Gop

• Republicans are attending the second day of their first-ever midterm primary convention on September 10 in Dallas, Texas. • Donald Trump is expected to speak at the event after floating a $5,000 payout proposal. • Representative Mike Lawler is attempting to attract Democrats and independents in a district that Kamala Harris won in 2024.

Surprise appearance by Pennsylvania senator raises fresh questions over loyalty to and future in Democratic partyThe Democratic senator John Fetterman’s decision to address the Republican National Committee (RNC) midterm convention via video sparked a furious response from some members of his party.Fetterman’s surprise appearance – and praise of his fellow Pennsylvania senator, Republican Dave McCormick – raised fresh questions over his loyalty to, and future inside, the Democratic party. Continue reading...

• Democrats and Republicans are showing rare agreement on the political challenges posed by AI data centers ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. • The debate focuses on the high demands these facilities place on electricity, water, and land, and who pays for the supporting infrastructure. • Local residents and taxpayers face potential risks of strained public resources and higher utility costs as these facilities expand.

• The U.S. House is expected to vote this Tuesday on a short-term spending measure designed to prevent a government shutdown. • The proposal aims to keep the government operational through the November midterm elections, allowing members of both parties to focus on their campaigns. • GOP hard-liners from the House Freedom Caucus are resisting the measure, citing objections to funding for Planned Parenthood and the absence of a ban on specific hemp products.

• House Republicans are returning to Washington with plans to vote on a Senate-passed funding bill this Tuesday to prevent a government shutdown. • GOP leadership also intends to vote on a resolution condemning "socialism in all its forms," specifically targeting the growth of the Democratic Socialists of America in the 2026 elections. • This political maneuver aims to force Democrats to take a public stance on socialism ahead of the upcoming November elections.

• GOP campaign committees are appealing to the Supreme Court after the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit blocked an FCC order regarding TV election ad pricing. • The disputed FCC rule sought to extend mandatory broadcast discounts, typically reserved for candidates, to political parties and joint fundraising committees. • The 4th Circuit ruled that the FCC's order cannot be enforced because it contradicts the explicit language of existing US law.

Sister of late Lindsey Graham, who has been backed by Trump, overcomes concern about lack of experience to win place on November ballotSouth Carolina chooses Darline Graham as Republican nominee for US SenateOne of the oldest abortion rights groups in the US is endorsing Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee in Maine’s critical US Senate race, according to details first shared with the Guardian.Reproductive Freedom for All is supporting Jackson, the former state senate president, in challenging Susan Collins – the five‑term Republican incumbent who has been dogged on the campaign trail for her role in overturning abortion access in the US. Continue reading...

• U.S. Senator Darline Graham won the Republican primary runoff on Tuesday to secure the GOP nomination for her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat in South Carolina. • The victory ensures Graham will appear on the general election ballot to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. • This transition follows the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, marking a significant familial succession within the state's political leadership.

• Senator Elizabeth Warren has criticized Donald Trump and the GOP, accusing them of prioritizing billionaire interests, such as those of Mark Zuckerberg, over public health. • Warren claims that Republican policies threaten the healthcare access of approximately 15 million Americans. • The dispute coincides with a new proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding payment changes for home health agencies (HHAs).

• Indian duo Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will face world No. 1 pair Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in the BWF World Championships 2026 semifinals. • The high-stakes match is taking place in New Delhi, with live streaming available across various Asian markets including Vidio in Indonesia and Astro in Malaysia. • This matchup is significant as the Indian pair attempts to overcome the top-ranked opponents to secure a spot in the championship final.

• Republican voters in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District selected the candidate endorsed by Donald Trump in the GOP primary. • In the 3rd District, Rebecca Cooke secured the Democratic nomination in a highly competitive race. • These results highlight the ongoing influence of Trump's backing within the Republican party and the shifting dynamics of Democratic nominations.

• The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has approved a transition to a 15x3 scoring system starting next year, replacing the current best-of-three games to 21 points. • India's chief national coach, Pullela Gopichand, warns that this shift could "wipe off" certain players who fail to adapt to the new tactical requirements. • The change matters because it fundamentally reshapes the sport's dynamics, favoring players who can thrive under a shorter, more intense scoring format.

Trump’s former personal lawyer appears on track to become attorney general despite reservations over deal withdrawing ‘anti-weaponization fund’Critics denounce Blanche deal to halt Trump slush fundSign up for US Breaking News emailHello and welcome to the US politics live blog.President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche appears on track to become the next US attorney general after two Republican senators drop their opposition to his nomination.Trump declined to call for Rep Max Miller’s resignation following allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Trump said he has always known Miller as “a good person” and called the situation “a very sad thing.”In an 89-4 vote, the Senate voted to take up a measure that would temporarily keep the government funded and help avoid a shutdown in the fall. The measure, known as a continuing resolution, would maintain government funding at current levels through 11 December, with some adjustments for specific programs. The Senate is slated to debate the funding bill and move it closer to a final vote.A coalition of 25 US states sued the Trump administration over new tariffs pegged at 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, calling them a pretext for replacing import taxes struck down by the supreme court in February. The states are asking the US Court of International Trade to halt the tariffs, declare them unlawful and order refunds of duties that have already been paid. More here.Trump accused US attorney Jeanine Pirro of having “folded like an umbrella” amid reports that he was considering removing her from her post. Trump criticized Pirro on Monday after she dropped vandalism charges against a former Olympian accused of damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. More here. Continue reading...

• Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have agreed to support the nomination of Blanche for Attorney General. • The agreement follows a deal to ensure a specific fund is not created, addressing concerns that January 6th rioters could receive payments. • This resolution removes key GOP holdouts who sought written confirmation to prevent the potential misuse of funds for violent offenders.

• Two Republican senators have reversed their previous threats to block acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to lead the Justice Department. • The senators announced on Monday, August 3, 2026, that they will now vote to advance Blanche's bid for the position. • This shift is critical as it removes significant GOP opposition, clearing a path for Blanche to be confirmed as the head of the DOJ.

• Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw the nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General after facing resistance from GOP senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. • The tension stems from a stalemate in the confirmation process, with Trump suggesting he could simply renominate Blanche at a later date. • This confrontation risks fracturing Republican unity and creating political vulnerabilities for the senators as they seek reelection.

• Funeral services have begun for the late GOP Senator Lindsey Graham, with President Donald Trump scheduled to deliver a speech this afternoon. • Graham was a prominent political figure who evolved from a critic to a close ally of Trump, though he occasionally broke with the former president on key issues. • Notably, Graham acknowledged Joe Biden as the lawful winner of the 2020 election shortly after the January 6 Capitol riots, contradicting Trump's claims.

• With only 99 days remaining until the November 3 midterm elections, Democrats and Republicans are finalizing their core campaign strategies to mobilize voters. • Democrats are focusing their messaging on economic affordability and the cost of living to attract a broad coalition of voters. • Republicans are leaning into the popularity and influence of Donald Trump to drive turnout and support their candidates.

• The Republican-led House Ways and Means Committee has issued a subpoena to the independent outlet BreakThrough News, demanding access to its financial records and internal communications. • BreakThrough News claims the committee is targeting the organization specifically due to its reporting on U.S. foreign policy, ICE abuses, mass deportations, and solidarity efforts regarding Cuba and Palestine. • This action highlights an escalating tension between GOP lawmakers and independent media outlets over the boundaries of journalistic privilege and government oversight.

• House Republicans passed a budget resolution that includes a $95 billion plan to fund efforts related to the Iran war and the "SAVE America Act." • The resolution initiates the party-line reconciliation process, which allows for certain legislative changes to pass with a simple majority. • The plan includes controversial voting regulations, such as requiring photo IDs to cast ballots and proof of citizenship for voter registration.

• House Republicans have cleared a key procedural hurdle to advance a short-term funding bill and a separate legislative package dubbed "Reconciliation 3.0." • GOP leadership aims to pass both measures before the House adjourns for a scheduled five-week recess this Thursday. • These legislative efforts are critical to avoiding a government shutdown and implementing priority policy changes through the reconciliation process.

• House Republicans passed a continuing resolution to extend federal funding until December 4, effectively preventing a government shutdown before the upcoming midterm elections. • Speaker Mike Johnson cautioned that Democrats might still attempt to force a shutdown prior to the midterms despite this legislative move. • The measure is critical for maintaining government operations and avoiding a lapse in funding during a high-stakes election period.

• The author argues that Democratic nominees for the upcoming fall elections are failing to connect with the deep anger of the electorate. • Despite conditions that should trigger a "blue wave" of historic proportions, the piece suggests candidates are out of touch with voter sentiment. • This disconnect is framed as a critical risk that could cause Democrats to squander a once-in-a-generation opportunity to severely weaken the GOP.

• Republicans are seeking ways to force a Senate vote on the SAVE America Act, which would mandate proof of U.S. citizenship for federal election registration. • Former President Donald Trump has publicly pressured lawmakers to pass the measure and send it to his desk before the 2026 midterm elections. • Some Senate conservatives are now considering attaching the act to a short-term government funding bill to ensure its passage.

• Republican congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds announced legislation on Monday aimed at preventing AI data centers from increasing utility costs for the public. • The proposal would mandate that data centers source all of their electricity and water needs from private providers rather than relying on public water systems or the power grid. • This move reflects a growing political backlash against the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and its potential strain on shared public resources.

• House GOP leaders are struggling to resolve a conservative revolt that has paralyzed the House floor for nearly a month. • The internal conflict has stalled legislative progress, creating significant uncertainty regarding Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership and authority. • This deadlock matters because it prevents the advancement of key legislation and highlights deep ideological divisions within the Republican conference.

• Rep. Greg Casar and the Congressional Progressive Caucus are criticizing Donald Trump's assertion that a pro-democracy resolution would "destroy" the GOP. • The resolution is a Democratic response to a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. [Case Name], which allowed Republican states to redraw congressional maps and eliminate majority-minority districts. • Casar argues that the Supreme Court's actions are an attempt to rig elections in favor of Republicans by attacking voting rights.

• The Supreme Court has implemented a series of rapid legal interventions during the current election cycle that legal experts describe as unprecedented. • These judicial moves are expected to reshape election processes in ways that primarily benefit the Republican Party. • The timing and pace of these decisions are significant as they could provide the GOP with a strategic advantage heading into the midterm elections.