POLITICS
Politics coverage
Today's coverage is mostly centrist. 619 stories in the last 48 hours across 2111 outlet reports.
Over 1,000 Migrants Swim into Ceuta After Spain Bars Sea Pushbacks
More than a thousand undocumented migrants have entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta by sea since the Supreme Court barred pushbacks, overwhelming local authorities.
White House signals upcoming tariff announcement as Trump readies new trade measures
The administration will disclose the next phase of President Trump's trade strategy on Thursday, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer set to detail the plan.
Senator Lindsey Graham's State Funeral Draws Netanyahu and Zelenskyy to Washington
Two days of memorial services for the late South Carolina senator will start in Washington, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending and meeting Donald Trump at the White House.
Xi urges global partnership in AI, warns against single-nation dominance
Speaking at the opening of the Shanghai-hosted World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Xi stressed a "people-centred" approach that keeps humans in control of AI systems. He warned that allowing one country to dominate the technology could create new historical injustices and called for joint action with Africa, Latin America, Asia and BRICS partners. The address also highlighted China’s rapid growth in AI usage and its abundant low-cost electricity that powers massive data centres. Xi announced plans to work with international bodies to expand AI capacity-building in developing nations. The remarks came amid ongoing U.S. export controls on advanced AI chips to Chinese firms.
Wildfires scorch western France and central Spain, displacing over a quarter million people
Massive blazes in western France and central Spain have forced more than 250,000 residents to evacuate, with several fatalities reported.
Gulf Nations Invest Billions in New Pipelines to Bypass Hormuz Strait
Countries around the Persian Gulf are fast-tracking multi-billion-dollar pipeline projects to move crude away from the vulnerable Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. and Iran intensify air strikes over Strait of Hormuz, diplomacy stalls
Washington and Tehran are exchanging daily air strikes as each side seeks control of the vital oil corridor in the Persian Gulf. The Trump administration claims it is still open to negotiations, but Iran has not eased its pressure on shipping. The escalation has shattered a recent cease-fire, caused additional American casualties and pushed gasoline prices upward, complicating the political landscape ahead of the midterms. Analysts warn that reliance on air power alone may not achieve decisive results.
Saudi-led coalition bombs Houthi-held Hodeida as Red Sea tensions flare
Coalition forces hit telecommunications sites in Hodeida and nearby Kamaran Island, while insisting that the city’s commercial port remains open. The raids follow Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers and their assertion that the Bab al-Mandeb blockade is limited to Saudi ships. The EU naval mission ASPIDES raised its threat level for merchant traffic in the Red Sea, and the UN urged the rescue of stranded seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the United States continued nightly strikes on Iranian targets, prompting heightened regional rhetoric from leaders such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.
Florida nursing homes face staffing crisis as Haitian TPS protections expire
A Supreme Court ruling ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians threatens to remove thousands of health-care workers from Florida’s nursing homes.
US conducts fresh airstrikes on Iranian targets after missile attacks
The US Central Command launched a new wave of strikes against Iranian facilities following Iran's missile launch at US forces the previous day.
U.S. air-defense missile stocks dwindle as Iran clashes intensify
Recent combat with Iran has sharply reduced U.S. inventories of Patriot and THAAD interceptors, raising concerns about future air-defense capability.
Explosions rock Kyiv after President warns of imminent Russian missile strike
Residents in Kyiv heard explosions early Thursday as the city faced ballistic missile attacks, following President Zelenskyy's warning of a high-probability strike.
US intercepts Iranian missile barrage as Netanyahu praises meeting with Trump
The US military said it shot down a surprise Iranian ballistic missile attack, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called his recent Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump highly productive.
Ukraine's Parliament Confirms Naftogaz Chief Koretskyi as Prime Minister Amid Street Protests
Ukraine's lawmakers approved President Zelenskyy's nominee, Naftogaz head Sergii Koretskyi, as prime minister while hundreds demonstrated in Kyiv over the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Appeals court blocks Trump administration's mail-in voting changes
A federal appeals panel in Boston rejected the Trump administration's bid to lift an injunction that bars key parts of a March executive order aimed at tightening mail-in ballot rules for the upcoming midterms.
Fed Keeps Benchmark Rate Unchanged as Inflation Shows Signs of Cooling
The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate steady for the fifth time this year, citing easing consumer-price growth despite higher energy costs.
Cairo talks show unusual headway on U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire plan
Mediators in Cairo reported positive movement in negotiations with Hamas toward full implementation of a U.S.-sponsored Gaza peace framework, even as Israeli airstrikes killed six Palestinians, including two children.
Deadly strikes push Ukraine-Russia fighting deeper into civilian areas
Attacks by both sides killed at least eight civilians, including a child, as Ukraine and Russia intensified strikes far behind the front line.
Senate advances bipartisan sanctions bill named for Lindsey Graham to curb Russia and Iran
The U.S. Senate cleared a bipartisan sanctions package honoring the late Lindsey Graham, targeting Russian oil and gas revenues and adding measures against Iran.
Saudi intercepts drones targeting oil sites, blames Iran-backed militias
Saudi Arabia shot down drones aimed at its eastern oil facilities and Riyadh, accusing Iran-linked groups in Iraq, while Yemen’s Houthis said they hit Saudi crude transport.
Escalating Iran conflict shuts key straits, US seeks billions for missile stockpiles
The war with Iran has forced the closure of the Bab al-Mandeb and strained the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a fresh round of US strikes and a request for $67 billion in missile funding.
ICE plans 1,400-bed detention hub in North Carolina by year-end
The Trump administration intends to convert the closed Rivers Correctional Institution in Winton, North Carolina, into a 1,400-capacity ICE detention center by December, using the GEO Group as contractor.
Police kill suspect in Berlin Pride van attack as nation mourns casualties
Berlin police shot the van-ramming suspect dead during a raid in Spandau, after the attack on the Christopher Street Day parade left one person dead and 29 injured.
Fifth Circuit Says Illegal Immigrants Lack Constitutional Right to Roam During Deportation Cases
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that undocumented migrants do not possess a constitutional entitlement to move freely while their removal proceedings are pending.
Berlin imams denounce Islamist terror attack on Pride parade and call for early intervention
After a 21-year-old Islamist killed several people at Berlin's Pride event, the Council of Berlin Imams issued a strong condemnation and warned of the threat of religiously motivated extremism.
Iran Denies U.S. Claims of Negotiation Interest Amid Ongoing Conflict
Iran's foreign ministry rejected U.S. officials' statements that Tehran is seeking a deal to end the war, insisting no talks are underway.
House Republicans push $95 bn Iran war budget as summer recess begins
House Republicans approved a $95 billion defense plan for the Iran conflict and a massive Pentagon budget before heading into a five-week summer recess.
Trump administration plans to end Medicare drug subsidies, raising seniors' premiums
The Trump administration intends to discontinue federal subsidies for Medicare Part D plans after 2026, which could push many seniors’ monthly prescription costs higher.
Russia's FSB issues international arrest warrant for Telegram founder Pavel Durov
The Federal Security Service has charged Pavel Durov, creator of Telegram, with facilitating terrorist activity and sought his worldwide arrest.
2025 Marks Most Lethal Year for Anti-Jewish Violence in Over Three Decades
A July 29 report says 2025 saw the highest number of deadly anti-Semitic attacks in the diaspora since 1994, with 20 people killed across several Western nations.
AI leaders urge U.S. to back global framework for slowing automated AI progress
More than 1,100 AI researchers and executives from firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Meta have signed an open letter calling on the U.S. government to support an international effort to develop tools that can deliberately pace frontier AI development.
Trump threatens to postpone AG nominee Blanche until Senate rivals retire
President Trump told Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis to stop blocking Todd Blanche’s attorney-general nomination, saying he would withdraw the name and re-submit it after they leave office.
Oman proposes voluntary shipping fees for Iran in the Strait of Hormuz
Oman is advancing a scheme that would let Iran collect optional charges from vessels passing the Strait of Hormuz, modeled after fees in the Strait of Malacca.
NYC's city-run grocery plan faces criticism over limited offerings and timeline
The mayor's Economic Development Corporation confirmed that the planned city-owned supermarkets will likely omit features like hot-food counters and butchers, and the first locations won’t open until 2027.
Trump and Melania allegedly ignored Max Miller's reported abuse of former aide
A report claims Donald and Melania Trump knew about Rep. Max Miller's alleged assault on former press secretary Stephanie Grisham and did nothing, while new domestic-violence accusations surface as he seeks reelection.
Trump launches veteran-focused “Freedom Haulers” plan to curb illegal-immigrant truck drivers
The White House unveiled the Freedom Haulers program, offering veterans faster access to commercial driver’s licenses while tightening rules on non-English-speaking and undocumented truckers.
Shell’s Q2 profit more than doubles as Middle East conflict lifts oil prices
Shell posted a net profit of $9.84 bn for the quarter ended June, more than twice last year’s level, thanks to soaring oil and gas prices after the Middle East war.
Democratic war powers bill on Iran withdrawn fails by one vote in Senate
A Senate vote on a Democratic-backed resolution demanding an immediate pullout of U.S. forces from Iran was defeated 49-50.
GOP Holds Over $540 Million Cash Edge Over Democrats Ahead of Midterms
Federal Election Commission filings show Republicans entering the 2026 midterm cycle with roughly $677 million, dwarfing the Democrats' $136 million war chest.
Trump vows harsh retaliation against Iran after intercepted missile attack
President Trump warned of a severe response to Iran after the country launched missiles that were all intercepted by U.S. forces.
Houston Residents Rally for Accountability After ICE Agent Kills Mexican Father
Community activists in Houston are demanding justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican immigrant shot by an ICE officer on July 7.
Israeli forces and settlers launch sweeping raids across West Bank after deadly Nablus shootout
The Israeli army intensified a wide-scale operation in the occupied West Bank, detaining hundreds of Palestinians after a clash near Nablus left four Palestinians and two soldiers dead.
Mandela Barnes weighs exit from crowded Wisconsin governor primary
Mandela Barnes and his advisers are debating whether to withdraw from the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin as damaging reports loom.
Gas price surge threatens Republican support ahead of 2026 midterms
A recent poll shows rising fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict are pushing many Republicans, including Trump backers, to consider voting for another party in the 2026 elections.
Comey urges judge to dismiss indictment over Instagram seashell post, citing free-speech rights
Former FBI Director James Comey asked a federal judge to throw out a grand-jury indictment that accuses him of threatening President Trump, arguing the Instagram image is protected political speech.
Pentagon signs seven-year pact with L3Harris to boost Patriot missile parts
The Pentagon and L3Harris agreed on a seven-year contract to sharply increase output of key Patriot interceptor components amid concerns over U.S. missile stockpiles.
Senate pushes crypto ethics bill aimed at Trump, Democrats say it falls short
The Senate is close to moving the Clarity Act, which would bring digital currencies under existing financial oversight and embed ethics provisions aimed at President Trump, the vice president and their spouses. While the White House has signed off, Democratic leaders contend the rules fail to stop Trump from profiting or using crypto for public favors. Critics also note the bill leaves enforcement to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and does not directly address Trump’s sons, whose crypto ventures have driven a 250% income surge. Republicans say the legislation is meant to apply broadly across government branches, not just one individual.
Netanyahu to share new intel on Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site with Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to brief President Donald Trump on fresh evidence that Iran has moved nuclear centrifuges to the secret Pickaxe Mountain facility and is reviving its missile program.
Justice Jackson Discusses Surprising Security Constraints on New Supreme Court Role
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson told former First Lady Michelle Obama that serving on the Supreme Court has exceeded expectations but brings unexpected security demands that limit her daily life.
Outgoing Senator Cornyn set to meet Acting AG Blanche amid confirmation showdown
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will meet Senator John Cornyn on Wednesday as the Texas Republican blocks his confirmation and ties it to funding and audit-immunity demands.
McConnell's prolonged absence stalls progress on Trump's SAVE America Act
The Senate's ability to move the SAVE America Act forward is hampered by Mitch McConnell's extended leave and uncertainty over his return.
UEFA threatens to pull all members from World Cup over Infantino's sale plan
All 55 UEFA national associations say they will quit the FIFA World Cup if Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell tournament ownership proceeds.
Indian Gen Z turns social media against Modi after violent student protests
Students protesting exam paper leaks in Delhi filmed police brutality, flooding social platforms with videos and memes that challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s online dominance.
Iran blames Ukraine for missile strike on Caspian commercial ship
Iran's foreign ministry says a Ukrainian attack on a commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea killed one sailor and wounded another, and it summoned Ukraine's chargé d’affaires in Tehran.
NYC mayor releases database of owners potentially subject to pied-à-terre tax
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office posted an online list of New York properties valued over $1 million that may be hit by the state's new second-home tax, revealing owners' names and addresses.
US caps F-1 student visas at four years, slashing post-grad grace period
A new Department of Homeland Security rule limits F-1 visas to four years and cuts the post-graduation grace period to 30 days, sparking anxiety among international students.
U.S. Maritime Strikes Kill 221 but Fail to Curb Drug Flow
Operation Southern Spear has sunk 67 fishing vessels, killing 221 people, yet evidence shows the campaign has not reduced drug shipments into the United States.
FIFA President Proposes Selling World Cup Commercial Rights to Private Investors
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino plans to auction commercial stakes in the World Cup to private capital, sparking criticism.
India clamps down on student protests while courting Gen Z voters
The government has alternated between arrests and concessions after the large-scale “Cockroach” demonstrations, while launching a social-media push aimed at younger voters.
Trump, governors and utilities sign pledge to shield ratepayers from data-center costs
President Trump, alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced that nearly 200 stakeholders, including Republican governors and major utilities, have joined a pledge to ensure data centers cover their own energy expenses.