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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

House GOP campaign chair: ‘I think we’ll pick up seats’ in November

House GOP campaign chair: ‘I think we’ll pick up seats’ in November

Summary

Republican Representative Richard Hudson, the GOP’s House campaign chair, said he is confident the Republican Party will keep control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. He also believes the party may gain additional seats.

Key Facts

  • Richard Hudson is the House campaign chair for the Republican Party.
  • He spoke at an event hosted by Axios AM Live in Washington, D.C.
  • Hudson expressed confidence that Republicans will hold the House of Representatives after the midterms.
  • He also said the GOP might win more seats in the election.
  • The midterm elections are scheduled for November.
  • Hudson represents North Carolina as a Republican member of Congress.
  • The statement reflects the party’s outlook on their election prospects.
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Gina Hinojosa Chances Against Greg Abbott Compared to Beto O'Rourke in 2022

Gina Hinojosa Chances Against Greg Abbott Compared to Beto O'Rourke in 2022

Summary

A new poll shows Democratic State Representative Gina Hinojosa trailing Republican Governor Greg Abbott by about 5 points in the Texas governor race. This is closer than Abbott's 11-point win over Beto O’Rourke in 2022, but Abbott still has an advantage due to higher name recognition and more fundraising.

Key Facts

  • Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat, is running against Republican Governor Greg Abbott in the 2026 Texas governor race.
  • A recent poll shows Abbott at 49% support and Hinojosa at 44%.
  • Abbott is better known, with 45% of people viewing him favorably; 50% of people have no opinion about Hinojosa.
  • Abbott won his last race in 2022 by 11 points against Beto O’Rourke.
  • Poll results suggest this race may be closer than the 2022 election.
  • Abbott has $106 million in campaign funds, giving him a financial edge.
  • Texas is a costly state for campaigns because of many large media markets in cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
  • Democrats hope President Donald Trump’s lower approval ratings will help them in 2026, and they see opportunities in other Texas races as well.
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The White House blocked a study on alcohol consumption. This is what it said

The White House blocked a study on alcohol consumption. This is what it said

Summary

In 2022, the Biden administration started a research study on the effects of alcohol consumption involving researchers from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. After several years, the Trump administration decided not to publish the study's results.

Key Facts

  • The study began in 2022 under the Biden administration.
  • It involved researchers from three countries: the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
  • The focus was on understanding how drinking alcohol affects health.
  • The study took several years to complete.
  • The Trump administration, in office in 2023–2024, chose to block the publication of the results.
  • Officials informed the study authors about this decision last year.
  • The reasons for blocking the study's release have not been detailed in the article.
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Why so many Americans haven’t heard about the USS Liberty

Why so many Americans haven’t heard about the USS Liberty

Summary

Nearly 60 years ago, Israeli forces attacked the USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy ship, killing 34 American crew members. Congressman Thomas Massie is calling for a full investigation into the attack and the events that followed.

Key Facts

  • The USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli forces during a conflict in 1967.
  • 34 American sailors died in the attack.
  • There are claims that the attack was covered up or not fully explained.
  • Congressman Thomas Massie wants the U.S. government to open a new investigation.
  • Many Americans are not aware of this incident.
  • The event happened almost six decades ago.
  • The attack raises questions about U.S.-Israel relations and military transparency.
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Abuse suit by former NC State athletes dismissed

Abuse suit by former NC State athletes dismissed

Summary

A judge in North Carolina dismissed a lawsuit filed by 31 former male athletes from N.C. State. The athletes claimed they were sexually abused and harassed by the team's former sports medicine director during treatment.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit involved 31 former male athletes from N.C. State University.
  • They accused Robert M. Murphy Jr., the former director of sports medicine, of sexual abuse and harassment.
  • The abuse allegedly happened while Murphy was treating the athletes.
  • The case was heard in a North Carolina superior court.
  • Judge Bryan Collins dismissed the lawsuit.
  • The athletes believed the abuse was hidden under the pretense of medical treatment.
  • This case relates to events involving a university’s sports medicine department.
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House advances ICE and Border Patrol reconciliation bill

House advances ICE and Border Patrol reconciliation bill

Summary

The House of Representatives moved forward a budget plan of nearly $70 billion to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. A rule allowing debate and a final vote on the Republican measure passed narrowly by 213 to 211.

Key Facts

  • The House advanced a $70 billion budget plan for ICE and Border Patrol.
  • The vote on the rule for debate was close, 213 in favor and 211 against.
  • The measure is a Republican proposal.
  • The rule sets the stage for further discussion and a final vote on the budget.
  • Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) played a notable role related to the rule but details are incomplete.
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Hard-right groups have expanded their influence across US government, report finds

Hard-right groups have expanded their influence across US government, report finds

Summary

A new report by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) says hard-right groups have grown their influence within the US government under President Donald Trump’s second term, which began in 2025. The report highlights changes in federal law enforcement, presidential pardons, and the rise of far-right figures in powerful positions.

Key Facts

  • The SPLC identified 1,263 hate and anti-government groups active in 2025.
  • The Trump administration has shifted some federal law enforcement focus from violent crime to immigration raids.
  • About 23% of FBI agents have been reassigned to immigration enforcement, reducing staff in areas like counter-terrorism and cybercrime.
  • President Trump has pardoned around 1,500 people involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
  • Several senior officials confirmed during Trump’s term have made racist or misogynistic statements.
  • The administration ended a national database tracking domestic terrorism and removed a study showing far-right violence is the leading cause of domestic terrorism.
  • Young right-wing influencers have gained access to the federal government and helped promote policies targeting immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, women, and poor communities.
  • Trump’s state department labeled four left-wing military groups as foreign terrorist organizations after discussions about designating Antifa in that way.
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Republicans try to extend winning streak in South Carolina as Graham seeks fifth term

Republicans try to extend winning streak in South Carolina as Graham seeks fifth term

Summary

South Carolina voters are choosing candidates in key Republican primaries for governor and U.S. Senate, aiming to continue their party's long winning streak. Senator Lindsey Graham, supported by President Trump, seeks a fifth term, while Trump also backs Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the governor’s race.

Key Facts

  • South Carolina Republicans have won statewide races for many years.
  • President Trump’s endorsement plays a big role in the Republican primary races.
  • Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, is running for his fifth Senate term.
  • Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for governor over other Republican candidates.
  • Some Republicans are competing hard for Trump’s support in the primaries.
  • Democrats have not won a statewide race in South Carolina in 20 years.
  • Democratic candidates face a difficult challenge against the strong Republican presence.
  • Some Democrats hope voters unhappy with Trump might support their candidates.
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House Democrat says he thinks Platner will ‘get off the ballot soon’

House Democrat says he thinks Platner will ‘get off the ballot soon’

Summary

Rep. Josh Gottheimer said that Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner will likely win the primary but should leave the race afterward. This would allow Democrats to choose a different, stronger candidate for the general election against Senator Susan Collins.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is running in Maine’s Democratic Senate primary.
  • Platner is expected to win the Democratic primary this Tuesday.
  • Rep. Josh Gottheimer suggested Platner should step down after winning.
  • If Platner leaves, Democrats could replace him with another candidate.
  • The goal is to have a stronger candidate to challenge Senator Susan Collins in the fall.
  • Rep. Gottheimer is a Democratic representative from New Jersey.
  • Senator Susan Collins is the current Republican senator from Maine.
  • This strategy is intended to improve Democrats’ chances in the general election.
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New study recommends 1 alcoholic drink per day. Its researchers want clearer U.S. guidelines on drinking

New study recommends 1 alcoholic drink per day. Its researchers want clearer U.S. guidelines on drinking

Summary

A government-commissioned study on alcohol health risks was released independently after the Trump administration chose not to include its findings in official dietary guidelines. The study found that drinking even one alcoholic drink per day raises the risk of early death and many diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Key Facts

  • The study was commissioned by President Biden’s administration but released independently.
  • The Trump administration did not include the study’s findings in new dietary guidelines.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
  • It found that any level of alcohol increases health risks, including premature death.
  • Drinking one drink a day raises the risk of more than 200 diseases.
  • No amount of alcohol was found to protect against death or improve health.
  • Earlier government dietary guidelines advised drinking less alcohol but gave few details.
  • The study aims to provide clearer advice on the health risks of alcohol consumption.
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Trump Admin 'Sanctuary City' CBP Shutdown Plan Gains Momentum

Trump Admin 'Sanctuary City' CBP Shutdown Plan Gains Momentum

Summary

The Trump administration is considering a plan to remove U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from airports in sanctuary cities. Sanctuary cities are places that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. Some Republican senators support the plan, while Democrats warn it could harm travel and the economy.

Key Facts

  • Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin proposed pulling CBP agents from airports in sanctuary cities.
  • Sanctuary cities often prevent local police from helping federal immigration enforcement.
  • The plan targets airports in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco.
  • Without CBP officers, airports could not legally process international flights.
  • Some Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham and Deb Fischer, support the idea.
  • Democrats, like New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, say removing CBP could shut down parts of airports and hurt the economy.
  • Not all Republicans agree; some want more information before supporting the plan.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has not given a timeline for removing agents.
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House Democrats threaten to withhold DCCC dues after party's California faceplant

House Democrats threaten to withhold DCCC dues after party's California faceplant

Summary

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) spent $135,000 supporting a candidate in a California Democratic primary, which upset some House Democrats. Several lawmakers are upset because the DCCC sided with a moderate candidate over a progressive one, and some members now threaten to withhold their dues from the committee.

Key Facts

  • The DCCC spent $135,000 on ads supporting Jasmeet Bains in California's 22nd district Democratic primary.
  • Bains, a moderate, ran against progressive Randy Villegas, who won the primary.
  • The DCCC added Bains to its "Red to Blue" program a month before the primary.
  • Progressive and Hispanic caucuses supported Villegas and were angry about the DCCC backing Bains.
  • Some House Democrats feel the DCCC does not listen to them and only uses their dues without helping incumbent members.
  • Lawmakers are frustrated that their dues fund efforts against candidates they support.
  • The DCCC says it supports candidates it believes have the best chance to win in November to keep the majority.
  • Discussions are ongoing within the Democratic Party about this DCCC strategy and its effects.
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Suspect in Charlotte train stabbing found incompetent for trial "at this time"

Suspect in Charlotte train stabbing found incompetent for trial "at this time"

Summary

Decarlos Brown Jr, the man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train in North Carolina, has been declared unable to stand trial right now. The court decided he is not mentally fit to go through the trial process at this moment.

Key Facts

  • The incident involved a stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train.
  • The victim was Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee.
  • The suspect is named Decarlos Brown Jr.
  • A judge ruled that Brown is currently incompetent for trial.
  • Being "incompetent for trial" means he cannot understand the court process or help in his defense at this time.
  • This ruling means the trial will be delayed until he is considered fit for court.
  • The case is taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • CBS News reported the story, including correspondence from Shanelle Kaul.
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Watch: Moment Trump is booed during the national anthem at NBA Finals

Watch: Moment Trump is booed during the national anthem at NBA Finals

Summary

President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where the New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Some fans booed him during the national anthem, but President Trump said he mostly heard cheers and described the crowd as enthusiastic.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump was at the NBA Finals Game 3 in New York's Madison Square Garden.
  • The New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 111–115.
  • This was the first time a sitting U.S. president attended the NBA Finals.
  • Fans booed President Trump during the national anthem.
  • President Trump said the reaction was mostly cheers and the atmosphere was loud and enthusiastic.
  • The Knicks' loss narrowed their lead in the series to 2–1.
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Alaska investigating Senate candidate with same name as incumbent

Alaska investigating Senate candidate with same name as incumbent

Summary

Alaska’s election official is looking into a Republican Senate candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. because he has the same name as the current Senator Dan Sullivan. The investigation aims to find out if the new candidate joined the race to confuse voters.

Key Facts

  • The candidate under investigation is Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.
  • The incumbent senator is Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska.
  • Alaska’s Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom, a Republican, oversees elections and announced the investigation.
  • Authorities received credible claims that the new candidate entered the race to cause voter confusion.
  • The investigation started on Monday.
  • The case involves Alaska’s Senate race.
  • The goal is to ensure fair elections and protect voters from confusion.
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David Sullivan’s Sport newspapers used sexualised images of underage girls as ‘bait for predatory men’

David Sullivan’s Sport newspapers used sexualised images of underage girls as ‘bait for predatory men’

Summary

David Sullivan’s Sport newspapers used pictures of girls under 16 in suggestive ways before they were legally allowed to appear topless. Sullivan resigned as co-chair of West Ham football club amid accusations of sexual misconduct and exploitative behavior dating back decades.

Key Facts

  • Sport newspapers featured a "Countdown to 16" where girls were shown in lingerie or bikinis before turning 16, and topless after their birthday.
  • Former victims’ commissioner Vera Baird said these images acted as "bait for predatory men."
  • Seven women accused Sullivan of sexual misconduct and pressuring them for sex when they sought work.
  • Sullivan denies the allegations and says claims of improper conduct are “inevitable” given his adult industry background.
  • The newspapers operated legally at the time by only showing topless images after models turned 16, but laws have since tightened to 18 for indecent images.
  • Sullivan resigned as director and co-chair of West Ham but remains the club’s largest shareholder with a 38.8% stake.
  • The new football regulator (IFR) is investigating Sullivan’s suitability as a club owner and may force him to sell his shares.
  • Former UK minister Alex Davies-Jones questioned Sullivan’s role in football due to his past business practices.
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US judge finds man accused of killing woman on Charlotte train incompetent to stand trial

US judge finds man accused of killing woman on Charlotte train incompetent to stand trial

Summary

A man accused of killing a woman on a Charlotte commuter train has been found not mentally fit to stand trial for now. He will receive treatment in federal custody until doctors determine if he can participate in his trial.

Key Facts

  • Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, is accused of stabbing and killing Iryna Zarutska, 23, on a Charlotte light rail train in August.
  • A federal judge ruled Brown is currently incompetent to stand trial, meaning he cannot understand or help with his legal case right now.
  • Brown will be hospitalized for up to four months for treatment to help restore his mental fitness for trial.
  • If treatment works, a future hearing will decide if he is mentally ready for trial.
  • Brown faces federal charges that carry life in prison or possibly the death penalty, as well as a state first-degree murder charge.
  • Brown has a history of mental health issues and previous legal problems.
  • His lawyers say mental illness currently prevents him from standing trial.
  • Brown wrote a letter claiming he is being controlled by unknown forces and said law enforcement is not investigating.
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Cleveland Clinic settles with DOJ in gender-affirming care investigation

Cleveland Clinic settles with DOJ in gender-affirming care investigation

Summary

The Cleveland Clinic agreed to provide $2 million in care for people who stop gender-affirming treatment after starting it as minors. This agreement is part of a settlement with the Department of Justice during President Donald Trump’s administration. The clinic will offer these services to all patients in need.

Key Facts

  • Cleveland Clinic agreed to a $2 million commitment for care supporting patients who detransition.
  • Detransition means stopping or reversing gender-affirming care.
  • The settlement was made with the U.S. Department of Justice.
  • This deal happened under the Trump administration’s policies.
  • Cleveland Clinic is the second major health system to reach such an agreement.
  • The care will be available to all patients, not just minors.
  • The DOJ announced the settlement on a Friday.
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Rob Reiner's son Nick seeks money from trust parents left him for his defense in their killings

Rob Reiner's son Nick seeks money from trust parents left him for his defense in their killings

Summary

Nick Reiner, son of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, is asking a court for money from a trust set up for him. He says he needs the money to help pay for his legal defense after being charged with killing his parents.

Key Facts

  • Nick Reiner is 32 years old.
  • He is facing charges for allegedly killing his parents, Rob Reiner and his wife.
  • Nick’s parents had created a trust fund for him.
  • He claims the trustees supervising the trust are not giving him the money.
  • A court petition says there is no legal reason to deny him access to the funds.
  • He wants the money now to support his legal defense.
  • The petition was filed in Los Angeles County court.
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The other Dan Sullivan in Alaska's Senate race says candidacy is not a sham

The other Dan Sullivan in Alaska's Senate race says candidacy is not a sham

Summary

Two Alaska candidates named Dan Sullivan are competing in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat. The challenger Dan Sullivan says his campaign is genuine and not a trick to help the Democratic candidate, despite accusations from the incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan and an investigation by Alaska election officials.

Key Facts

  • There are two candidates named Dan Sullivan running in Alaska’s Republican U.S. Senate primary.
  • The challenger Dan Sullivan lives in Petersburg, Alaska, and has considered running for more than 10 years.
  • Incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan accused the challenger of trying to confuse voters to help Democrat Mary Peltola.
  • The challenger denies any contact or coordination with Democrats or Peltola’s campaign.
  • Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom has opened an investigation into the challenger’s candidacy.
  • The Alaska Division of Elections lists the two candidates with middle initials to help voters distinguish them.
  • Alaska uses an open primary where the top four candidates move on to the general election with ranked-choice voting.
  • The challenger Sullivan previously registered with the Alaskan Independence Party before becoming a Republican.
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