American senator and physician from Louisiana
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The Department of Justice has withdrawn grand jury subpoenas that sought New York Times reporters' testimony and phone records after a federal judge sharply questioned the government's handling of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 posted written orders that rescind a May directive creating a $1.8bn "anti-weaponization" fund and that limit broad IRS audit protections in a settlement with Donald Trump. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have said they will support advancing his nomination to the full Senate, though Democrats and legal experts have said the written assurances leave room to revive the fund.
The Senate faces a narrowed path for Todd Blanche as Collins’s opposition narrows the GOP margin and keeps two undecideds in play. With McConnell absent and others undecided, Blanche’s confirmation remains uncertain as negotiations over fund termination and audit protections evolve.
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.
The Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche 50–49 as U.S. attorney general and he has been sworn in at the White House. Blanche has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April, previously served as the president’s private lawyer, and has rescinded a proposed $1.8bn compensation fund amid bipartisan concern about politicising the department.
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
Saphier testifies that childhood vaccines do not cause autism as lawmakers press for clarity amid administration efforts to overhaul vaccine guidance. The hearing underscores continued scientific consensus against a link, while lawmakers debate how best to communicate public health advice.
The Pennsylvania health department has reported four measles deaths this year, all unvaccinated, triggering a dispute with the CDC over how deaths are classified in a widening outbreak. The state seeks emergency CDC help (Epi-Aid) while defending its reporting and calling for transparent public health information.
The Senate war powers debate has progressed with Republicans leaning toward endorsing a resolution to end the Iran war as fuel prices remain high and voters demand relief. Lawmakers have increasingly tied costs of living to military actions while Democrats press for accountability ahead of the midterms.