The U.S. Secret Service is facing a large rise in threats against the people it protects, especially President Donald Trump. The agency reported over 10,000 threat cases this year, driven in part by the internet and social media, as well as mental health challenges.
Key Facts
The Secret Service was created 161 years ago, originally to fight counterfeit money but now focuses on protecting presidents and top officials.
Threats against protectees have increased by more than 40% compared to last year.
There have been 10,000 threats reported so far this year, with the year not yet over.
President Trump has faced three assassination attempts in the past two and a half years.
The rise in threats is connected to easier online access to information and social media influence.
The agency does not classify threats by political side but investigates each one thoroughly.
Mental health issues are seen as a major factor contributing to the increase in threats.
External threats have also grown, including those related to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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The Secret Service is developing new ways to stop threats from drones, especially groups of drones called swarms, which they have not yet fully solved. They are using technology seen in the war in Ukraine and preparing for potential attacks on places like concerts, sports events, and rallies where President Trump and others may be present.
Key Facts
The Secret Service has a new multimillion-dollar program to create drone defense and attack tools.
One tool uses artificial intelligence and radar to capture enemy drones with a net.
Drone swarms are a serious and unresolved threat, especially near the White House.
The war in Ukraine has helped the agency learn how weaponized drones may be used in the U.S.
At the 2024 Army-Navy game, the Secret Service used electronic jamming to stop a drone near President Trump and Congress.
Threats against people protected by the Secret Service increased by 40% this year, with about 10,000 threats so far.
Threats come from both political sides and foreign countries like Iran, which has openly called for harm against President Trump.
The Secret Service has made internal changes after failing to stop an attack on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024.
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A group of seven senators from both political parties spoke out against President Donald Trump’s recent deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The deal would remove sanctions on Russia and allow Russian oil to enter the global market again.
Key Facts
Seven senators from both parties on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee opposed the deal.
The deal would lift sanctions placed on Russia because of its actions.
U.S. law banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to stop money from going to Russia.
The senators said this law was meant to stop funding President Putin’s military actions.
The bipartisan group publicly rejected the new agreement between President Trump and President Putin.
The issue centers on whether lifting sanctions harms U.S. national interests.
The senators’ statement shows concern about allowing Russian oil back into global markets.
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Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso expects an investigation into reports about U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle involving personal payments and possible conflicts of interest. The State Department's Office of Inspector General is also reportedly looking into these allegations, which Guilfoyle denies.
Key Facts
Kimberly Guilfoyle is the U.S. Ambassador to Greece and an ally of President Donald Trump.
Reports claim Guilfoyle asked a Republican donor to pay $100,000 toward her credit card debt just before her Senate confirmation hearing.
Questions have been raised about her relationships with Greek business figures and her involvement in commercial projects.
The State Department's Office of Inspector General is investigating Guilfoyle and the U.S. Embassy in Greece.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Barrasso serves, will oversee any investigation.
Barrasso called the reports "troubling" and indicated an investigation is likely.
Guilfoyle denies any wrongdoing and says she followed ethics and gift-reporting rules.
The controversy has drawn bipartisan attention, including concerns from top Senate Republicans and Democrats.
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A 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in Mt Druitt, Sydney’s west. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested and charged with murder and accessory after the fact. Both boys were denied bail and will appear in children’s court.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened in Mt Druitt, a suburb in western Sydney, on Friday evening.
The victim, a man in his 30s, died at the scene from stab wounds to his torso.
A 13-year-old boy was arrested on Sunday and charged with murder, breach of bail, and robbery.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested later that day in Cabramatta and charged with murder and accessory after the fact.
Police seized several items at the scene, including a bladed weapon.
Around a dozen people were near the scene during the stabbing, and police are asking for any information or video footage.
The victim has not been formally identified but is believed to have some prior history with police.
Both accused boys were refused bail and are scheduled to appear in children’s court on Monday.
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House Majority Whip Tom Emmer supports President Donald Trump’s plan to bring Russian diesel to the U.S. to lower fuel prices before the midterm elections. Emmer also encouraged voters to participate in the elections and defended Trump’s military actions and decisions on security matters.
Key Facts
Tom Emmer is the House Majority Whip and a Republican from Minnesota.
President Trump made a deal to lift sanctions on Russian oil to lower diesel prices in the U.S.
Many experts doubt this deal will reduce fuel costs but agree it benefits Russia.
Emmer called current fuel prices—$4 for gasoline and $6 for diesel—“unacceptable.”
Emmer urged voters to turn out for the midterms, saying Republicans will maintain control of Congress.
He defended Trump’s decision not to attack Iran before the midterms.
Emmer praised Trump’s military actions as decisions no other leader took for 47 years.
On the idea of livestreaming the execution of a Fort Hood shooter, Emmer expressed trust in Trump’s judgment.
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Pete Buttigieg chose not to run for governor or Senate in Michigan in 2024, preferring to focus on building a national network for a possible 2028 presidential run. Instead of holding an elected office, he has campaigned across many states and supported Democratic candidates while preparing for a future White House bid.
Key Facts
Buttigieg declined to run for governor or U.S. Senate in Michigan in 2024 despite encouragement from top Democrats.
He wants to spend more time with his husband and young twins.
Since leaving his role as Biden’s transportation secretary, Buttigieg has traveled to 37 states campaigning for other Democrats.
He aims to build support with Black voters in the South, where he had less success in the 2020 primary.
Buttigieg is seen as a less controversial campaigner who can help Democrats in key races.
He plans to campaign in early 2028 primary states like Michigan and Virginia before the November 3 election.
Buttigieg believes the old path to the presidency (like becoming senator or governor first) may no longer be necessary.
Some advisers say he understands well what it takes to run for president and can offer a fresh vision for the future.
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The Texas Democratic Party chair, Kendall Scudder, expressed confidence in James Talarico’s Senate campaign after Talarico recovered from the flu. Scudder said the campaign will continue strongly despite some online conspiracy theories.
Key Facts
Kendall Scudder is the chair of the Texas Democratic Party.
James Talarico is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
Talarico recently had the flu but has recovered.
The Texas Democratic Party remains confident about his campaign.
Scudder mentioned that some people online are spreading false conspiracy theories.
The campaign plans to keep moving forward without letting these distractions affect them.
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Democrats in North Carolina are gaining support, especially in the Senate race where former Governor Roy Cooper is running against Republican Michael Whatley. Polls and expert ratings show Cooper is likely to win the seat being vacated by Senator Thom Tillis.
Key Facts
North Carolina is showing growing support for Democrats.
The key Senate race is between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley.
Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, is retiring.
Polls and nonpartisan groups suggest Cooper is ahead.
Cooper is a former governor of North Carolina.
Political action committees (PACs) from the Republican side are involved in the campaign.
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President Donald Trump said that Ukraine and Russia agreed to an immediate "energy ceasefire." However, Russia has not responded, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was unaware of this agreement. Trump also announced a U.S. deal to import Russian diesel to help lower fuel prices before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia.
Moscow (Russia) has not yet commented on the ceasefire claim.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky said the claim was "news to me," indicating no knowledge of the agreement.
Trump announced a deal for the U.S. to import Russian diesel fuel.
The diesel import deal aims to reduce high fuel prices in the U.S.
Diesel prices have been high due to the war with Iran and a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcements come ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
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Senator Thom Tillis criticized President Donald Trump’s agreement with Russia on diesel oil during a time when the U.S. faces energy problems. Tillis said this deal is hurting the efforts of Senator Lindsey Graham to pass new sanctions against Russia.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis spoke out against President Trump’s deal involving Russian diesel oil.
The U.S. is currently facing challenges with energy supplies.
The deal is seen as conflicting with U.S. efforts to impose sanctions on Russia.
Senator Lindsey Graham has been trying to advance a sanctions bill targeting Russia.
Tillis believes the deal weakens Graham’s work on these sanctions.
The sanctions bill has already been sent to President Trump for approval.
Tillis urged the President to move forward by signing the sanctions bill instead of making agreements involving Russian oil.
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A group of six U.S. senators from both parties asked President Donald Trump to stop a plan to buy diesel fuel from Russia. They said this move goes against laws meant to stop money from helping Russia’s war in Ukraine and that the administration did not explain or get approval for the deal.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a deal with Russia to buy over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel immediately, with more to come later.
Six senators (four Republicans and two Democrats) opposed the diesel purchase plan.
The senators said the administration did not consult Congress or explain the decision, which is legally required.
Congress passed laws banning Russian energy imports to avoid funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The senators said buying Russian diesel conflicts with these laws and supports Russia financially.
Senator Thom Tillis said if the administration proceeds, it would break the law.
Senator John Barrasso said President Trump is trying to lower energy costs and use the deal as leverage against Russia.
The announcement came shortly after Congress passed a law imposing tariffs on Russian energy imports.
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Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed spoke about his past criticism of former President Obama during an interview. He said that he and other Democrats now respect and build upon the work of leaders like Obama.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan as a Democrat.
He previously criticized former President Obama.
On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker asked El-Sayed about his past comments.
El-Sayed said Democrats today “stand on the shoulders of giants” such as Obama.
This statement shows a change in how El-Sayed views Obama’s legacy.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are close to winning back control of the House in the November midterm elections. He campaigned in two key districts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania where Democrats hope to defeat Republican incumbents.
Key Facts
Jeffries visited New Jersey’s 7th District with Democratic candidate Rebecca Bennett, who is a Navy veteran running against Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr.
He also campaigned in Pennsylvania’s 1st District with Democrat Bob Harvie, challenging Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
Both districts are suburban, relatively wealthy, and politically mixed, making them competitive races.
Republicans currently hold the House by a small margin, so a few seats could change which party controls it.
Jeffries said Democrats are confident about winning back the House but did not predict the exact number of seats they might gain.
Fitzpatrick is seen as a moderate Republican who has sometimes voted against President Trump’s agenda.
Fitzpatrick’s campaign said he still considers Jeffries a friend and expects to work with him after the election.
Democrats have put resources into these races, hoping to use current political challenges faced by President Trump’s party to win.
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Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, said he will share all details of his interactions with Manchester City’s owners after criticism about his support for them. The football club was found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules, and Burnham wants to separate football issues from the city’s investment partnership with the club’s owners.
Key Facts
Manchester City was found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules from 2009 to 2018.
The club denies wrongdoing and has appealed the decision.
Andy Burnham plans to publish all information about his meetings and dealings with Manchester City’s owners from his time as mayor.
Burnham had one major meeting with the club’s owners in 2021 and says the rest of his interactions are older.
The Premier League’s investigation said Manchester City used fake sponsorship deals to hide the true source of money, linked to the club owners from Abu Dhabi.
Some politicians are asking the current UK government to release details of any contacts with Manchester City and explain recent involvement.
Burnham distinguishes between football-related rule breaches and the city’s investments by the club owners, saying they should be treated separately.
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President Donald Trump made a deal with Russia to allow Russian diesel fuel to enter the U.S. and global markets. The deal faced increasing criticism before President Trump announced a pause in energy conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Key Facts
President Trump arranged for Russia to send 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to help lower fuel prices worldwide.
The diesel fuel from Russia will be allowed into U.S. and global markets.
The agreement led to growing backlash and criticism on Sunday.
President Trump announced an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia shortly after.
The energy ceasefire aims to reduce tensions and stabilize fuel supplies.
Rising fuel costs had been a problem due to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
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Senator Thom Tillis has raised concerns that President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel fuel might break the law. Tillis, along with other lawmakers, urged the White House to reverse this policy, arguing it helps Russia financially during its war with Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Trump temporarily relaxed sanctions on Russian diesel to reduce high fuel prices caused by the US-Israel war against Iran.
Senator Thom Tillis said this action could be illegal under current laws and threatened to withhold support for Trump’s funding bills unless the policy is reversed.
Several Republican and Democratic senators issued a letter condemning the sanctions relief, saying it supports Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts.
Representative Don Bacon called supporting Russia’s economy “morally wrong” because the money funds attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The Republican Party is divided: some support strong aid for Ukraine, while others are skeptical about continuing US involvement.
President Trump criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and suggested Ukraine should change its leader to make a deal with Russia.
Trump announced an agreement with Putin to supply large amounts of Russian diesel to the global market in the coming months.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the decision, saying it was legal and necessary to try to lower diesel prices.
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Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky supported President Trump’s recent agreement with Russia to supply diesel fuel. This is notable because Massie and President Trump have disagreed in the past. Massie had previously opposed sanctions on Russia because he believed they would cause higher costs for Americans.
Key Facts
Rep. Thomas Massie is a Republican from Kentucky.
Massie supported President Trump’s new diesel deal with Russia.
Massie and President Trump have had disagreements before.
In 2022, Massie voted against sanctions on Russia.
Massie argued the sanctions would increase prices for U.S. citizens.
The recent deal with Russia involves supplying diesel fuel.
Massie welcomed President Trump’s shift to lifting sanctions against Russia.
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President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering firing US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle after reports claim she acted improperly, possibly illegally. The State Department’s inspector general is looking into these allegations, and some Democratic lawmakers have called for a formal investigation.
Key Facts
President Trump and Secretary Rubio are upset about reports of Guilfoyle’s alleged misconduct.
Guilfoyle is accused of threatening a host country official, accepting gifts improperly, and offering influence in exchange for paying a large credit card bill.
Rubio recently visited Athens, where Guilfoyle attended his events and greeted him warmly.
Guilfoyle’s lawyer denies any wrongdoing, and the US embassy in Greece has shown some support for her.
Rubio has defended Guilfoyle but has avoided commenting on the new allegations publicly.
The State Department’s inspector general is reviewing the accusations, but it is unclear if a formal investigation has started.
Democratic lawmakers from committees related to foreign affairs and government oversight have requested an investigation.
Reports also say Guilfoyle promoted a specific Greek company’s interests and demanded to attend exclusive events while boasting about luxury travel.
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Democratic Kansas Senate candidate Adam Hamilton, who is also a pastor, denied claims made by Vice President JD Vance that questioned his Christian faith. The dispute comes amid a close Senate race in Kansas, where Republicans have held the seat since 1919, but recent polls show a tight contest.
Key Facts
Adam Hamilton is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kansas and pastor of the largest United Methodist church in the nation.
Vice President JD Vance accused Hamilton of holding anti-Christian views, including saying "it's a sin to be white and a sin to raise cattle and eat meat."
Hamilton strongly denied these claims, calling them lies and saying he never made those statements.
Hamilton emphasized his faith by describing his daily religious practices, including prayer and reading the Bible.
The Kansas Senate seat has been held by Republicans since 1919, with no Democrat winning since 1932.
Recent polls show the race between Republican Senator Roger Marshall and Hamilton is close.
The contest has become one of the most watched for the 2026 midterms.
Republicans, including Vance and Marshall, have campaigned aggressively to keep the seat.
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