Arizona voters chose candidates for important races, including governor, in the primary election. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs will face Republican Representative Andy Biggs, who has support from President Donald Trump, in the November election.
Key Facts
Arizona held primary elections with many competitive races.
Governor Katie Hobbs is a Democrat running for re-election.
Hobbs is seen as the most at-risk incumbent governor this election cycle.
Andy Biggs, a Republican and member of the House Freedom Caucus, won the primary to challenge Hobbs.
President Donald Trump supports Andy Biggs.
Democrats currently hold the governor’s office, attorney general, and secretary of state positions in Arizona.
Republicans aim to regain control of Arizona’s executive branch in the fall election.
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Jersey’s Social Security Minister Elaine Millar says removing the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on sanitary products would be ineffective because the government already offers free period products through a scheme. Some campaigners argue that keeping the tax on these essential items is unfair and that removing it could help women save money.
Key Facts
Jersey is the only place in the British Isles that still charges GST on sanitary products.
The government launched a free period product scheme in October 2022, spending over £500,000 in four years.
The free scheme provides sanitary items at many locations like public toilets and government buildings.
Removing GST from period products would save about 25 pence per £5 spent, while the free products save the full amount.
Campaigners say taxing these products is unfair and want the GST removed to support women more.
Minister Millar believes the free scheme addresses accessibility and affordability better than removing the tax.
In 2022, politicians almost voted to remove the 5% GST on sanitary products but decided against it.
Sanitary products are taxed, while other necessary items like medicines on prescription are exempt from GST.
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Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen gave 2020 election records to the FBI after receiving a subpoena. He is expected to win the Republican primary for Arizona Attorney General and will face Democrat Kris Mayes in November.
Key Facts
Warren Petersen is the Arizona Senate President and a Republican.
He provided 2020 election records to the FBI in March following a federal grand jury subpoena.
Petersen has been the top Senate Republican in Arizona since 2023.
He won the Republican primary for Arizona Attorney General.
Petersen will run against Kris Mayes, the current Arizona Attorney General and a Democrat, in the November election.
His primary opponent was Rodney Glassman, whom he defeated.
The source projecting his primary win is Decision Desk HQ.
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Mark Lamb, the former sheriff of Pinal County, is expected to win the Republican primary for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. He aims to take the seat currently held by Rep. Andy Biggs and has President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Key Facts
Mark Lamb is a former sheriff from Pinal County, Arizona.
He is projected to win the Republican primary for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.
The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Andy Biggs, whom Lamb plans to replace.
Lamb previously ran for the U.S. Senate but lost to Kari Lake in the 2024 Republican primary.
President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Mark Lamb.
Lamb also has support from conservative groups.
The primary election result was reported by Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).
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Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, is set to join Andy Burnham’s government through a seat in the House of Lords. Several officials who criticized or left Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government are now taking prominent roles in Burnham’s cabinet.
Key Facts
Anas Sarwar publicly said in February that Sir Keir Starmer should resign as prime minister.
Sarwar will move from the Scottish Parliament to Westminster to become a government minister under Andy Burnham.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, the new energy secretary in Burnham’s government, was the first to quit Starmer’s administration over lost faith in him.
Ed Miliband, the new Foreign Secretary, suggested to Starmer that it was time to step down just before Starmer left office.
John Healey and Wes Streeting, who resigned from Starmer’s government, now hold important roles in Burnham’s cabinet.
Steve Reed, a defender of Starmer, expressed hope for loyalty to Burnham after leaving government.
Labour MPs largely support Burnham, but internal tensions remain following recent political changes.
Darren Jones, loyal to Starmer, criticized government plans on VAT cuts for electricity bills, showing ongoing debates within Labour.
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A Melbourne court is hearing a rape trial involving a well-connected man accused by a former assistant of sexual assault in March 2023. The prosecution says the woman’s story is consistent despite some differences, and the defense denies the accusations.
Key Facts
The accused man faces two rape charges and one sexual assault charge and pleads not guilty.
The alleged victim was a personal assistant to the accused and described drinking, using cocaine, and watching football with him on the night in question.
The woman gave evidence in a closed court and reported the alleged incidents soon after they happened.
The prosecution said trauma can affect memory, but the alleged victim’s story stayed mostly consistent in early accounts.
The defense lawyer argued that if the woman had made up the story, it would have been clearer and more consistent.
The alleged victim had a past complaint about police behavior, which affected her willingness to report the alleged rape immediately.
Police officers denied inappropriate comments the woman claimed were made to her in 2019 during a traffic stop.
The prosecutor criticized a senior police officer’s testimony and suggested the jury might find the officer made the disputed comment.
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Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, said domestic violence is a "two-way street" and that women should not tolerate abuse. Her comments were criticized by advocates, including Brittany Higgins and others, for blaming victims and misunderstanding the nature of domestic violence, which mostly involves men abusing women and children.
Key Facts
Pauline Hanson described domestic violence as both wrong and a "two-way street," meaning both men and women can be violent.
Hanson said women should not put up with abuse if they do not feel safe at home.
Activists and victims’ advocates, like Tarang Chawla and Brittany Higgins, said this view blames victims rather than holding abusers responsible.
Brittany Higgins, executive director of the Vida Fund, said victim-blaming rhetoric is harmful, especially with many women losing their lives to femicide.
The Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre called Hanson’s comments "vile and shameful" and noted most family violence is men abusing women and children.
Hanson has a history of controversial statements on family violence and family court issues, including claims that some women lie about abuse in court.
Studies have disproved the idea that domestic violence claims are often faked to affect child custody.
Hanson’s previous comments included sympathy for men she believes are wrongly accused of domestic violence.
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked Congress to approve money for a war involving Iran. During this request, Senator Gary Peters called Hegseth a failed leader, leading to a heated argument. Hegseth also said the war has already cost $37 billion and the amount is increasing.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the US Defense Secretary.
He went to Capitol Hill to ask Congress for war funding related to Iran.
The current war cost is $37 billion.
The cost of the war is continuing to rise.
Michigan Senator Gary Peters called Hegseth a failed leader.
This led to a heated exchange between Hegseth and Peters.
The discussion occurred during a congressional session about war funding.
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More than 16 million people in England and Wales live too far from a defibrillator that is available all day and night, putting them at risk if they suffer a cardiac arrest. Early use of a defibrillator and CPR can double survival chances, but many areas lack quick access to these devices. The British Heart Foundation is starting a program to provide more community defibrillators in high-need places.
Key Facts
Over 16 million people in England and Wales are more than a 1km round trip from a 24/7 defibrillator.
More than half the population, or 35 million people, are not within a 3-5 minute walk of a defibrillator.
Each year, there are over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK with less than 10% survival.
Survival chances drop by roughly 10% each minute without CPR or defibrillation.
All local authorities except City of London have some residents far from a 24/7 defibrillator.
In 264 out of 318 areas studied, over half the residents live beyond the recommended 3-5 minutes from a defibrillator.
Some places like Harlow and Birmingham have very low access, while City of London and Hartlepool have better access.
The British Heart Foundation will give 400 defibrillators to communities with the greatest need.
A UK MP suggested removing VAT from defibrillators and their accessories to make installation easier.
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President Donald Trump promotes "Trump Accounts," investment accounts that give $1,000 to every child born during his second term to help reduce poverty and increase stock market participation. While some parents have received the money, many are still waiting for the $1,000 seed funds to arrive in their children’s accounts.
Key Facts
Trump Accounts provide $1,000 to children born between 2025 and 2028.
The accounts were created by Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill from last year.
The accounts can be opened for children under 18 and are tax-advantaged, meaning they offer tax benefits.
The government says 6.5 million Trump Accounts have been opened, with 1.5 million eligible for the $1,000 baby bonus.
After opening, parents and others can add money; the funds are invested in index funds that track the stock market’s performance.
The money cannot be used until the child turns 18 and must be spent on education, starting a business, or buying a home.
Some parents report delays in receiving the $1,000 initial deposit from the Treasury Department.
President Trump plans to speak at a Georgia high school to promote these accounts.
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A federal terrorism trial is starting for Hadi Matar, who stabbed author Salman Rushdie in 2022. The trial will explore Matar’s motives, including alleged ties to Iran and Hezbollah, groups linked to a religious order calling for Rushdie’s death.
Key Facts
Hadi Matar stabbed Salman Rushdie in 2022 during a public event.
Matar was previously convicted in state court and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
The new federal trial will focus on charges related to terrorism and motive.
Prosecutors say Matar acted out of loyalty to Iran’s government and Hezbollah.
Matar’s electronics contained information on a fatwa, a religious order calling for Rushdie’s death.
Salman Rushdie is expected to testify about the attack and his recovery.
Matar faces a potential life sentence if found guilty of federal terrorism charges.
Matar’s lawyers have challenged the use of his social media and digital evidence.
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A small Texas town called Presidio is suing the U.S. government to stop the construction of President Donald Trump’s border wall because they say it threatens the town’s flood protection system. The government wants to build a wall along the border but faces opposition from local groups and others who are concerned about environmental damage and legal procedures.
Key Facts
Presidio, Texas, has about 3,200 residents and is located on the Mexico border.
The town’s developers say the proposed border wall could harm the levees that protect Presidio from flooding.
The government’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a $46 billion plan to build the wall from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
Presidio says the government did not get required permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before starting construction near the levees.
The town argues that replacing parts of the levee with a concrete wall and tall steel panels could increase flood risk.
DHS claims it has the right to bypass many regulations to finish the wall quickly.
There is opposition from landowners, environmental groups, and Native American tribes who worry about impacts on historical sites and the environment.
The lawsuit highlights a conflict between local communities and the federal government’s border security plans.
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President Donald Trump will attend the dignified transfer of four U.S. service members killed in the Middle East at Dover Air Force Base. The soldiers died in Iranian missile and drone attacks in Jordan and Iraq during ongoing hostilities.
Key Facts
The dignified transfer is a ceremony where the remains of fallen service members are returned to their families.
This will be President Trump’s third time attending such a transfer since the war in Iran began in February 2026.
Two soldiers, Tyler James Feehan and Isabella Gonzales, were killed in missile and drone attacks in Jordan.
A third soldier, Angel S. Rampersad, missing after the Jordan attacks, is now believed to be deceased.
The fourth soldier, Michael Emmanuel Swinton, died in Iraq during an Iranian drone detonation.
Since the war started, 18 U.S. service members have been killed.
The U.S. has carried out strikes against Iran amid a failed interim peace agreement.
President Trump stated that the U.S. would respond strongly to each American soldier killed by Iran.
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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city cannot arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite a war crimes arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Mamdani urged the U.S. federal government, which has legal authority, to enforce the warrant if Netanyahu visits New York for the U.N. General Assembly.
Key Facts
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Mayor Mamdani called Netanyahu a "war criminal" and said he is not welcome in New York City.
New York City lacks the legal power to arrest Netanyahu and cannot enforce the ICC warrant.
Mamdani asked the federal government to join the ICC and carry out the arrest warrant.
President Donald Trump stated that Netanyahu will not be arrested in the United States.
Netanyahu faces accusations related to using starvation as a method of warfare and targeting civilians, which Israel denies.
The Israeli ambassador to the UN criticized Mayor Mamdani, saying he should focus on serving New Yorkers.
Netanyahu is expected to attend the U.N. General Assembly in New York City in September.
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U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor and will run against the current Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in the November election. Biggs is known for his strong support of President Donald Trump and leadership in the House Freedom Caucus.
Key Facts
Andy Biggs defeated Rep. David Schweikert in the Republican primary for Arizona governor.
Biggs is a close ally of President Donald Trump and was chair of the House Freedom Caucus from 2019 to 2022.
He voted against certifying the 2020 election results in Arizona and other states after the January 6 Capitol riot.
Schweikert criticized Biggs as unelectable but struggled to raise money and lacked Trump’s endorsement.
Biggs received support from Trump and a conservative group called Turning Point Action.
Both parties are also choosing candidates for important state offices like secretary of state and attorney general.
Democrats plan to campaign against Biggs by calling him an extremist focused more on Trump than Arizona residents.
The race between Biggs and Hobbs is expected to be very close and important for Arizona’s political future.
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Alexander Kolodin, an Arizona state representative and lawyer who challenged the 2020 election results, is expected to win the Republican primary for Arizona secretary of state. He will run against the current Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, who is a Democrat, in the November election.
Key Facts
Alexander Kolodin is an Arizona state representative and election lawyer.
He is known for disputing the 2020 election outcomes.
Kolodin is projected to win the GOP primary for Arizona secretary of state.
His primary opponent was Gina Swoboda, a former state GOP chair.
The general election will be against Adrian Fontes, the Democratic incumbent secretary of state.
The information comes from Decision Desk HQ projections.
The Arizona secretary of state oversees elections in the state.
This election is scheduled for November.
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Mark Lamb won the Republican primary for Arizona's 5th Congressional District despite allegations of sexual misconduct that he denies. He will likely replace GOP Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running for governor, in the November election.
Key Facts
Mark Lamb is a former Pinal County sheriff (2017-2024).
He won the Arizona GOP primary for the 5th Congressional District.
Lamb defeated Daniel Keenan, who spent over $1.5 million on his campaign.
Several women accused Lamb of sending explicit messages and photos, making threats, and inappropriate behavior.
Lamb denies all misconduct allegations.
One woman said her complaints about Lamb were ignored by church leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Trump endorsed and supported Lamb during the primary race.
Andy Biggs, the current representative, is running for governor and is expected to be replaced by Lamb if he wins the general election.
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Andy Biggs won the Republican primary for Arizona governor and will face the current Democratic governor, Katie Hobbs, in the general election. Biggs, supported by President Donald Trump, appeals to conservative voters in a key swing state that has shifted politically in recent years.
Key Facts
Andy Biggs, a conservative congressman endorsed by President Trump, won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor.
He defeated fellow Republican David Schweikert and two businessmen, Ken Miceli and Scott Neely.
Katie Hobbs, the Democratic incumbent governor, ran unopposed in her primary.
Arizona has shifted from a Republican stronghold to a competitive state due to population growth and changing voting patterns.
Democrats now hold the governor’s office, attorney general, secretary of state, and both U.S. Senate seats in Arizona.
President Trump narrowly won Arizona in the 2024 presidential election after losing it in 2020.
The gubernatorial race is seen as important nationally because of Arizona’s role in recent election disputes.
Republicans face challenges in the midterms, with Democrats hoping to gain seats in Congress, including in Arizona’s key districts.
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Governor Katie Hobbs is leading in polls against Representative Andy Biggs in the race for Arizona governor. Biggs won the Republican primary with about 70% of the vote, but Hobbs, the Democratic incumbent, is favored to win in the November 2026 election.
Key Facts
Andy Biggs won the 2026 Republican primary for Arizona governor with roughly 70% of the vote.
Katie Hobbs, the current Democratic governor, holds a lead in recent polls over Biggs.
In one poll, Hobbs led 41% to 37%, with more voters unsure about Biggs.
Hobbs is popular among moderate voters, with 48% supporting her versus 20% for Biggs.
Independent voters in Arizona are the largest voter group and are unpredictable in their choices.
President Trump won Arizona by more than 5 points in the 2024 presidential election.
Experts say Biggs may need to soften his strong conservative image to win over independents.
Political analysts classify the Arizona governor’s race as leaning Democratic but still competitive.
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Republican Andy Biggs will run against Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs in the upcoming governor's race. Biggs, supported by President Donald Trump, won the Republican primary against David Schweikert.
Key Facts
Andy Biggs is a Republican representative from Arizona.
He defeated David Schweikert in the Republican primary for governor.
Biggs has President Donald Trump’s support.
Katie Hobbs is the current governor of Arizona and a Democrat.
Hobbs did not face any challengers in her party's primary.
Arizona was won by President Trump in both the 2016 and 2024 presidential elections.
The governor’s race in Arizona is expected to be closely contested.
The election will take place in the fall.
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