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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

One person killed in shooting involving federal agents in Maine, official says

One person killed in shooting involving federal agents in Maine, official says

July 13, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

One person was killed in a shooting involving federal immigration agents in Biddeford, Maine. State police are on the scene, and the FBI is expected to investigate.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened on Monday in Biddeford, Maine.
  • Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved.
  • The state's top lawmaker and Maine's governor confirmed the incident.
  • The FBI is expected to join the investigation.
  • Details about the victim and circumstances are limited.
  • The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, is led by Markwayne Mullin since March.
  • Recent similar cases caused concerns about the use of force by immigration officers.
  • Earlier this year, a federal operation called "Operation Catch of the Day" took place in Maine to enforce immigration laws.
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BBC US BBC World BBC Top Stories
Judge refers Trump's attorneys for potential disciplinary action over IRS lawsuit

Judge refers Trump's attorneys for potential disciplinary action over IRS lawsuit

July 13, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A federal judge in Florida has referred the lawyers representing President Donald Trump for possible disciplinary action. This is related to a $10 billion lawsuit they filed against the IRS, which led to the creation of a fund called the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" that no longer exists.

Key Facts

  • The judge is based in Florida.
  • President Donald Trump's attorneys filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
  • The lawsuit led to the creation of the "Anti-Weaponization Fund."
  • The "Anti-Weaponization Fund" has since been shut down.
  • The judge has asked for an investigation into whether Trump's lawyers should face discipline for their role in the case.
  • The situation is still developing, with updates expected.
  • The news relates to legal actions involving President Donald Trump and his legal team.
  • The judge's referral means the lawyers' conduct in the case will be reviewed.
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ABC News
Hegseth announces joint task force to identify and prosecute leakers

Hegseth announces joint task force to identify and prosecute leakers

July 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new joint team made up of the Pentagon and the Justice Department. This team will work to find and take legal action against people who leak sensitive government information.

Key Facts

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement on Monday.
  • The Pentagon and the Justice Department created a joint task force.
  • The goal of the task force is to identify people leaking sensitive information.
  • The task force will also prosecute those responsible for leaks.
  • The Defense Department’s Office of General Counsel can request investigations.
  • The effort is part of a broader push to prevent unauthorized disclosure of information.
  • This initiative focuses on protecting national security and government secrets.
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The Hill
US state attorneys general file lawsuit in effort to block Paramount merger

US state attorneys general file lawsuit in effort to block Paramount merger

July 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A group of US state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit to block the $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery. They argue the merger would reduce competition and cause higher prices for consumers, and they want a judge to stop the deal while the case is decided.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit was filed by a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
  • The states involved include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
  • The merger was agreed in February after a bidding contest between Paramount Skydance and Netflix.
  • The US Department of Justice approved the merger weeks before the lawsuit was filed.
  • The lawsuit claims the merger would result in higher prices, less content, and harm to movie theaters and cable distributors.
  • Paramount Skydance says the merger will help them compete better with big tech companies.
  • The deal still needs approval from UK and European regulators, who have raised concerns and delayed the timeline.
  • If the deal does not close by September 30, Paramount will pay extra fees each quarter until it does.
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Guardian World Guardian Business
US Capitol Building Police Response: Man With Gun Arrested

US Capitol Building Police Response: Man With Gun Arrested

July 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Police arrested a man who drove up to the U.S. Capitol barricade with a gun on Monday. Firearms are not allowed on Capitol grounds, and investigators are trying to learn more about why he came there with a weapon.

Key Facts

  • The man was arrested at the North Barricade outside the U.S. Capitol Building.
  • He was in a gray Ford Bronco surrounded by police and emergency vehicles.
  • Firearms are banned by federal law and Capitol Police rules anywhere on Capitol grounds and inside congressional buildings.
  • The ban applies even if someone legally owns a gun elsewhere.
  • Violating these rules can lead to arrest, fines, or jail time.
  • There have been several similar incidents at the Capitol recently involving people carrying weapons.
  • These events have raised concerns and led to calls for stronger security measures around the Capitol.
  • The Capitol has been on high alert since the January 6, 2021 attack.
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Newsweek
Republican Chances of Losing North Carolina Senate Seat to Roy Cooper—Polls

Republican Chances of Losing North Carolina Senate Seat to Roy Cooper—Polls

July 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new poll shows Democrat Roy Cooper leading Republican Michael Whatley in the race for a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina. This seat is open because Republican Senator Thom Tillis is retiring, making the race important for control of the Senate after the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Roy Cooper, a Democrat and two-term North Carolina governor, leads Michael Whatley, a Republican, by 4 points in a recent poll.
  • The poll surveyed 759 North Carolina voters in July 2026 with a margin of error of ±3.6 points.
  • North Carolina last elected a Democratic senator in 2008 and voted for President Trump by about 3 points in 2024.
  • Cooper has 92% name recognition among voters; Whatley has 69%.
  • Republican Senator Thom Tillis is retiring, leaving the seat open.
  • Democrats see this seat as their best chance to flip a Senate seat in a state that is closely divided politically.
  • Both campaigns released statements highlighting their candidate's strengths and criticizing the opponent.
  • Previous polls also show Cooper ahead by similar margins but recognize the race could still be close.
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Newsweek
Person killed in shooting involving ICE agents in US state of Maine

Person killed in shooting involving ICE agents in US state of Maine

July 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

One person died in a shooting involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Biddeford, Maine. Officials are investigating the incident, and questions remain about the circumstances, including why ICE agents were in Maine.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened in Biddeford, Maine, a town of about 21,000 people.
  • Officials confirmed that one person was killed and ICE agents were involved.
  • State Police, the Department of Public Safety, and likely the FBI are investigating.
  • ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not commented yet.
  • Questions raised include whether the person had a criminal record, if it began as a traffic stop, and whether officers used body cameras.
  • The shooting follows another deadly ICE-related shooting in Houston, Texas, six days earlier.
  • The Houston incident involved an ICE agent shooting Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during a traffic stop.
  • President Donald Trump’s administration is increasing immigration enforcement efforts.
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Al Jazeera
US imposes new sanctions on Cuba tourism ministry, state-owned companies

US imposes new sanctions on Cuba tourism ministry, state-owned companies

July 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism and two state-owned companies amid rising tensions. These sanctions require related businesses to end contracts by August 12, and follow a May order allowing the U.S. to freeze assets linked to Cuba’s government or economy.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. sanctioned Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism, Grupo Empresarial de Transporte Maritimo Portuario (GEMAR), and Grupo Empresarial del Comercio Exterior (GECOMEX).
  • Companies and banks working with these Cuban entities must end contracts by August 12 to avoid sanctions.
  • The sanctions build on an executive order from May targeting assets connected to Cuba’s government or economy.
  • UN Ambassador Mike Waltz called Cuba a national security threat and accused Russia and China of spying at U.S. military bases in Cuba.
  • Cuba faces power outages due to a U.S. oil blockade imposed after the U.S. took Venezuelan President Maduro from Venezuela.
  • Mexico stopped sending oil to Cuba because of U.S. pressure.
  • Cuba’s Foreign Minister called the sanctions collective punishment and said U.S. embargoes caused $8 billion in damage between March 2025 and February 2026.
  • The sanctions add to existing economic difficulties in Cuba, including electricity blackouts affecting millions.
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Al Jazeera
Trump pushes for Lindsey Graham's sister as replacement after senator's death from aortic tear

Trump pushes for Lindsey Graham's sister as replacement after senator's death from aortic tear

July 13, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

President Donald Trump suggested that Darline Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, be appointed as the temporary senator for South Carolina. Governor Henry McMaster is set to announce a replacement to fill the Senate seat until January.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died from an aortic tear at age 71.
  • President Trump recommended Darline Nordone, Graham’s sister, as interim senator on Truth Social.
  • Graham was close to his sister and legally adopted her after their parents died when they were young.
  • Governor Henry McMaster will hold a news conference to announce the temporary appointment.
  • Senator Tim Scott supports Nordone as a temporary replacement.
  • Darline Nordone helps people with disabilities find jobs and has two children.
  • Graham was running for re-election and had won the Republican nomination before his death.
  • Other Republican candidates plan to run for Graham’s Senate seat in November.
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BBC US BBC World BBC Top Stories
America's Unemployment Rate May Be Worse Than It Seems

America's Unemployment Rate May Be Worse Than It Seems

July 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The official unemployment rate in the U.S. was 4.2 percent in June, suggesting a healthy job market. However, other data shows fewer people are working or looking for work, and many are stuck in part-time jobs when they want full-time positions.

Key Facts

  • The unemployment rate (U-3) was 4.2 percent in June, representing about 7.1 million people actively seeking jobs.
  • The labor force participation rate dropped to 61.5 percent, meaning fewer people are working or looking for jobs.
  • The employment-population ratio also decreased to 59.0 percent.
  • The broader U-6 unemployment rate, which includes people underemployed or marginally attached to the labor force, was 7.9 percent in June.
  • Nearly 1.4 million Americans worked part-time because they could not find full-time jobs, the highest since December.
  • People working part-time but wanting full-time work are counted as employed in the official rate, masking some worker difficulties.
  • Rising involuntary part-time employment can signal potential future job market weakness.
  • Economists warn that a drop in labor force participation and more part-time work may hide deeper challenges in the labor market.
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Newsweek
Lindsey Graham's Death Puts Key Trump Goals In Question

Lindsey Graham's Death Puts Key Trump Goals In Question

July 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Trump and chair of the Senate Budget Committee, died at age 71. His death creates a challenge for Senate Republicans to pass key legislation and confirm President Trump’s nominees with a slimmer majority.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham was a South Carolina Republican and a strong supporter of President Trump.
  • Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee, giving him significant influence over budget and defense bills.
  • His death reduces the Republican Senate majority and threatens the passage of Trump’s priorities.
  • The confirmation of Todd Blanche, Trump's nominee for attorney general, is now more uncertain.
  • Graham was a major advocate for the SAVE America Act, which aims to add strict voter ID and citizenship rules.
  • The annual defense budget bill, funding military spending, now faces more opposition without Graham’s support.
  • Senate Democrats plan to block the defense bill over concerns about the Iran war and relations with Israel.
  • Republican Senator Mitch McConnell’s health issues also create further uncertainty for the Senate majority.
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Newsweek
Lawler rips Mace over ‘grotesque’ Graham succession post

Lawler rips Mace over ‘grotesque’ Graham succession post

July 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Mike Lawler criticized Rep. Nancy Mace for a social media post about trying to take over Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat after Graham’s death. Mace had shared a video clip from a movie that Lawler found inappropriate given the situation.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina died late Saturday night.
  • Nancy Mace, a representative from South Carolina, posted a clip from the movie “The Godfather Part III” about succession.
  • The post implied she might run to replace Graham in the Senate.
  • Rep. Mike Lawler, a representative from New York, called Mace’s post “grotesque.”
  • Lawler publicly criticized Mace on Sunday for her choice to share that video.
  • The situation involves discussions about who should take over Graham’s Senate seat.
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The Hill
2 recent events highlight the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform

2 recent events highlight the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform

July 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Folarin Balogun, born in the United States, became a standout player in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, an immigrant living in the U.S. for 35 years, was killed by immigration enforcement agents. These events point to the ongoing need to improve immigration laws.

Key Facts

  • Folarin Balogun is a U.S.-born soccer player who gained attention during the World Cup.
  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was an immigrant who had lived in the U.S. for 35 years.
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved in the death of Salgado Araujo.
  • The article links these two events to show issues in the current immigration system.
  • It suggests that immigration reform is urgently needed to address such cases.
  • Birthright citizenship means a person is a U.S. citizen because they were born in the country.
  • ICE is a government agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
  • The case highlights challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S. immigration system.
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The Hill
States sue over planned cuts to school mental health grants

States sue over planned cuts to school mental health grants

July 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

More than a dozen state attorneys general are suing the U.S. Department of Education. They say the department wrongly stopped mental health grants for public school students that Congress had approved.

Key Facts

  • Over 12 state attorneys general joined the lawsuit.
  • They accuse the Department of Education of ending mental health grants without following the law.
  • These grants were approved by Congress to support mental health services in public schools.
  • The lawsuit was filed on a Friday.
  • The filing is a protective measure, backing up an earlier lawsuit by some states.
  • The issue concerns funding for student mental health programs.
  • The department’s action could affect support available to public school students.
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The Hill
Trump urges Senate to pass crypto bill in honor of Graham

Trump urges Senate to pass crypto bill in honor of Graham

July 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump asked the U.S. Senate to approve a cryptocurrency regulation bill called the Clarity Act. He made this request to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently passed away.

Key Facts

  • President Trump made the appeal on Truth Social.
  • The bill in question is called the Clarity Act.
  • Senator Lindsey Graham was a strong supporter of this bill.
  • Senator Graham passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.
  • The Clarity Act deals with rules for cryptocurrency in the United States.
  • President Trump urged the Senate to pass the bill in Senator Graham’s memory.
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The Hill
One person killed in Maine shooting involving ICE, state lawmaker says

One person killed in Maine shooting involving ICE, state lawmaker says

July 13, 2026 • France24

Summary

A person was killed in a shooting involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Biddeford, Maine. State officials and the FBI are investigating the incident, which comes shortly after another ICE-related fatal shooting in Houston, Texas.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened on July 13, 2026, in Biddeford, Maine.
  • One person died in the incident involving ICE agents.
  • Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau confirmed ICE’s involvement and said state police and the Department of Public Safety are investigating.
  • The FBI is expected to join the investigation.
  • No immediate comments were available from ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, or local officials.
  • This event follows a fatal ICE shooting in Houston just six days earlier, which has caused protests.
  • ICE had carried out a major enforcement operation in Maine earlier in 2026 called “Catch of the Day,” which led to hundreds of arrests.
  • Some Maine lawmakers and residents are asking questions about ICE’s presence and activities in the state.
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France24
Rubio vows diplomatic campaign to ‘dismantle’ ICC in escalating row

Rubio vows diplomatic campaign to ‘dismantle’ ICC in escalating row

July 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration will start a diplomatic campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC). He shared this plan in an article and a video message, signaling a stronger U.S. opposition to the ICC.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State.
  • The Trump administration is launching a diplomatic effort against the ICC.
  • The goal is to dismantle or significantly weaken the ICC.
  • Rubio announced this in a Wall Street Journal opinion article.
  • He also shared a video message on social media about this plan.
  • The ICC is a global court that prosecutes serious crimes like war crimes and crimes against humanity.
  • The U.S. has had tensions with the ICC over its authority and investigations.
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The Hill
Buttigieg slams ‘carnival of corruption’ in DC

Buttigieg slams ‘carnival of corruption’ in DC

July 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary, criticized corruption in Washington, D.C., saying it threatens the American Dream. He expressed concern about the current state of American politics.

Key Facts

  • Pete Buttigieg served as the Transportation Secretary.
  • He spoke out about corruption in the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C.
  • Buttigieg described the situation as a “carnival of corruption.”
  • He warned that the American Dream is at risk.
  • Buttigieg is considered a possible candidate for president in 2028.
  • His comments came during a public statement on a Sunday.
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The Hill
Trump wants Graham's sister as Senate replacement — not Mace

Trump wants Graham's sister as Senate replacement — not Mace

July 13, 2026 • Axios

Summary

President Donald Trump wants Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to temporarily take over Graham’s Senate seat. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint her as a placeholder until a new senator is elected in November.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on Sunday.
  • President Trump supports appointing Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim senator.
  • Governor Henry McMaster, a Trump ally, is expected to make the appointment.
  • South Carolina will hold a Republican primary on August 11 to select a candidate for the Senate seat.
  • The winner of the November 3 election will serve the full Senate term starting in January.
  • This temporary appointment helps keep the Senate seat in GOP hands while the primary process unfolds.
  • Some Republicans like Rep. Russell Fry and Rep. Joe Wilson are considered possible candidates to run for the seat.
  • Rep. Nancy Mace faced criticism from Trump’s political team for suggesting she wanted the seat soon after Graham’s death.
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Axios
WATCH LIVE: Senate returns to Washington after sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham

WATCH LIVE: Senate returns to Washington after sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham

July 13, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Senate Republicans are returning to Washington after Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly from a torn aorta. At the same time, Senator Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized and recovering from pneumonia and a recent fall, leaving Senate Republicans with fewer active members as they face upcoming challenges.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham, 71, died suddenly from a tear in his aorta.
  • Graham was a Republican senator from South Carolina and a close ally of President Donald Trump.
  • The Senate is set to meet at 3 p.m. EDT following a two-week break.
  • Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has been hospitalized for nearly a month and announced he is still recovering from pneumonia and a fall.
  • Republicans hold a slim majority in the Senate, with 53 Republicans to 47 Democrats.
  • The absence of Graham and McConnell reduces the number of active Republican senators.
  • These events occur just months before the November midterm elections.
  • Republican senators were already divided and struggling to advance their priorities.
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PBS NewsHour