American senator from New Hampshire; Democratic leader and former governor
Ukraine has reported that Starlink and its military sister service Starshield have been limited to roughly 160 km/h inside Ukraine, disrupting drone guidance and logistics during recent Russian strikes. Kyiv has accused SpaceX or Washington of imposing the throttle; Elon Musk has said Starshield is controlled by the US government and that usage limits are set by the US military and president.
Legislation updating Russia sanctions has gained White House backing and is advancing in the Senate, with debate centring on tariffs for the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and potential waivers. The measure has broad support and could reshape U.S. pressure on Moscow, as Graham’s legacy guides the approach.
The Senate has advanced the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill, with bipartisan support and a high-profile backdrop including Zelenskyy’s Washington visit. The package targets Russia’s energy sector and its so-called “shadow fleet,” while expanding sanctions to Iran. House passage remains uncertain as August recess looms.
At AIDS 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, a State Department slide displayed a geostrational map with several errors and an AI watermark. The incident has prompted scrutiny of internal processes, with the agency accepting responsibility and vowing review. Coverage notes the broader context of donor funding and program continuity for PEPFAR amid spending shifts.
The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 86–11, granting the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on top buyers of Russian oil and expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran. The bill now heads to the House, which will consider it after its August recess.
Stars and Stripes has dismissed editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer and reporter Lara Korte after the Pentagon issued notices of separation citing insubordination. The journalists have filed a First Amendment lawsuit in Washington, DC, arguing the department is attempting to curb the paper's editorial independence after recent disputes over coverage and management changes.
The US Army has awarded an $11.26 million contract to TERN to deploy AI-based navigation and vehicle health systems that can operate offline, providing independent positioning when GPS is disrupted. The system preloads a local map, works offline, and updates when connections return, with cybersecurity considered. The move aims to reduce GPS vulnerability on the battlefield.
In New Hampshire, Democrats have channeled support behind Rep. Chris Pappas, while Republicans rally behind former Sen. John Sununu. The contest for the state’s Senate seat is part of a broader national battle for control of Congress, with both parties aiming to influence the Senate in November. Primary results and endorsements have shaped the field, as Sununu and Pappas gain or lose ground amid ongoing scrutiny of national politics.
China has assured the United States that it will limit its assistance to Iran, while Trump and Xi discuss de-escalation. US ambassador David Perdue has stressed that direct or indirect help for Iran is unacceptable, and new negotiations are underway in New York and Washington. Analysts note ongoing tensions over oil, satellites, and sanctions amid a broader push to end the war.
Developing contests across the U.S. see heavy spending from national committees and super PACs. Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, and Kansas are among the states where ads and funding shifts aim to influence close races. The dynamic spending reflects a broader scramble to protect or seize Senate control as Election Day approaches.
The US Supreme Court has lifted a lower court ruling and allowed the deportations of immigrants to third countries to resume, while agreeing to hear the merits of the case in December. The decision follows ongoing debates over due process and safety for deportees, with critics urging Congress to tighten protections.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has delivered a speech at the Acropolis urging Western nations to reclaim classical values, rebuild industry and defence, and pursue an "unapologetic" national power. He has linked the rhetoric to warnings about Iran and called on Europe to strengthen alliances and reindustrialise amid rising geopolitical competition.
The White House is weighing action against Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle amid reports of improper conduct in Athens, with officials signaling potential dismissal as investigations intensify.
The president’s move to allow Russian diesel into global markets has drawn swift criticism from lawmakers who say Congress was not consulted. Officials warn the policy could fund Moscow’s war while doing little to relieve U.S. fuel prices amid ongoing energy volatility.