American politician and physician, senior U.S. senator from Louisiana since 2015
Recent Republican runoffs in Georgia and Alabama have produced mixed results for former President Donald Trump. In Georgia, Mike Collins has won the Senate nomination while Rick Jackson — a self-funding billionaire who spent over $100 million — has defeated Trump’s choice for governor, Burt Jones. In Alabama, Trump-backed Barry Moore has prevailed in a Senate runoff, reinforcing the influence of endorsements across parts of the GOP.
Trust funds for Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Medicare face earlier depletion than previously forecast. PWBM projects depletion by 2033 for OASI and 2034 for combined funds, while the official trustees warn longer-term pressures. Lawmakers face urgent choices on taxes, benefits, and program integrity as costs rise for aging Americans.
World leaders have welcomed the pact aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing energy markets. The agreement has sparked cautious optimism about a lasting ceasefire, while terms remain unclear and negotiations are set to intensify over the next 60 days. Oil prices have reacted, and regional tensions are monitored as diplomacy progresses.
The administration has moved to transfer civil rights enforcement and special education duties to other federal agencies, framing the changes as reducing bureaucracy. Critics warn the shifts may delay justice for students with disabilities and minority students, while some families pursue discrimination cases elsewhere.
Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center has been officially closed after a year in operation. Detainees have been transferred to other facilities as hurricane season begins. Officials say permanent closure is planned, but cost and legal challenges persist while advocates demand full restoration of the Everglades.
The United States has signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise energy markets. The deal includes a $300 billion reconstruction fund and sanctions relief, triggering strong Republican criticism about concessions and potential risks to national security. President Trump defends the MOU as a practical path to end hostilities, while lawmakers demand clarity on nuclear commitments and enforcement.
The United States has released a 60-day interim framework with Iran, including a $300 billion reconstruction fund and sanctions relief, and Iran says it will allow safe passage for ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Republicans criticize the terms as potentially strengthening Tehran; some GOP lawmakers warn the regime may still gain leverage. The plan is under consideration as Congress weighs votes and the administration seeks to avoid a renewed war.
The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum to end the war, extending a 60-day window for talks while Lebanon remains volatile. Iran preserves its enrichment program under IAEA supervision, and a $300bn reconstruction plan is discussed but not funded by the U.S. Critics say the framework favors Tehran as Israeli Lebanon actions threaten progress.
Lawmakers have approved a war powers resolution directing President to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran. The measure, filed under the War Powers Act, passes the Senate and House with largely party-line votes, though questions remain about its legal force and potential constitutional challenges. The White House calls the move symbolic, while supporters say it reasserts congressional authority. Negotiations on a broader Iran deal continue in parallel.
The Senate has approved a war powers resolution directing the president to halt U.S. military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes such steps. The House already passed a similar measure. The vote is largely symbolic and faces legal questions, but it signals mounting congressional concern over the Iran conflict.
Trump has canceled a Capitol signing of a bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a sweeping election-law package. Republicans are divided over priorities, with some backing the housing measure and others pressuring for the voter-ID legislation. The House transmitted the housing bill to the White House; Trump is underscoring the priority of election rules while signaling the timing remains unsettled.
Trump has canceled a signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill, saying he will not sign until Senate passes the SAVE America Act. The move follows a tense exchange at a Capitol Hill luncheon where Cassidy challenged the administration’s Iran war approach. The episode highlights deep GOP rifts as lawmakers balance housing affordability with stricter voting measures ahead of midterms.
Trump-backed Julia Letlow has won the Louisiana Senate runoff, consolidating support for his slate in Republican primaries. The race highlights Trump’s continued influence while Democratic challengers eye a path to regain control of Congress.
The House has canceled votes and sent lawmakers home amid a standoff over the defense bill and the SAVE America Act, with Trump insisting on voting-rights provisions. The Senate has moved independently on Iran and war powers, while Republicans face internal divisions as they navigate leadership and policy pressure.
Lindsey Graham’s death triggers an interim appointment and a high-stakes Aug. 11 special primary to replace him. Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary successor, while Republicans eye potential contenders including Darline Graham Nordone, Nancy Mace and others as the field gears up for a crowded race.
The Senate has held a confirmation hearing for Dr. Erica Schwartz, the nominee to lead the CDC, amid questions about how she would balance scientific independence with pressure from the administration on vaccine policy. Her background spans the Coast Guard and the surgeon general’s office, with the agency facing staffing turmoil and political scrutiny.
The Iran conflict has escalated with threats of strikes and shifting diplomacy as both sides test red lines. U.S. officials warn of hard actions while Iran asserts control over Hormuz. A ceasefire cycle and domestic political pressures frame new steps as global oil markets react.
The Department of Justice has withdrawn grand jury subpoenas that sought New York Times reporters' testimony and phone records after a federal judge sharply questioned the government's handling of the leak probe into reporting about President Trump's new Air Force One. The DOJ has said the investigation remains ongoing.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact, but President Donald Trump has said the deal is conditional on Riyadh normalising relations with Israel. Officials and commentators are disputing whether the White House and Energy Department coordinated the announcement. Critics warn the pact weakens non‑proliferation safeguards and could spur a regional arms race.
Todd Blanche has been confirmed as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, ending weeks of Republican opposition surrounding the handling of Epstein documents and an anti-weaponization fund. Cassidy voted in favor; Collins and Murkowski opposed. Blanche will lead the DOJ, continuing the department’s alignment with the White House while facing scrutiny from survivors and critics.
Sen. Bill Cassidy has announced he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving Trump’s nominee a crucial edge as several Republicans oppose him. With Collins and Murkowski opposed and McConnell absent, Cassidy’s stance could push Blanche over the line, though resistance remains among a faction of GOP senators.
President Trump has signed an executive order directing federal health officials to cut the federal recommended childhood vaccine list, to split the combined MMR vaccine into separate measles, mumps and rubella doses once single‑disease products are available, and to space routine immunisations across separate medical visits. Public health groups and drugmakers have said the changes lack scientific support and will increase missed vaccinations during a major U.S. measles outbreak.
Todd Blanche has been confirmed 50–49 as U.S. attorney general and sworn in at the White House. He has served as acting attorney general since April, previously represented the president, and has rescinded a proposed $1.8bn compensation fund while facing criticism that he is politicising the Justice Department and presiding over mass departures.
The White House has issued an executive order reducing federal vaccine recommendations to 11 core shots and urging the separation of the MMR vaccine into three injections. Physicians warn the move risks confusion and slower protection, while public health groups stress that CDC guidance remains unchanged and vaccines should proceed as recommended.
UK health agencies say salmonella infections may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK. One fatality has been confirmed. Public health guidance urges vulnerable groups to avoid under‑cooked eggs, while well‑cooked eggs remain safe. The outbreak has affected England most, with hundreds of cases across the UK.
The Trump administration has urged states to separate the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine into individual shots. Several officials caution that doing so could fuel vaccine hesitancy and leave immunity gaps while some leaders push for more personal choice in immunization policies. New reporting shows the policy debate is unfolding amid mixed messages from health agencies and political leaders.
New documents obtained by AP and The Guardian show RFK Jr. wrote to Samoa’s prime minister proposing investigations into MMR vaccines, contradicting his prior testimony that his Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. The revelations have triggered calls for investigations and potential political consequences as lawmakers debate next steps.
New documents obtained by AP and The Guardian contradict Kennedy's congressional testimony about his 2019 Samoa visit, showing he asked to study MMR vaccines and used