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Maya Yang

Politics & Government · United Kingdom
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The Guardian Aug 2026
What We Know About Tupac Shakur’s Death and What to Expect From the Murder Trial
Duane “Keffe D” Davis is on trial as the only person ever charged in Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder. Prosecutors allege that Davis helped organize the shooting, even though he was not the gunman, under Nevada’s felony-murder and aiding-and-abetting laws. Shakur was shot from a white Cadillac on the Las Vegas Strip after an earlier confrontation involving Davis’s nephew, Orlando Anderson, and died six days later. Davis’s interviews and 2019 memoir, in which he acknowledged obtaining and passing along the gun, helped revive the investigation and led to his 2023 arrest and indictment. He has pleaded not guilty.
The Guardian Aug 2026
Judge approves Trump effort to end South Sudan TPS protections
A federal judge, Patti Saris, ruled that the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status for more than 300 South Sudanese nationals and pending applicants in the United States. The decision follows the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians to be terminated. Saris rejected arguments that the Department of Homeland Security lacked authority to end the designation, while immigrant-rights groups warned that South Sudan’s escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis make deportation dangerous. The termination could leave affected people vulnerable to detention and deportation despite pending immigration applications.
The Guardian Aug 2026
Trump again rebukes Jeanine Pirro over reflecting pool ‘vandalism’ case
Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Jeanine Pirro after her office moved to dismiss vandalism charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn and three others. A court filing attributed damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool to a botched renovation rather than vandalism, contradicting Trump’s claims. The dispute followed a reported heated Oval Office meeting involving Pirro and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, while Hearn’s lawyers are considering civil suits, bar referrals, sanctions and reimbursement of legal expenses.
The Guardian Aug 2026
Trump administration to pay German firm $1.22bn to cut offshore wind leases
RWE will receive $1.22bn from the US government to relinquish offshore wind leases off New York, California and Louisiana, with $900m directed toward a Louisiana LNG project and $300m reserved for a pipeline of natural-gas peaker plants. The settlement is the largest of a series of Trump administration deals compensating energy companies for abandoning clean-energy projects, bringing taxpayer spending on canceled offshore wind developments to nearly $4bn. Officials describe the agreement as supporting energy security and affordable electricity, while critics and state attorneys general argue that the deals improperly favor fossil fuels, burden taxpayers and undermine renewable energy. Environmental researchers have also documented repeated pollution violations at fully operational US LNG facilities.
The Guardian Aug 2026
Toronto Zoo announces birth of pygmy hippo calf, third for mother Kindia
The Toronto Zoo announced the birth of a female pygmy hippo calf to 20-year-old mother Kindia, her third calf. The newborn stood shortly after birth, began nursing within hours and is reportedly doing well, although zoo officials are monitoring both animals closely because survival rates for the endangered species are challenging. The calf was conceived after Kindia was introduced to the 31-year-old male Harvey. The zoo said the birth supports conservation breeding efforts as habitat loss from logging, mining, farming and human settlement threatens the estimated 2,000–3,000 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild.
The Guardian Aug 2026
‘Disturbing’: TikTok faces criticism after Perez Hilton livestreams self-harm
Perez Hilton livestreamed himself engaging in self-harm on TikTok, prompting viewers to plead with him to stop and leading local authorities in Miami to take him to hospital. Users criticized TikTok over the length of time the broadcast was available, although the company said its automated systems flagged it within minutes, that the stream lasted about 15 minutes, and that subsequent broadcasts were quickly removed before Hilton’s account was banned. Recordings spread across other platforms, prompting warnings and mental-health support messages, while Hilton’s family confirmed that he is receiving medical care and asked for privacy.
The Guardian Aug 2026
CDC reportedly expands scope of US cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, including Arkansas and Missouri
The CDC has reportedly expanded its investigation into the largest known US cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, adding Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina. By 28 July, 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases and about 11,500 suspected cases had been recorded across 45 states, with Michigan and Ohio most affected. Michigan has reported 11,234 outbreak-linked cases and the first two US deaths associated with the outbreak. The FDA identified iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico as the source of one outbreak, prompting a voluntary recall across multiple states. Officials advise consumers not to eat the recalled lettuce and to seek medical care if symptoms develop.
The Guardian Aug 2026
House committee launches investigation into Republican lawmaker amid domestic abuse allegations – as it happened
The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Ohio Republican representative Max Miller over allegations of domestic violence, abuse and illegal drug use after Miller said he welcomed the inquiry. Miller denied the accusations and rejected calls to resign, while his former father-in-law, Senator Bernie Moreno, and several Republican senators argued that he should leave Congress. The live coverage also reported Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination advancing after assurances that a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund was abandoned; the swearing-in of Jay Clayton as the nation’s top intelligence official; an immigration detention involving University of Maryland instructor Berhanu Kibret; possible US restrictions on Chinese data-center components; and developments in Michigan’s Senate primary.
The Guardian Aug 2026
University of Maryland ‘teacher of the year’ detained by ICE in Texas
Berhanu Kibret, a pharmacy instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, was detained by ICE at Dallas-Fort Worth airport after returning from a professional meeting where he received a teacher-of-the-year award. Homeland Security said he entered the United States in 2021 and overstayed a visa that expired in May 2024, while the university said he had valid work authorization and urged a rapid resolution so he could return to teaching. The detention has prompted concern on campus and criticism of the Trump administration’s pledge to prioritize people with serious criminal records, especially as most new deportation proceedings identified in a Guardian analysis involved people without criminal convictions. The case follows the detention and release of Johns Hopkins researcher Fatima Ameaka, whose attorney said she had a pending asylum case and work authorization through 2029.
The Guardian Aug 2026
Trump declines to call for Max Miller’s resignation amid abuse allegations – as it happened
Donald Trump declined to call for Republican Representative Max Miller’s resignation after Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of domestic abuse; Miller denies the allegations and is suing Moreno for defamation. The live coverage also reports an 89–4 Senate vote advancing a temporary government-funding measure, a tentative path toward Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general after he withdrew a proposed $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund, and a lawsuit by 25 states challenging new Trump administration tariffs. Other developments include a House ethics panel recommending censure for Representative Chuck Edwards, a halt to border-wall well drilling in New Mexico amid ranchers’ water concerns, planned State Department mission closures, and continuing tensions over immigration, Iran policy and Trump administration actions.
The Guardian Aug 2026
Trump accuses Jeanine Pirro of ‘folding’ by dropping reflecting pool charges
Donald Trump publicly criticized Washington DC US attorney Jeanine Pirro after her office dropped vandalism charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn over damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. Justice Department documents indicated that the pool liner was already failing because of a rushed and flawed installation, rather than being damaged by vandalism. Trump said Pirro had “folded” under pressure from the judge and suggested he was disappointed with her, while reports indicated he may consider removing her. Pirro’s office said it only learned of the installation problems after the indictment was returned, and administration officials said Trump was blindsided by the decision.
The Guardian Aug 2026
Nolan Wells death: at least two people charged over alleged threats to officials
Two people, Michelle Francine Edwards and Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce, have been charged with allegedly threatening Mississippi officials amid heightened scrutiny of the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. Edwards allegedly made repeated bomb and death threats to county offices, prompting a lockdown, while Dumarce allegedly threatened chancery judge Ashlee Cole, whose son was on the boat trip with Wells. Wells, a Black college freshman, was found dead after traveling to Horn Island with three white friends, fueling racial tensions and online speculation. An independent autopsy cited by family attorney Benjamin Crump reportedly found missing neck tissue and discoloration, while the official state autopsy has been completed but remains unreleased as its results were sent to a grand jury.
The Guardian Aug 2026
Justice department admits reflecting pool damage not caused by vandals as it moves to drop charges against Olympian – as it happened
The Justice Department asked a Washington court to dismiss charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn after Interior Department documents showed that damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was caused by a rushed, defective renovation by Atlantic Industrial Coatings rather than vandalism. Hearn's lawyers said the prosecution reflected an abuse of government power and called for an apology. Other major developments included reports that the Treasury Department intervened to support the Japanese yen, a federal proposal requiring major water cuts in California, Arizona and Nevada amid the Colorado River crisis, and Kamala Harris's statement that she has not decided whether to run for president in 2028. Donald Trump defended his Iran policy, expressed uncertainty about sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine, criticized congressional Republicans and blamed Minnesota leaders for a cyberattack on water systems. The live coverage also reported criticism of the administration's treatment of immigrant children and Democratic divisions over candidates and policy.
The Guardian Jul 2026
New York sues Kalshi prediction market alleging ‘illegal gambling operation’
New York has sued Kalshi, seeking to halt its operations, recover profits, provide restitution to consumers and impose substantial fines. Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James allege that Kalshi’s event-based contracts are unlicensed gambling, avoid state taxes, and allow users aged 18 to 20 to place bets that would require users to be at least 21 under New York mobile sports-betting rules. Kalshi argues that it is a federally licensed financial exchange, that users trade against one another rather than a gambling house, and that federal law gives the Commodity Futures Trading Commission exclusive authority. The dispute is part of a broader nationwide legal conflict involving more than 20 federal lawsuits, state gambling regulators and prediction-market operators. Courts and regulators are also weighing concerns that these platforms may contribute to gambling addiction.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Iraq says it had ‘no prior knowledge’ of US-Saudi attacks – as it happened
Iraq denied prior knowledge of US-Saudi strikes on its territory that reportedly killed at least 20 members of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces, contradicting Donald Trump’s claim that the attacks were coordinated with Baghdad. Saudi Arabia alleged that Iran-aligned groups launched drones from Iraq, but Iraqi officials said Riyadh had provided no evidence and rejected both unilateral attacks from within Iraq and violations of its borders. The coverage also reported heavy US strikes on Iran, Iranian attacks on US forces in Kuwait, continuing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, and Saudi preparations for a possible offensive against Yemen’s Houthis. Separately, Trump announced an agreement for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw gradually from Gaza, but Hamas tied disarmament to Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction, while Israeli officials said the proposal did not meet their demands for complete demilitarisation. Negotiations between Washington and Tehran were reported to be continuing through Pakistani mediation despite the escalation.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Republican congressman Max Miller faces backlash over domestic abuse allegations
Ohio Republican congressman Max Miller is facing calls to resign after his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of domestic abuse, including allegedly holding a gun to her head and throwing hot water at her. Miller denies the allegations and says no police reports were filed. His former girlfriend Stephanie Grisham has also accused him of abuse, leading to related defamation litigation and a confidential settlement dispute. Gun-violence prevention group Giffords has called for Miller’s resignation or expulsion, while Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter has said Miller should face jail if the allegations are proven. The controversy comes as Miller campaigns for re-election amid a close race and an ongoing custody dispute involving his daughter.
The Guardian Jul 2026
American Red Cross declares second-ever national blood supply crisis
The American Red Cross has declared its second national blood supply crisis after donations fell to a four-year summer low, leaving less than a day’s supply of type O positive blood. The organization says hospital demand has risen during the summer trauma season while extreme heat, poor air quality and foodborne illnesses have reduced donor turnout. It estimates that three additional donors at each blood drive could stabilize supplies and emphasizes the need for all blood types to preserve type O for emergencies. Other blood organizations, including Vitalant and the Connecticut Blood Center, have also reported shortages, while only about 3% of eligible Americans donate annually.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Man who stabbed Salman Rushdie in 2022 convicted of federal terrorism charges
Hadi Matar was convicted by a federal jury of all charges arising from his 2022 stabbing of Salman Rushdie, including engaging in an act of transnational terrorism. Matar, already serving a 25-year New York state sentence for attempted murder, could face life in federal prison. Prosecutors said he consumed extremist propaganda, contacted an Iran-based individual and investigated whether the fatwa against Rushdie remained active. Rushdie was stabbed 15 times, lost sight in one eye and later wrote the memoir Knife about the attack.
The Guardian Jul 2026
US Senate votes to advance Russia sanctions bill that would give Trump new tariff powers – as it happened
The US Senate voted 86–12 to advance the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, despite Democratic concerns that it grants Donald Trump broad and potentially unchecked authority to impose tariffs and waive sanctions. Senators Peter Welch and Jon Ossoff said they supported Ukraine but opposed the bill’s vague tariff provisions, while Zelenskyy urged passage and discussed renewed US permission for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptors, including possible cooperation with Lockheed Martin. The Senate also confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence by 51–47, over objections that his lack of intelligence experience and refusal to acknowledge Biden’s 2020 victory raised concerns about political interference. Other developments included US and Saudi strikes on Iran-linked forces in Iraq, an intercepted Iranian missile attack on US forces, reported plans to end Medicare drug-plan subsidies, pressure on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to cut vaccines more aggressively, and protests against Palantir’s government-surveillance and immigration-enforcement work.
The Guardian Jul 2026
US diplomats stage UN walkout after France criticizes human rights record under Trump
US diplomats walked out of a UN Security Council meeting after France condemned the Trump administration’s human rights record and its opposition to renewing Volker Türk as UN human rights chief. France’s Geneva mission accused the US of abandoning its former leadership role, while US ambassador Michael Waltz and deputy ambassador Dan Negrea denounced France’s criticism and defended the United States as a beacon of liberty. The dispute follows bipartisan US criticism of new tariffs imposed on more than 80 countries, with opponents arguing that forced-labor allegations were being used as a pretext for the policy.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Several US schools to install pepper-spraying drones to respond to school shootings
Schools in Georgia, Florida and Colorado are preparing to deploy remotely operated drones equipped with pepper-ball launchers, speakers, sirens and other capabilities to respond to confirmed school shootings. Austin-based Campus Guardian Angel says the system was inspired by small-drone warfare in Ukraine and is intended to distract or incapacitate attackers until law enforcement arrives. Georgia has allocated $550,000 for the program, while one Florida school plans to install 39 drones. Critics, including the father of a Parkland shooting victim, argue that the technology reacts to attacks rather than preventing them and could divert attention from broader school-safety measures.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Savannah Guthrie renews plea for answers in mother’s disappearance: ‘Do the right thing’
Savannah Guthrie has renewed her emotional appeal for those responsible for her mother Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to provide information about her whereabouts. Nancy, 84, was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona, home on 1 February, and authorities believe she was abducted. Investigators found blood at the property and DNA on a glove initially linked to a surveillance suspect, but the glove was later determined to belong to a restaurant worker. The Guthrie family is offering a $1m reward, while the FBI has added $100,000 for conclusive information. No arrests had been made as of 27 July.
The Guardian Jul 2026
New Jersey governor signs law banning surveillance pricing to protect shoppers
New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act, making New Jersey the third US state after Maryland and Connecticut to prohibit businesses from using personal data such as online activity, location and purchasing history to set different prices for identical products. The law covers groceries and other essential items but preserves loyalty programs and other discounts. It also establishes a one-year pause on the rollout of new electronic shelf labels while the New Jersey Innovation Authority studies their effects. Labor representatives welcomed the measure, citing concerns about AI-driven pricing and potential risks to shoppers and union grocery jobs. A similar bill is awaiting action in New York.
The Guardian Jul 2026
5.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Texas panhandle
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck the Texas Panhandle at about 5:21 a.m., with its epicenter southeast of Spearman and roughly 68 miles from Amarillo. The quake occurred at a depth of 3.5 miles and was the region’s strongest since 1900. No deaths or injuries were reported, although residents across Texas, western Oklahoma and southwestern Kansas described shaking and minor household disruption.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Saxophonist Plas Johnson, known for solo on The Pink Panther Theme, dies aged 94
Plas Johnson, the Louisiana-born jazz saxophonist celebrated for his 1963 tenor sax solo on Henry Mancini’s The Pink Panther Theme, died in Los Angeles at age 94. His death was reported by KKJZ and the Donaldsonville Chief, with family members acknowledging it on social media. Johnson’s career began with family performances before moving into recording and touring, later becoming a prominent Los Angeles session musician who worked with artists including Frank Sinatra, BB King, Marvin Gaye and Nat King Cole. His Pink Panther performance became one of the most iconic film score solos, with the soundtrack earning multiple awards. Johnson died six days before his 95th birthday.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Trump says Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested if he visits the US
Donald Trump said Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not be arrested if he visits the US despite an International Criminal Court warrant. His comments follow New York mayor Zohran Mamdani’s consideration of whether city authorities could detain Netanyahu during the UN general assembly. Mamdani, who argues that Netanyahu should face trial in The Hague, is examining his legal authority to direct local police to act. The US does not recognize ICC jurisdiction, though Mamdani campaigned on enforcing international law. Other Israeli and Hamas leaders are also subject to ICC warrants related to alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Weather warnings as tropical depression develops along US Gulf coast
A developing tropical depression near the US Gulf coast is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, prompting storm surge and tropical storm watches from Louisiana to Florida. The system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, possible flash flooding, and isolated tornadoes over several days. Separately, Tropical Storm Fausto off Mexico’s Pacific coast is strengthening and is expected to become a hurricane, with dangerous swells likely to affect the Baja California Peninsula.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Born on the Fourth of July: mixed feelings for people who share a birthday with the US’s 250th anniversary
Americans born on the Fourth of July describe conflicted feelings about sharing their birthdays with the United States’ 250th anniversary, citing frustration with the political climate, civil rights setbacks and what they view as Donald Trump’s self-serving approach to the celebrations. Several compare the milestone unfavorably to the 1976 bicentennial, expressing disappointment in the nation’s direction and the tone of the festivities. While some retain fond memories of the holiday, many say this year’s commemorations feel tarnished, prompting them to forgo public celebrations.
The Guardian Jul 2026
‘The wheels are coming off’: readers reflect on the 250th anniversary of the American experiment
Readers express deep cynicism and anxiety as the US approaches its 250th anniversary, citing civil rights rollbacks, declining global credibility and political polarization under the Trump administration. Many describe shame, disillusionment and fear for the country’s future, while a few see the milestone as an opportunity for reflection or potential change. The collected voices depict a nation at what many consider a tipping point, with concerns over corruption, erosion of democratic values and growing social division.
The Guardian Jul 2026
Two people arrested after unfolding banner atop Empire State Building
Two climbers believed to be Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus ascended the Empire State Building’s spire, unfurled a banner promoting peace and staged a marriage proposal before descending to a lower platform. Police arrested both individuals, deployed drones and a helicopter to monitor the stunt, and recovered the banner. No injuries were reported, charges were pending, and street closures occurred around 5th Avenue and 34th Street. Social media posts and past high‑rise stunts helped identify the pair, who previously appeared in a Netflix documentary.
The Guardian Jun 2026
New York: two killed and 20 injured in Long Island Expressway crash
A coach bus traveling westbound on the Long Island Expressway in Queens struck a vehicle late Monday night, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving four additional vehicles. The bus flipped over the median into oncoming traffic, resulting in the deaths of the bus driver and a passenger, with 20 others injured. One driver remains in critical condition. The National Transportation Safety Board opened a federal investigation, and emergency crews deployed significant resources to the scene. All lanes, blocked immediately after the crash, reopened by Tuesday afternoon.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Jetway jackpot: man wins $3.3m on slot machine at Las Vegas airport
A traveler identified as Anthony won more than $3.3m on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International airport while on a layover. The airport and International Game Technology confirmed the win and shared a photo of the player. The report notes federal tax rules on gambling winnings and highlights previous large jackpots at the airport over the past year.
The Guardian Jun 2026
New York City will freeze rent for 1m apartments in big victory for Mamdani
New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board voted to freeze rent on one- and two-year leases for approximately 1 million rent‑stabilized apartments, marking a key policy win for Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The decision drew praise from tenant advocates and criticism from property owner groups, with one board member resigning ahead of the vote. Mamdani also announced a $15 million investment in transgender healthcare, including expanded access to gender‑affirming services and new support resources.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Supreme court hands Trump administration big win with rulings on key immigration cases – as it happened
Major Supreme Court rulings gave the Trump administration authority to end TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians and to turn back asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border, reinforcing its hardline immigration agenda. The court also struck down Hawaii’s gun restrictions and ruled in favor of Monsanto in a pesticide case. Political tensions intensified as Democrats condemned the immigration decisions and criticized the administration’s handling of disaster relief and funding for the Iran conflict. Additional disputes emerged over the reflecting pool vandalism claims, JD Vance’s comments about Watergate, and confrontations during a congressional hearing with DHS secretary Markwayne Mullin. The closure of Florida’s controversial Alligator Alcatraz detention center marked another flashpoint in ongoing immigration debates.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Trump gets in shouting match with Republican senator amid standoff over housing bill and president’s anger at war powers vote – as it happened
Donald Trump clashed with Senator Bill Cassidy during a closed-door GOP meeting over the ongoing Iran conflict while also escalating tensions in Congress by canceling the signing of a bipartisan housing bill to pressure lawmakers into supporting a restrictive voting measure. Trump delivered partisan remarks at a National Mall event and repeated disputed claims about vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. Internationally, Nato’s Mark Rutte praised Trump’s stance on Iran even as Israel’s refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon complicated US-Iran peace talks. Congressional Democrats challenged proposed USPS changes that could limit mail voting, and calls emerged for a national AI datacenter moratorium. Additional developments included leadership shake-ups within the US military, significant spending at Trump properties by political groups, and primary election setbacks for candidates backed by House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Judge orders Trump administration to explain tarp obscuring Kennedy Center
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to explain the purpose of a tarp and scaffolding obscuring the Kennedy Center’s facade after Donald Trump’s name was removed under court order. The ruling follows a lawsuit by Representative Joyce Beatty that led to the removal of Trump’s name and a temporary block on plans to close the venue for renovations. Beatty’s legal team argued the tarp was an attempt to undermine restoration of the center’s original name, while Representative Jamie Raskin criticized it as a cover-up. Judge Christopher Cooper reaffirmed that only Congress can rename the Kennedy Center and suspended renovation plans he deemed ill‑conceived.
The Guardian Jun 2026
New York primaries: three Mamdani allies clinch Democratic nominations and Kennedy heir loses to self-confessed ‘nerd’ – as it happened
Progressive Democrats secured multiple victories in New York’s congressional primaries, marking a strong night for candidates aligned with New York mayor Zohran Mamdani. Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Chevalier each won competitive races, while Micah Lasher defeated Jack Schlossberg in the 12th district. Additional key results included Cait Conley’s win in New York’s 17th district and Nancy Lacore’s victory in a South Carolina runoff. Maryland and Utah also reported primary outcomes, contributing to a broader picture of shifting dynamics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Trump says DC reflecting pool repairs may not be done in time for 4 July
Repairs to the algae-stricken Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool may not be completed before the Fourth of July celebration planned by President Donald Trump. Trump continues to claim, without evidence, that extensive vandalism caused the damage, asserting multiple arrests despite no verification from authorities. Documents reviewed by the New York Times show earlier structural issues, peeling sealant and ineffective algae-control systems unrelated to the renovation’s blue coating. Additional concerns emerged after dead ducks were found in nearby waters. The renovation problems coincide with Trump’s broader effort to refurbish monuments ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, which Democrats criticize as wasteful and misaligned with public economic concerns.
The Guardian Jun 2026
New York lawmaker calls it 'sad' that cafe banned him over his pro-Israel views
A Brooklyn café, Poetica Coffee, banned Representative Dan Goldman over his pro‑Israel views, prompting a federal civil rights investigation announced by assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon. Goldman criticized the ban as misguided, urging the Justice Department to focus on broader antisemitism. The shop’s since‑deleted social media post accused him of supporting genocide and predicted his electoral defeat. The dispute unfolds amid a Democratic primary against Brad Lander, who has criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. Federal officials stated that discrimination in public accommodations may violate civil‑rights law.
The Guardian Jun 2026
US supreme court reinstates murder conviction in case of Etan Patz
The US Supreme Court reinstated the murder conviction of Pedro Hernandez for the 1979 disappearance of six-year-old Etan Patz, overturning a Second Circuit decision that had vacated the conviction based on concerns over jury instructions regarding Hernandez’s confessions. The Court ruled that the appeals panel exceeded its authority in questioning the reliability of the confessions. Hernandez’s attorneys criticized the ruling, arguing their client’s confession was coerced and false. Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg welcomed the decision, affirming the office’s commitment to the Patz family. Hernandez’s earlier trial in 2015 ended in a mistrial before his 2017 conviction and sentence of 25 years to life.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Every time you turn around, there’s a new price increase: US small‑business optimism plummets
Small‑business confidence in the US has declined as owners face rising costs, labor shortages and reduced consumer demand. Inflation, higher fuel prices linked to conflict in the Middle East and supply‑chain disruptions are straining margins across industries. Business owners report scaling back operations, raising prices or adjusting product offerings to remain viable. Some cite political and policy changes, including tariffs and healthcare challenges, as exacerbating financial pressure. Uncertainty has made retirement and business sales more difficult, leaving many concerned about long‑term survival.
The Guardian Jun 2026
‘It’s a scam’: Americans express unease over SpaceX’s influence on retirement savings
Americans expressing concern about the inclusion of SpaceX and other AI-driven companies in major index funds fear their retirement savings are increasingly dependent on volatile and highly valued tech firms. Multiple respondents cite moral, financial, and accountability issues tied to Elon Musk and the broader AI sector, while some attempt to diversify or divest from index funds. A minority acknowledge SpaceX’s technological achievements but remain uneasy about the growing concentration of wealth and power among major tech companies.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Lawsuit from Democratic-led states can proceed over Trump’s order to restrict mail-in voting – as it happened
A federal judge ruled that Democratic-led states and voting rights groups may proceed with lawsuits challenging Donald Trump’s order restricting mail‑in voting ahead of the midterms, opening the possibility of blocking its implementation. The administration continues efforts to require states to provide detailed mail‑ballot data to the US Postal Service, drawing significant public opposition. JD Vance delayed scheduled Iran talks as Trump defended a controversial memorandum of understanding with Tehran, prompting criticism from Republicans and Israeli officials. Additional developments included failures in Trump’s Reflecting Pool renovation, a reversal of plans to dismantle a major ocean monitoring system, scrutiny over redirected funds for a White House ballroom project, and ceremonies honoring military service. Michelle Obama delivered remarks at the dedication of the Obama Presidential Center, emphasizing resilience and unity amid political division.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Trump administration reverses decision to scrap ocean monitoring system
The US National Science Foundation halted plans to dismantle the $368m Ocean Observatories Initiative after strong opposition from scientists and lawmakers who warned the loss of its monitoring arrays would jeopardize climate data and weather forecasting. The reversal followed the Senate's unanimous passage of a bipartisan bill led by Jeff Merkley and Lisa Murkowski to block decommissioning until a full review is completed. The NSF plans to gather stakeholder input and redeploy previously removed equipment amid broader concerns over the Trump administration’s rollback of science and climate initiatives.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Daveigh Chase, child star known for Lilo & Stitch and The Ring, dies aged 35
Daveigh Chase, known for roles in Lilo & Stitch and The Ring, died at 35 from meningitis and a blood infection that progressed to sepsis, according to her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. He stated she had recently been hospitalized for malnutrition and had faced longstanding personal hardships. A GoFundMe campaign launched before her death had raised $1,300. Chase, born in Las Vegas, worked extensively in film and television in the early 2000s, including voicing Chihiro in the English version of Spirited Away and appearing in Donnie Darko and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
The Guardian Jun 2026
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees relocated, ICE announces
Detainees from Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz immigration jail have been transferred to other locations, according to ICE, which did not reveal how many people were moved or where they were taken. The relocation follows widespread allegations of human rights abuses, including the use of a small outdoor metal cage for punishment and reports of detainees being denied clean water and pressured to sign English-language documents. The facility, expensive to operate and long expected to close, has faced increasing scrutiny, and state officials have previously indicated that its shutdown was imminent. State authorities maintain that medical services remain available to detainees.
The Guardian Jun 2026
Six people injured in New Jersey acid attack involving suspects on a moped
Six people in Jersey City were injured when suspects on a moped threw what is believed to be sulfuric acid at a group outside a residential address. Three victims are teenagers, and a 21-year-old woman suffered second-degree burns requiring treatment at a burn unit. Police indicated the attack appeared targeted and followed an earlier altercation. One minor has been arrested with charges pending. The mayor directed police to fully commit resources to identify all responsible parties and pursue justice.