American Senator and physician, libertarian-leaning Republican from Kentucky
In New York, multiple Jewish districts are shaping Democratic primaries as candidates align on Israel policy, LGBTQ rights, and social programs. In NY-17 and NY-12, contenders tout pro-Israel stances while navigating debates inside a divided Jewish community. AIPAC and progressive challengers are influencing messaging as the June primary approaches.
The Senate confirms a permanent FEMA administrator candidate who has pledged objectivity and faster disaster decisions, amid concerns about partisan influence and staff downsizing.
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.
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.
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.
The Supreme Court has struck down the administration’s birthright citizenship order. Trump urges Congress to act while officials warn that redefining citizenship faces constitutional hurdles. Analysts say the issue remains politically charged as lawmakers weigh legislative routes amid ongoing legal battles.
The House has canceled votes and sent lawmakers home amid a standoff over the defense bill and the SAVE America Act, with Trump insisting on voting-rights provisions. The Senate has moved independently on Iran and war powers, while Republicans face internal divisions as they navigate leadership and policy pressure.
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.
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.
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.
Updates show Democrats and Republicans trading barbs over fraud probes, welfare cuts, and immigration stances as races heat up. Fresh remarks and debates have intensified scrutiny of candidates’ positions and strategies ahead of midterms.
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.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted 8–5 to hold Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly during a hearing on pandemic decisions and the origins of COVID‑19. Chairman Rand Paul has authorised sending the committees report to the DC US attorney for possible prosecution and has threatened to certify the citation to the Senate president if the chamber is not in session.
A Senate hearing has spotlighted newly released diary pages from Fauci, fueling accusations that the scientist privately contradicted public statements as lawmakers push for questioning under the Fifth Amendment; experts note the diary entries document uncertainty in early pandemic days and ongoing debates about origins and gain-of-function research.
The Fauci diaries have intensified scrutiny of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Senate panel has voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to answer questions, while states push for records. Republicans argue for accountability; Democrats defend the former NIH director amid a renewed focus on origins, lockdowns, and media coverage.
The administration has issued new orders aimed at restricting birth tourism and citizen eligibility criteria, while a federal appeals court has ordered construction on a White House ballroom to stop pending Congressional approval. The BBC’s Americast interview with Hunter Biden is being unpacked as part of the broader political scene.
Fauci has invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing on his COVID-era policies. Rand Paul has moved to refer him to the Justice Department for contempt, arguing the presidential pardon does not shield him from self-incrimination. The diaries raise questions about private misgivings vs public statements, and about the origins of the virus and lockdowns.
Republicans on a Senate committee have voted to refer Dr. Anthony Fauci for possible contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a recent hearing. The measure, backed by committee chair Rand Paul, moves toward potential federal action despite a pre-emptive pardon covering actions through January 2025. The legal question centers on whether a pardon blocks Fifth Amendment protections in this setting.
Fauci has repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a heated hearing, citing constitutional protections as Republicans press for answers on Covid origins, vaccine guidance, and pandemic policy. A potential contempt vote hangs over the hearing, with Democrats arguing the process could harm public health and Republicans saying more must be disclosed.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted to refer a contempt of Congress motion against Fauci to the Justice Department. Fauci has invoked the Fifth Amendment during questioning, citing long-standing constitutional protections, while Republicans argue the move highlights accountability for pandemic-era actions; Democrats caution it could impede future oversight.
Researchers at Stanford and the Arc Institute have used generative genome models to design and synthesise bacteriophage genomes; 16 of the lab-made viruses proved viable and a cocktail of them rapidly killed E. coli strains resistant to natural phages. Experts have warned the work has raised urgent biosafety and biosecurity questions about AI-designed genomes.
Trump has floated JD Vance as a top pick for 2028 and has publicly questioned allies about a potential ticket with Marco Rubio. Donor dinners and private polling fuels fresh talk as opponents scrutinize the shifting landscape ahead of midterms.
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.
The newly released texts show Fauci discussing early vaccination risks in pregnancy, while officials acknowledge uncertainty in 2021. Since then, large studies have found no link between COVID-19 vaccines and miscarriage or adverse pregnancy outcomes. The conversation has become a political flashpoint as Republican lawmakers push into the public sphere.
Fauci has refused to testify again, arguing that compelling him would impermissibly harass him for political purposes after a contentious July 29 hearing. The move follows a contempt vote and a push by Rand Paul to send the matter to the DOJ, while Johnson pursues a parallel review of the COVID-19 response.
National Capital Planning Commission will discuss a proposed perimeter fence around Lafayette Park and an underground White House Visitor Screening Facility. Both ideas are under review for the first time; votes are not expected. Officials say the park fencing would be a permanent security and access change, while the screening center would replace tents used for years.