Rachel Leingang

Donald Trump announced that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her post at the end of August to spend more time with her two young children, while continuing as an outside adviser and MAGA advocate. Her departure statement attacked the Democratic Party, prompting scrutiny over possible Hatch Act violations, and the live blog reviewed her record of combative briefings, false claims and clashes with the media. Other developments included Jon Ossoff demanding that Republican rival Mike Collins retract support for compensating January 6 rioters; David Crowley’s narrow victory over Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary; Mike Lindell’s refusal to concede Minnesota’s Republican primary; and the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict mail-in voting and cut federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The coverage also reported allegations surrounding Trump Media’s $100,000-a-month Truth API service, a security operation secretly moving Trump from Air Force One during a potential Iranian threat, rising US inflation and concerns about depleted US missile defenses during the Iran conflict.

David Crowley narrowly defeated democratic socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary after re-entering the race with Tony Evers's backing. His victory reflects moderate voters' concerns about defeating Republican Tom Tiffany, but Hong's near-win also demonstrates the growing strength of the state's progressive movement. Hong endorsed Crowley, and both campaigns are now focused on unifying Democrats, mobilizing progressive voters and attracting independents and moderate Republicans. Crowley will seek to portray Tiffany as a Trump-aligned extremist, while analysts expect a close general election despite favorable conditions for Democrats.

David Crowley narrowly defeated Francesca Hong, 39.8% to 39.4%, in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, winning by just over 3,000 votes after re-entering the race with outgoing Governor Tony Evers’s endorsement. Hong had led most polls and campaigned on progressive proposals including universal childcare, free school meals and a moratorium on new datacenter construction. Both candidates pledged to support the eventual nominee, and Hong congratulated Crowley while emphasizing that her campaign had built a broader movement for affordability and working people. Crowley will face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, who ran unopposed and is a strong Trump supporter, in a closely watched general election. Wisconsin Democrats are also seeking control of the state legislature, while Rebecca Cooke advanced in a competitive congressional primary.

Primary elections across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Alabama, South Carolina and Connecticut produced mixed results for both parties. David Crowley defeated progressive lawmaker Francesca Hong for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor, while Luke Bronin unseated veteran congressman John Larson in Connecticut. Alabama's redrawn congressional map eliminated one majority-Black district and helped Republican Rhett Marques win the nomination to challenge Democrat Shomari Figures. In South Carolina, Trump-backed Darline Graham advanced to a runoff against Ralph Norman for the Senate seat left vacant by her brother Lindsey Graham's death. In Minnesota, Republican speaker Lisa Demuth decisively defeated Trump ally and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, while Democrat Peggy Flanagan won her primary amid an immigration-focused campaign shaped by the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge.

Wisconsin Democrats will choose their nominee for governor in a four-way primary featuring progressive state lawmaker Francesca Hong, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state senator Kelda Roys and former state administration official Joel Brennan. Hong entered election day as the frontrunner amid growing support for progressive and democratic socialist candidates, while Crowley, backed by Governor Tony Evers, argues that his moderate profile gives Democrats a better chance in the swing state. Hong’s positions on universal childcare, free school meals and a moratorium on new data centers have drawn support, while Republicans have attacked past comments on Thanksgiving and policing. The winner will face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, an unopposed and strongly pro-Trump candidate, with control of the governor’s office and potentially both chambers of the legislature at stake.

Peggy Flanagan defeated Angie Craig in Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary after a campaign dominated by opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration-enforcement crackdown. Flanagan will face Republican Michele Tafoya in November and could become the first Native American woman elected to the Senate. In the gubernatorial primary, Republican Lisa Demuth defeated election denier Mike Lindell and will challenge Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar. The results reinforce Minnesota’s Democratic lean and the wider Democratic trend of progressive candidates defeating moderates, while Lindell’s legal and business troubles weakened his campaign.

Peggy Flanagan decisively won Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary over Angie Craig in a race shaped by opposition to ICE and criticism of Craig’s vote for the Laken Riley Act. Amy Klobuchar won the Democratic nomination for Minnesota governor, while Lisa Demuth defeated Trump-endorsed election denier Mike Lindell in the Republican primary. Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial contest remained too close to call between Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Democratic socialist Francesca Hong; Republican Tom Tiffany won his party’s nomination. The live coverage also reported congressional primary results, federal election monitoring in Minnesota, visa revocations, proposed ICE purchases of electric-shock gloves, and other national and international developments.

Minnesota's statewide Democratic and Republican primaries feature contests over the future direction of both parties. Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig are competing for the Democratic Senate nomination, with immigration enforcement and state fraud scandals central to the race. Republicans are also focused on fraud while selecting a nominee, with Michele Tafoya favored for the Senate contest and Mike Lindell seeking the gubernatorial nomination with Donald Trump's endorsement despite eligibility, campaign-finance and election-denial controversies. The open governor's and Senate races follow Tim Walz's decision not to seek another term and Tina Smith's retirement, creating major opportunities for both parties in a state that has long favored Democrats. Several competitive congressional primaries are also underway, though Democrats are favored in some districts.

Francesca Hong has become the frontrunner in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary after building a highly active grassroots campaign around universal childcare, fully funded public schools, higher wages, taxing billionaires and a one-year moratorium on new datacenters. Her rise has energized progressive voters but alarmed Democratic establishment figures who fear her old social-media posts and democratic-socialist label could make her vulnerable against Republican nominee Tom Tiffany, a strong Donald Trump ally. David Crowley re-entered the race with outgoing governor Tony Evers’s backing, intensifying accusations of establishment panic, while supporters argue that Hong’s direct engagement across urban and rural Wisconsin gives her a genuine chance in both the primary and general election. The contest will test whether Wisconsin Democrats prioritize ideological change and grassroots enthusiasm or a more moderate candidate in a state where elections are often decided by narrow margins.

Defense lawyers for Minnesota journalist Georgia Fort are seeking dismissal of charges stemming from a January protest at Cities Church in St Paul, arguing that prosecutors violated the First Amendment and relied on false or misleading evidence. Homeland Security Investigations incorrectly claimed Fort chanted with protesters, while other disputed allegations concern a congregant’s injury, an alleged parking-lot conspiracy and claims that Fort blocked a van. Investigators also allegedly ignored protections for journalists when seeking her work product and subscriber information. A magistrate judge ordered prosecutors to provide grand-jury materials, and the government maintains that the disputed claims are matters for a jury. The prosecution has deterred Fort’s reporting and is part of a broader Justice Department effort to bring criminal cases against opponents of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow victory over establishment-backed Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary demonstrates the potential of a grassroots progressive strategy centered on universal healthcare, affordability and opposition to corporate influence. His campaign’s organizing operation and anti-establishment message energized voters, but he must now unite Democrats, attract independents and win over right-leaning voters to defeat Republican Mike Rogers in the general election. A statewide victory could strengthen the progressive case ahead of the 2028 presidential contest, while a defeat would likely be used by Democratic moderates as evidence against the approach.

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary over moderate Representative Haley Stevens and will face Republican Mike Rogers in November. His victory, achieved despite more than $40m—and reportedly $70m—of outside spending against him, is presented as evidence of progressive and grassroots momentum within the Democratic Party. Other progressive candidates also won Michigan House nominations, while the close primary highlighted divisions over the party’s future. Democrats view the race as crucial to their hopes of regaining the Senate, and El-Sayed could become the first Muslim US senator if elected.

Abdul El-Sayed held a slim lead over Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary with 95% of votes counted, leaving the result too close to call. El-Sayed campaigned on universal healthcare and reducing the influence of money in politics, while Stevens promoted a pragmatic approach and benefited from substantial outside spending, including support linked to AIPAC. Both candidates urged supporters to prepare for the November contest against Republican nominee Mike Rogers, while former candidate Mallory McMorrow endorsed El-Sayed. The primary unfolded alongside other contests in Michigan and several states, producing mixed results for progressive and moderate Democrats.

Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary remained unresolved with slightly more than 60% of votes counted, as progressive epidemiologist and former public health official 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 climate activist William Lawrence won Michigan’s competitive seventh-district House primary. Elsewhere, centrist Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez advanced in Washington, Wesley Bell defeated former representative Cori Bush in Missouri, and Cindy Holscher and Ty Masterson won the Kansas gubernatorial nominations. The races exposed divisions within the Democratic Party over ideology, economic populism and US support for Israel, with party figures urging unity ahead of the November elections.

Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official, defeated Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary. He will face Republican Mike Rogers in the November general election, with the video outlining three major takeaways from the race.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports that the House Ethics Committee is investigating Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller over allegations of domestic violence, abuse and illegal drug use. Miller denies the accusations and says he welcomes the inquiry, but former father-in-law Senator Bernie Moreno and several Republican lawmakers are calling for his resignation. The coverage also follows Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination, which advanced after he pledged that a proposed $1.8bn fund for Trump allies would not proceed; other developments include Jay Clayton’s swearing-in as the country’s top intelligence official, an immigration detention involving University of Maryland instructor Berhanu Kibret, possible US restrictions on Chinese datacenter components, and diplomatic tensions with Brazil.

Michigan Democrats are choosing between progressive former public health official Abdul El-Sayed and centrist Representative Haley Stevens in a closely watched Senate primary. El-Sayed leads recent polls, while more than $40 million in outside spending, including money linked to AIPAC, has supported Stevens or attacked El-Sayed. The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in a race that could affect Democratic hopes of retaking the Senate. Other Michigan congressional primaries, along with contests in Missouri and Washington, will test the strength of progressive candidates and the party’s broader direction.

Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary has narrowed to a closely watched contest between progressive public-health expert Abdul El-Sayed and Representative Haley Stevens, a more moderate candidate backed by prominent party leaders. El-Sayed has led recent polling, driven by support from younger voters, independents and progressive activists, while Stevens is relying on her record of winning in competitive districts and stronger support among older and Black voters. More than $40m has been spent by outside groups supporting Stevens or attacking El-Sayed, including groups linked to AIPAC, making campaign finance and outside influence central issues. The result will determine the Democratic challenger to Republican Mike Rogers and serve as a test of whether progressive candidates can win in a purple state, mobilize disaffected voters and influence the party’s future Senate agenda.

Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen accused congressional Republicans of abandoning their constitutional responsibility to oversee war powers and becoming rubber stamps for Donald Trump. They criticized the US-Israel war on Iran as illegal and senseless, urged Congress to block further funding, and cited failed Senate and House efforts to force a withdrawal of US forces. The conflict has reportedly cost tens of billions of dollars, killed 18 US service members and wounded hundreds, while public approval of Trump’s handling of Iran remains low. Warren argued that Democratic victories in the 2026 midterm elections could allow Congress to curb Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The Justice Department moved to dismiss charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn after renovation records showed that damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool resulted from a rushed and faulty installation by Atlantic Industrial Coatings, not vandalism. The live coverage also reported that the Treasury Department may have intervened to support the Japanese yen after Secretary Scott Bessent was photographed with a note outlining a planned $5–10 billion purchase. Donald Trump defended his Iran war, hesitated over sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine, blamed Minnesota leaders for a water-systems cyberattack and again used footage from Europe to warn about migration. The administration unveiled a temporary Colorado River plan requiring potentially major cuts for California, Arizona and Nevada. Kamala Harris declined to rule out a 2028 presidential run and criticized the Iran war, while Democrats Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attacked Republican deference to Trump and promoted progressive electoral strategies. Prosecutors and advocates also condemned the fast-tracking of immigrant children’s deportations.

Donald Trump dismissed conspiracy claims surrounding Lindsey Graham’s death as federal authorities continued routine investigations. The live coverage detailed ongoing US strikes against Iran, domestic political disputes over immigration enforcement after multiple fatal incidents, and heightened security concerns expressed by Supreme Court justices. Darline Graham was sworn in to temporarily fill her brother’s Senate seat, and Congress advanced a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. A lawsuit accused Trump administration officials and pro‑Israel groups of targeting pro‑Palestinian advocates, while environmental groups challenged changes to Endangered Species Act interpretations. Multiple lawmakers sought investigations into recent ICE shootings amid growing public protests.

The US House approved the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, advancing the bill to the Senate after a 308-117 vote. Sponsor Vern Buchanan argues it would improve public health and safety, while Donald Trump publicly endorsed the measure. Most states still change clocks twice a year, though 19 have laws allowing permanent daylight saving time if authorized by Congress. Debate continues between supporters of daylight saving time and sleep specialists who favor permanent standard time.

Conspiracy theories surged following Lindsey Graham’s sudden death and Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence from public view, fueled by distrust in institutions and amplified by right‑wing influencers. Speculation ranged from foreign plots to AI‑generated proof‑of‑life images, despite official statements and independent verification. Calls for transparency, including toxicology results for Graham and fuller disclosures on McConnell’s health, intensified as social media magnified unproven claims. Experts note that while online chatter appears pervasive, broader public belief in such theories remains limited.

Divisions within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Gaza war have become central to US midterm races, particularly in Michigan’s competitive Senate primary where Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens represent opposing progressive and moderate positions. Pro-Israel groups including AIPAC and its affiliated Super Pac are spending heavily to influence primaries, while anti-war sentiment and shifting views among Democrats—especially younger voters—are strengthening progressive candidates nationwide. Candidates and voters increasingly view Israel-Gaza stances as a litmus test reflecting broader issues such as authenticity, affordability, foreign policy, and the influence of special interests. The conflict continues to drive debates across primaries, shaping how candidates present themselves and how voters assess their integrity and commitment to marginalized communities.

State election officials across the US received Justice Department letters threatening criminal charges if voter registration lists were not turned over, prompting bipartisan criticism and renewed concerns about federal overreach in election administration. Multiple Democratic officials condemned the threats as intimidation following a court ruling against the administration’s attempt to obtain voter data. Additional developments included Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the Maine Senate race, a congressional investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the dismissal of the Proud Boys seditious conspiracy case at the administration’s request, accusations of FEMA misuse for immigration enforcement, new Iran-related sanctions, security upgrades at the White House, and a bipartisan agreement in the Senate on new Russia sanctions legislation.

Donald Trump dismissed the remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission, effectively disabling the sole federal agency dedicated to election administration ahead of the 2026 midterms. Democrats and civil rights leaders accused him of attempting to rig the election and seize control of voting systems, while the administration argued he has authority to remove officials not aligned with its agenda. The firings prevent the agency from updating voting standards or registration forms and could disrupt election administration nationwide. Critics warned the move creates chaos, undermines cybersecurity efforts, and risks administrative failures as states prepare for the midterms.

The US Department of Justice sent warning letters to election officials in all states threatening criminal charges if noncitizens vote, escalating efforts by the Trump administration to increase federal control over elections despite lacking evidence of widespread noncitizen voting. State officials from both parties criticized the demands as improper and legally questionable, noting previous court rulings against federal attempts to obtain voter data. Utah’s lieutenant governor and Arizona’s secretary of state rejected the implication that states were not maintaining accurate voter rolls and vowed to follow their own laws rather than comply with federal pressure.

A woman accused Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner of sexual assault, alleging he forced sex on her during a 2021 encounter, claims he denies as false and politically motivated. The report includes corroborating accounts and past concerns about his behavior while noting no police report was filed. The allegations intensify scrutiny of Platner, who already faces controversies, prompting prominent Democrats to withdraw endorsements and urge him to exit the race. Should he step down, state law outlines a narrow window for the party to replace him ahead of the general election against Republican senator Susan Collins.

A new documentary, No Country for Mothers, highlights the lack of childcare, paid leave and broader support for mothers in the United States, using community screenings to spark collective action across political divides. Executive producer Reshma Saujani and featured mothers describe how decades of stalled federal policy, political division and societal expectations have made parenting unsustainable, while advocates and lawmakers point to growing momentum in some states for paid leave programs. Viewers across the country are using the film as a catalyst to discuss shared struggles, workplace discrimination and the need to unify around childcare and family-support policies.

The US Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting Donald Trump’s attempt to end it through executive action and prompting him to urge Congress to pursue legislative restrictions. The court also allowed state bans on transgender women and girls in female sports, struck down limits on political party campaign spending, and agreed to hear challenges to semiautomatic rifle bans. Additional developments included internal Republican disputes blocking House legislative procedures, substantial federal disaster relief announcements by Trump, new financial disclosures showing significant income from his crypto ventures, a ruling blocking restrictions on public service loan forgiveness, and the partial reversal of export controls on Anthropic’s AI models.

The US Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees birthright citizenship for nearly all individuals born on US soil, striking down Donald Trump’s executive order attempting to restrict this right. The majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, held that the order violated the 14th Amendment. Civil rights groups welcomed the decision, while Trump and several Republicans urged Congress to pursue legislative changes. Multiple dissenting justices argued for narrower interpretations of citizenship. The ruling reaffirms long-standing judicial precedent and blocks a key component of Trump’s broader immigration agenda.

The Supreme Court expanded presidential authority by ruling that Donald Trump can dismiss leaders of independent agencies, overturning long-standing precedent and prompting sharp criticism from liberal justices and advocacy groups. The court also declined to review the verdict against Trump in the E. Jean Carroll case, upheld the counting of late-arriving mail ballots in several states, and blocked Trump’s attempt to immediately remove a Federal Reserve governor. Meanwhile, Trump advanced Keith Sonderling’s nomination as labor secretary, pushed gasoline retailers to lower prices, and authorized temporary suspension of duties on Moroccan fertilizer imports. Political tensions grew as Trump dismissed a bipartisan housing bill and labeled the Democratic Socialists of America a major national threat, while federal financial disclosures revealed significant outside income for several justices.

The US supreme court upheld Mississippi’s law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by election day to be counted if received within five business days, rejecting a Republican National Committee challenge. The 5-4 ruling, authored by Amy Coney Barrett, maintains similar laws in multiple states and affirms state authority over election procedures. Republican leaders and Donald Trump condemned the decision and renewed calls for restrictive federal voting legislation, while voting rights advocates praised the ruling as preventing disenfranchisement and maintaining election stability.

Minnesota organizers who mobilized against aggressive federal immigration operations are now training communities to defend voting access amid concerns that the Trump administration may attempt to undermine the midterm elections. Unidos MN and local activists are conducting block-level democracy defense sessions to prepare residents for potential federal interference, misinformation or intimidation at the polls. Advocates warn that recent charges against anti-ICE activists and actions in other states signal possible efforts to disrupt electoral processes, emphasizing the need for widespread community engagement to safeguard voting rights and ensure election results are upheld.

A federal judge ruled that Donald Trump’s executive order requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register or change voter registration was unconstitutional, reaffirming that election rules rest with states and Congress. The order had been part of broader efforts by Trump to assert federal control over elections and restrict voting access, paralleling stalled legislation in Congress. Additional executive actions on voting and a proposed US Postal Service rule to obtain state voter lists have prompted legal challenges and warnings from Democratic senators that the measures could disenfranchise millions of voters.

Donald Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims that vandals caused extensive damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, citing arrests that appeared unrelated to vandalism. Reporters pressed him for evidence, which he declined to provide, while videos showed visitors detained for minor actions such as retrieving floating debris. Trump also attacked ABC News for accurately reporting his unsupported allegations and misstatements about renovation costs. Additional developments included Senate passage of a bipartisan housing bill, US‑Iran diplomatic activity, Trump’s criticism of UK energy policy following Keir Starmer’s resignation, and continued fallout from protests mocking the failed pool renovation.

A federal judge quashed subpoenas issued by the Trump administration targeting Minnesota officials, finding they were politically motivated and lacked legitimate investigative justification. The ruling stated that the subpoenas aimed to pressure state and local leaders into assisting federal immigration enforcement, violating state rights under the 10th amendment. Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, welcomed the decision and condemned the administration for weaponizing federal powers against political opponents. The justice department defended its stance, saying it takes obstruction of federal operations seriously.

A rushed $14m renovation of Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool ordered by Donald Trump has been hampered by algae growth, peeling paint, safety concerns, and mounting costs. The administration bypassed competitive bidding, awarding contracts to little‑known companies and a Trump donor, while its claims of vandalism and chemical tampering remain unverified. Experts attribute the algae to predictable environmental conditions, and reporters found no evidence of the long gashes Trump described. Several people were detained amid confusion over loose paint fragments. Repairs may require draining the pool as officials attempt to address the ongoing problems.

Government efforts to recolor and refurbish the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool have been undermined by persistent algae growth, peeling paint and disputed claims from the Interior Department about water clarity. Officials compared the algae cleanup to the US conflict with Iran, despite visible evidence of a murky pool and limited success in meeting the administration’s goals. A no‑bid contract and previous ties to Trump properties drew scrutiny, while proposed technological fixes failed to resolve the issue during warm weather.

Donald Trump’s nominee for inspector general at the Department of Justice, Don Berthiaume, declined to label the January 6 events an attack during his confirmation hearing, prompting criticism from Senator Richard Blumenthal. Berthiaume acknowledged violence but resisted using the term “attack,” raising concerns among senators about his independence. The exchange occurred amid scrutiny of Trump’s retribution-focused Justice Department and ongoing legal claims sought by January 6 defendants.