Capital city and federal district of the United States
The BBC has asked a Florida federal court to allow subpoenas to be served on Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in President Trump’s $10bn defamation suit over a 2024 Panorama edit. The BBC says the trio have "personal knowledge" about the January 6, 2021 speech; Trump’s lawyers argue service is blocked by Secret Service protection and call the effort politically motivated.
Accelerated three-year bachelor’s programs are growing in popularity across the United States as colleges reduce credit requirements to cut costs and speed graduation. Proponents say the approach improves affordability and access for non-traditional students, while critics warn it could dilute learning, limit graduate school options, and blur credential value.
Genesis has unveiled the GV90, its flagship electric SUV, signaling a second-generation push in luxury. The Neolun variant with coach doors and a lounge-friendly cabin showcases high-end features like heated wood floors and a fridge. The brand plans three pillars—luxury, performance and hospitality—while expanding its lineup beyond sedans.
Iran faces intensified pressure from U.S. sanctions while the Strait of Hormuz remains bottlenecked. Washington warns of the toughest sanctions yet; Tehran vows crushing responses. Iraqi tankers seek passage; global oil flows are at risk.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea supporting U.S. operations in the war with Iran. Families and lawmakers have reported shortages, plumbing failures and multiple suicide attempts or attempts to go overboard; the Navy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have called those reports misrepresented while a relief carrier is en route.
Since early August the Houthi movement has carried out repeated missile and drone attacks on Yemeni government positions, the Red Sea port of Mocha and Saudi infrastructure, including a claimed strike on Aramco’s Jazan refinery. Yemeni government forces have responded with coordinated artillery, drone and air operations, and the UN has warned the country faces a return to large‑scale war.
The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to let construction on the president's 90,000 sq ft White House ballroom continue while courts hear challenges. A federal appeals court last week upheld an injunction requiring congressional approval for above‑ground work and stayed that order for 14 days. The administration argues the project includes vital security and military features and is roughly two‑thirds complete.
The Times of Israel reports that Ben Gurion Airport has faced ongoing disruption amid staffing shortages and a wildcat strike that halted check‑in and baggage handling. Management and unions are negotiating to ramp up staffing ahead of the Jewish holidays as operations try to return to normal.
Sara Bejlek has upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(7/9), 6-4 in Toronto, delivering a major upset ahead of the US Open. The Czech qualifier rode a late comeback in the first set tiebreak and seized momentum to reach the quarterfinals, where she will face Madison Keys. Rybakina and Swiatek also advance, keeping the Cincinnati and Toronto results shaping the build-up to the Open.
Seniors face higher living costs as inflation persists. The government has not matched price increases fully, and analysts forecast a 3.6-3.8% COLA for 2027, lifting average payments but risking long-term funding if inflation remains elevated.
Houthi attacks on Yemen’s Red Sea coast have intensified, striking Mocha and al-Makha ports as government forces and militants trade strikes across Marib, Taiz and the western coast. The violence threatens shipping lanes, raises regional tensions, and risks drawing in regional powers as talks for a ceasefire stall.
Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement after an 18-year career that included a 2016-17 MVP season, 42 triple-doubles in a season, and stints with several teams, including the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Kings. The farewell video, narrated by Michael B. Jordan, marks the end of an era.
Berkshire Hathaway has increased its Alphabet stake to about 106 million shares—valued near $37.8 billion as of June 30—while expanding in Delta Air Lines and Lennar, and trimming holdings in several financial stocks. The shift comes under CEO Greg Abel, with Warren Buffett remaining involved but not dictating every move. The quarter also shows Berkshire’s cash pile declining as it deploys capital.
California state senator Aisha Wahab has won the special election to serve the remainder of Eric Swalwell’s term in the 14th Congressional District, defeating Melissa Hernandez. Wahab will serve through January and will face Hernandez again in November for a full term. Her campaign faced heavy outside spending from groups tied to AIPAC.
A set of recent car-developer features include the Genesis Box Buggy concept, Czinger 21C Spyder with BrakeNode, and Gasolini AR1, highlighting affordable performance tech and new design approaches at major events in 2026.
Starcloud has secured a funding extension valuing the company at $2.3 billion to expand manufacturing and advance Starcloud-3, a spacecraft intended to ride on SpaceX’s Starship. The company plans two 8 kW satellites for 2027 launches, with aims to sign additional launch contracts as SpaceX’s Starship rollout could lower costs. Nvidia and others back the round, underscoring growing space compute ambitions.
Liberia has welcomed the first group of up to 1,200 third-country nationals transferred from the United States under a government arrangement. The first 20 arrivals at Roberts International Airport are medically cleared and may seek asylum in Liberia; others will arrive in groups over the next year. The government says those moved are guests, not criminals, and will receive support.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the Middle East region after a record-at-sea deployment of more than 250 days. Officials say the journey back to the United States will take about a month, with no confirmed port stops. Family members report stress, food and water shortages, and mounting mental-health concerns aboard the ship as lawmakers demand accountability.
Federal agents have seized electronic devices from former Rep. Eric Swalwell and searched his San Francisco home as part of investigations into sexual misconduct allegations. The chronology places the events in the days surrounding Swalwell’s resignation from Congress and his earlier gubernatorial bid. Multiple outlets corroborate the seizure and an ongoing inquiry extends to other jurisdictions.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have purchased Strancally Castle and its 440-acre estate in Waterford, Ireland. The off-market deal, estimated at $23-35 million, positions the property as a strategic Irish base for Meta while the couple plans to keep their US residence.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note has climbed to 4.69% as the Treasury Department expands its bond buyback program to $4 billion per operation, up from $2 billion. Investors are weighing the impact on mortgage rates and broader market volatility as debt levels and deficits remain under scrutiny.
Training windows across Europe are shaping how Western forces learn to fight with drones and unmanned systems. A Norway-led Legio effort trains Ukrainian troops in eastern Poland, while the 173rd Airborne Brigade reshuffles emphasis away from drone warfare after a year of experiments. The U.S. Army signals a broader push to integrate drones into conventional forces as Ukraine’s tactics influence the United States and allied militaries.
IndyCar drivers are racing 147 laps on a 1.7-mile street course through downtown Washington, D.C., passing landmarks like the Capitol and National Mall. The event, tied to the nation’s 250th birthday, has drawn presidential attention with Trump on-site and a notable security and logistical footprint.
Nevada's transportation authority has approved permits for major players to deploy robotaxi services in Clark County, Las Vegas, setting up a competitive battle among Tesla, Waymo, Uber, and Zoox. The approvals include up to thousands of vehicles over the next 12 months, with limits per company and ongoing questions about deployment pace and regulatory oversight.
Indonesia and China have expanded defense and economic cooperation, with talks on joint exercises, training, and defense-industry ties. A new bilateral dialogue aims to safeguard development and security, and China-Indonesia collaboration extends to AI, satellites, energy, and minerals. Trade surpassed $167 billion in 2025 amid Belt and Road projects.
Federal data show SNAP enrollment has fallen by more than 13% from 42.2 million in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May 2026. Arizona records the largest drop, with declines exceeding 50% over 12 months as the program implements stricter work requirements. Benefits average $344 per month per household and remain a crucial support for more than 1 in 10 Americans.
The US has threatened the toughest sanctions on Iran, with Treasury officials detailing measures while Tehran warns of a crushing response. Iran’s armed forces have pledged broad, decisive retaliation across land, sea, air, and cyberspace as Gulf energy shipments face renewed pressure and global oil markets react.
Chinese regulators have ordered recalls affecting more than 4 million electric vehicles after tests found electronically operated, hidden door handles can fail after severe collisions. Tesla has accounted for roughly 2.98 million affected Model 3, Y, S and X cars in China and will push software updates and add warning labels. Nine other automakers, including Xiaomi, XPeng and Geely, are also recalling vehicles.
Chief Justice John Roberts has signed a temporary order allowing construction on the disputed White House ballroom to continue while the Supreme Court considers an emergency appeal. Lower courts had ordered work halted for lack of congressional approval; the administration argues the project is necessary for presidential security and is already about 65% complete.
Stars and Stripes has dismissed editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer and reporter Lara Korte after they received notices of separation the Pentagon has issued. Slavin says he was fired for telling CBS that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would be a ‘‘red line’’. The Pentagon has declined to comment publicly.
The Justice Department has reached a $400m settlement with TikTok and related entities over alleged violations of the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. TikTok will pay $300m immediately and another $100m after a court vacates a 2019 consent decree tied to Musical.ly. The deal resolves a 2024 DOJ suit and includes stronger youth safeguards, the department says.
The United States has outlined a plan to pay $850 million of its UN dues, aiming to avert funding gaps that could affect salaries and operations. The package includes $725 million for the regular UN budget and $125 million for peacekeeping in Haiti and the DR Congo. The move comes as Washington faces criticism from Republicans over staffing and ideological positions.
The United States has imposed 50% duties on about $20bn of Canadian goods after last‑minute trade talks collapsed late Friday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has suspended negotiations and said Canada will retaliate by matching the tariffs "dollar for dollar." The measures have taken effect early Saturday and will hit goods from wine to hockey equipment.
Today in Washington, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix has begun amid Washington, D.C.’s milestone anniversary celebrations. President Trump has waved the green flag for the IndyCar race, which features a 147-lap course through iconic sites; Alex Palou and Kyle Kirkwood start on the front row as action unfolds around Capitol Hill.
The meeting between Jared Kushner and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is being seen as part of a broader strategy as Democrats seek to maintain a potential majority after November. The talks cover housing, immigration, affordability, and governance, while Republicans warn against drawing too-close ties with Kushner. The unfolding dynamic shapes expectations for oversight and potential investigations if Democrats win control.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix has brought IndyCar racing to Washington, D.C., with Donald Trump and first lady Melania attending and taking part in pre-race events. The race runs around the National Mall at speeds near 200 mph, as security and city logistics adapt to the spectacle. The president frames the event as a pillar of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.