Politics

Senators Probe Blanche and Clayton Over Withdrawn DOJ Subpoenas of New York Times Reporters

Senators are examining Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton’s roles in a withdrawn DOJ attempt to compel testimony and phone records from New York Times reporters.

#justice, #pressfreedom, #senate, #confirmation

Justice Department asks Supreme Court to let parts of Trump’s mail-voting order proceed ahead of 2026 midterms

DOJ asks the Supreme Court to allow agencies to continue developing parts of Trump’s 2026 mail‑voting and citizenship‑verification order during litigation.

#elections, #voting, #supremecourt, #doj

Western Cape High Court Pauses Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Process Against Ramaphosa

Western Cape High Court paused Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment hearings against President Cyril Ramaphosa pending a court review of the Phala Phala panel report.

#southafrica, #ramaphosa, #impeachment, #phalaphala

Keir Starmer resigns as prime minister and backs Andy Burnham to succeed him

Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister on July 20 and publicly backed Labour’s new leader Andy Burnham; he will tender his resignation to King Charles III.

#uk, #keirstarmer, #andyburnham, #labour

Judge Rules OMB Clause Can't Be Used to End Grants Based on New Agency Priorities

On July 17, a federal judge barred agencies from using an OMB termination clause to rescind grants based on priorities set after awards, affecting $5.39B.

#omb, #grants, #courts, #federalfunding

South Carolina Schedules Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary After Sen. Lindsey Graham's Death

South Carolina schedules an Aug. 11 special Republican primary to choose a new GOP nominee for the Nov. 3 Senate ballot after Sen. Lindsey Graham's July 11 death.

#southcarolina, #lindseygraham, #ussenate, #specialprimary

Lawmakers Say Trump’s Filings Leave Up to $56.5 Million in Settlement Funds Unaccounted For

Senators and a congresswoman say Trump’s ethics disclosure and foundation filings don’t fully account for up to $56.5 million from settlements with Meta, ABC and Paramount.

#trump, #presidentiallibrary, #settlements, #ethics, #congress

Zelensky Orders Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara to Serve as Acting Defense Minister, Will Seek Parliamentary Approval

Zelensky has instructed Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara to carry out the duties of Ukraine’s defense minister and will seek parliament’s approval after legal steps.

#ukraine, #zelensky, #defense, #sbu

Trump Shrinks Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante Monuments, Reigniting Legal Fight Over Antiquities Act

President Trump sharply reduces two Utah national monuments, cutting protections and prompting immediate legal challenges over presidential authority.

#utah, #publiclands, #antiquitiesact, #bearsears

White House Orders Flags at Half-Staff After Sen. Lindsey Graham's Death

White House orders flags at half-staff through July 18 after Sen. Lindsey Graham died July 11. Vacancy shifts Senate math; special election schedule begins.

#lindseygraham, #senate, #halfstaff, #politics

GAO: Pentagon obligated $2.64 billion for southern border operations through March 31, 2026

GAO report finds the Pentagon obligated $2.64B for southern border operations through March 31, 2026, using internal transfers, counter-drug funds and construction authorities.

#defense, #bordersecurity, #gao, #dod

U.S. Finalizes Rule Narrowing 'Harm' Definition Under Endangered Species Act

Federal agencies rescinded a regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, narrowing when habitat loss counts as illegal 'take'.

#endangeredspeciesact, #esa, #environment, #regulation

Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becomes Law Without Trump’s Signature

A bipartisan housing package took effect July 11 after President Trump declined to sign. The law aims to boost housing supply and affordable homes nationwide.

#housing, #housingpolicy, #congress, #trump

CBO: Layered Counter-drone Defense Would Cost About $74 Million to Harden One U.S. Base, $5 Million a Year to Support

CBO estimates a layered counter-drone system would cost about $74M to equip one representative U.S. base and $5M annually to operate it.

#defense, #drones, #cbo, #military

Mnangagwa signs constitutional amendment extending presidential terms, delays election to 2030

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed a constitutional amendment extending presidential terms to seven years, ending direct elections and postponing the next vote to 2030.

#zimbabwe, #constitution, #mnangagwa, #zanupf