A federal advisory council, mostly appointed by President Trump, plans to reduce the federal review of projects affecting historic sites, including cutting public input and state and tribal roles. The proposed changes could speed up construction projects but raise concerns about the protection of historic and sacred places.
Key Facts
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation has 20 out of 24 members appointed by President Trump.
The council is voting on a proposal to lessen the review process under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider effects on historic sites before approving projects.
The proposal would make state and tribal reviews optional and eliminate the need for public comments.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and tribal groups oppose the changes, fearing loss of protection for historic and sacred sites.
President Trump has several construction projects underway that could be affected by the review process changes.
The proposal would redefine what counts as a historic property, potentially reducing protections.
Critics say the changes could increase federal power to build on historic lands with less oversight and fewer voices heard.
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Texas police arrested Mayra Velasquez for a 2012 murder after the FBI used DNA testing and genealogy research to identify her as a suspect. Irasema Chavez was found stabbed to death in her home, and police solved the case 14 years later through new DNA analysis and interviews.
Key Facts
Irasema Chavez was killed in January 2012 in her Arlington, Texas home.
She suffered 100 stab wounds and was found dead on January 20, 2012.
Police initially had evidence like surveillance and blood samples but no suspect match.
In 2024, Arlington Police asked the FBI to help using Investigative Genetic Genealogy (DNA plus genealogy records).
The FBI linked the DNA from the crime scene to Mayra Velasquez, 42, who was arrested in July 2026.
Police confirmed the DNA match by testing Velasquez’s DNA from discarded trash.
Velasquez was charged with capital murder, and police are still investigating the motive.
Detective Tracy Dixon said Velasquez’s interview statements helped build the case.
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House Republicans passed a $95 billion budget plan to fund military efforts related to Iran and support President Donald Trump’s priorities. The plan passed narrowly without any Democratic votes and faced opposition from some Republicans concerned about its costs and lack of budget cuts.
Key Facts
The House approved a $95 billion budget proposal led only by Republicans.
The plan aims to fund the war in Iran and other priorities of President Donald Trump.
All Democrats opposed the proposal, resulting in a close vote of 216 to 214.
Some Republican members were also against the plan because it did not include budget cuts.
Speaker Mike Johnson pushed the plan forward despite division within the GOP.
The effort comes shortly before the upcoming midterm elections.
The Senate is expected to be skeptical about the plan.
The proposal was created without any support from Democrats, making it a partisan effort.
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President Donald Trump is considering military strikes against a militant group linked to al-Qaeda in Mali. U.S. officials have differing opinions on whether to proceed with the attack.
Key Facts
The militant group in Mali is affiliated with al-Qaeda.
President Trump is reviewing possible military action against this group.
The Washington Post reported this information, citing U.S. officials.
Some top officials support the strike, while others oppose it.
The National Security Council’s counterterrorism director is involved in the discussions.
The decision has not yet been finalized.
Mali has been a location of militant activity affecting regional security.
The U.S. government is weighing options to address threats linked to terrorism in Africa.
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More than twice as many top officials confirmed by the Senate have left their positions during President Trump’s second term compared to the same time in his first term. Over the past 18 months, 27 officials have departed from the administration, according to a report by the Partnership for Public Service.
Key Facts
The report focuses on Senate-confirmed officials in President Trump’s administration.
During the first 18 months of his second term, 27 such officials left their roles.
This number is more than double the departures seen during the same period of his first term.
The data comes from the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan group.
These officials hold key government positions that require Senate approval.
High turnover means many leadership roles in the government have changed hands quickly.
The report highlights concerns about stability and continuity in the administration.
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The House of Representatives passed a Republican plan to spend up to $95 billion on the Iran war, farming aid, and parts of President Trump's SAVE America Act, which includes new voting rules. The measure passed narrowly and now moves to the Senate, where it faces challenges because of Democratic opposition and complex Senate rules.
Key Facts
The House approved a GOP-backed budget resolution 216 to 214.
The plan includes $60 billion for defense, $13 billion for intelligence, $12 billion for agriculture, and $10 billion for election-related matters.
The SAVE America Act includes voting requirements like proof of citizenship to register and photo ID to vote.
Republicans are using a process called reconciliation to pass the bill with a simple Senate majority, avoiding Democratic filibuster.
Some GOP senators oppose increased Iran war funding without congressional authorization.
The bill currently has no plan to offset, or pay for, the new spending, causing concern among some conservatives.
President Trump urged House Republicans to unite behind the plan and fight for it.
The Senate has stalled on the SAVE America Act for months and may reject parts due to Senate rules against non-budget items in reconciliation bills.
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A group of Latino leaders is urging the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to make Nevada the first state to vote in the 2028 Democratic primary. They sent a letter to the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee asking for this change.
Key Facts
Latino leaders want Nevada to hold the earliest Democratic primary or caucus in 2028.
They sent a letter to the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee.
The effort is described as a last-minute push ahead of the primary calendar decisions.
About two dozen Latino leaders signed the letter.
Nevada has a large and growing Latino population.
Making Nevada first could increase Latino political influence in the primary process.
The current primary calendar positioning affects which states vote first.
The letter was obtained and reported by The Hill news outlet.
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President Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia that may let the country enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear program. The agreement is expected to last 30 years and could involve U.S. companies helping develop the program.
Key Facts
President Trump approved a deal with Saudi Arabia on nuclear cooperation.
The agreement may allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, which is a process to prepare fuel for nuclear power plants.
The deal is expected to be publicly announced soon.
It will likely last for 30 years.
U.S. companies are expected to participate in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program.
A joint study between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia supported the possible creation of a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.
The information comes from sources who are not authorized to speak publicly yet.
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The Secret Service announced they are confident about the safety plans for the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which was postponed earlier this year because of a shooting nearby. The event is now scheduled to take place on Friday.
Key Facts
The White House Correspondents' Dinner was postponed in April.
The postponement followed a shooting near the event's screening area.
The Secret Service held a briefing on Wednesday before the new event date.
The dinner is now rescheduled for Friday.
The Secret Service says their security measures are strong and reliable.
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Former defence minister Al Carns has declined an offer to join Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government again because he still believes defence funding is too low. Carns and others left the previous government led by Sir Keir Starmer over concerns about insufficient military spending.
Key Facts
Al Carns resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s government over low defence spending and refused a new ministerial role under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Carns believes accepting the role would stop his efforts to push for higher military funding.
John Healey, a former defence secretary who also resigned, was appointed chancellor and supports increasing defence funds.
The UK government aims to meet NATO’s defence spending target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
New Defence Secretary Wes Streeting wants to spend military funds wisely and focus on modernizing forces.
Several ministers resigned amid disagreements and leadership changes, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and immigration minister Mike Tapp.
The resignations and appointments reflect ongoing debates about defence budgets and government leadership.
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President Donald Trump spoke in Georgia, criticizing Senator Jon Ossoff and referring to Democrats as “communist.” He called Ossoff “terrible” and compared him to a comedy character. Ossoff is running for reelection against Trump-backed Representative Mike Collins.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech in Georgia targeting Senator Jon Ossoff.
Trump called Ossoff “terrible” and compared him to Pee-Wee Herman, a comedic character.
Trump described Democrats as “communist” during his remarks.
Jon Ossoff is seeking reelection to the U.S. Senate.
Mike Collins, a Republican supported by Trump, is Ossoff’s opponent.
The speech took place while Ossoff has been active with public speeches and Senate questioning.
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House Republicans passed a budget resolution to start writing a $95 billion bill. The bill plans to fund U.S. military operations related to the war with Iran, provide aid to farmers, and attempt to impose new voting restrictions. The resolution passed narrowly along party lines and is designed to move through the Senate with special rules.
Key Facts
The House passed the budget resolution by a vote of 216-214, mostly along party lines.
The bill aims to provide about $73 billion for military spending on the Iran conflict.
An additional $12 billion is planned to support farmers affected by global impacts and tariffs.
$10 billion is set aside for voting-related measures, including a bill supported by President Trump that would ban mail-in ballots and require stricter voter ID.
The Senate may remove voting-related changes because budget reconciliation rules limit what can be included.
Two Republicans and one independent joined all Democrats in opposing the resolution.
The House speaker said the bill supports troops, farmers, and election integrity.
Senate Republican leader John Thune indicated the Senate might delay action on the bill until a government funding deadline approaches.
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Support for the war in Iran has dropped among President Donald Trump’s most loyal voters, known as MAGA Trump voters. A recent Politico poll shows 37% now support continuing the war, down from 50% in May.
Key Facts
The poll focuses on supporters of President Donald Trump who identify with the MAGA movement.
Support for a war in Iran decreased from 50% in May to 37% recently.
The war would involve increased costs that could affect people in the United States.
The poll was conducted by Politico, a news organization.
The change shows a significant drop in approval for military action among this group.
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A three-year-old girl in Santa Clarita, California, was bitten by a rattlesnake that was hiding under an Amazon package left at her home. She was treated with anti-venom in the hospital and is now recovering.
Key Facts
The snake was a southern pacific rattlesnake hiding beneath a brown padded envelope.
The girl, named Addy, was bitten on her left hand while trying to get the package.
Addy's mother took her to first responders who gave her anti-venom and she was then moved to a pediatric intensive care unit.
Addy received three doses of anti-venom total during her treatment.
She is currently in good spirits but has bruising where she was bitten.
Rattlesnake bites have increased in California this year due to heatwaves since March.
So far, there have been 277 reported rattlesnake bites in California this year.
Three people have died from snake bites in California this year, which is higher than usual.
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House Republicans narrowly passed a budget plan to begin work on a $95 billion package called reconciliation 3.0. The package includes funding for the Iran war, farm aid, and incentives for states to adopt parts of the SAVE America Act but faces challenges in both the House and Senate.
Key Facts
The House passed the budget framework by a close vote of 216-214.
Two House Republicans and one Independent voted against the measure, along with all Democrats.
The $95 billion package includes $73 billion for the Iran war, $12 billion for farm aid, and $10 billion to encourage states to adopt parts of the SAVE America Act.
President Donald Trump urged House Republicans to support the budget resolution.
Some conservatives oppose the package’s grant program to states for voter ID laws, calling for stronger enforcement instead.
Senate Republicans warn that including the full SAVE Act would likely fail Senate rules for reconciliation bills.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the reconciliation plan faces difficult approval and may be a backup option to prevent a government shutdown.
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The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, approved a budget plan worth $95 billion. This plan increases money for the Pentagon, helps farmers, and supports states in adding voting rules.
Key Facts
The House passed a $95 billion budget reconciliation framework.
The plan includes more funding for the Pentagon (U.S. Department of Defense).
It provides financial aid for agriculture and farming.
The budget also encourages states to adopt new voting restrictions.
Speaker Mike Johnson led efforts to get enough support for the vote.
The vote was close due to a narrowly divided House.
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The House of Representatives passed a bill that limits stock trading by members of Congress. The bill bans buying stocks by Congress members, their spouses, and children, and requires advance public disclosure of stock sales, but some Democrats criticized it for not being strict enough and for including a voter ID rule.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Stop Insider Trading Act, introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin.
It bans members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying publicly traded stocks.
Lawmakers must disclose planned stock sales at least seven days before selling.
Violators face fines of $2,000 or 10% of the transaction, plus loss of any profits made.
The bill passed 232 to 198, with some Democrats joining all Republicans in support.
Republicans added a photo voter ID requirement to the bill, which some Democrats oppose.
Democrats want a stronger ban, including on stock ownership and trading by the president and administration officials.
Current law (STOCK Act) bans insider trading by officials but has not led to any prosecutions over 13 years.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a new law that bans members of Congress from trading stocks. The bill was supported by Republicans and some Democrats and aims to prevent conflicts of interest by lawmakers.
Key Facts
The House voted 232 to 198 in favor of the stock trading ban.
The bill was introduced by Representative Bryan Steil, a Republican from Wisconsin.
Thirteen Democrats joined all Republicans to pass the legislation.
The bill addresses concerns about lawmakers potentially benefiting financially from inside information.
Conservative Republicans pushed for this vote after months of delay.
The new law is designed to increase transparency and public trust in Congress.
The legislation affects members of the House of Representatives.
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A recent fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Maine has become a major topic in the state's Senate race. Democratic candidate Troy Jackson supports ending ICE, while Republican Senator Susan Collins, who backed ICE funding, faces criticism and defends her efforts to influence federal immigration actions.
Key Facts
Johan Sebastián Guerrero, a 25-year-old Colombian man, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13, 2026.
Guerrero was not the target of the ICE operation; he had entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 but received a work permit in 2025.
Hundreds protested in Biddeford after the shooting, criticizing ICE and supporting Guerrero’s family.
Troy Jackson, poised to be the Democratic nominee, called ICE "a rogue agency" and said it should be dismantled.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican, chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee and supports a close working relationship with the federal government.
After the shooting, Collins urged a halt to non-urgent vehicle stops by ICE, but President Trump reversed that pause.
Democrats criticize Collins for supporting federal immigration enforcement, while some Republicans defend her approach as beneficial to Maine.
Jackson has strong support from labor unions, which may boost his message on immigration issues.
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The US House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a close vote mostly along party lines. The bill now moves to the Senate. Democrats mostly opposed it because of the war with Iran, new voting restrictions supported by President Trump included in the bill, and concerns about its high cost.
Key Facts
The NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion for military spending in fiscal year 2027.
The House vote was 216 in favor and 212 against, with most Democrats opposing.
Democrats opposed the bill partly due to the ongoing war with Iran and lack of Congress approval for attacks.
The bill includes the Save America Act, a Trump-backed law proposal to ban mail-in ballots and add voter ID rules.
Some Democrats criticized the bill’s high cost and cuts to other government programs.
The bill also includes provisions to increase US-Israel defense cooperation.
Several amendments were debated; two notable votes included rejecting a halt to aid for Ukraine and rejecting a ban on transgender military service.
The House Republicans plan to approve an additional $60 billion in military spending related to the Iran conflict.
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