American lawyer and politician, U.S. Senator from New York since 2009
Washington and Tehran have been closing in on a one-page memorandum that would pause fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start 30 days of detailed talks on sanctions and nuclear limits; Iran has said it will respond soon via Pakistan, while oil prices have fallen on the prospect of a deal (06 May 2026).
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has testified twice before Congress this week about the U.S. war with Iran and a proposed $1.45–$1.5tn Pentagon budget, with officials publicly putting the conflictcost at $25bn. Lawmakers have pressed for a strategy, probed civilian casualties and stockpile depletion, and challenged Hegseth on troop use at US polls and senior officer dismissals.
Admiral Brad Cooper testifies on Capitol Hill, saying earlier reports of widespread civilian destruction are uncorroborated, while confirming ongoing investigations into a Feb. 28 strike on an Iranian school that killed at least 175 people. He notes tactical successes but acknowledges staffing cuts have affected civilian-harm oversight.
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.
Graham Platner has won the Maine Democratic Senate primary and will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. Several colleagues hesitate to endorse him, citing his past scandals, while party leaders urge unity to regain Senate control.
The Kalshi lead has launched perpetual futures in the US after CFTC approval, fueling debate over onshore regulation. CME Group plans litigation against the CFTC, arguing perps are swaps under the Dodd-Frank Act, while Kalshi expands offerings and trader interest surges.
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.
Graham Platner has withdrawn from the Maine Senate race after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault. He denies the allegations, saying the decision is about protecting campaigns from power structures. The Maine Democratic Party must nominate a replacement before the July 27 deadline as it races to defend Susan Collins in November.
Graham Platner has paused his Maine Senate campaign after a sexual assault accusation, which he denies. The Maine Democratic Party must replace him by a July 27 deadline, with ongoing scrutiny of new allegations and potential implications for the race against Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
Graham Platner, Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee, is facing growing pressure to withdraw after a Politico report details a 2021 sexual assault allegation from Jenny Racicot. Platner denies the accusation, while Democrats including Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urge him to step aside; the party weighs replacement options ahead of a July 13 deadline.
Democrat Graham Platner has withdrawn amid sexual-assault allegations, triggering a rapid search for a replacement nominee ahead of a July 27 deadline. The Maine Democratic Party plans a nominating convention to select the nominee, while candidates race to present themselves to roughly 600 delegates.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order imposing a one-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centres that use 50 megawatts or more, directing regulators to complete an environmental impact review and consider rules to make developers pay for power, contribute to grid upgrades and lose tax breaks. The move has drawn praise from community and environmental groups and rebuke from industry and national conservatives.
The Social Security system faces a potential funding shortfall by 2032, risking up to a 22% cut to monthly benefits. Lawmakers are weighing options, including removing the income cap on contributions. Current payments are issued on a staggered schedule by birth dates, with SSI recipients on a separate timeline.
The nomination of Jay Clayton to lead the National Intelligence Directorate is advancing through the Senate Intelligence Committee, but Democrats press him on the 2020 election and his time as SDNY U.S. attorney. The panel has signaled a vote next week, with the full Senate likely to follow.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has heard updates on the Iran war’s cost and funding needs. Defense Secretary Hegseth cites urgent, necessary funding to deter threats while lawmakers warn against a potential “forever war.” The hearing follows recent clashes and rising casualties in the conflict.