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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

John Fetterman joins forces with Republican counterpart in Senate for fundraising committee

John Fetterman joins forces with Republican counterpart in Senate for fundraising committee

July 10, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Senators John Fetterman (Democrat) and Dave McCormick (Republican) from Pennsylvania have started a joint fundraising committee called Common Ground PA to support both campaigns. This unusual bipartisan effort has raised questions about Fetterman’s political direction since he has supported some policies favored by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Key Facts

  • John Fetterman is a Democratic senator from Pennsylvania; Dave McCormick is the Republican senator from the same state.
  • They created a joint fundraising committee named Common Ground PA to raise money for their campaigns.
  • This committee is unusual because it combines efforts from both a Democrat and a Republican.
  • Fetterman has shifted toward more bipartisan positions, sometimes supporting Trump administration policies.
  • He was the only Democrat to support several of President Trump’s cabinet nominees.
  • Fetterman’s next Senate election is in 2028; McCormick’s is in 2030.
  • Both senators have appeared together publicly and describe their relationship as close friends.
  • Polls show Fetterman has a 46% approval rating in Pennsylvania, while McCormick has 37%.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump administration to support heavy tariffs on Russian oil in bid to end Ukraine war, sources say

Trump administration to support heavy tariffs on Russian oil in bid to end Ukraine war, sources say

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration supports a plan to put heavy taxes, called tariffs, on oil from Russia. This is part of a strategy to help end the war between Russia and Ukraine by making it harder for Russia to sell its oil.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration agrees to back heavy tariffs on Russian oil.
  • Tariffs are taxes added to imported goods, making them more expensive.
  • The goal is to pressure Russia economically to stop the war in Ukraine.
  • A bipartisan group of U.S. senators supports new sanctions on Russia.
  • Sanctions are penalties or restrictions meant to influence a country’s actions.
  • The news was reported by CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small.
  • This measure aims to reduce Russia’s income from oil sales during the conflict.
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CBS News
Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race

Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Graham Platner has officially ended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine after facing a sexual assault allegation. Despite denying the claim, he said pressure from Democrats made continuing his campaign impossible, and the party must now choose a new candidate to run against Senator Susan Collins.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner formally filed paperwork to suspend his Senate campaign in Maine.
  • He announced the suspension after a woman accused him of sexual assault.
  • Platner denied the allegation, calling it false.
  • He cited pressure from Democratic leaders as a reason for dropping out.
  • Platner had a deadline of 5 p.m. Monday to remove his name from the ballot.
  • The Maine Democratic Party will hold a nominating convention to pick a replacement.
  • The Democratic nominee will run against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
  • The party’s replacement must be chosen by July 27 at 5 p.m.
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CBS News
Graham Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race

Graham Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race

July 10, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Democrat Graham Platner officially withdrew from the 2024 Maine Senate race on Friday, ahead of the Monday deadline. His exit allows the Democratic Party in Maine to pick a new candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner filed paperwork on Friday to remove his name from the Maine Senate ballot.
  • The deadline to withdraw and allow a replacement candidate is Monday at 5 p.m.
  • Platner had been criticized by some Democrats for delaying his withdrawal announcement.
  • The Maine Democratic Party plans to hold a nominating convention with about 600 delegates to choose Platner’s replacement.
  • Platner described himself as an oyster farmer and emphasized wanting a candidate representing ordinary people.
  • Multiple candidates have already entered the race to replace Platner.
  • Progressives worry the nomination process may be controlled by insiders, while moderates fear it could favor left-leaning activists.
  • Platner posted a letter stating his reasons and signed off with political messages, including opposition to ICE and support for Palestine.
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Axios
Graham Platner Formally Withdraws From Senate Race

Graham Platner Formally Withdraws From Senate Race

July 10, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Graham Platner has officially withdrawn from the U.S. Senate race in Maine. He sent a letter to the Secretary of State’s Office confirming his withdrawal, so his name will not appear on the ballot.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat from Maine.
  • He sent a formal withdrawal letter to the Secretary of State’s Office.
  • Platner said his name belongs to the people of Maine, not to him personally.
  • The Secretary of State confirmed receiving the notice and said Platner will be removed from the ballot.
  • His campaign officially suspended operations earlier, citing difficulties unrelated to the allegations against him.
  • Platner faces serious accusations, including a rape allegation by Jenny Racicot.
  • He denies all allegations, calling them false and untrue.
  • A former girlfriend also accused him of removing a condom without her consent.
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Newsweek
Trump taps climate skeptic to run US government’s flagship climate report

Trump taps climate skeptic to run US government’s flagship climate report

July 10, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

President Donald Trump has appointed Matthew Wielicki, a climate skeptic without formal climate science training, to lead the U.S. Global Change Research Program and oversee the National Climate Assessment. This report explains how climate change affects the U.S., but the Trump administration has reduced funding for climate research and removed access to past reports during its current term.

Key Facts

  • Matthew Wielicki, a former geochemist and climate skeptic, was chosen to lead the federal government’s main climate impact report.
  • Wielicki calls himself an “Earth science professor-in-exile” and questions mainstream climate science.
  • The National Climate Assessment is a congressionally required report updated every four years about how climate change affects the U.S.
  • The Trump administration has cut funding and closed offices that collect climate data since President Trump began his second term.
  • The online portal to access past climate reports was shut down last year.
  • Scientists and climate advocates warn that Wielicki’s appointment risks undermining scientific integrity and spreading misinformation.
  • Wielicki believes solar radiation, not carbon dioxide, is the main cause of atmospheric warming and has criticized those who accept climate change science.
  • President Trump’s administration has received large donations from fossil fuel industries, which contribute to climate change.
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Guardian US
Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race

Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race

July 10, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Graham Platner, a Democrat and oyster farmer, has officially stopped running in the race for the United States Senate seat from Maine. This opens the way for the Democratic Party to select a new candidate for the election.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner was running as a Democrat for the Maine Senate seat.
  • He is known as a progressive and an oyster farmer.
  • Platner sent a formal letter to announce he was withdrawing from the race.
  • The letter was shared on social media on a Friday.
  • His withdrawal allows the Democratic Party to pick a new nominee this month.
  • The decision clears the path for other candidates within the party.
  • The Senate race is part of the wider U.S. election process.
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The Hill
Hegseth again intervenes in disciplinary action taken for Apache helicopter flyover

Hegseth again intervenes in disciplinary action taken for Apache helicopter flyover

July 10, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed to lift the suspension of eight South Carolina National Guard Apache helicopter pilots after their low flyover during a Fourth of July event. The suspensions were originally described as routine administrative measures during a flight safety review but were ended following Hegseth’s public call and support from lawmakers.

Key Facts

  • Eight Apache helicopter pilots were temporarily suspended after a low-altitude flyover along the South Carolina coast on July Fourth.
  • The event was part of the annual "Salute from the Shore" helicopter flyover along the coast from Myrtle Beach to Beaufort.
  • The South Carolina National Guard said the suspensions were routine while they reviewed the flight and not a disciplinary action.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly called for the suspension to be reversed, saying the pilots should continue their duties.
  • Republican South Carolina lawmakers and the governor also criticized the suspension and supported the pilots.
  • The suspension was lifted shortly after Hegseth’s demand, allowing the pilots to resume normal activities.
  • Low-altitude flying carries safety risks such as the chance of debris dropping and less pilot reaction time.
  • The South Carolina National Guard thanked the public and officials for their support during the review.
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ABC News
Trump maintains ceasefire is over, says Iran asked U.S. to continue talks

Trump maintains ceasefire is over, says Iran asked U.S. to continue talks

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump said that Iran asked the United States to keep peace talks going, but he also stated that the ceasefire agreement with Iran is finished. CBS News reported on these statements and the current situation.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said Iran requested to continue peace talks with the U.S.
  • He also said the ceasefire agreement with Iran is over.
  • The information was reported by CBS News.
  • Charlie D'Agata, CBS News senior national security correspondent, provided details.
  • The article focuses on diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Iran.
  • No new ceasefire agreement has been confirmed by President Trump.
  • The situation involves ongoing security and diplomatic discussions.
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CBS News
Michigan releases prison autopsy, transfers inmate who alleged mold sickness

Michigan releases prison autopsy, transfers inmate who alleged mold sickness

July 10, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A woman inmate at Michigan’s only women’s prison, Krystal Clark, was moved to a health facility after claiming she got sick from toxic mold in the prison. Officials released an autopsy for another inmate who died recently, showing her death was from a blood clot and heart issues, not related to mold.

Key Facts

  • Krystal Clark was transferred from Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility to Duane Waters Health Center for medical care.
  • Clark and other inmates have reported unsafe conditions, including toxic mold, leading to a class-action lawsuit.
  • Four inmates have died in recent months at the prison; an autopsy was released for one of them, Khaira Howard.
  • Howard, 28, died of a blood clot blocking an artery and a heart condition that caused fluid in her lungs.
  • Clark claims respiratory problems, ear infections, and hearing loss from mold exposure and tested positive for common black mold and several bacteria.
  • Michigan officials deny significant black mold presence, saying fungal spore levels in the prison are safe or only slightly higher than outside.
  • Clark’s placement at the health center is temporary while a court motion is pending.
  • Clark has been in prison since 2011 and will be eligible for parole in 2027.
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AP News
DHS was granted $20M for body cameras. ICE agents in fatal Houston shooting had none

DHS was granted $20M for body cameras. ICE agents in fatal Houston shooting had none

July 10, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received $20 million to buy body cameras for its officers, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents involved in a deadly shooting in Houston were not wearing any. The absence of body cameras has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, especially during increased ICE enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Key Facts

  • DHS was allocated $20 million by Congress to equip its officers with body cameras.
  • ICE agents in Houston fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican man who lived in the U.S. for over 35 years.
  • The ICE officers involved in the shooting did not have body cameras on.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promised in early 2026 to rapidly deploy body cameras nationwide.
  • Witnesses dispute the official ICE account of the shooting, but no video evidence exists to clarify the events.
  • Arrests by ICE have increased recently under President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
  • Critics argue body cameras could improve accountability for ICE officers during enforcement actions.
  • Noem has since been replaced by Markwayne Mullin as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
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AP News
Teen stomped to death in Mississippi jail, coroner says

Teen stomped to death in Mississippi jail, coroner says

July 10, 2026 • AP News

Summary

An 18-year-old named Mielun Butler died at the Hinds County Detention Center in Mississippi after being stomped on. Officials confirmed a video showing the attack is real, and an officer has been placed on leave while the investigation continues.

Key Facts

  • Mielun Butler was arrested on July 1 in connection with a killing in Jackson, Mississippi.
  • He was charged with murder related to the death of Melvin Edwards.
  • Butler died on July 3 after being stomped, with shoe prints found on his head.
  • A video showed someone kicking and stomping his limp and bloodied body inside the jail.
  • Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones confirmed the video’s authenticity and put a detention officer on paid leave.
  • The jail is under federal control due to ongoing issues, and a hearing will be held soon to discuss jail conditions.
  • Sheriff Jones suggested the violence might be connected to gang activity spreading from the community to the jail.
  • Jail death records were recently ordered to be released after being withheld for over a year.
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AP News
Former Afghan general charged with drug and firearm offenses in U.S.

Former Afghan general charged with drug and firearm offenses in U.S.

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Abdul Zahir Qadeer, a former Afghan general and lawmaker, was arrested and charged in the U.S. with planning to illegally import heroin, methamphetamine, and weapons. He was caught after working with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) informant and was extradited to the U.S. to face trial.

Key Facts

  • Qadeer is a former Afghan Border Force general and former deputy speaker of Afghanistan's National Assembly.
  • He faces federal charges in New York for conspiracy to import drugs and possess illegal weapons.
  • Qadeer allegedly negotiated since November 2024 to sell heroin, methamphetamine, and heavy weapons including assault rifles and grenades.
  • A “test shipment” of two kilograms of methamphetamine was sold in South Africa for $14,000.
  • He arranged deals to provide hundreds of kilograms of drugs and a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.
  • Qadeer was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2025 during a DEA sting operation with undercover agents.
  • If convicted, he faces at least 10 years in prison for drug charges and at least 30 years for weapons charges, with possible life sentences.
  • The case is part of broader U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes linked to international figures.
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CBS News
EPA to open habitats of endangered species to logging and mining

EPA to open habitats of endangered species to logging and mining

July 10, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Trump’s administration has changed a key part of the Endangered Species Act to allow logging, mining, and other activities in habitats of endangered animals and plants. The rule removes protections for the habitats themselves, focusing only on the species, which critics warn could harm vulnerable wildlife.

Key Facts

  • The new rule removes habitat protection from the Endangered Species Act’s definition of “harm.”
  • For 50 years, the law protected both endangered species and their living environments.
  • The Supreme Court upheld habitat protections in 1995 concerning old-growth forests and spotted owls.
  • The government says the change prevents regulation from interfering with private property rights.
  • Habitat destruction is a major cause of species extinction worldwide.
  • The Endangered Species Act has helped save more than 1,700 species and prevented 99% from extinction.
  • Environmental groups warn the change risks the survival of animals like wolverines, monarch butterflies, and Florida manatees.
  • The rule change is part of broader efforts by President Trump to reduce environmental regulations and promote energy and industrial development.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Taylor Swift paid NYC more than $160k for wedding permit, mayor says

Taylor Swift paid NYC more than $160k for wedding permit, mayor says

July 10, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Taylor Swift paid over $160,000 to New York City for a permit related to her wedding at Madison Square Garden. The permit covered city services like police and street closures needed for the event on July 3, 2026.

Key Facts

  • Taylor Swift's wedding took place at Madison Square Garden on July 3, 2026.
  • She paid more than $160,000 for the event permit and related city services.
  • The permit covered police deployments, street closures, and traffic management.
  • The New York Police Department assigned dozens of officers for security at the event.
  • The wedding had over 1,000 guests and included a ceremony officiated by actor Adam Sandler.
  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to charities before the wedding.
  • One of the charities supports families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
  • The wedding party included only the couple's brothers as "man of honor" and best man.
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ABC News
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for July 12, 2026

"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for July 12, 2026

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

CBS News' program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" will feature several guests on July 12, 2026, including government and military leaders. The show airs on CBS at 10:30 a.m. and streams online at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Key Facts

  • The guests include Tom Homan, who works on border issues for the White House.
  • Republican Congressman Mike Turner from Ohio will appear; he previously led the House Intelligence Committee.
  • Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, who was U.S. ambassador to Japan and former Chicago mayor, is a guest.
  • Retired General Frank McKenzie, president of The Citadel and former leader of U.S. Central Command, will also be on the show.
  • "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" is a CBS News program.
  • The show airs Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on CBS.
  • It is also available on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Sundays.
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CBS News
How Wong Kim Ark’s legacy reignited the fight for birthright citizenship

How Wong Kim Ark’s legacy reignited the fight for birthright citizenship

July 10, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The US Supreme Court recently upheld the right to birthright citizenship, a rule that grants citizenship to most children born in the United States. This decision was based on a 19th-century case involving Wong Kim Ark, whose great-granddaughter is now involved in the national debate after President Trump pledged to end birthright citizenship.

Key Facts

  • Birthright citizenship is granted by the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution.
  • Wong Kim Ark was involved in an 1898 court case that confirmed birthright citizenship rights.
  • Sandra Wong, Wong Kim Ark’s great-granddaughter, learned about her family’s legacy only after her father’s funeral in 2011.
  • In 2015, then-candidate Donald Trump proposed ending birthright citizenship as part of his immigration policies.
  • The Supreme Court cited Wong Kim Ark’s case over 100 times in its June 30 ruling to protect birthright citizenship.
  • President Trump wants Congress to change the Constitution to remove birthright citizenship.
  • Trump recently asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision protecting birthright citizenship.
  • This ongoing fight marks the biggest challenge to Wong Kim Ark’s legacy in more than 100 years.
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Al Jazeera
Trump admin responds to border wall lawsuit by waiving a law at the center of the case

Trump admin responds to border wall lawsuit by waiving a law at the center of the case

July 10, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The Trump administration is continuing construction of a border wall in West Texas despite a lawsuit claiming the project violates a federal law designed to protect levees from damage. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the lawsuit by waiving that law, allowing construction to proceed without required safety reviews.

Key Facts

  • The Presidio Municipal Development District (PMDD) sued the Trump administration over border wall plans near Presidio, Texas.
  • PMDD says the wall and changes to a local levee could cause dangerous flooding affecting homes and businesses.
  • The lawsuit focuses on the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which requires government approval before altering levees.
  • DHS had previously waived many laws to speed up wall construction but initially did not waive this 1899 law.
  • On July 2, DHS waived the Rivers and Harbors Act to avoid delays in the wall project.
  • PMDD argues the government is not coordinating properly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as required by law.
  • The levee system protects about 52 square miles of urban and farm land and was repaired after a major 2008 flood.
  • PMDD wants a court to stop construction until proper safety reviews are done.
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AP News
Donald Trump removes final members of independent US election commission

Donald Trump removes final members of independent US election commission

July 10, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump has removed the last members of the Election Assistance Commission, a bipartisan federal agency that supports U.S. elections. This leaves the commission without any active commissioners shortly before the November midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was created in 2002 to help state and local officials run elections.
  • The agency usually has four commissioners, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
  • Two Democratic commissioners were fired by email, and the only remaining Republican resigned. Another Republican commissioner had left earlier.
  • The White House said the president can remove officials who do not align with securing elections.
  • The EAC helps with voting system certification and managing mail-in voter registration forms.
  • The commission had rejected a Trump order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, which a judge blocked.
  • The Supreme Court recently ruled that the president can fire independent agency members without cause.
  • It is unclear if President Trump will appoint new commissioners or leave the commission empty before the midterms.
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Al Jazeera
Trump ‘left instructions’ to bomb Iran ‘at levels that they’ve never seen’ if he’s assassinated

Trump ‘left instructions’ to bomb Iran ‘at levels that they’ve never seen’ if he’s assassinated

July 10, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump said he has prepared orders to launch strong bomb attacks on Iran if they try to assassinate him. He told the New York Post that he has been a target for a long time and has made plans to respond firmly.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said Iran has considered assassinating him.
  • He stated that he has instructions ready to bomb Iran heavily if that happens.
  • He spoke about this in an interview with the New York Post.
  • Trump mentioned he has been on Iran’s target list for a long time.
  • The statement implies a serious threat between the U.S. and Iran involving the president’s safety.
  • No details were given about what specific actions or timing are included in his instructions.
  • The comments suggest a strong and immediate military response in case of an attack on President Trump.
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The Hill