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A new AP-NORC poll finds that as the U.S. prepares for an extravagant celebration of its founding principles, fewer Americans see their country or its system of government as exceptional. The findings highlight many Americans’ feeling of unease over the future of its representative government — particularly among young people. Only about one-quarter of Americans say the U.S. stands above all other countries in the world, and Americans are less likely to see a democratically elected government as “extremely” or “very” important to the United States’ identity as a nation than they were just a few years ago.

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Chinese authorities are intensifying efforts to erase the memory of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Police have told victims' families to call off an annual tribute at a Beijing cemetery on the 37th anniversary. Hundreds, possibly thousands, were killed during the military action against pro-democracy protesters. The crackdown marked a turning point in China's history, leading to economic liberalization without political reform. In Hong Kong, police have increased security to prevent commemorations. The Tiananmen Mothers group continues to demand justice and accountability. Amnesty International has criticized the suppression, calling it a heartless act by Chinese authorities.

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The White House Correspondents Association dinner has been rescheduled for July 24. The event was initially disrupted in April by an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents' Association, announced the new date and emphasized enhanced safety measures and new access procedures. Trump revealed on his Truth Social platform that the dinner would be held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. He said he has accepted an invitation to speak, and called the rescheduling a sign of strength. Jiang highlighted the dinner's purpose as a celebration of a free press and democracy, despite some critics questioning whether it should be held at all.

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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is commuting the sentence of a former county clerk and election conspiracy theorist following pressure from President Donald Trump. The announcement Friday stated Tina Peters will be released on June 1. The former Mesa County clerk had been serving a nine-year state prison sentence. Peters was convicted in a scheme to make a copy of her county’s election computer system in 2021. Since returning to office, the Trump administration has cut funding to Colorado as the president pressured the Democratic governor to free Peters.

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Democratic leaders are embracing independent candidates in red states where their party brand struggles. In places like Nebraska and Alaska, Democrats are subtly or openly supporting independents they believe can outperform their own candidates. The Democratic National Committee and some Washington allies are quietly backing this strategy. In Nebraska, Democrat Cindy Burbank is expected to suspend her Senate campaign to support independent Dan Osborn. Democratic leaders see Osborn as having a better chance against Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts. This approach is part of a broader strategy across several high-profile races. Some Democrats worry this could undermine their party's long-term competitiveness.