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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other Republican senators believe they can move forward with a budget bill that funds immigration enforcement after President Donald Trump’s administration withdrew a plan for a $1.8 billion fund aimed at addressing weaponization concerns linked to MAGA supporters. This step has opened the way for the stalled legislation to progress.
Key Facts
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is a Republican from South Dakota.
The budget reconciliation package concerns funding for immigration enforcement operations.
The Trump administration had proposed a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund related to MAGA allies.
The administration decided to drop this proposal on Monday.
Thune and other Republican senators now see a clearer path to pass the budget package through Congress.
The budget reconciliation process allows certain legislation to pass with a simple majority, avoiding a filibuster.
The decision to back down removed a major hurdle in negotiations over immigration funding.
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Americans are feeling financial pressure this summer due to rising prices, especially for fuel, which is linked to the conflict in Iran. While the economy shows some strength with steady unemployment and good stock market performance, many people face higher costs that outpace their wage increases.
Key Facts
Inflation rose to 3.8% in April, faster than wages which grew 3.6%, meaning prices are rising faster than earnings.
The war in Iran has increased gasoline and diesel costs by about $400 to $450 per household since February 2026.
Consumer spending makes up over two-thirds of the U.S. economy and may slow if fuel prices stay high.
Savings rates have dropped to levels seen in 2022, as people use savings and borrow more to pay bills.
Despite these worries, unemployment remains stable and the stock market continues to do well.
An official from the Trump administration said that people may feel they have more money after price increases when deciding how to vote.
Retailers and businesses report that customers are spending less fuel than before, showing cautious spending habits.
The conflict’s impact on energy prices is a major reason inflation hasn’t slowed down as hoped.
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On Tuesday, several primary elections are taking place across the U.S. that will show which part of the Democratic Party—progressive or moderate—is stronger. These races will influence the party’s direction for the 2026 midterms and beyond, including how they plan for the 2028 presidential election.
Key Facts
Democrats are debating whether to focus on a progressive agenda that taxes the rich or a moderate approach that appeals to swing voters.
In Iowa, moderate Josh Turek is favored over progressive Zach Wahls in the Democratic Senate primary.
California’s governor race uses a “jungle primary,” where the top two candidates of any party move on to the general election.
In New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, progressives Adam Hamawy and Sue Altman compete against more moderate Democrats for a seat opening.
California’s 22nd district has a fight between the moderate Jasmeet Bains and progressive Randy Villegas for a key Democratic primary.
Nancy Pelosi endorsed Connie Chan in California’s 11th district, facing opposition from progressive Saikat Chakrabarti and moderate Scott Wiener.
More Democratic primaries featuring progressive vs. moderate battles will happen soon in New York, Minnesota, and Michigan.
These contests will help shape the Democratic Party’s strategy for upcoming elections after President Donald Trump’s 2024 victory.
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U.S. manufacturing activity showed signs of improvement in May, with surveys indicating growth after a long period of decline. However, challenges such as high costs, supply problems linked to the Iran conflict, and mixed data on factory output and jobs suggest the recovery may not be strong or steady yet.
Key Facts
The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) manufacturing index hit 54 in May, the highest in four years, signaling expansion in factory activity.
The ISM index has shown growth for five consecutive months, after many months of contraction.
Other surveys, including S&P Global's U.S. manufacturing PMI and Federal Reserve regional reports, also showed stronger orders and shipments in May.
Despite growth signs, manufacturers report uncertainty due to the Iran war, rising fuel prices, tariffs, and ongoing supply chain issues.
Input costs remain very high, near levels seen during the inflation surge of 2021 and 2022.
Some of the recent manufacturing growth may be due to companies stockpiling supplies in fear of disruptions, not increased consumer demand.
Factory output data shows only slight improvement and remains near levels from several years ago.
Factory job numbers have declined in 12 of the last 15 months, which challenges the goal of bringing back manufacturing jobs.
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Representative Ilhan Omar says President Donald Trump called her “crooked as hell” while spreading false claims about fraud in Minnesota. Omar argues Trump uses racist attacks to distract from his own actions, including pardoning people convicted of major fraud, while she supports prosecuting fraud to protect programs that feed children.
Key Facts
President Trump called Representative Ilhan Omar “crooked as hell” regarding fraud claims in Minnesota.
Omar says Trump uses racism and lies to divert attention from his failures and corruption.
Trump pardoned and commuted sentences for several people convicted of large-scale financial fraud.
Omar supports federal investigations and prosecutions of fraud, especially in programs that help feed children.
She survived hunger as a refugee child and has fought in Congress to ensure children have access to food.
Officials in Minnesota are prosecuting fraudsters who exploited child nutrition programs.
Omar criticizes Trump for using fraud as a political tool while protecting his own allies.
She highlights the difference between Minnesota’s legal actions and Trump’s pardons for convicted fraudsters.
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Representative Nancy Pelosi, who is finishing her final term as House Speaker, is working to pick her successor by endorsing San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan in a crowded primary. Currently, State Senator Scott Wiener leads in the polls, with Chan and another candidate close behind; under California’s primary system, only the top two move to the general election, so Chan’s future is uncertain.
Key Facts
Nancy Pelosi was the first woman to serve as House Speaker and helped pass major laws like the Affordable Care Act.
Pelosi is trying to choose her successor by endorsing Connie Chan for Congress in San Francisco.
State Senator Scott Wiener leads the primary by a large margin, with Chan and Saikat Chakrabarti close behind.
California uses a "jungle" primary system where the top two vote-getters advance, regardless of party.
Pelosi endorsed Chan late in the race, hoping to boost her chances before the election.
Political experts say Chan has struggled to gain strong support from voters in person.
The race features a debate about the influence of money, with some candidates self-funding their campaigns heavily.
Chan emphasizes representing working people and San Francisco’s values in Washington.
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California voters are choosing who will replace Governor Gavin Newsom in the upcoming primary election. The main candidates are Democrat Xavier Becerra, Democrat Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton, with the two top vote-getters advancing to the November general election.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom cannot run again because of term limits.
The top-two primary format means the two candidates with the most votes, no matter their party, move to November.
Recent polls show Becerra leading slightly, but the race is close among Becerra, Steyer, and Hilton.
Some polls give Becerra a clear lead, while others show Hilton and Steyer close behind.
Prediction markets favor Becerra to win the general election with about 70% chance.
Republican Steve Hilton is a British-born Fox News host running for office for the first time.
Hilton’s campaign focuses on lowering living costs and reducing government rules.
President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton, making him the likely main Republican candidate.
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A Labour minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said Labour MPs are not trying to raise taxes to pay for more benefits. Private messages between Labour officials were made public, showing concerns about tax and benefits, but the party focuses on creating jobs rather than increasing welfare spending.
Key Facts
Labour MPs are not seeking to increase taxes to fund more benefits, said minister Nick Thomas-Symonds.
WhatsApp messages between Labour’s Pat McFadden and Peter Mandelson revealed discussions about taxation and benefits.
These messages were published following a parliamentary vote related to Mandelson’s controversial US ambassador appointment.
Thomas-Symonds described the messages as embarrassing but said they were public due to government transparency commitments.
Thomas-Symonds’ phone was stolen, so he could not release his own messages but spoke about their content to officials.
Labour emphasizes helping people find work rather than depending on welfare payments.
Welfare spending is rising partly due to state pension increases and government policy called the "triple lock" to protect pensioners’ incomes.
Thomas-Symonds was surprised to learn about Mandelson’s close links to Jeffrey Epstein, revealed by US documents last year.
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President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed more than 20 Republican candidates in various primary races across the United States as the 2026 election season progresses. These endorsements include Senate, House, and governor races, with Trump encouraging voters to participate in upcoming primary elections.
Key Facts
Trump posted endorsements on his Truth Social platform for over 20 Republican candidates.
The endorsements cover multiple states and include Senate, House, and governor races.
Many posts urge voters to vote on Tuesday, June 2, although some primaries occur later.
The candidates endorsed include both incumbents and those running for open seats.
Trump strongly endorsed Steve Hilton in the California governor’s race, using firm language.
The endorsed candidates often align with Trump’s themes like border security, tax cuts, and military support.
In Iowa, Trump backed Representative Ashley Hinson for an open U.S. Senate seat.
Trump’s endorsements are viewed as influential in shaping Republican primary outcomes.
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A Supreme Court case on birthright citizenship may lead to stricter reviews of some green card applications. This could especially affect people who overstayed visas but have U.S.-born children over 21 who can sponsor them for residency.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will soon rule on challenges to President Donald Trump’s order limiting birthright citizenship.
Leon Fresco, a former Obama immigration official, warned that some green card applicants may face more scrutiny depending on the ruling.
People who entered legally but overstayed visas and now have adult U.S.-born children may be most affected.
Officials might increase case-by-case reviews instead of making new blanket rules.
Applicants seeking green cards through marriage to U.S. citizens could also see tougher reviews.
The Department of Homeland Security clarified most green card applicants won’t have to leave the U.S. while their cases are processed, though this is decided individually.
Leaving the country to apply for a green card can cause job loss and family separation, making many applicants reluctant to leave.
President Trump’s order seeks to stop automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to certain noncitizen parents, challenging the 14th Amendment.
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An 18-year-old student, Henry Nowak, was murdered in Southampton by a man carrying a Sikh ceremonial dagger. Police and a crime commissioner have called for a review of religious exemptions that allow carrying such knives in public.
Key Facts
Henry Nowak was stabbed five times in December and later died.
The attacker, Vickrum Digwa, was carrying a Sikh dagger, which is allowed under religious exemption laws.
Police initially doubted Nowak’s claim that he had been stabbed, even while he was handcuffed and in distress.
The attacker falsely accused Nowak of racial abuse and claimed the victim had knocked off his turban.
Donna Jones, Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner, is asking the prime minister to review religious knife-carrying laws.
The UK government minister said the law around religious exceptions is unlikely to be changed.
The judge said when the dagger was removed from its sheath and used violently, it was a misuse of the religious exemption.
Digwa was sentenced to life in prison and must serve over 20 years before parole.
Digwa’s family expressed sorrow and apologized to the Sikh community for the damage caused by his actions.
Hampshire police apologized for their response at the incident, which was widely criticized, including by Elon Musk.
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A strong hailstorm hit Denver, Colorado, causing many problems around the city. Large hailstones, about the size of golf balls, affected roads and travel in the area.
Key Facts
The hailstorm struck the city of Denver.
Hailstones were as large as golf balls.
The storm caused widespread disruption.
Roads were impacted by the severe weather.
Travel in northeastern Colorado was affected by the storm.
The storm moved through storm cells in the region.
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A federal judge ruled that a protest group can keep flying their "86-47" flag near the National Mall in Washington D.C. The flag, which calls for President Donald Trump’s impeachment, is protected as free speech and is not considered a threat to his life.
Key Facts
The National Park Service (NPS) tried to stop the group Accountability Now USA from flying the "86-47" flag.
The flag has been displayed near a federal courthouse for several months.
The flag calls for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss decided the flag does not threaten President Trump’s life.
The judge ruled the flag is a form of free speech protected by law.
Because of the ruling, the NPS must allow the flag to stay up for at least 14 more days.
The protest group sued the NPS after they were asked to take down the flag.
The case is still ongoing, with more updates expected.
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The Australian federal government spent millions to provide personal security for administrators of the CFMEU union after it was put into administration due to criminal activity concerns. Ministers involved in this decision, including Murray Watt, also required personal protection because of threats from organized crime groups.
Key Facts
About $3.8 million was spent on personal protection for Mark Irving, the former CFMEU administrator.
Another $5.3 million has been budgeted for security for Michael Crosby, the current union administrator.
Mark Irving served as administrator for 20 months, firing hundreds of workers, and faced death threats.
Minister Murray Watt needed personal security after sending the CFMEU into administration.
The threats came from organized crime groups unhappy with the government’s actions against the union.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed the death threats were credible and serious.
The CFMEU was placed into administration in 2024 amid allegations it operated like a criminal syndicate.
The AFP is investigating illegal activities in the building industry linked to the union.
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Police in Muscatine, Iowa, are investigating the deaths of six people who were shot and killed by a relative. The suspect, 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland, then took his own life when officers found him.
Key Facts
Six people were fatally shot in Muscatine, Iowa.
Police believe the shooter was a relative of the victims.
The suspect, Ryan Willis McFarland, was 52 years old.
McFarland died by suicide when police located him.
Four victims were found at one home; two others were found in different locations in the city.
Victims’ names and further details have not been released.
Police are still investigating and have asked the public for information.
McFarland had a criminal record, but no details were shared by police.
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Six people were killed in Iowa in a series of shootings linked to a family dispute. The suspect, Ryan Willis McFarland, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Key Facts
The shootings happened in Muscatine, Iowa, on June 1.
Police believe all victims were family members of the suspect.
Four victims were found dead inside a home on Park Avenue.
The suspect left the scene but was later found on the Riverfront Trail with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead.
Two additional victims were found dead at separate locations: one inside a home on Mill Street and another at a business on Grandview Avenue.
The police responded at 12:12 p.m. local time after receiving a report of a shooting.
This investigation is ongoing and details may change as more information becomes available.
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A South Carolina jury found Chikei Rick Chow, a store owner, not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting of a Black 14-year-old named Cyrus Carmack-Belton. Chow said he shot the teen to protect his son after the teen allegedly pointed a gun at him, but prosecutors argued the teen was shot after being chased and did not threaten anyone.
Key Facts
The incident happened in 2023 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Chikei Rick Chow is 61 years old and of Asian descent.
Cyrus Carmack-Belton was a 14-year-old Black teenager who was shot in the back.
Chow said he shot the teen to defend his son, who testified the teen pointed a gun at him.
Prosecutors argued Carmack-Belton dropped his gun during the chase and did not threaten anyone.
The teen was chased about 130 yards from the convenience store before being shot.
The verdict caused grief and anger among Carmack-Belton’s family and the local African American community.
Carmack-Belton’s family plans to file a civil lawsuit despite the not guilty verdict.
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Voters are taking part in primary elections in several U.S. states, including California and Iowa. In California, Democrats hope to hold onto the governor’s office despite a crowded race, while Republicans seek to keep their slim majority in Congress amid challenges.
Key Facts
California’s governor race has many candidates, but no big-name stars like in past years.
Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer are leading candidates for governor in California.
Republican Steve Hilton is running for governor with President Donald Trump’s support.
California uses a primary system where the top two finishers from any party move to the general election.
Democrats are trying to regain political ground in Iowa, a rural state they have struggled to win recently.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is running for reelection while facing a challenge from a reality TV personality.
Republicans in New Jersey face uncertainty about a congressman who has been absent without explanation, risking their slim majority.
Primaries are also happening in Montana, New Mexico, and South Dakota.
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California Democrats redrew the state's congressional map to try to gain five more U.S. House seats, in response to Texas giving more seats to Republicans. A key test of this effort is the primary election in a San Diego area district where many Democrats are running, risking splitting their vote and allowing Republicans to win both top spots.
Key Facts
California voters allowed Democrats to redraw the state's congressional districts to gain more House seats.
The redrawing aims to counter Texas’ redistricting that favors Republicans.
California uses a primary system where the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party.
In a San Diego district, nine Democrats and two Republicans are running.
The Republican incumbent Darrell Issa retired, creating an open seat.
Republicans Jim Desmond and Jim O’Neil are competing against many Democrats in this district.
Democrats worry that splitting their votes among many candidates could result in no Democrat advancing to the general election.
This race is a major test of whether California’s redistricting strategy will work.
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Republican senators want more information from the Trump administration about a $1.8 billion settlement fund meant to compensate Trump’s political allies. The Justice Department paused the fund following a court order, and President Trump is reconsidering whether to continue with it. This dispute is affecting a key immigration funding bill in the Senate.
Key Facts
The $1.776 billion fund was part of a settlement resolving Trump’s lawsuit over the IRS leaking his tax returns.
The fund could potentially go to Trump supporters involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Senate Republicans stopped work on an immigration funding bill after Democrats introduced amendments targeting the fund.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it is uncertain if the immigration bill will move forward this week.
A federal judge temporarily paused the fund and scheduled a hearing for June 12 to decide if the pause should continue.
The Justice Department disagrees with the judge’s ruling but is complying with the pause order.
Republican senators want a clear statement from President Trump that the fund will not be misused or continued before they decide on further action.
A Senate meeting is planned to discuss how to proceed with the fund and related legislation.
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