American senator, Utah’s senior Republican
President Trump has completed a two‑day state visit to Beijing with US business chiefs, holding talks with Xi Jinping on trade, Taiwan, Iran and AI. Leaders have agreed to set up trade and investment councils; Trump has touted unspecified "fantastic" deals including a reported 200‑plane Boeing order while Chinese statements remain cautious.
The Section 702 surveillance law is set to lapse this week. President Trump has named Bill Pulte as acting DNI, triggering bipartisan concern and stalling renewal talks while lawmakers debate guardrails and timing. A Senate gridlock persists as Republicans and Democrats clash over the scope of surveillance and the president’s chosen interim leader.
The Pentagon has removed the Christian label from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its religion-codes, narrowing the list of recognized denominations to about 31. Lawmakers and church leaders accuse the move of mischaracterizing LDS Christianity, while the Defense Department says the change aims to streamline chaplain support and resource access.
On the Fourth of July, hundreds of members of the Patriot Front march through Washington, D.C., with uniforms and flags, prompting police monitoring. Reports from Reuters, The Times of Israel, Al Jazeera, Independent and The New York Post detail the group’s tactics, the crowd’s reactions, and ongoing safety measures.
Public hearing in Provo revisits the Charlie Kirk shooting at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors present evidence that Tyler Robinson killed Kirk, with DNA, notes and witness statements to Twiggs shaping the case. Defense fights for transparency and argues against the death penalty before a trial.
Presidents have reshaped national monuments under the Antiquities Act, with Trump reducing Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, while Biden has restored size and created new monuments, including sites tied to civil rights and Indigenous history. The debate centers on balancing conservation, tribal co-stewardship, and resource development.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is questioning Todd Blanche, acting attorney general, about his past with Trump, the handling of the Epstein files, and a controversial $1.8 billion fund; Republicans and Democrats press on independence and accountability as the nomination moves forward.