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  x The Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced today a $150 million conditional loan commitment to Niron Magnetics, Inc. (Niron) to build out the company’s rare earth-free magnet production capabilities.   Founded in 2014, Niron is a private U.S. corporation headquartered in Minnesota. The company seeks to eliminate dependence on rare earth magnets sourced from foreign jurisdictions.   N iron’s magnets are revolutionary because  they do not use rare earths, yet they provide similar, and in some cases superior, performance and physical properties compared to rare earth magnets.   Niron develops and manufactures 100% domestic, rare earth-free permanent magnets, eliminating reliance on foreign-dominated supply chains. Built on over a decade of research and development, Niron’s magnets offer a path to ending dependency on foreign-produced rare earth magnets. Niron circumvents the concentrated and vulnerable rare earth supply chain by s...

Fans of the classic sitcom Martin are getting a new spinoff. Martin Lawrence and Tommy Davidson have teamed up as executive producers of The Varnell Hill Show , premiering September 1st on Paramount+. Davidson reprises his role as Varnell Hill, navigating a rapidly changing entertainment world, chaotic writers, celebrity guests, and his own oversized ego. Lawrence will make cameo appearances throughout the 13‑episode season.

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act plans has dropped sharply this year — falling by nearly three million people to about 19.2 million. Analysts say steep premium hikes and Congress’ refusal to extend enhanced subsidies are driving the decline. According to KFF, ACA customers are now paying an average of $178 a month, a 58‑percent jump from last year. Deductibles have climbed too — up 37 percent, averaging nearly $3,800. The Trump administration says the drop is tied to widespread healthcare fraud, but industry groups argue families are simply being priced out.

  The Department of War, in cooperation with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, today announced two framework agreements to expand production capacity of critical missile-interceptor components. These historic agreements are critical to ensuring long-term demand signals flow to key suppliers, allowing Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) production to triple and quadruple, respectively. This effort to stabilize supply chains for our most important interceptors advances President Trump's and Secretary Hegseth's joint vision to build the Arsenal of Freedom, accelerate delivery of critical capabilities, and reinforce the Nation's integrated air and missile defense. “Building the Arsenal of Freedom requires robust, dynamic supply chains at every level of the industrial base,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “Framework agreements with munition components suppliers like Northrop Gr...

What do Sza, Doechi, Marvin Gay and Johnny Cash have in common? All of their music landed on former President Barack Obama's Summer Play List. He has continued this tradition since he left office. The list always reflects a diverse range of genres and styles. Offering fans a curated snapshot of his seasonal listening habits each summer, this time is more colorful. The list opens with “The Song of Good Hope” by Glen Hansard, a tribute to the late Irish American musician who died at the age of 56 in a motorcycle crash on July 29. Other notable tracks include Noah Kahan’s “Doors”, Charley Crockett’s “One Eyed Jack”, Kelela’s “Idea 1”, Mumford & Sons’ “Rubber Band Man”, RAYE’s “Where Is My Husband!”, Drake’s “Ran to Atlanta”, Tyla & Zara Larsson’s “She Did It Again”, and BossMan Dlow’s “Motion Party.” Obama also included soul and R&B legends like Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Chaka Khan, The Temptations, and Johnny Cash, alongside modern acts such as Anderson .Paak, SZA, Doec...

SUMMARY: After months of negotiations, US and Board of Peace Officials have announced a disarmament deal between Israel and Gaza. Under the agreement Israeli proxy group Hamas will depart Gaza. Gaza police and military were also expected to turn over their weapons. The deal with be carried out in stages over the next year with attention to rebuilding Gaza. If the agreement is broken in one phase officials says they will not move n to the next but projected confidence that both sides will cooperate, The arrangements come 9 months after a ceasefire that was brokered by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. After months of intense negotiations, the United States and the Board of Peace have announced what officials are calling a historic agreement aimed at ending years of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The phased disarmament deal calls for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and ultimately leave the territory, while Gaza's police and military forces are expected to surrender t...

By Mona Austin Invoking the Fifth Dr. Anthony refused to answer a single question regarding his advisement and leadership during the COVID-19 in a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday morning. In his opening he saud he came out of respect from Congress but realized the goal of Republicans was to entrap him. Fauci was pardoned under Pres. Joe Biden due to attempts to pin the blame of the U.S. having the most deaths on the former head of the NIH. DR. ANTHONY FAUCI: "On the advice of counsel I respectfully decline to answer based on my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution." Sen. Rand Paul continued to question Dr. Fauci about scientific experiments involving gain of function research saying that millions died because of it. His last statement was about Fauci allegedly saying the benefits outweigh the risk of the gain of function research. He quoted experts who were against it and asked Fauci if he had at least changed his views. Paul warned,...

Following her recent signing to Motown Gospel, 2x GRAMMY-nominated artist Koryn Hawthorne shares her uplifting anthem, “ His Favorite ,” today (7.24). The song previews her forthcoming EP, Big Gospel , due October 2. Produced by Lil Ronnie , known for his work with Glorilla, Usher, Britney Spears, and more, “His Favorite” is anchored by Hawthorne’s seamless blend of Gospel and R&B. Written by Hawthorne alongside collaborators Jordan Dollar, Alexandria Dollar, Jeffrey Shannon, Rickey Offord, and Ronnie Jackson, it serves as a reminder that blessings can be found even in the smallest moments of life, the song shares a positive message of love, belonging, confidence, and inherent worth. "This song is about knowing your worth isn't something you have to earn,” says Hawthorne. “You're already loved, already chosen, already His favorite. I hope whoever needs to hear that today, hears it." “His Favorite” marks the first release from Big Gospel , Hawthorne’s first EP as...

 Two high-profile court cases are putting the spotlight on parental responsibility and mental illness. In Georgia, Colin Gray has become one of the first parents in the nation to be sentenced for his role in a school mass shooting carried out by his child. Gray received prison time after being convicted of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and cruelty to children. Prosecutors argued he ignored repeated warning signs about his 14-year-old son, Colt Gray, who allegedly used the AR-15-style rifle his father bought him as a Christmas gift to kill two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in September 2024. Seven others were wounded. During sentencing, the judge said the warning signs were "getting brighter and brighter" before the attack. Gray plans to appeal his conviction. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, jurors are hearing emotional testimony in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her three young children in their Duxbury home. ...

Phil Wickham Earns Nine Nominations as Top Male Artist Nominee; CeCe Winans Leads Female Artists with Seven   Mariah Carey, John Legend, John P. Kee and Tasha Cobbs Leonard Among the Nominees  aa Nominees for the DOVE Awards were announced with Jonathan Smith leading with 14 nominations.  The show will be held at the Bridgerton Aren in Nashville on October 6.  Per the official press release. . . Eight-time Dove Award winner Tauren Wells will return to host the Dove Awards for the fourth consecutive year, marking one of the longest hosting runs in the show's history. This year Wells also serves as an Executive Producer of the show and is a two-time nominee himself, in addition to taking the stage as a performer. "The Dove Awards are more than just an awards show.  The promise of scripture is if two or three people come together that Jesus is in our midst. We know this isn’t about trophies; it’s about elevating the name of Jesus and celebrating those who...

The United States is responding forcefully after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a surprise ballistic missile attack on a U.S. facility in Jordan. U.S. Central Command says all five incoming missiles were intercepted and destroyed , with no casualties reported. President Trump issued one of his strongest warnings yet, saying the U.S. will strike back decisively. In his words: “We’re going to beat the f------ s--- out of them… We’ll be hitting them hard. They’re going to get a beating.” The Pentagon says joint U.S.–Saudi precision strikes have already targeted Iran‑aligned militias in Iraq following the attempted attack   Senator John Fetterman is putting rumors to rest about switching parties, saying flatly, “I am not going to become a Republican.” That comes after GOP Majority Leader John Thune publicly said he’d welcome him. Fetterman says he remains a pro‑LGBTQ, pro‑abortion‑rights Democrat who also supports Israel. In other news, questions continue around t...

  The Department of War’s Economic Defense Unit (EDU) in partnership with the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S) today announced a $25 million investment with ReElement Technologies Corp. to expand domestic refining capacity for rare earth elements and other defense-critical minerals at the company’s Marion, Indiana facility. This investment will strengthen the U.S. industrial base by securing domestic access to materials essential for advanced defense systems, aerospace components, and secure communications. "Strengthening our domestic refining capacity for rare earth elements and other critical minerals is a national security imperative," said HON Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy. "Executed by the Economic Defense Unit (EDU) and financed by the OASW(IBP) Industrial Base Fund, this investment actively rebuilds a domestic, mine-to-magnet supply chain. This effort guarantees the join...

 The Pentagon has reported two more casualties from Iranian attacks.   1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii was killed in action on July 18, 2026, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, was killed in action on July 17, 2026, during an enemy attack on July 17, 2026, at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan. The incident is under investigation. 1st Lt. Feehan was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.   Pvt. Gonzales was assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, Ansbach, Germany.

The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia will release a new 1-dollar commemorative coin for America's semi-quincentennial featuring the face of Pres. Donald Trump. A 2020 law allows for production of commemorative currency although living presidents are prohibited from being printed on paper money. There has been controversy about the legality of the 45th and 47th POTUS being embossed on U.S. money as he has circumvented Congress to place his name on buildings. Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent said in an X post that production has begun on the gold coin that is intended to "honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism. Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all." 🪙 Design details Front (Obverse): Portrait of President Donald Trump “LIBERTY” “IN GOD WE TRUST” Dual dates 1776–2026 Gold‑colored finish (but not made of precious metal) Back (Reverse): Bald eagle ...

The 41st Annual Stellar Awards is moving   from Nashville to the East Coast this year.  Held for the past several year in Las Vegas, gospel music's biggest night will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 14.  The home of gospel legends Shriley Caesar and John P. Kee, the Tar Hill Sate is a natural fit to honor the genre.  This year's theme is "It Feels Like Home." Central City Productions announced this year's nominees in June with hometown favorite  John P. Kee being among the most nominated.  The top nominees for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards (honoring the year's best in gospel music) also include  Kim Person , followed by Tasha Cobbs Leonard and JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise . The awards are set to be hosted by Kirk Franklin on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.  Key Nominees Artist of the Year: Darrel Walls, Jekalyn Carr, Kim Person, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Tye Tribbett. ...