Border Security: Trump’s administration is pushing ahead with a $46 billion “smart wall” on the U.S.-Mexico border, pairing new steel fencing with sensors, cameras, and surveillance towers—despite criticism that it’s militarizing border communities while crossings are at decades-low levels. Iran Talks: U.S.-Iran indirect talks in Doha wrapped up with mediators saying “positive progress,” with the next round set after Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral processions; oil prices fell as supply-disruption fears eased. Heat & Wildfire Risk: Forecasters warn a potentially record-breaking U.S. summer heatwave is building, with extreme temperatures expected over the Fourth of July weekend and drought and wildfire danger across much of the West. Supreme Court & Immigration: New reporting highlights the Supreme Court’s role in clearing the way for the end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, setting up deportation pathways. Local 250th Celebrations: Communities across the country are gearing up for America’s 250th birthday with major fireworks and parades, including big Independence Day events in Peoria and Nevada County. Tech & Fraud Concerns: India has asked Meta to delay WhatsApp’s new username feature, citing risks of online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. AI Adoption: A Microsoft study finds Watauga County, North Carolina leads the state in AI use, with about 47% of working-age residents using AI tools.