American politician and long-time House Speaker, a defining figure in US politics
Mayor Mamdani has accused AIPAC of using 'millions in dark money' to protect pro-Israel leaders and has called the group 'monsters' for opposing a ceasefire in Gaza. His June 18 Brooklyn rally remarks have drawn sharp condemnation from Jewish leaders, who say the language risks stoking antisemitism as concerns about politically motivated violence persist.
Paul Pelosi has faced a hit-and-run allegation in Yountville, California, after a brown convertible allegedly struck a parked car and fled the scene. Authorities say no injuries were reported, and Pelosi is referred for a DMV evaluation to determine if he should continue driving. A misdemeanor charge is anticipated as the investigation proceeds.
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.
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP to stand in a snap by-election in Clacton after facing scrutiny over a £5 million donation and related allegations. He claims the move lets the people judge him; opponents call it a distraction as investigations continue.
House Republicans have advanced a reconciliation budget resolution that would channel roughly $60 billion to the Iran war, boost Pentagon and farm aid and include parts of President Trump’s elections package. Democrats have opposed the plan’s high spending and social riders. Separately, more than 100 House Democrats voted to withhold military aid to Israel, exposing a deep intra-party split ahead of the midterms.
Democrats are confronting internal divisions over US military aid to Israel as a Massie-sponsored amendment fails in a 314-104 vote, revealing a party fault line between left-wing critics and pro-Israel centrists. The outcome has sparked warnings from leaders that policy may shift under public pressure and shifting views among constituents.
California debates a 5% wealth tax; ultra‑rich residents have moved assets out of state, with Alphabet’s Larry Page and Sergey Brin among notable relocations. Tax plans are spurring residency audits and significant corporate and political pushback.
The 86-year-old Paul Pelosi faces a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge and an unlawful-turn infraction after allegedly striking a legally parked car in Yountville on July 3 and driving away. No injuries were reported; Pelosi has a history of traffic infractions and a 2022 DUI conviction.
The National Defense Authorization Act has cleared the House with a 216-212 vote, boosting military spending and strengthening US-Israel defense cooperation. The measure now faces Senate scrutiny, with Democrats criticizing the price tag and war-related provisions while Republicans defend funding for readiness and security. The package also includes provisions tied to the SAVE America Act and election-related funding.
President Trump’s Cabinet meeting at Camp David has become a focal point as he faces Republican pushback on a tax-audit immunity deal and the fate of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Comments on an Anti-Weaponization Fund are circulating, while lawmakers seek written assurances from the White House. The briefing follows related talks about immunity provisions tied to the Trump family.
The Guardian and other outlets examine how the prime minister’s Catholic upbringing informs his governance as he faces a neoliberal critique. Meanwhile, U.S. reporting highlights a fraud claim against a Catholic figure and a Vatican appointment affecting leadership in San Francisco.
The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador in Washington in retaliation for Brazil’s refusal to approve the U.S. nominee for ambassador in Brasilia. The move deepens a diplomatic rift ahead of Brazil’s October election. The ambassador’s status is not expelled, and her visa would be reinstated if Brazil grants agrément to the U.S. nominee.
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.
South Carolina has held a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and has produced a runoff. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced; Rep. Russell Fry finished a close third. The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly decide the GOP nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
In Wisconsin, Francesca Hong has lost the governor's primary to David Crowley by less than 1 point, a dramatic turn after polls showed she led by double digits. The result mirrors a broader pattern of polling misses and rising momentum for progressive candidates in state races. Prediction markets also underestimated Crowley’s chances.
The administration has finalized a rule that ends federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. Mental health services remain funded. Seventeen states currently cover some degree of gender-affirming care under Medicaid and CHIP, while many hospitals have paused treatments.
State Senator Aisha Wahab has won the special election to serve the remainder of Eric Swalwell’s term in California’s 14th district. She will take the seat through January and will face Melissa Hernandez again in November for a full term. Outside groups tied to AIPAC spent millions supporting Hernandez; Wahab called the spending an attempt to buy the seat.
Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces in Hong Kong's High Court and faces additional years behind bars while already serving a four-year, eight-month sentence for a separate national security conviction. Rights groups and supporters say the new charge is designed to extend his detention and chill dissent across the city.
Kyle Kirkwood has won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in downtown Washington, D.C., finishing 3.09 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard after leading 128 of 147 laps. President Donald Trump has waved the green flag and taken a ceremonial lap; the race routed 25 drivers past the National Mall as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
The NYT reports a recent meeting between Jared Kushner and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in New York discusses housing, immigration and affordability as Democrats eye potential gains in November. Jeffries says the affordability crisis is not a hoax and Democrats will deliver transformational change, while Republicans push back and warn against overreaching. If Democrats win, they plan a robust oversight agenda.
Arab American voters have shifted toward progressive candidates in several Michigan primaries, tying Gaza policy to local races. Organizers report growing Arab American political power, with candidates like Abdul El-Sayed winning nominations and a broader trend across 2026 primaries.
Two Democratic centrists have joined Republicans to pass a procedural rule in the House, a rare bipartisan move that shifts debate parameters. The vote comes as leaders face backlash over the defection, with potential committee punishments discussed. The package includes a lobster-protection measure and a denunciation of socialism.
Cardinal Joseph Zen and four others have been convicted in Hong Kong over the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, marking a landmark case on the city’s freedom of association. The fund helped cover medical and legal costs for arrested protesters; convictions were for breaches of the Societies Ordinance. Wong’s case unfolds with another plea in a separate conspiracy charge. Readers are watching rapid political shifts in Hong Kong following the 2019 protests.
Dr. Amy Acton’s campaign event at the Canfield Fair was interrupted when an armed individual lunged toward her. Law enforcement stopped the threat; Acton was unharmed and no serious injuries are reported. The incident, which occurred as Acton campaigns in Ohio’s gubernatorial race, underscores the persistent risks surrounding political events as elections approach.
Multiple US states are pausing or regulating Flock Safety’s ALPR network amid privacy concerns, with ongoing debates on data use and accountability for law enforcement.