Thick Smoke Blankets the Midwest as Wildfires Rage in Ontario

Thick smoke from wildfires in Canada is continuing to blanket large parts of the Midwest and Eastern U.S., creating unhealthy and potentially dangerous air quality across several states. The smoke is coming primarily from Ontario, where fire numbers are still increasing and are not expected to come under control anytime soon. The fires have been caused by lightning strikes and thunderstorms. President Trump has responded by suggesting he may seek higher tariffs against Canada because of the damage caused by the smoke, which he called "willful negligence" that is costing the U.S. billions of dollars.

Senator Lindsey Graham's Seat Filled by Sister After His Sudden Death

The late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had held his South Carolina seat for more than 23 years and had just won a Republican primary to serve another six-year term, died suddenly. President Trump, who was close with Graham, suggested that the Senator's sister, Darlene Graham, be named to replace him. She was sworn in earlier this week. In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that he has asked her to run in the special Republican primary to replace her brother "for the good of our country." He wrote that having her serve a full term will honor his legacy and that if she decides to run, she would have his "complete and total endorsement."