A recent poll from Data for Progress shows that swing voters like Democrats less than Republicans, but still plan to vote for Democratic candidates in the 2026 midterms. Even though Democrats are unpopular, they are expected to have a good chance at winning control of Congress, partly because President Donald Trump’s approval rating is low.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 5,809 people, including 447 swing voters, between May 15 and June 21.
Only 29% of swing voters view Democrats positively, while 32% view Republicans positively.
Democrats have a net favorability rating of -29 points, Republicans -25 points, and President Trump -42 points.
Despite this, 33% of swing voters plan to vote Democratic, 21% Republican, and 46% are undecided.
Democrats are hopeful about flipping both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterms.
Historically, the president’s party often loses seats in midterm elections, which usually benefits Democrats when they hold the White House.
Some experts say Trump’s low approval and controversial policies push swing voters toward Democrats, even if they do not fully support the party.
Democrats face challenges because of a lack of clear positive messaging and negative news coverage, including scandals involving some candidates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
People have been camping outside a courthouse in Provo, Utah, to get limited public seats at a preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The hearing has drawn strong national and international attention, with only 14 public seats available each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson faces an aggravated murder charge for killing Charlie Kirk.
The preliminary hearing is expected to last a week and end on Friday.
Only 14 public seats are available daily, given out by wristbands to people waiting in line.
People have been arriving early, some even staying overnight, to get a seat.
Court security has banned tents and camping gear outside the courthouse.
Attendees must follow strict rules inside the courtroom and be respectful.
The hearing has received wide media coverage, including live streams and reports.
Notable people, like Donald Trump Jr., have been mentioned as attending or being involved.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Minneapolis held a public meeting where many residents expressed concerns about the police department’s plan to use drones as part of a trial program. The program would let police use drones to quickly view crime scenes and improve response times, but community members worry about privacy and possible misuse of the technology.
Key Facts
About 50 people spoke at the Minneapolis City Council’s committee meeting about a police drone pilot program.
The program is a free, 75-day trial focusing on the city’s Fourth Precinct to help police respond faster to 911 calls.
Drones would livestream video of potential crime scenes before officers arrive, with cameras aimed away from private homes.
The drones come from Skydio, a California company that also supplies drones to the Israeli government.
Some residents fear the drones could invade privacy or be used for surveillance beyond the pilot’s intentions.
The police said drones are tools to improve safety, not replacements for officers or emergency workers.
Footage not used as evidence will be deleted after seven days.
The City Council plans to vote on the program on July 16, with the trial possibly starting July 20.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
California Governor Gavin Newsom asked Democrats to stop supporting Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after Platner was accused of sexual assault and decided to leave the race. Newsom said he is ready to back another Democratic candidate in the upcoming election.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
Platner faced accusations of sexual assault.
Platner announced he is dropping out of the Senate race.
Governor Gavin Newsom responded during a press conference.
Newsom encouraged Democrats to move past Platner’s candidacy.
Newsom said he looks forward to the nomination process.
Newsom expressed support for another Democrat in the race.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Justice Department settled a long-running case with Chinese retailer Alibaba over the sale of dangerous drugs and chemicals. Instead of criminal charges, Alibaba agreed to pay $600 million and admitted to lesser violations, reflecting a lighter approach to corporate enforcement under the current administration.
Key Facts
Alibaba and its U.S. payment company allowed harmful drugs and chemicals to be sold to Americans for eight years.
Prosecutors believed they had evidence for felony violations of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
The case began under President Trump's first term and continued into the Biden administration.
Justice officials debated pursuing stronger charges but ultimately settled for a non-prosecution agreement.
Alibaba paid $600 million in penalties but only admitted to minor violations.
This settlement is part of a trend toward softer corporate enforcement in cases involving public health risks.
The Justice Department said it balances civil and criminal actions to hold companies accountable.
Other investigations, such as those involving product safety at Philips, are ongoing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said he believes the ceasefire with Iran has ended and that the U.S. should "finish the job." However, he also said ongoing attacks do not mean the U.S. is starting a full war or long-term military action.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran is over.
He expressed uncertainty about wanting a deal with Iran anymore.
The U.S. has carried out back-to-back military strikes related to Iran.
Trump said these continued attacks don’t mean a return to full war or long-term action.
There is confusion about U.S. policy because of mixed messages from Trump.
The recent strikes followed difficult diplomatic talks aimed at an initial deal.
Trump may be using strong statements to pressure Iran to stop attacking oil shipments.
One goal is to get Iran to comply with U.S. demands on its nuclear program.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Workers are cleaning old paint off the stone columns on the north side of the White House. The columns have been covered with special tarps showing pictures of columns while the work is happening.
Key Facts
Tarps have been put up on the north side columns of the White House.
The tarps show images of the columns to cover them during work.
Workers are removing layers of paint that have built up over many years.
Scaffolding was set up several days before the tarps appeared.
This is one of many projects led by President Donald Trump to change parts of the White House.
Previous projects by President Trump include building a large ballroom and a helipad on the South Lawn.
The work is part of President Trump’s efforts to redesign the White House according to his preferences.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pennsylvania’s two senators, John Fetterman (Democrat) and a Republican colleague, have formed a joint fundraising group called Common Ground PA. This group aims to raise money together for upcoming elections in 2026 and 2028.
Key Facts
Senators from different political parties in Pennsylvania are working together.
They created a political action committee (PAC) named Common Ground PA.
The PAC was officially registered with the Federal Election Commission this week.
The fundraising effort targets the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 general elections.
Senator John Fetterman (Democrat) is one of the sponsors of this PAC.
The other senator involved is from the Republican party.
Such bipartisan fundraising committees are uncommon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly confessed to his former roommate, Lance Twiggs, according to a court hearing in Utah. Robinson reportedly expressed regret, admitted to the shooting in text messages, and said he planned to turn himself in.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is charged in connection with the September 10, 2025, death of Charlie Kirk.
Robinson’s former roommate, Lance Twiggs, gave testimony and an interview in court.
Robinson confessed to Twiggs in text messages, saying, "I am" the shooter and apologized.
Robinson said he was frustrated with what he described as Kirk’s hatred and could not negotiate it.
On the day of the shooting, Robinson left their apartment early, around 4 a.m.
After the shooting, Robinson texted Twiggs about hiding his rifle and attempting to avoid leaving evidence.
The next day, Robinson told Twiggs in person that the confession was true, cried, and expressed regret.
Robinson said he intended to turn himself in to the authorities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist and former dishwasher and line cook, is running for governor in Wisconsin. Her campaign is a key test to see how much support left-leaning voters can build in a state where elections are very close and attracting moderate and independent voters is important.
Key Facts
Francesca Hong is a Democratic socialist running for governor in Wisconsin.
She has personal experience working as a dishwasher and line cook.
Wisconsin is a swing state with very close election results.
Winning over moderate and independent voters is crucial in Wisconsin elections.
The Democratic primary is on August 11.
Recent Democratic socialist candidates have won in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Denver.
Hong’s campaign will help measure the strength of left-wing voters ahead of the November midterm elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new survey shows that the 2026 FIFA World Cup has improved dating and hookup chances in U.S. host cities. Many singles in these cities report more social and romantic opportunities because of the event and the influx of international visitors.
Key Facts
Nearly 70% of singles in U.S. World Cup host cities say their dating lives have improved since the tournament started.
Over 75% say the event made their city a more exciting place to be single.
The survey included 1,000 singles living in the 11 U.S. World Cup host cities.
Kansas City saw the largest increase in dating and hookup activity during the tournament.
About 60% of Kansas City singles have dated or hooked up with a World Cup visitor.
Dating app activity increased by 47% in host cities during the early June part of the tournament.
Larger cities like New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles saw many singles going on dates or hookups with international visitors.
Experts say the excitement and shared experience of watching games together help people connect faster and more deeply.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new poll in Maine shows that three Democrats who have run for governor are nearly tied with Senator Susan Collins in the Senate race. The poll measured how likely voters would choose Collins or one of these Democratic candidates.
Key Facts
The poll focuses on the Maine Senate race.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican, is running for re-election.
Three Democrats who previously ran for governor are the potential opponents.
The candidates include Nirav Shah, a former head of Maine's health department.
The poll asks voters who they would choose in one-on-one races.
Results show the Democrats and Collins are close in voter support.
The poll was reported by NOTUS, a public opinion research firm.
The Senate race is gaining attention as it may be competitive.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Air Force found a mistake in grading a promotion test for security forces airmen. As a result, 135 airmen who were told they earned promotions will not get them after rescoring with the correct answer key, while 135 others who were wrongly denied promotions will now advance.
Key Facts
The Air Force used an outdated answer key to grade a promotion exam for security forces airmen.
Initially, 135 airmen were told they earned promotions to technical sergeant but were later told they would not be promoted.
After rescoring, 451 out of 586 airmen keep their promotions.
Another 135 airmen initially denied promotion due to the error will now be promoted.
The promotion process also considers schooling and time served, not just test results.
The Air Force called the error isolated and highly unusual.
Officials are looking at ways to improve safeguards in the promotion testing process.
The Air Force has faced past testing and cheating issues at the Air Force Academy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two Guatemalan men pleaded guilty in a U.S. court for their roles in a human smuggling operation that caused a deadly 2021 truck crash in southern Mexico, killing 55 migrants. They face life in prison and admitted to helping smuggle adults and children from Guatemala to the U.S.
Key Facts
The crash happened in December 2021 near Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico.
About 166 migrants were packed into a truck, many standing with very little space.
The truck overturned on a sharp curve, killing 55 people and injuring more than 100.
Jorge Agapito Ventura and Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino admitted conspiring to smuggle migrants for money.
Ventura coordinated from Cleveland, Texas, and gave false scripts to migrants to use if caught.
Zavala Quino was extradited from Guatemala to the U.S.; Ventura was arrested in Texas.
Some migrants sold their homes in Guatemala to pay smugglers, hoping for a better life in the U.S.
Five of six accused Guatemalans have now pleaded guilty; one case is still pending.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democrats have a chance to win important races in Alaska this November, including the governor’s seat and a U.S. Senate seat. Alaska has usually voted Republican, but new polls and changes in voting rules create opportunities for Democratic candidates.
Key Facts
Alaska has voted Republican in every presidential election since 1968 and voted for President Donald Trump three times.
The governor’s race is open because the current Republican governor cannot run again.
Alaska uses ranked-choice voting, where voters rank candidates by preference, and votes are reallocated if no one wins a majority initially.
Former Representative Mary Peltola, a Democrat, is running against Republican Senator Dan Sullivan.
Democrats see Alaska as a possible key state to help control the U.S. Senate.
More than a dozen candidates, including 11 Republicans, 3 Democrats, and 3 independents, are running for governor.
Analysts say Alaska’s unique politics and voting system could help Democrats if Republicans divide their votes.
Polls show a competitive governor’s race, which could lead to a Democratic win after many years of Republican dominance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The White House North Portico is being repaired, including work on the stone columns. These repairs are part of several renovation projects that President Trump’s administration is carrying out in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
Repairs are taking place at the White House’s North Portico.
The stone columns of the portico are being restored.
The restoration work is described as standard maintenance.
Multiple officials from President Trump’s administration confirmed the repairs.
This project is one of several renovation efforts in Washington, D.C. under President Trump.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C. faces structural change demands from the National Planning Commission. The arch is taller than allowed under a 1910 law limiting building heights but a compromise suggests reducing some parts while keeping the total height.
Key Facts
The proposed arch would be 250 feet tall, with a 166-foot mezzanine, a 24-foot observation level, and a 60-foot Lady Liberty statue on top.
The 1910 Heights of Buildings Act limits building heights in D.C. to 130 feet to preserve the skyline.
The National Planning Commission says the height law applies to federal buildings and proposes reducing the mezzanine and observation levels to 130 and 20 feet respectively.
Under the proposed compromise, Lady Liberty’s statue would be 100 feet tall, keeping the total height at 250 feet.
The arch would be much taller than the 99-foot Lincoln Memorial nearby and taller than the world’s largest arch in Mexico City by about 30 feet.
Critics say the arch could obstruct views of Arlington Cemetery and negatively affect important ceremonies and visitors.
Concerns also exist about the arch’s impact on flight paths at Ronald Reagan National Airport, requiring a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) study.
The arch is planned to be built from concrete with a granite finish, unlike many other monuments made from natural stone.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Montana judge issued a restraining order blocking the Montana Republican Party from enforcing new bylaws that require members to pay dues, pledge loyalty, and allow removal from party positions for certain behaviors. The lawsuit challenges these bylaws, arguing they unfairly give party leaders power to remove members and override voter decisions.
Key Facts
A district judge in Lewis and Clark County stopped the Montana GOP from implementing new bylaws.
The bylaws require $20 annual dues and a loyalty oath from party members.
Members can be removed for not paying dues or behavior judged against party goals by party officers.
Removal charges can be filed by any 20 official Republican members.
The lawsuit is filed by several county Republican committees and individuals who say the bylaws are corrupt and violate voter rights.
The 2019 Montana law protects elected party precinct officers from arbitrary removal and is part of the lawsuit’s basis.
The party chair, Art Wittich, supports targeting members who work with Democrats and has not responded to requests for comment.
Recent GOP internal conflicts involve disagreements between hardliners and centrists over cooperation with Democrats on legislation and budget issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Los Angeles is using the 2026 FIFA World Cup games held in the city to promote its improved public transit system and prepare for the 2028 Olympics, which aims to be car-free for attendees. Officials added shuttle buses to connect venues not directly served by trains and are working to improve rider safety with a new transit police force.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup featured eight games in Los Angeles, helping to introduce residents to the city's public transit system.
On July 2, nearly 50,000 people used rail lines to attend the Spain-Austria match.
Since SoFi Stadium is not directly accessible by train, 15 shuttle bus lines were added, carrying over 30,000 riders for that game.
Metro borrowed about 200 buses for the World Cup and plans to borrow 3,000 buses for the 2028 Olympics.
The 2028 Olympics will not have parking at venues, requiring attendees to rely on transit and shuttles.
Los Angeles Metro currently provides about 1 million rides daily, fewer than cities like New York or Chicago.
Safety concerns exist related to crime, drug use, cleanliness, and homelessness on transit.
Metro started its own police force in June 2026, aiming to improve safety and gradually replacing LAPD presence by 2029.
Crime on LA Metro has decreased by 13.6% over the past two years according to agency data.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Ohio judge has temporarily allowed 24 college basketball players to challenge new NCAA eligibility rules that prevent them from playing a fifth year. The players argue the rules unfairly stop them from competing more, after the NCAA changed how many years athletes can play based on age.
Key Facts
An Ohio judge granted a preliminary injunction for 24 men’s and women’s college basketball players suing the NCAA.
The players say the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model unfairly blocks them from playing a fifth year.
The NCAA now allows athletes five seasons of competition within five years, starting either when they enroll full-time or the year after their 19th birthday.
The new rules reduce exceptions like redshirt years and exclude injury extensions, except for religious missions, pregnancy, or military service.
The lawsuit argues the NCAA applied the rules arbitrarily and seeks to let these players enter the transfer portal to find new teams.
The NCAA says athletes who finished four seasons by 2025-26 should no longer expect to compete further.
A trial preparation meeting is set for August 4.
The NCAA Division I Cabinet says it will not change the new eligibility rules despite the lawsuit.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
