Politics

Khamenei’s long rule left Iran bitterly divided

The grandson of a prominent Shiite cleric and raised by a theocratic family, he was born in Qom – the center of Iranian religious studies – in a traditional home. By his late twenties, he stopped praying and had given up on the clerical system. He can’t even discuss religion or politics with his father and siblings anymore.
Ayatollah Khamenei, a tech worker in his 30s says that Iranian society, including those who oppose the Islamic Republic is divided. He blames him. After being murdered at the beginning of the war, the supreme leader that ruled Iran over 30 years will be laid in rest on Thursday.
The hardliners in the Islamic Republic gathered huge crowds to support his funeral procession in Tehran and in other cities. They hailed him as an opponent of Israel and the West who defended clerical authority.
There are deep discontents that run beneath the surface. They have been growing for decades, thanks to bloody repression and international sanctions, as well as economic mismanagement. And they have increased since January, when authorities murdered thousands of antigovernment protesters.
The tech worker, who lives in Tehran now, told a friend by phone that “a gap is opening up across the nation which is truly remarkable.” The Associated Press interviewed him on the condition that he remain anonymous due to security concerns.
Iran’s division has been brought into sharp focus by the funeral
Khamenei was crowned a martyr in Iran by his followers and the Iranian rulers after his death in an Israeli strike on February 28. Some of those who attended the funeral echoed the ultra-hardliners’ slogans opposing talks with the U.S. They called for Donald Trump’s death in retaliation.
Hossein Abari, 60, said that he wanted to show the world we would not be cowed by oppression or tyranny and we would avenge our leader’s blood.
Khamenei assumed the leadership in 1989, after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died. Khomeini was a charismatic leader who led the overthrow the U.S. allied shah decade before and had inspired an enormous following.
Khamenei, under the banner of resistance to the West, defied the sanctions and built up the nuclear program of the country, along with its missile arsenal, as well as its militant network across the region.
He established a hardline, religious regime in Iran by neutralizing reform movements. The Revolutionary Guard was given immense political, military and economic power. He tried to control the personal life and clothing of Iranians, even as they sought more liberalization.
2009 marked an important turning point in the history of protests
In 2009, the suppression of protests that were sparked after allegations of vote-rigging in presidential elections in that same year marked a critical turning point. In the first large-scale crushing of protests, dozens were killed.
According to a former Iranian political prisoner and activist who contributes articles for a magazine with reformed leanings in Tehran, it created widespread hopelessness.
Last month, a senior adviser to Iran reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian admitted that Iran is “severely divided” between those who are staunch supporters of the Islamic Republic as well as those who wish its demise. Ali Rabiei, however, said that there is a significant part of the population between these “two poles”, which the government can rely on in order to bring about change. IRNA, the Iranian state-run news agency, carried his remarks.
Elections are a good way to get a sense of the public’s opinion in Iran.
The turnout at Iran’s most recent presidential election was among the lowest ever recorded. This is seen as an indication that many millions of Iranians who hoped for a change did not bother to vote. The reformist candidate, Pezeshkian received 16,3 million votes while the hardliner, Amir Hassan Pezeshkian garnered only 13.5 millions.
The crackdown in January has left many scarred
Since 2009, violent crackdowns have been carried out in response to repeated protests. The most deadly was January, when thousands of people were killed by security forces to quell nationwide protests which began over economic problems and snowballed in calls for Khamenei’s overthrow.
In one word, the sister of an Iranian protester shot dead on January 9 summarized Khamenei’s legacy: injustice.
Since the end of war, Iran’s economy is in a downward spiral for working class families. She said that workers could barely afford bread because everything was so costly.
Since my sister’s death, mental, financial, and our lives have fallen apart. We only look at pictures and videos of her and weep. “What do we have left?” She asked from her home, in the eastern part of Iran.
Iranians have been expressing a quiet dissent over the last month, as they marked Ashoura holy period. Ashoura is celebrated with marches in the funeral style to honor a 7th century Shiite martyr. Some Iranians have been seen in videos posted to social media joining processions while carrying photos of their family members who were killed during the crackdown.
Iranians are feeling despair and uncertainty about the future
Khamenei’s legacy is that the Islamic Republic was able to survive the U.S. and Israeli assault. After the war, the leadership negotiated an interim agreement with the U.S. which brought them some immediate benefits. It promises an even bigger windfall – a lifting sanctions – if Iran, the U.S. and other countries reach a definitive nuclear deal. But this is not certain.
A 35-year old woman, who took part in the protests of January said that the agreement was a “victory for the Islamic Republic”. We won’t be able to tell if the deal is good for Iran’s citizens until we can see its results.
She is concerned about the divide in Iranian society, and the divisions between opponents of theocracy. Some want it to be overthrown quickly while others are open to gradual changes.
She said, “The dialogue space is closed. I’m not just talking about the government. I also mean people.”
A 33-year old Tehran resident, who lost his job in a technology company and also participated in the protests of January, said that his primary concern is the wrecked economic situation, with its escalating unemployment rates and rising prices. His friends have lost their jobs, and the employer of his wife has cut her salary.
He said, “We are all just trying to survive and our struggles revolve around meeting the basic necessities like food and rent.”
Theocracy still faces threats
Rebin Rahmani is a Kurdish political activist who was imprisoned once in Iran, but now lives in Paris. She said that the theocracy of Khamenei had no answer for the multiplicity of economic and political problems, except more repression.
Rahmani said that the Kurdish Human Rights Network’s director, Rahmani. “Its refusal to compromise on security will lead to further instability.” The protests “reignite every few years, with renewed strength.”
Pezeshkian, along with other pragmatics in the system, want to take advantage of the U.S. discussions to lift sanctions and rebuild the country’s economy. Ayatollah Mohammed Khamenei (Khamenei’s successor and son) has lent tentative support in writing to the talks. He is currently in hiding, but appears to be backing them for now.
Ali Vaez is the Iran Director at International Crisis Group. He believes that peacetime could be the true test for the legacy of Khamenei the Elder, since rival factions are battling to determine the future of Islamic Republic.
Wartime brought a certain degree of unity to the system under pressure. The governance problems remain as acute.

Politics

Man, 26, arrested on suspicion of murder after Ann Widdecombe found dead at home

Police arrest 26-year-old man – what else did we learn from the news conference?
Devon and Cornwall Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman gave a brief update on the murder investigation launched into the death of Ann Widdecombe on Thursday.
We now know:
A 26-year-old man was arrested on Friday afternoon at an address in Newton Abbot on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
The suspect, a white British national, is in police custody while enquiries continue
It’s not being treated as a terrorist incident after consulting with counter-terror policing as part of “initial enquiries”
The murder inquiry is in it’s early stages – police are appealing to the public to share relevant information
There is no information at this time to believe the incident was politically motivated, and said it is “too early” to comment on whether or not the suspect was known to Widdecombe
‘No information’ that this is a ‘politically motivated crime’ – police
Longman is now taking questions from the media.
Asked if the suspect was known to the victim, Longman says they remain “open-minded” throughout the investigation and they are making those inquiries.
“Too early for me to comment further on that at this time,” the assistant chief constable says.
Asked if there is any indication the incident was politically motivated, he repeats that the investigation is in its early stages and they remain “open-minded”, but adds: “At this time I have got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime.”
With that, Longman draws the news conference to a close.
Police appeal to public to share relevant information
The public will see significant activity by police in the local area while detectives continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries, Longman continues.
He says that the murder inquiry is still in it early stages, but appeals to the public to come forward with any information they may have
He asks people not speculate about the investigation, especially on social media.
Incident not being treated as terrorism after initial inquiries – police
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman goes over the details the force earlier released to the public.
He says officers were called to Widdecombe’s home at around 11:40 BST on 9 July, and she was located deceased in the property with “serious injuries”.
Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported, he says.
Police say the incident is not being treated as terrorism after consulting with counter-terror policing as part of “initial inquiries”.
Rayner calls circumstances ‘deeply disturbing’ as politicians react to murder investigation
Tributes are rolling in for Ann Widdecombe after it was announced that a murder investigation has been launched into her death.
Labour MP former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner calls the news “deeply disturbing and distressing” and says it’s “right that we pay tribute across the divides to Ann’s many years of public service.”
Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Mel Stride says Ann was a “remarkable lady” and urges anyone with information to contact the police.
Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle says he is “deeply shocked to learn of the circumstances around Ann’s death.
“The police investigation must now take its course and I hope anybody with relevant information will contact them,” he says in a statement.
News conference delayed – stick with us
We are still waiting for the news conference by Devon and Cornwall Police to begin as it remains delayed – we’re not sure exactly what time we will hear from officers but we expect it to be soon.
Remember, you can watch the conference at the top of this page by pressing the watch live button – we’ll bring you text updates here.
Burnham’s ‘deepest condolences’ with Widdecombe’s family
We’ve just had reaction from Makerfield MP and likely incoming prime minister Andy Burnham.
A spokeswoman for Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Police seen surrounding Widdecombe’s home as investigation under way
A heavy police presence remains outside Ann Widdecombe’s home, where she was found dead by officers yesterday morning.
Several police cars are lined up on the road outside of her rural house, while a police van and two officers are parked on her driveway.
A forensics van is also parked up.
Her home is surrounded by large green spaces, with few houses nearby.
Widdecombe’s Strictly partner Anton Du Beke ‘devastated’ by the ‘saddest of news’
Anton Du Beke, Ann Widdecombe’s partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, calls her death the “saddest of news”.
“I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing, she became a real friend, she was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game, wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing,” he says in a video on X.
“We had an incredible time together,” he says, adding that he’s “devastated” by the news.
Idea Widdecombe could have been murdered ‘truly horrifying’ – Lib Dem leader
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey says he is “really shocked and distressed” after police launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.
“She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying,” he writes on X.
He says his “thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her”.
PM on suspect: ‘He’s clearly dangerous’
Starmer is then asked if there is any evidence that Widdecombe’s death is politically motivated.
He says he won’t speculate about the case specifically and says the security of politicians is of the “utmost importance”.
“The chief constable has briefed me on the details as they’re known at the moment but I think it is very important for us to have in our thoughts the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe,” Starmer adds.
On the suspect, Starmer adds: “He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”
Murder investigation is ‘shocking news’, Starmer says
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says now is the moment to “rise above any political differences” following the news that police have launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Speaking to the media, he says “the most important thing at the moment” is to help the police identify the “dangerous” individual responsible for Widdecombe’s death.
The murder investigation is “shocking news” and he says his thoughts are with her family “at this awful time”.
He says he has spoken to the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, as well as Andy Burnham, “to urge everybody to come together”.
He describes Widdecombe as a “distinguished politician” and describes her death as a “significant loss”.
Badenoch ‘stunned’ by Widdecombe murder investigation
Kate Whannel
Politics reporter
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has been responding to the news of the police’s murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
“I’ve been stunned to hear this awful news,” she says during a visit to Portsmouth.
“To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words.
“Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind.
“She was 78 years old. She was an elderly woman. I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person.
“It was a nasty, horrific attack. My heart is breaking for her family.”
Badenoch continues: “It is one thing when someone dies but to know they have been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.
“The Conservative Party is reeling.
“I want to convey my condolences to Nigel Farage and to everyone in Reform on behalf of the Conservatives because we’ve both lost a friend.”
Widdecombe planned to ‘spend the rest of her life’ in Dartmoor home
Caroline Robinson
South West
Widdecombe moved into her Devon home in 2008 in Haytor, on the south eastern edge of Dartmoor.
In an interview in 2008, she told the BBC her mother was from Plymouth in Devon and her father from Saltash in Cornwall, so she would often be “brought back here as a child and we would always walk on Dartmoor”.
At the time, she said she named her home Widdecombe’s Rest as a symbol of her retirement and that she planned to spend the rest of her life there.
Police said she was found deceased within her home on Thursday.
Sense of shock in Widdecombe’s village as heavy police presence outside her home
Jenny Kumah
BBC South West England Correspondent, reporting from Haytor Vale
There is a heavy police presence outside the home of Ann Widdecombe – there are several police cars on the road outside and a police van on the driveway of her property.
Several officers are busy carrying out their investigations at the house. There is a sense of shock and sadness here at the details that are emerging.
The house is in a remote rural area close to the small village of Haytor Vale, and there aren’t very many other properties nearby.

Politics

What we know about the Houston ICE shooting and the Democrats vying to replace Graham Platner: Morning Rundown

Details are emerging after an ICE agent fatally shot a Houston man. A half-dozen Maine Democrats are vying to replace Graham Platner. Sony’s move to cease selling PlayStation physical discs has sparked a backlash.
What you need to know about today
Democrats rush to replace Graham Platner
After Graham Platner withdrew as Democratic nominee in Maine’s Senate Race, the Democratic Party had less than three week to find a replacement. This created unprecedented chaos while new candidates made their pitches.
Here is the Morning Rundown – a weekly newsletter that will help you start your workday. Subscribe here and receive it directly in your mailbox.
A half dozen Democrats are in the race. Three of them ran, lost or resigned from the Senate Primary against Platner. And three others ran unsuccessfully in the gubernatorial primaries. Others are vying for the title of progressive, whereas others claim to be an outsider who is anti-establishment or a center-left leader.
Nirav Shah is relaunching his failed campaign for governor. He ran the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the State during the Covid epidemic. Volunteers repurposed “Shah For Governor” signs, and some old Platner materials at his launch.
Maine voters know that the deadline of July 27 will not be easy to meet. The question is whether or not anyone can beat Republican Susan Collins who has held office in Maine since 1997.
What we know so far about each candidate
More politics news:
Subscribers: the Trump Administration has removed all three members from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. This is a bipartisan organization that assists state and local officials in running elections.
Subscribers: The effort by President Donald Trump to invoke the Alien Enemies Act in order to deport Venezuelans failed as the litigation is still ongoing and the administration has undermined its own reasoning.
The key federal panel approved Trump’s plans to build a 250-foot-high arch. This is a sign of unprecedented leniency in 116-year old law that regulates the height of building in Washington.
Victor Marx won the Republican nomination for Governor of Colorado. He gained attention after saying he had killed a person when he a young child.
After a funeral attended by millions, Iran’s Supreme Leader is buried
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was laid to rest at his hometown’s most sacred shrine, Mashhad, after a week-long mourning period and massive funeral procession.
These ceremonies were held in conjunction with an intensified titt-for-tat exchange of strikes between the U.S. and Iran that threatens to undermine the ceasefire agreement. After Trump declared this week that the fragile ceasefire agreement between Iran and the U.S. was “over,” the U.S. traded blows with Iran.
State media broadcast photos and videos of people touching the coffin truck that carried Khamenei. Others tossed scarves or other items to attendants so they could brush the casket. This is a common practice in the Islamic Republic. A crowd of mourners in black chanted slogans calling for revenge against Trump over Khamenei’s death.
Learn more about Khamenei’s funeral.
ICE had a different search for a person in Houston when he was murdered, explains Congressional testimony
Sylvia Garcia, a U.S. Representative from Houston said that immigration officers did not target Lorenzo Salgado Araujo at the time he was killed in Houston. Garcia told NBC News that she had spoken to David Venturella the acting director at ICE who said Salgado Araujo wasn’t the man officials were searching for.
NBC News reported that two Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials and a person familiar with the case confirmed the absence of body cameras on the police officers who were involved in the shooting.
Salgado Araujo’s death has led to a flurry of accountability demands from local and state officials. Salgado Araujo, according to the Department of Homeland Security, was trying to evade an arrest at the time that an ICE agent fired in self-defense. Salgado Araujo’s family claims he was driving to a worksite and had several employees with him.
Salgado Araujo and his family’s other statements.
France advances to semifinals
Kylian Mbappe’s goal in yesterday’s 2-0 victory over Morocco was his 20th World Cup score, one shy of Lionel Messi (and counting)’s record for the most World Cup goals ever. Mbappe assisted Ousmane Demobele’s goal. Les Bleus will now face Tuesday’s winner in the Spain-Belgium match that begins today at 3 pm. ET.
Messi can add more goals to his total when Argentina plays Switzerland on Saturday. Some commentators have called the race between Mbappe and Messi the most intense in World Cup History. Both players have eight goals. England will play Norway in another quarterfinal at this weekend. Erling Haaland, Norway’s striker is currently tied with England on seven goals.
France vs Morocco: Read our full match report.
Subscribe to The Sports Desk Newsletter for in-depth World Cup reporting.
Staff Pick: It’s not just about nostalgia when it comes to the fight to “save discs”
Why is the PlayStation community so upset about Sony’s recent decision to stop producing physical discs? In 2028 new games will be available only online. The move has been met with a lot of resistance from players. The players say the fight is about the right to own, trade and preserve games that they paid for. A digital download, after all only gives users the license to use the software. — Angela Yang, trending reporter
Learn More About It
Tyler Robinson’s roommate, who is 23 years old and accused of killing Charlie Kirk in the assassination, said that the young man expressed regret for the murder the next day.
Subscribers: A death investigation has been launched into Nolan Wells’ disappearance after an 18-year old boating excursion on the Fourth of July.
Subscribers: FTC announces a settlement on “right to fix” with John Deere. However, farmers and advocacy groups remain skeptical.
What do you think of the video for subscribers? “Heartfelt”, “creepy”, or both? The video released by Justin Baldoni, director of “It Ends With Us”, after Blake Lively’s legal case has received mixed reviews.
NBC Select: Shopping Online Made Simple
You’re halfway through the pickleball season. If your shoes are worn out, consider buying new ones that will support your ankles both on and off court. Have you ever been sunburned while playing pickleball (or at the beach?)? Try one of these dermatologist-approved treatments to help your burn heal correctly.
Subscribe to The Selection for expert tips on shopping, product reviews and the latest sales and deals.

Politics

I finally got the Trump Phone. It’s the worst Android phone I’ve used in 2026

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
The Trump Mobile T1 was officially released in June 2025. I had placed an order for $100 to pre-order a device that I called the Trump Phone. It took me over a full year before I received it. Since then, I’ve been testing it out.
We’ll start by addressing the elephant that is in the room. In a review of this kind, it would be easy to become deeply political. It might even be expected. It is no surprise that the phone bears prominently the name of President Trump, who for years has been a divisive figure both in America and internationally. Trump Mobile, owned and operated by the President’s sons, has a long history of controversy.
The T1 has an interesting history. Early renders showed a gold iPhone that somehow morphed into a Galaxy S25 Ultra before arriving as the rebranded HTC Pro U24 (yes, HTC makes phones occasionally).
In this hands-on I will ignore everything and just talk about the device as it really is, a 2026 Android phone with a price of $499. While the T1 may not be the complete disaster that I had feared, it’s still a poor product and shouldn’t even exist in pockets in 2026.
The Trump Phone Unboxed
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Trump Mobile T1 comes in a minimalistic dark blue box with a logo of the company and sticker reading “proudly built in USA”. What that actually means, in an increasingly globalized supply chain for consumer technology is anyone’s speculation.
In the box you will find a TPU clear case. It feels cheap, and it is likely to oxidize in a brownish or yellowish hue after a few weeks. Trump Mobile includes a braided, black and gold USB-C cable in addition to a 33W charger. A power brick is an unexpected bonus in a time when most Android OEMs are removing chargers from the packaging.
The goodwill that was generated from the contents of the box is completely wiped out the minute you answer the phone. It is said that the T1’s color is gold. This makes sense, given Donald Trump’s obsession for decades with the colour and material. The phone looks gold only when held under bright light. It looks more mustardy yellow in normal situations. You can see this in the pictures throughout the article.
Physically, the phone is also not very good. It feels hollow to the touch. The back is entirely made up of plastic. The manufacturing of my phone is a bit sloppy. The plastic back panel on one side isn’t aligned to the aluminum rails of the phone, while the opposite is true.
Top left, there is a headphone jack. This is something that you find in budget phones but not on mid-range $500 smartphones. The SIM tray is located on the bottom of the phone, along with the USB-C port, speaker grille and the hybrid SIM slot. This hybrid SIM slot can accommodate either two SIM cards, or one SIM and a MicroSD card.
The T1 is able to deliver the Holy Trinity that Android fans have been clamoring for: a charger included, a headphone port, and expandable memory. The T1 is a great option for buyers that want these features even 2026. Unfortunately, there are many trade-offs to be made in order to achieve these features.
The display on this page is not very good
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
The phone’s 6.8-inch panel is visible when you flip it over. The specs of this mid-range phone look great on paper. The device has a 1080p display and smooth refresh rates of 120Hz. Trump Mobile is yet to confirm which cover glass will protect the front of the device. However, whatever the material used for the screen protectors are molded into a steep curve on either side.
When you hold the T1, the curvy edges of the phone make it feel old-fashioned. Most major players in the industry have abandoned curved panels in favour of flat ones. If you’re a fan of the sloped display, this might be appealing to you, but for most users, it is not practical.
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Unfortunately, the T1 has an under-display optical fingerprint scanner. The scanner is placed low, just millimeters below the bottom bezel. This is something I personally dislike, particularly on large phones. It feels as if you are inviting the phone to fall if you use your thumb. It’s not surprising that other brands, including Nothing, have adopted this design. People don’t appear to be revolting against this, but it makes me feel icky every time I scan with this scanner.
The side buttons, on the other hand, are actually quite good. Volume rocker and Power key are securely seated within the frame. This results in a tactile, crisp click without any noticeable wobble.
What is under the hood?
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
The phone’s processor is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7, Gen 3, which was first introduced at the end of the year 2023. This silicon, which was launched as an affordable option, feels old in a phone that costs $500 in 2026.
For a comparison, the same chip can be found in a phone such as the OnePlus Nord CE4, launched exclusively for Indian markets two years ago at a price of around $300. Anyone can guess what the chip in this phone does.
In 2026, this silicon will seem ancient on a phone that costs $500.
The Snapdragon 7 Gen3 is a good choice for basic messaging and scrolling. There are better options for $500.
On the T1’s spec sheet, the T1 is equipped with 512GB onboard storage and 12GB RAM. Due to the global shortage of components that has driven the price of memory modules up, a half-terabyte on a midrange smartphone is truly impressive.
The hardware is powered by a standard battery of 5,000mAh. The brick included supports charging at speeds of up to 30W. There is currently no wireless charging.
Clean Android (with some questionable Bloat).
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
The T1’s splash screen is very simple. After the splash screen, you are taken to an Android installation wizard that is unmodified. No carrier-style prompts or custom animations are present. The only customization you’ll see when you reach the homescreen is the pre-installed background, which features yet another large Trump Mobile logo.
It was refreshing to navigate a UI which is essentially stock Android, especially given the number of heavily customized Android devices that are available today.
This is not a “stock” build, but it does include two applications you will not find in a normal Android version. First, there’s an app with the hilarious name “Doctegrity,” whose title sounds like something Randy Marsh might come up with on South Park. Doctegrity, in reality, is a platform for healthcare that’s partnered with Trump Mobile. It offers telemedicine to those who buy the phone and activate on a Trump Mobile SIM Kit.
Trump Mobile is yet to provide a roadmap for future Android updates or security patches.
The Doctegrity App has only 5,000 downloads on the Google Play Store and is rated by 12 users, with the majority being negative. You can decide if it is safe to give your personal medical information to a mysterious service. If you want my advice, however, I strongly recommend against it.
Truth Social is Donald Trump’s Twitter/X-clone. Because I want to stay away from politics, I won’t go into more detail. But I can say that Trump Mobile did not lock these apps onto the system. It’s simple to remove both apps if you do not want them.
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
The clean UI, and the lack of permanent bloatware are both welcome surprises. However, the broader situation in terms of software is dominated by a red flag that stands out. My T1 comes with Android 15 and the security patch for February 2026. The phone told me that it already had the most recent software when I manually updated the settings. Trump Mobile also hasn’t given a roadmap for future Android updates or security patches.
It is possible, given the age of the company, the messiness with which this phone was launched, and the absence of communication regarding software updates, that the T1 may never receive a software upgrade. You don’t have to be told that this is a bad thing.
You can expect the cameras to be similar.
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
The T1’s rear housing features a three-lens system: 50MP for the primary lens, 50MP telephoto, with a 2x optical Zoom, and 8MP Ultrawide.
First, let’s say that the 8MP Ultrawide camera is terrible. As soon as you change from main camera to ultrawide, quality plummets. It’s not something I would use.
The 50MP primary sensor and 2x telephoto are actually pretty good. The main camera can capture images that have a good amount of contrast in bright, ideal daylight. Camera application is robust and offers a variety of modes including portrait, night, or even full-pro mode.
The default behavior of the software is annoying. Each photo is marked with an obvious watermark at the bottom-left of the image. You can turn off the branding in the settings of the camera application, but the fact that this is the default setting is a bit tacky.
The T1 is limited to 4K/30 for video. You’ll have to go down to 1080p if you want smoother footage at 60FPS. You’ll also need to drop down to 1080p if you have HDR enabled.
The 50 MP selfie camera is adequate in the front. The 50MP selfie camera isn’t going to win any awards for mobile photography, but the device looks great. There’s even a beauty setting!
You shouldn’t purchase the Trump Phone
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
If you look at the overall market, its price is the biggest obstacle for the Trump Mobile T1. You could purchase the Google Pixel 10a for $499 or buy the Nothing Phone 4a Pro. Or you can get the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026. Each of these phones is a far cry from the T1 in every category.
These phones also come with software that is supported. The Moto G Stylus even promises to upgrade Android twice, which is awful, but it’s better than nothing. The T1 is a high-priced phone that comes with outdated software and will never get a security update. It becomes more dangerous to use each day.
Bottom line, the Trump Mobile T1 smartphone is terrible.
Bottom line: The Trump Mobile T1 smartphone is terrible and should not be purchased. This hardware would have made an interesting budget device if it had been launched at a lower price two or three year ago, with a guarantee that software updates were available. In 2026, what will happen? This is the most disappointing smartphone this year.
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Politics

Here’s who’s vying to replace Graham Platner as Maine Democratic Senate nominee

Washington — Graham Platner suspending his Senate campaign after a woman accuses him of sexual abuse has sparked a rush in Maine as Democrats try to position themselves to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins this November.
Maine Democratic Party must select a successor by July 27, 5 p.m., after Platner has officially filed paperwork withdrawing. Details on how to choose a candidate will be announced soon. The Maine Democratic Party has until July 27 at 5 p.m. to find a replacement for Platner.
A growing number of Democrats have expressed their interest in the project. Rep. Jared Golden, actor Patrick Dempsey and others are not interested.
Here are the candidates who will replace Platner:
Shenna Bellows
Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State, entered the Democratic Senate race this week. In a post on social media, she said that throughout her career she had fought “tough battles” for workers and concluded: “I am not stopping now.”
Bellows was unsuccessful in her bid for the Governor’s Mansion at the beginning of this year. Hancock native Bellows, 51, served as state senator and executive director of American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. It is the first time a woman has served as Secretary of State.
Bellows is running for the Senate a second time. She won the Democratic nomination in 2014 to run against Collins but lost the general election almost 37 points.
Bellows, during her campaign for governor, advocated more affordable housing, a freeze in property taxes for Maine residents and the doubling of property tax rates on non-resident properties to pay for it.
Bellows’ campaign for Governor raised just over $1.8 million. Due to Maine’s system of ranked choice voting, Bellows, former State Senate President Troy Jackson, and former House Speaker Hannah Pingree endorsed one another. Pingree won the Democratic nomination.
Bellows, along with most of those now seeking to succeed Platner in the job, urged him to withdraw from the race after he had been accused of sexual abuse earlier this week. Bellows called the accusations, which Platner denies, “extremely grave.” On X, she said that Platner, who “ignited a powerful campaign to challenge the current status quo,” should step down because of the severity of the accusations.
State Rep. Valli Geiger
Valli Geiger of the State Representatives has expressed interest in taking Platner’s place on the ballot.
She told WMTW Platner supported her campaign. She later clarified, however, that she was one of the “several” people who had supported Platner.
Geiger, a nurse from the town of Rockland on the coast of Maine, has been in the Legislature of this state for three terms.
Troy Jackson
The former state Senate president Troy Jackson has also entered the race this week, filing with the Federal Election Commission to form a Senate exploratory group.
Jackson, a fifth generation logger who hails from Allagash in northern Maine, told The Bangor Daily News that he was the “best candidate” to succeed Platner.
Since 2002, the 58-year old has played an active role in Maine politics, having served in both the Maine House of Representatives, and in the Maine Senate where he held the position of president between 2018 and 2024.
Jackson was a governor candidate before he became a Senate hopeful. After raising $1 million, he came third in this year’s Democratic Primary.
Jackson, who is supported by Platner as well as independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in his gubernatorial campaign, billed himself a progressive candidate that would put an emphasis on affordable housing and lowering of property taxes. Jackson described himself as a pickup truck progressive in an interview with MS NOW on Thursday.
Jackson’s relationship with Sanders goes back over a decade. Jackson worked on Sanders’ 2016 campaign. Sanders stated that Jackson “would stand with working class families against monied interests’ enormous power.” Former Platner supporters have argued that Jackson should replace Platner.
Jackson, in the early days of his career, held conservative social views, such as abortion and marriage of same sexe. However, he has since shifted his views to those of the Democratic Party and attributes some of these views to his rural constituents of northern Maine.
Jackson urged Platner earlier this week to withdraw, writing in X about how “sexual violence has no place in our political system.”
Dan Kleban
Dan Kleban is a cofounder of Maine Beer Company. He announced his candidacy to replace Platner this week, making it official by filing with the FEC.
Kleban (49) briefly ran for Senate in the last election before suspending his bid and supporting Maine Governor. Janet Mills. The original focus of his campaign was on the economy, affordability and environmental concerns in Maine. Kleban, like Platner is a relative newcomer in elected politics. However, the craft brewery he co-founded with his brother, back in 2009, is very well known.
He has been vocal on social media about Maine politics since suspending his Senate race. He called the accusations against Platner this week “horrifying” and “completely disqualifying.”
He said: “Mainers need a senator who will stand up for them and fight against DC’s establishment, while doing the right thing.”
Kleban, who ran for the Senate in his first attempt last year, gave his own campaign almost $215,000 and collected another $244,000 through donors. He used almost all his campaign money during his race.
Nirav Shah
Nirav Shah is the former Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention director who announced his interest in running for the Senate nomination after finishing second in last month’s Democratic primary for governor.
Shah stated on X that “Establishment Politicians have Failed Us.” To defeat Susan Collins we need someone who will not be afraid to challenge the system that she spent years upholding.
Shah, who became Maine’s CDC Director in 2019 after navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic and promoting the rapid vaccine rollout in Maine has been a proponent of the fast vaccination rollout in Maine. Shah served as the principal deputy director for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the Biden Administration.
Shah, a Wisconsin native, has earned degrees in medicine and law from the University of Chicago and worked previously in public health, in Illinois, and Cambodia.
Shah’s platform for his governorship bid focused on fixing housing, funding health care, feeding children, and boosting growth, all while combating the Trump Administration’s overreach.
Shah’s gubernatorial campaigns raised over $1 million. State campaign finance records indicate that Shah contributed approximately $100,000 to his own campaign.
Shah, who had earlier called on Platner’s withdrawal from the race, said at a Thursday campaign launch press conference that there was “very little” light between them in terms of policy. However, he would not accept Graham’s endorsement, and he has never sought it.
Shah said to CBS News that Maine Democrats “feel a thousand feelings all at once”, following the allegations against Platner and the shakeup in the campaign this week.
Shah stated that the most important thing for him was his desire and commitment to beat Susan Collins this fall.
Jordan Wood
Jordan Wood announced that he hopes to replace Platner, who ran for the Senate last year, but dropped out in order to run as a candidate in a House election.
Wood, 36, is a native of Lewiston in Maine. She was previously the chief of staff for Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, before founding an organisation that focuses on fighting election denial. Wood launched his Senate campaign last year, before switching to running for a House Seat to replace the moderate Democratic Rep. Jared Golden. He lost last month.
Wood praised his efforts to “get the big money out politics and stop corruption in Washington” on X.
He said: “If I were to be nominated for Senate I would lead the battle to pass Medicare for all, to pass anti-corruption legislation, and to stand up against Trump’s lawslessness.”

Politics

Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie remake explores the American dream

The “Little House on the Prairie”, Netflix’s remake of the classic story, still resonates with the American Dream today.
This show premieres Thursday, and is set in late 1800s. It follows Charles and Caroline Ingalls and their daughters Mary and Laura as they move to the American frontier. It’s adapted from a series of semi-autobiographical books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder about her own family’s pioneer life. Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura in the TV show based on these books, co-created it in 1974. The series aired nine times. Luke Bracey played Pa in the new version and Alice Halsey was Laura.
Sonnenshine claims that the frontier spirit of old is still a part of how Americans view themselves today.
Sonnenshine: “This idea is rugged individualism, the cornerstone of American mythos.” It’s still a constant in our daily lives… we’re go-getters.”
In Little House, we follow the Ingalls as they search for land and opportunities in the West. Sonnenshine claims that in real life the settlers didn’t always understand their role.
She says that “there was no CNN, or current newspapers” to tell you what really happened. She said, “They didn’t understand land ownership politics or the treaties made by these tribes or reservations.” Charles begins to understand the political dynamics at work as his family meets the Osage Nation, and their new neighbor. He keeps much of this to himself. Sonnenshine adds that “it wasn’t out of malice” exactly, but rather because knowledge “didn’t flow as freely now.”
The writers made it a point to keep key scenes from the originals.
We meet the neighbors that help build their new home. This includes the Osage people who are adjusting to a new life style as settlers take over parts of their land. Laura forms a bond with a young Osage, while Charles has a deep respect for the patriarch of an Osage clan.
Sonnenshine said, “This show is about getting to know different people. Once you know them, you’ll see the changes.”
A fan favorite, Mr. Edwards from the series and books, assists Pa in building the cabin for the Ingalls family. A rugged Civil War vet with a golden heart, he grieves the loss of the Ingalls family and finds a new home in them.
Sonnenshine made it a point to stay true to Edwards’ character and include key events in the original material. Her and her writers created a “list of iconic moments” that included a check-list. We crossed off the items as we wrote. We’ve made it work, Ma gets a new chair which is important or “great Pa built a front door””. Sonnenshine says that building a back door is “a chapter in a novel.”
Trip Friendly’s father Ed, who co-created and executive produced the Laura Ingalls Wilder series along with Landon, holds the rights for the Laura Ingalls Wilder tales. Sonnenshine said that Trip was “very passionate” about the stories of the books. He is an executive producer for the remake.
Pa is good, but not perfect
Landon was arguably the most famous TV father in history for his portrayal of Pa. Landon was a family-oriented man who had strong morals.
Bracey says that he never saw the original, which helped him to create his own interpretation.
Bracey said, “I did not feel the burden.” The intimidating aspect has only come into play after the fact. After I told others what I had done and they told me how important my work was to them, the intimidating factor came. “That’s when it gets intimidating.”
Bracey says it is refreshing to see a good character who does not make mistakes but still is good.
There are very few good actors and actresses in TV shows and films. He said, “I feel that they often have to be hiding a secret or have had a bad past.”
Crosby Fitzgerald who portrays Ma says goodness can be found off screen too. Luke was a great guy to work with. In person, he is just like Pa. It was like he lifted my spirits all the time. “It’s hard to be on set with a legacy like this and not feel uplifted.”
Sonnenshine says that Season 1 also focuses on Laura realizing that her father is not perfect. “I think it’s more accurate portrayal of dadhood.”
Laura’s Rival will be added to the second season
Sonnenshine wrote most recently the hit adaptation “The Housemaid”, starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and she is currently writing the sequel. Her work on the film “The Boys” was known for its graphic violence, sexism and explicit language. Even though “Little House” is available on streaming platforms, it’s still a different experience.
Sonnenshine said, “This is my first ever writing without any swear words.”
I’ve done much darker stuff in the past. “I’m currently in the family era,” I say.
The second season of the series is currently in production. Netflix confirmed recently the addition of a popular character from originals. Willa Dunn is playing Laura’s rival Nellie, who has a father that owns the store.
Sonnenshine said, “She is here and acting like a maniac.” It’s really entertaining. The character is loved by many. We’re taking a different approach to the character which I find really enjoyable. “The book has become our touchstone, and building on that to bring a whole new dynamic into the Ingalls Family.”