Federal Level

Qatar Jet Becomes New Air Force One

On Friday, June 19, President Trump officially unveiled the Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet donated by the Qatari government as the newest addition to the Air Force One fleet. Trump toured the aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, where it arrived bearing a new red, white, blue, and gold paint scheme chosen by the president himself. The Air Force confirmed the plane passed rigorous security modifications and will serve as a so-called “bridge” aircraft until Boeing delivers its long-delayed VC-25B jets. The president announced the plane will perform a ceremonial flyover of Washington on July 4 as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. ^{1, 2, 3}

Judge Clears Release of Biden Audio to Heritage Foundation

A federal judge appointed by President Trump ruled on Friday, June 19, that the Justice Department may release audio recordings and transcripts of former President Joe Biden’s private conversations with his ghostwriter to the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Judge Dabney Friedrich determined that the public interest in the materials, which were gathered during Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2023 classified documents investigation, outweighs Biden’s privacy concerns. Biden’s legal team immediately requested a temporary injunction pending appeal, which Friedrich granted, meaning the recordings remain on hold for now. Biden was never charged, but Hur’s 2024 report found he had shared classified documents with the ghostwriter in 2017. ^{4, 5, 6}

Trump’s Approval Stays at 37% After Iran Deal

A new Associated Press-NORC poll released Friday, June 19, found President Trump’s overall approval rating holding steady at 37%, unchanged from May, even as the U.S. reached a preliminary agreement with Iran to end hostilities. His approval rating on Iran specifically also remained flat at 34%. A majority of those surveyed, 53%, said U.S. military involvement in Iran went too far, though that figure is down six points from March. The poll surveyed 3,040 American adults between June 11 and 17. ⁷

Midterm Ad Spending to Hit Record $11.6 Billion

A new report from ad tracking firm AdImpact, released Thursday, June 19, projects that the 2026 midterm elections will generate $11.6 billion in political advertising, surpassing every previous election cycle on record. Senate races in Ohio, Texas, and Maine are driving much of the increase, with Texas spending alone expected to reach $850 million. Republicans are defending narrow majorities in both the House and the Senate, while Democrats are considered favorites to retake the House but face a harder path in the Senate. The previous record was $11.2 billion set during the 2024 presidential election. ⁸

State Level

NYC Mayor Mamdani and Sanders Rally for Progressive Slate

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders headlined a get-out-the-vote rally in Brooklyn on Thursday evening, June 19, backing three progressive candidates running in tight Democratic congressional primaries on June 23. The candidates include former city comptroller Brad Lander and two assemblywoman-challengers running against incumbent Democrats, Claire Valdez and Darialisa Avila Chevalier. The rally, held at Kings Theater, signals the growing influence of the city’s democratic socialist wing and a direct challenge to the party’s establishment. Early voting is underway through June 21. ^{9, 10}

North Carolina Elections Bill Heads to Full House Vote

North Carolina’s Republican-controlled House was set to vote on Friday, June 20, on House Bill 958, a sweeping 36-page election reform measure that advanced through committee on June 19 over strong Democratic opposition. The bill would expand the state auditor’s authority to access election records and voting equipment, require additional documentation from some military and overseas voters, and ban ranked-choice voting statewide. Supporters say the bill strengthens election integrity through expanded audits and clearer ballot-counting timelines. Critics, including the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, argue it would create new barriers for eligible voters and undermine public confidence in elections. ^{11, 12}

Georgia Redistricting Session Hits a Wall on Day Two

Georgia Republicans ended the second day of their redistricting special session on Friday, June 19, without advancing the most aggressive proposals, rebuffing pressure from President Trump to eliminate the congressional district held by 17-term Democratic Congressman Sanford Bishop. Republican legislative leaders signaled they were unlikely to draw maps as aggressively as Trump had urged, and the session appeared headed toward more modest adjustments. The session, called by Governor Brian Kemp, is focused on the 2028 election cycle and does not affect November’s races. ^{13, 14}

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Article Sources

1. Politico, “Trump unveils the new Air Force One, a converted Qatari jet,” June 19, 2026.

2. The Washington Post, “Trump visits new Air Force One, a luxury gift from Qatar that will soon fly him,” June 19, 2026.

3. BBC News, “Trump unveils Qatari luxury jet for Air Force One fleet,” June 19, 2026.

4. Bloomberg, “Judge Clears DOJ to Hand Biden Recordings to Conservative Group,” June 19, 2026.

5. Newsweek, “Trump Judge Deals Biden Blow Over Heritage Foundation Suit for Ghostwriter Tapes,” June 19, 2026.

6. The Washington Post, “Judge denies Biden’s bid to block release of transcripts linked to special counsel inquiry,” June 19, 2026.

7. Forbes, “Trump Approval Rating: Stagnant On Iran And The Economy,” June 19, 2026.

8. Reuters, “US midterm advertising bill to hit record $11.6 bln, fueled by Senate races, AdImpact says,” June 19, 2026.

9. NY1 News, “Can Mamdani & Sanders help shape New York’s primaries?,” June 19, 2026.

10. The New York Times, “Sanders to Rally With Mamdani to Support Mayor’s Congressional Slate,” June 18, 2026.

11. WHKY Radio / NC Newsline, “NC House Elections Bill Advances Amid Debate Over Voting Changes,” June 19, 2026.

12. League of Women Voters of North Carolina, “Action Alert: Take Action on Proposed Election Legislation,” June 2026.

13. The Guardian, “Trump news at a glance: Georgia Republicans reject redistricting demands during special session,” June 19, 2026.

14. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “What to know about Georgia’s special session on redistricting, voting,” June 2026.

Federal Level

US Lifts Iran Blockade; Deal Signed, Peace Now at Stake

On Thursday, June 18, the United States lifted its naval blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began moving through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the war began in February. The move followed the formal signing of the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding by both countries. President Trump acknowledged the U.S. will return billions in frozen Iranian assets. However, senior Republican senators, including Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker of Mississippi, immediately voiced concern that critical security commitments were traded away too cheaply. ^{1, 2, 3}

Israel-Hezbollah Fighting Threatens to Derail Iran Deal

Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on June 18, and Hezbollah rocket attacks into northern Israel, are threatening to unravel the freshly signed US-Iran peace agreement. Iran insists the MOU covers all fronts, including Lebanon, and that continued Israeli operations there constitute a violation. Israel, which is not a party to the agreement, has said it will not stop operations against Hezbollah. The White House acknowledged the tensions, with Vice President Vance stating that Hezbollah attacks would technically constitute a deal violation, though he offered no specifics on enforcement. ^{4, 5}

Supreme Court: Marijuana Users Cannot Be Barred From Owning Guns

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday, June 18, that a long-standing federal law banning habitual drug users from owning firearms is unconstitutional as applied to marijuana users. The 9-0 decision was a defeat for the Trump administration, which had defended the law as a public safety tool. The case involved a Texas man who regularly used marijuana and was charged with illegal gun possession. The ruling limits, but does not fully eliminate, the government’s ability to strip gun rights from drug users. ^{6, 7}

Arizona Drops Fake Elector Case, Vows to Refile

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced on Thursday, June 18, that she is dismissing the criminal case against the 18 defendants, including former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani, who are accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Arizona. The move is a legal maneuver to restart grand jury proceedings before a court-ordered deadline expired on Friday. Mayes, a Democrat, made clear she plans to bring new indictments, making this the third fake elector case in the nation to be dismissed and refiled. ^{8, 9}

Senate Passes Bipartisan Housing Bill 84-8

The Senate on Thursday, June 18, approved an amended version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act by a lopsided 84-8 vote, sending the legislation back to the House for final approval. The bill, which addresses a severe national housing shortage, would streamline permitting, restrict large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, and expand the use of federal housing dollars for affordable construction. The wide bipartisan margin reflects growing consensus that housing affordability has become one of the most urgent issues facing American families. ^{10, 11}

State Level

Tennessee Law Forces Sick Immigrant Children Off Healthcare

Approximately 400 critically ill immigrant children enrolled in Tennessee’s Children’s Special Services program, a state-funded program for children with disabilities and life-threatening conditions, received letters on June 18 informing them they must either disenroll by June 30 or have their immigration status reported to ICE. Tennessee is the only state in the country to impose this requirement on sick children. The state law was developed with input from the White House. Legal advocates say the law may conflict with federal statutes requiring emergency and life-saving care to be provided regardless of immigration status. ^{12, 13}

Trump DOJ Probing Newsom and Wife; Governor Fights Back

California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly accused the Trump Justice Department on Thursday, June 17, of conducting what he called a politically motivated investigation into him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Newsom said federal agents have been visiting his family, friends, and former staff to demand records. While no charges have been filed and no formal investigation has been publicly confirmed, multiple news outlets reported that investigators have been examining his wife’s finances and his former chief of staff, who pleaded guilty last month to campaign finance violations. ^{14, 15}

Georgia Republicans Reject Trump’s Redistricting Demands

Georgia Republicans closed the first day of their special legislative session on Thursday, June 18, without advancing any of the more aggressive redistricting proposals that President Trump had urged. The session, called by Governor Brian Kemp, is focused on redrawing district maps for 2028, but state Republican leaders showed reluctance to adopt the sweeping changes Trump had pushed for, including eliminating the seat held by 17-term Democratic Congressman Sanford Bishop. The session continues through this week. ^{16, 17}

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Article Sources

1. Associated Press, “US lifts blockade of Iran and Iranian supreme leader endorses direct talks with American officials,” June 18, 2026.

2. PBS NewsHour, “June 18, 2026 full episode,” June 18, 2026.

3. Anadolu Agency, “Morning Briefing: June 18, 2026,” June 18, 2026.

4. New York Times, “Attacks in Lebanon and Delay in Talks Test U.S.-Iran Deal,” June 18, 2026.

5. Al Jazeera, “Fears for US-Iran deal as talks delayed by Israeli strikes on Lebanon,” June 19, 2026.

6. Reuters, “US Supreme Court limits ban on gun ownership by marijuana users,” June 18, 2026.

7. NPR, “Supreme Court sides with a marijuana user who was barred from owning guns,” June 18, 2026.

8. Los Angeles Times, “Arizona prosecutors dismissing fake elector case but vow to seek new indictment,” June 18, 2026.

9. Associated Press, “Arizona prosecutors dismissing fake elector case but vow to seek new indictment,” June 18, 2026.

10. NRCA, “This Week in D.C., June 18, 2026,” June 18, 2026.

11. Forbes Breaking News, “Bipartisan Housing Legislation Clears Hurdle in the Senate,” June 18, 2026.

12. The Tennessean, “TN law requires reporting chronically ill immigrant children to ICE,” June 18, 2026.

13. NewsChannel 5 Nashville, “Tennessee says Disenroll Sick Children or be Reported to ICE,” June 18, 2026.

14. Politico, “Newsom’s feud with Trump enters riskier territory,” June 17, 2026.

15. Reuters, “Newsom accuses Trump of directing Justice Department to investigate him,” June 17, 2026.

16. The Guardian, “Trump news at a glance: Georgia Republicans reject redistricting demands during special session,” June 18, 2026.

17. AJC (Atlanta Journal-Constitution), “What to know about Georgia’s special session on redistricting, voting,” June 18, 2026.

Federal Level

US-Iran Peace Deal Full Text Released; Signing Set for Friday

On Wednesday, June 17, the Trump administration released the full 14-point text of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran. The deal declares an immediate and permanent end to military hostilities, requires the Strait of Hormuz to reopen toll-free within 30 days, and gives Iran access to a $300 billion regional reconstruction fund if it meets its commitments. Iran also reaffirms it will not develop nuclear weapons, with 60 days of further talks to follow. The formal signing is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. ^{1, 2, 3}

Trump Derails His Own DNI Nominee to Force Voter ID Vote

Hours before Jay Clayton’s Senate confirmation hearing as Director of National Intelligence was set to begin on Wednesday, June 17, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he was canceling the hearing to pressure Congress to pass a strict voter ID bill. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton said Trump directed Clayton not to appear, leaving controversial acting DNI Bill Pulte in place. Republicans had fast-tracked the hearing due to the lapse of a key foreign surveillance program. The hearing has been postponed indefinitely. ^{4, 5, 6}

FBI Foils Drone-Bomb Plot Targeting White House UFC Event

The Justice Department announced on Tuesday, June 17, that five people are in custody following an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on June 14. Investigators say the suspects planned to fly explosive-laden drones over the South Lawn arena to force a mass evacuation, then direct crowds into a pre-positioned sniper team. A second wave was allegedly planned to storm the White House gate. The FBI learned of the plot on June 10, and authorities identified 23 people as part of the broader conspiracy network. ^{7, 8, 9}

Trump Moves Special Education and Civil Rights Out of Education Dept.

On June 17, the Trump administration announced that the Department of Education will transfer oversight of special education programs to the Department of Health and Human Services, and civil rights enforcement in schools to the Department of Justice. Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the moves a step toward returning education responsibilities to the states. Disability rights advocates warned the shift could disrupt services for millions of students. With these transfers, the vast majority of the Education Department’s core functions have now been assigned to other agencies. ^{10, 11}

Former Wisconsin Judge’s Obstruction Conviction Upheld

A federal judge in Milwaukee upheld the obstruction felony conviction of former Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on Tuesday, June 17, clearing the way to sentencing. Dugan was convicted in December after a jury found she helped an undocumented immigrant evade ICE agents at her courthouse in April 2025 by directing him through a private jury door. Judge Lynn Adelman denied Dugan’s motions for reconsideration and a new trial. She faces up to five years in prison, though first-time nonviolent offenders typically receive probation under federal guidelines. ^{12, 13}

State Level

Georgia Special Session Opens: Redistricting and Ballot Rules at Stake

The Georgia General Assembly convened a special session on Wednesday, June 17, called by Governor Brian Kemp to address two pressing issues: redrawing the state’s congressional and legislative district maps for the 2028 election cycle and resolving a looming July 1 deadline that would ban Georgia from using QR codes to count ballots without a replacement system in place. The session follows last month’s Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act, allowing states to redraw maps without considering race. Any new maps will not affect this November’s elections. ^{14, 15, 16}

Janeese Lewis George Wins DC Democratic Mayoral Primary

D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George has been declared the winner of Washington, D.C.’s Democratic mayoral primary, which was held on Tuesday, June 17, in the city’s first-ever use of ranked-choice voting. Lewis George, a progressive who ran on a platform of confronting the Trump administration’s cuts to the federal workforce, defeated former Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. Because D.C. is overwhelmingly Democratic, the primary outcome is widely expected to determine the city’s next mayor in November. ^{17, 18}

Defense Sec. Travel Budget Frozen by Armed Services Committee

On Wednesday, June 17, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved a major defense authorization bill that includes a provision freezing three-quarters of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget until the Pentagon provides Congress with required oversight documentation. The move reflects growing frustration among Senate Republicans and Democrats over the administration’s resistance to congressional oversight. The provision was one of several accountability measures inserted into the bill before it advanced out of committee. ^{19, 20}

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Article Sources

1. PBS NewsHour, “What’s in the agreement to end the U.S. war in Iran, according to a U.S. official,” June 17, 2026.

2. USA Today, “What’s in the US-Iran deal? Here’s what to know about the agreement,” June 17, 2026.

3. CNN, “Read the 14-point draft agreement between the US and Iran,” June 17, 2026.

4. Reuters, “Trump delays spy nominee Clayton’s confirmation, wants voter ID law,” June 17, 2026.

5. Newsmax, “Trump Delays Clayton DNI Nomination to Pressure Congress on Voting Bill,” June 17, 2026.

6. NBC News, “Senate delays Jay Clayton’s nomination for intel director after Trump intervenes,” June 17, 2026.

7. NPR, “FBI says they disrupted plot to attack UFC fight at the White House,” June 17, 2026.

8. Fox News, “FBI disrupts alleged explosive-drone plot targeting White House UFC event,” June 17, 2026.

9. Al Jazeera, “FBI says it foiled ‘planned attacks’ targeting White House UFC event,” June 17, 2026.

10. ABC News, “Department of Education moving special education and civil rights oversight to other agencies,” June 17, 2026.

11. Bloomberg, “Education Dept. Sheds More Programs in Bid to Dismantle Agency,” June 17, 2026.

12. The Hill, “Judge upholds Wisconsin judge’s conviction for helping immigrant evade ICE,” June 17, 2026.

13. Townhall, “Here’s What Former WI Judge Hannah Dugan Tried to Argue to Get Her Obstruction Conviction Reconsidered,” June 17, 2026.

14. The Current GA, “Legislature 101: What is a special legislative session?” June 17, 2026.

15. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “What to know about Georgia’s special session on redistricting, voting,” May 2026.

16. CBS News Atlanta, “Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp calls special legislative session to redraw district maps,” May 2026.

17. Washington Post, “Lewis George takes substantial early lead in D.C. mayoral primary,” June 17, 2026.

18. CNN, “Live results: Washington DC mayoral primary election,” June 17, 2026.

19. Politico, “Major defense legislation approved by Senate Armed Services Committee freezes Defense Secretary travel budget,” June 18, 2026.

20. Democracy Now, “Headlines for June 17, 2026,” June 17, 2026.

Federal Level

Georgia Sends Split Verdict on Trump’s Endorsements

Republican voters on Tuesday, June 16, delivered a mixed outcome for President Trump’s endorsed candidates in Georgia’s primary runoffs. Trump-backed Rep. Mike Collins defeated former football coach Derek Dooley to win the Republican Senate nomination, setting up a high-stakes November contest against Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff. However, billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson defeated Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the gubernatorial runoff, spending over $100 million of his own money to overcome both the president’s and Gov. Brian Kemp’s endorsements. ^{1, 2, 3}

Senate Advances Major Bipartisan Housing Bill

The Senate voted 87-8 on Tuesday, June 16, to advance the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act after House and Senate leaders reached a bicameral agreement on the legislation. The bill restricts large institutional investors from purchasing more than 350 single-family homes, a provision President Trump had championed since the beginning of the year. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the chamber could pass the bill as soon as this week, with the House expected to take it up when it returns from recess next week. ^{4, 5}

Jay Clayton Faces Senate at DNI Confirmation Hearing

Jay Clayton, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Director of National Intelligence, appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee today, June 17, at 2 p.m. EDT. Clayton, a former SEC chairman who most recently served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, was nominated after significant congressional pushback over Trump’s decision to install Bill Pulte, a housing finance official with no intelligence background, as acting DNI. Senate leaders have indicated a full floor vote could come as soon as Thursday. ^{6, 7}

DOJ Charges 15 with Blocking Minneapolis Immigration Raids

Federal prosecutors in Minnesota announced charges on Tuesday, June 16, against 15 individuals affiliated with two Minneapolis-based activist groups, accusing them of conspiring to obstruct ICE immigration enforcement operations earlier this year. Twelve were arrested Tuesday morning; two remain at large. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen described the defendants as members of antifa-aligned groups who surveilled federal agents, threw ice blocks at their vehicles, and set up blockades around federal buildings. Each defendant faces a maximum of six years for the lead charge. ^{8, 9}

DOJ Sues Chicago Suburb Over Reparations Program

The Justice Department on Tuesday, June 16, moved to join a federal lawsuit challenging Evanston, Illinois’s first-in-the-nation reparations program, which has paid $25,000 each to Black residents and their descendants who lived in the city between 1919 and 1969. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division argued the program constitutes illegal racial discrimination under the 14th Amendment and the Fair Housing Act. Evanston had refused to cooperate with a federal investigation into the program earlier this year. ^{10, 11}

State Level

Georgia Redistricting Special Session Opens Today

Georgia’s General Assembly convenes today, June 17, for a special session called by Gov. Brian Kemp to redraw the state’s congressional and legislative district maps ahead of the 2028 election cycle. The session follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s April ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which weakened Voting Rights Act protections and opened the door for states to redraw maps without strict consideration of race. Republicans are expected to move quickly; any redrawn lines would not affect the current 2026 midterm races. ^{12, 13}

Lewis George Takes Commanding Lead in DC Mayor Race

D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, a self-described democratic socialist, opened a commanding lead in Washington, D.C.’s Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday, June 16, capturing more than 52% of first-choice votes to former Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s 37%, with roughly 95,000 ballots counted. The race marks D.C.’s first use of ranked-choice voting, and certified results are not expected until later in June. Lewis George is heavily favored in November’s general election in the solidly Democratic city, and President Trump has threatened to increase federal oversight of D.C. if she wins. ^{14, 15, 16}

Alabama Senate Runoff: Trump Endorsee Barry Moore Wins

Rep. Barry Moore, backed by President Trump, won Alabama’s Republican Senate primary runoff on Tuesday, June 16, to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor. Moore defeated combat veteran Jared Hudson, extending Trump’s winning streak in deep-red Senate races on an otherwise split primary night. Moore is heavily favored in November in Alabama. ^{17, 18}

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Article Sources

1. USA Today, “Georgia election results: Latest on runoff races for House, Senate, governor,” June 17, 2026.

2. Forbes, “Billionaire Jackson Beats Trump-Backed Jones In Georgia GOP Governor Runoff,” June 16, 2026.

3. The New York Times, “Mike Collins Wins Republican Primary Runoff for Senate in Georgia,” June 16, 2026.

4. The Hill, “Senate votes to consider bipartisan housing bill after months of GOP infighting,” June 16, 2026.

5. CNBC, “Bill limiting investors from buying homes set to speed through Congress,” June 16, 2026.

6. PBS NewsHour, “Jay Clayton testifies at confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence,” June 17, 2026.

7. Politico, “Senate to confirm Jay Clayton as soon as Thursday,” June 15, 2026.

8. The New York Times, “Claiming an Antifa Plot, U.S. Charges 15 in Minneapolis With Conspiracy,” June 16, 2026.

9. Boston Globe, “Minnesota immigration crackdown: Prosecutors charge 15 people,” June 16, 2026.

10. The New York Times, “Trump Officials Challenge Reparations Program in Chicago Suburb,” June 16, 2026.

11. The Independent, “Trump’s DOJ says it’s illegal race discrimination to pay people who experienced illegal race discrimination,” June 16, 2026.

12. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Georgia’s special session on redistricting, voting,” May 2026.

13. CBS News Atlanta, “Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp calls special legislative session,” May 12, 2026.

14. Fox 5 DC, “DC election results: Lewis George leads early DC mayor race primary returns,” June 16, 2026.

15. Washington Post, “Lewis George takes substantial early lead in D.C. mayoral primary,” June 16, 2026.

16. WJLA 7News, “Janeese Lewis George reacts to early lead in race for DC mayor,” June 16, 2026.

17. The New York Times, “Live Results From Key Races in Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma,” June 16, 2026.

18. PJ Media, “Live Results: Runoffs in Georgia and Alabama, Primaries in Oklahoma,” June 16, 2026.

Federal Level

Secret Memos: White House Weighed Suspending Habeas Corpus

A New York Times book by reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, released Monday, June 15, reveals that White House staff secretary Will Scharf prepared a memo in April 2025 advising that the Trump administration was actively weighing whether to suspend habeas corpus rights for undocumented immigrants to accelerate mass deportations. Habeas corpus is the constitutional right of any person to challenge their detention in court. The memo acknowledged that the Constitution permits such a suspension only in cases of rebellion or invasion, a standard legal experts widely say was not met.^{1, 2, 3}

Supreme Court Clears Older Trump Tariffs to Stand

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, June 15, declined to hear an appeal from businesses challenging tariffs that President Trump imposed during his first term on Chinese imports under the Trade Act of 1974. The court’s decision leaves in place approximately $75 billion in annual import fees that critics argue fall on American consumers. The ruling may also help the administration rebuild its tariff strategy after the court struck down Trump’s emergency “Liberation Day” tariffs in February.^{4, 5}

Supreme Court to Hear Immigrant Detention Case

The Supreme Court agreed on Monday, June 15, to hear a Trump administration appeal involving the extended detention of convicted immigrants facing deportation without a bond hearing. A lower court had ruled that the Constitution’s due process protections prohibit holding such individuals for lengthy periods without a chance for release on bail. The court’s decision to take the case could affect thousands of detained immigrants currently awaiting deportation proceedings.^{6, 7}

McConnell Eager to Return to Senate This Week

Senate Republican leaders said on Monday, June 15, that Senator Mitch McConnell has communicated with colleagues and expressed a desire to return to Capitol Hill this week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told CNN that McConnell “sounded good” during a phone call. Senator John Barrasso, the No. 2 Senate Republican, separately described McConnell as eager to get back. McConnell’s office has still not disclosed the reason for his Sunday hospitalization.^{8, 9}

Trump Pushes Congress on Third Reconciliation Bill

President Trump on Monday, June 15, publicly called on congressional Republicans to move quickly on a third budget reconciliation package that he wants to include $350 billion in new defense spending and provisions to restructure federal elections. Republicans used the first reconciliation bill for tax cuts in January and the second for immigration enforcement funding, which Trump signed June 10. A third bill would be an unprecedented use of the budget process in a single Congress.^{10, 11}

State Level

Georgia Governor Runoff Heads to the Polls Today

Georgia Republicans head to the polls today, June 16, to decide their party’s nominee for governor in a closely watched runoff between Lt. Governor Burt Jones, who holds endorsements from both President Trump and Governor Brian Kemp, and billionaire healthcare entrepreneur Rick Jackson, who has spent tens of millions of his own money on the race. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who won the Democratic primary outright on May 19, will be waiting for her general election opponent.^{12, 13}

Georgia Governor Calls Special Session on Redistricting

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp convened a special session of the state legislature on Monday, June 15, to address a short list of time-sensitive issues including legislative redistricting, a ballot QR code compliance deadline, and county tax legislation. The session adds to the already crowded political calendar in Georgia as the state simultaneously holds its Republican governor runoff today and prepares for November’s general election against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms.^{14, 15}

California’s 14th District Holds Special Election Today

California’s 14th Congressional District holds a special election today, June 16, to fill the seat left vacant by former Representative Eric Swalwell, who resigned earlier this year to run for mayor of Dublin. The race features a crowded field of candidates, with Democrat Melissa Hernandez and state Senator Aisha Wahab among the leading contenders. The seat, centered on the East Bay and Silicon Valley suburbs south of Oakland, has been reliably Democratic and is expected to stay that way.^{16, 17}

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Article Sources

1. The New York Times, “Frustrated by courts, Trump weighed suspending a constitutional right,” June 15, 2026.

2. The Hill, “White House weighed suspending habeas corpus rights for undocumented immigrants,” June 15, 2026.

3. Reuters, “Secret memos show White House debated suspending habeas corpus for immigrants,” June 15, 2026.

4. USA Today, “Supreme Court won’t hear tariff challenge, paving way for new Trump action,” June 15, 2026.

5. Reuters, “Supreme Court declines to review first-term Trump tariffs on Chinese imports,” June 15, 2026.

6. Reuters, “Supreme Court to hear Trump appeal involving lengthy detention of certain immigrants,” June 15, 2026.

7. CNN, “Supreme Court agrees to take up immigrant detention case,” June 15, 2026.

8. CNN, “Mitch McConnell ‘wants to be back’ on Capitol Hill after hospitalization, GOP leader says,” June 15, 2026.

9. USA Today, “Mitch McConnell hospitalized: What we know about his health,” June 15, 2026.

10. The Hill, “GOP plots third reconciliation bill as midterm clock ticks,” June 15, 2026.

11. Politico, “Trump demands $350B Pentagon infusion, elections overhaul in third reconciliation push,” June 15, 2026.

12. The New York Times, “Republicans Burt Jones and Rick Jackson advance to a runoff in the Georgia governor primary,” June 15, 2026.

13. Ballotpedia, “2026 Georgia gubernatorial Republican primary runoff,” June 16, 2026.

14. Atlanta News First, “Ballots, boundaries, deadlines: Georgia special legislative session,” June 15, 2026.

15. WABE, “Georgia Governor Kemp calls special session to address redistricting and ballot deadlines,” June 15, 2026.

16. San Francisco Chronicle, “Special election for former US Rep. Eric Swalwell’s seat draws a crowded field in California,” June 16, 2026.

17. Associated Press, “California’s 14th Congressional District special election set for June 16,” June 15, 2026.

Federal Level

U.S. and Iran Reach Deal to End the War

President Trump announced on Sunday, June 14, that a ceasefire agreement with Iran has been finalized, with the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen to shipping. Iran’s deputy foreign minister confirmed the agreement on state television the same day, with the formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Switzerland. The deal calls for an immediate halt to hostilities, 60 days of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, and phased sanctions relief tied to Iranian compliance. It is the most significant diplomatic development of Trump’s second term.^{1, 2, 3}

Trump Blasts Netanyahu Over Iran Deal Delay

President Trump publicly and privately rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, June 14, after Israel struck targets in Beirut just one hour before the U.S. and Iran were set to sign their ceasefire agreement. Trump posted on Truth Social that the attack “should not have happened” and told Axios he was furious, saying Netanyahu has “no judgment.” Iran’s parliament speaker cited the strike as a direct challenge to the peace process. Trump pressed both sides to stand down and said the deal remained on track.^{4, 5}

Obama Calls Trump’s Iran Deal ‘No Improvement’

Former President Barack Obama said on Sunday, June 14, in an interview set to air on ABC News, that he is “doubtful” the new Iran deal will be meaningfully different from the 2015 agreement that Trump withdrew from during his first term. Obama said the framework that appears to be taking shape is unlikely to be “a significant improvement” over the original deal. Trump hit back, calling Obama’s 2015 deal “stupid” and saying Iran was developing nuclear weapons throughout that period.^{6, 7}

Trump’s Approval Hits Second-Term Low

An NBC News poll released on Sunday, June 14, shows President Trump’s overall approval rating among all U.S. adults has fallen to 39 percent, the lowest recorded in his second term. The survey, released on Trump’s 80th birthday, shows 58 percent disapproval and finds Democrats leading Republicans on the question of which party voters want to control Congress ahead of the November midterms. Trump retains strong support among Republicans at 82 percent.^{8, 9}

McConnell Hospitalized for Second Time This Year

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the 84-year-old former Senate majority leader, was hospitalized on Sunday morning, June 14, according to a brief statement from his office. Spokesperson David Popp confirmed McConnell was admitted and is “receiving excellent care,” but did not disclose any details about his condition. This is his second hospitalization in 2026, following an eight-day stay in February for flu-like symptoms.^{10, 11, 12}

State Level

Kemp Endorses Jones in Georgia Governor Runoff

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp endorsed Lt. Governor Burt Jones in the Republican gubernatorial runoff on Sunday, June 14, just two days before Tuesday’s vote. Kemp said Jones “has been a strong, trusted ally” and knows how to get things done. Jones faces billionaire Rick Jackson, who has poured millions of his own money into the race. With both Trump and Kemp now aligned behind Jones, Jackson faces a steep climb heading into Tuesday.^{13, 14}

Texas GOP Chair Ousted at State Convention

Republican Party of Texas Vice Chair D’rinda Randall defeated incumbent Chair Abraham George at the state’s GOP convention on Friday, June 13, in a surprise leadership shakeup ahead of the fall midterm elections. George had been backed by Attorney General Ken Paxton, who won the Republican Senate primary runoff last month. The change at the top of the state party signals continued internal tensions within Texas Republicans as they head toward November.^{15, 16}

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Article Sources

1. Al Jazeera, “US-Iran ceasefire deal announced, Trump says Strait of Hormuz reopening,” June 14, 2026.

2. Bloomberg, “U.S., Iran strike deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz,” June 14, 2026.

3. Axios, “What’s in the Iran deal Trump says he’s ready to sign,” June 12, 2026.

4. Washington Examiner, “Trump scolds Netanyahu for having ‘no judgment’ after Beirut strikes,” June 14, 2026.

5. New York Post, “Trump says Iran peace deal will be signed in next several hours, after criticizing Israel for strikes,” June 14, 2026.

6. Washington Times, “Obama ‘doubtful’ Trump’s Iran deal will be different than the one he signed,” June 14, 2026.

7. ABC News, “Obama says it’s ‘doubtful’ Trump’s Iran deal will differ from 2015 framework,” June 14, 2026.

8. NBC News, “Trump’s approval rating hits second-term low in new poll,” June 14, 2026.

9. USA Today, “President Trump’s approval rating hits second-term low in new NBC poll,” June 14, 2026.

10. Politico, “Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized, his team says,” June 14, 2026.

11. The New York Times, “Mitch McConnell Is Hospitalized, His Spokesman Says,” June 14, 2026.

12. Washington Post, “Sen. Mitch McConnell is hospitalized, but his office does not disclose why,” June 14, 2026.

13. Politico, “Brian Kemp endorses Burt Jones in Georgia’s gubernatorial runoff,” June 14, 2026.

14. CBS News Atlanta, “Gov. Brian Kemp endorses Burt Jones for Georgia governor ahead of runoff,” June 13, 2026.

15. Washington Examiner, “Paxton-backed Texas GOP chairman ousted by vice chairwoman,” June 12, 2026.

16. KETK/FOX51, “Texas GOP Chair Abraham George ousted by second-in-command D’rinda Randall,” June 13, 2026.

Federal Level

U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Teeters on Edge of Signing

President Trump announced on Saturday, June 13, on Truth Social that a memorandum of understanding with Iran is “set to be signed” on Sunday, June 14, with the Strait of Hormuz to reopen “immediately after.” Iran’s foreign ministry pushed back the same day, saying no signing was scheduled for Sunday, though it did not rule out a deal within days. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that both sides had agreed on framework text, and a virtual signing ceremony is under discussion. Key terms include a 60-day ceasefire, a halt on uranium enrichment, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.^{1, 2, 3}

Trump Names Personal Lawyer to Run SDNY

President Trump announced on Saturday, June 13, that he will appoint James M. McDonald, one of his personal attorneys currently handling his hush money conviction appeal, as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. McDonald would replace Jay Clayton, whom Trump nominated this week as Director of National Intelligence. The Southern District of New York is one of the most powerful federal prosecutor’s offices in the country, handling cases ranging from Wall Street fraud to public corruption.^{4, 5}

FBI Raids Ohio Voter Registration Group

FBI agents on Thursday, June 12, raided the Cleveland office of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, a progressive voter registration group that ran one of the largest registration drives in the state during the 2024 election. Agents seized computers and mobile phones and also visited the homes of volunteers and staff members across Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. The group’s board member Prentiss Haney said more than 100 agents were involved, calling it “a coordinated attack” on voter access. Federal prosecutors have not publicly stated what prompted the investigation.^{6, 7, 8}

Trump Pushes Congress to Erase His Impeachments

President Trump is pressing House Republicans to pass a resolution that would symbolically expunge both of his impeachments from the congressional record, according to reports confirmed on Saturday, June 13. Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged discussions with Trump and legal advisers on the matter. Constitutional scholars are clear that no legal mechanism exists for reversing a completed impeachment, and any such resolution would carry no legal force. Lawmakers are not expected to take up the measure before the November midterm elections.^{9, 10}

Trump Backs Collins in Georgia Senate Runoff

President Trump endorsed Rep. Mike Collins in Georgia’s Republican Senate primary runoff on Sunday morning, June 14, just two days before Tuesday’s vote. In a Truth Social post, Trump called Collins a “WARRIOR and WINNER” while dismissing runoff opponent Derek Dooley as someone he does not know. The endorsement puts Trump in direct conflict with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who backs Dooley. The Republican winner will face Democratic incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff in November.^{11, 12}

U.S. Strike Kills Tren de Aragua Leader in Venezuela

President Trump announced on Friday, June 13, that U.S. forces killed Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Nino Guerrero, the leader of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, in a military strike carried out in cooperation with the Venezuelan government. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, which took place at a Tren de Aragua compound in Venezuela’s Bolivar state. The Trump administration had classified Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization and a drug trafficking cartel.^{13, 14}

State Level

Georgia Opens Redistricting Session Tuesday

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp convenes a special legislative session on Tuesday, June 17, to redraw the state’s congressional and legislative district maps in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s April ruling that significantly weakened Voting Rights Act protections against racial gerrymandering. Republicans are expected to use the session to eliminate or reshape the district held by 17-term Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop. Any redrawn maps would take effect for the 2028 election cycle, not the current midterms, as Kemp has said changing maps now would be too disruptive.^{15, 16, 17}

DOJ Scales Back Election Oversight Ahead of Midterms

As of Saturday, June 13, the Trump Justice Department has dismantled the centralized “command center” that historically coordinated federal election oversight on Election Day, and has canceled training sessions for prosecutors and FBI agents on election integrity. The DOJ has also fired attorneys from its Public Integrity Section, which traditionally handles election-related prosecutions. State election officials from both parties have raised concerns that the rollback leaves voters without the federal oversight infrastructure that has existed for decades heading into the 2026 midterms.^{18, 19}

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Article Sources

1. NBC News, “Trump says deal with Iran is expected to be signed on Sunday,” June 13, 2026.

2. Reuters, “Iran says draft US deal includes oil sanctions waiver, nuclear limits and asset release,” June 14, 2026.

3. Associated Press, “US and Iran have agreed to wording of a deal to end their war, Pakistan’s prime minister says,” June 12, 2026.

4. ABC News, “Trump names James M. McDonald to lead powerful New York federal prosecutor’s office,” June 13, 2026.

5. Politico, “Trump picks James McDonald to run SDNY,” June 13, 2026.

6. The Guardian, “FBI raid at office of Ohio voting rights group raises concerns of crackdowns before midterm elections,” June 12, 2026.

7. NBC News, “Ohio progressive group searched by FBI accuses Trump’s DOJ of intimidation,” June 12, 2026.

8. Washington Post, “FBI searches office of Ohio group that supports voter registration efforts,” June 12, 2026.

9. The Guardian, “Trump asking Congress for symbolic expunging of his two impeachments,” June 12, 2026.

10. Forbes, “Trump Is Pressuring Congress To Expunge His Impeachments, Report Says,” June 12, 2026.

11. Politico, “Trump endorses Mike Collins in Georgia Senate runoff,” June 14, 2026.

12. The New York Times, “Trump Endorses Mike Collins in Georgia Senate Runoff,” June 14, 2026.

13. Al Jazeera, “Trump says US strike killed Tren de Aragua gang boss with Venezuela help,” June 13, 2026.

14. Politico, “US kills Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua leader in military strike, Trump says,” June 12, 2026.

15. The New York Times, “Georgia Governor Calls Special Session to Redistrict for 2028 Elections,” May 13, 2026.

16. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “What to know about Georgia’s special session on redistricting, voting,” May 2026.

17. CBS News Atlanta, “Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp calls special legislative session to redraw district maps,” May 12, 2026.

18. Spotlight PA, “Trump admin has weakened federal election oversight ahead of midterms,” June 7, 2026.

19. The Grio, “As the 2026 midterms approach, the U.S. Department of Justice has quietly shifted how it handles election oversight,” June 13, 2026.

Federal Level

U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Could Be Signed This Weekend

Senior U.S. and Iranian officials confirmed on Friday, June 12, that both sides have agreed on the text of a memorandum of understanding to end the three-month war, with a signing ceremony possible as early as this weekend. The deal calls for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, halt enrichment of highly enriched uranium, and allow an international inspection regime, in exchange for the phased lifting of U.S. sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Pakistan’s prime minister, who helped mediate, confirmed the agreed text on Friday. Nuclear program details would be finalized during a subsequent 60-day negotiating period.¹

Judge Permanently Blocks Trump’s $1.8B ‘Slush Fund’

Federal Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia issued a permanent preliminary injunction on Friday, June 12, blocking the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, which had been billed as compensation for individuals who claimed to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions. Brinkema said she does not trust the administration’s assurances that it has abandoned the fund, and ordered the DOJ to provide a sworn declaration within one week confirming the fund will not proceed in any form or under any name. Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress had previously labeled the fund a political slush fund.²

Courts Force Trump’s Name Off the Kennedy Center

Federal appeals courts on Friday, June 12, denied the Trump administration’s last-minute request to pause a lower-court order requiring the removal of President Trump’s name from the facade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts by midnight Friday. Judge Christopher Cooper, who issued the original ruling on May 29, held that only Congress has the authority to rename the federally chartered arts center. Workers began removing the signage in the early hours of Saturday morning, though the administration is expected to continue pursuing the matter on appeal.³

Surveillance Law Lapses as Congress Leaves Washington

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act officially lapsed at midnight Friday, June 12, after Congress was unable to agree on a renewal and the House left Washington for its scheduled recess until June 23. Speaker Johnson called the lapse “a significant national security risk.” Intelligence officials note that existing court-approved collection orders will allow most surveillance operations to continue uninterrupted through at least early 2027, but no new collection orders can be issued while the authority is expired.⁴

House Passes Bill to Reopen $9B Ukraine Aid Package

The House voted 226-195 on Wednesday, June 11, to pass a bill providing approximately $9 billion in direct aid and loans to Ukraine, after a bipartisan group of members used a rare procedural maneuver called a discharge petition to force the vote over Speaker Johnson’s objections. It was the first time in years that the House rank and file successfully overruled the Speaker to bring a bill to the floor. The measure now moves to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain.⁵

State Level

Maine Ranked-Choice Count Begins; Results Next Week

Maine’s ranked-choice tabulation for both the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries got underway on Friday, June 12, at the state’s Department of Public Safety headquarters in Augusta. In the Democratic race, public health official Nirav Shah leads on first-choice votes with roughly 27 percent, followed by Hannah Pingree and Troy Jackson. Republican businessman Bobby Charles leads his field at about 37 percent. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said she expects to certify results no earlier than late next week.⁶

South Carolina GOP Primary Runoff Now Required in July

With all precincts reporting from Tuesday’s Republican primary for governor of South Carolina, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and former Congressman Ralph Norman advanced to a July 14 runoff after neither candidate secured the majority needed to win outright. Evette led with roughly 36 percent and Norman followed with approximately 22 percent. The eventual nominee will be heavily favored in November in a state that voted for Trump by 20 points in 2024. The winner will succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster.⁷

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Article Sources

1. Reuters, “US, Iran Signal Peace Deal Near as Tehran Claims Victory,” June 12, 2026.

2. Associated Press, “US expects to sign agreement to end Iran war within next few days: Senior official,” June 12, 2026.

3. Audacy/WCCO Radio, “US and Iran are close to a deal to end their war, officials say,” June 12, 2026.

4. UPI, “Judge extends block on Trump administration anti-weaponization fund,” June 12, 2026.

5. Reuters, “US judge indefinitely blocks Trump’s anti-weaponization fund,” June 12, 2026.

6. Reuters, “Trump’s name removed from Kennedy Center in predawn operation,” June 12, 2026.

7. CNBC, “Trump name still must come down from Kennedy Center, judge says,” June 12, 2026.

8. The New York Times, “Kennedy Center Appeals Order to Remove Trump’s Name,” June 11, 2026.

9. The New York Times, “FISA Surveillance Law Is Set to Lapse After Congress Fails to Reach Deal,” June 12, 2026.

10. KPMG Capitol Hill Weekly, “House Passes Bill to Reopen $9B Ukraine Aid Package,” June 8, 2026.

11. Maine Secretary of State’s Office, Press Release, “Ranked Choice Voting Tabulation Begins,” June 12, 2026.

12. El Pais, “Primary elections in South Carolina, Maine, Nevada, and North Dakota: What you need to know,” June 8, 2026.

Federal Level

19 GOP Members Join Democrats to Kill Surveillance Extension

For the first time in its history, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is lapsing tonight, Friday, June 12, after the House voted 198-218 on Thursday, June 11, to reject a short-term extension. Nineteen Republicans joined the majority of Democrats in opposing the bill, and Democrats refused to support it as long as President Trump’s ally Bill Pulte remains acting Director of National Intelligence. Speaker Johnson said he will not call members back before the House’s scheduled return on June 23. Experts note that existing court certifications should allow surveillance collections to continue until at least March 2027.¹

Senate Unanimously Bans Members From Prediction Markets

The Senate passed a resolution by unanimous consent on Thursday, June 11, immediately prohibiting all 100 senators and their staff from trading on prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi. The action follows a series of incidents raising concerns about insider trading, including a U.S. soldier who was criminally charged with using classified military intelligence to place winning bets on a prediction market platform. The House has not yet taken similar action, leaving House members and their staff free to continue trading.²

Trump Administration Says Iran Hostilities Are Over

A senior Trump administration official declared on Thursday, June 11, that U.S. hostilities with Iran have “concluded” for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, arguing that the ceasefire in place since early April effectively ended the conflict. The formal declaration allows the administration to avoid seeking congressional authorization for the military campaign, which crossed the 60-day limit required under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. Congress has not accepted this argument, and the war powers debate is expected to continue in both chambers.³

New Trump Assassination Video Released; Agent Was Shot

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro released nearly six minutes of high-resolution surveillance footage on Thursday, June 11, showing Cole Allen, charged with the attempted assassination of President Trump, shooting a Secret Service agent point-blank at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Secret Service Director Sean Curran confirmed the agent was struck by Allen’s shotgun round, not by friendly fire as some online reports had suggested. The agent survived because he was wearing body armor. Allen was arraigned in federal court on June 11 and waived his right to contest his detention.⁴

Government Shutdown Risk Lingers Despite ICE Deal

Republican members of Congress acknowledged on Thursday, June 11, that the passage of the Secure America Act resolves only immigration enforcement funding, leaving most of the government’s annual spending bills completely unresolved ahead of the September 30 fiscal year deadline. Senator Susan Collins noted that Democrats have made clear they are not willing to cooperate on government funding bills, while Senator John Kennedy predicted Democrats will once again choose a shutdown as political leverage going into the midterm elections.⁵

State Level

Maine Ranked-Choice Tabulation Begins Today

Maine’s Secretary of State announced Thursday, June 11, that ranked-choice tabulation for both the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries will begin today, Friday, June 12, at 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Safety headquarters in Augusta. No candidate in either party crossed the 50 percent threshold on primary night. In the Democratic race, Dr. Nirav Shah leads with roughly 27 percent, followed closely by Hannah Pingree and Troy Jackson. On the Republican side, Bobby Charles leads with 37 percent. A winner is not expected to be declared before next week.⁶

Georgia Lawsuit Targets Nonpartisan Election Law

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston filed a lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court on Thursday, June 11, challenging a new Georgia state law that would strip party labels from district attorney and county commission races in five metro Atlanta counties beginning in 2028. The law, signed by Governor Brian Kemp, applies exclusively to Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties, which are the state’s most Democratic-leaning jurisdictions. The lawsuit argues the legislation is unconstitutional and violates the equal protection clause under both state and federal law.⁷

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Article Sources

1. The Guardian, “US House will attempt to pass extension of powerful surveillance law,” June 11, 2026.

2. USA Today, “House blocks key spying law that shapes Trump’s daily security briefing,” June 11, 2026.

3. Newser, “House Vote Means Spy Law Will Lapse,” June 11, 2026.

4. Anti-War.com, “House Rejects Bill To Renew Warrantless Spy Powers,” June 11, 2026.

5. Signal Ohio / NOTUS, “Senate Votes to Bar Members From Prediction Market Betting,” June 11, 2026.

6. Presidential Prayer Team, “Senate Bans Prediction Market Trading by Members, Staff,” June 2026.

7. Reuters, “US official says Iran war truce ‘terminated’ hostilities for war powers deadline,” June 11, 2026.

8. BBC News, “Trump tells Congress ceasefire means he does not need their approval for Iran war,” June 11, 2026.

9. CNBC, “Video shows Trump attack suspect Cole Allen casing Hilton, storming checkpoint: Pirro,” June 11, 2026.

10. RadarOnline, “Chilling New Video of Trump’s Third Assassination Attempt Suspect Released,” June 11, 2026.

11. Politico, “Republicans just took ICE spending fights off the table. It won’t end shutdown threats,” June 10, 2026.

12. Maine Secretary of State’s Office, Press Release, “Three races proceeding to Ranked Choice Voting tabulations,” June 11, 2026.

13. New York Times, “Democrats in Maine Governor’s Race Head to Ranked-Choice Runoff,” June 10, 2026.

14. CBS News Atlanta, “Fani Willis ally sues Georgia over law changing elections in Fulton, DeKalb and other metro counties,” June 11, 2026.

Federal Level

Trump Signs Secure America Act Into Law

President Trump signed the Secure America Act into law on Wednesday, June 10, at an Oval Office ceremony, directing nearly $70 billion to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through January 20, 2029. The bill allocates $38.5 billion to ICE, $22 billion to Border Patrol, and $5 billion for border security technology, including artificial intelligence tools. It also sets aside $350 million to fund immigration enforcement in jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal agents. The measure ends 116 days of uncertainty over immigration agency funding.¹

FISA Spy Law Expires Tomorrow; Congress Has No Deal

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire at midnight on Friday, June 12, with no agreement in sight. An attempt on Wednesday to broker a three-week extension collapsed when Senate Democrats insisted that President Trump must first remove acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte. The House is expected to vote today, June 11, on a short-term extension that is widely expected to fail. If no deal is reached, the surveillance program will lapse, though existing court orders may allow collections to continue for several months.²

Government Shutdown Risk Grows After ICE Bill Passage

Congressional leaders warned on Wednesday, June 10, that the risk of a broad federal government shutdown later this year is now higher, not lower, following the passage of the Secure America Act along strict party lines. Democrats who had been needed to help fund the rest of the government in future spending negotiations are now firmly opposed to cooperating with Republicans, and the two parties are no closer to a deal on fiscal year 2027 appropriations. The government’s current funding runs out on September 30, 2026.³

House Republicans Plot a Third Party-Line Bill

House Republicans met with congressional budget scorekeepers on Monday, June 9, and continued discussions Wednesday, June 10, on the shape of a third party-line reconciliation bill. Priorities under consideration include cracking down on alleged fraud in Medicaid, Medicare, and other social programs; affordable housing initiatives; funding for the ongoing Iran conflict; and a potential overhaul of federal energy permitting laws. Speaker Mike Johnson faces the same math that nearly derailed the previous two bills, where any two Republican defections could sink the effort.⁴

Senate Committee Opens AI Regulation Hearing Today

The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee is holding a hearing today, June 11, titled ‘AI and the American Dream: Promoting Innovation, Affordability, and American Dominance.’ The session comes one week after a bipartisan House draft bill to freeze state AI regulations for three years drew sharp opposition from governors, civil liberties groups, and lawmakers in both parties. Today’s Senate hearing is expected to examine how AI is affecting housing costs, consumer finance, and the broader economy.⁵

State Level

Maine Governor Race: Ranked-Choice Count Still Underway

Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial primary remained uncalled on Wednesday, June 10, as the state’s ranked-choice tabulation of last Tuesday’s vote continued. No candidate crossed the 50 percent threshold needed to win outright on first-choice votes, triggering a multi-round count under Maine’s ranked-choice system. Public health official Nirav Shah and former state Senate President Troy Jackson were the leading candidates heading into the tabulation. A winner is not expected to be declared until later this week at the earliest.⁶

North Dakota Senate Primary: Cramer Wins Easily

Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota won his Republican primary on Tuesday, June 9, without a serious challenge and will face Democrat Sandy Sadie in November. The race drew national attention earlier this year when Trump urged a potential primary challenger to enter the contest, though no credible opponent ultimately emerged. Cramer, who had occasionally broken with Trump on some issues, secured the nomination as the GOP fights to hold its Senate majority in a state that voted overwhelmingly for Trump in 2024.⁷

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Article Sources

1. The Guardian, “Trump signs $70bn immigration act ensuring ICE funding through 2029,” June 10, 2026.

2. Reuters, “Trump signs $70 billion bill to fund ICE, Border Patrol,” June 10, 2026.

3. The Epoch Times, “Trump Signs $70 Billion Bill to Fund ICE, Border Patrol for 3 Years,” June 10, 2026.

4. Dallas Express, “Trump Signs $70 Billion Secure America Act: Massive Boost For ICE And Border Patrol,” June 10, 2026.

5. The Hill, “Senate Democrats hesitate on FISA extension over Bill Pulte as DNI,” June 10, 2026.

6. Politico, “House will vote Thursday on expected-to-fail surveillance patch,” June 10, 2026.

7. New York Times, “Deal to Renew FISA Surveillance Law Falters in the Senate Over Pulte,” June 5, 2026.

8. Politico, “House will vote Thursday on expected-to-fail surveillance patch,” June 10, 2026.

9. Brennan Center for Justice, “Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): 2026 Resource Page,” June 9, 2026.

10. Politico, “House Republicans gather congressional scorekeepers to discuss Reconciliation 3.0,” June 8, 2026.

11. The Hill, “GOP plots third reconciliation bill as midterm clock ticks,” June 8, 2026.

12. Alston & Bird, “Public Policy Look Ahead to the Week of June 8, 2026,” June 7, 2026.

13. 270toWin, “Live Results: Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina Primaries,” June 9, 2026.

14. NBC News, “Primary results in Maine, South Carolina, Nevada and North Dakota,” June 9, 2026.

Federal Level

House Passes $70B ICE Bill 214-212; Heads to Trump

The House passed the Secure America Act on Tuesday, June 9, in a razor-thin 214-212 vote, sending the nearly $70 billion immigration enforcement bill to President Trump’s desk. The bill provides $38.5 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, $26 billion for Customs and Border Protection, and $5 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, funding all three agencies through 2029. Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA) joined all Democrats in voting no, making the margin as narrow as possible.¹

FISA Spy Law Expires Friday; Senate Clock Runs Out

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act will expire at midnight this Friday, June 12, after the Senate failed 47-52 on June 5 to advance a three-year reauthorization. Democrats almost unanimously refused to support the bill over President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as Director of National Intelligence, and seven Republicans joined them. The Brennan Center for Justice noted on Tuesday, June 9, that existing surveillance collection can continue for up to nine months even if the law lapses, based on current court orders.²

State Level

Platner Wins Maine Primary; Collins Race Now Set

Graham Platner, the 41-year-old oyster farmer who survived weeks of misconduct allegations and a challenge from suspended candidate former Governor Janet Mills, won the Democratic Senate primary in Maine on Tuesday, June 9. With 13 percent of votes counted, Platner led Mills 74 percent to 19 percent, with David Costello at 7 percent. He will now face five-term Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in November in a race that Democrats believe is among their best pickup opportunities in the Senate.³

SC Governor: Trump’s Pick and Wilson Head to Runoff

In South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, June 9, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, backed by President Trump, and state Attorney General Alan Wilson advanced to a June 23 runoff, knocking out U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and Rep. Ralph Norman. On the Democratic side, state Rep. Jermaine Johnson won the nomination to face the runoff winner in November. In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham easily won the Republican primary and will face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in the general election.⁴

Nevada Sets Up Premier Governor Battle for November

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford won their respective party primaries on Tuesday, June 9, setting up what analysts consider one of the most competitive governor’s races in the country this November. Lombardo won the Republican primary with 91 percent of the vote while Ford beat Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill 66 to 21 percent. The state’s governor’s race is viewed as a toss-up heading into the fall, with Lombardo having won his first term by just 1.4 percentage points in 2022.⁵

Maine Democrats Also Choose New Governor Nominee

Maine Democrats held a crowded gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, June 9, to replace term-limited Governor Janet Mills. Five candidates competed under the state’s ranked-choice voting system, with public health official Nirav Shah and former state Senate leader Troy Jackson leading in pre-election polling. Because no candidate was expected to reach 50 percent on first-choice votes, a ranked-choice tabulation is underway and a final result may not be known until later this week. The Democratic winner will face Republican Bobby Charles, a former U.S. assistant secretary of state, in November.⁶

Nevada Dems Choose Ford to Challenge Lombardo

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford won his Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, June 9, defeating Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill by a margin of 66 percent to 21 percent. Ford enters the general election as the underdog in a state where Republicans have grown stronger in recent cycles, though Lombardo’s first-term win was among the narrowest gubernatorial victories in the country in 2022. Democrats view a Ford win as critical to preserving a competitive foothold in one of the most evenly divided states on the electoral map.⁷

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Article Sources

1. The Fiscal Times, “Republicans Pass Their $70 Billion Bill Funding ICE and CBP,” June 9, 2026.

2. Washington Times, “House sends $70 billion immigration enforcement package to Trump’s desk,” June 9, 2026.

3. Breitbart, “House Republicans Pass $70B Bill to Fund ICE, Border Patrol,” June 9, 2026.

4. CNBC, “Congress moves toward approving $70 billion for ICE and CBP through Trump’s presidency,” June 8, 2026.

5. The New York Times, “Deal to Renew FISA Surveillance Law Falters in the Senate Over Pulte,” June 5, 2026.

6. Facebook / NEWS9, “The Senate blocked an extension of a key warrantless surveillance program,” June 8, 2026.

7. Brennan Center for Justice, “Section 702 Surveillance Will Continue Until March 2027 Even if the Statute Lapses,” June 9, 2026.

8. The New York Times, “Graham Platner Wins Primary in Maine, Setting Up a Key Senate Fight,” June 9, 2026.

9. The Washington Post, “Maine Senate primary election live results: Graham Platner runs,” June 9, 2026.

10. Ballotpedia, “United States Senate election in Maine, 2026 (June 9 Democratic primary),” June 10, 2026.

11. Decision Desk HQ, “Decision Desk 2026: Maine, South Carolina & Nevada Primaries,” June 9, 2026.

12. ABC News, “South Carolina primary results: Trump-backed Evette in runoff for governor,” June 9, 2026.

13. NBC News, “South Carolina Governor Primary Election 2026 Live Results,” June 9, 2026.

14. 270toWin, “Live Results: Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina Primaries,” June 9, 2026.

15. Fraser Valley Today / Associated Press, “Lombardo wins Republican nomination to seek second term as Nevada governor,” June 9, 2026.

16. The New York Times, “Nevada Attorney General Wins Democratic Nomination for Governor,” June 9, 2026.

17. The Washington Post, “Nevada primary election results 2026,” June 9, 2026.

18. 270toWin, “Live Results: Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina Primaries,” June 9, 2026.

19. The New York Times, “Nevada Attorney General Wins Democratic Nomination for Governor,” June 9, 2026.

20. Las Vegas Review-Journal, “Lombardo, Ford declared winners in gubernatorial primary race,” June 10, 2026.

Federal Level

House Set to Vote Today on $70 Billion ICE Funding Bill

The House is expected to vote today, June 9, on the $70 billion reconciliation bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the end of President Trump’s term. The Senate passed the bill 52-47 on June 5, with Sen. Lisa Murkowski the only Republican in opposition. Moderate House Republicans have raised concerns over the bill’s link to the now-scrapped anti-weaponization fund, but Republican leaders are pressing for passage along party lines.¹

Judge Strikes Down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

A federal judge in Boston struck down President Trump’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas on Monday, June 8, ruling it an unlawful tax that only Congress has the authority to impose. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin sided with 20 Democratic state attorneys general who filed suit after Trump imposed the fee in September 2025 as a way to discourage companies from hiring foreign workers over Americans. The ruling contradicts an earlier decision by a Washington, D.C. judge who upheld the fee. The administration is expected to appeal.²

FISA Surveillance Law Faces Friday Expiration Deadline

The Senate has five days to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before it expires at midnight this Friday, June 12. The law allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications of foreign nationals outside the United States without a warrant. The path forward is uncertain because Senate Democrats are conditioning their votes on the removal of Trump’s newly appointed Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, and roughly 15 Democratic votes are needed for passage.³

Bipartisan AI Bill Ignites Firestorm Over State Rights

A bipartisan House bill unveiled on June 4 by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) drew sharp criticism on Monday, June 8, from both parties over its plan to freeze state AI laws for three years. The 269-page Great American AI Act would bar states from regulating how AI models are built, while permitting states to oversee how they are used. Seventeen Republican governors, the ACLU, and dozens of Democratic lawmakers immediately objected. The bill faces broad opposition heading into a House Energy and Commerce Committee review this week.⁴

House Appropriations Begins FY2027 Labor-HHS Markup

The House Appropriations Committee began its markup of the fiscal year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill on Monday, June 8, one of the most contested annual spending bills in Congress. Republicans are pushing significant cuts to domestic health and education programs, while Democrats argue the cuts will harm working families. The markup opens a likely partisan budget clash, coming as the Senate is simultaneously advancing six of its own FY2027 spending bills this week.⁵

State Level

Maine Primary Voters Decide Senate Fate Today

Maine voters are heading to the polls today, June 9, to choose the Democratic nominee in one of the most closely watched Senate primaries in the country. Oyster farmer Graham Platner, who has faced weeks of misconduct allegations, stands against former state official David Costello and former Governor Janet Mills, whose name remains on the ballot even though she suspended her campaign in April. The winner will face Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in November in a race that could help determine control of the Senate.⁶

California Governor: Becerra and Hilton Head to November

With a majority of ballots now counted following California’s June 2 primary, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are the confirmed top-two finishers and will advance to the November general election for governor. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, who spent more than $216 million of his own money on the race, fell short in third place. Mail-in ballots postmarked by election day and received by today, June 9, are still being counted, but the outcome is no longer in doubt. Final certification is expected in early July.⁷

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Article Sources

1. CNBC, “Congress moves toward approving $70 billion for ICE and CBP through Trump’s presidency,” June 8, 2026.

2. The Epoch Times, “House to Take Up $70 Billion Bill to Fund ICE, Border Control,” June 7, 2026.

3. Alston & Bird / JD Supra, “Look Ahead to the Week of June 8, 2026,” June 7, 2026.

4. NPR / KUAC, “Federal judge strikes down Trump’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas,” June 8, 2026.

5. USA Today, “Trump’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas struck down by judge,” June 8, 2026.

6. CNN, “Federal judge voids Trump’s $100,000 fee requirement for H-1B visas,” June 8, 2026.

7. Politico, “Capitol agenda: Five days to save FISA,” June 8, 2026.

8. KPMG Capitol Hill Weekly, “June 8, 2026 | Capitol Hill Weekly,” June 8, 2026.

9. Politico, “House unveils AI draft that would preempt state laws,” June 4, 2026.

10. Reuters, “US House lawmakers release draft bill to prohibit state AI rules,” June 4, 2026.

11. ACLU, “ACLU Reacts to Draft Bipartisan AI Bill That Would Preempt State Laws,” June 4, 2026.

12. Broadband Breakfast, “AI Preemption Battle Lands in Congress With Substantive Discussion Draft,” June 4, 2026.

13. Alston & Bird / JD Supra, “Look Ahead to the Week of June 8, 2026,” June 7, 2026.

14. KPMG Capitol Hill Weekly, “June 8, 2026 | Capitol Hill Weekly,” June 8, 2026.

15. ABC News / Good Morning America, “Maine 2026 live primary election results,” June 9, 2026.

16. Ballotpedia, “United States Senate election in Maine, 2026 (June 9 Democratic primary),” 2026.

17. SM Observer, “California Primary Delivers Becerra vs. Hilton Showdown for Governor,” June 7, 2026.

18. The Guardian, “Tense governor’s race in California unsettled as vote-counting continues,” June 4, 2026.

Federal Level

Trump Walks Out of “Meet the Press” Interview

President Trump abruptly ended a taped interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Sunday, June 7, removing his microphone and telling her, “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough,” after a heated exchange over election integrity and the proposed anti-weaponization fund. Trump claimed the 2020 and the 2026 California primary elections were rigged, which Welker challenged for lack of evidence. He called NBC, ABC, CBS, and CNN all “crooked” before walking out. The interview had covered Iran, the economy, and Jan. 6 defendants, and Trump later said rainy weather contributed to his frustration.¹

GOP Resistance to Trump Widens Ahead of Midterms

A Reuters report published Sunday, June 7, documented a growing pattern of Republican lawmakers in both chambers breaking ranks with President Trump. Over the previous seven days alone, House and Senate Republicans rebuked his Iran war policy, rejected $1 billion in White House ballroom funding, helped force a retreat on the anti-weaponization fund, blocked his domestic surveillance legislation, and passed Ukraine aid over his objections. The White House dismissed the dissent as “election-year politics,” but analysts noted it could complicate Trump’s most ambitious priorities before November.²

Anti-Weaponization Fund Officially Dead, Says Acting AG

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Sunday, June 7, that the Justice Department is permanently scrapping the proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, stating the department will “not move forward with the fund, period.” The fund had faced a federal court injunction, bipartisan opposition in Congress, and public anger over concerns it could be used to pay Jan. 6 Capitol rioters. Trump, who publicly supported the fund on his NBC interview the same day, said he would be “disappointed” if it wasn’t approved, putting him at odds with his own Justice Department.³

McConnell Won’t Back Trump’s Interim DNI Pick for Top Job

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement Sunday, June 7, making clear he will not support Bill Pulte, Trump’s recently appointed interim Director of National Intelligence, for the permanent role. McConnell said the law requires the DNI to have extensive intelligence experience, stating, “No nominee who falls short of this requirement will earn my vote.” Pulte, a real estate investor and Trump loyalist, was appointed after Tulsi Gabbard departed. McConnell’s signal is likely to complicate any formal Senate confirmation process for Pulte.⁴

Trump Defends Iran War as Consistent With “No New Wars” Pledge

In his NBC “Meet the Press” interview on Sunday, June 7, President Trump was asked directly whether launching a war with Iran contradicted his repeated “No new wars” campaign promise. Trump replied that he “didn’t guarantee” there would be no wars if he returned to office. He said progress toward a ceasefire continues but that Iranian leaders “are going to have to do” things that hurt their pride, and that a final deal hinges in part on whether the U.S. would unfreeze $24 billion in Iranian assets, a step the White House has described as politically difficult.⁵

State Level

Maine Primary Polls Open Today as Platner Scandal Deepens

Maine voters head to the polls today, June 9, in a Democratic Senate primary that has been upended by a week of damaging allegations against frontrunner Graham Platner. Senator Cory Booker publicly distanced himself from Platner on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, June 7, saying “that guy has questions to answer,” and CNN reported that rank-and-file Democratic voters across Maine are increasingly torn over whether to support him. Platner continues to deny the most serious allegations while acknowledging inappropriate text messages. Former Governor Janet Mills remains on the ballot as the party establishment’s preferred candidate.⁶

California Governor Race: Steyer Closing Gap on Hilton

With additional mail ballots still being counted on Sunday, June 7, Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer continued to narrow Republican Steve Hilton’s lead for the second spot in California’s November governor’s runoff. Democrat Xavier Becerra’s place as the top finisher is confirmed. Steyer’s campaign pointed to remaining uncounted ballots in heavily Democratic Los Angeles and San Francisco counties as the basis for its optimism. Election officials said a final certified count will not be available until early July, leaving the identity of November’s second candidate still uncertain.⁷

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Article Sources

1. Newsmax, “Trump Abruptly Ends ‘Meet the Press’ Interview,” June 7, 2026.

2. The Guardian, “Trump walks out of interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after clash over election claims,” June 7, 2026.

3. Facebook/NBC News, “President Donald Trump sat for a ‘Meet the Press’ interview with host Kristen Welker,” June 7, 2026.

4. Reuters, “Trump faces new Republican resistance in Congress as midterm pressures build,” June 7, 2026.

5. The Japan Times, “Trump faces new Republican resistance in Congress as midterm pressures build,” June 7, 2026.

6. Yahoo News, “Trump faces new Republican resistance in Congress as midterm pressures build,” June 7, 2026.

7. PBS NewsHour, “Department of Justice appears to drop ‘anti-weaponization’ fund,” June 1, 2026.

8. NPR, “Blanche says DOJ has nixed the ‘anti-weaponization’ fund,” June 1, 2026.

9. CBS News/YouTube, “Department of Justice drops anti-weaponization fund,” June 2, 2026.

10. Reuters, “Trump faces new Republican resistance in Congress as midterm pressures build,” June 7, 2026.

11. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Trump dismisses idea that Iran betrays his ‘no new wars’ campaign message,” June 7, 2026.

12. TFI Daily News, “Sunday, June 7, 2026,” June 7, 2026.

13. The Center Voter, “This Morning’s Political News: 4-Minute Read,” June 8, 2026.

14. CNN, “Democratic voters in Maine are grappling with new allegations against Senate candidate Graham Platner,” June 6, 2026.

15. ABC News, “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” June 7, 2026.

16. Ballotpedia, “United States Senate election in Maine, 2026 (June 9 Democratic primary),” 2026.

17. CalMatters, “Xavier Becerra advances to California’s November governor election,” June 5, 2026.

18. KQED, “Becerra Advances in California Governor Race as Hilton, Steyer Battle for Second Spot,” June 4, 2026.

19. ABC7 News, “Governor of California race: Live election results and updates,” June 2026.

Federal Level

Pentagon Raises Israel Spy Threat to Highest Level Ever

NBC News and the New York Times reported on Saturday, June 6, that the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency has elevated its counterintelligence threat assessment for Israel to “critical,” its highest possible designation, a level that now exceeds that assigned to all current U.S. allies and even some adversaries. The assessment, contained in a seven-page internal document, cites growing concern that Israel has intensified efforts to surveil senior U.S. officials, including Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, and a senior Colby deputy, all of whom are involved in U.S.-Iran negotiations. One official told the Times that the aggressiveness of Israel’s intelligence gathering since Trump took office is “unhinged.” Israel’s embassy and the White House both denied the report.¹

Trump Signs AI Memo Directing Military and Intel Agencies

President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum on Friday, June 6, directing the military, the CIA, and other intelligence agencies to accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence and to work with multiple AI vendors rather than a single provider. The memo explicitly prohibits using AI for unlawful surveillance or to restrict free speech, and it gives Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth 90 days to update existing guidelines on autonomous weapons systems. The directive replaces a Biden-era policy that the Trump administration said was outdated.²

Kennedy Center Begins Stripping Trump’s Name from Building

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts began the formal process of removing President Trump’s name on Friday, June 6, directing staff to update all email signatures, letterhead, and documents to read “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.” Physical signage on the building must be changed by June 12 per court order. The Trump administration has said it plans to appeal the May 29 ruling, while Trump publicly suggested he may transfer control of the center back to Congress.³

Anti-Weaponization Fund Fight Heads to Court Monday

A federal judge in Virginia is scheduled to hold a hearing today, Monday, June 8, over the blocked $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund that the Trump administration created as part of a settlement tied to the leak of Trump’s tax returns. Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a temporary injunction after critics from both parties called it a political slush fund. The outcome could determine whether the fund survives and whether it remains a sticking point for the House ICE bill.⁴

Former Sen. Bob Packwood Dies at 93

Former Republican Senator Bob Packwood of Oregon died Saturday, June 6, in hospice care at the age of 93. Packwood served in the Senate for more than 26 years after first winning election in 1968, building a reputation as a moderate Republican who supported abortion rights and women’s rights legislation. He resigned in 1995 after the Senate Ethics Committee unanimously recommended his expulsion following a sexual misconduct investigation involving more than 20 women.⁵

State Level

Platner Rallies in Maine Despite Mounting Abuse Allegations

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner held a get-out-the-vote rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Saturday, June 6, his first public appearance since the New York Times reported that multiple women described a pattern of disturbing behavior, including physical altercations. Platner denied the most serious allegations but acknowledged sending sexually explicit messages to other women while married. Several prominent Democrats, including Senator Cory Booker, publicly distanced themselves from Platner over the weekend, with the June 9 primary now just two days away.⁶

California Governor’s Race: Second Runoff Spot Still in Play

As additional mail ballots continued to be counted Saturday, June 6, Republican Steve Hilton maintained a narrow lead over Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer for the second spot in California’s November governor’s runoff, with Democrat Xavier Becerra already confirmed as the top finisher. Steyer’s campaign said late ballots in heavily Democratic counties favor their candidate. The outcome will determine whether November’s race pits a Democrat against a Republican or produces an unusual two-Democrat matchup for governor of the nation’s most populous state.⁷

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Article Sources

1. NBC News, “Pentagon raised threat of Israeli spying on U.S. to highest level,” June 5, 2026.

2. The New York Times, “U.S. Officials Raised Alarm Over Alleged Israeli Espionage During Iran Negotiations,” June 6, 2026.

3. Al Jazeera, “Pentagon said to raise threat level on Israel spying to ‘critical’,” June 6, 2026.

4. Times of Israel, “Pentagon raises threat assessment of Israeli spying on US to ‘critical’ level,” June 5, 2026.

5. Reuters, “US says it will speed development and use of AI for national security,” June 5, 2026.

6. Bloomberg, “Trump Signs AI Memo Addressing Issues in Anthropic-Pentagon Feud,” June 5, 2026.

7. NHK World, “Trump orders US security authorities to accelerate AI use,” June 6, 2026.

8. Reuters, “Kennedy Center to remove Trump name after court decision,” June 5, 2026.

9. TIME, “Kennedy Center Starts Removing Trump References,” June 5, 2026.

10. USA Today, “Kennedy Center staff directed to remove Trump’s name by June 12,” June 4, 2026.

11. PBS NewsHour, “Why legal experts say Trump’s new ‘anti-weaponization’ fund is unprecedented,” May 20, 2026.

12. CNBC, “Trump ‘slush fund’ a flashpoint as Senate leaves without funding DHS,” June 2, 2026.

13. The New York Times, “Bob Packwood, Senator Forced to Quit in Sex Scandal, Dies at 93,” June 6, 2026.

14. TMZ, “Former Sen. Bob Packwood, Ousted by Sex Scandal, Dead at 93,” June 6, 2026.

15. The New York Times, “Where Does the Maine Senate Race Go Next?,” June 5, 2026.

16. CBS News, “Graham Platner faces another controversy days ahead of Maine Senate primary,” June 4, 2026.

17. NPR, “In California race for governor, Democrat Xavier Becerra takes top spot,” June 5, 2026.

18. CalMatters, “Xavier Becerra advances to California’s November governor election,” June 5, 2026.

19. KQED, “Becerra Advances in California Governor Race as Hilton, Steyer Battle for Second Spot,” June 4, 2026.

Federal Level

House Defies Trump, Passes Nearly $2B Ukraine Aid Bill

In a notable break from Republican leadership, the House voted 226-195 on Thursday, June 4, to approve a Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions package after 18 Republicans joined virtually all Democrats to force a floor vote through a discharge petition. The bill allocates nearly $2 billion for Ukraine and expands sanctions against Russia, directly contradicting President Trump’s foreign policy. Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the measure. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where Republican leadership is expected to block it.¹

Trump Pardons Ex-Congressman Convicted of Insider Trading

President Trump granted a full pardon on Thursday, June 4, to former Indiana Republican Congressman Stephen Buyer, who was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to 22 months in prison for trading on inside information related to the T-Mobile-Sprint merger. The White House announced the pardon on Friday, June 5. The proclamation cited Buyer’s military and congressional service and was endorsed by 52 current and former lawmakers, including Senators Roger Wicker and Lindsey Graham. The Supreme Court had declined to hear Buyer’s appeal just weeks earlier.²

Supreme Court Hands 8-1 Win to FCC Over AT&T and Verizon

The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 on Thursday, June 4, upholding the Federal Communications Commission’s authority to impose fines without first requiring a jury trial, delivering a significant victory for federal agency enforcement power. The case arose after the FCC fined AT&T $57 million and Verizon $47 million for selling customer location data without consent. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, with Justice Clarence Thomas the lone dissenter. The ruling strengthens the ability of federal agencies to hold large corporations accountable.³

House ICE Funding Bill: Vote Expected This Coming Week

With the Senate having passed the $70 billion ICE and Border Patrol funding bill in the early morning hours of Friday, June 5, Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House would take up the measure as early as Friday, with a full floor vote expected next week. Passage is not guaranteed in the House, where Republican margins are thin. Politico reported Friday that Johnson is working to ensure he has the votes, as the bill still contains the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund that drew sharp Republican dissent during the Senate vote-a-rama.⁴

House Begins Cutting $5.6B from Health and Education Budgets

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services opened its markup of the fiscal year 2027 spending bill on Friday morning, June 5, with a proposal to cut $5.6 billion, or 3 percent, from current funding levels. The bill eliminates the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, cuts the Department of Education by 10 percent, and ends funding for Title X family planning grants. The full committee is scheduled to vote on the bill on June 9. Democrats called the cuts devastating to public health infrastructure.⁵

State Level

Becerra Claims Top Spot in California Governor’s Primary

The Associated Press called Democrat Xavier Becerra as the top finisher in California’s June 2 gubernatorial primary on Friday, June 5, with approximately two-thirds of the vote counted. Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, secured roughly 27 percent of the vote in the all-party primary. The race for the second November runoff spot remains unresolved: Republican Steve Hilton holds a narrow lead with approximately 26 percent, while billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer continues closing the gap as millions of mail ballots remain uncounted.⁶

Maine Senate Primary: Platner Leads With Four Days to Go

A UMass Lowell-YouGov poll released Thursday, June 4, shows Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner leading Republican incumbent Susan Collins 48 to 43 percent in a hypothetical general election matchup, ahead of the June 9 Democratic primary. The survey was conducted before recent press coverage of Platner’s text message controversies, and analysts caution the results may not fully reflect current voter sentiment. Former Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign in April, remains on the primary ballot. The Maine race is widely regarded as one of the most competitive Senate contests in the country.⁷

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Article Sources

1. ABC News, “Several Republicans vote with Democrats to pass Ukraine aid, Russia sanctions package,” June 4, 2026.

2. NBC News, “House passes Ukraine aid bill in another GOP rebuke of Trump’s foreign policy,” June 4, 2026.

3. Politico, “Ukraine aid package passes House, bucking GOP leaders and Trump,” June 4, 2026.

4. The New York Post, “Trump pardons former US Congressman Stephen Buyer convicted of insider trading,” June 6, 2026.

5. Reuters, “Trump grants pardon to former US congressman convicted of insider trading,” June 5, 2026.

6. The New York Times, “Trump Pardons Former Congressman Convicted of Insider Trading,” June 6, 2026.

7. Reuters, “US Supreme Court backs federal regulators in wins for FCC and SEC,” June 5, 2026.

8. The Guardian, “US Supreme Court backs FCC in clash with wireless carriers over fines,” June 4, 2026.

9. Earth Justice, “Supreme Court Affirms Federal Agencies’ Authority to Protect the Public,” June 4, 2026.

10. The Hill, “Senate passes $70 billion immigration enforcement package,” June 5, 2026.

11. Politico, “Senate GOP passes immigration enforcement bill,” June 5, 2026.

12. House Appropriations Committee, “Committee Releases FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill,” June 3, 2026.

13. Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions, “House FY27 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill Released, Subcommittee Markup Scheduled,” June 4, 2026.

14. NPR, “In California race for governor, Democrat Xavier Becerra takes top spot,” June 5, 2026.

15. CalMatters, “Xavier Becerra advances to California’s November governor election,” June 5, 2026.

16. KQED, “Becerra Advances in California Governor Race as Hilton, Steyer Battle for Second Spot,” June 4, 2026.

17. UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion, “Maine Poll: Platner Holds Slight Lead over Collins in U.S. Senate Matchup,” June 4, 2026.

18. The Maine Monitor, “2026 Maine Voter Guide,” June 2026.

Federal Level

Senate Passes $70 Billion ICE and Border Patrol Funding Bill

After a marathon vote-a-rama that ran through Thursday night, the Senate voted 52-47 in the early morning hours of Friday, June 5, to pass a $69.5 billion bill funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol for three years. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican to vote against the measure. Democrats used the overnight amendment process to force Republicans to take on-the-record votes on the administration’s anti-weaponization fund and White House ballroom security provisions, exposing notable GOP divisions. The bill now moves to the House.¹

Senate Advances Iran War Powers Resolution to Full Vote

The Senate on Thursday, June 4, advanced the Iran war powers resolution, setting up a full chamber vote in the coming days after the House passed the measure 215-208 on Wednesday, June 3. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the House vote to direct President Trump to end U.S. military hostilities with Iran, marking the first time the House has succeeded in approving such a resolution after three failed attempts. The administration maintains the ceasefire renders the measure moot, and a presidential veto is expected if the Senate passes it.²

Trump Announces $700 Million to Revive U.S. Coal Industry

President Trump announced on Thursday, June 4, that his administration will commit $700 million in federal funding to the coal industry. Invoking the Defense Production Act, the administration will distribute $425 million to 13 existing coal plants and $75 million to a new export terminal. An additional $185 million in Department of Energy grants will fund construction of the first new U.S. coal plants since 2013, in Alaska and West Virginia, with a closed Maryland facility also set to restart. Critics noted that coal is generally more expensive to build and operate than natural gas or renewable energy alternatives.³

FISA Section 702: Senate Races to Meet June 12 Deadline

With the 45-day extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act set to expire on June 12, Senate Republicans circulated a draft three-year reauthorization bill on Tuesday, June 2, and pressed for action Thursday. The proposal, led by Intelligence Chair Tom Cotton and Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, stops short of requiring warrants before searching Americans’ communications gathered under the spy program, and includes a ban on the Federal Reserve issuing a digital currency. A bipartisan bloc of privacy-focused senators has signaled it will push back, leaving the outcome uncertain heading into the weekend.⁴

State Level

New York Democrats Launch 2028 Redistricting Campaign

New York’s Democrat-controlled Legislature voted on Wednesday, June 3, to give initial approval to a state constitutional amendment that would allow mid-decade congressional redistricting and eliminate the state’s existing ban on partisan gerrymandering. Currently, Democrats hold 19 of New York’s 26 congressional seats. Analysts say a redrawn map could shift that figure to 23-3 in Democrats’ favor, potentially costing Republicans up to four House seats. The amendment must pass the Legislature again after November’s elections and then win a statewide voter referendum before new lines could take effect for 2028.⁵

California Governor Race Remains Too Close to Call

As of Thursday, June 4, with approximately 57 percent of the expected vote counted, Republican Steve Hilton held a narrow lead at 27 percent in California’s all-party gubernatorial primary, with Democrat Xavier Becerra close behind at 26 percent and billionaire Tom Steyer at 20 percent. Because California allows mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive for up to 30 days, certified results will not be available until early July. The race is the most competitive California governor’s contest in years and is being closely watched as a signal of the national political climate heading into the November midterms.⁶

L.A. Mayor Race Unsettled; Reality Star Pratt Holds Second

The race to determine who will face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in a November runoff remained unresolved on Thursday, June 4, with Bass leading at 35 percent and Spencer Pratt holding second place at approximately 29 percent, with 66 percent of the expected vote counted. Progressive City Councilwoman Nithya Raman stood at 23 percent, remaining a credible threat to Pratt’s position as late mail ballots continue to be tabulated. The outcome carries statewide implications, as Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the race has drawn significant national attention.⁷

Illinois Passes Landmark Gig Worker Unionization Bill

The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation on Sunday, June 1, giving more than 100,000 rideshare drivers the right to form a union and collectively bargain for pay and working conditions while remaining classified as independent contractors. Governor JB Pritzker is expected to sign the bill, making Illinois the third state, alongside California and Massachusetts, to extend union rights to gig workers. Republicans in the chamber expressed skepticism about organizing independent contractors, but the bill passed comfortably on largely party-line votes and now awaits the governor’s signature.⁸

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Article Sources

1. Bloomberg, “Senate Passes Funding for ICE and CBP After Months of Debate,” June 5, 2026.

2. CNBC, “U.S. Senate passes $70 billion in new funds for ICE, Border Patrol,” June 5, 2026.

3. Politico, “Senate GOP passes immigration enforcement bill,” June 5, 2026.

4. PBS NewsHour, “WATCH LIVE: Senate holds ICE funding vote-a-rama,” June 4, 2026.

5. NBC News, “Some Republicans cast votes against Trump priorities as Senate takes up ICE and Border Patrol bill,” June 4, 2026.

6. American Legion, “House votes for first time to halt Iran war,” June 4, 2026.

7. NPR, “House passes resolution to end hostilities with Iran,” June 3, 2026.

8. TIME, “House Votes to Restrain Trump’s Iran War Powers,” June 4, 2026.

9. The New York Times, “Trump Announces $700 Million in Funds Meant to Boost Coal Industry,” June 4, 2026.

10. CBS News, “Trump announces $700 million investment in coal plants and mining,” June 4, 2026.

11. The Washington Post, “Trump expected to announce $700 million in new support for struggling coal industry,” June 4, 2026.

12. Politico, “Senate Republicans propose 3-year extension of key surveillance power,” June 2, 2026.

13. PBS NewsHour, “WATCH: Senate considers FISA extension as June 12 deadline nears,” June 4, 2026.

14. The Wall Street Journal, “The 2028 Redistricting Wars Begin,” June 4, 2026.

15. Reuters, “New York Democrats take first step toward new U.S. House map for 2028,” June 4, 2026.

16. The New York Times, “N.Y. Democrats Move to Allow More Frequent Redistricting,” June 4, 2026.

17. Spectrum News Albany, “New York State Legislature passes redistricting constitutional amendment,” June 3, 2026.

18. ABC News, “California primaries results: Governor’s race not yet projected,” June 3, 2026.

19. ABC7 Los Angeles, “California primary election results: Becerra, Hilton neck and neck,” June 4, 2026.

20. The Washington Post, “Los Angeles mayor faces a TV star and a former ally. See primary results live,” June 4, 2026.

21. Capitol News Illinois, “Rideshare drivers could unionize in Illinois under bill passed by General Assembly,” June 1, 2026.

22. Pluribus News, “Another blue state gives ride-hailing drivers unionization rights,” June 3, 2026.

Federal Level

House Passes Historic Iran War Powers Resolution

The House voted 215-208 on Wednesday to pass a war powers resolution directing President Trump to end U.S. military hostilities with Iran, the first time the chamber has succeeded in approving such a measure after three failed attempts. Four Republicans, including Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio, joined Democrats in supporting the resolution. The measure now moves to the Senate, where a similar version has already cleared a procedural vote. President Trump is expected to veto any final bill, as the administration maintains the ceasefire declaration renders hostilities legally ended. ^{1, 2}

Senate Advances $70B ICE Bill; Vote-a-Rama Begins

The Senate voted 53-46 on Wednesday to formally begin debate on the roughly $70 billion Secure America Act, which would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol through fiscal year 2028. The vote kicked off a marathon vote-a-rama, with Democrats pressing a series of amendments designed to force Republicans to defend the Trump administration’s contentious actions, including the now-shelved anti-weaponization fund. Republican leaders expressed confidence they could hold their majority through the amendment process, with a final passage vote expected Thursday. ^{3, 4}

Trump Signs Order to Strip Protections for 8,000 Workers

President Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday reclassifying approximately 8,000 senior federal employees into a new category called ‘Schedule Policy/Career,’ stripping their civil service job protections and making them at-will employees. The affected workers, who earn up to $200,000 annually, are senior policy roles that the administration considers influential in shaping government policy. The order is an extension of Trump’s earlier Schedule F initiative, though it applies to a narrower group of employees. Federal worker unions have already filed legal challenges. ^{5, 6}

FISA Section 702 Faces Critical Senate Deadline

With Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act set to expire on June 12, Senate Republicans circulated a draft three-year extension bill on Wednesday that stops short of requiring a warrant before intelligence agencies can search Americans’ communications swept up in foreign surveillance. Senate Intelligence Chair Tom Cotton and Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley led the proposal, which also includes a ban on the Federal Reserve issuing a digital currency. Privacy advocates and a bipartisan group of reform-minded senators have indicated they will push back on the absence of stronger civil liberties protections. ^{7, 8}

Trump Moved to Expand Federal Workforce Accountability

Alongside the Schedule Policy/Career executive order, the White House released a separate fact sheet Wednesday touting expanded customs enforcement authority and detailing new accountability measures for federal employees tied to agency performance metrics. The Office of Personnel Management director said the administration needs federal workers who will carry out lawful policy directives without allowing personal political views to interfere. The moves collectively represent the most aggressive restructuring of federal employment since Trump’s first term. ⁹

State Level

Hilton and Becerra Lead in California Primary

With more than half of votes counted Wednesday night, Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra held the top two positions in California’s all-party gubernatorial primary, putting them on track to advance to November’s general election. Democrat Tom Steyer, running third, faced a narrowing path to advancement. The race carries national significance as the first competitive California governor’s contest in years and as a test of whether a Republican can break through in a deep-blue state during an anti-Trump political environment. Final certified results are not expected until July. ^{10, 11}

Maine’s Platner Nears Primary, Collins Contest Takes Shape

Maine Democrat Graham Platner, the presumptive Senate nominee following Governor Janet Mills’ April withdrawal from the primary race, continued consolidating support Wednesday with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer publicly backing him ahead of next Tuesday’s June 9 primary. Platner has faced months of controversy over sexually explicit text messages and past online posts, yet he remains the clear frontrunner in a race Democrats view as a top opportunity to flip a Senate seat held by Republican Susan Collins for nearly three decades. No significant new developments in the controversy emerged Wednesday. ^{12, 13}

Virginia Enacts Sweeping Worker Protection Package

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law Wednesday a broad package of employment reforms, including mandatory paid sick leave for all public and private employees, a state-administered paid family and medical leave program providing up to 12 weeks of benefits, a salary history ban, and pay transparency requirements for job postings. The package also includes a phased minimum wage increase to $15 per hour by January 2028 and expands anti-discrimination protections to employers with as few as five employees. Most provisions take effect July 1, 2026. ¹⁴

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Article Sources

1. The Los Angeles Times, “House approves war powers resolution to halt military action against Iran,” June 3, 2026.

2. NPR, “House passes war powers resolution directing Trump to end hostilities with Iran,” June 3, 2026.

3. AP News, “Senate to vote on bill to fund immigration enforcement,” June 3, 2026.

4. Reuters, “US Senate advances ICE bill as Democrats aim to make Trump a liability for Republicans,” June 3, 2026.

5. CNN, “Trump makes it easier to fire 8,000 federal workers,” June 3, 2026.

6. Reuters, “Trump signs order to make it easier to fire 8,000 federal workers,” June 3, 2026.

7. Politico, “Senate Republicans move to extend spy powers as Trump...” June 2, 2026.

8. Brennan Center for Justice, “GOP Leadership Proposal Would Expand the Government’s Ability to Use Section 702 Against Americans,” June 3, 2026.

9. The White House, “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Increases Accountability in the Federal Workforce,” June 3, 2026.

10. The Los Angeles Times, “Hilton and Becerra lead California governor’s race; Steyer faces elimination,” June 3, 2026.

11. CalMatters, “5 things to know about California’s election results,” June 3, 2026.

12. Reuters, “Schumer meets with Maine Senate candidate Platner ahead of primary,” June 2, 2026.

13. PBS NewsHour, “What to know about Maine’s tumultuous Senate primary race,” June 3, 2026.

14. OnLabor, “News & Commentary: June 3, 2026,” June 3, 2026.

Federal Level

Trump Taps Housing Chief Pulte as Acting Spy Chief

President Trump announced on Tuesday that he is appointing Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, an heir to a construction empire and a Trump loyalist, has no known background in intelligence, defense, or national security. He will simultaneously retain his role overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Tulsi Gabbard, the outgoing DNI, is scheduled to leave her post on June 30 to care for her husband, who is battling bone cancer.^{1, 2}

DOJ Kills Anti-Weaponization Fund; ICE Bill Gets New Life

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told a House Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday that the Justice Department will not move forward with the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” regardless of future court proceedings. The announcement came one day after a federal judge temporarily blocked the fund, which Republican senators had labeled a political slush fund. With that obstacle removed, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House GOP leaders expressed confidence Tuesday that they can pass the $72 billion ICE and Border Patrol reconciliation bill, provided it stays narrowly focused on immigration enforcement through 2029.^{3, 4}

Rubio Offers Cautious Hope on Iran Nuclear Talks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday in his first public congressional appearance since the Iran war began on February 28. Rubio said Iran has agreed to discuss aspects of its nuclear program it previously refused to acknowledge, but he offered no guarantees a deal would result. He confirmed that sanctions relief is conditioned solely on Iran’s nuclear concessions, not on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The hearing was briefly interrupted by protesters chanting opposition to U.S. policy toward Cuba.^{5, 6}

Trump Signs Executive Order on AI and Cybersecurity

President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing federal agencies to strengthen cybersecurity across government systems and to establish a voluntary AI cybersecurity clearinghouse to identify and address software vulnerabilities. The order invites AI developers to share advanced models with the government up to 30 days before public release for security evaluation, but explicitly prohibits any mandatory licensing or preclearance requirement. The White House said the order builds on the national cyber strategy Trump released in March 2026.^{7, 8}

Hegseth Pulls Women, Black Officers From Navy’s Promotion List

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blocked the promotions of eight Navy captains to one-star admiral, including two women and two Black men, overriding a promotion board convened by senior Navy admirals. The Pentagon’s official promotion list, released in late May, contains no female officers despite women comprising roughly 21 percent of the active-duty Navy. Reports indicate Hegseth also sought to place a member of his personal staff on the list, though that officer did not meet the required criteria. Critics called the intervention a politically motivated departure from a merit-based system.^{9, 10}

State Level

Hilton and Becerra Lead in California’s Wide-Open Primary

California held its top-two primary on Tuesday, and early returns showed Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra locked in a tight race for the two spots that advance to November’s general election. With roughly half the votes counted Tuesday night, Hilton led with 27 percent and Becerra trailed at 26 percent, with Democrat Tom Steyer at 20 percent. Three other Democrats, including former Rep. Katie Porter and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, conceded defeat.^{11, 12}

Iowa Voters Reject Trump’s Pick for Governor in Stunning Upset

Iowa Republican primary voters delivered a notable rebuke of President Trump on Tuesday, choosing MAHA-aligned businessman Zach Lahn over Trump-endorsed U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra in the GOP gubernatorial primary. With nearly all votes counted, Lahn won 37.8 percent to Feenstra’s 37 percent. It is the first time in the 2026 midterm cycle that a Trump-backed candidate for governor, House, or Senate has lost a primary. Feenstra conceded Tuesday evening. Lahn will face Democrat Rob Sand in the November general election.^{13, 14}

Haaland Wins New Mexico Primary, Eyes Historic Governorship

Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in New Mexico on Tuesday, defeating Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, is poised to become the first Native American woman elected governor in U.S. history. In a state where Republicans hold no statewide offices, she is heavily favored in November’s general election.^{15, 16}

Schumer Stands By Platner One Week Before Maine Primary

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer met with Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner in Washington on Tuesday and publicly reaffirmed his endorsement, saying, ‘We are going to beat Susan Collins and take back the Senate.’ The meeting came one week before Maine’s June 9 Democratic primary, and amid ongoing reports that Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with multiple women while married. Platner did not comment publicly after the meeting. Democrats regard the Maine race as one of their top opportunities to flip a Senate seat in November.^{17, 18}

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Article Sources

1. The New York Times, “Trump Names Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence,” June 2, 2026.

2. ABC News, “Housing Finance Director Bill Pulte tapped by Trump to be acting director of national intelligence,” June 2, 2026.

3. PBS NewsHour, “Justice Department scraps Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization fund’ after pushback from Congress,” June 2, 2026.

4. The Hill, “GOP senators see path for reconciliation package after anti-weaponization fund dropped,” June 2, 2026.

5. Reuters, “Rubio grilled on Iran, says US won’t swap sanctions relief for strait,” June 2, 2026.

6. CNBC, “Rubio says U.S. is in talks with Iran over nuclear program as senators press for war endgame,” June 2, 2026.

7. Reuters, “Trump signed order to promote advanced AI innovation and security, White House says,” June 2, 2026.

8. The Washington Times, “Trump signs order creating voluntary cybersecurity for AI models before their release,” June 2, 2026.

9. The New York Times, “Hegseth strikes female and Black Navy officers from promotion list,” June 1, 2026.

10. The Wall Street Journal, “Hegseth Blocks Eight Navy Senior Officer Promotions,” June 1, 2026.

11. CalMatters, “California election result: Becerra, Hilton lead in governor’s race,” June 2, 2026.

12. KTLA 5 News, “Live election results update: California governor’s race,” June 2, 2026.

13. NBC News, “MAHA-backed Zach Lahn defeats Trump-backed Randy Feenstra in Iowa GOP primary for governor,” June 2, 2026.

14. USA Today, “Primary election results updates: June 2,” June 2, 2026.

15. NBC News, “Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland wins Democratic nomination in New Mexico governor’s race,” June 2, 2026.

16. The New York Times, “Deb Haaland wins nomination in New Mexico governor’s race,” June 2, 2026.

17. Reuters, “Schumer meets with Maine Senate candidate Platner ahead of primary,” June 2, 2026.

18. Newsweek, “Graham Platner’s Chances of Winning Maine Fall Amid Texting Accusations,” June 1, 2026.

Federal Level

Senate Takes Up ICE Funding Bill as Vote-a-Rama Looms

The Senate reconvened Tuesday after its Memorial Day recess with the $72 billion immigration enforcement reconciliation bill as its top priority. Republican leaders planned a vote-a-rama for Wednesday evening, followed by a final passage vote Thursday, but lingering GOP divisions over the now-paused $1.8 billion DOJ anti-weaponization fund and a $1 billion White House ballroom security provision continue to threaten the timeline. Senate Majority Leader John Thune held a closed-door Republican lunch Tuesday afternoon to assess where the votes stand.^{1, 2}

DOJ Backs Down on ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ After Court Block

The Justice Department announced Monday it will comply with a federal court order temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, established last month as part of a settlement tied to the leak of President Trump’s tax returns. Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia issued the injunction and scheduled a hearing for June 12. The DOJ said it ‘strongly disagrees’ with the ruling. Critics in both parties had labeled the fund a political slush fund, and its pause removed one major obstacle to the ICE funding bill.^{3, 4}

House Faces Forced Vote on Iran War Powers Resolution

The House returned Tuesday under a legislative clock that now requires Speaker Mike Johnson to schedule a vote on the Iran war powers resolution, after Democrats triggered the timeline before the Memorial Day recess. Republicans privately acknowledge they may not have the votes to defeat it. A late-May Senate vote advanced a companion resolution 50-47 with four GOP senators in support. If the House passes the measure, it heads to President Trump, who is expected to veto it.^{5, 6}

FISA Section 702 Faces June 12 Expiration Deadline

Congress has until June 12 to resolve the Section 702 surveillance authority dispute before the current 45-day extension, passed April 30, expires. The chambers remain at odds: the House passed a three-year reauthorization the Senate called ‘dead on arrival’ due to a digital currency ban attached to the bill. Intelligence officials have warned that a lapse in the authority, which allows the U.S. to target foreign communications, would create an immediate national security gap.^{7, 8}

Democrats Grow Alarmed Over Platner Ahead of Maine Primary

Politico reported early Tuesday that Democratic strategists are growing increasingly worried that Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner will become a broader party liability after reports that he exchanged sexually explicit texts with multiple women while married. Platner’s wife publicly defended him Monday. Maine’s Democratic primary is June 9, and a provision in state law allows Democrats to replace a primary winner who voluntarily withdraws by July 27, a clause now quietly drawing attention from party operatives.^{9, 10}

State Level

Six-State Primary Day: California and Iowa in Spotlight

Voters in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota went to the polls Tuesday in primaries with major implications for November’s midterms. The most-watched contest is California’s governor’s race, where Democrat Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer are competing for the two spots that advance under the state’s top-two system. In Iowa, Trump-backed Representative Randy Feenstra leads the GOP gubernatorial field, while Democrats choose their Senate candidate to face expected Republican nominee Representative Ashley Hinson.^{11, 12}

David Hogg PAC Intervenes in California House Primaries

Politico reported Monday that activist David Hogg’s ‘Leaders We Deserve’ PAC has directed hundreds of thousands of dollars into California’s competitive House primaries, including the race for Republican Representative David Valadao’s seat. The intervention has drawn sharp pushback from the DCCC and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who view the outside spending as a risk to carefully managed battleground campaigns. The conflict marks the latest skirmish between Hogg and the Democratic Party establishment.¹³

New York Democrats Push Redistricting Amendment

New York Democrats announced Tuesday they are advancing a state constitutional amendment that would give the legislature clearer authority to draw congressional maps if the independent redistricting commission deadlocks, and would allow approval with a simple majority rather than the current supermajority. The amendment would not affect New York’s 2026 House lines, but Democrats say it is designed to prevent a repeat of the 2021 legal battle that cost them multiple seats and positions them for the 2032 redistricting cycle.¹⁴

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Article Sources

1. The Hill, “This week on the Hill: Reconciliation bill runs up against Republican concerns”, June 1, 2026.

2. Washington Examiner, “Capitol Hill comes back to a long post-Memorial Day to-do list”, May 31, 2026.

3. BBC News, “US justice department halts ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund after court ruling”, June 1, 2026.

4. CNN, “Trump DOJ says it will abide by court ruling pausing $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization’ fund”, June 1, 2026.

5. NPR, “Republicans call off vote on Iran war resolution that was on the verge of passing”, May 22, 2026.

6. Democracy Now, “GOP Leaders Delay Vote on Iran War Powers Resolution Until June”, May 22, 2026.

7. MeriTalk, “Congress Extends FISA Surveillance Powers 45 Days Amid Reform Fight”, April 30, 2026.

8. JD Supra / Alston & Bird, “Look Ahead to the Week of June 1, 2026”, May 31, 2026.

9. Politico, “Democrats fret Graham Platner could cost them — and not just in Maine”, June 2, 2026.

10. The New York Times, “As Democrats Worry About Senate Race, Platner Attacks Reports on Texts”, May 31, 2026.

11. NPR, “Tuesday is a big primary day. Here are key races to watch”, June 2, 2026.

12. El País, “Primary elections in Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota: What you need to know”, June 1, 2026.

13. Politico, “David Hogg takes his war on Dem establishment to California”, June 1, 2026.

14. Politico, “New York Democrats push redistricting amendment, joining national battle”, June 2, 2026.

Federal Level

Iran Stalemate Deepens as Trump’s ‘Easy Win’ Promises Fade

The New York Times reported Sunday that President Trump has entered a stalemate phase across his major international interventions, with the Iran war now the clearest example. Trump’s ceasefire condition of ‘complete, immediate’ reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains unmet, and experts told the Times that Iran appears to be deliberately running out the clock, recognizing Trump’s reluctance to resume combat operations that are broadly unpopular at home. Even a finalized memorandum of understanding would leave Iran’s nuclear and missile programs largely intact, punting the most critical issues to a second round of talks likely to span months. ^¹,²

Booker Breaks With Democrats, Says Platner ‘Has Questions to Answer’

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey became the most prominent Democrat to publicly distance himself from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Sunday, telling ABC’s ‘This Week’ that ‘that guy has questions to answer’ following Saturday reports that Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with as many as twelve women while married. Booker’s comment was notable because Democrats have few alternatives this close to Maine’s primary and view the race as one of their best chances to flip a Senate seat in November. CNN reported Sunday that national Democrats are quietly grappling with whether Platner can survive the damage. ^³,⁴,⁵

Platner Fires Back, Calls Reports ‘Journalistic Malpractice’

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner went on the offensive Sunday, accusing a former campaign aide of fabricating allegations and attacking the New York Times and Wall Street Journal for publishing stories he called ‘journalistic malpractice.’ A current campaign official acknowledged Sunday evening that Platner did not deny the existence of messages with other women, but disputed the number of women involved. Maine law includes a provision that would allow Democrats to replace a primary winner on the November ballot if that winner voluntarily withdraws by July 27, a clause now receiving quiet attention from party operatives. ^⁶,⁷

Trump to Headline 250th Anniversary Celebration as Artists Walk Out

The White House-backed Freedom 250 organization announced Saturday that President Trump himself will open the ‘Great American State Fair’ on June 24, 2026, on the National Mall, after at least seven of nine announced musical performers dropped out of the 16-day event. Artists including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, the Commodores, Young MC, and Morris Day withdrew, citing concerns that the event was not the nonpartisan celebration they had been told it was. The departures generated continued national political news coverage throughout the day on Sunday, with Democrats calling it a sign of Trump’s broader political isolation heading into the midterms. ^⁸,⁹

NYT: Southern Redistricting Creates ‘Month of Political Earthquakes’

The New York Times published a major analysis on Sunday documenting the political upheaval across Southern states following the Supreme Court’s weakening of the Voting Rights Act, which has set off a wave of mid-decade Republican gerrymandering. Voters in Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia now find themselves in newly drawn or legally contested congressional districts weeks or months before primaries, creating widespread confusion and drawing civil rights lawsuits. Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana is expected to sign the state’s new 5-1 Republican-favoring congressional map this week, which eliminates one of Louisiana’s two majority-Black districts. ^¹⁰,¹¹

State Level

California Governor’s Race Enters Final Hours Before Tuesday Primary

California voters will cast ballots on Tuesday, June 2, in a governor’s race that final weekend polls show remains unusually competitive heading into the state’s top-two primary. A poll released Saturday showed Democrat Xavier Becerra leading the field, with Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer locked in a tight race for the second spot that would advance to November. If two Democrats emerge from the primary, California Republicans would be shut out of the governor’s race entirely for the first time in the modern era. ^¹²,¹³

New York Governor Hochul Signs FY27 Budget on May 31

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget into law on Sunday, May 31, delivering what her office described as a plan that lowers costs for families, invests in public safety, and advances a path to universal childcare without new tax increases on most New Yorkers. The budget also makes new investments in affordable housing and continues the governor’s statewide smartphone ban in K-12 schools, which took effect in September 2025. The signing came as Hochul faces increasing speculation about a potential 2026 re-election challenge. ^¹⁴

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Article Sources

1. The New York Times, “Trump Hits the Stalemate Phase of His International Interventions, and It Stings,” May 31, 2026.

2. Strait Times, “Trump asked for tougher terms in proposed Iran war deal,” May 31, 2026.

3. The Hill, “Booker on Platner: ‘That guy has questions to answer,’” May 31, 2026.

4. The New York Times, “Cory Booker Has ‘Concerns’ About Platner Revelations in Maine Senate Race,” May 31, 2026.

5. CNN, “Graham Platner’s extramarital sexting further complicates Democrats’ Senate hopes,” May 31, 2026.

6. The New York Times, “As Democrats Worry About Senate Race, Platner Attacks Reports on Texts,” May 31, 2026.

7. Fox News, “Cory Booker admits Graham Platner ‘has questions to answer’ following latest scandal,” May 31, 2026.

8. Los Angeles Times, “Trump to headline 250th anniversary event after artists drop out,” May 31, 2026.

9. Reuters, “Trump to headline 250th anniversary fair opening after performers drop out,” May 30, 2026.

10. The New York Times, “After Voting Decision, a Month of Political Earthquakes Across the South,” May 31, 2026.

11. NBC News, “Louisiana passes new congressional map, dismantling one majority-Black district,” May 29, 2026.

12. ABC7 News, “New poll shows Steyer edging Hilton in CA governor’s race as battle for 2nd tightens,” May 31, 2026.

13. CalMatters, “Who’s ahead in the California governor race?,” May 31, 2026.

14. Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, “Governor Hochul Signs FY27 Budget,” May 31, 2026.