FOUR-MINUTE READ | UNBIASED COVERAGE OF TOP POLITICAL NEWS
Federal Level
Clyburn Backs Expanding Supreme Court To 13
On Sunday, Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” he supports expanding the Supreme Court from nine justices to 13. Asked if he agreed with former Vice President Kamala Harris’s earlier call for a larger court, Clyburn said, “Yes, I do. I think we are in a position now that calls for some significant actions taken by the Congress, and we ought to expand, and 13 is a pretty good number.” He said he hopes new justices would follow “the constitutional underpinnings of this great nation.” His remarks reflect growing Democratic openness to changing the judiciary’s structure ahead of the midterms. 1
Trump Threatens FCC Action Against NBC Anchor
On Sunday, President Trump said on Truth Social that he would report NBC News anchor Kristen Welker to the Federal Communications Commission after she said on “Meet the Press” that his record endorsing candidates this election cycle has produced “mixed results.” Trump argued his endorsements have succeeded nearly 100 percent of the time and asked FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to “take this threat to our country very seriously.” He also criticized political polling more broadly, writing that “fake polls used by our crooked media are out of control.” NBC News did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the president’s post. 2
Trump Ties Venezuela Oil To Reserve Refill
On Sunday, President Trump said on Truth Social that oil obtained through a new agreement with Venezuela would help refill the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which he said has been drawn down amid the war with Iran. The deal, announced Friday, gives the United States effective control of 55 percent of a new joint oil venture in Venezuela and access to more than 65 billion barrels of proven reserves. A U.S. official said the arrangement would supply oil “at cost” to fill the reserve and meet military fuel needs. Trump has said the agreement could also help lower gasoline prices for American drivers. 3
Cruz Urges Quick Elections In Venezuela
On Sunday, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Venezuela should hold free and fair elections no later than the middle of next year, following the Trump administration’s new oil agreement with the country. Cruz said acting Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president under captured leader Nicolas Maduro, does not hold legitimate authority. He said he believes the Trump administration “is working rapidly” toward organizing elections and that the oil deal and a political transition can move forward together. Cruz also said the agreement could have “a very positive impact on gas prices” for American consumers. 4
House Set To Vote On Funding Bill Monday
The House of Representatives is scheduled to return from summer recess on Monday to vote on a Senate-passed bill that would fund the government through December 11, according to a schedule confirmed over the weekend. The Senate passed the continuing resolution by a vote of 90 to 6, and the White House said it “strongly opposes another futile government shutdown” and urged lawmakers to back the bill. The measure would extend current spending levels while postponing full-year budget decisions until after the November midterm elections. House leaders plan to bring the bill up under a fast-track process requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. 5
State Level
California Legislature Passes Wildfire Liability Bill
On Sunday, the California Legislature passed a revised wildfire liability bill that consumer advocates said protects fire survivors’ right to sue utility companies. The measure, Senate Bill 492, rejects an earlier proposal to cap damages that utilities such as Southern California Edison would owe and instead creates a “fast pay” program meant to speed compensation to survivors. It preserves survivors’ ability to pursue lawsuits and gather evidence on how fires started. Governor Gavin Newsom called the compromise “real progress” but said lawmakers still need to stabilize electric rates and secure the long-term future of the state’s wildfire fund. 6
California Lawmakers Expand Tribal Land Rights
On Sunday, the California Legislature approved a bill expanding Native American tribes’ authority over how state-owned land is used, sending it to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration. The bill, written by Assemblymember James Ramos, a Democrat and member of the Serrano and Cahuilla tribes, would largely prohibit state agencies from substantially interfering with tribal religious ceremonies on state land, with exceptions for public safety. Ramos said the legislation was needed because such protections have long lacked clear legal standing in California. Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto the bill, which passed despite opposition from lawmakers who called it overly broad. 7
James Urges New Canada Trade Talks Push
On Sunday, Representative John James, the Republican nominee for Michigan governor, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that American and Canadian trade negotiators need to return to the table before new tariffs take a further toll on his state’s economy. James, an automotive industry supplier, noted Michigan has lost more than 300,000 manufacturing jobs since the 1990s and said the dispute “cannot be borne on the backs of Michiganders.” He said he would work with both the White House and Canadian officials if elected governor to protect state jobs. James also criticized his Democratic opponents over their campaign associations ahead of the November election. 8
◆
THIS POLITICAL NEWS REPORT IS FREE TO EVERYONE
WOULD YOU KINDLY SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND?
Article Sources
1. The Hill, “Clyburn calls for expanding Supreme Court, says ‘13 is a pretty good number’,” Aug. 30, 2026.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/6059611-clyburn-proposes-scotus-expansion/
2. NOTUS, “Trump Pushes FCC to Punish Journalists Over ‘Fake Polls’ and His Endorsements,” Aug. 30, 2026.
https://www.notus.org/trump-white-house/president-trump-fcc-nbc-fake-polls-endorsements
3. Politico, “Trump says US has a deal to take huge stake in Venezuela’s oil reserves,” Aug. 28, 2026.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/28/trump-says-us-has-a-deal-to-take-huge-stake-in-venezuelas-oil-reserves-01055442
4. Newsmax, “Ted Cruz Calls for Speedy ‘Free and Fair’ Elections in Venezuela,” Aug. 30, 2026.
https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/ted-cruz-venezuela-elections/2026/08/30/id/1267795/
5. Washington Times, “House returns from recess with plan to fund government weeks ahead of shutdown,” Aug. 28, 2026.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/28/house-returns-recess-plan-fund-government-weeks-ahead-shutdown/
6. ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC), “California lawmakers side with wildfire victims, reject bill to limit utility payouts for fires,” Aug. 30, 2026.
https://abc7.com/post/california-lawmakers-side-with-wildfire-victims-reject-bill-to-limit-utility-payouts-for-fires/19764402/
7. The Modesto Bee, “California lawmakers approve bill to give Native Americans more say on state land,” Aug. 30, 2026.
https://www.modbee.com/news/california/article317068396.html
8. CBS News, “Transcript: Rep. John James on \”Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,\” Aug. 30, 2026,” Aug. 30, 2026.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-james-michigan-republican-face-the-nation-transcript-08-30-2026/