Former President Obama said this week that the United States is “at an inflection point” following recent political violence. Speaking in Erie, Pennsylvania, he called the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the killings of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband “horrific” and “a tragedy.” Obama stressed that violence is “anathema” to democracy and urged leaders to avoid violent rhetoric. (Story URL)

Air traffic controllers issued several warnings Tuesday to a Spirit Airlines flight to steer away from Air Force One. The incident happened as both planes traveled through New York airspace. The Spirit flight, traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, was told multiple times to turn 20 degrees. Air Force One was carrying President Trump on his way to the United Kingdom. (Story URL)

The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points Wednesday, the first cut since December 2024. The move brings the federal funds rate to a range of 4% to 4.25%, down from 4.25% to 4.5%. Fed officials project two more cuts in 2025 and one in 2026, fewer than Wall Street expected. Chair Jerome Powell said the weaker labor market is now a greater risk than inflation. (Story URL)

A man is in custody after crashing his car into the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office in what officials called a “targeted attack” and “act of terror.” The incident happened shortly after 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. The suspect, identified as Donald Henson of Penn Hills, allegedly rammed the building’s gate, then fled on foot. A witness saw him place a flag on a fence before leaving. No injuries occurred. (Story URL)

More than 50 people have been charged in Washington, D.C., since President Trump launched his emergency crime surge last month. Prosecutors have already dismissed at least 11 of those cases, prompting judges to warn about wasted court resources. Grand juries have also declined to indict in at least six cases. The White House claims over 2,000 arrests since the surge began on August 7th. (Story URL)