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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination for the permanent role faces strong opposition from some Republicans. The disagreement mainly concerns his involvement in setting up President Trump’s $1.8 billion fund aimed at preventing the misuse of government resources.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is currently the acting attorney general.
He has been nominated to become the permanent attorney general.
Some key Republicans are angry about Blanche’s role in creating the new fund.
The fund is worth $1.8 billion and is called the “anti-weaponization” fund.
The fund is intended to stop government resources from being misused or weaponized.
Blanche told Congress that the administration is not moving forward with some related actions.
The nomination process will likely involve debate over Blanche’s involvement with the fund.
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Republican lawmakers want more detailed information from the Pentagon about the military operation in Iran before supporting funding for it. The campaign has lasted over 100 days and cost about $29 billion so far.
Key Facts
Republicans are hesitant to approve funding for the Iran military conflict.
They want clear details on the goals and costs of the operation from the Pentagon.
The military campaign has been ongoing for more than 100 days.
The expense of the operation is about $29 billion.
The request for funding comes during a challenging election year.
Lawmakers are waiting for answers before giving their support.
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Cases of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly, are spreading and threatening the U.S. beef and cattle industry. The Trump administration says the return of the screwworm is linked to the immigration policies of President Biden.
Key Facts
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly harmful to cattle.
The screwworm was eliminated in the U.S. in the 1960s.
The screwworm has recently appeared again and is spreading.
The Trump administration is responding to this problem.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins links the resurgence to immigration policies.
The screwworm outbreak is seen as a threat to the beef and cattle industry.
Officials are discussing who is responsible for the return of the pest.
The situation involves government actions related to agriculture and immigration.
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Some House Republicans are upset because a few members of their party are working with Democrats to use discharge petitions. These petitions force votes on bills, bypassing the decisions of GOP leaders and reducing their control in the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
House Republicans are frustrated with colleagues joining Democrats on discharge petitions.
Discharge petitions force votes on certain bills, skipping party leadership approval.
This tactic was once very rare but is now used more often than before.
The increased use of discharge petitions limits GOP leaders' control over the House floor.
Discharge petitions require a majority of members’ signatures to take effect.
The issue highlights internal conflicts within the Republican Party.
The strategy reflects growing divisions and challenges in managing the House agenda.
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President Donald Trump’s effort to end the war in Iran is facing problems due to missed deadlines and difficulties on the ground. The conflict has lasted longer than he predicted, reaching its 100th day recently.
Key Facts
President Trump called himself a master negotiator aiming to stop the war in Iran.
He had predicted the war would last four to five weeks.
The war has now lasted over 100 days.
The effort to achieve peace is struggling due to delays and setbacks.
Ground conditions in Iran have made negotiations harder.
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President Donald Trump is increasing his efforts to remove the Senate parliamentarian and advance the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This is creating pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who is facing criticism from Trump supporters known as the MAGA base.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to remove the Senate parliamentarian, an official who advises on Senate rules.
Trump is pushing for the passage of the SAVE Act, which relates to voting rules.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has faced a mixed relationship with President Trump over time.
The MAGA base is criticizing Thune because of his stance or actions on this issue.
Thune represents South Dakota and leads the Senate Republicans.
The fight reflects tensions within the Republican Party over election-related legislation.
The SAVE Act aims to change or protect voter eligibility criteria, according to its supporters.
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A mother shares her experience of her son Merrick, who was first diagnosed with autism and ADHD but later found to have Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare genetic disease that causes progressive loss of abilities. The diagnosis gave an explanation for his regression and challenges but also brought difficult realities and limited treatment options.
Key Facts
Merrick was diagnosed with autism and ADHD around age four and a half.
He showed signs of being smart but had trouble communicating and learning as expected.
Around age five, Merrick’s skills began to regress, losing abilities in language, motor skills, and focus.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routines and support, which complicated the family’s efforts to help him.
In June 2024, Merrick was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing progressive loss of mental and physical abilities.
Sanfilippo syndrome is often described as a form of childhood dementia and has no known cure.
By the time of diagnosis, Merrick was too old to qualify for clinical trials that might have helped.
Merrick currently needs constant support, including a one-on-one aide at school and ongoing specialist care.
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Senator Susan Collins of Maine is running for her sixth term in the U.S. Senate against Democrat Graham Platner. Collins is known for her ability to balance being part of the Republican Party while also sometimes opposing President Trump, a strategy that has helped her win reelection multiple times. Despite criticism from Democrats, she remains a strong candidate with high name recognition and a record of bringing federal money to Maine.
Key Facts
Susan Collins is a Republican senator from Maine seeking her sixth term.
Her challenger is Graham Platner, a Democrat, combat veteran, and oyster farmer.
Platner has faced criticism over personal issues like controversial online posts and a tattoo linked to a Nazi symbol.
Collins is known for occasionally distancing herself from President Trump, unlike some other Republicans who lost primaries after opposing Trump.
President Trump has criticized Collins in the past but has not campaigned actively against her this election cycle.
Collins has a record of strong attendance and has brought federal funding to Maine for many years.
Democrats see the Maine Senate seat as a key race to try to take control of the Senate in the 2026 elections.
Issues like the economy, war in Iran, and abortion rights are important topics in the race.
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The Nevada governor’s race is between Republican Joe Lombardo, the current governor, and Democrat Aaron Ford, the state attorney general. The election is seen as a test for Republican governors in key states during a time of economic worries, low approval for President Donald Trump, and shifting voter groups.
Key Facts
Joe Lombardo won the 2022 governor’s race in Nevada by 1.5%.
Lombardo supports some policies linked to President Trump, such as tariffs, despite some economic pain.
Nevada’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which dropped 7.5% last year, and the state has a high unemployment rate.
Lombardo highlights progress in education funding and job growth since he took office.
Aaron Ford focuses on economic issues like housing, healthcare, gas, and food affordability.
Ford has taken legal actions against the Trump administration’s policies, including tariffs.
Ford is supported by Democratic leaders such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto.
Nevada has a growing number of independent voters, making it a key battleground state.
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Japanese anime and manga fans have asked President Trump to stop using their favorite characters in his social media posts without permission. A petition with about 20,000 signatures protests the White House’s use of images from series like Dragon Ball, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Naruto in official posts.
Key Facts
About 20,000 people signed a petition called Protect Japanese Manga on Change.org.
The petition opposes the White House X account’s use of anime images without permission.
The Japanese government was asked to address this issue with the U.S. embassy in Japan.
The official Yu-Gi-Oh! account said creators did not approve the use of their material.
A recent image showed President Trump as Naruto, which restarted online criticism and petition efforts.
Fans said they want the U.S. government to respect creators and stop unauthorized use of anime content.
Shueisha, the publisher of Naruto, said copyright is held by the film production committee; the creator Masashi Kishimoto has not publicly commented.
The Guardian reached out to the White House for a response to the petition.
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Two federal judges are holding hearings this week about the Trump administration's $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," which the Department of Justice says will not move forward. President Donald Trump supports the fund to compensate people connected to the January 6 Capitol attack, while watchdog groups want courts to block it.
Key Facts
The "Anti-Weaponization Fund" was proposed to pay compensation to people who claim they were wrongly targeted under the Biden administration.
The Department of Justice has stated that the fund is "not going forward."
President Donald Trump has publicly supported the fund and said Jan. 6 defendants should receive compensation.
A watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), asked a federal judge to block the fund officially.
CREW argues the fund’s legal documents are still active and that money could be taken from the Treasury without proper oversight.
CREW’s lawyers claim that the fund creation was corrupt and linked to political self-dealing.
The DOJ lawyers said the case is moot because the fund never started.
Another federal judge in Virginia issued a temporary order stopping the administration from creating or funding the compensation pool.
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is actively supporting his 26-year-old son-in-law, Michael Alfonso, in a race for a Wisconsin House seat. Alfonso has received endorsements and campaign money linked to Duffy, causing concern among local Republicans about the use of Duffy's official position to influence the election.
Key Facts
Sean Duffy is the U.S. Transportation Secretary and is helping his son-in-law, Michael Alfonso, run for a Wisconsin House seat.
President Trump endorsed Alfonso after Duffy asked him to do so.
Alfonso has received significant campaign money from groups connected to the transportation industry, which Duffy oversees.
Duffy transferred $1 million from his former congressional campaign to Alfonso's super PAC last year.
Duffy has appeared at Alfonso’s campaign events and fundraisers in multiple locations.
Some Wisconsin Republicans say Duffy’s involvement discourages donors and party leaders from supporting Alfonso’s rivals.
Duffy’s support complies with rules requiring political activities be done in a personal role, but some critics feel his official power is influencing the election.
Alfonso has not attended candidate debates, which has upset some Republican voters in the district.
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Graham Platner won the Democratic primary in Maine with 72% of the vote and will face Republican Susan Collins in the November Senate election. President Donald Trump continued to influence the Republican Party by helping to defeat a candidate who wanted to release Jeffrey Epstein files. The Maine race is important because Democrats see Collins’s seat as vulnerable.
Key Facts
Primary elections were held in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina ahead of the November midterm elections.
Graham Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, won the Democratic primary in Maine with 72%.
Platner defeated Governor Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign but remained on the ballot.
Platner has faced controversy over past behavior, including old offensive posts, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and accusations of past intimidation.
Platner has apologized for his past actions and linked some issues to PTSD and depression from military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand expressed strong support for Platner’s campaign.
Platner criticized Susan Collins for breaking promises on abortion rights and accused her of corruption.
The Maine Senate race could influence which party controls the Senate after the 2024 elections.
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The Supreme Court is set to decide important cases related to voting rules, immigration policies, and presidential powers. These decisions could affect mail-in ballot deadlines, birthright citizenship, deportation policies, transgender athletes in sports, and President Trump’s ability to remove certain officials.
Key Facts
The Court will rule on a Mississippi law that allows mail-in ballots received up to five days after Election Day to be counted.
President Trump opposes mail-in ballots but has voted by mail himself.
The Court will hear a case challenging limits on how much money political parties can spend with candidates.
Trump signed an order limiting birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. only if at least one parent is legally in the country.
The Court is reviewing the Trump administration’s effort to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants.
A decision will clarify if people stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border on the Mexican side can apply for asylum.
The Court will consider cases on transgender athlete bans in Idaho and West Virginia under Title IX rules.
The Court is also examining President Trump’s power to fire officials in the Federal Reserve and the Federal Trade Commission.
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Bill Gates will testify in a private session before the U.S. House committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities. Lawmakers will question Gates about his previous meetings and connections with Epstein, following released documents that mention Gates and show repeated contact.
Key Facts
Bill Gates is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight and Reform Committee in a closed-door meeting.
The committee is investigating Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Documents released by the Justice Department mention Gates multiple times and show several meetings between him and Epstein.
Gates has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s illegal actions and has not been accused of wrongdoing.
The Gates Foundation had some staff discussions with Epstein but did not pursue any partnership or funding deals.
The foundation is conducting an external review of its past contacts with Epstein and its policies on partnerships.
Gates has publicly regretted meeting Epstein and called it a mistake.
Gates admitted he met Epstein between 2011 and 2014, flew with him on a private jet, and spent time together in several countries but denies staying overnight at Epstein's properties.
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Republican Nancy Mace finished fifth in South Carolina’s GOP primary for governor after she pushed to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. She said she has no regrets about her decision, saying it was a moral issue, even though it may have cost her support and President Trump’s endorsement.
Key Facts
Nancy Mace is a Republican representative who ran for governor in South Carolina.
She finished fifth with 12.1% of the vote in the June 9 GOP primary.
Mace voted to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, which made her unpopular with some voters and President Trump.
President Trump’s endorsement was linked to success in the primary, and Mace did not get it.
Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson advanced to a runoff, leading the Republican field.
Mace said she decided to release the Epstein files because of her personal experience as a survivor of sexual assault.
She described exposing misconduct as more important than winning the election.
Mace said she will continue to be active in public life despite the loss.
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A large wooden cross was found burning in Chicago’s Grant Park on the afternoon of July 9, 2026. Police are investigating how and why the cross was set on fire, and there were no injuries reported.
Key Facts
The burning cross was discovered in Grant Park, a popular area near Lake Michigan in Chicago.
The Chicago Fire Department confirmed the object was a wooden cross and put out the fire.
Police are investigating the circumstances and the reason behind the burning cross.
No one was hurt, and the investigation is ongoing.
Burning crosses have historically been used as symbols of hate, especially linked to the Ku Klux Klan.
A motorist named Keinika Carlton recorded the burning cross and expressed concern it might be a racial or religious act.
Carlton estimated the cross was about 6 feet tall.
The incident raised feelings of shock and sadness among witnesses, highlighting ongoing concerns about racial violence.
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Inflation in the U.S. is expected to have reached its highest level in three years last month, mainly due to rising gas prices caused by the war in Iran. Prices increased by about 4.2% compared to a year earlier, making it harder for people to afford everyday goods and creating challenges for President Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
Inflation likely rose 4.2% in May compared to the previous year, up from 3.8% in April.
Monthly prices probably increased by 0.5% in May.
Rising gas prices are linked to the Iran war, which affected global oil supply by blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
Gasoline prices rose from around $4.04 per gallon in mid-April to $4.49 in mid-May but have since dropped to about $4.16.
Inflation had started to slow down before President Trump imposed tariffs in April 2025, which raised the cost of many goods.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, is expected to have risen 0.3% in May and stands at an annual rate above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
Some prices, like dental care and car repairs, remain high even though wages are only growing slowly.
Higher diesel fuel prices have increased shipping costs, causing companies to add extra fees.
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Bill Gates will testify before a congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities. The committee is reviewing Gates’ past interactions with Epstein, focusing on Philanthropy discussions, but Gates denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Bill Gates will appear before the House Oversight Committee about Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was accused of sex trafficking minors and died in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Gates’ meetings with Epstein occurred from 2011 to 2014, after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea.
Gates said he only met Epstein to talk about charity work and called their relationship a mistake.
The Gates Foundation confirmed some staff met Epstein but never worked with him on projects or gave him money.
An external review is underway at the Gates Foundation to examine past contacts with Epstein.
Former President Bill Clinton also testified for over six hours about his ties to Epstein.
Democrats want President Donald Trump to testify, but Republicans say they have no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump.
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Solar power in the United States has reached new levels, producing more electricity than coal for the first time in May 2026. This growth happens even as President Donald Trump supports coal by investing nearly $700 million to boost coal power plants and coal exports.
Key Facts
In May 2026, solar power generated 12.8% of U.S. electricity, surpassing coal’s 12.2% share.
Solar power became the third-largest electricity source in the U.S., after natural gas and nuclear energy.
Coal electricity output hit a record low in April 2026 and only slightly increased in May.
Electricity demand in the U.S. is rising due to growth in artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and electric transportation.
President Trump announced a plan to spend nearly $700 million to support the coal industry.
Despite federal support for coal, solar power continues to grow as investors seek profitable energy sources.
Wind and solar combined have surpassed coal generation before, with wind sometimes generating more power during windy months.
Globally, renewable energy is expected to provide about 45% of electricity by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.
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