Daily Vantage

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s last‑minute “clarifications” to President Trump’s IRS settlement have exposed just how far Washington is willing to bend the rules to protect its own. Story Snapshot Blanche signed an order that “forever barred” the government from pursuing past tax claims against President Trump, his family, and their businesses. After backlash, Blanche issued new documents to end Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti‑weaponization” fund and narrow how far the tax protections reach. A federal...

Fast-moving flames forced Level 3 evacuations across northwest Spokane, emptied a medical center, and pushed the Old Trails Fire into neighborhoods packed with homes and critical roads. Quick Take Officials issued the highest evacuation orders for multiple Spokane-area zones and told residents to leave immediately. Reports placed the fire at roughly 2,000 to 2,500 acres as it kept growing. The blaze crossed the Spokane River, threatened homes, and reached areas near the Dwight Merkel Sports...

President Trump has hit the brakes on new strikes against Iran, saying he will cancel a major attack if Iran quickly accepts deal terms to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end its nuclear threat. Story Snapshot President Trump says he agreed to cancel a planned U.S. attack on Iran if a deal is reached quickly that fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz and ends Iran’s nuclear threat. U.S. strikes, which had run for about...

Hawaii prosecutors say a sitting lieutenant governor was part of a bribery scheme tied to COVID-19 testing money. Quick Take Oʻahu grand jurors returned a 12-count indictment against Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and four others. Prosecutors say the case centers on a $35,000 payment and later campaign donations linked to a COVID-19 testing contract. The indictment also names former state lawmaker Ryan Yamane, businessperson and lobbyist Tobi Solidum, and two other former officials. The case...

After nearly two weeks of bombing Iran, President Trump has suddenly hit pause, saying he wants a deal but keeping the threat of even bigger strikes on the table. Story Snapshot Trump has paused U.S. strikes on Iran to give negotiations more time, while warning attacks could resume and intensify if talks fail. American and Iranian officials both say discussions are under way, helped by mediators from Gulf states and Pakistan. The pause mainly covers...

American bombers went silent over Iran after 13 straight nights of strikes, and officials say a shortage of missile interceptors helped push President Trump to hit pause. Story Snapshot No U.S. strikes hit Iran overnight after 13 consecutive nights of bombing. Trump ordered forces to hold off while checking if Iran wants to negotiate. The White House has not called this a formal ceasefire; military options stay on the table. A shortage of missile interceptors...