Good morning, patriots! I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been melting this week. The East Coast has been slammed by a brutal heat wave, and it is finally over. Temps are hitting the 100s and the AC is barely keeping up. Let us know— was it just as miserable where you are?

Hot Headlines

• 📉 Dem Approval Crashes to Just 36%

• ⚖️ Rep. McIver Arraigned for ICE Assault in Newark

• ⚡ 12 Injured by Lightning Strike at South Carolina Lake

• 🔋 Three Mile Island to Reopen Early in 2027

NATO Bows to Trump, Boosts Defense Spending

What Happened: NATO allies have agreed to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, a significant jump from the current 2 percent target set in 2014. Of that, at least 3.5 percent must fund direct defense, while the rest will support critical infrastructure, innovation, and the defense industrial base. Allies are also required to submit annual plans outlining a credible path to meet these benchmarks. The alliance reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to Article 5, NATO’s core principle of collective defense.

Why It Matters: This is NATO’s most decisive action in over a decade—and it comes after relentless pressure from President Trump, who has argued for years that the U.S. has unfairly subsidized Europe’s defense. At this week’s summit, Trump publicly rebuked Spain for not committing to the new goal, accusing the government of wanting a “free ride” and vowing to make them “pay it back on trade.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called the plan a “quantum leap,” crediting Trump’s insistence on accountability. The alliance is signaling that the days of U.S. overpayment may be numbered.

What’s Next: Nations still lagging behind the 2 percent benchmark now face mounting pressure to not only catch up but exceed expectations. The U.S. is likely to continue using trade and diplomatic tools to enforce compliance. If allies follow through, this could mark a turning point in NATO’s strategic posture and shift the global balance of defense power. But if they fail, expect even tougher rhetoric—and possible consequences—from Washington.

TRIVIA OF THE DAY

RFK Jr. Blasts Dem Over Big Pharma Cash

What Happened: During a fiery House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the 2026 HHS budget, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly accused Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) of selling out to the pharmaceutical industry. The exchange began when RFK Jr. recalled Pallone’s past support for vaccine-injured Americans, claiming he had once been a “champion” for the cause. But then came the bombshell: Kennedy said Pallone has since accepted $2 million in pharma donations, implying his silence on vaccine injury was bought.

Why It Matters: The moment marked a dramatic shift in tone for the hearing—and a high-profile clash between a cabinet official and a senior Democrat. RFK Jr. now oversees agencies like the CDC, NIH, and FDA, all of which he’s long been critical of. This confrontation shows he’s not backing down from his watchdog role just because he's in power. For viewers watching live or online, it was a rare moment of political accountability in real time. Watch the full clip here.

What’s Next: Expect more fireworks as Kennedy continues his mission to reform public health agencies from within. His willingness to take on entrenched interests—including lawmakers—may lead to further showdowns on Capitol Hill. And with Pallone yet to issue a direct rebuttal, the story may not be over. This isn’t just a budget hearing anymore—it’s shaping up to be a battle over influence, integrity, and the future of health policy.

QUICK HITS

• 🏭 Honda Moves Production to U.S. Over Trump Tariffs
  Honda is shifting production of its next-generation Civic hybrid from Mexico to Indiana in response to President Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian auto imports. The move marks one of the first major responses from a Japanese automaker to Trump’s aggressive trade policy. It signals a growing trend of companies relocating operations to avoid tariffs, bringing manufacturing—and potentially jobs—back to the U.S. ahead of 2028.

• 🩼 Lifeguard Impaled by Flying Beach Umbrella at Jersey Shore
  A lifeguard at Asbury Park’s 3rd Avenue Beach was impaled through the shoulder by a six-foot umbrella pole after a powerful gust of wind launched it across the sand. The umbrella entered her upper chest and exited near her back, requiring emergency responders to use a bandsaw before rushing her to the hospital. She survived and is recovering—underscoring how a sunny day can turn dangerous if basic beach safety is ignored.

• 🌾 White House Looks to Block NJ Town From Seizing Family Farm 
  The White House has stepped in to block Cranbury Township from using eminent domain to seize a 175‑year‑old family farm in New Jersey owned by the Henry brothers. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins held talks with the family and vowed to “protect family farms at all costs,” signaling federal opposition to the local takeover. The fight spotlights the tension between affordable housing mandates and conservation of heritage agriculture, and underscores how the federal government may now intervene in local land‑use battles.

• ⚖️ Hunter Biden Sued by Former Law Firm Over $50K in Unpaid Fees
  Hunter Biden is being sued by his former law firm, Winston & Strawn, which claims he owes over $50,000 in unpaid legal fees and interest for work on his Delaware gun trial and other matters. The firm alleges it provided extensive legal support but was never fully paid, and it's now seeking a lien on his assets. The case adds to Hunter’s mounting financial troubles and legal woes ahead of a September 19 court date.

• 👪 Tom Homan’s Family Threatened Amid Immigration Crackdown

  Border czar Tom Homan revealed he and his family are facing death threats, forcing his wife to move out of their home due to his high-profile role in enforcing Trump’s mass deportation policies. Homan described the threats as “outrageous,” with security concerns so severe they’re impacting his personal life. This stark escalation underscores how enforcement efforts are spilling over from policy rooms to real-world risks for officials and their families.