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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Scott Wiener and Connie Chan advanced to the November runoff for California's 11th Congressional District after the June 2 primary. Wiener, a state senator, leads the race and is favored to win despite Pelosi’s late endorsement of Chan, a San Francisco supervisor.
Key Facts
California uses a top-two primary system where the two candidates with the most votes move to the general election, regardless of party.
With about half the votes counted, Wiener had 41 percent, Chan 29 percent, and Saikat Chakrabarti 15 percent. Chakrabarti did not advance.
Polls consistently showed Wiener in a strong lead and a close race for second place between Chan and Chakrabarti.
Prediction markets gave Wiener a 61 percent chance of winning the general election versus 39 percent for Chan.
Nancy Pelosi endorsed Chan two weeks before the primary, a rare move in local races, aiming to boost Chan’s campaign.
Pelosi announced in November that she would not seek reelection after decades in Congress.
The race reflects Pelosi's continuing influence in San Francisco politics but suggests Wiener is the stronger candidate.
The general election will be a contest between two Democrats in a primarily Democratic district.
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Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, will compete against Republican Justin Murphy in the November Senate election. Both candidates won their party primaries on Tuesday.
Key Facts
Cory Booker is the Democratic candidate for the New Jersey Senate race.
Justin Murphy won the Republican primary for the same Senate seat.
Murphy is a Navy veteran.
Murphy has run for Senate before.
Murphy won despite having very little campaign money.
The general election will take place in November.
Both candidates secured their party’s nominations on the same day.
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President Donald Trump confirmed he strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call about the situation in Lebanon. Trump told Netanyahu to stop the fighting and warned against bombing Beirut, which Netanyahu then canceled.
Key Facts
President Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and used strong language to criticize his actions in Lebanon.
Trump said Netanyahu was "fucking crazy" and that he would be in prison if not for Trump.
The call came after Iran threatened to end talks with the U.S. because of Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
Trump warned that bombing Beirut would hurt Israel’s global standing and urged Netanyahu to stand down.
Netanyahu canceled the plan to bomb Beirut following the call.
Trump announced a new ceasefire after the call.
U.S. officials described Trump as angry and frustrated during the conversation.
Trump stated he still likes Netanyahu and has worked well with him despite the disagreement.
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The Cook Political Report changed its forecast for the Iowa Senate race from "likely Republican" to "lean Republican." This update followed state Representative Josh Turek winning the Democratic primary with about 63% of the vote.
Key Facts
The Cook Political Report tracks and predicts political races.
They moved Iowa’s Senate race rating closer to Democrats, from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican.”
Josh Turek, a state representative and Democrat, won his party’s primary.
Turek received nearly 63% of the Democratic primary vote.
The change reflects increased chances for Democrats in this Senate race.
This forecast is based on recent voting results in Iowa.
The general election will decide who wins the Senate seat.
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Winooski School District in Vermont has taken a strong stand to protect immigrant students from immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. The district passed a sanctuary policy to shield students from ICE actions and refused to comply with federal restrictions on diversity and inclusion programs in schools.
Key Facts
Winooski School District has about 800 students, nearly 60% of whom are people of color and over a third are learning English.
The district passed a sanctuary policy to protect students from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions while at school.
Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria refused to sign a federal document agreeing to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in schools.
The Trump administration has investigated schools for DEI programs and removed protections that prevented ICE arrests on school grounds.
Chavarria, born in Nicaragua and a naturalized U.S. citizen, was detained by immigration officials in 2023.
The district has received racist messages after a student raised the Somali flag outside the school.
Winooski is in a largely white state but is a diverse community with many refugee families from countries like Bhutan, Somalia, Bosnia, and Syria.
The Trump administration lowered the refugee admission cap from 125,000 in 2025 to 7,500 in 2026, affecting local refugee resettlement.
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Democrats have raised more money than Republicans for the 2026 elections so far. However, having more donations does not always guarantee winning the elections.
Key Facts
Democrats are currently ahead in fundraising compared to Republicans for 2026.
Campaign money plays an important role in politics.
More money does not always decide who wins elections.
Fundraising totals can vary throughout the election cycle.
Other factors besides money can influence election outcomes.
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A federal judge in Atlanta is facing criticism after an investigation showed she lied about having an affair with a senior police officer and being involved in inappropriate sexual behavior near her staff. Lawyers are upset, an ethics group wants Congress to look into removing her, and the Trump administration is trying to remove her from an important position.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Atlanta lied about an affair with a high-ranking police officer.
The judge reportedly had sex close to her clerks at work.
Many lawyers are angry about the judge’s behavior.
An ethics watchdog group wants Congress to investigate and possibly impeach the judge.
The Trump administration is working to remove her from a key role.
The allegations have caused significant pressure on the judge.
The situation involves both legal ethics and government oversight.
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The race for California governor remains very close, with Republican Steve Hilton leading but many ballots still uncounted. In Los Angeles, Karen Bass leads the mayoral primary but must face a runoff in November since she did not win a majority. Across the US, primary elections are ongoing with some surprising results, including the end of President Trump’s perfect endorsement streak.
Key Facts
California’s governor race is too close to call, with Steve Hilton in the lead.
California’s system sends the top two primary candidates to the general election, regardless of party.
Karen Bass leads the Los Angeles mayoral primary but did not secure over 50%.
A runoff election for LA mayor will be held in November.
In Iowa, Josh Turek won the Democratic primary for governor, defeating Zach Wahls.
Republican Randy Feenstra’s second-place finish in Iowa ended President Trump’s perfect endorsement record this year.
Voting experts say some close races may take weeks to finalize results.
CBS News fired 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley after disagreements with new management.
The Pentagon appointed Elias Irizarry, convicted for participating in January 6 Capitol events, to a sensitive counter-terrorism role.
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President Donald Trump said in an interview that he expects to make Todd Blanche the permanent U.S. attorney general. Currently, Blanche serves as the acting attorney general.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the acting U.S. attorney general.
President Trump indicated he plans to appoint Blanche permanently.
The announcement was made during a recent interview on Pod Force One.
Blanche would become the top law enforcement official in the U.S. if confirmed.
More details about the appointment are expected to be shared soon.
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Several new Democratic candidates won key primary races on Tuesday, including veterans, a Paralympian, and community leaders. They aim to compete in districts with varying political leanings, with some hopeful to flip Republican seats in the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
Rebecca Bennett, a navy veteran and former healthcare executive, won the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 7th congressional district, a swing district currently held by a Republican who has been absent due to health reasons.
Adam Hamawy, a plastic surgeon and army veteran, won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 12th district, likely becoming the state’s first Muslim congressman.
Hamawy supports Medicare for All, abolishing ICE (U.S. immigration enforcement), and sanctions against Israel.
Josh Turek, a state legislator and Paralympic gold medalist who uses a wheelchair, won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Iowa.
Turek’s Senate race is for an open seat after Republican Joni Ernst decided not to run for re-election.
Rob Sand, the Iowa state auditor, secured the Democratic nomination for governor as the current governor Kim Reynolds plans to retire.
These candidates come from diverse backgrounds, including military service, healthcare, sports, and local government.
The races are happening in districts that range from safe Democratic areas to competitive and traditionally Republican-leaning places.
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The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution did not directly cause the growth of the federal government in the last century. However, it changed how senators were chosen, which allowed other changes to happen and made federal expansion easier.
Key Facts
The 17th Amendment changed the way U.S. senators are elected.
Before the amendment, state legislatures picked senators.
After the amendment, senators are elected by popular vote.
This change affected how the Senate operates.
It removed some power from state governments and gave more influence to voters.
The amendment helped create the conditions for federal government growth.
It did not directly cause federal expansion but made it more possible.
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During a Senate hearing, Republican Senator Susan Collins questioned Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on some H-1B visa applications. Collins highlighted concerns about how the fee affects rural hospitals needing foreign workers like surgeons, while Mullin said many applicants pay the fee to speed up processing.
Key Facts
The H-1B visa lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers in special jobs like technology, engineering, and medicine.
The Trump administration introduced a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions starting in early 2026.
The fee is intended to encourage hiring American workers who earn higher wages and to increase oversight of the visa program.
Senator Susan Collins pressed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the fee's impact on rural hospitals and essential services.
Mullin said the fee helps speed up visa processing to about 15 days, while other applications can take over seven months.
Over 200,000 applicants reportedly paid the fee so far, according to Mullin, although this number has not been independently confirmed.
Some lawmakers worry the fee will worsen worker shortages in healthcare and other sectors that rely on foreign labor.
Currently, 65,000 H-1B visas are available annually, plus 20,000 for advanced-degree holders from U.S. schools, with exemptions for certain employers like universities.
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President Donald Trump said he scored a perfect 30 out of 30 on a cognitive test called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This test is usually used by doctors to spot early signs of brain problems like dementia, not to measure intelligence.
Key Facts
President Trump took the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and said he got a perfect score of 30 out of 30.
He claims this is the fourth time he has taken the test and scored perfectly each time.
The MoCA test checks for early memory and thinking problems and is used by healthcare professionals.
The test includes tasks like drawing a clock showing a specific time and naming animals shown in pictures.
A normal score on the MoCA is 26 or higher; a score below 26 may indicate brain problems.
Experts say the test is designed to catch problems, not to measure intelligence or decision-making skills.
The White House confirmed President Trump’s test results and said he is in excellent health overall.
Repeated MoCA tests are uncommon for people without neurological issues.
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The White House, under President Trump, plans to have federal officials review all public grants to universities and NGOs to ensure they support "American values" and the president’s priorities. This proposal would give political appointees the power to cancel grants if they believe they do not serve the national interest, sparking concern among scientists and researchers.
Key Facts
All federal grants would be reviewed by Trump-appointed officials for alignment with "American values" as defined by President Trump.
Grants must clearly support the president’s policy priorities to be approved.
The proposal criticizes previous grant funding for promoting a "woke" agenda, calling it harmful and a waste of taxpayer money.
Political appointees could cancel grants anytime if they feel the grant is not in the national interest.
Scientific peer review could be bypassed in favor of political oversight.
Grants related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ topics may be rejected under the new rules.
The proposal bans use of federal funds for certain studies on racial or other disparities unless specifically authorized by law.
Researchers fear the changes will hurt American science and discourage open collaboration and communication.
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Voters in Makerfield are mainly concerned about the high cost of living, troubles with local shops, and public services. A recent poll shows many voters want politicians to be honest and take bold actions to improve their daily lives.
Key Facts
A poll of 112 Makerfield residents was done two weeks before the byelection on June 18.
Cost of living, including bills, food, fuel, and affordable housing, was a top concern for over a third of respondents.
Voters want better local high streets, improved public services like roads and NHS access.
Immigration was a priority issue mainly for Reform UK supporters.
Around 31.2% planned to vote Labour, 30.4% for Reform UK, 10.7% for Greens and Conservatives each, 3.6% for Liberal Democrats, and 13.4% for others.
Many voters expressed distrust in politicians and want more honesty and less influence from wealthy donors.
Voters feel politicians should be bold because current approaches are not working.
The election is seen by some as a test case reflecting wider national feelings.
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A protest in Southampton over the murder of Henry Nowak turned violent, injuring 11 police officers and a police dog. The unrest caused damage to cars and homes, and police arrested two people linked to the violence.
Key Facts
Protesters marched near the home of Vickrum Digwa, who killed Henry Nowak.
Violence included throwing bricks, bottles, and using makeshift weapons.
Police in riot gear stopped protesters from reaching Digwa’s family home.
Eleven officers and a police dog were hurt during the disorder.
Damage included smashed car windows and streets littered with bricks.
Two arrests were made related to the riot.
Local residents expressed fear and concern for their safety after the event.
Nowak’s father called for peace and safer streets, opposing the use of the tragedy to create division.
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Clifton George was found guilty of murdering his partner, Annabel Rook, after stabbing her and causing a gas explosion in their London home. The court heard that he lost control during an argument, leading to Rook’s death and significant damage to the property.
Key Facts
Clifton George, 45, was convicted of murdering Annabel Rook, 46, at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
The murder happened on 17 June 2025 in their home in Stoke Newington, north-east London.
George stabbed Rook at least 22 times during an argument, including wounds to her heart.
After the stabbing, he caused a propane gas explosion by opening a gas valve and starting a fire.
The explosion damaged their house and the neighboring property.
Annabel Rook was a charity founder who worked to help women fleeing violence and supported refugee women.
George admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, claiming loss of self-control.
The judge ruled that George could not use loss of self-control as a legal defense.
Sentencing for George will happen at a later date.
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Federal workers who were laid off during President Donald Trump’s second term report mental health problems, including symptoms similar to PTSD. Meanwhile, several key state and congressional races are still undecided as candidates prepare for the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
More than 300 federal workers fired during Trump’s second term took a survey about their mental health.
95% said they still have mental health issues, and nearly half have PTSD-like symptoms.
About 25% have started new medications to help manage these symptoms.
These workers were across 43 states and worked in different government departments.
Over 300,000 federal employees were laid off or pushed out since President Trump’s current term began.
In California, the governor primary race remains undecided, with leading Democratic and Republican candidates preparing for November.
In New Jersey, Democrats are challenging a Republican congressman who has been absent for months.
Several key races in Iowa feature Democratic challengers aiming to flip Republican-held seats this fall.
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A survey of over 300 federal workers who were fired during President Donald Trump’s second term found many are facing mental health problems similar to PTSD. A federal judge ruled the firings were unlawful, but these workers are not required to be rehired, and many still struggle with job instability and lower pay.
Key Facts
More than 300 federal probationary employees who were fired reported ongoing mental health issues, including PTSD-like symptoms.
95% of surveyed workers said they continue to experience mental health effects from their firings.
Nearly half of the respondents reported symptoms similar to PTSD.
About 25% have started new medications to manage their symptoms.
Survey participants came from 43 states, the US Virgin Islands, and worked in 12 departments across 15 agencies.
Over 300,000 federal workers were laid off or encouraged to resign or retire since President Trump’s second term began.
A federal judge ruled in September that firing probationary employees was unlawful but did not require reinstatement.
Many fired workers face difficulty finding new jobs with comparable pay; 20% were unemployed as of January 31, and 49% who found new work earn significantly less.
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President Donald Trump’s top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, said on Fox News that high prices and increased spending show people are optimistic about the economy. This comment comes even though consumer surveys show Americans feel worried about rising costs and their financial situation.
Key Facts
Kevin Hassett, President Trump’s chief economic adviser, appeared on Fox News to discuss the economy.
Hassett said high prices and more spending are signs of optimism about the future.
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index recently hit its lowest point since 1952.
Hassett claimed the survey is now more about political anger against President Trump than the economy.
Americans are spending more on gas, groceries, and dining out, which Hassett views as a positive sign.
President Trump previously said he doesn't focus on Americans’ financial problems.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is in a “very fortunate” position despite rising fuel prices.
The article highlights disagreement between official statements and how many Americans actually feel about the economy.
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