Senators from both parties say a government shutdown in September is more likely after President Donald Trump demanded that Republican leaders get rid of the filibuster rule. He warned there could be a spending fight and shutdown if the filibuster is not abolished.
Key Facts
President Trump called on GOP leaders to end the filibuster rule.
The filibuster is a Senate rule that allows a minority to block legislation.
Trump said failure to remove the filibuster could lead to a government shutdown.
Senators from both parties agree the risk of a shutdown in September is increasing.
The dispute centers around passing government spending bills to keep the government running.
GOP leaders were caught off guard by President Trump's demand.
A government shutdown would stop many government services and operations.
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Democrats in Michigan are preparing for an important Senate primary race between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed. This race is seen as a key moment for the party as it plans for future elections, including the 2028 presidential race.
Key Facts
The Senate primary is in Michigan.
Rep. Haley Stevens is one candidate in the race.
Abdul El-Sayed is the other candidate and has support from progressive Democrats.
Progressives supporting El-Sayed include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The race is viewed as a test for the Democratic Party’s direction and identity.
Democrats see this primary as important for shaping future election strategies.
The party is looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election while focusing on this race.
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Republican leaders in the House of Representatives are working quickly to prepare a third budget bill that follows party lines. They hope to pass it before the midterm election campaigns start, but disagreements within the party are making it difficult.
Key Facts
House Republican leaders want to create a third party-line budget bill soon.
The goal is to pass the budget bill before midterm election campaigning intensifies.
Internal divisions among Republicans are making the process harder.
President Donald Trump supports actions to increase certain budget items.
The bill is part of ongoing efforts to control government spending and policy.
Lawmakers face pressure from different groups within their party with conflicting views.
The timeline for the bill aims for completion by the end of the week.
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Texas is facing heavy rain and flood warnings in many counties this week. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 59 counties to allow quick state support as dangerous flash flooding threatens parts of the state.
Key Facts
Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 59 Texas counties due to severe storms and flood risks.
The disaster declaration helps the state quickly send resources to support local communities.
Heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding are expected to continue in southwest, central, and southeast Texas through the week.
The National Weather Service has flood watches in place for multiple counties, including Bexar, Travis, and Webb.
Residents are advised to watch weather reports, avoid driving on flooded roads, and prepare emergency supplies.
The number of counties under flood alerts may increase as the storms develop.
The situation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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Dr. Erica Schwartz will appear before a Senate committee for a hearing to confirm her as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She was nominated by President Donald Trump in April 2026 and has a background as a former deputy surgeon general.
Key Facts
Dr. Erica Schwartz was nominated by President Donald Trump on April 16, 2026, to be the CDC director.
She served as Deputy Surgeon General from 2019 to early 2021 during the previous Trump administration.
Schwartz earned her medical degree from Brown University and served in the U.S. Navy until 2005.
She will replace Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has been acting CDC director since February 2026.
Schwartz is the fourth person nominated or named to lead the CDC since summer 2025.
Senate questions may focus on topics like vaccinations, the Ebola outbreak in Congo, and measles cases in the U.S.
Concerns exist about how much independence Schwartz will have from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Another nominee, Sean Kaufman, will be heard by the Senate committee for a different public health leadership role connected to the CDC.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is facing tough questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee as he seeks confirmation to become the permanent head of the Justice Department. His nomination faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans due to controversies involving a canceled fund and a disputed IRS settlement connected to President Trump.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is currently acting Attorney General and was previously President Donald Trump’s defense lawyer.
President Trump formally nominated Blanche for Attorney General in June 2026.
Blanche’s confirmation is challenged by controversies during his time at the Justice Department, especially regarding a now-canceled “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”
The fund was intended to support Trump allies who claimed they were wrongly targeted by investigations, including some linked to the January 6 Capitol attack.
Blanche signed a document granting President Trump and his family immunity from IRS tax return investigations, which led to bipartisan criticism.
A federal judge criticized the IRS settlement as improper and suggested Blanche may have given misleading testimony to Congress.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a key supporter of Blanche, recently died, making Blanche’s confirmation vote more uncertain.
Democrats are expected to oppose Blanche’s nomination, so he likely needs all Republican votes on the Judiciary Committee to advance.
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A man named Hamish Tait faces over 300 child abuse charges, including producing illegal material and filming without consent. The investigation covers many locations in Australia, including a remote Indigenous community school in South Australia, though no charges have been filed there yet.
Key Facts
Hamish Tait, 35, faces 329 child abuse charges from 2009 to 2025.
Charges include making illegal child abuse materials and filming private acts without consent.
Police know of 136 alleged victims, with 22 more unidentified.
Tait worked at or attended 55 childhood education centers, mostly in Sydney and one in remote South Australia.
Tait was arrested in July 2025, and authorities seized nearly 2.5 million files from his devices.
South Australian officials are cooperating with federal police to investigate.
A police website lists the centers linked to Tait, but no suggestion all places saw offenses.
The Australian Federal Police encourage the public to help identify victims.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is facing a Senate hearing to confirm his nomination amid controversy over how he handled the release of documents about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Some Republican senators are undecided about supporting him, especially after a judge ruled that Blanche violated a law related to the Epstein files.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the acting Attorney General and is being considered for a full term.
His nomination faces opposition from Democrats and uncertainty among some Republicans.
The main issue is how Blanche managed the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
A federal judge ruled that Blanche and the Justice Department violated the law by withholding or over-redacting material in these files.
There is ongoing legal pressure to release more records and demands for explanations about the redactions.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna are leading bipartisan criticism of Blanche’s handling of the files.
Blanche is also linked to legal issues regarding a Trump-IRS lawsuit, adding to political challenges.
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis remain undecided about supporting Blanche’s nomination.
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The U.S. Treasury revealed the design of a new $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump’s face, created to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary. A lawsuit attempting to stop the coin’s production was dismissed by a judge, allowing the coin to move forward despite some controversy.
Key Facts
The new $1 coin shows President Trump’s face in the center, with "Liberty" at the top and "In God We Trust" beside his image.
The coin also displays the years "1776-2026" to mark the U.S. semiquincentennial (250th anniversary).
Initially, the coin design had Trump’s profile, but the revealed version shows a front-facing image.
A 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring Trump was planned, with only 47 pieces to be made as collectors’ items.
A lawsuit was filed to block the coin’s production, citing a law that normally bans living presidents from appearing on currency.
Judge Karin J. Immergut ruled the lawsuit could not stop production because the plaintiff had no personal harm and no legal standing.
The coin’s design was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were selected by President Trump.
The controversy includes objections from Democrats and some coin collectors regarding the depiction of a living president on currency.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a temporary pause on building new data centers across the state, using her executive power to act quickly. This moratorium could serve as a model for other states facing voter concerns about the rapid growth and energy use of data centers.
Key Facts
Governor Hochul imposed the first statewide data center moratorium in the U.S. through an executive order.
The moratorium pauses new data center projects above 50 megawatts while negotiations continue with lawmakers.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez introduced a bill proposing a wider moratorium affecting projects over 20 megawatts and requiring public hearings.
Hochul’s staff say the governor wants to combine her order with legislation to stop tax breaks for large tech companies ("hyperscalers").
Similar moratorium efforts are appearing in other states, including Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott has called for banning new AI data centers in rural areas.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earlier pushed for a national moratorium tied to future AI safety laws.
Hochul aims to balance support for innovation with voter concerns about the energy demands and impact of data centers.
The approach shows how governors can use executive action to quickly address local worries while working with lawmakers on longer-term solutions.
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Two bills in the U.S. Congress have attracted wide bipartisan support but remain stalled. The Major Richard Star Act would help injured military retirees keep full benefits but is costly, while the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act aims to increase funding for crime victim programs but faces delays in the Senate.
Key Facts
Both bills have over 300 cosponsors from both Democrats and Republicans.
The Major Richard Star Act would stop reductions in benefits for combat-injured military retirees.
This bill is held up mainly because it could add billions to federal spending over ten years.
The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act passed the House but is waiting for Senate approval.
The second bill would increase money for programs supporting crime victims.
Congressional leaders and committee control of bills contribute to delays.
Lack of dedicated leadership and budget concerns often block even popular bills.
The Senate’s crowded schedule affects the progress of legislation.
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President Donald Trump has significantly changed the Republican Party and the MAGA movement during his two terms. However, there is uncertainty about the party's future and leadership after he leaves office, as the movement is largely centered around him personally rather than strong independent institutions.
Key Facts
President Trump will leave office on January 20, 2029, after serving two nonconsecutive terms.
He reshaped the Republican Party but did not build strong, lasting party institutions to continue his influence.
The MAGA movement depends heavily on Trump’s personal influence and his communication channels like Truth Social.
Unlike previous Republican coalitions, MAGA lacks an established infrastructure such as think tanks and media networks created specifically to outlast Trump.
Some political strategists argue that MAGA has built institutions like the America First Policy Institute and benefits from a broad conservative media ecosystem.
Trump’s impact on the Supreme Court is expected to affect U.S. politics for a long time.
At the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), focus was more on defending Trump and winning upcoming elections than on choosing a future leader.
The Republican Party faces challenges in defining itself or choosing a clear successor without President Trump’s leadership.
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Joan Sebastián Guerrero, a Colombian man, was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a vehicle stop in Maine. A fundraiser has collected nearly $300,000 to assist with his funeral, legal costs, and returning his body to Colombia.
Key Facts
Joan Sebastián Guerrero was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13.
The shooting occurred during an immigration enforcement vehicle stop where Guerrero allegedly tried to flee and drove toward an officer.
The ICE officer involved is on administrative leave while an investigation is ongoing.
A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $292,000 to cover funeral expenses, legal fees, and repatriation of Guerrero’s remains.
Guerrero was authorized to work in the U.S. and had a Social Security number.
This shooting is one of three recent fatal incidents linked to federal immigration enforcement in just over a week.
ICE agents have been told to mostly stop vehicle stops until further notice following these incidents.
The Maine Attorney General is investigating the shooting.
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Police in Prince George’s County, Maryland, arrested a man who stole a kitten named Magnolia and took her to a local bank during an attempted robbery. The man tried to use the kitten to distract the bank staff but was caught, and the kitten was safely returned to a rescue shelter.
Key Facts
The suspect stole Magnolia, a 3.5-month-old kitten, from an adoption area in a Pet Supplies Plus store in Beltsville.
He brought Magnolia into a nearby PNC bank and asked the manager to hold her while demanding money with a note.
The robbery attempt failed, no one was hurt, and the suspect was arrested.
Magnolia was found safe inside the bank manager’s office after the arrest.
The suspect had visited the store daily for about two weeks before stealing the kitten.
Magnolia was still waiting to be adopted and is cared for by the rescue group Beltsville Community Cats.
The rescue group invited the public to apply to adopt Magnolia via email.
Police and rescue workers responded quickly once the theft was reported.
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Darline Graham has been officially sworn in as a temporary U.S. Senator for South Carolina after the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Lindsey Graham served more than 20 years in the Senate and was known for supporting Israel and backing action against Iran.
Key Facts
Darline Graham is Lindsey Graham’s sister.
She was sworn in to temporarily take over his U.S. Senate seat.
Lindsey Graham was a senator from South Carolina.
He served in the Senate for over 20 years.
Lindsey Graham strongly supported Israel.
He advocated for measures against Iran.
This change happened because of Lindsey Graham’s death.
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E. Jean Carroll received over $5.6 million following a civil court case that found President Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Carroll shared the news online and made a sarcastic comment about Alina Habba, who was one of Trump’s lawyers in the case.
Key Facts
Carroll was awarded $5 million by a jury in 2023, plus additional interest, totaling about $5.6 million.
The money was first sent to Carroll’s lawyers and then transferred to her.
Carroll posted a message celebrating the payment and thanked her lawyers.
She made a pointed, sarcastic comment directed at Alina Habba, Trump’s attorney during the lawsuit.
President Trump appealed the verdict multiple times, but the courts upheld the original decision.
The case involved claims of sexual abuse and defamation by President Trump against Carroll.
Newsweek contacted both Carroll and Habba for their comments on the situation.
The story is ongoing and may be updated with new information.
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Rushanara Ali, a former democracy minister, criticized the current elections bill as too cautious and incomplete. She urged the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, to make stronger changes, including banning cryptocurrency donations and regulating social media to prevent harassment and misinformation during elections.
Key Facts
Rushanara Ali helped write the elections bill but resigned last August because she felt it was too limited.
The bill lacks strong measures on harassment, intimidation, online hatred, and voting reform.
The bill’s progress was delayed to prioritize debate on a different law, giving Burnham time to revise it.
Many Labour MPs want a national commission to propose a more representative voting system.
Ali supports banning cryptocurrency donations outright instead of the government’s temporary pause.
Concerns about crypto donations increased after unknown large gifts to Reform UK from crypto entrepreneurs.
Labour MPs want tougher rules to stop disinformation and harassment on social media during elections.
Lucy Powell proposed social media companies follow similar election restrictions as traditional broadcasters.
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A 16-year-old student in Brisbane allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old schoolmate and was charged in children’s court. The court heard the accused faced months of racist abuse and threats, which may have led to the attack that caused serious injuries.
Key Facts
The accused is a 16-year-old student from Brisbane.
The alleged victim is a 17-year-old student who was stabbed multiple times.
The stabbing caused life-threatening injuries, including damage to the victim’s liver.
Police say the attack may have been planned and linked to a social media post.
The defense said the accused had been bullied and racially abused for months online and at school.
Racist and threatening messages were presented in court as evidence of the abuse.
The accused was granted bail with conditions.
The next court hearing is scheduled for September 3.
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The University of Melbourne changed its rules on protests after pro-Palestine sit-ins and office occupations in 2024. These changes include banning outsiders from protesting on campus, no camping allowed, and stricter speaking and posting rules to avoid conflict and protect people on campus.
Key Facts
Pro-Palestine protests at the University of Melbourne in 2024 led the university to change its protest policies sharply.
The protests included a sit-in demanding the university cut ties with Israel and weapons companies.
The university’s interim vice-chancellor, Prof Glyn Davis, said they worked to avoid violence and consulted with police regularly.
Some protests involved harassment and heckling, but not behavior officially classified as antisemitic or racist under university policy.
Jewish professor Steven Prawer’s office was occupied by protesters, causing concerns about safety and misbehavior.
New rules now ban outsiders from protesting on campus, forbid camping, and restrict indoor protests; breaking these rules can lead to suspension or expulsion.
The university used wifi surveillance during protests but later changed its privacy rules to warn users when monitoring occurs.
Further rule changes may come, including requiring people to put their names on posters to reduce offensive material and protect academic freedom.
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A Green-led council in London plans to stop working with the UK Home Office on immigration raids after finding evidence that government officials wanted to use health inspection data to identify restaurant workers without legal status. The council will vote on a motion to review its practices and end cooperation with immigration enforcement efforts aimed at deporting people.
Key Facts
Lewisham council, led by the Green party, wants to ban cooperation with the Home Office on immigration raids.
Officials found an email showing Home Office officials asking for help with joint visits to enforce immigration rules.
The council wants to review all its systems related to spending and data sharing to prevent involvement in immigration enforcement.
The Green party plans to create a network of "sanctuary boroughs" in London where migrants can live without fear of raids.
The Home Office says it works collaboratively with local councils to fight immigration crime.
Since President Trump’s election in 2024, immigration raids have increased by 77%, with arrests up 83%.
Labour government increased immigration raids as it faces pressure to take stricter action.
Critics say immigration raids affect only a small portion of unauthorized workers and are costly and complex.
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