A Texas dentist was arrested Wednesday after authorities claimed she gave a 4-year-old a fatal dose of pain medication during an unnecessary dental procedure earlier this year. 
Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48, who operates Cuddle Kids Dental in Fort Worth, was <a href="https://www.fox4news.com/news/fort-worth-dentist-arrested-after-child-dies-dental-office">charged</a> with injury to a child causing serious bodily harm, a second-degree felony.
Aithana Rodríguez-Arriaga underwent a tongue-tie procedure, known as a frenectomy, in April after experiencing difficulty pronouncing certain letters, <a href="https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article316529838.html">according</a> to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 
Investigators say Hemphill administered meperidine, also known as Demerol, along with two additional sedatives and nitrous oxide, according to the arrest report. The arrest warrant affidavit states that the concentration of meperidine in the girl&#8217;s blood would have been toxic even for an adult, and that the medication appeared to have been administered twice.
Authorities <a href="http://according">said</a> her blood concentration measured 793 nanograms per milliliter — dangerously above the normal range of 200 to 500 nanograms per milliliter. The arrest report also stated that her pediatrician and a medical specialist both said she did not need the procedure.
When the girl became unresponsive, Hemphill attempted CPR and used an automated external defibrillator to check for a pulse before paramedics arrived. Authorities also claim she administered flumazenil instead of Narcan, the medication typically used to reverse opioid overdoses. 
The 4-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where she later died of meperidine toxicity.
“Throughout this investigation I have learned from Hemphill’s own statements, her staff’s statements and from medical professionals that there was evident neglect on Hemphill’s part that led to Aithana’s death,” wrote Detective J. Spragins.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death an accident.
In a fundraiser, Aithana&#8217;s family said she was “filled with life and kindness,” and they were “heartbroken by her sudden loss.” 
“Her presence always lit up a room, and she brought so much joy to everyone around her … She was sweet, loving, and touched the lives of all who knew her.”

How A Routine Dental Procedure Led To A 4-Year-Old’s Death

Dentist

Texas

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) announced Wednesday that she is returning home to Michigan after the death of her 12-day-old great-granddaughter.
Dingell shared the news on Facebook and X, saying she would leave Washington to be with her family.  
“Today I am returning home to be with my family during an incredibly painful and deeply personal time,” Dingell <a href="https://x.com/RepDebDingell/status/2077456509273829428">posted</a> on X. “Our family’s 12-day-old daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter has returned home to God this afternoon. We have been in God’s hands throughout all of this,” she continued.
“While I had planned to be present for votes today and tomorrow, my family needs me now,” she said. “In moments like this, there is no greater responsibility than being by the side of those we love, offering comfort, support, and remembrance.” 
Dingell, 72, has no biological children but became stepmother to her late husband John Dingell&#8217;s four children, making the infant part of her extended family. She succeeded her husband in Congress in 2015. 
Colleagues shared messages of support on social media.
“Sending our deepest condolences to Debbie,” <a href="https://x.com/RepMikeLawler/status/2077481876567019983">said</a> New York Republican Congressman Mike Lawler on X. “Keeping her granddaughter and the entire Dingell family in our prayers.”
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with the Dingell family during this difficult time,” The Michigan Democratic Party <a href="https://x.com/MichiganDems/status/2077484442864734384">responded</a>.

Newly Reelected House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) Holds News Conference After House Democrats’ Leadership Elections

Michigan Congresswoman Announces Devastating Personal News

Congress

Debbie Dingell

Michigan

Politics

Heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires is predicted to spread across the United States from Wednesday to Friday, causing potential air pollution that could impact 100 million people. 
The hazy smoke from wildfires — still blazing in western Ontario and northern Minnesota on Tuesday — is forecast to drift toward the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2026/07/15/wildfire-smoke-canada-will-soon-spread-across-midwest-northeast/">according</a> to The Washington Post. The conditions are set to decline through the end of this week as smoke mixed with little wind and high heat in the East creates a heat dome.
The air quality conditions in eastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and most of Michigan are expected to worsen on Wednesday, according to The Post.
“It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma,” said an air quality alert from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. “Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters.”
On Wednesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration smoke modeling showed deterioration in air quality conditions in several cities:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Buffalo, Binghamton, Poughkeepsie, and New York City, New York</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Hartford, Danbury, and New Haven, Connecticut</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Providence, Rhode Island</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Scranton, Pennsylvania</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Newark, New Jersey</li>
</ul>
By Wednesday night, the smoke is predicted to travel south and east towards Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. — and then to Boston by Thursday morning. Wind currents are set to blow the smoke, in fluctuating intensities, around the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic through Friday. On Saturday, a shift in winds may potentially blow the smoke away, reported The Post.
As of now, eastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, Michigan, and western New York are closer to the fires and are most at risk for high smoke concentrations and air quality alerts, according to The Post.
The smoke is mainly from a dozen large wildfires raging across western Ontario. Late on Tuesday, the biggest fire located in Wabakimi Provincial Park expanded to over 130,000 acres, stretching to the north coast of Lake Superior about 135 miles, The Post reported. 
Multiple Minnesota wildfires, which were discovered on July 7 after a major lightning storm, are also contributing to the hazy skies. The two largest fires were named the Thumb Fire and the Bear Trap Fire, which are blazing across 14,500 and 13,500 acres of land, and have spurred evacuations and wilderness closures. 
Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) <a href="https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/759754">released</a> a statement on July 12, declaring a peacetime emergency and mobilizing the National Guard to aid with the wildfire response, which is “putting local communities at risk.”
“This emergency declaration allows for the mobilization of additional resources necessary to protect lives, prevent damage, and help the Minnesota [Department of Natural Resources] and our local communities respond,” Walz said.
On Wednesday and Thursday, dry weather is anticipated in scorched areas, but weather predictions for Friday show a possibility of scattered rain and thunderstorms. 
These conditions are being compared to those during Quebec’s wildfires in June of 2023, when smoke settled along the east coast and New York’s sky took on an orange tint. Their air quality peaked at a value of 465, which is the most hazardous level on record, reported The Post.
“At this time, current forecasts do not indicate a repeat of 2023 conditions,” the New York City Emergency Management wrote in a <a href="https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/about/press-releases/20260715_pr-NYCEM-Smoke-From-Canadian-Wildfires-May-Affect-NYC-Air-Quality.page">statement</a> on Tuesday. The NYCEM added that the smoke and high heat on Wednesday would produce “environmental health challenges.” 
“To protect the health of New Yorkers, especially those at greatest risk, free KN95 masks are available at public library branches across the five boroughs,” said the statement.

100 Million Americans Could Soon Face Smoky Skies Thanks To Canada

Tim Walz

Wildfires

California shoppers are furious at a grocery store chain that is implementing new facial recognition technology to identify people suspected of shoplifting.
Some Grocery Outlet stores in the Bay Area will use anti-theft software called SAFR, including its Pleasant Hill “Bargain Market” location, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/grocery-outlets-facial-recognition-rollout-divides-bay-area-shoppers/">according</a> to CBS News. The Emeryville-based chain&#8217;s move is leaving shoppers concerned about their faces being scanned and their privacy being invaded. 
Signs posted on the front doors of the stores will notify customers that the technology is being used.
Shoplifting in California has increased 50% since the COVID-19 pandemic, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/grocery-outlets-facial-recognition-rollout-divides-bay-area-shoppers/">according</a> to recent FBI data.
June Guerrero, who managed a store for several years, said she understands the need for facial recognition technology since she has witnessed how theft has affected retailers. 
“I worked for years as a manager of a store and the theft was just unbelievable,” Guerrero told CBS News. “I agree with it.” 
Reactions to the technology are mixed. 
“I do understand, but invading my privacy with my picture, I don’t agree on that,” Barbara Jackson told CBS News. “You gotta find a better way.”
Steve Burdette said his main concern is false flags. 
“It could lead to a lot of problems, I think for companies and businesses and people,” Burdette said to CBS News. 
Dr. Ahmed Banafa, an engineering professor at San Jose State, said that without safeguards in place, this technology could make the grocery chain susceptible to lawsuits. 
“The human has to be in the loop. It’s not just the system that says it’s a match. The human will make the final decision,” Banafa said.  “AI is famous for going after, you know, certain races.”
Charisse Jacques, the SAFR president, said the technology only retains information on shoplifting suspects for a limited time. Jacques said it does not collect a database of people in the stores and is not connected to law enforcement.
According to SAFR, the company does not share the information with the government agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Post <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/15/us-news/draconian-change-coming-to-major-california-grocery-store-chain-and-shoppers-are-furious/">reported</a>.

GettyImages-2266603724

Shoppers Outraged Over Grocery Chain’s Dystopian Anti-Theft Tactics

California

Andy Serkis said his upcoming &#8220;Lord of the Rings&#8221; film will not embrace “politically correct” casting, saying he won&#8217;t prioritize diversity for its own sake. 
Speaking to the BBC, Serkis, who is directing &#8220;The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum&#8221; and portrayed Gollum in Peter Jackson&#8217;s film trilogy, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07y400jlngo">said</a> J.R.R. Tolkien&#8217;s fantasy world was inspired by Norse mythology and that diversity would be included only “where relevant.”
Serkis said Tolkien&#8217;s depiction of the Shire reflects its inspiration in Northern European folklore.
“The Shire feels very, very much like a very, a very white, you know …” he said, trailing off before continuing. “They&#8217;re not very concerned about what goes on beyond the borders of The Shire, but they know they don&#8217;t want people coming in.”
His highly anticipated upcoming movie features a predominantly white cast, including Jamie Dornan, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet, and Leo Woodall, with returning stars Elijah Wood and Sir Ian McKellen. 
During the BBC interview, Serkis acknowledged criticism of the original franchise but added that diversity would be included only where it fit the story.  
“This particular film is somewhat acknowledging that, but I don&#8217;t think we will be doing a politically correct just-casting-for-the sake-of-casting-and-ticking-boxes version of the film,” Serkis said.
The original &#8220;Lord of the Rings&#8221; trilogy faced criticism from some commentators over its lack of racial diversity. Amazon&#8217;s later adaptation, &#8220;The Rings of Power,&#8221; drew criticism from others for introducing race-swapped elves, dwarves, and other characters. 
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk took to X in 2022 to comment on the movie, saying “Tolkien is turning in his grave.”
In a 2018 <a href="https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/black-panther-martin-freeman-andy-serkis-on-being-the-only-white-actors/">interview</a> with Radio Times, the 62-year-old voiced his agreement with Hollywood&#8217;s diverse casting. Serkis said his experience as one of the few white actors filming “The Black Panther” helped him understand how minorities feel on set. 
“[Director] Ryan Coogler said to me and Martin, ‘Guys, I have to tell you this, but this is the first scene I&#8217;ve directed with two White actors in it,’” Serkis said. “That&#8217;s an incredible perspective to find yourself in.”
“The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” is scheduled for release in December 2027.

New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Director Rejects ‘Politically Correct’ Casting

Andy Serkis

Diversity

Hollywod

Lord of the Rings

A crime-ridden homeless encampment in New York City expanded to twelve blocks of Manhattan’s West Side, where drugs, prostitution, and theft are rampant.
The multi-block eyesore of tents and temporary shelters stretches from 34th Street to 46th Street along 11th Avenue near the Intrepid Museum, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/12/us-news/lawless-nyc-homeless-encampment-near-intrepid-grows-to-12-blocks-as-locals-plead-for-officials-to-step-in/">according</a> to the New York Post. The encampment continues to be a growing concern for many residents who have not seen any change or enforcement.
“We can&#8217;t get rid of them,” said a city parks enforcement officer on Sunday. “These ones here are stealing everything. They stole our key for the hose. They stole our ladder. They take what they can. And there are escorts in there too. Prostitutes. I see them, they’re right there.”
The NYPD is no longer authorized to clear homeless encampments under new measures enacted by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration. The Department of Homeless Services was supposed to manage the encampment sweeps, but has yet to do so, according to the Post.
Theft flourishes in the encampment as homeless vagrants display expensive electronics and relax on stolen furniture. Broadway theater lights and even upscale telescopes are flaunted, the Post reports. Prostitution and drug peddling also run rampant throughout the tents and grimy public restrooms in broad daylight.
“It stinks,” said a maintenance worker from the nearby Jacob Javits Center. “They were setting up in the park at 3 this morning and it’s just too much. It’s getting bad again, very bad.”
“We kicked them out, now they’re over here,” he said. “One thing is for sure though, there are more today than there were last month, that’s for sure.”
Mamdani’s handling of the homelessness crisis has been under scrutiny after he promised to take a more humane approach to homelessness. A vagrant called Mamdani “awesome” for stopping police sweeps and permitting the lawless encampment to continue. 
“The scariest parts are on 36th and 37th right now,” said a supervisor from the Javits Center. “It’s just heroin addicts.”
City records showed that calls to the 311 number to complain about vagrants in the area increased from 40 calls in 2025 to 48 in 2026, according to The Post.
The records revealed that so far this year, 28 of the 48 calls were for homeless people in need of help. The other 20 calls were about the 12-block encampment. Thirty calls were received in June and eight in July.
“Most people would agree that leaving people on the street indefinitely isn’t compassion, it’s neglect,” said Steve Fulop, the president and CEO for the nonprofit Partnership for the City of New York. “We’ve seen in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco that letting encampments grow unchecked fails the homeless and erodes quality of life for everyone else.”
Cristyne Nicholas, chair of the New York State Tourism Advisory Council, said the encampment “doesn’t put New York tourism in a positive light.”
“Tourists are forced to walk around squalor and stench,” she said. “We want visitors to feel safe and welcome.”

Crime Surges As NYC Homeless Encampment Sprawls Across 12 Blocks

Crime Flourishes As Homeless Encampment in NYC Grows To Cover 12 Blocks

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) vetoed a deal between Volkswagen and Rafael — an Israeli defense technology company — to utilize one of the auto company’s struggling plants that is at risk of closing, according to Bild, a German newspaper.
In late April, a prospective solution to save Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant emerged when Volkswagen signed a letter of intent with Rafael to manufacture Iron Dome components for missile defense systems at the facility, with production scheduled to end next year, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/vw-investor-qatar-complicates-plant-deal-talks-with-israeli-arms-maker-sources-2026-06-17/">according</a> to Reuters.
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund opposed Volkswagen’s deal with Rafael to repurpose the plant, which has around 2,300 employees who are at risk of losing their jobs. 
The QIA holds major influence as Volkswagen’s third-largest shareholder, with 10.4% of the total share capital and 17% of Volkswagen’s voting rights, The Jerusalem Post <a href="https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-902126">reported</a>. 
The QIA vetoed the deal due to the hostility between Israel and Qatar, which would complicate Doha’s position in the Middle East’s conflict. Qatar has extensively supported Palestine and has no diplomatic ties to Israel. Instead, Qatar became a mediator for Israel and Hamas, where Hamas has a political office, according to Reuters.
In an attempt to find a solution, Lower Saxony, a German federal state and major Volkswagen shareholder, could join the collaboration ⁠between Volkswagen and Rafael, two sources told Reuters.
Olaf Lies, the State Premier of Lower Saxony and a member of Volkswagen&#8217;s supervisory board, declined to comment on QIA&#8217;s move but implored the auto company to find a long-term solution for the Osnabrück branch. 
“I ​expect the company to live up to this responsibility and present ​the announced decisions in a timely manner,” Lies told Reuters. “The state will provide constructive support wherever it is appropriate and possible.”

Qatari Money Threatens To Rob Hundreds Of Workers Of Their Jobs

Germany

Israel

Qatar

Volkswagen

Republican Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley is investigating FBI Director Kash Patel&#8217;s alleged misuse of taxpayer money on lavish travel and personal projects. 
Grassley wrote a letter to Patel in May asking for more information about his taxpayer-funded flights and purchase of BMW vehicles as head of the FBI, which was revealed <a href="https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-members-raskin-durbin-launch-bicameral-investigation-into-kash-patel-s-abuse-of-fbi-jets-and-tax-dollars-following-private-senate-gop-letter-questioning-patel-s-spending-travel">in a letter</a> this week from Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrats on the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. Durbin first <a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2026-02-24%20Letter%20to%20GAO%20and%20DOJ%20IG%20on%20Kash%20Patel%20Olympic%20Travel.pdf">sent a letter</a> about Patel&#8217;s activities to federal officials in February. 
Raskin and Durbin wrote they “appreciate Chairman Grassley raising these concerns, which mirror those raised repeatedly by House and Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats.”
Grassley said Thursday that Democrats are &#8220;riding his coattails&#8221; and criticized his colleagues for not holding past directors accountable under Democratic administrations. Grassley emphasized in his letter that he&#8217;s held FBI leaders of both parties to account.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I see Dems r riding my coattails &amp;suddenly showing interest in doing oversight of FBI aircraft Where was that energy w Wray&amp;other directors??? My oversight is the same no matter the admin UNLIKE Dems who only seem interested in oversight when it benefits them politically
— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) <a href="https://x.com/ChuckGrassley/status/2075353795081408952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“For each trip where you used an FBI aircraft for personal travel, have you reimbursed the FBI as required by law? If yes, please provide the records,” Grassley&#8217;s letter asked.
Grassley, who has defended and praised Patel in the past, requested that his transportation be subject to an “independent and objective review.” He also questioned why the FBI opted to purchase BMW vehicles rather than Chevy Suburbans, which has previously been standard. 
“Government agencies, including the FBI, routinely evaluate, replace and update vehicle fleets based on usage, security needs or budgetary decisions,” said FBI Spokesman Ben Williamson last year. 
In their letter, Raskin and Durbin referenced a whistleblower that claimed Patel told field office personnel last year, “If you have golf, hockey, fishing, or hunting and beautiful sights, you’re going to see a lot of me.”
Durbin&#8217;s February letter highlighted Patel&#8217;s trip to the Olympics, during which he celebrated in the locker room with the American hockey team after their gold medal win. He&#8217;s also been accused of using his FBI jet to travel to his girlfriend&#8217;s country music concerts on the taxpayer&#8217;s dime.
The allegations have drawn the ire of Democrats for much of Patel&#8217;s term leading the FBI. He has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

FBI Director Patel And Eastern District U.S. Attorney Nocella Holds News Conference On Major Illegal Sports Gambling Schemes

Powerful Senate Republican Joins Democrats To Investigate Top Trump Official

Chuck Grassley

kash patel

A prolific Republican donor stated on Wednesday that he would support Secretary of State Marco Rubio rather than Vice President JD Vance if they both run in the 2028 GOP presidential primary.
Ken Griffin, a billionaire investor who contributed over $100 million during the 2024 election, made the remark at a private conference known as the “Billionaire Summer Camp” in Sun Valley, Idaho, according to <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/ken-griffin-gop-rubio-vance-2028">Axios</a>. With his piles of cash, Griffin would be an influential asset for Rubio in a presidential cycle.
During a Q&amp;A session at the conference, interviewer Andrew Ross Sorkin asked Griffin if he would back Rubio or Vance in a 2028 GOP presidential primary. Griffin said he has historically supported Rubio and donated to his unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign. Griffin also advised President Trump during the 2024 vice presidential search not to choose Vance.
While Griffin noted he would be inclined to support Rubio again if he were to run in 2028, Rubio has stated he would step aside and support Vance if the vice president ran.
&#8220;If JD Vance runs for president, he&#8217;s going to be our nominee, and I&#8217;ll be one of the first people to support him,&#8221; Rubio <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-2?_sp=66ff928d-0547-4be8-9f21-3d5c5d7322ce.1773164665694">told</a> Vanity Fair last year.
In May, Trump suggested that if Vance and Rubio teamed up on a Republican ticket for 2028, it would be &#8220;a dream team.&#8221;
&#8220;I think it sounds like presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate,” Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-takes-a-spontaneous-2028-presidential-straw-poll-vance-or-rubio">told</a> a group of law enforcement supporters at the White House.
Griffin did not donate to Trump’s 2024 campaign and instead supported former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. In 2022, Griffin told Republicans to move on from Trump, adding that it’s “time to move on to the next generation,” according to <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/06/gop-megadonor-desantis-24-ken-griffin-00065274">Politico</a>.
During Trump’s second term, Griffin has both praised some of the president&#8217;s policies and criticized others, as he supported Trump&#8217;s deregulation efforts while disapproving of his tariffs.

Trump, Vance, Rubio

GOP Megadonor Plants His Flag In Potential 2028 Primary

2028 presidential election

JD Vance

Ken Griffin

Marco Rubio

The woman surrounded by members of the extremist group Patriot Front in Washington, D.C., has been linked online to footage appearing to show a 2024 incident that reportedly led to an indecent exposure arrest.
The <a href="https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-250-washingtondc-picture/">original viral photo</a> was captured by Reuters photographer Cheney Orr on the 250th anniversary of the United States. 
The woman in the photo was identified as Bernita Bowlding, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/07/07/family-black-woman-seen-viral-july-4-photo-says-shes-more-than-symbol/">according</a> to The Washington Post. The 33-year-old mother of two sat alone on the Metro surrounded by a sea of Patriot Front members wearing face coverings and khaki pants. 
Patriot Front is one of the leading white supremacist groups in the nation and claims to have hundreds of members, with 400 representatives showing up in D.C. to protest. Their goal is to establish the U.S. as a white ethnostate, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/05/us-news/chilling-photo-shows-black-woman-on-dc-train-surrounded-by-white-supremacist-thugs/">according</a> to the New York Post. The group was formed in 2017 by Thomas Rousseau following the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville. 
Attention has since turned to Bowlding&#8217;s own past. Footage circulating online alongside the viral photo appears to show her partially undressed on the floor of a Metro train before she stands.
Her brother, Paul Bowlding, told The Washington Post that she was arrested in 2024 during a mental health crisis. She was charged with indecent exposure, though the charge was ultimately dropped.
Many on the Left have compared Bowlding to Rosa Parks and other prominent figures from the Civil Rights Movement after seeing Orr&#8217;s original photo.
“That’s basically like hounds surrounding her,” said Bowlding’s brother to The Washington Post.
People have taken to X to <a href="https://x.com/Therealrobx/status/2074283676326674435">comment</a> on the incident. One X user pointed out that Bowlding “got home safe and without incident while being surrounded by men in mask[s].” 
Many have also compared Bowlding to the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/iryna-zarutskas-accused-killer-wont-be-going-to-trial-anytime-soon">Iryna Zarutska</a>, who was murdered in an unprovoked attack on a Lynx Blue Line light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Zarutska was riding home on the train in North Carolina when she was fatally stabbed by Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., a repeat offender. Brown reportedly said “I got that white girl,” after he stabbed Zarutska, <a href="https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/cair-nc-responds-to-iryna-zarutska-case-charlotte/275-4b9a2edf-0562-41dc-bd8e-bf168b1da8bc">according</a> to WCNC Charlotte. 
People commenting under The Washington Post reporter Jasmine Golden’s X post <a href="https://x.com/jas__golden/status/2074579800522436835">commented</a> with side-by-side pictures of Bowlding and Zarutska, saying, “Guess which young lady made it home safely.”

Media’s Newest Race Hoax Victim Caught Exposing Herself On Subway Train

Reuters

Washington DC

A part-time conductor at a famous Tennessee railway has been fired after a viral video captured him spreading an Independence Day message to passengers. 
Jack Peterson, the now-fired conductor for Chattanooga’s Inclined Railway, can be heard in the viral TikTok video wishing the easily-offended passengers a “Happy Independence Day.”
“To the very, very few Americans in here, Happy Independence Day,” Peterson said in the video, while one of the passengers told him to “shut up.”
“To the rest of you. Welcome to the greatest country on the face of the planet, and if you disagree, you can leave,” Peterson said.
The video was taken and uploaded by Nathan Scherer, who traveled with his family from Florida to Chattanooga for July 4.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@natescherer/video/7658823571321392415" data-video-id="7658823571321392415">
<section><a title="@natescherer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@natescherer?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@natescherer</a> Had an interesting train operator on The Incline in TN today <a title="lookoutmountain" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lookoutmountain?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#lookoutmountain</a> <a title="racism" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/racism?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#racism</a> <a title="xenophobia" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/xenophobia?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#xenophobia</a> <a title="theincline" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/theincline?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#theincline</a> <a title="tennessee" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tennessee?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#tennessee</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Nathan Scherer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7658823576195222302?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound &#8211; Nathan Scherer</a></section>
</blockquote>
Scherer used hashtags such as “racism” and “xenophobia” on TikTok, where the video has been viewed over 600,000 times.
“It just really upset me, the whole time riding down,” Charles Scherer, Nathan’s father, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@katiegweather/video/7659510303801019678">told</a> Katie Glanton with WTVC. “And I kept thinking the company needs to know about this because he was the only one representing the company and I just had a feeling that they don’t know that he is saying this.”
Scherer reported the incident to the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), and Peterson was fired immediately, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/08/us-news/tennessee-railway-conductor-jack-peterson-fired-over-his-viral-independence-day-message-to-passengers/">according</a> to the New York Post. 
“He will not work for CARTA or the Incline Railway again,” CARTA said in a statement <a href="https://newschannel9.com/news/local/after-viral-video-incline-railway-conductor-fired-carta-apologizes-for-remarks-he-made-carta-tiktok-tourism-scott-wilson-chattanooga-attraction">reported</a> by News Channel 9.
“I want to apologize directly to the passengers who experienced this and to everyone who has seen the video and felt its sting. It should never have happened,” said CARTA Chief of Staff Scott Wilson in an emailed statement. “We have zero tolerance for language that demeans or excludes anyone who rides with us.”
“For 131 years, the Incline Railway has welcomed visitors from Chattanooga and from around the world,” Wilson said. “Every passenger who boards our railway deserves to feel respected and welcome, and we are committed to making sure that is always the case.”
Peterson responded with his own statement and backed up his remarks, Fox 17 <a href="https://fox17.com/newsletter-daily/after-viral-video-incline-railway-conductor-fired-carta-apologizes-for-remarks-he-made-carta-tiktok-tourism-scott-wilson-chattanooga-attraction">reported</a>. 
&#8220;I&#8217;m very patriotic, it was the USA&#8217;s Independence Day. I was celebrating with my fellow Americans (native or non-native). I truly do believe we are the greatest country on earth. My statement about if you don&#8217;t like the country and don&#8217;t believe we are the best, then you can leave is a freedom of the ISA [sic] that many other countries do not have. It is not a racist or xenophobic thing to say. If you don&#8217;t believe in making this country better, then why are you here?&#8221;

A Patriotic Message To Passengers Just Got A Railway Conductor Fired

Railway Conductor Fired For Patriotic Message To Passengers

Independence Day

Tennessee

The roof of a wholesale store in Ocean Township, New Jersey, collapsed on Monday, trapping two shoppers inside.
There were 27 people inside the BJ&#8217;s Wholesale Club when a large section of the roof suddenly collapsed due to a heavy rain storm in the area, <a href="https://newjersey.news12.com/2026/07/06/roof-collapses-at-bjs-wholesale-club-in-ocean-township/128UzlO4BAdoGypMDmXBA6">according</a> to News 12 New Jersey. Two people were briefly trapped before safely exiting the building, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bjs-roof-collapses-heavy-rains-new-jersey-rcna353205">according</a> to NBC. The security footage shows people running for safety as part of the roof collapsed and water started pouring in.
First responders, including officers with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and Ocean Township police, arrived at the store around 11:16 a.m, Syracuse.com <a href="https://www.syracuse.com/us-news/2026/07/roof-collapses-at-bjs-store-2-people-briefly-trapped.html">reported</a>.
“We did evacuate everyone out of the building. There were reports of two individuals trapped. They did escape the building,” said Chief Michael Sorrentino. 
Witness Ken Kalada was shopping for laundry detergent and first took a video of a large leak in the ceiling, according to NBC. He said a few seconds later the roof collapsed, and he was standing only 20 feet away. 
“I mean it was a thunderous boom. It made my ears ring,” Kalada said. “There was a girder nearby and I just leaned into that. There was a lot of yelling a lot screaming.”
He also said his instinct was to try to get out as quickly as he could because he feared more of the roof would collapse. 
A structural engineer will need to fully inspect the building and decide if it can be repaired or torn down. The Monmouth sheriff said 20% of the roof is now gone, but there were no injuries reported.
“We commend all first responders who worked with urgency under challenging circumstances,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Despite the ongoing flooding and severe weather affecting our communities, all worked seamlessly together to ensure everyone was safely accounted for. Their dedication and teamwork exemplify the very best of public safety.”
On Monday afternoon, there were more than 60 million people that received flood watches across the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast.

Menu

Emily Briski