American politician and attorney, U.S. senator from Texas since 2013
Hunter Biden has been leveraging social media, podcasts and art sales to rebrand himself amid ongoing public scrutiny. He has been appearing on far-right and controversial platforms, and his art pieces are selling for high sums, with private video calls included with each sale. Analysts say his strategy is aimed at monetizing attention, not launching a political bid.
South Carolina Republicans are organizing for the special election to fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat. Filing closes July 28, Aug. 11 GOP primary, and a November general election will determine the six‑year term. Endorsements complicate the field as multiple candidates announce bids.
The White House has hosted industry leaders to discuss a voluntary framework reviewing cybersecurity across the AI sector. OpenAI, Google and Anthropic are involved as the administration finalizes how frontier models will be evaluated under a forthcoming framework.
A bipartisan Senate bill would bar the sale of connected vehicles by automakers that are more than 15% owned by Chinese entities, potentially affecting Mercedes-Benz, which has substantial Chinese ownership. The proposal has emerged in an ongoing policy debate about national security and supply-chain resilience.
The Senate and House are pressing ahead with scheduling amid talks on government funding, crypto regulation, and voting integrity. Republicans push for votes on the SAVE Act and the CLARITY Act, while Democrats warn that bipartisan support is required to avert a lapse in funding and to address other urgent policy items.
The Protect College Sports Act has new language aimed at funding retention pools and NIL policies. TheHouse settlement would shift revenue sharing, while conferences push for uniform national law and preemption of state rules. Senate status remains uncertain as talks continue.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted 8–5 to hold Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly during a hearing on pandemic decisions and the origins of COVID‑19. Chairman Rand Paul has authorised sending the committees report to the DC US attorney for possible prosecution and has threatened to certify the citation to the Senate president if the chamber is not in session.
Lebanon has opened a legal inquiry into banker Antoun Sehnaoui after a Washington dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as U.S.-backed talks with Israel press toward a framework for disarmament and withdrawal in southern Lebanon. Probes focus on whether the meeting violated Lebanon’s anti-normalisation laws; investigations could lead to arrest warrants. Lebanon’s crackdown comes as talks seek to ease decades of conflict and potential peace arrangements.
The Fauci diaries have intensified scrutiny of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Senate panel has voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to answer questions, while states push for records. Republicans argue for accountability; Democrats defend the former NIH director amid a renewed focus on origins, lockdowns, and media coverage.
Democratic state official Francesca Hong has seen a shift in her gubernatorial bid as old social media posts are scrutinized. While she emphasizes focusing on policy and delivering for Wisconsinites, Republicans and some Democrats worry about electability in a close general election. The race is drawing national attention as endorsements and opposition converge ahead of the August primary.
The FCC has ordered early license reviews for eight ABC stations, prompting ABC to accuse the agency of retaliating for politically unpopular content and urging broadcasters to uphold public-interest obligations. Former commissioners, civil‑liberties groups and advocacy organisations have filed opposing arguments; conservative groups warn the move could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed has won the Democratic primary, reshaping the path to the Senate for 2026. The result complicates incumbent dynamics and tests Democratic unity ahead of November as Republicans eye a potential pickup in a 50/50 battleground.
A new Empower analysis shows Americans’ net worth rises with age, reaching into the trillions for Silent and Baby Boomer generations. Younger generations trail, though 401(k) saving and IRA contributions are increasing. The shift signals a historic intergenerational wealth transfer that funds consumption and retirement across decades.
Vietnam is confronting a major wildlife trafficking problem after authorities reveal a 221-piece ivory haul weighing 1,193 kilograms at Quy Nhơn port. Investigations trace the shipment to the Republic of the Congo, with police launching a criminal probe into protected-animal violations. The case comes amid wider concerns about demand for ivory and wildlife products in Southeast Asia.
Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey remains in a competitive Democratic primary against Rep. Seth Moulton as voters choose nominees for multiple offices. Markey has endorsements from senior members and an edge in fundraising, while Moulton argues Markey is too old for another term. The contest reflects a broader progressive-versus-moderate dynamic in the party ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Trump is amplifying support for Paxton in a tight Texas Senate race against James Talarico, with fundraising and messaging intensifying ahead of Election Day. Polls show a close contest, while Musk signals major spending to bolster Republicans, including Paxton, in Texas and beyond.
Republicans have planned a first‑ever midterm convention in Dallas for September 9–10 to rally support and raise money, but dozens of House candidates have told Politico they will skip it. Organisers have set high ticket and donor prices, including roundtables priced up to $250,000 and a photo with the president for $88,600, prompting criticism inside the party and from donors.
MAGA Inc. has opened a $10 million television and digital ad campaign to boost Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate bid against Democrat James Talarico in a race that has become unexpectedly competitive in Texas. The buy is the first major general-election spend from Trump’s super PAC this cycle and will run positive spots for Paxton and attack ads against Talarico.
Democrats face a challenging stretch as the 2026 midterms approach. The GOP is staging a two-day event in Dallas with Trump appearing again; Vance headlines, and a plan to send every adult $5,000 sparks debate. Polls show mixed views on AI and economic concerns. The events are shaping the political landscape.
The Republican midterm convention is underway in Dallas with Trump set to speak on both nights, as organizers chase turnout amid flagging support and a crowded field. Donors are offered tickets and VIP experiences, while several high-profile Republicans skip the event, citing cost and strategic concerns. The schedule features Trump, Vance, and key GOP leaders as the party aims to energize voters ahead of November.
The president has repeated a personal story that he was at the World Trade Center site after the 2001 attacks, saying firefighters lifted him from the U.S. Steel Building as it "creaked." First responders who were on the scene have said they never saw him there. He has continued to insert himself into anniversary remembrances while praising the country's strength.
Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon has resigned and warned that Anthropic and OpenAI are "racing straight to self‑improving superintelligence" and "gambling with our lives," saying builders privately believe AI could kill humanity within the decade. Current and former employees, including Evan Hubinger, have publicly echoed similar existential concerns, prompting fresh calls in Washington for limits and oversight.
Jimmy Kimmel has said he will post his interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico to YouTube rather than air it on ABC, saying the FCC under President Donald Trump has threatened his show and ABC affiliates. ABC and Disney have sued the FCC over early licence reviews and new guidance on equal-time rules; other late-night hosts have moved candidate interviews online.
President Donald Trump has said the US war with Iran will end immediately after the November midterm elections and has predicted oil prices will tumble once voting is over. His comments have come as Brent crude has climbed above $100 a barrel, attacks around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified and US gas and diesel prices have risen.
OpenAI has added Paul Christiano to its board and Safety and Security Committee, amid renewed concerns about alignment and rapid AI development. Leaders from multiple labs warn of near-term risks, while incidents at Anthropic and other players sharpen scrutiny.
Trump has pledged a $5,000 dividend for every American if Republicans retain control of Congress; the plan faces legal, fiscal and political hurdles and is criticized by experts and opponents as economically risky.
Kosovo has formalised its inclusion in the United Nations‑mandated International Stabilization Force, joining contributors from Albania, Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan and Uganda. The move appears to advance the Gaza peace framework supported by the Trump plan, though deployment faces political and operational hurdles.
Republicans have held a two-day midterm convention in Dallas dominated by President Donald Trump and Vice‑President JD Vance. Vance has delivered a high-profile 40-minute speech that elevated his status as a potential 2028 standard-bearer while Trump has repeated ambitious claims — including a $5,000 payment pledge — and rhetoric that multiple outlets say includes misleading assertions about investment and the economy.
Recent reports show a surge in warnings that AI could end humanity this decade, prompting calls for rapid regulation. The discourse spans major labs, politicians, and tech influencers, with divergent views on risk and timing. Readers are following developments as policymakers explore safeguards while industry argues for responsible acceleration.
Former president Barack Obama has urged House Democrats to build a public framework for AI safety and economic impacts after researchers warned of existential risks. Top AI executives including Anthropic's Dario Amodei and OpenAI's Sam Altman have pledged steps to slow frontier work, while lawmakers remain split over emergency action ahead of midterm campaigning.
Public voices warn of AI risks at Washington rally; Sanders and Bannon urge speed limits and safety rules, while Trump downplays concerns as lawmakers debate approaches.
Victims’ families, lawmakers and the NTSB are pressing for safety reforms after a 2025 crash near Reagan National Airport. While some progress has been made on airspace separation and controller protocols, a formal, comprehensive bill remains stalled ahead of elections as lawmakers debate how to implement ADS-B In technology and other protections.
Legislation to make AI data centers pay for grid upgrades has stalled after a Senate objection, while House supporters say the measure is a modest step to shield ratepayers from higher bills amid rising AI infrastructure costs.
Democrats and Republicans are flooding the airwaves with advertising ahead of Election Day, with hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through campaigns and allied groups. Cash on hand and spending patterns are shaping the battlefield, particularly in toss-up races where incumbents often hold the financial edge.
Racist comments by a Republican candidate have drawn widespread backlash after a UT crowd photo circulated during a victory celebration. Officials condemn the remarks; UT students express hurt while defending their peers. The incident intensifies debates over immigration, diversity policies, and the treatment of minority students on campus.
AI leaders call for caution over rapid development as safety concerns rise. Trump dismisses alarm as industry voices push for regulation and evaluators. The debate shifts to Washington amid looming questions about oversight and national security.
Trump has shown warmth toward New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as their public ties deepen. While the two leaders express friendliness, they are navigating policy disagreements—especially on housing, taxation, and media access—amid ongoing UN meetings and a looming midterm landscape.
The Protect College Sports Act has cleared the Senate with broad bipartisan support and is moving toward a House vote. It codifies NIL rights, tightens transfers and eligibility rules, and creates a retention pool to fund women’s and Olympic sports. The House faces challenges from CBC opposition and concerns over antitrust protections as lawmakers weigh the bill’s path to law.
Trump has described Somaliland as a separate country, prompting celebrations in Hargeisa and rallies in Somaliland and among diaspora, while Somali authorities caution against premature recognition. Israel already recognizes Somaliland, and U.S. recognition remains uncertain.
Authorities say a wave of letters containing an unknown substance has targeted election and congressional offices nationwide. The FBI, USPIS and Capitol Police are intercepting some mailings, while others reached destinations before being halted. The incidents echo past security scares ahead of elections.