Indiana Senator Jim Banks introduced a bill called the Citizenship Act of 2026. This bill would make official President Donald Trump’s executive order about birthright citizenship, changing how people born in the U.S. to unauthorized immigrants are considered citizens.
Key Facts
Senator Jim Banks is a Republican from Indiana.
He introduced the Citizenship Act of 2026 on Monday.
The bill follows President Trump’s Day 1 executive order on birthright citizenship.
The bill aims to change the current rules about who is automatically a U.S. citizen when born in the country.
It targets people born to parents who enter the U.S. without permission or for “birth tourism” (coming to the U.S. just to have a child who becomes a citizen).
The bill would legally enforce these new citizenship rules.
This issue is part of a broader debate about immigration and citizenship laws in the U.S.
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An ICE agent in Biddeford, Maine, shot and killed a 26-year-old man from Colombia, leading the Department of Homeland Security to order ICE agents to stop most vehicle stops across the country. The agent said the shooting happened because of concerns for public safety.
Key Facts
The shooting involved a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
The victim was a 26-year-old Colombian man.
The incident took place in Biddeford, Maine.
The Department of Homeland Security ordered ICE agents to stop most vehicle stops nationwide after two fatal ICE shootings.
The ICE agent said the shooting happened due to fear for public safety.
BBC Verify reviewed video footage related to the shooting.
The order to halt stops applies immediately and across the whole country.
This is the second fatal ICE shooting that prompted the action.
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Senate Democrats blocked the progress of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) because they disagree with President Donald Trump’s actions in the conflict with Iran. They want the fighting to stop before approving the defense spending bill.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats stopped the NDAA from moving forward to protest President Trump’s renewed conflict with Iran.
The NDAA is a yearly defense bill that usually passes with support from both parties.
Democrats are upset because the US is still involved in fighting despite a recent war powers resolution aiming for a ceasefire.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate should not approve the defense bill while the Iran conflict continues.
President Trump threatened a 20% fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz but later withdrew this plan.
Trump said the US is protecting the Strait of Hormuz for the world but does not want to charge fees.
Republicans want the NDAA to pass because it funds military pay raises, new weapons, and counter-drone tech.
Republican leader John Thune criticized Democrats for blocking the bill and urged support for military members.
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The Wisconsin Elections Commission found that Elon Musk likely broke state law by giving $1 million checks to voters in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The commission has referred the case to the Brown County district attorney, who may decide to press criminal charges for election bribery.
Key Facts
Elon Musk gave $1 million checks to some voters before the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission found probable cause that Musk violated state election laws.
The commission referred the complaints to the Brown County district attorney for possible criminal charges.
Musk and groups he supports spent at least $20 million backing Republican candidate Brad Schimel, who lost to Democrat Susan Crawford.
Musk’s political action committee offered money to voters to oppose “activist judges” before the election.
Three Wisconsin voters received checks, two in person at a rally in Green Bay.
There is an ongoing lawsuit seeking to stop Musk from making future cash payments to voters in Wisconsin.
Musk’s lawyers argue the payments are free speech protected by the Wisconsin and U.S. constitutions.
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Two corpse flowers are blooming fully at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in California. This rare event happens every two to three years, and the flowers produce a strong smell like rotten meat or stinky cheese that lasts about one to two days.
Key Facts
The bloom is happening at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in California.
Corpse flowers come from Sumatra, Indonesia.
Each corpse flower blooms once every two to three years.
The bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours.
The flower’s smell is often compared to rotten meat, stinky cheese, or boiled cabbage.
This blooming event is uncommon and attracts public attention.
The plant is known as the "corpse flower" because of its strong, unpleasant smell.
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Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester mayor, is returning to the UK parliament and gaining influence as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to step down. The recent approval of the Hillsborough law, which addresses accountability for public officials, marks a symbolic moment in this shift of power between Starmer and Burnham.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham first spoke publicly about the Hillsborough disaster in 2009 and sought legal changes to increase government honesty and prevent cover-ups.
Burnham resigned as an MP in 2017 but is now returning to parliament and re-entering national politics.
The Hillsborough law was passed after a long delay, with Starmer presenting it in parliament, signalling a change in leadership.
Starmer announced he will step down after Burnham won the Makerfield byelection.
Starmer used his remaining time to push important policies like a social media ban for under-16s and a defence investment plan.
Internationally, Starmer engaged in supporting Ukraine, managing NATO relations, and trade agreements.
Burnham has been active on immigration issues, supporting refugee rights while pushing deportation of serious criminals.
The transition between Starmer and Burnham is ongoing, with Burnham expected to take over as prime minister soon.
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Senator Chuck Grassley said the Justice Department informed him that special counsel Jack Smith’s team secretly got text messages from 44 lawmakers during an investigation into President Donald Trump. Grassley is one of the lawmakers whose messages were reviewed.
Key Facts
Senator Chuck Grassley is the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The Justice Department told Grassley that Jack Smith’s team obtained lawmakers’ text messages.
The text messages were taken secretly as part of an investigation involving President Donald Trump.
A total of 44 lawmakers had their text messages reviewed.
Grassley confirmed he is included among the lawmakers affected.
Jack Smith is the special counsel leading the investigation.
The investigation relates to activities involving President Donald Trump.
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The Trump administration has told ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers to stop most traffic stops after two recent shootings where ICE officers killed drivers. One shooting happened in Maine when an ICE officer fatally shot a Colombian man, and another occurred in Texas a week earlier. The moves came amid protests and criticism of ICE’s enforcement tactics.
Key Facts
ICE suspended most traffic stops to detain immigrants after two deadly shootings occurred in just over a week.
One shooting happened in Maine where ICE officers shot and killed Colombian national Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, 26 years old.
The incident in Maine followed a fatal shooting by ICE in Houston, Texas, a week before.
The Maine shooting happened as officers tried to arrest someone at a home believed to be in the US illegally.
The ICE officer said he shot after the vehicle tried to flee; a senator said the officer fired because the man appeared to try to use the car as a weapon.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the shooting a targeted killing and asked President Trump to explain.
Hundreds protested near an ICE facility in Maine over the shooting.
ICE officers involved did not have body cameras, raising questions about the exact details of the shooting.
The Trump administration has blamed these changes on safety concerns but did not provide full details on law enforcement tactics.
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A new poll shows that many voters who dislike both Democrats and Republicans are leaning toward voting for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections. This group of voters could influence which party controls Congress in November.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted from June 17-22 and surveyed 2,000 Americans, with 356 identified as disliking both major parties.
Among these "double haters," 55% plan to vote for Democrats, 29% for Republicans, and 16% for independents, other parties, or are undecided.
Historically, the party in the White House loses seats in midterm elections.
President Donald Trump’s approval is declining, which may help Democrats gain seats.
Many voters who dislike both parties are unhappy with the economy and see the government as ineffective.
These voters are not strongly loyal to Democrats but are reacting against Republicans because they are currently in power.
Not all of these voters regularly vote, and overall midterm turnout is usually lower than in presidential elections.
Latino voters and other swing groups will also be closely watched in the 2024 midterms.
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Senate Democrats blocked a key defense bill because they oppose how President Trump has handled the conflict with Iran without Congress's approval. The bill usually passes easily but is now delayed due to disagreement over the war powers and recent military actions in Iran.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats voted 50 to 46 against moving forward with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Democrats oppose the Trump administration’s approach to the Iran conflict, saying it lacks Congressional approval.
The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to report to Congress within 48 hours of military action without approval and limits it to 60 days without Congressional consent.
The Trump administration said hostilities in Iran ended in April but recently said they have resumed.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the timing of the vote amid renewed conflict with Iran.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune supports the bill and encourages Democrats to pass it, noting its benefits for national security and troops.
The NDAA includes funding for drones, naval shipbuilding, air force fighters, a new bomber, troop pay raises, and other support services.
The bill aims to reform defense purchasing, including allowing multi-year contracts to improve efficiency.
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A group of senators from both parties is introducing a bill called the PROMISE Act to address the expected shortage of money in the Social Security program by 2032. The bill aims to create a bipartisan advisory committee that will recommend solutions and require Congress to vote on a plan to keep Social Security funded for at least 50 more years.
Key Facts
Social Security’s retirement fund is projected to run short by 2032, one year earlier than previously expected.
The PROMISE Act is supported by senators from both parties and an independent senator.
The legislation would create an independent, bipartisan committee to suggest ways to fix Social Security’s funding problems.
It would force Congress to vote on a plan to secure Social Security’s finances for at least 50 years.
Social Security’s shortfall is due to lower birth rates, less immigration, and less trust fund revenue.
Past efforts to address Social Security’s finances have faced political challenges and opposition from interest groups.
Even if the trust fund runs out, Social Security will still pay benefits but at a reduced level.
Last major Social Security reform happened about 40 years ago, raising the eligibility age from 65 to 67.
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A cyclosporiasis outbreak is causing concern among consumers, but health officials have not yet found the exact food source. The illness causes severe diarrhea, and authorities are advising caution, while social media spreads unconfirmed information.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Public health officials have not yet identified the official food source causing the outbreak.
Michigan, with about 2,600 cases, suggests lettuce or salad greens might be involved but has not confirmed any specific producer.
Taco Bell has temporarily removed some ingredients from selected restaurants as a safety measure while investigations continue.
No official recalls or confirmed links to particular farms, producers, or retailers have been announced.
Health experts warn against accepting unverified claims or blaming certain stores or restaurants without proof.
The CDC and FDA have not provided detailed updates on the outbreak and did not respond to requests for comment.
Reduced disease monitoring and staffing cuts at the CDC have made it harder to track and identify the source quickly.
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Senate Democrats voted against moving forward with the $1.15 trillion defense spending bill. This bill usually gets support from both parties, but this year it became a political disagreement over how much money should be spent on defense.
Key Facts
The bill is called the annual defense authorization bill.
It authorizes spending for defense-related activities and programs.
The vote to start debate on the bill failed with 50 senators against and 46 in favor.
Typically, the bill passes with support from both parties.
This year, Democrats and Republicans disagreed on the total defense budget.
The disagreement caused a delay in the bill’s progress.
Passing the bill is important for funding the military and defense projects.
The failure to move forward could impact military operations and budgeting.
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President Donald Trump met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House. They discussed a new large oil partnership between the two countries and noted positive relations.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House.
Trump described a strong working relationship with the Iraqi leader.
They plan to announce a significant new oil partnership.
The meeting highlights cooperation between the U.S. and Iraq.
Oil partnership likely aims to benefit both countries’ energy sectors.
This visit marks a diplomatic engagement focused on economic ties.
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Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified before Congress to ask for a larger budget focused on improving their security. They explained that threats against justices have increased recently and shared personal stories about the impact of these dangers on their lives.
Key Facts
This was the first time since 2019 that Supreme Court justices testified before Congress.
The Supreme Court is requesting a budget increase to $228 million, a 10% rise from last year, mostly for enhanced security.
Threats against Supreme Court justices rose by 38% last year and 25% the year before.
Justice Barrett said she wore a bulletproof vest and brought it home, explaining it was hard to tell her son why.
Barrett also confirmed she was the target of a "swatting" incident, where false emergency calls bring law enforcement to a home.
Currently, each justice has 4 to 8 security agents; the court wants to add 6 more per justice and 25 officers for the building.
The court also requested funds to start planning an off-site visitor screening area to improve building security.
Justices highlighted concerns about staff burnout because many security agents work long and repeated shifts.
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A 10-foot gold statue called the “Iran War Participation Trophy” appeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The statue satirizes President Donald Trump’s involvement in the renewed conflict with Iran and has drawn mixed reactions from the public. The Trump administration criticized the artwork while tensions between the U.S. and Iran rise with new military actions and a planned naval blockade.
Key Facts
The statue is created by an anonymous artist group called Secret Handshake.
It mocks President Trump’s repeated claims of victory in the Iran conflict despite ongoing fighting.
A plaque on the trophy praises Trump for participating in the war regardless of the outcome.
Visitors have added smaller trophies around the base as part of the installation.
The statue sits near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bookstore on the National Mall.
The Trump administration said the statue is “untalented art” and claimed the U.S. military met all its goals during “Operation Epic Fury.”
The U.S. and Iran recently resumed strikes after a peace deal collapsed.
President Trump announced plans to reinstate a naval blockade on Iranian ports and impose fees on cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.
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The Supreme Court ruled that courts cannot stop the Department of Homeland Security from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians. Following this, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said TPS holders could apply for visas or permanent residency, or take a stipend and a plane ticket to leave the U.S. This caused a split among conservatives, some of whom criticized the policy as a hidden form of amnesty.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that courts cannot review the DHS's decision to end TPS for about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians.
TPS is a temporary program for people who cannot return home safely due to crises like war or natural disasters.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said TPS holders could apply for temporary visas, permanent residency, or accept $2,100–$2,600 and a flight home to self-deport.
Some conservatives argue this offers a "backdoor amnesty," meaning a quiet path to permanent residency without Congress passing a law.
TPS itself does not grant permanent legal status; its original purpose was temporary protection only.
The ruling and DHS policies have caused disagreement within the Republican Party and among immigration hardliners.
Critics on the right say TPS holders should not be allowed to apply for visas or residency because they had years to do so.
Mullin clarified that those without legal status must either accept the stipend and leave or face removal from the U.S.
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A journalist reflects on the mixed reactions she received after writing about Lyndsey Fifield, a woman who accused Graham Platner of wrongdoing. She notes unexpected criticism from progressive women who questioned the credibility of Fifield’s account when it conflicted with their political interests, while a conservative woman showed support.
Key Facts
The article discusses Lyndsey Fifield, who accused Graham Platner, and how she is labeled mostly by her relationship and politics rather than her testimony.
The journalist received mostly predictable negative feedback from conservatives.
Unexpectedly, some progressive women criticized the journalist and questioned the accuser’s credibility due to political reasons.
Progressive women who often declare support for survivors showed hesitation when the accusation affected a favored candidate.
A conservative woman privately thanked the journalist and showed understanding despite political differences.
The journalist highlights the irony of political loyalty sometimes overriding the principle of believing women.
She calls for Democratic women to lead in consistently supporting women who speak out, regardless of political inconvenience.
The journalist stresses that many men in both parties have not led on accountability in such cases.
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President Donald Trump commented on the FBI investigating the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. He said he does not know why the FBI is involved and mentioned that Senator Graham had a health issue that was hard to detect.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump spoke about the FBI investigating Senator Lindsey Graham's death.
The president said he did not understand why the FBI was looking into it.
Senator Lindsey Graham recently passed away.
Graham had a health problem described as hard to detect by President Trump.
A preliminary medical report said Senator Graham suffered a tear in his aorta.
The aorta is a large artery that carries blood from the heart.
Darline Graham was sworn in as senator after Lindsey Graham’s death.
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Democratic Representative Seth Magaziner criticized Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about recent fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers. Magaziner questioned when the violence would end, noting that Mullin had promised to reduce negative news about the department.
Key Facts
Two people were fatally shot by federal immigration officers in the past week.
Rep. Seth Magaziner raised concerns about these shootings during a discussion with Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Mullin had previously said his goal was to stop the Department of Homeland Security from making negative headlines.
Magaziner’s comments took place in a congressional setting.
The issue highlights ongoing tension around immigration enforcement and use of force by federal officers.
Secretary Mullin is responsible for overseeing the Department of Homeland Security.
The shootings have drawn attention to how immigration policies are enforced.
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