Maine held primary elections to choose candidates for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and governor races. These contests are important because Maine could influence control of Congress and often picks governors who do not follow party lines closely.
Key Facts
Maine had primary elections on Tuesday for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and governor positions.
The results will affect who runs in the midterm general election in November.
Maine's outcomes may impact control of both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Several candidates have notable family connections, including relatives of senators, congress members, governors, and presidents.
Maine's voters are known for choosing governors independent of strict party loyalty.
The elections include competitive races with high stakes for political balance in Washington.
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President Donald Trump has officially nominated Todd Blanche to be the permanent Attorney General. Blanche has been the acting head of the Department of Justice since Trump fired the previous Attorney General, Pam Bondi, two months ago.
Key Facts
President Trump nominated Todd Blanche to be Attorney General permanently.
Todd Blanche is currently the Acting Attorney General.
Blanche was the No. 2 official at the Department of Justice before becoming Acting Attorney General.
President Trump fired the former Attorney General, Pam Bondi, two months ago.
Blanche was formerly President Trump’s personal criminal defense lawyer.
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Republican Congressman Thomas Massie called for the U.S. government to reopen the investigation into Israel’s 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, which killed 34 American sailors. The attack happened during the Six-Day War, and some survivors and officials believe it was intentional, while Israel says it was an accident.
Key Facts
The USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli jets and torpedo boats on June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War.
The attack killed 34 U.S. service members and wounded 171 others.
Israel says the attack was a mistake caused by misidentification.
Some surviving crew members and U.S. officials believe the attack was deliberate.
Congressman Massie spoke on the House floor, urging a new investigation and honoring survivors.
Massie cited statements from former Secretary of State Dean Rusk and General Thomas Moorer, who called the attack intentional.
The incident has raised questions about the U.S.-Israel relationship and military cooperation.
Massie lost his primary election to a candidate supported by President Donald Trump and pro-Israel groups.
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President Donald Trump officially nominated Todd Blanche to be the attorney general. Blanche has been the acting attorney general since April and was previously the deputy attorney general.
Key Facts
President Trump nominated Todd Blanche on Monday to be attorney general.
Blanche has acted as attorney general since April after Pam Bondi was fired.
He was deputy attorney general for just over a year before becoming acting attorney general.
The White House sent Blanche’s nomination to the Senate for approval.
Some Republican senators may be hesitant to support Blanche’s nomination.
Senator Thom Tillis has not decided on his support and wants Blanche to condemn the January 6 Capitol riot.
The nomination will be reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The story is still developing and may have updates.
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President Donald Trump walked out of an NBC interview after being challenged about his false claims of election fraud and his statements on the Iran war. He denied making any promises about avoiding new wars, though his campaign repeatedly said he would prevent future conflicts.
Key Facts
President Trump left the NBC “Meet the Press” interview about 50 minutes in after tough questions.
Reporter Kristen Welker challenged Trump on his unproven claims of election fraud in both 2020 and California’s gubernatorial race.
Trump accused the reporter of being "crooked" but did not provide evidence for his fraud claims.
Trump denied promising “no war” during his 2024 campaign, despite his repeated public statements saying he would avoid new wars.
The interview also covered Trump’s dropped $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and questions about Capitol riot defendants, which Trump responded to with false or misleading claims.
Trump falsely claimed FBI agents helped lead rioters into the Capitol, a claim with no evidence.
Courts have rejected widespread fraud claims, and no evidence has shown election outcomes were affected.
Trump's responses became increasingly defensive as he was pressed on these topics before leaving the interview.
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President Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche to be the permanent U.S. attorney general. Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April and is known for supporting Trump’s policies and leading several notable Justice Department actions.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche was appointed acting U.S. attorney general in April after Trump fired Pam Bondi.
President Trump described Blanche as a “very talented guy” in a recent podcast.
Under Blanche’s leadership, the Justice Department charged former FBI Director James Comey and expanded investigations involving former CIA Director John Brennan.
The Justice Department removed press releases about prosecutions of people involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
Blanche was involved in creating a secret $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies, but the fund was canceled amid criticism.
Senate confirmation is required for Blanche to become the permanent attorney general.
Some Republican senators opposed the proposed secret fund linked to Trump’s allies.
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President Donald Trump walked out of a TV interview in Wisconsin while being questioned. The event gained attention as it happened amid debates over his control of the Iran War and other political issues in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump left a Meet The Press interview in Wisconsin before it finished.
The interview clip became popular and widely shared.
Some Republicans and Democrats in Congress passed a measure to stop Trump from taking more military action in the Iran War.
Trump says he is close to a deal to end the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Vice President JD Vance made social media posts about Henry Nowak, drawing public interest.
Scott Pelley, a long-time anchor of the news program 60 Minutes, was fired by new editor Bari Weiss.
There have been multiple layoffs at CBS, raising questions about the future of 60 Minutes.
The discussion about these topics took place on a BBC podcast episode called Americast, featuring hosts Anthony Zurcher, Marianna Spring, and Matt Chorley.
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President Donald Trump will be the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, prompting New York City to enforce strong security measures around Madison Square Garden. Fans attending the Knicks vs. Spurs game are experiencing thorough security checks and strict rules to ensure safety.
Key Facts
President Trump is attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
This is the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended an NBA Finals game.
Security measures include a multi-block perimeter around Madison Square Garden.
Fans must arrive two hours early and pass through multiple checkpoints.
A TSA-style magnetometer, like those used in airports, is being used for security screening.
The New York Police Department and Secret Service are coordinating the security effort.
A no-bag policy is in place for ticket holders, and a planned watch party outside the arena was canceled.
The Knicks have won 13 games in a row and are close to winning their first NBA championship since 1973.
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Dan Cogdell, a Houston lawyer who defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for years, is now supporting Paxton’s opponent, James Talarico, in the Texas Senate race. Cogdell said Paxton lost focus on serving Texas, and he believes Talarico can unite voters across party lines.
Key Facts
Dan Cogdell was Ken Paxton’s lawyer for nearly a decade, including during Paxton’s impeachment trial and securities fraud case.
Cogdell announced his support for James Talarico, a Texas state representative and Democratic candidate, on his podcast.
Cogdell said Paxton lost sight of representing the people of Texas.
Talarico’s campaign focuses on unity and welcomes Republicans, Democrats, and independents.
Paxton was acquitted in his 2023 impeachment trial by the Republican-controlled Texas Senate.
Paxton won the Republican nomination after beating Senator John Cornyn in a primary runoff.
President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton in the primary election.
The Texas Senate race is closely watched as a test of Democratic chances in a state that often votes Republican.
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A federal judge blocked President Donald Trump’s rule that charged a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers. The judge said the administration did not have legal authority from Congress to impose this fee, calling it a tax that was imposed without proper approval.
Key Facts
The $100,000 fee was announced by President Trump in September 2023.
A judge ruled the fee is unlawful because it acts as a tax without Congress’s permission.
The H-1B visa program lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers with special skills for up to six years.
Congress has set a yearly limit of 65,000 H-1B visas, plus 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees.
Employers already pay fees between $1,700 and $4,500 for H-1B visas.
The new $100,000 fee was applied only to new applicants living outside the U.S., not to renewals.
Twenty states, led by California, sued to stop the fee, saying it would hurt hiring in schools, universities, and hospitals.
The judge ordered the $100,000 fee to be canceled under a law that protects against unfair government actions.
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President Donald Trump asked Senate Majority Leader John Thune to remove Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough. He wants this done so Republicans can pass the SAVE America Act, a law that would require voters to prove their citizenship and show a photo ID to vote.
Key Facts
President Trump requested the firing of Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is the person Trump addressed.
The goal is to pass the SAVE America Act.
The SAVE America Act would require voters to prove citizenship when registering.
It would also require showing a photo ID when voting.
The parliamentarian’s role involves advising the Senate on rules and procedures.
Removing the parliamentarian is seen as a step to avoid procedural obstacles.
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The Kennedy Center removed President Donald Trump's name from its venue and invitations for an upcoming awards ceremony. The event will honor Bill Maher with the Mark Twain Award for American Humor.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center is hosting an annual awards ceremony later this month.
Invitations sent out no longer include President Donald Trump's name on the venue.
Bill Maher is one of the recipients of the Mark Twain Award for American Humor.
The Mark Twain Award is given to recognize achievements in American humor.
The change in naming was made official in invitations distributed on Monday.
The article does not specify reasons for the removal of President Trump's name.
The Kennedy Center is known for hosting artistic and cultural events.
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The Pentagon updated its list of religious codes used in the military after members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) criticized it for not labeling LDS as a Christian faith. The revised list removed the "Christian" label for all faiths to avoid religious disputes and to help military chaplains better support service members.
Key Facts
The Pentagon reduced religious codes from over 200 to 31 to simplify chaplain support.
The original list did not identify the LDS Church as a Christian faith, causing criticism from LDS members and Utah senators John Curtis and Mike Lee.
After backlash, the Pentagon removed the "Christian" label from all religions on the list.
Pentagon spokesman said the change fixed redundant and unnecessary labels and emphasized respect for all sincere faiths.
Senator Mike Lee supported the Pentagon's correction and said the government should not decide religious doctrines.
The list includes various faiths like Presbyterian, Catholic, Islam, Hindu, Sikh, and Judaism.
The changes are part of a broader effort by Pentagon official Hegseth to improve spiritual well-being in the military.
U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains Major Gen. William Green Jr. was fired amid this effort to reform the Military Chaplain Corps.
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A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s $100,000 fee for the H-1B visa is an unauthorized tax and cannot be imposed by the executive branch. The judge said only Congress has the power to tax, and the fee violated the separation of powers under the Constitution.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications in September.
The fee was intended to ensure visas go to highly skilled individuals who benefit the U.S.
A federal judge in Massachusetts struck down the fee, calling it an unauthorized tax.
The judge said taxing power belongs only to Congress, not the President.
The fee generates revenue and is imposed on lawful activity, which makes it a tax.
The executive branch can set rules and restrictions on visas but cannot impose taxes.
Reports suggested the number of new H-1B applications dropped after the fee started.
The ruling focused on constitutional separation of powers between Congress and the President.
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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill was given a limited and controlled tour of a federal immigration detention center in Newark after weeks of denied access. She visited the Delaney Hall facility to see its conditions.
Key Facts
Governor Mikie Sherrill represents New Jersey and is a member of the Democratic Party.
She tried to visit the federal immigration detention center in Newark but was denied access for several weeks.
After the delay, she was allowed a tour of Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention facility.
The tour was described as limited and controlled, meaning she could only see certain parts under supervision.
The visit aimed to understand the conditions inside the detention center.
Delaney Hall is a facility where immigrants are held by federal authorities.
This event took place in the state of New Jersey.
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Two people, a man and a woman, were shot and seriously injured at Kaiser medical offices in San Jose, California. Police say this shooting was an isolated event and there is no danger to the public.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Kaiser medical offices in San Jose, California.
Two victims (one man and one woman) were shot and have life-threatening injuries.
The victims were taken to the hospital.
Police believe this was an isolated incident.
Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The incident occurred on June 8, 2026.
Law enforcement responded quickly and secured the scene.
This story is still developing, and more information may be released later.
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New York City is increasing security measures as President Donald Trump plans to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Officials want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City.
The game is between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
New York City is tightening security for the event.
The goal is to keep the event safe for everyone.
The NBA Finals is a major basketball championship series.
The increased security includes more police presence and checks.
The city is preparing for large crowds at the game.
Officials aim to avoid any disruptions during the event.
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President Donald Trump denies that he promised to keep the United States out of new wars, despite repeatedly saying during his presidency and campaigns that he would avoid starting wars. His statements over time show he emphasized military strength and claimed to have stopped ongoing conflicts, but he now says he never guaranteed no new wars.
Key Facts
President Trump has said he built the strongest military to ensure safety but denies promising no new wars.
His White House biography credits him with stopping "endless wars."
In his 2024 victory speech, Trump said he did not start new wars and defeated ISIS quickly.
Trump stated in October 2024 rallies and interviews that he avoided sending U.S. troops to new conflicts.
He claimed at a 2023 CPAC event to be the "only president in modern history" with no new wars.
In 2020, Trump said people expected him to start wars but he kept the U.S. out of new conflicts.
He acknowledges ongoing conflicts like the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, which started after his previous statements.
Trump’s views have shifted from promising no wars to focusing on military strength and preparedness.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he will not support renewing the government’s warrantless spying powers until President Donald Trump removes Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte. Jeffries called for Pulte’s removal as the first step in addressing concerns over surveillance laws.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
Jeffries opposes renewing Section 702, a law allowing certain warrantless spy activities.
He wants President Trump to remove Bill Pulte, the Acting Director of National Intelligence.
Jeffries believes removing Pulte is only the beginning of efforts to change spy powers.
Section 702 governs how the government collects foreign intelligence without individual warrants.
The debate centers on balancing national security and privacy rights.
President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence.
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Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the California primary election, saying it has serious problems. He pointed out that votes are still being counted weeks after the election, which he and President Donald Trump say raises concerns about the election’s fairness.
Key Facts
Speaker Mike Johnson is a Republican from Louisiana.
He spoke out against the California primary election process.
Johnson said the election “stinks to high heaven,” meaning it seems very flawed.
He mentioned that votes were counted weeks after the election day.
President Donald Trump and other Republicans have also complained about California’s election system.
Johnson did not directly say the election was rigged but expressed strong doubts about it.
The comments were made in the U.S. Capitol on a Monday.
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