Winooski School District in Vermont has taken a strong stand to protect immigrant students from immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. The district passed a sanctuary policy to shield students from ICE actions and refused to comply with federal restrictions on diversity and inclusion programs in schools.
Key Facts
Winooski School District has about 800 students, nearly 60% of whom are people of color and over a third are learning English.
The district passed a sanctuary policy to protect students from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions while at school.
Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria refused to sign a federal document agreeing to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in schools.
The Trump administration has investigated schools for DEI programs and removed protections that prevented ICE arrests on school grounds.
Chavarria, born in Nicaragua and a naturalized U.S. citizen, was detained by immigration officials in 2023.
The district has received racist messages after a student raised the Somali flag outside the school.
Winooski is in a largely white state but is a diverse community with many refugee families from countries like Bhutan, Somalia, Bosnia, and Syria.
The Trump administration lowered the refugee admission cap from 125,000 in 2025 to 7,500 in 2026, affecting local refugee resettlement.
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Democrats have raised more money than Republicans for the 2026 elections so far. However, having more donations does not always guarantee winning the elections.
Key Facts
Democrats are currently ahead in fundraising compared to Republicans for 2026.
Campaign money plays an important role in politics.
More money does not always decide who wins elections.
Fundraising totals can vary throughout the election cycle.
Other factors besides money can influence election outcomes.
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A federal judge in Atlanta is facing criticism after an investigation showed she lied about having an affair with a senior police officer and being involved in inappropriate sexual behavior near her staff. Lawyers are upset, an ethics group wants Congress to look into removing her, and the Trump administration is trying to remove her from an important position.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Atlanta lied about an affair with a high-ranking police officer.
The judge reportedly had sex close to her clerks at work.
Many lawyers are angry about the judge’s behavior.
An ethics watchdog group wants Congress to investigate and possibly impeach the judge.
The Trump administration is working to remove her from a key role.
The allegations have caused significant pressure on the judge.
The situation involves both legal ethics and government oversight.
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The race for California governor remains very close, with Republican Steve Hilton leading but many ballots still uncounted. In Los Angeles, Karen Bass leads the mayoral primary but must face a runoff in November since she did not win a majority. Across the US, primary elections are ongoing with some surprising results, including the end of President Trump’s perfect endorsement streak.
Key Facts
California’s governor race is too close to call, with Steve Hilton in the lead.
California’s system sends the top two primary candidates to the general election, regardless of party.
Karen Bass leads the Los Angeles mayoral primary but did not secure over 50%.
A runoff election for LA mayor will be held in November.
In Iowa, Josh Turek won the Democratic primary for governor, defeating Zach Wahls.
Republican Randy Feenstra’s second-place finish in Iowa ended President Trump’s perfect endorsement record this year.
Voting experts say some close races may take weeks to finalize results.
CBS News fired 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley after disagreements with new management.
The Pentagon appointed Elias Irizarry, convicted for participating in January 6 Capitol events, to a sensitive counter-terrorism role.
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President Donald Trump said in an interview that he expects to make Todd Blanche the permanent U.S. attorney general. Currently, Blanche serves as the acting attorney general.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the acting U.S. attorney general.
President Trump indicated he plans to appoint Blanche permanently.
The announcement was made during a recent interview on Pod Force One.
Blanche would become the top law enforcement official in the U.S. if confirmed.
More details about the appointment are expected to be shared soon.
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Several new Democratic candidates won key primary races on Tuesday, including veterans, a Paralympian, and community leaders. They aim to compete in districts with varying political leanings, with some hopeful to flip Republican seats in the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
Rebecca Bennett, a navy veteran and former healthcare executive, won the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 7th congressional district, a swing district currently held by a Republican who has been absent due to health reasons.
Adam Hamawy, a plastic surgeon and army veteran, won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 12th district, likely becoming the state’s first Muslim congressman.
Hamawy supports Medicare for All, abolishing ICE (U.S. immigration enforcement), and sanctions against Israel.
Josh Turek, a state legislator and Paralympic gold medalist who uses a wheelchair, won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Iowa.
Turek’s Senate race is for an open seat after Republican Joni Ernst decided not to run for re-election.
Rob Sand, the Iowa state auditor, secured the Democratic nomination for governor as the current governor Kim Reynolds plans to retire.
These candidates come from diverse backgrounds, including military service, healthcare, sports, and local government.
The races are happening in districts that range from safe Democratic areas to competitive and traditionally Republican-leaning places.
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The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution did not directly cause the growth of the federal government in the last century. However, it changed how senators were chosen, which allowed other changes to happen and made federal expansion easier.
Key Facts
The 17th Amendment changed the way U.S. senators are elected.
Before the amendment, state legislatures picked senators.
After the amendment, senators are elected by popular vote.
This change affected how the Senate operates.
It removed some power from state governments and gave more influence to voters.
The amendment helped create the conditions for federal government growth.
It did not directly cause federal expansion but made it more possible.
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During a Senate hearing, Republican Senator Susan Collins questioned Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on some H-1B visa applications. Collins highlighted concerns about how the fee affects rural hospitals needing foreign workers like surgeons, while Mullin said many applicants pay the fee to speed up processing.
Key Facts
The H-1B visa lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers in special jobs like technology, engineering, and medicine.
The Trump administration introduced a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions starting in early 2026.
The fee is intended to encourage hiring American workers who earn higher wages and to increase oversight of the visa program.
Senator Susan Collins pressed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the fee's impact on rural hospitals and essential services.
Mullin said the fee helps speed up visa processing to about 15 days, while other applications can take over seven months.
Over 200,000 applicants reportedly paid the fee so far, according to Mullin, although this number has not been independently confirmed.
Some lawmakers worry the fee will worsen worker shortages in healthcare and other sectors that rely on foreign labor.
Currently, 65,000 H-1B visas are available annually, plus 20,000 for advanced-degree holders from U.S. schools, with exemptions for certain employers like universities.
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President Donald Trump said he scored a perfect 30 out of 30 on a cognitive test called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This test is usually used by doctors to spot early signs of brain problems like dementia, not to measure intelligence.
Key Facts
President Trump took the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and said he got a perfect score of 30 out of 30.
He claims this is the fourth time he has taken the test and scored perfectly each time.
The MoCA test checks for early memory and thinking problems and is used by healthcare professionals.
The test includes tasks like drawing a clock showing a specific time and naming animals shown in pictures.
A normal score on the MoCA is 26 or higher; a score below 26 may indicate brain problems.
Experts say the test is designed to catch problems, not to measure intelligence or decision-making skills.
The White House confirmed President Trump’s test results and said he is in excellent health overall.
Repeated MoCA tests are uncommon for people without neurological issues.
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The White House, under President Trump, plans to have federal officials review all public grants to universities and NGOs to ensure they support "American values" and the president’s priorities. This proposal would give political appointees the power to cancel grants if they believe they do not serve the national interest, sparking concern among scientists and researchers.
Key Facts
All federal grants would be reviewed by Trump-appointed officials for alignment with "American values" as defined by President Trump.
Grants must clearly support the president’s policy priorities to be approved.
The proposal criticizes previous grant funding for promoting a "woke" agenda, calling it harmful and a waste of taxpayer money.
Political appointees could cancel grants anytime if they feel the grant is not in the national interest.
Scientific peer review could be bypassed in favor of political oversight.
Grants related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ topics may be rejected under the new rules.
The proposal bans use of federal funds for certain studies on racial or other disparities unless specifically authorized by law.
Researchers fear the changes will hurt American science and discourage open collaboration and communication.
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Voters in Makerfield are mainly concerned about the high cost of living, troubles with local shops, and public services. A recent poll shows many voters want politicians to be honest and take bold actions to improve their daily lives.
Key Facts
A poll of 112 Makerfield residents was done two weeks before the byelection on June 18.
Cost of living, including bills, food, fuel, and affordable housing, was a top concern for over a third of respondents.
Voters want better local high streets, improved public services like roads and NHS access.
Immigration was a priority issue mainly for Reform UK supporters.
Around 31.2% planned to vote Labour, 30.4% for Reform UK, 10.7% for Greens and Conservatives each, 3.6% for Liberal Democrats, and 13.4% for others.
Many voters expressed distrust in politicians and want more honesty and less influence from wealthy donors.
Voters feel politicians should be bold because current approaches are not working.
The election is seen by some as a test case reflecting wider national feelings.
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A protest in Southampton over the murder of Henry Nowak turned violent, injuring 11 police officers and a police dog. The unrest caused damage to cars and homes, and police arrested two people linked to the violence.
Key Facts
Protesters marched near the home of Vickrum Digwa, who killed Henry Nowak.
Violence included throwing bricks, bottles, and using makeshift weapons.
Police in riot gear stopped protesters from reaching Digwa’s family home.
Eleven officers and a police dog were hurt during the disorder.
Damage included smashed car windows and streets littered with bricks.
Two arrests were made related to the riot.
Local residents expressed fear and concern for their safety after the event.
Nowak’s father called for peace and safer streets, opposing the use of the tragedy to create division.
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Clifton George was found guilty of murdering his partner, Annabel Rook, after stabbing her and causing a gas explosion in their London home. The court heard that he lost control during an argument, leading to Rook’s death and significant damage to the property.
Key Facts
Clifton George, 45, was convicted of murdering Annabel Rook, 46, at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
The murder happened on 17 June 2025 in their home in Stoke Newington, north-east London.
George stabbed Rook at least 22 times during an argument, including wounds to her heart.
After the stabbing, he caused a propane gas explosion by opening a gas valve and starting a fire.
The explosion damaged their house and the neighboring property.
Annabel Rook was a charity founder who worked to help women fleeing violence and supported refugee women.
George admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, claiming loss of self-control.
The judge ruled that George could not use loss of self-control as a legal defense.
Sentencing for George will happen at a later date.
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Federal workers who were laid off during President Donald Trump’s second term report mental health problems, including symptoms similar to PTSD. Meanwhile, several key state and congressional races are still undecided as candidates prepare for the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
More than 300 federal workers fired during Trump’s second term took a survey about their mental health.
95% said they still have mental health issues, and nearly half have PTSD-like symptoms.
About 25% have started new medications to help manage these symptoms.
These workers were across 43 states and worked in different government departments.
Over 300,000 federal employees were laid off or pushed out since President Trump’s current term began.
In California, the governor primary race remains undecided, with leading Democratic and Republican candidates preparing for November.
In New Jersey, Democrats are challenging a Republican congressman who has been absent for months.
Several key races in Iowa feature Democratic challengers aiming to flip Republican-held seats this fall.
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A survey of over 300 federal workers who were fired during President Donald Trump’s second term found many are facing mental health problems similar to PTSD. A federal judge ruled the firings were unlawful, but these workers are not required to be rehired, and many still struggle with job instability and lower pay.
Key Facts
More than 300 federal probationary employees who were fired reported ongoing mental health issues, including PTSD-like symptoms.
95% of surveyed workers said they continue to experience mental health effects from their firings.
Nearly half of the respondents reported symptoms similar to PTSD.
About 25% have started new medications to manage their symptoms.
Survey participants came from 43 states, the US Virgin Islands, and worked in 12 departments across 15 agencies.
Over 300,000 federal workers were laid off or encouraged to resign or retire since President Trump’s second term began.
A federal judge ruled in September that firing probationary employees was unlawful but did not require reinstatement.
Many fired workers face difficulty finding new jobs with comparable pay; 20% were unemployed as of January 31, and 49% who found new work earn significantly less.
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President Donald Trump’s top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, said on Fox News that high prices and increased spending show people are optimistic about the economy. This comment comes even though consumer surveys show Americans feel worried about rising costs and their financial situation.
Key Facts
Kevin Hassett, President Trump’s chief economic adviser, appeared on Fox News to discuss the economy.
Hassett said high prices and more spending are signs of optimism about the future.
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index recently hit its lowest point since 1952.
Hassett claimed the survey is now more about political anger against President Trump than the economy.
Americans are spending more on gas, groceries, and dining out, which Hassett views as a positive sign.
President Trump previously said he doesn't focus on Americans’ financial problems.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is in a “very fortunate” position despite rising fuel prices.
The article highlights disagreement between official statements and how many Americans actually feel about the economy.
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During protests near an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, police blocked exits and detained people, including journalists covering the events. Although journalists were supposed to be exempt from the city’s curfew if they had verified credentials, police often did not recognize or allowed them to work, limiting their access and sometimes arresting them.
Key Facts
Police used riot shields to block street exits and confined people in a formation called a kettle.
Some detained people were protesters against conditions at the ICE detention facility; others were journalists.
Newark’s curfew allowed journalists with verified credentials to continue working, but police often ignored or challenged their status.
The US Press Freedom Tracker reported 30 attacks on journalists near the facility in one week.
Police sprayed pepper spray and used batons against photographers and reporters.
Journalists live-streaming protests were subject to police decisions that sometimes conflicted with legal protections.
Several journalists were arrested and held for a full day without access to lawyers.
One journalist was injured and treated in the hospital, along with detained protesters, but without cameras present to record what happened.
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President Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods despite the existing trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This has caused tensions and distrust between the two countries, leading Canada to seek closer ties with Europe and look for other trade partners.
Key Facts
President Trump placed new tariffs on Canadian exports in early 2025, including steel, aluminum, and copper.
These tariffs conflict with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which Trump signed in his first term.
Trump made comments about Canada potentially becoming the "Fifty First State," provoking strong reactions in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by promoting economic diversification away from the U.S.
Canada is re-evaluating defense purchases from the U.S. and is increasing trade relations with Europe and China.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick used harsh language about Canadian negotiators, saying "they suck" and that Canada must accept "second place" in auto trade.
Despite tensions, the U.S. is unlikely to fully end the trade agreement due to economic concerns and global uncertainties.
Canada’s distrust of the U.S. is growing, impacting travel and economic relations between the countries.
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Jack Schlossberg is running for Congress in New York. Although he is part of the famous Kennedy family, he wants voters to see him as someone independent and not tied to politics like his relatives.
Key Facts
Jack Schlossberg is a candidate for the U.S. Congress in New York.
He is the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy.
He does not use the Kennedy last name in his campaign.
Schlossberg wants to appear as an outsider, different from the Kennedy political legacy.
The Kennedy family is well-known in American political history.
Schlossberg faces the challenge of balancing his family ties with his own political identity.
His campaign aims to convince voters he offers a fresh perspective despite his family background.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Justice Department will stop plans for an "anti-weaponization" fund. The fund was criticized as a way for President Trump to give money to his supporters. Abandoning the fund may help save a larger $72 billion legislative package.
Key Facts
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche decided to drop the "anti-weaponization" fund plan.
The fund faced criticism for potentially serving as a source of money for President Trump's allies.
Blanche clearly stated, "We are not moving forward with the fund."
Stopping this fund could help keep a $72 billion legislative package on track.
The announcement aimed to address concerns from Senate Republicans.
The fund was originally intended to prevent government misuse of power but faced political opposition.
The legislative package involves a large amount of government spending ($72 billion).
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