Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman is close to overtaking Spencer Pratt in the race for mayor of Los Angeles. As of Sunday evening, Raman was in third place, just behind Pratt and the current mayor Karen Bass.
Key Facts
Nithya Raman is a Los Angeles City Councilmember and a Democrat.
Spencer Pratt is a Republican mayoral candidate and a former reality TV star.
Karen Bass is the current mayor of Los Angeles and a Democrat.
Raman was trailing Pratt by about 2 percentage points in the vote count.
Karen Bass was leading the race at the time of the update.
The information comes from the vote count reported by Decision Desk HQ.
The election is for the highest political office in Los Angeles city government.
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A lawsuit was filed to stop a UFC fight night planned on the White House South Lawn on President Trump's 80th birthday. The suit claims the event breaks federal rules, benefits Trump and his allies financially, and was not properly approved by Congress or reviewed for environmental impact.
Key Facts
The event is scheduled for June 14, President Trump's 80th birthday.
The lawsuit was filed by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of a political activist and an Air Force veteran.
It argues the fight night is a private, profit-driven event benefiting President Trump, UFC, and its broadcast partner Paramount.
The event includes a large arch constructed on the White House South Lawn without congressional approval or environmental review.
UFC says the event is part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, but the lawsuit disputes this claim.
A White House official called the lawsuit baseless and said the event is similar to other White House-hosted activities.
Paramount, UFC, and others involved have not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, is holding a town hall event to answer voters’ questions amid recent reports about his past behavior. Despite allegations from an ex-girlfriend and other controversies, Platner remains the front-runner in the upcoming Democratic primary.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for U.S. Senate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
He will hold a town hall event in Portland, Maine, to address voter questions.
An ex-girlfriend accused Platner of physical violence, which he denies.
Other ex-girlfriends gave mixed accounts, some positive and some describing him as volatile.
Reports also revealed Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with women while married.
Platner has apologized for previous online posts seen as dismissive of sexual assault and covered a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism.
No major Democrats have withdrawn their support despite the allegations.
Rahm Emanuel commented that it is uncertain if Platner can win against Collins.
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Some Jewish Democrats say they feel unwelcome in their own party because of rising criticism of Israel and related antisemitism. This issue could affect Jewish voter support in key states during the 2028 election.
Key Facts
Most Jewish Americans vote Democratic, so changes in their support matter for elections.
Criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza has sometimes led to negative attitudes toward Jewish Americans.
The Democratic Party is experiencing internal conflict over opinions on Israel.
Several Democratic candidates have faced controversy over antisemitic or Israel-related remarks.
Jewish Democratic leaders like Governors Josh Shapiro and JB Pritzker may run for president in 2028.
Some Jewish voters feel scared or alienated but have not yet left the party in large numbers.
Jewish staffers working on Democratic campaigns report feeling uncomfortable with the party’s stance.
Both Democratic and Republican parties have issues with antisemitism, according to some politicians.
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The Labour party has asked Nigel Farage to explain more clearly about a £5 million gift he received from a crypto billionaire. Farage is under investigation for whether he followed rules about declaring this money before being elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the 2024 election.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne, a crypto billionaire based in Thailand.
The gift came shortly before Farage changed his mind and decided to run in the 2024 general election.
Farage was elected as an MP for Clacton, Essex, after receiving the gift.
Labour party chair Anna Turley said Farage has avoided answering questions about the gift.
Farage gave different explanations for the gift, including it being for personal security or a reward for campaigning for Brexit.
Farage did not declare the money to authorities, saying he was not an MP when he got it.
Farage plans to renovate a beachfront property in Kent worth over £1.5 million.
There are questions about how Farage paid for his Surrey home, which he bought weeks after receiving the gift.
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Democrats in Maine say they might change how their state gives Electoral College votes if Nebraska, controlled by Republicans, switches to a winner-take-all system for the 2028 presidential election. Currently, both Maine and Nebraska split their electoral votes based on who wins each congressional district, but political leaders worry Nebraska might change this.
Key Facts
Maine and Nebraska are the only states that split Electoral College votes by congressional district.
Republicans in Nebraska have considered switching to a winner-take-all system but have not passed that change yet.
Some Democrats running for Maine’s governor support switching Maine to a winner-take-all system if Nebraska does it first.
This type of political retaliation in election rules is seen as part of ongoing strategies since President Trump’s era.
Changing the system in both states could cancel out the effects because they would both use winner-take-all.
Maine’s Secretary of State and several Democratic candidates are publicly supporting the idea of changing the vote allocation.
Nebraska Democrats say the chances of switching away from the current system there are low because Republicans don’t have enough votes in the legislature.
Maine’s upcoming Democratic primary for governor could influence whether the state decides to change how it awards Electoral College votes.
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Support for One Nation has risen to 31%, making it more popular than the Labor Party, which dropped to 30%, according to a recent Newspoll in Australia. Meanwhile, Professor Richard Scolyer, a well-known cancer researcher and former Australian of the Year, has died at age 59 after a public battle with brain cancer.
Key Facts
One Nation's support increased by 4 points to 31%.
Labor's support decreased by 1 point to 30%.
The Coalition's support dropped by 2 points to 18%.
The Greens lost 1 point, now at 11%.
Minor parties and independents held steady at 10%.
The Newspoll surveyed 1,240 voters online with a 3.2-point margin of error.
Professor Richard Scolyer was a leading melanoma expert and cancer researcher.
Scolyer passed away at 59 after battling brain cancer publicly.
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House Democrats plan to investigate officials from President Donald Trump’s administration starting in 2029. They accuse these officials of breaking laws related to immigration actions, military strikes, financial misconduct, and political prosecutions.
Key Facts
Democrats in the House want 2029 to be the year they hold Trump administration officials accountable.
They claim these officials broke laws in areas like immigration raids and strikes on drug boats.
There are accusations of financial self-dealing by some members of the Trump team.
Democrats also say Trump officials used the justice system to target political opponents.
The efforts are part of broader investigations into the actions of the Trump administration.
These investigations may lead to legal prosecutions of some officials.
The Department of Justice is involved in reviewing some of these claims.
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President Trump gave a lengthy interview on NBC’s "Meet the Press," discussing different issues as he nears 18 months into his second term. He talked about talks with Iran, defended a fund meant to stop weapon use, and addressed other topics related to his administration.
Key Facts
President Trump was interviewed by NBC’s Kristen Welker.
The interview aired on Sunday on the show "Meet the Press."
He discussed ongoing talks with the Iranian government.
He defended a fund created to prevent the spread or use of weapons, which was short-lived.
The interview covered various subjects related to President Trump’s administration.
The timing of the interview was close to the 18-month mark of his second presidential term.
The tone of the interview included some tense moments.
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Congressman Ro Khanna supports Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite past accusations of bad behavior. Platner has admitted to mistakes during a difficult time and is focusing his campaign on issues like health care and taxing the wealthy.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Platner faced allegations of sending inappropriate messages and having a controversial tattoo.
His former girlfriend accused him of physical and controlling actions during their relationship.
Platner says he struggled with untreated PTSD and alcohol use after serving in Iraq.
Ro Khanna supports Platner because he says Platner took responsibility and has a policy platform on major issues.
Khanna believes Maine voters know about Platner’s past and may forgive him to focus on his goals.
Platner’s campaign claims some accusers have political motives and denies physical abuse claims.
Khanna urges Platner’s campaign not to attack accusers and supports their bravery in coming forward.
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Representative Jim Himes, a leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, criticized President Donald Trump’s choice to make Bill Pulte the acting Director of National Intelligence. Several lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about this appointment.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte was appointed by President Trump as acting Director of National Intelligence.
Rep. Jim Himes called this appointment the “worst and most dangerous” made by President Trump.
Himes is the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.
Lawmakers from both political parties have criticized the appointment.
The Director of National Intelligence oversees the U.S. intelligence community.
The FHFA, where Pulte was head, deals with housing finance policies.
The concerns suggest worries about Pulte’s qualifications or suitability for the intelligence role.
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President Donald Trump ended an NBC interview early after being challenged about his claims that the 2020 presidential election and California’s primary elections were "rigged." During the interview, he accused the media of being dishonest and refused to provide evidence for his claims.
Key Facts
President Trump was interviewed by NBC’s Kristen Welker on Meet The Press.
He claimed the 2020 election and California primary elections were "rigged" without providing proof.
Welker asked for evidence, but Trump responded by saying he just "looks and listens."
Trump called the media "crooked" and ended the interview after about 50 minutes.
The interview took place in a barn in Wisconsin and was delayed due to rain and technical issues.
They also discussed US policy on Iran, where Trump said the US needed to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Trump referred to a canceled $1.8 billion fund aimed at compensating people unfairly targeted by the government.
After the interview, Welker said Trump agreed to do another interview to continue the discussion.
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A Republican congressman, Don Bacon, criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for linking the D-Day anniversary to migration issues during a speech in France. Bacon said the event should honor World War II soldiers and focus on cooperation with allies, not immigration politics.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth spoke in Normandy on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, connecting migration in Europe to national security concerns.
Hegseth described migration as a new kind of "invasion" threatening European countries.
President Trump's administration has warned about rising migration flows in Europe and the need for stronger border controls.
Congressman Don Bacon said Hegseth's remarks were “not helpful” and that the D-Day anniversary should focus on remembering fallen soldiers.
Bacon expressed concern that criticizing European allies while avoiding criticism of Russia harms U.S. alliances.
Bacon highlighted ongoing tensions between the U.S. and some allies, including disputes with Canada and Greenland.
The Pentagon declined to comment further beyond Hegseth’s original remarks.
Bacon has previously criticized Hegseth over other Pentagon controversies, such as encrypted messaging related to military operations.
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Rep. Michael McCaul criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for comments he made during a speech at the 82nd D-Day commemoration. McCaul said the speech should have focused on the sacrifices and service of the soldiers who fought against Nazi Germany.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the U.S. Defense Secretary.
Hegseth gave a speech at the 82nd annual D-Day commemoration.
Rep. Michael McCaul is a Republican from Texas.
McCaul called Hegseth's remarks “inappropriate.”
McCaul said the focus should be on honoring the soldiers’ sacrifices and service.
D-Day refers to the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.
The commemoration honored veterans who fought against Nazi Germany.
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A federal lawsuit has been filed to stop a UFC fight planned for June 14 on the White House grounds, arguing the event breaks federal laws and wrongly uses public land for private profit. The White House defends the fight as a historic sporting event to celebrate President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the country’s 250th anniversary.
Key Facts
The UFC fight is called "UFC Freedom 250" and set for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House.
The event coincides with President Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day.
The lawsuit claims the event violates National Park Service rules against commercial sports on certain federal lands.
Plaintiffs say the event lacks congressional approval for temporary structures and skipped required environmental reviews.
Construction of a 5,000-seat outdoor octagon arena is underway, with extra screens and events planned nearby at the Ellipse.
The UFC plans to offer up to 85,000 free tickets across the White House and Ellipse locations.
The White House calls the lawsuit baseless and says the fight is like other permitted events held on national grounds.
Critics worry about mixing government property with private entertainment and the appropriateness of hosting a violent sport at the presidential residence.
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Seth Bodnar and Dan Osborn are running for the U.S. Senate as independent candidates in states that typically vote for the Republican Party. They say they will not support either major political party and want to focus on representing the people in their states.
Key Facts
Seth Bodnar and Dan Osborn are both running for the U.S. Senate.
They are independent candidates, meaning they do not belong to the Democratic or Republican parties.
Their campaigns emphasize working for voters, not political parties.
They are running in states that usually vote strongly Republican.
Both candidates promote independence from the traditional party system in the Senate.
Their goal is to provide a different choice for voters in these solidly red states.
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A federal lawsuit has been filed to stop a UFC fight planned on the White House South Lawn for President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the country's 250th anniversary. The lawsuit argues that the event breaks rules about sports on federal land and was allowed without proper approval or environmental checks.
Key Facts
The UFC fight is set for June 14 on the White House South Lawn.
The event is part of President Trump’s 80th birthday celebration and America’s 250th anniversary.
The Public Integrity Project filed a lawsuit on behalf of two Virginia residents to block the fight.
The lawsuit claims National Park Service rules ban sporting events on federal parklands like the South Lawn.
It also says Congress never agreed to the large arch built overlooking the event area.
No environmental review was done before the construction of the octagon-shaped cage and surrounding structures.
The White House described the lawsuit as baseless and part of efforts to block the event.
The UFC plans to offer up to 85,000 free tickets for spectators at the South Lawn and a nearby park called the Ellipse.
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President Donald Trump said he might support paying Jan. 6 rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol, including those who pleaded guilty. The Department of Justice has officially stopped plans for a fund that would compensate people they say were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration.
Key Facts
President Trump did not rule out giving money to people involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
More than 1,580 people were charged for crimes related to Jan. 6, with over 1,000 pleading guilty.
The "Anti-Weaponization Fund" was a proposed program to pay those allegedly unfairly targeted by the Biden administration.
The Department of Justice announced it will not move forward with the fund.
Trump called the fund a “great idea” and said he would pay rioters "the kind of money they deserve" if it was his decision.
Trump claimed some rioters were victims of "dirty cops" and that many had their lives ruined by prosecution.
On his first day in office, Trump issued a broad clemency to those connected to the Jan. 6 events.
The interview ended abruptly after Trump disagreed with accusations about election issues and the fund’s cancellation.
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Bob Packwood, a former U.S. senator from Oregon known for supporting abortion rights, has died at 93. He resigned in 1995 after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, overshadowing his long political career.
Key Facts
Bob Packwood served in the Senate for 27 years as a moderate Republican from Oregon.
He was a strong supporter of abortion rights and was praised by women’s groups.
In 1993, a Senate ethics investigation began after more than two dozen women accused him of unwanted sexual advances.
Packwood resigned from the Senate in September 1995 due to these allegations.
After leaving office, he started a lobbying business in Washington, D.C.
He was involved in passing major tax reform in 1986 that lowered income tax rates.
Packwood was known for being blunt, independent, and willing to cross party lines.
His successor in the Senate, Ron Wyden, said Packwood’s record is overshadowed by his misconduct.
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A lawsuit has been filed to stop President Donald Trump from holding a UFC fight at the White House on June 14. The lawsuit claims the event lacks proper approvals and breaks rules about using federal parkland for sports events.
Key Facts
The UFC fight is planned for President Trump’s 80th birthday and near the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The lawsuit argues that Trump did not get the right permissions for the event or the construction of an arch near the site.
It also claims no environmental review was done before building at the venue.
The White House called the lawsuit unfounded and said such events have happened before with proper permits.
A fighting cage is being built on the South Lawn of the White House, with seating for 5,000 guests by invitation only.
Some 1,200 military members invited to the fight must meet certain physical standards to attend.
President Trump has a history with wrestling and UFC, with ties to the sports through his casinos and connections.
UFC president Dana White is a supporter of President Trump, and the sport is linked with efforts to engage certain voter groups.
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