The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced two bipartisan bills that would allow cameras in federal courtrooms, including the Supreme Court, under certain conditions. These efforts aim to increase public access to judicial proceedings while maintaining fairness and protecting due process.
Key Facts
The bills passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee would let cameras record in federal courts and the Supreme Court in specific situations.
Supporters believe wider access to court proceedings can help more Americans follow important legal cases from home.
Texans for Judicial Accountability is a nonprofit group working to improve transparency and trust in courtrooms at the state level.
Cellphones are usually collected before court starts, so official transcripts are the main record of what happens, but they don’t show nonverbal actions.
The nonprofit wants better transparency to create an objective record and build confidence in the justice system for everyone involved.
Some recent state laws ended private reprimands for judges and increased public reporting of disciplinary outcomes.
Filing complaints about judges can still be slow and requires mailing papers, which can limit participation.
Texas has added more investigators and improved processes to strengthen judicial oversight.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rep. Kweisi Mfume spoke during a House Oversight hearing about concerns that efforts are being made to reduce or eliminate Black history exhibits at the Smithsonian museums. He warned that if Black history is erased, it will be replaced, emphasizing the importance of remembering past lessons.
Key Facts
Rep. Kweisi Mfume represents Maryland and spoke at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing.
Mfume expressed outrage over attempts to remove or downplay the African American museum and Smithsonian exhibits.
He said, “If you erase it, we will replace it,” stressing the need to preserve Black history.
Mfume quoted former President Abraham Lincoln to underline the importance of learning from history.
The hearing looked at how the Smithsonian presents U.S. history amid criticisms related to President Trump.
Mfume’s comments highlight ongoing debates about representation of African American history in national museums.
The Smithsonian museums are a group of national museums and research centers in the United States.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nick Hegseth, a political figure, is preparing to face tough questions in the Senate about funding for the conflict involving Iran. The situation is urgent because money for the war efforts may soon run out, and there is also a recent meeting between Lebanon’s president and President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Nick Hegseth is set to appear before the Senate for questioning.
He will address the need for more funding related to the conflict with Iran.
There are concerns that current funds for the Iran war may not last much longer.
The Lebanon president recently met with President Donald Trump.
The Boston Red Sox have a 14-game winning streak, mentioned as a side note.
The article highlights urgent political and military funding issues involving the U.S. and Iran.
This news was included in The Hill’s midday newsletter.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many college students face challenges like anxiety and money problems while studying. Experts say students need skills called executive functions—such as planning and managing emotions—to succeed in college and beyond.
Key Facts
A 2026 survey found 69% of college students had mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or ADHD in the past year.
Students from lower-income families often lack enough financial support despite rising college costs.
Executive function includes skills like memory, flexibility in thinking, and controlling impulses and emotions.
These skills help students plan, solve problems, and handle daily tasks needed for college success.
Executive function also affects long-term outcomes like job stability, career success, and health.
Students often struggle when they must manage their time and responsibilities more independently in college.
More universities are supporting neurodivergent students (those with brain differences) with special accommodations.
Academic knowledge alone may not be enough for students to do well without strong executive functioning skills.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
House Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the current continuing resolution (CR) proposed by House GOP leaders. They are concerned about funding decisions in the bill, especially related to the ongoing war.
Key Facts
House GOP leaders are working quickly to pass a new continuing resolution this week.
Many House Democrats attended their weekly meeting and shared negative views about the CR.
Democrats do not want additional funding included for the war.
The continuing resolution is a stopgap funding measure to keep the government operating.
The disagreement shows a clear divide between Democrats and Republicans in the House over funding priorities.
The outcome of the CR will affect government spending and priorities in the short term.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine will testify before a Senate committee about recent escalations in the war with Iran. They will discuss the Trump administration’s request for $67 billion in additional Pentagon funding to cover war costs after several U.S. soldiers were killed in Iranian attacks.
Key Facts
Hegseth and Caine will testify Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. before a Senate committee.
At least three U.S. service members have died recently due to Iranian attacks and related activities.
Since the war began in February, 17 U.S. service members have been killed and nearly 100 injured.
The U.S. has carried out 10 straight nights of strikes on Iranian military targets following the collapse of a ceasefire.
The Trump administration requested $67 billion for the Pentagon to cover war expenses and related costs.
The total requested supplemental funding last month was $88 billion, including money for munitions, operations, and classified programs.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins will also testify regarding related funding requests.
Some senators from both parties question or want limits on the war funding and Trump’s war powers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Speaker Mike Johnson said he supports making stricter rules to ban sexual relationships between members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff. Some top Republican women in the House have also asked for a complete ban on these kinds of relationships.
Key Facts
Speaker Mike Johnson is from Louisiana and belongs to the Republican Party.
He spoke about revising the House rules on sexual relationships between lawmakers and staff.
Some Republican women members of the House want a full ban on these relationships.
Johnson expressed his support for expanding the existing ban.
The current rules already prohibit some relationships but may not cover all situations.
This discussion happened during a press conference.
The goal is to promote a professional workplace environment in Congress.
No specific new rules or proposals have been officially announced yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration is investigating Harvard University. The Department of Justice will check if Harvard's financial aid programs for students with ties to China unfairly exclude U.S. citizen students.
Key Facts
The investigation started under President Donald Trump’s administration.
It focuses on Harvard’s financial aid programs connected to China.
The concern is that some American citizen students may have been left out.
The Department of Justice will conduct a compliance review at Harvard.
The review will determine if the university broke laws about fair financial aid.
The investigation aims to find if any U.S. students were unfairly denied aid.
It involves looking at Harvard’s practices related to international students and financial aid.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Van Jones, a longtime ally of President Barack Obama, warned that the youth movement within the Democratic Party is being taken over by people with extreme and unrealistic ideas. This comes as more democratic socialists win primary elections, causing tension between moderate and progressive wings of the party ahead of the 2024 elections.
Key Facts
Van Jones expressed concern that the youth movement in the Democratic Party is being "hijacked" by people with extreme views.
Democratic socialist candidates have won more primary races for the 2026 midterms.
The Democratic Party is trying to solidify its policies to regain control of Congress in the November elections.
Some democratic socialists backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have won key primaries in places like New York City, Colorado, Missouri, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The DSA says their ideas challenge billionaires and oppose injustices in healthcare, housing, and immigration.
The rise of democratic socialism grew after Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign.
This movement helped bring ideas like Medicare for All and free college tuition into mainstream political discussions.
The success of DSA-backed candidates is creating tensions between moderate Democrats and the party’s progressive wing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration is pausing over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota to review claims flagged for potential fraud. The hold is temporary and states can provide more information to get the funds released.
Key Facts
The administration paused $867.5 million in Medicaid payments to California and $199 million to Minnesota.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found spending patterns in California’s in-home care programs that grew faster than national trends.
Minnesota’s paused funds relate to 14 “high-risk” service areas needing more documentation.
The funds are not cut but delayed while officials verify the claims meet federal rules.
The administration launched an anti-fraud task force targeting abuses in federal healthcare programs.
Earlier, eight people were arrested in a healthcare fraud case involving over $50 million.
Over 700 hospices in Los Angeles County showed red flags for possible fraud, according to a CBS News analysis.
Fraud investigations in Minnesota estimate losses could exceed $1 billion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. appeals court reversed a lower court’s decision that had ordered the release of Columbia University activist Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention. The Trump administration is continuing efforts to deport Mahdawi, who is a lawful permanent resident and a pro-Palestinian student protester.
Key Facts
The appeals court overturned a 2025 ruling by Judge Geoffrey Crawford to release Mahdawi from detention.
Mahdawi was arrested in April 2025 after attending what he thought was a U.S. citizenship interview and was detained for two weeks without being charged with a crime.
He is a lawful permanent resident born in the occupied West Bank.
The Board of Immigration Appeals reinstated deportation proceedings against him in May, overturning an earlier immigration judge’s decision that had blocked deportation.
The immigration judge who blocked deportation was later fired by the Trump administration.
The Trump administration argues it can deport non-citizens if their presence harms U.S. foreign policy interests.
Mahdawi and human rights lawyers say the government is trying to punish him for his peaceful political speech supporting Palestinian rights.
Mahdawi’s case is part of a wider crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism on U.S. college campuses by the Trump administration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration is stopping over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota because of questionable claims for in-home care services. Federal health officials want the states to investigate these claims more closely before releasing the funds.
Key Facts
The administration is holding back about $867.5 million for California and $199 million for Minnesota in Medicaid payments.
The freezes come after financial reviews found unsupported or suspicious claims related to in-home care.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) identified areas where claims grew faster than national trends or lacked proper documents.
The Department of Health and Human Services plans to increase efforts to remove providers who commit fraud or misuse federal health programs.
Last year, the administration used Minnesota’s fraud problems to justify increased immigration enforcement actions.
In May, CMS deferred $1.3 billion in Medicaid funds to California, the largest deferral ever by the agency.
CMS also placed a six-month pause on enrolling new hospice and home health providers to reduce fraud.
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz said this approach protects taxpayer money from being stolen or misused.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has stopped over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota because of suspected fraud and rule breaking. The department is asking the states to prove the payments are valid before releasing the money.
Key Facts
More than $867 million in funding to California and about $200 million to Minnesota have been paused.
Earlier in the year, $243 million in Medicaid payments to Minnesota was also paused.
The department uses artificial intelligence and advanced tools to find possible fraud in Medicaid payments.
Most suspected fraud in California is connected to in-home care services for disabled people.
Vice President JD Vance has threatened to stop funds to states that do not cooperate with a federal fraud task force.
The department is expanding its power to remove individuals or groups who commit fraud from federal healthcare programs.
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz stated the payments have been misused by criminals and the government will not pay claims suspected of fraud.
Minnesota has sued the Department of Health and Human Services over the withholding of Medicaid funds.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump responded calmly to questions about possible punishment for China after his administration accused China of interfering in the 2020 U.S. election. He suggested both countries have taken similar actions and did not indicate plans for strong retaliatory measures.
Key Facts
The Trump administration recently accused China of meddling in the 2020 U.S. election by acquiring U.S. voter information.
China denies these allegations.
President Trump said the events happened a long time ago and that the relationship with China has changed.
He noted that the U.S. also takes actions against China, implying it is not a one-sided issue.
Earlier, Trump identified "shocking vulnerabilities" in U.S. election systems linked to China.
Experts and former intelligence officials have said there is no proof China interfered with vote counts or election results in 2020.
A declassified 2021 intelligence report found no evidence of foreign actors changing votes or election outcomes.
Trump’s comments may show little interest in punishing China over this issue, despite his tough stance on other China-related topics like trade.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump stated that claims of Chinese interference in U.S. elections are not one-sided. He mentioned that such interference happened a long time ago and suggested China’s approach may have changed since then.
Key Facts
President Trump commented on Chinese interference in U.S. elections.
He described the situation as “not a one-way street,” implying both sides could be involved.
Trump said the interference took place a long time ago.
He noted that China might be different now compared to the past.
He indicated that discussions with China about the issue would take place.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Millions of Americans who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive their August 2026 benefits on different dates depending on their state. SNAP provides monthly food assistance based on income and family size, with benefits added automatically to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Key Facts
SNAP is the largest food assistance program in the U.S., helping low-income households buy food.
The average SNAP benefit per household is about $354 per month.
For fiscal year 2026, the maximum monthly benefit ranges from $298 for one person to $994 for a family of four.
August 2026 SNAP payment dates vary by state, starting as early as August 1 and extending through most of the month.
Benefits are sent electronically to recipients’ EBT cards, which can be used at many stores and some online sellers.
SNAP enrollment dropped by about 5 million people from March 2025 to March 2026.
Changes in 2025 under President Donald Trump’s administration tightened rules, increased work requirements, and gave states more control.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to reduce federal SNAP spending by $186 billion over 10 years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal appeals court decided that a judge was wrong to order the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student arrested during his naturalization interview. His case became a key example in President Trump’s efforts to increase scrutiny of foreign students in the United States.
Key Facts
Mohsen Mahdawi is a Palestinian green card holder and a student at Columbia University.
He was arrested during his naturalization interview, a meeting to apply for U.S. citizenship.
A district judge initially ordered his release, believing he was being unfairly targeted.
The federal appeals court overturned that release order on Tuesday.
Mahdawi’s case gained attention because it reflects policies under President Trump’s administration aimed at stricter controls on foreign students.
The ruling means Mahdawi will remain in custody while his case continues.
This legal decision is part of a larger government focus on immigration enforcement.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A bill called the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026 aims to change the guest worker program to help some immigrant farm workers get temporary legal status. Some Republican lawmakers and conservative groups oppose the bill, saying it amounts to amnesty for undocumented workers, while others support it to address farm labor shortages.
Key Facts
The bill was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican.
It would reform the H-2A agricultural guest worker program, which hires foreign workers when American workers are unavailable.
The bill allows certain undocumented farm workers already employed to apply for H-2A status without penalties for prior immigration violations.
The program expansion includes year-round agricultural work like dairy and livestock, not just seasonal jobs.
Hardline Republicans such as Representative Anna Paulina Luna and Governor Ron DeSantis oppose the bill, calling it amnesty.
The House Freedom Caucus and Representative Chip Roy also publicly reject the bill on immigration grounds.
The bill has 51 House cosponsors, including 47 Republicans and 4 Democrats, reflecting division within the GOP.
Experts say the bill does not provide a path to citizenship but may be seen by some as a form of amnesty.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article says government shutdowns are happening more often and lasting longer. These shutdowns stop the government from working during important global challenges.
Key Facts
Government shutdowns are happening more frequently.
Shutdowns are lasting for longer periods.
Shutdowns prevent the government from functioning properly.
These shutdowns occur during times of serious international competition and conflict.
The article calls the current situation unacceptable.
Ending shutdowns would help the government work continuously.
The issue affects how the government responds to global events.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A top Democrat in the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, is investigating whether Jeffrey Epstein acted as an unregistered foreign agent. Epstein allegedly tried to influence U.S. policies by working with foreign governments and used past ties to President Donald Trump to gain leverage. Raskin is demanding government records about Epstein’s contacts with several countries.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein may have acted as a foreign agent without registering with the U.S. government.
Epstein tried to represent Saudi Arabia and advised leaders in Kuwait, Israel, and Russia.
He offered himself as a “Financial Confidant” to the Saudi Crown Prince and had a close relationship with him.
Epstein reportedly coached the Kuwaiti emir on how to deal with President Trump during a 2017 visit.
He advised former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on diplomacy involving the U.S., Russia, and the Middle East.
Epstein gave advice on handling President Trump to Russian officials, including the late U.N. representative Vitaly Churkin.
Rep. Raskin asked several government officials for records about Epstein’s dealings with 19 countries and whether any formal investigations under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) were conducted.
The White House said President Trump has been fully cleared of any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
