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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump repeats claim that California election was rigged – US politics live

Trump repeats claim that California election was rigged – US politics live

Summary

President Donald Trump repeated his claim that the California election is rigged, sharing a post that questioned the fairness of California elections. This follows his walkout from an NBC interview where he made unproven claims of cheating in California and the 2020 presidential election.

Key Facts

  • President Trump posted a screenshot from Congressman Abe Hamadeh on Truth Social, which claimed California cannot run free and fair elections.
  • The post referred to data showing Nithya Raman projected to win a spot in the Los Angeles mayor primary election.
  • Trump wrote, “No way this could have happened. Rigged Election!” in response to the data.
  • On Sunday, Trump left an NBC interview after clashing with the host over his election cheating claims.
  • Interviewer Kristen Welker explained delayed ballot counting was normal in California, but Trump disagreed and called her names.
  • Trump took off his microphone and ended the interview abruptly.
  • Trump is scheduled to attend a campaign rally in New Jersey and then a New York Knicks basketball game with heightened security.
  • He also claimed Iran’s military had been “virtually decapitated” amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and urged Iran and Israel to stop fighting.
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Hawley blasts 4 Republicans who voted to reject adding voter ID bill to reconciliation package

Hawley blasts 4 Republicans who voted to reject adding voter ID bill to reconciliation package

Summary

Senator Josh Hawley criticized four Republican senators for voting against adding the SAVE America Act, a voter ID law, to a $70 billion budget plan. The four senators who voted no were Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and one more unnamed senator.

Key Facts

  • Sen. Josh Hawley is from Missouri and is a Republican.
  • The vote was on adding the SAVE America Act to a budget package worth $70 billion.
  • The SAVE America Act includes a voter ID law.
  • Four Republican senators voted against this motion.
  • Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) are confirmed part of the group voting no.
  • Hawley expressed confusion over why Republicans would oppose the voter ID law.
  • The budget reconciliation package involves government spending and policy decisions.
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Republicans in Congress are defecting from Trump over Iran. Will more follow? | Rajan Menon and Daniel Depetris

Republicans in Congress are defecting from Trump over Iran. Will more follow? | Rajan Menon and Daniel Depetris

Summary

The House of Representatives voted to direct President Trump to remove U.S. forces from fighting Iran, showing some Republicans disagree with him on this issue. This vote reflects growing concern in Congress and among Americans about the ongoing war with Iran and its costs.

Key Facts

  • The House passed a measure under the 1973 War Powers Resolution to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.
  • Some Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure, showing divisions within Trump's party.
  • The Senate previously voted narrowly to advance a similar bill, but has not yet had a final vote.
  • President Trump criticized the House vote, calling it unpatriotic and a limit on his war powers.
  • The war with Iran has caused 13 American troop deaths and increased global oil and commodity prices.
  • Many Americans (68% in a recent poll) want a quick deal with Iran to end the war.
  • Lawmakers worry about the war's impact on military resources and upcoming elections.
  • The House vote is a "concurrent resolution," which does not legally bind the president or restrict his actions.
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Move over, MAGA — it’s time to take America back

Move over, MAGA — it’s time to take America back

Summary

The article states that some groups, including thieves, vandals, and certain political influencers, have taken control of the country. It calls for a movement to regain control and restore the nation.

Key Facts

  • The article claims that people described as thieves and vandals have negatively affected the country.
  • It mentions ideologues, meaning people with strong political ideas, as part of those influencing the country.
  • Power brokers, or people with political power, are also mentioned as having control.
  • The main message is a call to action to take the country back.
  • The article does not specify any particular group or event.
  • It uses strong language to urge change in leadership or direction.
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Ohio SNAP Fraud Bust Is Part of a Much Bigger National Crackdown

Ohio SNAP Fraud Bust Is Part of a Much Bigger National Crackdown

Summary

The Trump administration and Ohio officials have targeted 19 retailers in Ohio for illegally exchanging food stamp benefits (SNAP) for cash, alcohol, tobacco, and other banned items. This crackdown is part of a national effort to reduce fraud in SNAP, a federal program that helps low-income Americans buy food.

Key Facts

  • 19 retailers in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus have been accused of SNAP fraud.
  • Some retailers exchanged SNAP benefits for cash, alcohol, tobacco, and drug paraphernalia.
  • Violations can lead to retailers being banned from the program and facing fines.
  • Ohio passed new laws to introduce chip-enabled SNAP cards to prevent fraud like card skimming.
  • SNAP serves over 40 million Americans monthly and represents about 12% of the U.S. population.
  • The Trump administration is increasing oversight and making eligibility rules stricter for SNAP.
  • Federal SNAP funding was $101.7 billion in 2025, down from $135.8 billion in 2021 during the pandemic peak.
  • Some retailers also held liquor licenses, allowing authorities to issue additional penalties.
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Trump Interview Walkout Is Latest Clash With Female Reporter

Trump Interview Walkout Is Latest Clash With Female Reporter

Summary

President Donald Trump ended an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker after she questioned him on election fraud claims and other topics. The interview is one of several recent clashes between President Trump and female journalists, highlighting ongoing tensions between him and the press.

Key Facts

  • President Trump walked out of an NBC interview when challenged about unproven claims of election rigging.
  • In the interview, he called the elections "crooked" and accused multiple news networks of lacking credibility.
  • The interview covered topics like the Iran conflict, a dropped $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, and January 6 events.
  • President Trump has frequently clashed with female reporters, often responding with personal insults.
  • Recent encounters include calling NBC’s Kristen Welker "darling" while leaving the interview and accusing CNN’s Kaitlan Collins of "hatred in her eyes."
  • Female journalists face growing online and offline attacks, with a 2021 UNESCO report showing nearly 75% experienced online violence.
  • President Trump’s relationship with the press has been adversarial throughout his political career.
  • The controversy over election fraud claims continues as California votes were still being counted during the interview.
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Oh, SNAP: Why millionaires are getting food stamps, and how to stop them

Oh, SNAP: Why millionaires are getting food stamps, and how to stop them

Summary

A gap in the SNAP food assistance program lets wealthy households get benefits meant for needy families. This misuse uses up resources and costs taxpayers a lot of money.

Key Facts

  • SNAP is a federal program that helps people buy food.
  • Some households with large assets can still get SNAP benefits due to a loophole.
  • This loophole allows people who are not truly needy to receive aid.
  • The misuse of SNAP money takes resources away from genuinely low-income families.
  • Taxpayers bear the financial cost of this problem, amounting to billions of dollars.
  • Fixing this loophole would help ensure aid goes to those who need it most.
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A religious hospital denied her a life-saving drug during an ectopic pregnancy. She lost her fertility

A religious hospital denied her a life-saving drug during an ectopic pregnancy. She lost her fertility

Summary

Harmonie Perrone, a woman in Illinois, was denied a medication called methotrexate to treat her ectopic pregnancy at a religious hospital, despite the state’s laws protecting reproductive rights. Because of the delay in care, she lost her remaining fallopian tube and her ability to have children.

Key Facts

  • Harmonie Perrone suspected an ectopic pregnancy and sought urgent medical help.
  • She visited Advocate Good Shepherd hospital but was not given methotrexate or proper treatment.
  • Perrone was referred to another doctor who also refused to give the medication, citing moral reasons.
  • Illinois laws require medical providers to offer emergency care regardless of religious beliefs.
  • After going to a second hospital and waiting over 24 hours, she finally received methotrexate.
  • Six days later, Perrone needed surgery after her fallopian tube ruptured, resulting in loss of fertility.
  • The Illinois Hospital Emergency Service Act lists ectopic pregnancy as a condition needing immediate care.
  • Perrone and her husband had been trying to have a baby for years before this incident.
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The spectacular collapse of a case against ICE protesters: ‘It’s not justice, but it is a win’

The spectacular collapse of a case against ICE protesters: ‘It’s not justice, but it is a win’

Summary

Six protesters known as the Broadview Six were charged with felony conspiracy for blocking an ICE vehicle during protests in Illinois. The case was dropped by federal prosecutors after a judge found that prosecutors had acted improperly during grand jury proceedings.

Key Facts

  • Michael Rabbitt and five others protested at an ICE detention center in Broadview, Illinois.
  • They were charged with felony conspiracy as part of the Trump administration’s deportation efforts.
  • The charges faced criticism and legal challenges for allegedly targeting peaceful protest.
  • Two defendants had their charges dropped earlier, and only misdemeanors remained before trial.
  • A judge found evidence of prosecutorial misconduct, including improper influence on grand jurors.
  • Federal prosecutors dropped all charges just before the trial was set to begin.
  • Some Illinois senators have called for the resignation of the US attorney involved.
  • The Broadview Six have faced legal fees exceeding $1 million and personal hardships during the case.
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Democrats are demonizing the Supreme Court now to justify packing it later

Democrats are demonizing the Supreme Court now to justify packing it later

Summary

The article claims that recent criticisms aimed at the Supreme Court are not based on concerns about the law or social stability. It suggests these attacks are intended to justify plans to add more judges to the court.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court has been facing recent attacks against its integrity.
  • These attacks are said not to focus on upholding the law or social order.
  • The article argues the criticisms are not made honestly.
  • It suggests the real goal is to provide a reason for "packing" the court.
  • Court packing means adding more judges to change the court's balance.
  • No specific details or examples of attacks are provided.
  • The piece implies a political motive behind the criticism.
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Los Angeles trial to begin for man accused of sparking the deadly Palisades Fire

Los Angeles trial to begin for man accused of sparking the deadly Palisades Fire

Summary

A federal trial is starting for Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of causing the deadly Palisades Fire in California in January 2025. The fire killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The trial comes as the community continues rebuilding and faces challenges with insurance and permits.

Key Facts

  • Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, pleaded not guilty to starting the Palisades Fire.
  • The fire began on January 1, 2025, and burned underground before flaring up on January 7.
  • The fire killed 12 people and damaged many homes in Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
  • Rinderknecht faces charges including malicious destruction by fire and could get at least five years in prison if convicted.
  • The defense says Rinderknecht is being blamed for failures by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
  • The trial jury selection will take several days, with the trial expected to last about two weeks.
  • More than a year after the fire, the area is rebuilding but many homes are still unoccupied.
  • Local residents deal with emotional and practical struggles, including insurance claims and building permits.
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Starmer preparing to announce social media restrictions for children

Starmer preparing to announce social media restrictions for children

Summary

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans to announce new rules that will limit children’s access to social media soon. The government has considered different options, including banning social media use for children under 16, and a public consultation on this issue recently ended.

Key Facts

  • Sir Keir Starmer will give a speech next week including new social media policies for children.
  • The government is looking at ways to restrict children’s social media use, such as bans or digital curfews.
  • Some options discussed include a complete ban for under-16s, similar to a law in Australia.
  • There may be exceptions for parts of social media that are less harmful.
  • Starmer previously opposed social media restrictions but changed position due to pressure from other political parties and MPs.
  • A public consultation on banning social media for children closed last month.
  • Starmer promised the new policy will be a “game-changer.”
  • The announcement comes while Starmer attends the G7 summit and a by-election takes place.
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Social Security Payments Up to $5,181 Arriving This Week—Who Gets Paid?

Social Security Payments Up to $5,181 Arriving This Week—Who Gets Paid?

Summary

Millions of Americans will receive their June Social Security payments on different Wednesdays based on their birth dates. The maximum monthly payment in 2026 is $5,181, but the average benefit is about $2,071 per month for retired workers.

Key Facts

  • Social Security payments for June are spread out over three Wednesdays: June 10, June 17, and June 24, depending on the recipient’s birth date.
  • Some recipients get paid earlier on June 3 or June 1 if they started benefits before May 1997 or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • Monthly payments depend on how much a person earned, how long they worked, and when they started claiming benefits.
  • The highest possible monthly payment in 2026 is $5,181 for those who earned at the taxable maximum and waited until age 70 to claim.
  • The average Social Security payment for retired workers is about $2,071 per month.
  • The SSA staggers payments during the month to efficiently manage the program and avoid delays.
  • Social Security recipients are anticipating the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which could increase benefits between about 2.8% and 4%.
  • If a payment is late, the SSA recommends waiting at least three days before reporting it due to possible processing or banking delays.
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Trump, Mamdani slated to cheer on Knicks during finals game in New York

Trump, Mamdani slated to cheer on Knicks during finals game in New York

Summary

President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will both attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York to support the Knicks. While Trump was invited by the Knicks' owner and has a history of sitting courtside, the mayor will be seated in a different, higher section and plans to buy his own ticket.

Key Facts

  • President Trump and Mayor Mamdani will both attend the Knicks' NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden.
  • Trump has often sat courtside at Knicks games before becoming president.
  • Trump's seat for this game is not expected to be courtside due to security.
  • Knicks owner Jim Dolan personally invited President Trump.
  • Mayor Mamdani confirmed he is paying for his own ticket and will sit away from Trump.
  • Mamdani and Trump have met before, but the mayor does not plan to sit or meet with Trump at the game.
  • Mamdani has attended previous Knicks playoff games and sat in the upper sections.
  • The mayor has been publicly critical of the Trump administration but welcomes any Knicks fans.
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'Education changed my life': Cassidy introduces reading reform bill

'Education changed my life': Cassidy introduces reading reform bill

Summary

Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana introduced a new bill called the READ Act to improve reading skills for children across the United States. The bill focuses on using proven methods known as the "science of reading" to help more students read at grade level.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bill Cassidy introduced the Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development (READ) Act.
  • The bill promotes teaching reading through evidence-based methods called the "science of reading."
  • It requires states receiving federal funds to create reading plans aligned with these proven approaches.
  • Cassidy lost a recent Republican primary race to a candidate supported by President Donald Trump.
  • The bill has bipartisan support, including Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and John Hickenlooper.
  • Only 35% of 8th-grade students were proficient in reading in 2024.
  • The bill emphasizes components like phonics, vocabulary, and background knowledge for better literacy outcomes.
  • Literacy advocates see the bill as a major federal effort to address widespread reading difficulties among children.
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Maine voters head to polls on Tuesday for closely watched primary election

Maine voters head to polls on Tuesday for closely watched primary election

Summary

Voters in Maine are voting in a key Senate primary that will decide the Democratic candidate for the general election. Graham Platner, a political newcomer with a military background, is expected to become the nominee and will face Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has held the seat for nearly 30 years. Platner’s campaign faces multiple scandals and allegations, which he denies and calls politically motivated.

Key Facts

  • Maine voters are participating in a closely watched Senate primary election.
  • Graham Platner, an oysterman and marine veteran, is likely to win the Democratic primary after Janet Mills ended her campaign.
  • Platner will run against Susan Collins, a Republican senator in office for nearly 30 years.
  • Democrats see this race as a strong chance to win a Senate seat.
  • Platner has gained support with his populist message and military service but faces scandals including past offensive social media posts, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and allegations of abusive behavior.
  • Platner denies the allegations and calls them political attacks.
  • Susan Collins has a mixed record, opposing some of President Trump’s actions but supporting others.
  • Recent polls show a close race between Platner and Collins.
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‘I’m tired of getting kicked in the teeth’: firefighting union leader seeks to shake up Congress

‘I’m tired of getting kicked in the teeth’: firefighting union leader seeks to shake up Congress

Summary

Bob Brooks, a firefighter and former union leader from eastern Pennsylvania, won the Democratic nomination for a US House seat. He is running against Republican Ryan Mackenzie in a closely contested race, focusing on representing working-class people and opposing policies supported by the Trump administration.

Key Facts

  • Bob Brooks has worked many jobs, including firefighter and union leader.
  • Brooks won the Democratic nomination for a House seat in eastern Pennsylvania.
  • He is running against Republican Ryan Mackenzie, who has strong business group support.
  • The race is close, with a slight advantage for Mackenzie.
  • Brooks emphasizes representing working-class voters, who are underrepresented in Congress.
  • Brooks’ campaign criticizes Mackenzie for supporting Trump administration policies like tax cuts for the wealthy.
  • Brooks supports policies such as Medicare for all, raising the minimum wage, and stopping Medicaid cuts.
  • He has been involved in passing laws to help firefighters and first responders with social security and mental health benefits.
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Southern states’ new maps upend elections for candidates, voters

Southern states’ new maps upend elections for candidates, voters

Summary

Some Southern states have redrawn voting district boundaries shortly before elections. This has caused confusion for election workers, candidates, and voters about who is running and where. The Supreme Court ruling in April allowed Louisiana and Alabama to use new maps that favor Republicans.

Key Facts

  • Southern states changed voting district boundaries just before upcoming elections.
  • These new boundaries affect which candidates appear on ballots.
  • Election officials, candidates, and voters are trying to understand the changes.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court made a decision in April related to the Voting Rights Act.
  • This ruling lets Louisiana and Alabama use district maps that favor Republican candidates.
  • These changes could impact election results in November.
  • The adjustments follow a court ruling that weakens protections from the Voting Rights Act.
  • The situation is causing last-minute challenges for those involved in the elections.
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GOP plots third reconciliation bill as midterm clock ticks

GOP plots third reconciliation bill as midterm clock ticks

Summary

Republicans are working quickly to create a third major bill that includes only their party's ideas before the August recess. This effort is important because it could secure key parts of President Trump's agenda before the midterm elections, which might change which party controls Congress.

Key Facts

  • Republicans want to pass a third bill using a process called reconciliation, which allows passing certain laws with a simple majority.
  • This bill aims to include important parts of President Trump’s agenda.
  • The August recess is a pause in congressional work, so they want to finish the bill before then.
  • Midterm elections will happen soon, which may change which party controls the House and Senate.
  • The bill is seen as the last chance for the GOP to pass major legislation before the elections.
  • Assembling the bill quickly shows urgency due to the limited time available.
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This week on The Hill: Congress scrambles on reconciliation 2.0 and FISA

This week on The Hill: Congress scrambles on reconciliation 2.0 and FISA

Summary

Congress is facing a busy week with major issues on the agenda, including a bill to fund immigration enforcement and an extension of the government's surveillance powers without warrants. The House plans to review a $69.5 billion budget package to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border security.

Key Facts

  • Republicans are focused on two main priorities this week: immigration enforcement funding and extending surveillance powers.
  • The House will consider a budget reconciliation package worth $69.5 billion.
  • The budget package is designed to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • The package also supports border security efforts.
  • Lawmakers are set to discuss a long-term extension of warrantless spying powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
  • This week is seen as a critical time for Congress to address these priorities.
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