Midterms/2028: Supreme Court Alabama ruling, George Santos scandal, Jan. 6 defendant at Pentagon, Mullin hearing, climate record cuts, Bakersfield hostage standoff, California primary results, Trump comments on Vance/Rubio, Blanche permanent
Key Questions
What was the Supreme Court ruling on Alabama's congressional map?
The Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map favoring Republicans in a 6-3 decision, eliminating a majority-Black district.
What are the key results from California's primary elections?
Karen Bass advances to the LA mayor runoff, while Hilton and Becerra lead the governor race. Other winners include Haaland in NM governor, Turek in Iowa Senate, and Gallagher in CA-1 special election.
What scandals or issues involve George Santos and Jan. 6 defendants?
George Santos was reported to prosecutors over suspicious Kalshi trades. A Jan. 6 defendant now works at the Pentagon after expressing shame, amid broader scrutiny.
How are climate records and science funding affected under current policies?
Scientists lost critical climate records as an ocean observatory went dark due to Trump funding cuts. The administration aims to pull science funding under tighter political control with political tests on grants.
What appointments has Trump made regarding intelligence and DOJ roles?
Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting DNI replacing Gabbard and indicated Blanche will become permanent AG. Sen. Warner warned of risks from Pulte's appointment.
What legal actions involve transgender military policies?
Appeals courts ruled the transgender military ban unconstitutional and blocked Pentagon removals of transgender troops. The D.C. Circuit allowed 28 troops to stay.
What are the outcomes in Iowa and other state primaries?
Zach Lahn defeated Trump-backed Feenstra in Iowa GOP governor primary. Turek won Iowa Senate Democratic nod, with similar results in New Mexico and South Dakota races.
What other notable events occurred in the midterms context?
A hostage standoff at Bakersfield Chase Bank involved a bomb threat. CBS fired '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley, and NYC crime hit record lows for the first five months.
Supreme Court allows Alabama to use congressional map favoring Republicans, eliminating majority-Black district (6-3); George Santos reported to prosecutors over suspicious Kalshi trades; Jan. 6 defendant who said he was ashamed now works at Pentagon; DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin refuses to commit to following court orders, Democrats hammer him in hearing; Scientists lose critical climate record as ocean observatory goes dark under Trump funding cuts; Judge rules Trump administration has no justification for dismantling NCAR; Aspiration co-founder sentenced to 14 years for fraud; Men shot during Trump rally in Butler sue the United States; Video shows massive drug-smuggling tunnel connecting US and Mexico; Number of uninsured young children rises across US, Texas has most. California primary results: Bass advances to LA mayor runoff; Hilton and Becerra lead governor race; Haaland wins NM governor nomination; Turek wins Iowa Senate primary; Hinson wins GOP Senate primary; Gallagher wins special election in CA-1; Wahab advances in Swalwell seat; Wiener and Chan lead Pelosi successor race. DOJ anti-weaponization fund scrapped after GOP backlash; Blanche confirms not moving forward; Republicans consider next steps. Trump appoints Bill Pulte as acting DNI, replacing Gabbard. Appeals court rules transgender military ban unconstitutional; another appeals court blocks Pentagon from removing transgender troops; D.C. Circuit allows 28 troops to stay. Boston judge to weigh blocking Trump's mail-in voting executive order; federal court hears arguments. Iowa man suspected of killing 6 relatives then himself. South Carolina store owner acquitted in 2023 killing of Black teen. SoFi Stadium workers vote on strike authorization ahead of World Cup. EU strikes migration deal for more deportations. New York Democrats plan aggressive 2028 redistricting. New Jersey Democrats pick opponent in House district with absent Republican incumbent (Bennett vs Kean). Paxton and Platner visit Washington for Senate candidacies. California 13th District race closely watched. Alameda County DA race and Swalwell successor. California insurance commissioner race. DeSantis property tax plan tweaked; Florida tax cut plan approved for November ballot. Trump megadonor gave $5.5M estate to RFK Jr. nonprofit. Biden health detail: Jill Biden feared stroke after debate. ICE medical neglect investigation. Newark mayor calls for closure of Delaney Hall; NJ targets prison company in lawsuits. Missing congressman (Rep. Kean) returning in weeks after nearly three months absence. Trump administration aims to pull science funding under tighter political control; White House seeks to impose political test on federal grants. New Mexico House primary results; Iowa Senate primary results (Turek wins Democratic nod). New: Hostage standoff at Bakersfield Chase Bank with bomb threat; one hostage released; CBS fires '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley after clash with new producer; Peabo Bryson dies at 75; Scientists charged with bringing deactivated mpox virus into US and lying to authorities; NYC Council requests funds for 9/11 ground zero air quality probe; Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson to resign; Florida approves $15M for security at Miami Catholic schools; Man executed in Florida for killing girlfriend's baby; Coast Guard searches for missing American in Bahamas; UK teen dies from stab wound while handcuffed by police; California primary results (Bass, Hilton/Becerra, Haaland, Turek, Hinson, Gallagher, Wahab, Wiener/Chan); Iowa GOP primary upset: Zach Lahn defeats Trump-backed Feenstra; South Dakota governor runoff; New Mexico governor race; California redrawn map test; Same-sex marriage acceptance stalling; Trump signs AI review order; Medicaid work requirements; Supreme Court compassionate release ruling; DOJ anti-weaponization fund scrapped; Sen. Warner on Pulte DNI; White House 'aliens' site; Trump seeks control of science funding. Trump indicates acting AG Blanche will become permanent. Trump says Vance and Rubio teaming up for 2028 run would be unbeatable. Trump keeps immunity from tax probes while scrapping $1.8B compensation fund. Kurt Alme wins Montana GOP Senate primary. Gregory Cunningham wins GOP nomination in NM-2. Susana Mendoza announces campaign for Chicago mayor. NYC crime hits record lows for first 5 months.