYLOR]

SUNAK ADDED HE WILL STEP DOWN AS LEADER OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

WITH ALMOST ALL ELECTION RESULTS IN — THE LABOUR PARTY WON 410 OF THE 650 AVAILABLE SEATS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS –

WITH THE INCUMBENT CONSERVATIVE PARTY HOLDING ON TO 131.

ANALYSTS SAYING VOTERS ARE WANTING CHANGE FOR THE UK FOLLOWING THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY’S HANDLING OF RECENT EVENTS INCLUDING BREXIT AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

ONE PERSON IS DEAD AFTER EXCHANGING GUNFIRE WITH PARK RANGERS — AT YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ON JULY 4TH.

THE CONFRONTATION OCCURRED IN THE CANYON VILLAGE AREA WHERE THE PERSON WAS REPORTEDLY MAKING THREATS.

A PARK RANGER INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT WAS INJURED — AND IS CURRENTLY IN STABLE CONDITION AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL.

THE AREA AROUND CANYON LODGE HAS BEEN SEALED OFF AS LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE.

THE F-B-I — IN COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SPECIAL AGENTS — IS LEADING THE INVESTIGATION.

PARK OFFICIALS HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THERE ARE NO ONGOING THREATS TO THE PUBLIC FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT.

HURRICANE BERYL RESTRENGTHENED TO A CATEGORY 3 STORM — AS IT APPROACHES MEXICO’S YUCATÁN PENINSULA — WITH DAMAGING WINDS AND A STORM SURGE OF UP TO 6 FEET.

ALREADY RESPONSIBLE FOR NINE DEATHS ACROSS VENEZUELA, JAMAICA, AND THE WINDWARD ISLANDS —

THE STORM INTENSIFIES AS IT NEARS LANDFALL. FORECASTERS WARN OF HURRICANE-FORCE WINDS WITH UP TO 10 INCHES OF RAIN EXPECTED — RAISING CONCERNS OF FLASH FLOODING.

MEXICAN PRESIDENT ANDRÉS MANUEL LÓPEZ OBRADOR URGED RESIDENTS TO SEEK SAFETY, PRIORITIZING LIFE OVER PROPERTY.

THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER PREDICTS BERYL WILL WEAKEN AFTER MAKING LANDFALL BUT MAY REGAIN STRENGTH AS IT MOVES TOWARD NORTHEASTERN MEXICO OR SOUTHERN TEXAS.

MEANWHILE, TOURISTS IN MEXICO BRACE FOR THE STORM, WITH SOME RESORTS HALTING ALCOHOL SALES AS GUESTS PREPARE FOR THE WORST.

NOW TO A MAJOR MERGER IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY –

THE PARENT COMPANY OF LUXURY DEPARTMENT STORE ‘SAKS FIFTH AVENUE’ — IS BUYING COMPETITOR NEIMAN MARCUS

IN A DEAL WORTH $2-POINT-SIX-FIVE BILLION DOLLARS.

THE MERGER WILL CREATE A NEW COMPANY CALLED ‘SAKS GLOBAL’.

SAKS IS NOT ONLY ACQUIRING NEIMAN MARCUS STORES – BUT ALSO BERGDORF GOODMAN LOCATIONS AS WELL.

AMAZON HAS A MINORITY STAKE IN THE DEAL – AND WILL BE AIDING THE NEW COMPANY WHEN IT COMES TO TECHNOLOGY AND LOGISTICS.

AS PART OF THE AGREEMENT — THE STORES WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE UNDER THEIR OWN BRAND NAMES.

(IAN –

PATRICK BERTOLETTI VIDEO (good shot 5:07) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bipqMRJsXl8

MIKI SUDO VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1lvjSRNpwM

(good shot 4:27)

Joey Chestnut competition https://www.youtube.com/live/kGOfbwq2U7w (good shot 40:58)  )

[ANCHOR]

L3: NEW HOT DOG EATING CHAMPION CROWNED IN JOEY CHESTNUT’S ABSENCE

FINALLY THIS MORNING — WITH REIGNING CHAMPION JOEY CHESTNUT OUT OF THE COMPETITION THIS YEAR – THERE’S A  NEW TOP DOG IN TOWN AT NATHAN’S ANNUAL HOT DOG EATING CONTEST.

39-YEAR-OLD CHICAGO NATIVE PATRICK BERTOLETTI CONSUMED 58 HOT DOGS IN 10 MINUTES —

TO BE CROWNED THE MEN’S CHAMP ON JULY 4TH.

MEANWHILE ON THE WOMEN’S SIDE –MIKI SUDO – A 38-YEAR-OLD DENTAL HYGIENIST STUDENT FROM TAMPA —

CONTINUED HER HOT STREAK – WINNING HER 10TH CONTEST – CONSUMING A WOMEN’S RECORD OF 51 HOT DOGS.

MEANWHILE – CHESTNUT — WHO HAS BEEN BANNED FROM NATHAN’S CONTEST AFTER SIGNING A DEAL WITH IMPOSSIBLE FOODS –  COMPETED AGAINST SOLDIERS AT FORT BLISS IN EL PASO, TEXAS. — EATING 57 HOT DOGS IN FIVE MINUTES.

CHESNUT IS PREPARING FOR A DIFFERENT HOT DOG EATING CONTEST — STREAMING LIVE ON NETFLIX ON LABOR DAY.

THESE ARE YOUR TOP STORIES FOR THIS FRIDAY.

WE’LL SEE YOU BACK HERE ON MONDAY.

UNTIL THEN I’M LAUREN TAYLOR. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

[Ray Bogan]

World leaders are coming to Washington next week for the annual NATO summit, which will mark the military alliance’s 75th anniversary. 

Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen will lead the Congressional delegation, and they’ll be tasked with ensuring the United States commitment to Ukraine’s security remains strong. They also want to ensure Ukraine remains on a path to EU and NATO membership, even if that won’t happen anytime soon. 

As Senator Tillis told Punchbowl News: “You’re going to have to have people like me and others, the majority of our conference, saying we need to stand behind Ukraine.” 

Tillis says that needs to happen no matter who wins in November. Donald Trump says he could end the Russia-Ukraine war in one day. He also told members of Congress during a visit to Washington in June that he doesn’t want to support foreign wars and there is a group of House Republicans who agree with him. 

[Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene]

“He wants to see an end to the foreign wars and he’s committed to bringing back world peace. “

[Rep. Matt Gaetz]

“He lamented the fact that we’re sending $60 billion to Ukraine and we’re not paying our troops more. So President Trump was explicitly a critic of the Ukraine aid and a supporter of the increases in pay for American troops.”  

[Ray Bogan]

But Tillis said he and many other Republicans want to continue supporting Ukraine.  

“We need to lay the groundwork to say that, fundamentally, what Biden has negotiated and committed to makes sense, but every president has a right to review and consider possible enhancements and modifications,” Tillis told Punchbowl. 

While Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is actively pushing to enter the alliance, it cannot happen while fighting continues. Senator Shaheen said as much, telling punchbowl: “As long as the war is active and unresolved, Ukraine is not going to be a member of NATO.” 

This will be the first NATO summit for Sweden and Finland. The expansion came as a direct result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Straight Arrow News will continue to follow developments out of next week’s summit. You can too by downloading the Straight Arrow News app and turning on notifications for news updates. 

(TARAJI P HENSON / ACTRESS)

“THE PROJECT 2025 PLAN IS NOT A GAME, LOOK IT UP. LOOK IT UP!”

[LAUREN TAYLOR]

 ACTRESS TARAJI P HENSON KICKED UP A CONVERSATION WITH HER COMMENTS AT THE B-E-T AWARDS THIS PAST SUNDAY.

MAYBE YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT IT – PROJECT 2025.

BUT WHAT IS IT? AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR VOTERS?] 

“PROJECT 2025” IS A MORE THAN 900-PAGE DOCUMENT FROM THE CONSERVATIVE HERITAGE FOUNDATION AND CALLS FOR CHANGES TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IF A REPUBLICAN WINS THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION WAS FOUNDED IN 1973 AND BECOME INFLUENTIAL DURING PRESIDENT REAGAN’S TIME IN OFFICE — WITH ITS “MANDATE FOR LEADERSHIP” – A BLUEPRINT ON “DETAILED POLICY PRESCRIPTIONS ON EVERYTHING FROM TAXES AND REGULATION AND TRADE AND NATIONAL DEFENSE”.

 THE ORGANIZATION CLAIMS REAGAN’S ADMINISTRATION ADOPTED  OR ATTEMPTED NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF THE BLUEPRINT’S POLICIES.

PROJECT 2025 IS NOW BEING COMPARED TO THE “MANDATE FOR LEADERSHIP” OF THE 1980S.

 THE WEBSITE STATES: “IF WE ARE GOING TO RESCUE THE COUNTRY FROM THE GRIP OF THE RADICAL LEFT, WE NEED BOTH A GOVERNING AGENDA AND THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN PLACE, READY TO CARRY THIS AGENDA OUT ON DAY ONE OF THE NEXT CONSERVATIVE ADMINISTRATION.” 

PROJECT 2025 LOOKS TO DISMANTLE FEDERAL AGENCIES SUCH AS THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, FIRE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF UNELECTED FEDERAL WORKERS, DEPORT THOUSANDS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, IMPOSE TARIFFS ON IMPORTED GOODS, AND PRIVATIZE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE – AMONG OTHER PRIORITIES.

THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION’S PRESIDENT -KEVIN ROBERTS- APPEARED ON MSNBC TO TALK ABOUT PROJECT 2025.

(DR. KEVIN ROBERTS / HERITAGE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT)

“WE WANT TO LOOK AT IT FROM THE STANDPOINT FROM THE EVERYDAY AMERICAN AND SAY IT’S TIME THAT THEY ARE PUT IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT RATHER THAN UNELECTED BUREAUCRATS.”

[LAUREN TAYLOR]

DEMOCRATS AND LEFT-WING ACTIVISTS SAY PROJET 2025 IS EXTREMIST AND DANGEROUS.

THEY SAY THE PLAN’S LANGUAGE IS MISLEADING AND WARN THAT A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT WITH A REPUBLICAN MAJORITY IN CONGRESS WOULD LEAD TO AN OVERHAUL AND CONCENTRATION OF EXECUTIVE POWERS. 

CRITICS ALSO SAY THERE IS A PROMINENT CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST AGENDA WITHIN THE PAGES OF THE PROJECT 2025 PLAN. TACKLING TOPICS LIKE PORNOGRAPHY, MARRIAGE, AND ABORTION. 

DEMOCRATS HAVE CREATED THE “STOP PROJECT 2025” TASK FORCE – TO QUOTE “PROTECT DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT.”

 A GROUP OF DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS MEMBERS SAY THE TASK FORCE AIMS TO BRING AWARENESS TO PROJECT 2025’S EXTREME IDEOLOGIES CALLING IT A “RADICAL, EXTREME, PRO-AUTHORITARIANISM PLAN PUSHED BY CONSERVATIVES WHO ARE DESPERATE TO TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACKWARDS” UNDER A TRUMP PRESIDENCY.

FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS NEITHER ENDORSED PROJECT 2025 NOR CALLED FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION.

 FOR SAN, I’M LT…

[LAUREN TAYLOR]

THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF GAZA’S LARGEST HOSPITAL, WHO WAS RECENTLY RELEASED BY ISRAEL AFTER MONTHS OF DETENTION, IS ACCUSING ISRAELI GUARDS OF INHUMANE TREATMENT.

RAISING FURTHER INTERNATIONAL ALARM ABOUT THE CONDITIONS OF PALESTINIAN PRISONERS.

THE FORMER HEAD OF AL SHIFA HOSPITAL DR. ABU SALMIYA [SAL-ME-AH] SAYS ISRAELI GUARDS BEAT HIM AND OTHER PRISONERS WITH BATONS, DEPRIVED THEM OF FOOD AND DENIED HIM ACCESS TO A LAWYER FOR SEVEN MONTHS.

ISRAEL IS UNDER INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE OVER CONDITIONS IN PRISONS AND DETENTION CENTERS SET UP AT MILITARY BASES.

LATE LAST MONTH, ISRAEL’S INTERNAL SECURITY SERVICE WARNED THE CONDITIONS WHERE PALESTINIANS ARE BEING HELD COULD VIOLATE INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW. THE AGENCY SAYING THE BEHAVIOR “VERGES ON ABUSE” AND CALLING FOR INCREASED PRISONER ACCESS FOR THE RED CROSS”

CRITICS OF THE DECISION TO RELEASE SALMIYA [SAL-ME-AH] — ALONG WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHER PALESTINIANS — 

POINT TO ISRAELI INTELLIGENCE CLAIMS OF AL SHIFA BEING USED AS A COMMAND CENTER FOR HAMAS.

ISRAELI AUTHORITIES SAY SECURITY FOOTAGE SHOWS TWO ISRAELI HOSTAGES, ONE OF WHOM WAS REPORTEDLY KILLED IN AL SHIFA HOSPITAL, TAKEN INTO THE FACILITY EARLIER THIS YEAR.

SAMIYA’S RELEASE ANGERING THE DECEASED HOSTAGE’S MOTHER, WHO SAID, “THEY KILLED MY NOA IN THE HOSPITAL. A DOCTOR KILLED HER AND NOW THEY ARE RELEASING THE DIRECTOR OF THE HOSPITAL.”

ISRAELI FORCES ARRESTED SALMIYA [SAL-ME-AH] IN NOVEMBER, ACCUSING HIM OF BEING INVOLVED IN A HAMAS COMMAND CENTER AT THE HOSPITAL. THE DOCTOR EVENTUALLY BEING RELEASED AFTER APPROVAL FROM ISRAELI INTELLIGENCE. 

THE DIRECTOR OF THE DETAINEE’S DEPARTMENT AT PHYSICIANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS-ISRAEL SAID:

“FOR US, THE RELEASE OF DR. ABU SALMIYA WITHOUT ANY CHARGES AGAINST HIM, IS PROOF OF WHAT WE HAVE BEEN SAYING FOR MONTHS, THAT THE ISRAELI ARMY IS ARRESTING PEOPLE WITHOUT ANY REASON.” 

FOR MORE STORIES ON THE WAR IN GAZA— DOWNLOAD THE STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS APP AND SIGN UP FOR NEWS UPDATES.

Call it the reassurance tour 2024. President Biden is going to meet with top Democratic governors and Congressional leaders, do a network TV interview and make campaign stops in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. This week could either save his candidacy or be the final nail in the coffin. 

The New York Times is reporting that Biden told a key ally that he knows he may not be able to salvage his candidacy if he cannot convince the public in the coming days that he is up for the job.  

The Times report added: The conversation is the first indication to become public that the president is seriously considering whether he can recover after a devastating performance on the debate stage in Atlanta on Thursday.

Both the White House and Biden Campaign said the report is false. 

Quentin Fulks, Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Manager, Biden-Harris 2024: “That is false. There are a number of rumors floating out there. The President is in this race to win it. He is the democratic nominee. And from our perspective, we are going to continue to do everything we can to make sure that we’re building a campaign apparatus to reach voters.” 

Bloomberg is reporting that Congressional Democrats in safe districts are circulating a letter demanding President Biden withdraw from the race. The report says Biden is rapidly losing support of both Democratic lawmakers and candidates. It is not yet known if the letter will be released. 

If the president does remain on the ticket, he has his work cut out for him. A leaked Democratic polling memo obtained by Puck News shows Biden’s stumbling debate performance putting previously non-competitive states like New Hampshire, Virginia and New Mexico in play for former President Trump. The poll by OpenLabs also found that 40 percent of Biden’s voters from 2020 believe he should end his campaign. 

Multiple outlets are reporting that big Democratic donors may pull their support from Biden. They’re quietly and anonymously considering their options. But Hollywood mega mogul Ari Emanuel is not being so quiet. 

Ari Emanuel, Endeavor CEO: “I talked to a bunch of bid donors and they’re moving all their money to congress and the senate. I mean I cannot believe we’re in this situation. “

Whatever happens, Straight Arrow News will keep you informed with unbiased, straight facts, so download the Straight Arrow News app.

[KARAH RUCKER]

AN EXPLOSIVE VANITY FAIR REPORT IS LEVELING SERIOUS CLAIMS AGAINST INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ROBERT F. KENNEDY JUNIOR.

FROM ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON HIS FAMILY BABYSITTER TO ACCUSATIONS OF SENDING PICTURES OF NUDE WOMEN TO FRIENDS AND SHARING AN UNSETTLING PHOTO OF A BARBECUED DOG CARCASS. 

FORMER KENNEDY BABYSITTER ELIZA COONEY TOLD VANITY FAIR KENNEDY SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HER IN 1998 WHEN SHE WAS 23. 

DETAILING AN INSTANCE WHERE HE CARESSED HER LEG AND ANOTHER WHERE HE GROPED AND FONDLED HER.

SHE EVEN CLAIMS KENNEDY, WHO WAS 45 AT THE TIME, ASKED HER TO RUB LOTION ON HIS BACK WHILE SHIRTLESS.

COONEY SAID SHE CAME CLOSE TO PUBLICIZING THE ACCUSATIONS IN 2017 DURING THE #METOO MOVEMENT AND AGAIN AFTER RFK JUNIOR ANNOUNCED HIS RUN FOR PRESIDENT.

THOUGH SHE ULTIMATELY DECIDED AGAINST A CIVIL SUIT, SHE IS SPEAKING OUT NOW.

THE NEW REPORT ALSO ALLEGES KENNEDY SENT A PICTURE OF HIMSELF AND A WOMAN WITH A DOG’S REMAINS IN KOREA TO A FRIEND– TELLING THE FRIEND HE SHOULD TRY DOG WHILE HE’S IN ASIA.

THE FRIEND SAID HE FOUND IT INSENSITIVE TO KOREAN CULTURE AND UNSETTLING.

KENNEDY ALSO REPORTEDLY SENT PICTURES OF NAKED WOMEN TO FRIENDS DURING HIS FIRST MARRIAGE.

THE EXPOSE COMES AT A TIME WHEN THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE BETWEEN BIDEN AND TRUMP IS HEATING UP.

R-F-K JUNIOR FINDS HIMSELF FAR BEHIND THE TWO FRONTRUNNERS– POLLS SHOW HE’S HOVERING AROUND EIGHT PERCENT SUPPORT AMONG VOTERS.

FAMILY MEMBERS INTERVIEWED BY VANITY FAIR FEAR HIS RUN COULD COST BIDEN THE ELECTION.

SOME FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE REPORTEDLY PRESSURED KENNEDY TO DROP OUT OF THE RACE OR WAIT UNTIL 2028 TO RUN.

RFK JUNIOR IS RESPONDING TO THE ALLEGATIONS – APPEARING IN SEVERAL INTERVIEWS THIS WEEK. 

[ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.]

THE ARTICLE IS A LOT OF GARBAGE. THE PICTURE THAT THEY SAID IS OF ME EATING A DOG IS ACTUALLY ME EATING A GOAT IN PATAGONIA ON A WHITEBOARD TRIP MANY YEARS AGO ON THE FUTALEUFU RIVER. 

[KARAH RUCKER]

HE ALSO WENT ON FOX NEWS TO ADDRESS THE PICTURE CONTROVERSY– ACCUSING VANITY FAIR OF FALSE ANALYSIS.

[ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.]

VANITY FAIR SAID THAT THEY TALKED TO VETERINARIANS WHO ASSURED THEM THAT IT WAS A DOG. THAT THEY HAD META ANALYSIS THAT SHOWED IT WAS IN KOREA AND IT WAS IN KOREA OF ME EATING A DOG AND THAT STATEMENT IS EMBLEMATIC OF THE ENTIRE ARTICLE OR THE LACK OF JOURNALISTIC STANDARDS THROUGHOUT THE ARTICLE. 

[KARAH RUCKER]

WHEN PRESSED ON THE SEXUAL ALLEGATIONS FROM HIS FORMER NANNY– HERE’S HIS RESPONSE.

[ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.]

I DO HAVE TO ASK. ARE YOU DENYING IT OR NOT?

I’M NOT GOING TO COMMENT ON IT.

[KARAH RUCKER]

FOR MORE STORIES ON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION– DOWNLOAD THE STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS APP AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT SAN-DOT-COM.

[KARAH RUCKER]

TEXAS CONTINUES TO MAKE PROGRESS ON EFFORTS TO SECURE ITS SOUTHERN BORDER WITH MEXICO – BUT IT’S COMING AT A COST.

GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT IS DOUBLING DOWN ON A MASSIVE, STATE-FUNDED BORDER WALL PROJECT – ALL PART OF OPERATION LONE STAR.

WE’RE LEARNING THAT 3-YEARS IN – ONLY 34 MILES OF THE PROPOSED 1254-MILE WALL HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

AND NEW PROJECTIONS SUGGEST AT THIS RATE IT WON’T BE COMPLETED FOR ANOTHER 30 YEARS AND WILL COST ABOUT 20-BILLION-DOLLARS.

CURRENTLY, THE CONSTRUCTED SECTIONS OF THE WALL ACCOUNT FOR ONLY 4-PERCENT OF THE TARGETED AREAS. THE GOAL? HIT 100 MILES BY THE END OF 2026 — WHICH BREAKS DOWN TO ABOUT HALF A MILE PER WEEK.

LAND ACQUISITION HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLE, AS CONTRACTORS FACE CHALLENGES SECURING  LAND EASEMENTS. THE TEXAS FACILITIES COMMISSION, THOUGH, SAYS IT HAS REACHED A TURNING POINT, WITH  IMPROVED NEGOTIATIONS LEADING TO 79 EASEMENTS COVERING APPROXIMATELY 59 MILES OF THE PROPOSED WALL.

TEXAS HAS ALREADY POURED OVER 3 BILLION DOLLARS INTO THE WALL CONSTRUCTION.

THOSE FUNDS DON’T ACCOUNT FOR WORK BEING DONE ON A FORWARD OPERATING BASE IN EAGLE PASS — RECOGNIZED AS A MAJOR HOTSPOT FOR MIGRANT CROSSINGS, WITH ABOUT 214-THOUSAND RECORDED ENCOUNTERS THROUGH MAY OF THIS YEAR.

THE 80-ACRE FACILITY IS ALREADY CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING AROUND 300 TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS, WITH PLANS TO EXPAND AND HOUSE UP TO 1,800.

DESPITE EFFORTS FROM TEXAS LAWMAKERS, SECURITY AT THE BORDERS STILL VARIES SIGNIFICANTLY DEPENDING ON LOCATION. FOR INSTANCE, EL PASO FEATURES A STEEL WALL, ERECTED IN 2018 DURING DONALD TRUMP’S PRESIDENCY. IN CONTRAST, EAGLE PASS UTILIZES A MAKESHIFT COMBINATION OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS, CHAIN-LINK FENCES, AND CONCERTINA WIRE ALONG THE RIO GRANDE.

SINCE THE LAUNCH OF OPERATION LONE STAR, TEXAS TAXPAYERS HAVE ALREADY SPENT 11 BILLION DOLLARS ON THESE VARIOUS SECURITY MEASURES. THIS HAS DRAWN MIXED CRITICISM ACROSS THE STATE. SUPPORTERS ARGUE IT’S A NECESSARY RESPONSE TO FEDERAL INACTION ON BORDER SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AND MANY PROPONENTS HAVE EVEN DONATED TO THOSE EFFORTS – GIVING MORE THAN 56-MILLION BY THE END OF LAST YEAR. CRITICS — HOWEVER — QUESTION THE EFFICACY AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INITIATIVE. THE ACLU OF TEXAS SUGGESTS A PORTION OF ARRESTS MADE UNDER THE OPERATION RAISE QUESTIONS  ABOUT RACIAL PROFILING.

I’M LAUREN TAYLOR

FOR MORE OF OUR UNBIASED, STRAIGHT FACT REPORTING, DOWNLOAD THE STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS APP OR VISIT US AT SAN – DOT – COM.

[JACK AYLMER]

MOST COMMERCIAL SOLAR PANELS ARE OVER SIX FEET WIDE.

BUT THE FUTURE OF THIS TECH MIGHT JUST FIT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND.

NEW YORK BASED INNOVATION COMPANY WAVJA IS BEHIND AN EFFORT TO RE-IMAGINE OUR SOLAR CAPTURE CAPABILITIES. 

THEY’VE CREATED TINY SPHERES KNOWN AS PHOTON ENERGY SYSTEMS-

WHICH CAN HARNESS LIGHT FROM BOTH THE SUN AND ARTIFICIAL SOURCES TO MAKE ELECTRICITY.   

WAVJA CLAIMS THEIR TECH IS 200 HUNDRED TIMES MORE EFFICIENT THAN OUR CURRENT SOLAR POWER INFRASTRUCTURE.

COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL SOLAR PANELS, THESE PHOTON ENERGY SYSTEMS HAVE A POWER OUTPUT THE COMPANY SAYS IS 20 TIMES GREATER.

AND THE NEXT GENERATION HAS BEEN PROJECTED TO BE 60 TIMES MORE POWERFUL.

WAVJA BELIEVES THEIR TECHNOLOGY COULD HAVE A VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS.

POWERING THINGS LIKE DRONES, ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION, AND EVEN ONE DAY, FUTURISTIC FLYING CARS.

BUT IT MIGHT BE SOME TIME BEFORE WE SEE ANY OF THIS USED ON A COMMERCIAL SCALE.

THE COMPANY IS STILL LOOKING FOR HELP FROM OTHER BUSINESSES.

HOPING TO STRIKE A PARTNERSHIP THAT WOULD ALLOW PHOTON ENERGY SYSTEMS TO BEGIN DELIVERING POWER IN INDUSTRIAL SETTINGS.

THE RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION HAS SPARKED INNOVATION THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY LIKE THIS. FOR MORE STORIES LIKE THIS ONE, DOWNLOAD THE STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS APP AND SIGN UP FOR ALERTS FROM ME – JACK AYLMER – TO STAY INFORMED. 

[KARAH RUCKER]

TRACTOR SUPPLY IS CAUGHT UP IN A POLITICAL WHIRLWIND –

FIRST SOME CONSERVATIVES CALLING FOR A BOYCOTT OVER THE COMPANY’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION POLICIES – 

AND NOW SOME ORGANIZATIONS ON THE OTHER END OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM ARE THREATENING A BOYCOTT SINCE THE COMPANY ANNOUNCED A **REVERSAL ON IT’S DEI POSITION.

HERE’S HOW THE DEBACLE ALL STARTED.

“It is time to expose tractor supply.”

“they’re so committed to dei they release yearly reports on how many more minorities they’re hiring that year. Tractor supply is doing such a good job at being woke the human rights campaign has given them an a grade.”

“Demand change and let hem know youre going to leave as a customer. They’re going to understand who their customers are and they’re going to make changes encessary.”

THE VIRAL VIDEO GOES ON FOR ABOUT EIGHT MINUTES –

POSTED BY ROBBY STARBUCK – A CONSERVATIVE VIDEO MAKER IN TENNESSEE.

LISTING SOME OF TRACTOR SUPPLY’S D-E-I AND EFFORTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADVOCACY.

THE VIDEO WAS POSTED JUNE 6TH.

CALLS FOR A BOYCOTT FOLLOWED – TRACTOR SUPPLY’S STOCK DIPPED 5 PERCENT.

THOSE CALLS LED TO THE CEO ISSUING THIS LETTER LAST WEEK –

“WE HAVE HEARD FROM CUSTOMERS THAT WE HAVE DISAPPOINTED THEM. WE HAVE TAKEN THIS FEEDBACK TO HEART.

GOING FORWARD, WE WILL ENSURE OUR ACTIVITIES AND GIVING – TIE DIRECTLY TO OUR BUSINESS.”

ACCORDING TO THE LETTER FROM THE CEO –

TRACTOR SUPPLY WILL GET RID OF DEI ROLES AND RETIRE DEI GOALS –

WHILE STILL ENSURING A RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE.

IT WILL END ITS CARBON EMISSION GOALS AND FOCUS ON LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS INSTEAD.

TRACTOR SUPPLY WILL ALSO STOP SPONSORING NONBUSINESS RELATED ACTIVITIES –

SUCH AS PRIDE FESTIVALS AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.

THIS MOVE WAS RECEIVED WELL BY THE CONSERVATIVES WHO STARTED THE BOYCOTT CAMPAIGN –

BUT IGNITED A FIRE AMONGST MANY LIBERALS.

THE NATIONAL BLACK FARMERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT IS NOW DEMANDING THE CEO TO STEP DOWN –

AND CONSIDERING A BOYCOTT OF THEIR OWN IF TRACTOR SUPPLY DOESN’T REVERSE COURSE ON ITS DEI REVERSAL.

“I was appalled by the decision. I see this as rolling back the clock with race relations — because the country is so divided on race, especially in rural America. Black farmers are going to start fighting back. And that’s what we’re doing.”

AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY IN NEW YORK HAS ALREADY INITIATED THEIR OWN BOYCOTT – POSTING ON X –

“Each year Tractor Supply makes more than $65k yearly off this account. Today we met with our branch manager. We explained that we cannot support Tractor Supply any longer. You have lost our business and every shred of respect we might have had.”

STARBUCK – WHO INITIATED THE CONTROVERSY –

CALLED OUT THIS  LATEST WAVE OF BOYCOTT CALLS –

FOR THE OPPOSITE REASON HE HAD CALLED FOR ONE.  

SAYING “MAKING YOUR BUSINESS POLITICALLY NEUTRAL IS ONLY CONTROVERSIAL TO PEOPLE WHO DEMAND THAT COMPANIES CATER TO THEIR POLITICS. THE MEDIA’S DESPERATE TO FRAME OUR TRACTOR SUPPLY WIN AS ANYTHING BUT WHAT IT ACTUALLY WAS: A RETURN TO NORMALCY WHERE THEY’RE JUST A FARM SUPPLY STORE.”

 TRACTOR SUPPLY HAS NOT FURTHER COMMENTED ON THE LATEST CALLS FOR A BOYCOTT.

I’M KARAH RUCKER. A REPORTER FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS.

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