National Debt: The U.S. national debt crossed $40 trillion for the first time, with Treasury data putting total public debt at about $40.05T and debt held by the public projected to keep climbing as interest costs rise. Economic Warfare: President Trump escalated pressure on Iran, calling it an “economic D-Day” and warning any country aiding Tehran could face “tremendous” consequences. Hurricane Lala Recovery: The U.S. DOT approved $6M in quick-release funds for Hawaii road and bridge repairs after Hurricane Lala, as a Ka’u family described losing their roof and fighting mold and flooding. Environment & Water: The Trump administration moved to repeal the Forest Service’s roadless rule, a change that could reshape protections around Sierra watersheds feeding the American, Rubicon and Yuba rivers. Education & Workforce: The Department of Education approved Indiana’s second Workforce Pell Grant program at Ivy Tech, expanding short-term Pell-funded training for healthcare careers. Local Safety: A deadly motorcycle crash shut a Kennewick stretch of U.S. 395 off West Columbia Drive, with police urging drivers to avoid the area. Politics: Alaska’s open primary race tightened as Mary Peltola led Dan Sullivan by a narrow margin with most precincts reporting.