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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Troy Jackson poised to replace Graham Platner as Democratic nominee in Maine Senate race

Troy Jackson poised to replace Graham Platner as Democratic nominee in Maine Senate race

July 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Troy Jackson is expected to become the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine after the previous candidate, Graham Platner, quit amid sexual assault allegations. Jackson gained broad support from party delegates and other candidates who withdrew in his favor ahead of a special convention to select the nominee.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner ended his Senate campaign after allegations of sexual assault surfaced.
  • Several Democratic candidates competed to replace Platner but dropped out, leaving Troy Jackson as the main contender.
  • A special convention with 601 delegates is set to choose the final nominee by July 27.
  • Troy Jackson has support from major unions, state Democrats, and national progressive groups.
  • Jackson previously served as Maine Senate president and ran for governor in 2024 but lost in the primary.
  • Jackson received endorsements from former rivals who withdrew, including Jordan Wood, Nirav Shah, and Dan Kleban.
  • The Senate seat is currently held by Republican Susan Collins, who has served for almost 30 years.
  • Democrats see winning this seat as crucial to regaining control of the U.S. Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Suspect arrested in explosion outside NYC federal building was anti-ICE, sources say

Suspect arrested in explosion outside NYC federal building was anti-ICE, sources say

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A suspect was arrested after an explosion near a federal building in Manhattan, New York City. Sources say the person was motivated by opposition to ICE, the U.S. agency that enforces immigration laws.

Key Facts

  • The explosion happened outside 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan.
  • Authorities arrested a suspect connected to the explosion.
  • The suspect was reportedly against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
  • ICE is a U.S. government agency responsible for immigration enforcement.
  • CBS News and former NYPD Sergeant Felipe Rodriguez reported on the case.
  • The incident took place in New York City.
  • No further details on injuries or damage were provided in the article.
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CBS News
Third person dies amid NYC Legionnaires’ outbreak, officials say

Third person dies amid NYC Legionnaires’ outbreak, officials say

July 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A third person has died in New York City due to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. Officials previously reported a second death linked to the illness.

Key Facts

  • Three people have now died from Legionnaires’ disease in New York City.
  • The Health Department recently announced the second death before confirming the third.
  • Legionnaires’ disease is a type of lung infection caused by bacteria.
  • The outbreak is ongoing, and health officials are monitoring the situation.
  • The city is investigating possible sources of the bacteria to prevent more cases.
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The Hill
Troy Jackson poised to seize Maine baton after Platner's exit

Troy Jackson poised to seize Maine baton after Platner's exit

July 20, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Democrats in Maine are supporting Troy Jackson as their candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming election. Jackson gained strong backing after other candidates dropped out and the previous Democratic candidate, Graham Platner, ended his campaign following sexual assault allegations.

Key Facts

  • Troy Jackson is expected to become the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
  • He received wide support after other Democratic candidates, Nirav Shah, Dan Kleban, and Jordan Wood, ended their campaigns and endorsed him.
  • Graham Platner, the former Democratic candidate, quit after being accused of sexual assault, which he denies.
  • Jackson finished third in Maine's recent Democratic primary for governor.
  • His campaign focuses on Medicare for all, cutting U.S. tax dollars to Israel's military, abolishing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and supporting abortion rights.
  • Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders previously endorsed Jackson in the governor’s race.
  • The Maine Democratic Party will officially choose the nominee at a convention with 601 delegates.
  • Republicans are preparing a strong advertising campaign against Jackson in the Senate race.
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Axios
Almost half say Supreme Court rulings on Trump agenda based on politics: Survey

Almost half say Supreme Court rulings on Trump agenda based on politics: Survey

July 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A recent poll shows that nearly half of Americans think the Supreme Court makes decisions about President Trump's policies based on politics, not just the law. The survey asked over 2,600 people about their views on the court’s rulings related to the president’s agenda.

Key Facts

  • The poll was conducted by The Washington Post and Ipsos from July 8 to 13.
  • 46% of the 2,648 respondents believe the Supreme Court judges decide cases based on their political beliefs.
  • The cases in question relate to President Donald Trump’s policy agenda.
  • The Supreme Court has nine justices who rule on legal cases.
  • The poll reflects public opinion on how the court handles politically sensitive cases involving the president.
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The Hill
Civil rights groups sue Trump administration over childcare funding restrictions

Civil rights groups sue Trump administration over childcare funding restrictions

July 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Civil rights groups sued the Department of Health and Human Services for not responding to a request about the Trump administration’s childcare funding cuts. The lawsuit seeks emails and information about decisions to freeze federal money after unproven fraud claims against Somali childcare providers.

Key Facts

  • Several civil rights groups, including the ACLU, filed the lawsuit against HHS.
  • The lawsuit concerns a Freedom of Information Act request about childcare funding restrictions.
  • The Trump administration froze over $10 billion in childcare and family assistance funds to five states.
  • The freeze followed a viral video by influencer Nick Shirley, who made unproven fraud claims about Somali childcare centers.
  • Investigations found the childcare centers mostly operated normally and children were present.
  • Court orders have blocked the funding freeze and demanded the release of related emails.
  • The lawsuit alleges the freeze caused fear and delays for families relying on childcare support.
  • Civil rights groups say the funding cuts are linked to racial bias and political motives.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Byron Donalds' Chances of Being Defeated by Democrats in Florida—New Poll

Byron Donalds' Chances of Being Defeated by Democrats in Florida—New Poll

July 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new poll from the University of North Florida shows Republican Byron Donalds leading Democrat David Jolly by 5 points in the race for Florida governor. The poll indicates a close contest ahead of the 2026 election, with both candidates showing strong support among voters.

Key Facts

  • Byron Donalds has 46% support, and David Jolly has 41% among likely Florida voters.
  • 6% of voters are undecided, and 5% support other candidates.
  • Both candidates are currently leading their primary races, scheduled for August 18, 2026.
  • Among voters not affiliated with either party, Donalds leads slightly with 39% over Jolly's 38%.
  • Jolly has stronger support among Hispanic and Latino voters, winning 53% compared to Donalds’ 35%.
  • The poll surveyed 848 likely voters from July 8 to 17, 2026, with a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points.
  • Other polls show mixed results, with one giving Jolly a 4-point lead and another giving Donalds an 8-point lead.
  • The poll also found Florida voters slightly disapprove of President Donald Trump, with 51% disapproving and 48% approving.
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Newsweek
Mexican drug lord ‘El Mayo’ sentenced to life in prison in US federal court

Mexican drug lord ‘El Mayo’ sentenced to life in prison in US federal court

July 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Ismael Zambada García, known as “El Mayo,” a leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, was sentenced to life in prison in a US federal court after admitting to leading a large drug trafficking operation. The court also ordered him to give up $15 billion earned from illegal drug sales.

Key Facts

  • Zambada is 76 years old and was sentenced in Brooklyn, New York.
  • He admitted to shipping large amounts of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and fentanyl to the US and other countries.
  • He pleaded guilty to charges including racketeering and running a continuing criminal enterprise.
  • The US justice department agreed not to seek the death penalty in exchange for his plea.
  • Zambada was a co-founder and key leader of the Sinaloa cartel, known for violence and corruption.
  • He was arrested in 2024 after a kidnapping operation led by one of El Chapo’s sons.
  • Zambada urged an end to violence and asked future traffickers to choose a different path in a court statement.
  • The sentencing happened during heightened US pressure on Mexico to fight drug cartels, including designating the Sinaloa cartel as a terrorist group.
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Guardian World
Burnham pledges to end rough sleeping in England in first speech as prime minister

Burnham pledges to end rough sleeping in England in first speech as prime minister

July 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised to end rough sleeping in England by investing an extra £340 million over three years. He aims to use strategies similar to those he implemented as mayor of Greater Manchester, which initially reduced homelessness, but recent national trends show rough sleeping has increased.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham announced a plan to end rough sleeping in England with a new investment of £340 million over three years.
  • The funding will come from unused housing department budgets and will support building 1,200 new homes and helping 3,000 people over five years.
  • Burnham’s approach is based on policies from his time as Greater Manchester mayor, where rough sleeping was initially reduced by two-thirds.
  • The plan involves cooperation between national and local governments.
  • The previous government had allocated £3.5 billion to homelessness, aiming to cut long-term rough sleeping in half.
  • Critics note that rough sleeping has increased over the past four years in Greater Manchester despite Burnham’s earlier success.
  • Burnham’s strategy echoes the “Everyone In” policy used during the Covid pandemic, which temporarily housed rough sleepers.
  • Housing Secretary Steve Reed, who managed the previous homelessness strategy, was removed from his post as Burnham formed his cabinet.
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Guardian World
Brennan to Homan on ICE shooting claims: ‘Hard to substantiate some of what you are saying’

Brennan to Homan on ICE shooting claims: ‘Hard to substantiate some of what you are saying’

July 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Tom Homan, a border official, responded to claims made by CBS News host Margaret Brennan about a deadly shooting involving an ICE officer in Houston. Brennan questioned the evidence shown in videos of the incident, saying they do not clearly support the officer’s actions.

Key Facts

  • A fatal shooting occurred involving an ICE officer in Houston.
  • The person shot was Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was undocumented.
  • Videos show an ICE van chasing Araujo.
  • CBS host Margaret Brennan said the videos do not clearly support the officer’s actions.
  • Border official Tom Homan said some of Brennan’s claims are hard to prove.
  • The discussion took place during a Sunday broadcast.
  • The incident involves U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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The Hill
Ex-Sen. Ben Sasse defends Senate filibuster, saying US needs it

Ex-Sen. Ben Sasse defends Senate filibuster, saying US needs it

July 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Former Senator Ben Sasse spoke in favor of the Senate filibuster, saying it is important for the U.S. Senate. He wrote in an opinion article that the filibuster helps prevent too much power from being concentrated in one place and supports the country’s stability.

Key Facts

  • Ben Sasse is a former Senator from Nebraska.
  • He supports keeping the Senate filibuster rule.
  • The filibuster allows Senators to extend debate and delay voting on a bill.
  • Sasse wrote about this in an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal.
  • He said the filibuster prevents any one political group from having too much control.
  • The filibuster is a Senate tradition but is not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.
  • Sasse believes this rule is important for the nation’s recovery and endurance.
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The Hill
Suspect held after explosion at FBI building in New York City

Suspect held after explosion at FBI building in New York City

July 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

An explosion occurred outside an FBI building in New York City, injuring three people. Authorities arrested a suspect who reportedly threw an incendiary device, and the FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terror.

Key Facts

  • The explosion happened Monday morning outside 26 Federal Plaza, the FBI headquarters in Manhattan.
  • Three people were injured, two needing hospital treatment.
  • The suspect threw a device that caused a fire near the building.
  • The device appeared to be fireworks attached to a wagon with a sign saying “ICE out of our streets.”
  • The FBI’s joint terrorism taskforce is leading the investigation.
  • Protest against ICE and immigration policies have increased recently.
  • Several deaths involving immigration authorities have occurred this year.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed immigration enforcement efforts would continue despite recent shootings.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Tate brothers detained as they face new charges, possible U.K. extradition

Tate brothers detained as they face new charges, possible U.K. extradition

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Andrew and Tristan Tate, influencer brothers, were arrested in the U.S. and face new rape and sex trafficking charges from the United Kingdom. They are scheduled to appear before a federal judge in Miami as U.S. courts consider whether to extradite them to the UK.

Key Facts

  • The Tate brothers were arrested in Miami and are held in federal detention.
  • They face new charges from the UK involving rape, assault, trafficking, and offenses related to child images and extreme pornography.
  • These new charges concern four new alleged victims and cover events from 2010 to 2017.
  • The brothers were already charged in the UK with crimes against three other alleged victims from 2012 to 2015.
  • Their lawyer plans to fight extradition and called the charges false and politically motivated.
  • The arrests in the U.S. were approved by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division leadership.
  • The Tates previously lived in Romania and faced unrelated legal issues there but denied wrongdoing.
  • They moved to Florida after leaving Romania and have a large social media presence promoting controversial views.
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CBS News
On birthright citizenship, Trump could lose even bigger next time

On birthright citizenship, Trump could lose even bigger next time

July 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article suggests that if the Supreme Court reviews the issue of birthright citizenship again, President Trump might lose more public support than gain it. The topic of birthright citizenship involves whether people born in the U.S. automatically get citizenship.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court might reconsider the case about birthright citizenship.
  • Birthright citizenship means being a U.S. citizen because you were born in the country.
  • President Trump is linked to this issue as it relates to his policies or political stance.
  • Revisiting this issue could affect how many people support President Trump.
  • The article predicts that this could cause President Trump to lose votes.
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The Hill
Fact-checking Trump's claims about Iran's military capabilities

Fact-checking Trump's claims about Iran's military capabilities

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump has said that Iran's military capabilities have been destroyed. CBS News analyzed these claims with national security expert Aaron MacLean to check their accuracy.

Key Facts

  • President Trump stated that Iran’s military power is destroyed.
  • CBS News reviewed the president’s statements for accuracy.
  • National security analyst Aaron MacLean provided expert insight.
  • The analysis was shared on the CBS News platform.
  • The fact-check focused on Iran’s military strength and capabilities.
  • No definitive conclusion about complete destruction of Iran’s military was provided.
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CBS News
Trump says new Air Force One will be "maxed out" with security capabilities

Trump says new Air Force One will be "maxed out" with security capabilities

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump said the new Air Force One, a jet gifted by Qatar, will soon get full security upgrades. He confirmed the plane will be sent for about a month of work to add defensive features that it currently lacks.

Key Facts

  • The new Air Force One was donated to President Trump by Qatar last year.
  • President Trump has used the new jet a few times since it started flying in June.
  • After a trip to Turkey, President Trump traveled part of the return journey on the older Air Force One plane.
  • The older Air Force One planes have special security systems like lasers to block missiles and tricks to confuse attacks.
  • The new plane currently does not have all these security features.
  • The plan is to send the new plane for defensive upgrades that will "max out" its capabilities.
  • The upgrade process is expected to take about one month.
  • Some lawmakers have raised concerns over security and ethics about accepting the gifted plane.
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CBS News
The Tate brothers are expected in a Miami court following their arrest and UK extradition request

The Tate brothers are expected in a Miami court following their arrest and UK extradition request

July 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Andrew and Tristan Tate, influencer brothers, are in federal custody in Miami after being arrested on U.K. charges of rape, sex trafficking, and other crimes. They will appear in court soon, and a judge will decide if they can be sent to the U.K. to face these charges.

Key Facts

  • The Tate brothers were arrested in Miami on Saturday and are held in federal detention.
  • They face new charges from the U.K. involving four new victims, including rape, assault, trafficking, and child-related offenses.
  • The new allegations date from 2010 to 2017; previous charges relate to offenses from 2012 to 2015.
  • A U.S. district judge will review the extradition request before deciding if they can be sent to the U.K.
  • Their lawyer called the charges false and expects the extradition to be denied.
  • The U.S. Justice Department said the arrests were approved by senior leadership in its Criminal Division.
  • The Tates have dual citizenship (U.S. and U.K.) and have lived in Romania since 2016.
  • They were previously arrested in Romania in 2022 on related accusations, which were not pursued due to legal issues.
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PBS NewsHour
Daylight Saving Time: What Senators Are Saying About Major Proposed Change

Daylight Saving Time: What Senators Are Saying About Major Proposed Change

July 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A bill called the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent across most of the United States, has passed in the House but faces strong opposition in the Senate. Senators have differing views, with some supporting the bill to avoid clock changes and others opposing it over concerns like darker winter mornings affecting children’s safety.

Key Facts

  • The Sunshine Protection Act was approved by the House with a vote of 308-117.
  • President Donald Trump supports making daylight saving time permanent.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned there is strong opposition to the bill in the Senate.
  • Senator Rick Scott from Florida is the Senate sponsor and supports ending the twice-yearly time changes.
  • Opponents worry that permanent daylight saving time would cause very late sunrises in northern states, making winter mornings dark and unsafe for children going to school.
  • Senator Tom Cotton has actively blocked efforts to advance the bill, concerned about darker winter mornings.
  • Opposition comes from both Republican and Democratic senators, especially those from northern and rural states.
  • Some religious groups, like Orthodox Jewish organizations, say the change would disrupt morning prayer times tied to sunrise.
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Newsweek
Scoop: Trump AI security agency head resigns

Scoop: Trump AI security agency head resigns

July 20, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Chris Fall is resigning as the director of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) after three months in the role. The Commerce Department confirmed that Dr. Arvind Raman will act as the temporary head while a new director is chosen.

Key Facts

  • Chris Fall led CAISI, a federal AI testing and standards agency, starting in April.
  • CAISI develops ways to test and set standards for advanced AI systems.
  • Fall’s resignation was confirmed by the Commerce Department spokesperson.
  • Dr. Arvind Raman, director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will serve as acting CAISI director.
  • Raman has experience as a former engineering dean at Purdue University.
  • The Commerce Department plans to announce a new permanent CAISI director soon.
  • Fall’s appointment was initially meant to be temporary.
  • The administration is still working on how to handle AI safety and oversight.
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Axios
Suspect in custody after explosion in downtown Manhattan, FBI says

Suspect in custody after explosion in downtown Manhattan, FBI says

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A suspect has been arrested after an explosive device detonated outside a government building at 26 Federal Plaza in downtown Manhattan. The FBI is handling the investigation.

Key Facts

  • An incendiary device exploded outside 26 Federal Plaza in downtown Manhattan.
  • The FBI reported that a suspect is now in custody.
  • 26 Federal Plaza is a government building.
  • The incident took place in downtown Manhattan, New York City.
  • CBS News provided the information through their reporter Anna Schecter.
  • The FBI is leading the investigation into the explosion.
  • No additional details about injuries or damages were given in this report.
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CBS News