A Midwestern state with a diversified economy and influential caucuses.
Three major egg producers—Cal-Maine Foods, Versova and Hickman’s Egg Ranch—have agreed to a civil settlement with the DOJ and 17 states over alleged price manipulation. The deal requires them to pay $3.3 million and donate 53 million eggs to food banks, with court approval pending. They deny wrongdoing and will adopt antitrust compliance programs.
A severe storm has caused extensive damage across parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with tornadoes ripping through communities. No fatalities have been reported, but homes, schools, and infrastructure have sustained significant damage. Emergency services are responding, and surveys are underway to assess the full extent of the destruction. The storm is ongoing, and further severe weather is expected.
Vice President JD Vance is on a high-profile tour in Iowa, linking economic messaging with support for Republican candidates. The trip follows a string of public missteps and signals potential presidential ambitions, while party dynamics and polling underline a tense path toward 2028.
A wave of political realignment is unfolding in the United States. Polls show declining approval for Donald Trump in key battlegrounds, while Democrats win off-year elections. Former President Barack Obama discusses the personal toll of post-presidency scrutiny and efforts to influence midterm redistricting, signaling shifting alliances and broader implications for the 2026 political landscape.
States are widening efforts to block proposed utility rate increases and rethink financing for major upgrades, citing how AI data centers are driving energy demand and bills. In Texas, Hill County has paused data-center development to study effects, while other states weigh similar actions amid affordability concerns.
Since mid-May 2026, Republican-led Southern legislatures have been moving to redraw U.S. House maps after a Supreme Court ruling weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act. Federal judges in Alabama have blocked a new map, South Carolina lawmakers have stalled a Trump-backed redistricting push, and Tennessee and Louisiana have enacted plans that would dilute Black-majority districts.
The Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is shaping up as the state’s most high-profile contest, while Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has not voted since March and has not appeared publicly amid a personal medical issue. Four Democrats are competing to unseat him in a district pollsters say is pivotal for control of the House.
Police have found four fatally shot people at a Muscatine home and later say the suspect, Ryan Willis McFarland, died by suicide on a riverfront trail after the shootings; two more men who are believed to be relatives were found fatally shot at separate locations.
A Democratic Senate primary in Iowa has grown more nuanced as Josh Turek, a Paralympian and state representative, presses his bid amid questions about establishment ties. Voters are weighing character and systemic reform as Wahls seeks to capitalize on shifting support.
Democrats are grappling with Graham Platner’s recent disclosures ahead of the Maine Senate race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The New York Times has reported disturbing accounts from several former partners, while Platner has described his past as a period of transformation. Party leaders remain cautiously supportive, highlighting the stakes for control of the Senate.
Josh Turek has won the Iowa Senate primary, a development that positions him to face GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson in November. The race has highlighted a clash within Democrats between moderates and progressives, with Turek portraying himself as a pragmatic winner capable of attracting independents and Republicans in a state that President Trump carried three times.
The independent coverage shows federal probes and funding threats target diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools and universities. The government has begun investigations and new restrictions are reshaping how districts deploy DEI initiatives that address racial inequities.
In Iowa, Randy Feenstra has been defeated in the Republican primary for governor, as Zach Lahn edges ahead. In California, Xavier Becerra appears poised to secure the Democratic nomination amid a jungle primary system. Democrats see potential to capitalize on Republican vulnerabilities in a statewide race.
Zach Lahn has won the Republican gubernatorial primary in Iowa, challenging Trump’s pick Randy Feenstra. Democrat Rob Sand is seeking to flip the governorship, arguing for balanced government amid a Republican trifecta in Des Moines. The primary outcome also intersects with potential shifts in California and a Democratic Senate bid in Iowa.
The River Avon at Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Salisbury has been deemed unsafe for bathing after tests show sewage pollution from upstream works. The Environment Agency advised against swimming from May 28; the advisory remained until June 1 as residual contamination cleared. Wessex Water says the issue stems from a blocked sewer, with improvements planned, including near-real-time AI water monitors.
President has endorsed both South Carolina runoff candidates in a bid to influence the outcome of the gubernatorial race as polls show a tight contest ahead of the June 23 runoff.
The Mets have moved several players through rehab and roster changes while managing injuries. Alvarez returns from a torn meniscus and Senga remains in rehab; other players face calls to return as rotation and lineup shakeups continue.
This weekhas produced mixed results for President Donald Trumpin Republican primaries. Trump-backed candidates won key Senate contests in Alabama and Georgia but lost the GOP gubernatorial primary in Georgia, where self-funding billionaire Rick Jackson defeated the presidents pick, Burt Jones. The outcomes will reshape November battlefield maps.
A new cross-party look shows blue-collar white voters growing skeptical of Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, a shift that threatens his political coalition. Democrats are boosting effort and fundraising in Republican turf as Trump’s approval on the economy has fallen across most groups. The strategy centers on linking economic pressures to cost of living and energy prices while reaching working-class voters where they reside.
Honda has issued a recall affecting 880,514 rear-suspension-equipped vehicles across multiple models in the U.S. and elsewhere, citing potential subframe corrosion that could lead to rear-suspension failure. Honda and Acura dealers will inspect and repair or reinforce the rear subframe at no cost, with notices mailing July 7. Separately, Stellantis is recalling over 1.3 million Wrangler/Gladiator models for a wiring harness risk that could cause fires.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings as a potent storm system moves through the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast. Forecasters have warned of damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes, with power outages and flight disruptions already reported. Authorities are advising residents to monitor updates as storms unfold.
A span of severe weather has hit multiple Midwest communities, causing widespread damage, power outages for hundreds of thousands, and flight disruptions. Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and nearby areas report collapsed roofs, downed trees, and evacuations as responders assess the aftermath.
Lab work shows CAR-T cells recognizing both glioblastoma cells and the immune-supporting macrophages can attack the tumour in a two-front approach. Researchers say this could reshape preclinical testing and speed therapies into clinical trials.
Outside groups have poured billions into 2026 races, with AI, crypto and political power players spending to back or thwart candidates. In NY-12, Maryland’s MD-05, and beyond, pro- and anti-AI committees are influencing races as November approaches, while individual fortunes test the limits of soft money in a polarized landscape.
The Department of Energy has proposed up to $17.5 billion in loans to support five two-reactor projects built around Westinghouse’s AP1000 design. The plan aims to accelerate construction, standardize supply chains, and attract tech-sector investment, with selections expected after letters of intent were signed by seven potential partners.
The Federal Trade Commission and several states have filed a Texas suit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), accusing the group of deceptive claims about gender-affirming care for minors and of profiting from those claims. WPATH says guidelines are individualized. The action follows ongoing FTC probes and a broader fight over minors’ gender-affirming treatments.
The Reflecting Pool renovation has faced algae blooms and peeling blue lining after a $14m, no-bid project. President Trump claims vandalism caused the damage, with arrests reported. Officials have not publicly released evidence to support the vandalism allegations, and the pool may be drained for further repairs ahead of the 250th anniversary.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act has gone into effect after signing in 2022. It requires producers to cut single-use plastics, increase recycling, and fund waste programs. A coalition of 17 states and environmental groups are suing, arguing the law overreaches and raises consumer costs. California defends the law as pushing toward a circular economy.
The Supreme Court has ruled 7-2 that federal pesticide law bars state failure-to-warn lawsuits over Roundup, overturning a $1.25m jury verdict and imperilling thousands of similar claims against Bayer. The decision follows the EPAs position that glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer and clears the way for dismissal of many pending suits.
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.
A two-bedroom top-floor flat on Queen Charlotte Street in Leith, Edinburgh, is on the market with offers over £225,000. The listing highlights traditional character and contemporary interiors, with views of Edinburgh Castle and strong transport links to the Shore and tram network.
A sweeping heatwave is driving extreme temperatures across the US, Canada, and parts of Europe. Health officials warn of heat-related risks as Fourth of July events unfold; cooling centers are opening and cities urge hydration and precautions.
The package of kids’ online safety measures has progressed in the House and draws White House attention. Key sticking points include whether to include a duty of care, how to handle age verification, and the balance between preemption of state AI laws and online safeguards. Supporters say safeguards are needed; critics warn of gaps and preemption risks.
The Supreme Court has struck down a cap on coordinated party spending in support of candidates, in a 6-3 decision. The ruling upends decades of campaign finance rules, expanding parties’ ability to coordinate with campaigns ahead of the midterms. Republican committees hold a cash advantage over Democrats.
The Reflecting Pool renovation amid America’s 250th celebrations has exposed ongoing problems. Algae blooms reappeared after a $14 million upgrade, while officials cite sabotage and lawmakers probe no‑bid contracts and the costs tied to the milestone.
Utah’s Doctronic program allows residents to refill prescriptions online via an AI chatbot, prompting regulatory and safety concerns. A state sandbox enabled the pilot; doctors review initial orders while safeguards are in place, but questions remain about FDA oversight, professional licensure, and patient safety. The pilot signals a broader push to modernize medical practice through AI.
The Independent reports that President Trump has participated in a Storytime with the Second Lady interview, reading a children’s book about presidents and commenting on past leaders. He has described his reading habits, joked about weights of former presidents, and teased Barack Obama’s basketball as the White House plans a new ballroom.