Air Quality Crisis: Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota is expected to blanket the Midwest and Northeast, with hazardous conditions prompting air quality alerts and advice to stay indoors—Toronto skies turned orange/yellow as warnings stretch toward the U.S. Local Politics & Courts: A Senate confirmation hearing for Acting AG Todd Blanche is underway in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers pressing him on DOJ handling of the Epstein files. Consumer Protection: The D.C. Council unanimously passed the RESALE Act, capping live entertainment ticket resale at 10% above face value and banning “surveillance pricing.” Energy Reliability: PJM issued heat-related grid warnings, citing transmission congestion and data-center load growth that’s straining supply and reliability. Public Health: WHO/UNICEF report routine immunization is rebounding across the Americas, but declining measles coverage leaves communities vulnerable. Community & Safety: VFW launched its 2026-27 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship contests, with state winners heading to Washington, D.C.