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A New Mexico district court judge was set to hear arguments Thursday in a legal challenge targeting the state’s pioneering universal childcare initiative, which aims to provide free daycare services to all working families.

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez and additional plaintiffs filed the lawsuit questioning the authority used by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration to remove income limits and co-payment requirements for childcare assistance without first securing legislative approval or funding authorization.

“This is executive overreach. The program was launched unlawfully,” Rodriguez stated. Rodriguez was unsuccessful in securing his party’s nomination during New Mexico’s recent primary election.

State childcare officials reject these claims, contending in legal documents that legislators have subsequently “expressly authorized” and provided funding for the program expansion, making the legal challenge irrelevant. In February, Lujan Grisham approved legislation that formally established the program in state law, contingent on maintaining adequate state finances.

District Judge Elaine Lujan may deliver a decision Thursday regarding whether the legal challenge can move forward. Any temporary suspension of the program would force thousands of New Mexican families to resume paying for daycare services and create operational difficulties for businesses.

Ilene Harding, who operates seven daycare facilities in the Albuquerque region, reported that the program expansion has increased enrollment numbers and simplified the billing process.

“We’ve always been financially solvent, but it’s given us stability,” Harding commented.

This legal battle emerges as New Mexico works to establish itself as the first state in the nation to provide daycare coverage for all working families without income restrictions. The implications reach beyond state borders as officials from New York to California seek effective approaches to lower family costs and increase public childcare investment.

New Mexico’s initiative, funded primarily through state oil and gas production revenues, ranked among the country’s most generous programs even before the November expansion, eliminating fees for families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty threshold, approximately $132,000 annually for a four-person household.

State legislative analysts have already questioned the long-term viability of New Mexico’s expanded initiative, noting earlier this year that the state Early Childhood Education and Care Department began exceeding spending projections just weeks after the November implementation.

The state department confirmed at that time that participation levels exceeded projections, resulting in increased expenses, but challenged claims that it had surpassed its allocated budget.

WASHINGTON — A critical intelligence-gathering program faces potential shutdown as President Donald Trump continues backing his controversial temporary choice to lead the nation’s spy agencies despite widespread opposition from both parties in Congress.

Trump remains committed to Bill Pulte, currently a federal housing finance regulator, as his interim selection for director of national intelligence, despite Pulte’s limited background in intelligence work. Democratic leaders have declared they will block renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, commonly called FISA, until Trump removes Pulte and selects a permanent nominee.

Congressional leaders plan to attempt passage of a temporary FISA extension Thursday morning in the House, though success appears doubtful. Senate leadership may also pursue similar action to avoid what would be an historic interruption of the surveillance authority.

This standoff threatens to restrict American intelligence collection capabilities overseas just as World Cup matches commence in various U.S. cities and before upcoming celebrations marking the country’s 250th birthday. The current authorization ends Friday at midnight.

“We can’t let them extort us,” Trump said of Democrats.

Trump has maintained his support for Pulte as interim leader, ignoring legislative pressure for a more experienced candidate. He requested Congress approve a temporary law extension to “provide time for the selection and confirmation” of a permanent director. He indicated his intention for Pulte to begin reducing the size of intelligence organizations.

Both political sides have assigned responsibility for the possible disruption of what many consider a vital, though long-contested, surveillance capability for national security.

“We’re going to ask every member here to do the right thing,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “We cannot allow that to go dark.”

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that if Trump desires consideration of a temporary extension, he must withdraw the Pulte nomination. Pulte represents a “disgraceful individual” and a “partisan political hack” who lacks proper qualifications for the role, Jeffries declared.

Republican congressional members have pressured Trump throughout the week to swiftly nominate a permanent successor. However, he maintains he requires additional time for the decision.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., indicated Republican leadership has “made our views known” to the White House.

Trump has revealed he is conducting interviews with five potential candidates for the permanent agency leadership position, following the departure of Tulsi Gabbard.

Johnson explained the president has clearly communicated that Pulte will fulfill a “very short term — a sort of renovation role” to help the Office of the Director of National Intelligence undergo “renovation and downsizing.”

However, Democratic members of the House Intelligence Committee, headed by Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, wrote to the president describing Pulte as a “uniquely poor choice” even for temporary service.

Lawmakers from both parties who question Pulte have highlighted his absence of intelligence background and his tenure at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. In that role, he has been connected to criminal referrals regarding alleged mortgage fraud by public officials Trump aimed to target, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat; Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; and Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve board member.

“He has distinguished himself only as someone who will do or say anything to stay in your good graces,” Himes and fellow lawmakers stated, “qualities that are precisely the opposite of what our nation needs.”

Section 702 of FISA permits organizations like the CIA, National Security Agency and FBI to gather communications from foreign subjects abroad without obtaining warrants.

Although legislators from both parties citing privacy concerns have historically sought to restrict this power, broad bipartisan agreement existed for renewal, particularly after Republicans and Democrats recently negotiated a compromise measure.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, has collaborated with Republicans on the compromise legislation for renewing the authority. Yet he described Pulte’s selection to succeed Gabbard as “a live hand grenade” disrupting the proceedings.

Warner stated his sole condition for supporting a temporary surveillance law extension would be having the principal deputy director of national intelligence, Aaron Lukas, serve as acting leader throughout that extension period.

Sen. Tom Cotton, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have cautioned the administration that the surveillance capability will likely expire.

The administration should prepare “for a potential significant gap in foreign intelligence collection,” they stated in correspondence.

Following bipartisan resistance to Pulte’s temporary selection, Trump announced last week he would not permanently nominate him for the position. Yet Democrats, along with some Republicans, demand immediate withdrawal of his appointment and Trump’s nomination of a replacement confirmable by the Senate.

On Tuesday, however, Trump revealed that Pulte would not only assume acting director duties — he would also begin earlier than anticipated, on June 19.

Among several possible successors could be Pete Hoekstra, Trump’s ambassador to Canada and former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. The White House has contacted Hoekstra regarding the position and discussions continue, according to someone familiar with the outreach who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversations.

A recent Democratic primary contest in California’s Central Valley represented more than just another battle between the party’s progressive faction and moderate establishment forces.

The race was ultimately won by populist candidate Randy Villegas, but what makes this outcome significant is what happens next.

Rather than competing for a safely Democratic seat, Villegas will now face Republican Rep. David Valadao in November, representing one of the Democratic Party’s best opportunities to regain control of the U.S. House and counter President Donald Trump’s agenda.

The upcoming November election will put to the test a theory embraced by the political left: that voters will rally behind progressive, anti-establishment candidates even in areas that have historically leaned Republican.

“A populist message isn’t just for blue districts or certain parts of the country,” said Ravi Mangla, a spokesperson for the Working Families Party, one of the progressive groups that backed Villegas. “It can win anywhere people feel like politics is not working for them.”

“More than ever, voters across the political spectrum want candidates who are willing to stand up to power,” Mangla said.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has written off Villegas’ prospects, despite recent redistricting by state Democratic leaders that was designed to make the seat more competitive this cycle.

“Democrats know Villegas can’t beat Congressman David Valadao, as he embraces the same failed policies that have made California more expensive, less safe, and harder for working families in the Central Valley,” said spokesperson Christian Martinez.

Villegas’ win reflects a broader pattern this election cycle where significant portions of the Democratic base are turning away from candidates that party leadership views as having the best chances of winning Congressional seats.

In Maine this week, Graham Platner secured a decisive victory in the Democratic Senate primary after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s preferred choice, the governor, withdrew from the race due to weak support just weeks before the election.

Platner, a combat veteran and oyster farmer who has never served in elected office, has faced scrutiny over past relationships with women, controversial social media posts, and a now-covered tattoo that has been identified as a Nazi symbol.

Michigan presents another battleground where Rep. Haley Stevens finds herself in a three-candidate fight for the Democratic Senate nomination against state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and progressive favorite Abdul El-Sayed. With the primary scheduled for Aug. 4, El-Sayed recently gained momentum by securing a major endorsement from the United Auto Workers union, a significant political force in the state that serves as the heart of America’s automotive industry.

Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race features progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan locked in intense competition with U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who has garnered backing from labor organizations, LGBTQ advocacy groups, and centrist Democrats before the Aug. 11 primary.

Colorado will provide another crucial test on June 30, where progressive Manny Rutinel will compete against establishment-supported Shannon Bird in the Democratic primary to challenge Republican Rep. Gabe Evans. Similar to Valadao, Evans represents a priority target for Democrats, and like the California contest, the Colorado race centers on debates over electability in the general election.

In California’s primary system, Valadao placed first while Villegas came in second, with both advancing to the general election as the top two vote-getters.

About a month before primary voting commenced, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee made an unusual public endorsement of Jasmeet Bains, a physician and state Assembly member who had secured endorsements from numerous elected officials, labor unions, and healthcare organizations.

“Dr. Jasmeet Bains has fought on the frontlines of health crises and built a track record of delivering for the Central Valley,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement at the time. While she refrained from criticizing Villegas directly, the public backing of his opponent sent a clear message to Democratic donors and activists that party leadership considered Bains the stronger contender. It’s rare for Congressional leadership and the party infrastructure to openly intervene in competitive primaries for open seats.

The choice to support Bains angered many progressive activists, who viewed it as yet another instance of Washington establishment figures being disconnected from both the Democratic grassroots and frustrated voters who contributed to Trump’s electoral successes.

“I think the moderates are wrong. People don’t want status quo, pro-corporate candidates,” said Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, a progressive organization that emerged from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign. “They want people who are going to shake things up.”

Following Villegas’ victory, Washington Democrats are now expressing confidence in his candidacy and his ability to defeat Valadao. They highlight the grassroots enthusiasm that carried him through the primary and note that Democratic candidates collectively received 59% of primary votes compared to Valadao’s 41%, though general election turnout is expected to be much higher.

Any friction between Villegas and party officials appears to have been resolved by Wednesday, with both sides presenting a unified message. California Congressional members, including some who had previously supported Bains, released enthusiastic endorsements, while Villegas responded graciously.

“We’re all in to elect Randy and flip this seat,” said Anna Elsasser, a spokesperson for the DCCC, the Democratic Party’s House campaign arm. The district represents “a must-win seat for the House majority, and we are confident in winning with Randy as the Democratic nominee,” she added.

An elaborate UFC event planned for this weekend on the White House South Lawn has demanded extensive coordination from more than seven federal agencies, hundreds of daily workers, and a minimum of $60 million in expenses, court documents reveal.

The mixed martial arts spectacle forms part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, with seven fights scheduled for Sunday as the centerpiece attraction.

However, the event could face cancellation if a federal judge grants a request from two Virginia residents who have sued the National Park Service, the agency responsible for overseeing the South Lawn.

In a Tuesday court filing responding to the lawsuit, the agency outlined the massive scope of preparations for the event.

“Well over $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of labor have been expended,” the filing stated, noting that the UFC and its associated organizations provided the funding.

The centerpiece of the constructed arena features the traditional eight-sided cage where fighters will compete, sometimes resulting in bloodied contestants.

Organizers expect 4,000 spectators in the arena itself, while an additional 120,000 visitors who secured tickets through an online lottery system will view the action from the nearby Ellipse.

Construction activities commenced on May 20, with the Secret Service collaborating with the UFC to inspect between 20 and 30 equipment trucks and screen “700 and 900” personnel arriving daily for setup operations.

While the filing doesn’t detail specific government expenditures, it notes that seven agencies, including Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration, have “allocated significant resources and manpower.”

Weekend festivities begin Saturday with an official weigh-in ceremony at the Ellipse, followed by a performance from country music act Zac Brown Band.

Throughout the weekend, a UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest will feature “interactive experiences,” live performances, celebrity appearances, “exclusive on-stage moments,” meet and greets, live music and athlete interviews.

The seven competitive matches are set for Sunday evening. Following the event’s conclusion, the president plans to depart for France to attend the G7 summit.

Teardown operations will commence the following day, with complete removal expected by June 23.

Fourteen fighters will participate, following intense preparation regimens that begin months ahead of competition, culminating in severe weight reduction and dietary modifications during the final week, including fasting, extended sauna sessions and hot Epsom salt baths.

Competitors may shed up to 20 pounds before official weigh-ins, a process intended to ensure fair competition between athletes of similar weight classes.

The Public Integrity Project filed the lawsuit Saturday representing the two Virginia residents, contending that the president’s event approval violates National Park Service rules that prohibit sporting competitions on federal parkland.

Attorney Brendan Ballou described the event as a “corrupt use of our most sacred national monuments for private gain.”

The National Park Service disputed this characterization while detailing the event’s extensive preparations to emphasize potential consequences.

“All these hopes could be dashed at the very last moment,” the agency wrote, “by the whim of two people who believe they have superior taste and want to spoil the event for everyone else.”

Florida’s highest court has refused to halt a controversial congressional map drawn by Republicans, clearing the way for its use in this November’s midterm elections.

The state Supreme Court issued a 6-1 ruling Wednesday that allows the disputed map to remain in effect, potentially giving Republicans a significant advantage in their battle to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The contested redistricting plan could result in flipping up to four seats currently held by Democrats. With candidate filing deadlines approaching Friday and primary elections set for August, the court’s decision virtually ensures the map will be used for this fall’s contests.

The justices determined they lacked authority to step in while the case continues working its way through a lower appeals court.

Democratic challengers argue the new boundaries violate state constitutional rules that prohibit drawing district lines to favor one political party over another – a practice called partisan gerrymandering. They had requested the Supreme Court freeze the map and require officials to use the prior version while litigation proceeds.

This redistricting battle represents part of a broader national trend that began last summer when President Donald Trump encouraged Texas Republicans to implement new, more favorable district lines. The move sparked an unusual mid-decade redistricting push, even though such boundary changes typically happen only once every ten years following the census.

Both Republican and Democratic-controlled states have since pursued similar efforts to redraw districts for political gain.

Florida Republicans gave final approval to their new map in late April, coinciding with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened Voting Rights Act protections for districts with substantial racial minority populations. Multiple Republican-led Southern states quickly moved to take advantage of that ruling by removing majority or near-majority Black districts, which tend to support Democratic candidates.

These combined redistricting efforts have given Republicans an overall edge in the national map-drawing battle, although Democrats could still win House control due to President Trump’s low approval numbers.

Genesis Robinson, who leads the advocacy organization Equal Ground that brought the lawsuit, criticized the court’s action. “The Florida Supreme Court’s failure to stop this brazen partisan power grab is not only an assault on democracy, but an abdication of its duty to the people of Florida,” Robinson stated.

Republicans currently control 20 of Florida’s 28 House seats.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates appeared before congressional investigators on Capitol Hill to discuss his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. During his testimony to House lawmakers, Gates stated he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.

WASHINGTON — Federal officials are proposing an aggressive construction timeline that would involve nearly round-the-clock work to build President Donald Trump’s massive triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial, according to a new National Park Service evaluation.

The proposed structure would stand 250 feet tall and require construction crews to work in two 10-hour shifts daily throughout the year to meet the administration’s three-year completion goal, the preliminary Park Service analysis reveals.

Building the monument would demand tower cranes reaching heights of 320 feet, along with forklifts, concrete pumping systems and other heavy machinery. The finished arch would tower more than double the height of the nearby Lincoln Memorial, according to the 24-page assessment released last week.

The evaluation was made public as part of an expedited historic preservation review that commenced Friday. The National Park Service manages the federal land where officials want to construct the arch.

Last week, the National Capital Planning Commission decided to request additional details from the Interior Department, which supervises the park service. This decision effectively allows the project to move forward while officials examine potential impacts on aviation and other construction-related concerns including area traffic patterns.

The June 4 decision followed almost three hours of public testimony from approximately 20 citizens, including representatives from historical and architectural groups. Most speakers voiced opposition to the arch, which represents one of multiple projects the Republican president is advancing to establish his legacy in Washington.

Site surveys and testing at the proposed location started last month, with other approvals currently in progress. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which reviews designs but has no authority over actual construction or project funding, has given its approval to the arch’s design.

The capital planning commission wants more justification for the monument’s proposed height, plus additional information about illumination plans, stormwater management and visitor traffic and parking arrangements.

The selected location sits across the Potomac River from the memorial and lies within a flight corridor near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday it is examining whether the structure’s planned height could threaten aircraft operations in the vicinity. Last year, an American Airlines aircraft and an Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the busy airspace near the airport, resulting in 67 deaths.

The FAA analysis “found no adverse impacts to operations” at Reagan Airport from the proposed monument, but concluded that red obstruction lights would be required at the structure’s peak — a standard safety measure, according to spokesman Donnell Evans. The FAA plans to conduct a comprehensive aeronautical study working with the National Park Service, he added.

In its documentation, the park service stated that federally mandated aviation safety lighting would be built into the arch design “using the least intrusive technology available, ensuring compliance with aircraft visibility requirements while limiting unnecessary light emission.”

Will Scharf, who previously worked as Trump’s White House staff secretary, leads the commission and has expressed his view that federal height restrictions for new Washington construction should not cover the arch. Current law caps most building construction in Washington at 130 feet maximum.

Opponents contend the arch would overwhelm the skyline and interfere with the intentionally planned sightlines connecting the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The structure would exceed twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial at 99 feet and reach nearly half the elevation of the Washington Monument at approximately 555 feet.

Trump has advocated for the 250-foot monument to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, stating the project could be funded through private contributions remaining from the new White House ballroom construction. The White House East Wing was torn down to accommodate the large ballroom.

Officials are still developing cost projections for the arch, though a combination of public and private funding is anticipated. A coalition of veterans and a historian have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking to halt the project due to concerns about visual disruptions.

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has criticized the administration for what he termed its “persistent lack of transparency” in promoting Trump’s Washington-area building initiatives. Along with the planned ballroom, Trump is also updating the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool and reconstructing a public golf course along the Potomac River. None of these projects have undergone standard legal reviews or Congressional oversight.

“Your disregard for legal process and public interest has been apparent in projects ranging from the construction of a White House Ballroom and triumphal arch to the resealing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool,” Blumenthal stated in a Tuesday letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and acting park service director Jessica Bowron.

WASHINGTON — A pair of prominent Republican House members are scheduled to hold discussions with Taiwan’s opposition party leader during her Washington visit this week, as China closely watches the Trump administration’s approach toward the island territory that Beijing claims as its own.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., and Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., have arranged meetings with Cheng Li-wun, who heads the Kuomingtang Party and advocates for peaceful reunification between Taiwan and Beijing.

During an interview, Mast explained he had no particular agenda for his session with Cheng, noting that as Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, “I take intelligence from anywhere I can get.”

A representative for Kim, who chairs a subcommittee focused on East Asian policy matters, indicated the congresswoman intends to urge Cheng and her political party to back increased defense expenditures as an “important demonstration of Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense and deterrence.”

Last month, Taiwan’s opposition-dominated legislature approved a $25 billion emergency defense budget designated for significant U.S. weapons acquisitions. Officials in the Trump administration voiced frustration that the final approved sum represents a substantial decrease from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s initial $40 billion request.

Kim additionally seeks to address Cheng’s April meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and “seek greater clarity on the substance of those discussions,” according to Ellie Gilchrist, the congresswoman’s spokesperson.

Cheng’s Washington trip occurs while President Donald Trump publicly contemplates the possibility of conducting a direct conversation with his Taiwanese counterpart.

The U.S. president has suggested his desire to communicate with Lai while his administration weighs whether to proceed with a $14 billion weapons sale to Taipei that received congressional approval earlier this year but remains suspended.

Trump stated last month upon his return to the U.S. from China that he plans to speak with Lai, which would mark the first direct communication between current U.S. and Taiwanese presidents in multiple decades. China has opposed such contact.

“I’ll always talk to him,” Trump informed reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday when questioned about whether he continues to consider a telephone conversation with Lai.

President Donald Trump has selected Brian Johnson to serve as the permanent director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, choosing a former agency insider who previously worked in the administration during Trump’s first presidency.

Johnson previously served as deputy director at the agency when Kathy Kraninger led the CFPB during Trump’s initial term. During that time, Johnson was recognized as an influential aide to Kraninger who wielded considerable authority in determining the bureau’s priorities and focus areas.

Should the Senate approve his nomination, Johnson would take control of an agency that has largely ceased normal operations since Trump returned to the White House and placed budget director Russell Vought in temporary charge. The bureau’s recent efforts have primarily focused on reversing its prior initiatives.

Florida’s highest court has declined to block newly drawn congressional districts created by the Republican party, delivering another win for GOP redistricting efforts across the country as the party works to maintain its narrow control of the House of Representatives.

On Wednesday, the state’s Supreme Court rejected a petition for an emergency order that would have prevented the use of these new electoral boundaries. Legal representatives for citizens who filed the lawsuit contended that these congressional districts breach a state constitutional rule that forbids redistricting for partisan advantage, requesting the court mandate continued use of the prior election’s district lines.

The GOP currently controls 20 out of Florida’s 28 congressional seats. These new electoral boundaries, which became law through Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis following a rapid two-day special legislative session, may boost the party’s opportunity to secure four more seats in the upcoming election.

Those opposing the maps referenced a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2010 that bars congressional districts designed to benefit or harm any political party or sitting lawmakers.

Florida joins other Republican-controlled states conducting redistricting in the middle of the decade as part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to maintain a narrow House majority in November by redrawing electoral boundaries to benefit the GOP.

The state legislature gave final approval to the new House map on April 29 — coinciding with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that reduced federal Voting Rights Act safeguards for minorities by overturning a predominantly Black congressional district in Louisiana. Following this ruling, multiple Southern states have moved to try eliminating minority districts that typically elect Democrats.

DeSantis had convened lawmakers for a special session prior to the high court’s decision, though he had expected this result. The governor’s office maintained that racial demographics were not considered in creating the map he submitted to the Legislature. The revised map includes changes to a southeastern Florida district that DeSantis’ office claimed was originally designed to help elect a Black representative to meet federal Voting Rights Act requirements.

Beyond prohibiting partisan gerrymandering, Florida’s constitution also forbids districts from being designed to deny or reduce the voting power of racial or language minorities to choose their preferred representatives. The constitution additionally mandates that districts be geographically compact and, when possible, follow existing political and geographic borders.

In correspondence to legislators, DeSantis’ General Counsel David Axelman claimed that the racial redistricting section of Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment conflicts with the U.S. Constitution. Axelman argued that if any part is unconstitutional, then the complete 2010 amendment becomes invalid, including sections preventing partisan gerrymandering.

Legal counsel for state officials presented comparable arguments to the Florida Supreme Court, following a lower court judge’s refusal last month to grant a preliminary order blocking the new map. They also contended that changing back to previous maps would be too disruptive this close to the election.

In documents submitted to the Florida Supreme Court, attorneys for state officials described the new map as “cause for celebration” during America’s 250th anniversary. “Perhaps for the first time in Florida’s history, the State has a truly colorblind map; a map that refuses to assault the dignity of men and women by color-coding them,” their court filing said.

Legal representatives for the voters who filed suit claimed the new districts were designed with political bias in mind. They contended in Supreme Court documents that the new congressional districts represent “among the most extreme partisan gerrymanders enacted in any state over the past half-century.”

According to the new House map, 82% of voters in districts represented by Republicans stay in the same districts as the previous map, stated attorney Chris Shenton, who represented Common Cause and other organizations challenging the map. Only 41% of voters in districts represented by Democrats remain in their current districts, he noted.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump launched harsh verbal attacks against Graham Platner on Wednesday, branding the Maine Senate hopeful a “thug” and a “pig” while accusing Democrats of double standards for supporting a candidate facing questions about his past behavior toward women.

The criticism appeared ironic given Trump’s own history of alleged misconduct with women, including recorded comments about grabbing women by the genitals and a New York jury’s finding that he committed sexual abuse.

Trump has also backed numerous Republican candidates despite their personal controversies, yet criticized Democrats for similar support.

“He’s a thug, and they’re trying to make excuses for him,” Trump stated regarding top Democrats. “I mean, he’s worse than any human being that’s ever run for office, probably.”

Platner secured the Democratic nomination Tuesday night amid controversy over several issues, including previous inflammatory social media posts, a covered-up tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, and sexually explicit messages sent to women after his marriage. He will challenge five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.

When asked about Trump’s remarks, Platner’s campaign responded that the candidate was concentrating on Maine’s challenges.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee responded by targeting Collins, viewed as among the most vulnerable senators seeking reelection this cycle.

“Susan Collins is facing backlash in Maine after voting with Trump 96 percent of the time, being the decisive vote for the justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, and selling out to the special interests that fund her campaigns after three decades in the Senate, and that’s why Trump praised her today in the Oval Office,” spokesperson Josh Marcus-Blank said in a statement.

The White House backed Trump’s statements by highlighting Platner’s social media history.

“Graham Platner proudly referred to himself as a ‘communist,’ called all police ‘bastards,’ and said rural White Americans ‘actually are’ racist and stupid. President Trump is absolutely correct that Platner is both a thug and a pig. Attempting to compare President Trump to Graham Platner is exactly why trust in legacy media outlets like the failing Associated Press is at an all-time low,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement.

During White House remarks while signing immigration and deportation funding legislation, Trump told reporters, “Nobody’s ever had a record like that.”

“He’s like a pig,” the president declared, joking that perhaps “pigs would be very upset” to be linked with Platner, prompting laughter from Republican lawmakers present in the Oval Office.

Trump also referenced his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, attempting to portray Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer as hypocritical by saying he “goes crazy over this or that or Epstein, Epstein, Epstein” but should focus on Platner instead.

Trump later asked, “Can you imagine if the Republicans had him?”

Beyond the allegations Trump has confronted over time, Republicans have fielded candidates accused of serious misconduct who still received Trump’s endorsement.

This year, the president endorsed Republican Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton over incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn, despite Paxton facing state and federal corruption probes and a 2023 state impeachment trial where he was cleared but his extramarital affair became public. Paxton has called wrongdoing allegations politically motivated.

Trump also maintained his endorsement of 2017 Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who faced accusations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls from decades past. Trump cited Moore’s denials and said his vote was essential for Republican goals. Moore’s defeat resulted in Alabama’s first Democratic senator in 25 years.

He supported 2024 North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson and refused to withdraw backing after CNN revealed the candidate made lewd and racist remarks on a pornography website — though he attempted to create distance. Robinson, who later admitted to making the posts, lost decisively in the swing state.

He similarly maintained support for Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales this year after the congressman admitted to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. Gonzales ended his reelection campaign, and Trump subsequently endorsed another candidate.

Trump also selected officials for his second-term Cabinet and other important positions who faced accusations of sexual misconduct.

This includes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faced sexual assault allegations and denied them, and Trump’s original attorney general pick, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who was subject to a Justice Department sex trafficking investigation and a House Ethics Committee probe into sexual misconduct.

Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and removed his name from consideration. The DOJ investigation concluded without federal charges against him.

Federal authorities announced Wednesday they will forgo pursuing capital punishment in a plea arrangement with the suspect charged in the fatal shooting of Minnesota’s leading House Democrat and her spouse, while also injuring another state legislator and his wife.

Vance Boelter, the accused, has a plea modification hearing set for Thursday morning at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis.

The victims include former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse Mark, along with state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman. All four were shot by an individual who approached their residences during the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, while impersonating a law enforcement officer and operating a counterfeit police vehicle.

NEW YORK (AP) — A candidate for Congress received his requested court hearing Wednesday to contest misdemeanor charges filed against him following his arrest last summer during a demonstration with fellow elected officials at a New York City immigration detention facility.

The Democratic candidate took the witness stand in Manhattan federal court, defending himself against allegations that he blocked an elevator while sitting nearby during the demonstration on the 10th floor of a federal building in lower Manhattan housing 40 federal agencies, including the FBI.

The magistrate judge presiding over the bench trial announced he will deliver his decision Thursday morning.

Government attorneys argued Lander violated the law because he positioned himself in front of elevator doors that remained closed throughout the 20 to 25 minutes he sat on the floor in a circle with fellow politicians. If convicted, prosecutors indicated they would not pursue imprisonment.

Lander, who previously served as the city’s comptroller and maintains an alliance with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, testified that no one instructed him to move away from the elevator or informed him he was blocking access before his detention.

“We were chanting: ‘We shall not be moved,’” he said. “The idea is to say: ‘We’re here for our immigrant neighbors and we’re not going to stop showing up and defending their rights.’”

Lander is mounting a challenge against U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman in a liberal district encompassing lower Manhattan and sections of brownstone Brooklyn.

The candidate, who sought the mayor’s office last year, was detained alongside 10 other legislators on Sept. 18 following their attempt to examine detention facilities at 26 Federal Plaza, which also contains an immigration court.

Several weeks later, he declined a plea agreement that would have dismissed the misdemeanor obstruction charges after six months.

Following his detention, Lander faced criticism from then-Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who issued a statement characterizing him as “another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees.”

WASHINGTON — A federal court declined Wednesday to grant a government oversight organization’s emergency request to immediately halt the Trump administration’s controversial $1.776 billion compensation program designed to pay individuals who say they were targeted by weaponized federal agencies.

However, the presiding judge concluded the court session by delivering a stern warning to President Donald Trump’s legal team: “Don’t play possum with this court,” U.S. District Judge Richard Leon cautioned a Justice Department lawyer.

Leon delivered his decision from the bench, siding with the administration’s position that the oversight group’s legal challenge has become irrelevant since acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed lawmakers last month that the government is abandoning its plans for the compensation program. Leon, who received his judicial appointment from Republican President George W. Bush, stated he is accepting Blanche’s assurance at this time.

The judge’s decision to deny the temporary restraining order doesn’t represent the final resolution of the government’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” Leon indicated he will review a separate petition from the plaintiffs — Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington — seeking a preliminary injunction that would halt fund distributions on a longer-term basis.

Another federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, has already issued a temporary halt to the fund’s activities. However, that directive from U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema will lapse Friday unless she chooses to extend it following a hearing scheduled for the same date.

The administration established the compensation program last month to settle Trump’s legal action against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the unauthorized disclosure of his tax documents. The Justice Department has not yet assembled the five-person panel that will establish payout guidelines, meaning no funds have been distributed and no applications have been processed.

The compensation program has sparked intense opposition across party lines. Even numerous supporters of the Republican president oppose providing payments to individuals who participated in the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. During his appearance before Congress, Blanche declined to eliminate the possibility that rioters who attacked Capitol police officers could qualify for compensation.

“We are not moving forward with the fund, period,” Blanche stated during the House committee hearing.

“Not moving forward ever?” inquired Rep. Grace Meng, a New York Democrat.

“Correct,” Blanche responded.

Leon questioned Justice Department attorney Andrew Block about why Blanche hasn’t officially withdrawn his May 18 directive creating the fund.

“I don’t know the reason for that,” Block replied.

Block contended that Blanche’s congressional testimony is adequate to render the watchdog organization’s legal arguments moot. He further maintained that the group lacks proper legal standing to pursue their claims.

The plaintiffs’ legal representative Nikhel Sus pointed out that Trump himself provided conflicting statements to Blanche’s testimony. In a June 3 interview, occurring one day following Blanche’s congressional appearance, Trump voiced his backing for proceeding with the fund despite the Virginia judge’s adverse ruling.

“On paper, the fund is still a legally operating entity,” Sus argued. “Nothing has changed.”

A federal judge in Florida overseeing Trump’s case against the IRS has directed Trump’s legal team to address “grievous allegations” from settlement opponents who claim the president dropped his lawsuit to evade judicial review of an unlawful agreement. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams has given them until Friday to provide written responses to accusations of collusion and whether the case should be reopened because the court was the “victim of a fraud.”

In Virginia, lawyers from the legal advocacy organization Democracy Forward are pursuing a court directive to stop the fund’s launch and block the Trump administration from making any payments from it. The Virginia case plaintiffs include a terminated prosecutor and a college instructor who was cleared of charges related to assaulting federal officers during a demonstration.

Congressional leaders from both political parties came together with religious figures on Capitol Hill Wednesday, June 10, 2026, for an annual Jerusalem Day commemoration organized by the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus.

The gathering drew lawmakers, Jewish and Christian religious leaders, and advocates supporting American-Israeli relations to honor Jerusalem’s reunification and reinforce backing for the city as Israel’s capital.

Four representatives serve as co-chairs for the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus that organized the ceremony: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL).

The attendee list included Congressional members, faith community representatives, and US-Israel alliance supporters. Among those scheduled to speak were Senator Ted Cruz, White House Faith Office Head Paula White, Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Leo Terrell, Pastor Larry Huch, and a senior Israeli official.

Event coordinators emphasized that the ceremony demonstrated cross-party American backing for Jerusalem and US-Israeli ties. The program also spotlighted faith-centered diplomacy and collaboration between Jewish and Christian groups.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) stated: “On Jerusalem Day, we join Israel in celebrating the 1967 restoration of its ancient capital city to Israeli sovereignty. This was a great day for the Jewish people and for everyone who believes in the right of every nation to exercise its sovereignty within secure borders.”

“As Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, I am honored to join the Jerusalem Day Reception celebrating Jerusalem as Israel’s unified capital city,” Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) commented.

Schneider continued: “For more than 3,000 years, Jerusalem has been the eternal capital of the Jewish people, the holy city to the three Abrahamic faiths and today is unique for its faith and history woven into the very fabric of the city. It is a place where people of diverse backgrounds and religions prosper together. I am proud to celebrate its enduring significance and the unbreakable bond between the people of the United States and Israel.”

Jordanna McMillan, Israel Allies Foundation US Director, stated that acknowledging Jerusalem and moving the US Embassy there demonstrates “our shared Judeo-Christian values, commitment to religious freedom, and a strategic partnership that advances America’s interests in a more stable Middle East.”

According to the Israel Allies Foundation, the organization works with over 1600 legislators across 64 parliamentary caucuses globally to promote faith-based diplomacy and support for Israel.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered an unexpected response Wednesday when confronted with rising costs affecting American families, declaring his affection for current economic conditions.

When questioned about fresh data showing consumer prices rose 4.2% in May compared to the previous year, the president adopted an unusually positive stance toward the troubling economic news. Trump avoided his typical approach of labeling affordability concerns as a Democratic “hoax” or asserting he was reducing living costs.

Following the government’s announcement that price increases reached their peak since April 2023, Trump offered praise for the figures.

“You know what I really love?” Trump said. “I love the inflation.”

The comment caught observers off guard, particularly since economic concerns rank among voters’ primary worries heading into November’s midterm elections — an area where Trump has received poor ratings. Democratic officials immediately began circulating his remarks across social platforms within moments of the televised statement.

While Trump’s 2024 campaign promised swift action against inflation, he now attributes elevated prices entirely to the Iran conflict driving up energy expenses. Wednesday’s remarks included claims that relief approaches through covert military activities that allegedly moved 100 million oil barrels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage handling 20% of global oil transport that has remained largely blocked since the war’s start in late February.

“Trump really said, ‘I love the inflation.’ On camera. For all of America to hear,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer quickly posted on X. “His contempt for you knows no bounds.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on X that with Trump’s stated love of inflation, “We finally found something that Donald Trump loves as much as he loves himself.”

Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio, quickly pressed Energy Secretary Chris Wright at a hearing about whether he, too, loved inflation.

“Do you love inflation?” Sykes asked.

“I love ending Iran’s ability to have a nuclear weapon,” Wright answered. He only conceded after being pressed: “No, I would prefer lower inflation.”

When asked about Trump’s specific comments, Wright said, “He’s an entertaining, hyperbolic guy who’s done tremendous leadership.”

Trump attributed the covert transport operations to oil prices dropping under $90 per barrel after exceeding $110 in early April.

“I’m just announcing today for the first time, but we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil, millions of barrels every night,” Trump said.

Through social media, the president indicated the operation started last month and had “resulted in more than 100 MILLION Barrels of Oil making its way through the Strait, and into the Open Market. More than 200 Commercial Ships have safely traveled through the Strait.” No immediate verification existed for these numbers, and the U.S. military’s involvement remained unclear.

For perspective, approximately 20 million oil barrels passed through the strait daily before hostilities began, suggesting Trump’s described mission equals roughly five days of typical oil movement.

Addressing the latest inflation data, the White House highlighted certain May price decreases from the prior month: new vehicle costs, prescription medications, and auto insurance rates. However, combining overall inflation with wage changes reveals concerning evidence that consumer purchasing power compared to earnings has weakened.

“President Trump has consistently maintained that oil and gas prices — and thus overall inflation — will plummet once the Iran situation is resolved, and the administration will continue pushing our affordability agenda to enable Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in an email.

Financial markets remained skeptical of Trump’s assertions about reducing prices through strait oil transport — statements made as the United States conducted airstrikes against Iran while Tehran retaliated against regional targets.

U.S. crude oil futures rose approximately 4% Wednesday afternoon, reaching nearly $92 per barrel.

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from both parties on Capitol Hill have urged President Donald Trump to quickly appoint a permanent intelligence director to help Congress extend crucial surveillance powers before they expire. However, Trump has refused to change course.

Instead, Trump has reinforced his support for his interim choice to oversee intelligence operations, federal housing finance regulator Bill Pulte, despite his limited background in the field. Democrats are blocking votes on renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, commonly called FISA, which expires June 12. Trump requested Wednesday a brief extension of the legislation to “provide time for the selection and confirmation of a permanent Head of the Agency.”

This standoff may soon restrict the U.S. government’s foreign intelligence gathering capabilities as World Cup matches start across the nation and before festivities marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated Wednesday that GOP leadership has “made our views known” to the White House regarding the simplest path to pass the legislation, and “we’re just doing what we can here to ensure that the White House understands what will be necessary in order to make that happen.”

Trump announced Friday he is interviewing five potential candidates for the permanent agency leadership role, all with national security credentials.

“It’s an important position and one that I think will be filled by a highly qualified person,” stated House Speaker Mike Johnson, who met with Trump recently about the FISA deadlock.

However, securing FISA votes requires swift action — and Trump’s selection must appeal to lawmakers from both parties.

Among potential successors is Pete Hoekstra, Trump’s ambassador to Canada and former House Intelligence Committee chairman. The White House has contacted Hoekstra regarding the position and discussions continue, according to someone familiar with the outreach who requested anonymity to discuss private talks.

FISA’s Section 702 permits agencies like the CIA, National Security Agency and FBI to gather communications from foreign subjects abroad without warrants.

Although lawmakers from both parties citing privacy concerns have long sought to restrict this authority, broad bipartisan backing exists for its renewal, particularly after recent compromise legislation. Yet Democrats now withhold support due to Pulte concerns.

Mark Warner of Virginia, the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, helped craft the compromise bill with Republicans. But he labeled Pulte’s selection to succeed outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard “a live hand grenade” for passage efforts. GOP leaders attempted to begin the process last week, but seven Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in preventing a long-term extension.

Warner declared Wednesday his only condition for backing a temporary surveillance law extension is having principal deputy director of national intelligence Aaron Lukas serve as acting leader throughout that period.

Sen. Tom Cotton, the Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, have cautioned the administration that the surveillance tool will likely expire.

The administration should prepare “for a potential significant gap in foreign intelligence collection,” they stated in correspondence.

Following bipartisan resistance to Pulte’s interim appointment, Trump said last week he would not permanently nominate him. But Democrats and some Republicans want his appointment withdrawn immediately and Trump to nominate a Senate-confirmable replacement.

Tuesday, however, Trump declared Pulte would not only become acting director — he’d begin sooner than planned, on June 19. Trump maintained support for Pulte Wednesday, posting he needed additional time to locate a permanent successor and requesting a brief extension.

“FISA 702 is very important to our Military, and keeping the American People safe, especially during the World Cup and America250 Celebrations,” Trump wrote.

Trump said Pulte would reduce the agency’s size and blamed Democrats for delaying surveillance authority renewal.

Senators from both parties questioning Pulte cite his intelligence experience deficit and Federal Housing Finance Agency record. In that role, he’s been connected to criminal referrals regarding mortgage fraud allegations against public officials Trump wanted to target, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat; Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; and Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve board member.

Whether sufficient votes exist for temporary surveillance powers extension remained uncertain as Trump disregarded bipartisan pressure to withdraw Pulte’s appointment.

After a White House ceremony Wednesday, Johnson told reporters the president is “working very hard” to select a permanent ODNI leader — possibly before Pulte assumes the role.

Johnson described it as a “good faith gesture” from Trump that Democrats should accept for a short-term FISA extension agreement.

Trump made clear, Johnson said, that Pulte will serve a “very short term – a sort of renovation role” to help the Office of the Director of National Intelligence be “renovated and downsized.”

WASHINGTON, June 10 – Administration officials are preparing to host leaders from major defense companies at the White House as early as next week to address the need for faster weapons manufacturing, according to sources familiar with the plans.

This upcoming gathering represents the second time the administration has brought together top executives from the nation’s premier defense contractors to address production acceleration. The previous March session featured chief executives and senior leadership from BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participating.

Ongoing military conflicts with Iran along with weapons shipments to Ukraine over recent years have significantly reduced America’s weapons inventory.

The planned session occurs while Pentagon officials continue urging contractors to substantially increase their production speed. These efforts center around manufacturing agreements established earlier this year.

The completed arrangements include a multi-year contract to increase PAC-3 production threefold and expand THAAD interceptor manufacturing fourfold through Lockheed, plus additional multi-year contracts with RTX to enhance Tomahawk and AMRAAM air-to-air missile production. These arrangements, labeled as “framework agreements,” remain unconverted to actual contracts.

The White House, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing and L3Harris have not yet provided responses to comment requests.

WASHINGTON – The White House has formally submitted Brian Johnson’s nomination to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to the U.S. Senate for confirmation, according to an official announcement made Wednesday.

Johnson’s nomination for the director position was transmitted to senators as part of the formal nomination process, based on information released in a public notice.