Coral Murphy Marcos

Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary remained too close to call with slightly more than 60% of votes counted, as progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed held a narrow lead over establishment-backed congresswoman Haley Stevens. Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and will face Trump-endorsed Republican John James, while progressive William Lawrence won Michigan’s competitive seventh congressional district primary. Elsewhere, Wesley Bell defeated former representative Cori Bush in Missouri, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez advanced in Washington, and Kansas Democrats nominated Cindy Holscher for governor. The contests highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party over ideology, economic populism and US support for Israel, while Republicans sought opportunities to regain ground in November.

Ohio Republican representative Max Miller is facing growing calls to resign after allegations that he abused his former wife, Emily Moreno, and harmed their toddler daughter. His former father-in-law, Republican senator Bernie Moreno, says Miller is unfit for office, while several GOP senators have publicly backed calls for his resignation. Miller denies the allegations, calls the accusers liars, has filed a defamation lawsuit against his former wife and says he will remain in the race. The Congressional Ethics Committee has opened an investigation, while Donald Trump has warned Miller that his reelection campaign will be difficult without taking a definitive public position. Republican leaders face a deadline to replace Miller on the ballot, amid concerns that the controversy could jeopardize the party's narrow House majority.

The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Ohio Republican representative Max Miller over allegations of domestic violence, abuse and illegal drug use. Miller denies the accusations, says he has nothing to hide and refuses to withdraw from his reelection campaign, while his former father-in-law, Senator Bernie Moreno, and several Republican colleagues have called for his resignation. The live coverage also reports that Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination advanced after he promised that a proposed $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund was dead; Jay Clayton was sworn in as the nation’s top intelligence official; prosecutors dropped charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn over damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool; and a federal judge paused New York restrictions on masked ICE agents. Other developments included the detention of University of Maryland instructor Berhanu Kibret by ICE, a reported US visa retaliation against Brazil, Michigan’s Senate primary, and a possible US ban on new Chinese data-center components.

Donald Trump declined to call for Republican representative Max Miller’s resignation after Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, alleged physical abuse involving herself and their daughter. Miller denies the allegations and is pursuing a defamation lawsuit. The live coverage also reports Senate progress on a temporary government-funding bill, Republican senators’ decision to advance Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after he withdrew a proposed $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund, and criticism that the agreement could be reversed. Twenty-five states sued the Trump administration over new tariffs, while border-wall contractors in New Mexico were ordered to stop drilling wells after ranchers raised concerns about groundwater during a severe drought. Other developments included an ethics panel’s recommendation to censure Representative Chuck Edwards, scrutiny of Jeanine Pirro, planned State Department mission closures, and continued political disputes over Iran, immigration and Democratic primary results.

Construction crews working on Trump administration border-wall barriers in drought-hit New Mexico were ordered to stop drilling new wells after ranchers warned that high-volume groundwater pumping could threaten livestock and local water supplies. Contractors reportedly planned to use the water for concrete, roads, barriers and dust control. The New Mexico state engineer’s office identified at least six wells under development along the border, several of which lacked legally required permits, and reported pumping rates far above those of nearby ranch wells. Customs and Border Protection said it would work with landowners to prevent construction from harming their water needs.

At least two people have died and more than 200 have been rescued as life-threatening flash floods swept central and south-central Texas. Up to 28 inches of rain fell in some areas, causing the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers to rise rapidly and trapping people in homes, vehicles, trees and on rooftops. Emergency warnings and shelter-in-place orders were issued across several counties, while officials urged residents to seek higher ground and avoid flooded roads. The flooding occurred almost exactly a year after catastrophic Texas Hill Country floods killed more than 100 people, including children and counselors at Camp Mystic.

Senators questioned CDC director nominee Erica Schwartz on whether she would resist pressure from health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr amid concerns about his anti-vaccine stance and influence over agency decisions. Schwartz pledged adherence to scientific evidence but avoided direct answers on hypothetical directives, including suspending flu vaccine campaigns. Lawmakers highlighted controversies such as altered CDC vaccine guidance, curtailed public health programs, and leadership upheaval following prior dismissals. Schwartz emphasized restoring CDC focus on infectious diseases and promised transparency while acknowledging limited awareness of recent agency changes.

A bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 5-1 to refer two complaints against Elon Musk to the Brown County district attorney, finding probable cause that his $1m payments to three voters before the 2025 state supreme court election likely violated Wisconsin’s election-bribery law. Musk distributed the checks while supporting conservative candidate Brad Schimel and arguing the election was vital to Donald Trump’s agenda. Musk and allied groups spent more than $20m on Schimel’s unsuccessful campaign, while his America PAC also offered cash for signing an anti-judge petition. The complaints were filed by voters in Milwaukee and Green Bay, and Wisconsin’s supreme court had declined to intervene before the payments were made.

The US carried out another seven-hour wave of strikes on Iranian military, naval and coastal-defense targets and renewed its blockade of Iranian ports, saying the operation was intended to reduce threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed it targeted US Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain, a US logistics center in Kuwait and a US base in Jordan, while Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drones and Bahrain sounded air-raid sirens; several Iranian claims could not be independently verified. Donald Trump threatened to strike Iranian power plants and bridges unless Tehran negotiates, while Iran said the blockade undermined an earlier interim agreement. The escalation has disrupted shipping, pushed oil prices higher and drawn opposition from Senate Democrats, alongside warnings about civilian harm and the possible illegality of attacks on essential infrastructure.

The live blog reports that Donald Trump said he saw no apparent foul play in Senator Lindsey Graham’s death, despite an FBI presence at Graham’s residence and circulating conspiracy theories; a preliminary medical finding attributed the death to aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease. Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was sworn in as his temporary Senate replacement. The coverage also follows escalating US strikes and threats against Iran, Trump’s withdrawal of a proposed Strait of Hormuz shipping fee, deadly encounters involving ICE agents in Maine, Texas and Florida, and calls for investigations into immigration-enforcement practices. Other developments include Supreme Court justices seeking $14.6 million in additional security funding, House passage of a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, Senate Democratic opposition to advancing a defense bill amid the Iran conflict, lawsuits over the Trump administration’s treatment of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, and the reported blocking of Navy officer promotions by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Two titan arum corpse flowers bloomed simultaneously at the Huntington in San Marino, drawing more than 7,000 visitors to view the rare and short-lived event. Staff alerted the public when the blooms opened, prompting long lines and sold‑out advance tickets. Curator Brandon Tam described visitors as captivated by the plants, which emit a strong odor to attract pollinators. The Huntington has cultivated titan arums for over 25 years and shares seedlings nationwide to support conservation of the endangered species, which is native to western Sumatra and has fewer than 1,000 wild specimens remaining.

An ICE officer fatally shot a 26-year-old Colombian man in Biddeford, Maine, during an immigration enforcement operation after authorities said he attempted to flee in a vehicle. The Maine attorney general’s office and DHS confirmed the shooting, while immigrant-rights groups identified the victim’s nationality and witnesses described a head wound. Senator Angus King raised concerns about the lack of body cameras and sought state and local involvement in the FBI-led investigation; later accounts disputed whether the victim was the operation’s target. Protests followed, with demonstrators calling for ICE to be abolished. The live blog also covered the appointment of Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to his Senate seat, US strikes and a proposed maritime blockade involving Iran, efforts by Marco Rubio to pressure the International Criminal Court, and Donald Trump’s decision to reduce protections for two Utah national monuments.

Donald Trump approved plans to reduce Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by nearly 1.5 million acres each, reversing protections established by Bill Clinton and Barack Obama and previously restored by Joe Biden. The monuments contain sacred tribal sites, archaeological remains and valuable coal and uranium deposits. Trump and Utah officials argue the boundaries are excessive and restrict mining and energy development, while environmental groups and tribal representatives call the move illegal, harmful and lacking meaningful consultation. Earthjustice says it will pursue legal action to preserve the protections.

Minnesota prosecutors obtained long-withheld federal evidence related to the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, including body‑camera footage and statements previously denied to the state. Hennepin County attorney Mary Moriarty said the material is now under review, fulfilling longstanding community demands. Families of the victims welcomed the development but criticized federal officials, including US attorney Daniel Rosen, for refusing to confirm broader cooperation. The FBI had earlier declined to share investigative materials, prompting calls from Governor Tim Walz for an impartial inquiry. The cases involve shootings by ICE and CBP officers during immigration crackdowns, with one officer already facing assault and false‑reporting charges in a related incident.

Weeks-long water outages across Puerto Rico, worsened by the rupture of the Superaqueduct pipeline in Bayamón and further treatment-plant and reservoir disruptions, have severely affected households and businesses. Restaurants and cafes in San Juan are spending hundreds of dollars daily on tanker water and supplies, while residents without cisterns face costly and difficult collection efforts. The crisis has prompted Governor Jenniffer González-Colón to activate the National Guard for water distribution, and San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero has sued the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewer Authority. Drought, aging infrastructure, poverty and the approaching hurricane season are intensifying the strain.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio announced the deportation of Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian immigrant pardoned in Minnesota after a 2006 sexual conduct conviction. Despite his recent pardon and a judge’s earlier order for release from federal custody, the administration revoked his legal status and removed him to Laos. Republican officials criticized Minnesota leaders for the pardon, while the Department of Homeland Security clarified Vang’s immigration history and prior removal order.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers called on the Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen hospice reporting requirements to prevent discrimination and coercion in medically assisted suicide. The legislators raised concerns that older adults and people with disabilities may face pressure to end their lives and requested monitoring of insurance practices, adherence to federal funding restrictions, and potential financial conflicts among witnesses. They also highlighted disability advocacy concerns and cited data showing more than 14,000 physician-assisted suicide deaths since 1997.

David Hearn, a former US Olympic canoe racer, pleaded not guilty to a felony property destruction charge related to alleged damage to the refurbished reflecting pool on the National Mall. Prosecutors claim he forcefully removed parts of the new liner, while his attorney argues the case is politically motivated and unsupported by evidence. The incident follows controversy surrounding renovation projects initiated under Donald Trump, which have faced technical issues and public scrutiny. Hearn denies any vandalism, asserts he was wrongly arrested, and awaits a status hearing in August.

Democratic leaders intensified calls for Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. With a withdrawal deadline approaching, party officials are preparing for a potential replacement, with several prominent Maine figures under consideration. The unfolding scandal complicates Democratic efforts to unseat Republican senator Susan Collins in a closely watched race critical to Senate control. The live coverage also reported on Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland, a federal appeals court ruling against Florida’s Stop Woke Act, escalating US-Iran tensions, and internal Republican concerns over Mitch McConnell’s continued hospitalization.

A flash‑mob style meetup promoted on TikTok triggered large crowds, fires, and violence in Newport Beach over the Fourth of July weekend, resulting in 402 arrests and a major multi‑agency police deployment. Authorities reported blocked roadways, explosives thrown at officers, and more than 100 emergency incidents, including 10 fires. Most arrestees were young people from outside the city. Officials cited a growing national trend of social‑media‑driven teen takeovers, with recent incidents in Florida and Chicago prompting federal and local warnings about parental responsibility and heightened enforcement.

Democratic leaders and progressive groups rapidly withdrew endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a Politico report in which Jenny Racicot accused him of sexual assault, prompting widespread calls for him to exit the race. Platner denied the allegations but acknowledged the political impact as top Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and Cory Booker, urged replacement before the July deadline. Additional developments included Trump’s launch of government-backed investment accounts, his rejection in a defamation judgment delay, and ongoing political and legal events such as National Guard-related shootings, NATO summit preparations, and preliminary hearings in the Charlie Kirk shooting case.

The supreme court upheld birthright citizenship, blocked efforts to end it through executive action, allowed state bans on transgender women in female sports, and struck down limits on political party campaign spending. Donald Trump vowed to pursue congressional action to restrict birthright citizenship and announced new Republican political initiatives, including a pre-midterm national convention. The court also agreed to hear challenges to semiautomatic rifle bans and declined to review age-based firearm restrictions. Additional developments included a ruling blocking new student loan forgiveness limits, disclosures of Trump’s significant crypto income, internal Republican procedural disputes in the House, and federal disaster relief allocations announced by the president.

Donald Trump announced that Republicans will hold their first midterm national convention in Dallas on 9–10 September, breaking with the tradition of limiting such gatherings to presidential election years. Positioned as a strategy to energize voters and preserve GOP congressional majorities, the event aims to showcase Trump’s record and unify the party ahead of competitive races, including Texas’s closely contested Senate contest between Ken Paxton and James Talarico. The move follows rule changes by the Republican National Committee, while Democrats declined to pursue a similar midterm convention, focusing instead on local and state organizing.

The Supreme Court issued multiple rulings expanding presidential authority, most notably allowing Donald Trump to fire leaders of independent agencies, overturning decades of precedent. Additional decisions included rejecting Trump’s appeal in the E. Jean Carroll case, upholding state policies allowing late-arriving mail-in ballots, and preventing Trump from firing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. The day’s political developments also included Trump’s nomination of Keith Sonderling as labor secretary, statements on gas prices and fertilizer imports, and growing controversy over the bipartisan housing bill. Disclosures from Supreme Court justices revealed significant outside income and gifts. Broader political tensions persisted, including disputes over election laws, federalism, and the influence of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Donald Trump nominated acting labor secretary Keith Sonderling for the permanent position, praising his prior experience in the Labor Department. Sonderling expressed gratitude and emphasized his intent to advance the administration’s agenda if confirmed. He recently drew attention for pressuring states to combat alleged unemployment insurance fraud, threatening to withhold administrative funds while offering no evidence for claims targeting Democratic-led states. The vacancy followed the resignation of Lori Chavez-DeRemer amid misconduct allegations involving her and her husband. Sonderling’s past roles include service at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other federal agencies.

Primary results in Ohio and Indiana solidified key 2026 midterm matchups, with Sherrod Brown and Jon Husted securing Senate nominations in Ohio and Trump‑backed candidates performing strongly in Indiana. California’s gubernatorial debate produced sharp exchanges among leading contenders as early voting began, with healthcare policy, affordability, and ties to Donald Trump becoming focal points. Additional results in Ohio and Indiana shaped several congressional races, while national developments included rising US fuel prices, continued Iran tensions, and a Senate Republican proposal for expanded immigration enforcement funding.

Democrats praised the US supreme court’s temporary restoration of access to abortion pills while warning of continued efforts to impose a national ban. The Trump administration faced scrutiny for actions across multiple fronts, including climate litigation interference, pressure on international aid institutions, and efforts to reshape election maps in Louisiana. Rising tensions with Iran, investigations into federal payouts for sexual harassment, and Kamala Harris’s high-profile endorsements further shaped the political landscape. A judge criticized the treatment of the suspect in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, while reports indicated the administration may introduce federal oversight of new AI models. Broader national debates on climate accountability, voting rights, and reproductive healthcare defined the day’s developments.

US officials announced an extension of the Israel‑Lebanon ceasefire as Donald Trump claimed the US had struck most of its targets in Iran and warned Tehran remained in turmoil. Iran’s leadership dismissed suggestions of internal division. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, including the killing of journalist Amal Khalil, drew international condemnation. Hezbollah continued limited attacks while insisting on Israeli compliance with the ceasefire. Global markets reacted to uncertainty around the conflict, with rising oil prices and mixed equities performance. Disputes emerged over Iran’s participation in the World Cup, while political and military tensions persisted around control of the strait of Hormuz and the broader regional conflict.

A former Interior Department inspector general urged the justice department to conduct its audit of compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act independently and without political pressure. The live coverage detailed multiple developments in the Trump administration, including a planned internal audit of Epstein-related releases, discussions of a possible bailout of Spirit Airlines, continued fallout from Trump’s comments amplifying anti-immigrant rhetoric, diplomatic activity around extending a Lebanon ceasefire, and a reported intention to invite Vladimir Putin to the G‑20 summit. Additional updates included criticism of a Paramount-hosted dinner amid a major media merger, remarks on the Iran conflict, and Trump’s meeting with Los Angeles leaders over wildfire recovery.

Escalating tensions around the US‑Israel war on Iran included Iran’s seizure of two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, continued US naval blockades, and rising regional violence, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed journalist Amal Khalil. Diplomatic efforts showed little progress as Trump extended the ceasefire without a set deadline and Iranian officials rejected conditions tied to the blockade. Energy markets responded with oil prices jumping above $100, while airlines raised fares due to fuel costs. Lebanon prepared to request a truce extension in upcoming talks in Washington, and Pakistan remained locked down in anticipation of uncertain US‑Iran negotiations.

The Pentagon abruptly removed navy secretary John C Phelan during the Iran conflict and installed deputy Hung Cao, drawing renewed scrutiny of Cao’s past comments and political views. Republican senators attacked a proposed federal bailout of Spirit Airlines amid soaring fuel costs, while Colorado governor Jared Polis mocked the plan. Virginia’s attorney general vowed to appeal an injunction blocking certification of a voter-approved redistricting referendum as Donald Trump amplified false claims of election rigging. Congress mourned the death of Representative David Scott. Senate hearings featured clashes over vaccine policy involving health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, with Republican chair Bill Cassidy publicly correcting Kennedy’s claims in real time. Senate Republicans prepared for extended voting on an immigration enforcement bill as broader political tensions continued across multiple policy fronts.

The United States extended its ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request while maintaining a naval blockade that officials say is rapidly pressuring Iran’s oil infrastructure. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled as Tehran withholds participation in new talks, prompting Washington to keep key officials in place and sustain military readiness. UK‑ and France‑led planning for a multinational mission to secure navigation in the strait of Hormuz is set to advance in London, as regional violence persists between Israel and Hezbollah and humanitarian needs rise in Lebanon. Supply chain disruptions from the conflict continue to affect global markets, including energy shipments and manufacturing inputs. International leaders signal that further negotiations hinge on whether the US lifts its blockade, while Washington emphasizes continued economic and maritime pressure to force concessions from Tehran.

Virginia voters approved new congressional maps that are expected to benefit Democrats in upcoming midterm elections, prompting praise from prominent party leaders. The decision comes amid ongoing nationwide battles over redistricting initiated after Republican-backed map changes in several states. Additional developments included a federal fraud indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, a court ruling allowing Texas schools to display the Ten Commandments, scrutiny of FBI director Kash Patel, and declining approval ratings for Donald Trump tied to economic concerns and the war in Iran.

Democrats cast Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s resignation as further evidence of turmoil within the Trump administration, following multiple recent cabinet departures and ongoing misconduct investigations. Kash Patel faced renewed scrutiny over allegations of excessive drinking, prompting calls for his resignation and a defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic. Trump invoked the Defense Production Act in energy directives as fuel prices climbed during the war in Iran, while Senate Democrats prepared another war powers resolution to limit his military actions. California’s governor’s race tightened as several Democratic candidates exited or fell in polling, raising concerns about potential Republican advancement. Additional developments included tariff refund mechanisms launching, FISA negotiations continuing, and growing tensions over Iran-related policy decisions.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least five people as clashes erupted between Hamas fighters and an Israeli‑backed militia. The US–Iran conflict continued to escalate, with Donald Trump offering mixed signals about negotiations while maintaining a naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, which forced multiple vessels to turn back. Oil prices rose sharply amid uncertainty, and diplomatic efforts intensified as the deadline for a 14‑day truce approached. Iranian and Russian officials held talks urging continued diplomacy, while UK officials highlighted the global economic impact of the strait’s closure. A potential US delegation to Pakistan, led by JD Vance, remained dependent on Iran’s willingness to resume negotiations.