McConnell, Kentucky’s senior senator, has led Republicans in the Senate across decades, shaping judgeships, budgets and campaign finance debates.
Senate and House debates intensify over a $70 billion three-year funding package for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, with lawmakers grappling over a controversial $1.8 billion settlement fund for Trump allies. The measure has sparked intra-party divisions and a series of amendments as leadership seeks to finalize funding through the end of Trump’s term.
Republican factions in Congress have rebuked President Trump on Iran, the White House ballroom funding, and the anti-weaponization fund, while Ukraine aid moves forward. The party faces growing fractures as it weighs next steps ahead of Election Day.
The president has pressed Congress to approve a $1.776 billion “weaponization fund” to compensate those prosecuted after the January 6 riot, despite court challenges and political opposition. In a televised interview, he has argued that lives have been destroyed and vows to push for the payout, while opponents warn of political toxicity.
Senate leader McConnell has been admitted to hospital and is receiving excellent care. His health issues, including past falls and polio in childhood, have been part of public discussion as he prepares to retire after his current term.
The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum to end the war, extending a 60-day window for talks while Lebanon remains volatile. Iran preserves its enrichment program under IAEA supervision, and a $300bn reconstruction plan is discussed but not funded by the U.S. Critics say the framework favors Tehran as Israeli Lebanon actions threaten progress.
Lawmakers have approved a war powers resolution directing President to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran. The measure, filed under the War Powers Act, passes the Senate and House with largely party-line votes, though questions remain about its legal force and potential constitutional challenges. The White House calls the move symbolic, while supporters say it reasserts congressional authority. Negotiations on a broader Iran deal continue in parallel.
The Senate has approved a war powers resolution directing the president to halt U.S. military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes such steps. The House already passed a similar measure. The vote is largely symbolic and faces legal questions, but it signals mounting congressional concern over the Iran conflict.
Trump has canceled a Capitol signing of a bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a sweeping election-law package. Republicans are divided over priorities, with some backing the housing measure and others pressuring for the voter-ID legislation. The House transmitted the housing bill to the White House; Trump is underscoring the priority of election rules while signaling the timing remains unsettled.
Trump has canceled a signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill, saying he will not sign until Senate passes the SAVE America Act. The move follows a tense exchange at a Capitol Hill luncheon where Cassidy challenged the administration’s Iran war approach. The episode highlights deep GOP rifts as lawmakers balance housing affordability with stricter voting measures ahead of midterms.
Kennedy has led a push to pull government flu-vaccine advertising amid a broader shift at HHS, with emails showing internal debate and political direction shaping public-health messaging during a severe flu season. The disclosures show tension between Kennedy’s policy moves and CDC leadership as a new administration implements its agenda.
Trump has tied support for a housing bill to passage of the SAVE America Act, arguing for stricter voter-ID rules while facing Senate resistance and intra-party divisions. The White House awaits responses as lawmakers maneuver on two intertwined priorities ahead of the midterms.
State-level AI safety acts are advancing, with Illinois pushing a tough framework for large models, while other states weigh similar steps. National leaders debate federal action as governors push for guardrails and audits to curb catastrophic risks, drawing in industry concerns and public commentary.
Senator Lindsey Graham has died at 71 after a "brief and sudden illness," his office has said. Graham had just returned from a visit to Kyiv and had met President Volodymyr Zelensky. Officials say a preliminary medical examiner found an aortic dissection; South Carolina's governor will appoint a temporary replacement ahead of November's elections.
Lindsey Graham’s death triggers an interim appointment and a high-stakes Aug. 11 special primary to replace him. Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary successor, while Republicans eye potential contenders including Darline Graham Nordone, Nancy Mace and others as the field gears up for a crowded race.
Sen. Lindsey Graham has died after a brief illness, leaving allies in Washington and Kyiv recalibrating support amid renewed sanctions talks with Russia. He had just returned from Ukraine, where he was advancing sanctions legislation and strengthening ties with Kyiv. World leaders and lawmakers are paying tribute as Republicans and Democrats weigh the political implications.
Mitch McConnell has stated he did not suffer fractures, a concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumors or hemorrhages after a fall that left him briefly unconscious. He is moving from hospital to rehabilitation and will not return to the Senate floor yet, while continuing to work with staff and Kentucky aides.
Mitch McConnell has publicly confirmed that a fall led to his hospitalization and outlines ongoing tests as doctors assess the cause; he is in rehabilitation and will not yet return to the Senate.
Governor Andy Beshear has pressed for a direct public update on Mitch McConnell’s health, urging him to prove his capacity to serve or resign. The push follows McConnell’s hospitalization after a June 14 fall and limited public updates from his office. Several lawmakers stress transparency amid ongoing questions about the senator’s ability to return to the Senate.
Graham has died at 71 after a suspected brief illness. Medical examiner findings indicate an aortic dissection linked to arteriosclerosis as the likely cause; official cause will follow toxicology and microscopic tests. Social media claims of foul play are unfounded according to preliminary reports. Authorities have noted FBI assistance at Graham’s home.
Anthropic and a web of AI safety groups are boosting political advertising through large donations to allied super PACs and nonprofits. FEC filings show rising spending as midterms approach. Major donors include Anthropic executives and OpenAI-aligned figures.
Trump has attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after a postponement due to a gun attack outside the Washington Hilton. He uses the stage to critique the media, tout his resilience, and tease opponents, while noting heightened security and a smaller guest list.
The Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, replacing acting DNI Bill Pulte. Clayton has faced questions about his stance on the 2020 election and national security credentials, while Republicans push for steadier leadership in the intelligence community as major policy debates continue.
Mitch McConnell remains not cleared to resume Senate duties after a June fall, with ongoing rehabilitation and a new photo released as he continues daily physical therapy. He will miss the Fancy Farm picnic in western Kentucky and intends to return to the Senate and state soon.
Protests linked to the JAAC have escalated as elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir proceed in three phases amid a nationwide crackdown. Officials report clashes and casualties, while JAAC demands political reform and abolition of reserved refugee seats. International observers call for access and transparency as media restrictions intensify.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is moving to revoke licenses for two Minocqua Brewing locations and an Alcohol Beverage Warehouse permit, prompting owner Kirk Bangstad to vow to challenge the action. The brewery has faced ongoing political controversy and previous promotions that sparked backlash. Appeals are underway as authorities enforce regulations.
Todd Blanche has been confirmed as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, ending weeks of Republican opposition surrounding the handling of Epstein documents and an anti-weaponization fund. Cassidy voted in favor; Collins and Murkowski opposed. Blanche will lead the DOJ, continuing the department’s alignment with the White House while facing scrutiny from survivors and critics.
Lawmakers have advanced a stopgap funding package to keep the government running through Dec. 11, while negotiations over full-year funding and policy riders continue. The measure blocks funding transfers to border enforcement, delays a hemp ban by one month, and avoids a government shutdown ahead of midterm elections.
Athletes and patients have urged Downing Street to appoint a national brain cancer lead and boost research funding. The Rare Cancers Bill is seen as a step forward but not enough, with calls for faster action in light of Commonwealth Games coverage and ongoing treatment campaigns.
Bloomberg reports Fitch Ratings finds not-for-profit hospitals and health systems have broad optimism about resilience, but tone has shifted to caution. The recovery appears near a transition point as operating conditions evolve.
Sen. Bill Cassidy has announced he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving Trump’s nominee a crucial edge as several Republicans oppose him. With Collins and Murkowski opposed and McConnell absent, Cassidy’s stance could push Blanche over the line, though resistance remains among a faction of GOP senators.
Hunter Biden has told the BBC that his fathers prostate cancer has metastasized further, reaching his bones and beyond. He has described the disease as painful and debilitating while saying the 83-year-old former president remains active publicly. Biden revealed the diagnosis in May 2025 and has been undergoing radiation and hormone therapy.
Dwindling MQ-9 Reaper stockpiles have escalated concerns over American drone warfare capabilities. The Washington Post reports 45 drones have been lost, with costs exceeding $1.3 billion, as Iran’s actions and the Ukraine conflict shape the battlefield. US officials caution that dwindling munitions are limiting options while drone warfare dominates current tactics.
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.