Daily Vantage

A federal grand jury says a Utah mail carrier threw nearly 300 ballots into a church parking lot dumpster just weeks before voters were set to cast them in a primary election. Quick Take Damon Matai Seei, 34, of Payson, Utah, faces one federal charge tied to hundreds of discarded mail-in ballots. Prosecutors say he dumped the ballots in a church parking lot in Eagle Mountain shortly after starting his shift on June 3, 2026. ...

The White House will host China’s President Xi Jinping for a full state visit capped by a high-profile state dinner on Thursday. Story Snapshot President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan for an official state visit. Trump plans a rare airport greeting at Joint Base Andrews before Thursday’s talks and ceremony. Thursday’s program features an arrival ceremony, bilateral meetings, and a state dinner in the East Room. The...

After President Trump barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access, several major TV networks halted pool coverage, turning a press fight into a test of government power and public trust. Story Snapshot Trump said he banned the outlets from White House access over “fake news.” Reporters from the three outlets were denied entry and had passes deactivated. CNN, MS NOW, and Politico filed suit, citing First Amendment and due process. Past court...

Trump’s near-perfect endorsement record in 2026 Republican primaries shows how one leader can shape a party’s ballot from the top down. Story Snapshot Trump-backed candidates won overwhelmingly in 2026 GOP primaries, including marquee races. Analysts say early, selective endorsements helped produce the high win rate. A few notable losses show limits, but the overall pattern favors Trump’s picks. The results set up a general election fight over policy, spending, and who really runs Washington. Primary Season...

Three jurors say a lone holdout admitted “reasonable doubt” yet still blocked an insanity verdict, forcing a mistrial that has many asking whether the system followed its own rules. Story Snapshot Judge declared a mistrial after an 11-1 deadlock in the Lindsay Clancy case. Three jurors say the holdout acknowledged reasonable doubt but refused an insanity acquittal. Defense says the holdout ignored the court’s reasonable-doubt instruction. Public reaction moved the fight into the court of...

Homeland Security officials say Rep. Ilhan Omar is the subject of an active immigration-fraud probe, yet no public records have proven the core claim. Story Highlights Homeland Security leaders confirmed an ongoing investigation tied to Omar’s immigration history. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin repeated the claim Omar married her brother; Omar has denied this for years. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to release records, citing investigation concerns. Fact-checkers say no credible public evidence proves a brother...