Josh Turek is a former Paralympian and relative newcomer to public office, winning his state House seat in 2022.
His primary race against Zach Wahls was upended by a flood of outside support that boosted him in the final stretch. Democratic political operation VoteVets spent millions of dollars to blanket the airwaves, social media and mailboxes.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is abandoning plans to create a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate allies of the Republican president, according to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
See a recap.
Iowa Democrat Josh Turek celebrates nomination for Senate — 10:41 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Turek smiled and popped a wheelie on his chair as he approached the stage to celebrate his primary win. Democrats in Des Moines roared with excitement.
“Iowa sure does love an underdog, and we have done it tonight,” he said. “I am honored to be your nominee.”
A sea of campaign signs were lifted in the air.
Emergency at bank leads California Democrat to cancel election night party — 10:41 p.m.
By the Associated Press
State Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains, who is competing for a chance to face vulnerable Republican US Representative David Valadao in November, announced she was canceling the party because of the incident.
Police remained encircled around a bank Tuesday evening in downtown Bakersfield, where a man was holding several people inside.
In her statement, Bains said she was canceling the event “to avoid creating a large gathering of people in close proximity to this incident.”
Democratic Governors Association head says Haaland’s life story ‘one of resilience’ — 10:35 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Chair Andy Beshear said Haaland, a former tribal administrator who helped oversee education and childcare programs, will be a champion for New Mexico’s residents.
“She knows the pain New Mexicans are feeling right now, which is why she will never stop fighting to bring down costs and create jobs, strengthen schools, expand affordable health care, and create safer communities,” he said.
Zach Wahls vows support for winning Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek — 10:33 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“The work that we began together one year ago this month does not end tonight. It is going to end in November when Representative Josh Turek defeats Ashley Hinson in November,” Wahls, a state senator from Iowa City, told supporters in an upstairs bar near the University of Iowa.
Wahls praised his competitor, despite disagreements over policy the future of the party.
“Josh and I competed hard against each other,” he said. “Josh is a good man. He will be an infinitely better United States senator than Ashley Hinson.”
The room burst into applause.
Hinson, Iowa’s 2nd District representative, easily won the Republican primary Tuesday for the seat being vacated by two-term GOP Senator Joni Ernst, who is not seeking a third term.
Iowa’s vote history keeps the Senate seat in play for Democrats — 10:31 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Republican US Representative Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek won tonight’s US Senate primaries in Iowa, setting the stage for a competitive race in the fall.
Democrats are eyeing the open seat vacated by retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst. Before Ernst’s election in 2014, Iowa was represented by Democrat Tom Harkin for three decades, marking a period where Democrats were still competitive statewide.
Iowa also backed former president Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, indicating how a strong Democratic candidate can resonate with Iowa voters despite the state’s recent Republican lean.
Steve Hilton wants to break Democrats’ winning streak in California — 10:29 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“We cannot let this chance for change slip away,” said Hilton, a former Fox News host who has Trump’s endorsement in the California governor’s race.
California hasn’t had a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.
Hilton said he can win if he and one of his Democratic rivals advance to the general election in November. He’s pledging to cut regulations and reduce costs in the state.
“This state needs change, and it can’t be provided by a Democrat,” he told reporters in Southern California about an hour before polls were set to close.
Ashley Hinson speaks of bipartisanship after winning Iowa’s Republican US Senate primary — 10:05 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Hinson dubbed it “a resounding victory” in a statement, before listing what she wanted to continue doing in Congress: make life more affordable, take on “Big Pharma and Big Health Insurance” and “root out corruption in Washington.”
“My record is one of delivering bipartisan results for Iowans, and that’s exactly what I’ll do in the United States Senate. I’ll work with anyone, from any party, to get things done for Iowa,” she said.
Polls have closed in Montana — 10:04 p.m.
By the Associated Press
In-person Election Day voting concluded in Montana at 10 p.m. ET, which is 8 p.m. local time.
Comparable primaries from past elections can offer clues about when to expect the first vote results and how long the vote count might take.
In the 2024 US Senate primary, the AP first reported results at 10:26 p.m. ET, or 26 minutes after polls closed. The last vote update of the night was at 4:06 a.m. ET with about 84% of total votes counted.
Maggie Toulouse Oliver wins Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in New Mexico — 10:03 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Christina Bohannan came close to winning Iowa’s 1st District in 2024 — 9:54 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The winner of the Democratic primary for the district in southeast Iowa is seeking the seat for the third time.
In 2024, she came within about 800 votes of unseating Republican US Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks.
She defeated first-time candidate Travis Terrell in the Democratic primary.
Josh Turek wins Democratic nomination for US Senate in Iowa — 9:43 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Turek is a former Paralympian and relative newcomer to public office, winning his state House seat in 2022.
His primary race against Zach Wahls was upended by a flood of outside support that boosted him in the final stretch. Democratic political operation VoteVets spent millions of dollars to blanket the airwaves, social media and mailboxes.
He will next try to flip the seat currently held by GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, who is retiring.
Adam Hamawy wins Democratic nomination for US House in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District — 9:43 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Deb Haaland wins Democratic nomination for governor in New Mexico — 9:36 p.m.
By the Associated Press
One of the first Native American women elected to Congress and the nation’s first Native American Cabinet secretary could break another political barrier. As the Democratic nominee for governor, she is on her way to become the first Native American to hold that position in any US state.
Haaland’s primary win makes her the frontrunner in November. Democrats have consolidated control over every statewide elected office in New Mexico over the past decade.
As interior secretary under President Joe Biden, Haaland championed public lands conservation and oversaw a first-of-its-kind federal investigation into the abuse of Native American children at government-run boarding schools. On the campaign trail in New Mexico, Haaland focused on reducing costs for families while emphasizing her ancestral roots in the state and experience in the nation’s capital. She’s a member of Laguna Pueblo.
Ben Lujan wins Democratic nomination for US Senate in New Mexico — 9:33 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Zack Mullock wins Democratic nomination for US House in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District — 9:31 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Rebecca Bennett addresses her rival Tom Kean Jr., ‘wherever you are’ — 9:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Kean’s absence loomed over the primary. In her speech, Bennett referred to “Tom Kean Jr., wherever you are,” drawing applause from supporters.
She criticized him over his vote for Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and his threat to cut funding for a rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York.
US Supreme Court allows Alabama to use congressional map favoring Republicans in this year’s elections — 9:29 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed Alabama to use a congressional map favoring Republicans in this year’s elections, blocking a lower court ruling that the redistricting plan intentionally discriminates against Black people.
The justices granted the state’s emergency appeal to use a map it adopted three years ago that has a majority-Black population in just one of its seven congressional districts.
The high-court order is the latest development in a redistricting frenzy that is part of a broader push by President Trump to try to hold on to Republicans’ slim House majority in the November elections. It comes a day before an important deadline that Republican Governor Kay Ivey had already extended in the state’s desire to use the map in special primary elections in August.
Rebecca Bennett tells Representative Tom Kean Jr. ‘we are coming for you’ — 9:28 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Addressing supporters at an Election Night party after winning the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s battleground 7th District, Bennett called the Republican incumbent a “coward.”
“You are failing us, and you do not deserve to represent us in Washington,” the former Navy helicopter pilot said to Kean, who has been away from Congress with an unspecified illness for months.
Bennett’s victory over three other Democrats in the closely-watched district sets up the state’s premier contest in November. The district has flipped in the last two midterm elections.
Introducing his wife, Bennett’s husband told the crowd that Tuesday marks their 14th wedding anniversary.
Ashley Hinson wins Republican nomination for US Senate in Iowa — 9:24 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Hinson, who is endorsed by Trump and Ernst, defeated former state Senator Jim Carlin.
The former TV anchor is in her third term representing Iowa’s 2nd District, in the northeastern part of the state.
She got into the race for Senate almost immediately after Ernst said she was retiring. Hinson won her most recent election with the support of 57% of voters.
Marty Jackley wins Republican nomination for US House in South Dakota’s 1st Congressional District — 9:23 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Mike Rounds wins Republican nomination for US Senate in South Dakota — 9:22 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Polls have closed in Iowa, New Mexico, and the rest of South Dakota — 9:12 p.m.
By the Associated Press
In-person Election Day voting in Iowa, New Mexico and South Dakota concluded at 9 p.m. ET. Polls closed an hour earlier in the parts of South Dakota that are in Central time.
Comparable primaries from past elections can offer clues about when to expect the first vote results and how long the vote count might take.
In the last contested Iowa state primary in 2022, the AP first reported results at 9:12 p.m. ET, or 12 minutes after polls closed. The last vote update of the night was at 2:29 a.m. ET, with more than 99% of total votes counted.
In the 2022 New Mexico gubernatorial primary, the AP first reported results at 9:11 p.m. ET, or 11 minutes after polls closed. The last vote update of the night was at 2:50 a.m. ET, with more than 99% of total votes counted.
In South Dakota’s most recent U.S. Senate primary in 2022, the AP first reported results at 9:02 p.m. ET, or two minutes after the last polls closed. The final vote update of the night was at 3:22 a.m. ET, with more than 99% of total votes counted.
Rebecca Bennett wins Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th District — 9:11 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, will take on Representative Tom Kean Jr. this fall. Her win over three other Democrats in the closely-watched district sets up the state’s premier contest for November, when the party hopes they can flip the seat.
Winning in districts like the 7th, which includes bedroom communities and farm towns as well as Trump’s Bedminster golf club, will be key to Democratic hopes of gaining control of the narrowly divided House.
The win comes as Kean has missed more than 100 votes in the House because of a medical issue that his office has declined to specify.
Analilia Mejia wins Democratic nomination for US House in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District — 8:31 p.m.
By the Associated Press
LaMonica McIver wins Democratic nomination for US House in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District — 8:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Polls have closed in New Jersey and parts of South Dakota — 8:09 p.m.
By the Associated Press
In-person Election Day voting concluded in New Jersey at 8 p.m.
Comparable primaries from past elections can offer clues about when to expect the first vote results and how long the vote count might take.
In the New Jersey gubernatorial primaries last year, the AP first reported results at 8:03 p.m. or three minutes after polls closed. The last vote update of the night was at 11:43 p.m. with about 93% of total votes counted.
Although South Dakota spans two time zones and some polls close at 8 p.m. ET, state law requires that no results are released until the final polls have closed at 9 p.m. ET.
Democrats look to Iowa to rebuild in the heartland — 8:08 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Iowa wasn’t always a Republican stronghold.
Before Trump reshaped American politics, this was the state the lifted the political career of Barack Obama and sent Tom Harkin to the Senate for five terms.
The party is particularly excited about Rob Sand, who is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for governor. A native of Decorah, Iowa, he has the rural roots that have become rare among Democrats. Perhaps most importantly, he’s a proven winner in a Republican-leaning state, having been elected twice as auditor.
Republicans head into the primary with five candidates. Trump jumped in last week to endorse Representative Randy Feenstra.
This is the first open contest for the governor’s seat since 2006. Democrats are hoping that a combination of the economic fallout from Trump’s tariff policies, rising gas prices stemming from the Iran war and the lack of a Republican incumbent could give them their best opportunity in years. Sand also has a fundraising advantage over the Republicans, including Feenstra.
Iowa has some of this year’s most competitive House races — 8:06 p.m.
By the Associated Press
- In southeastern Iowa’s 1st District, Republican US Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks again faces a challenge from businessman David Pautsch, who earned 44% of votes against the incumbent congresswoman in the 2024 primary. Three-time Democratic candidate Christina Bohannan, who came about 800 votes shy of unseating Miller-Meeks in the last election, has the Democrat congressional committee’s support but must first fend off her primary opponent, first-time candidate Travis Terrell.
- In northeastern Iowa’s 2nd District, former state Representative Joe Mitchell, endorsed by Trump, and state Senator Charlie McClintock are Republicans seeking US Representative Ashley Hinson’s open seat. Three Democrats want the nomination: state Rep. Lindsay James, former nonprofit leader Clint Twedt-Ball and Kathy Dolter, a former dean of nursing at an Iowa community college.
- In southcentral Iowa’s competitive 3rd District, Republican incumbent US Representative Zach Nunn and Democratic state Senator Sarah Trone Garriott are both unopposed on the primary ballot.
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland could make history in New Mexico — 6:20 p.m.
By the Associated Press
If she wins her party’s nomination, Haaland will be on a path to become the first Native American woman elected as a governor in the U.S.
In 2018, the member of Laguna Pueblo became one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. Under President Joe Biden, she became the first Native American Cabinet secretary.
New Mexico has trended increasingly blue in recent years, with Democrats winning every statewide elected office since 2017.
Haaland leads her challenger Sam Bregman in fundraising by a significant margin.
Trump and Vance boost California governor candidate Steve Hilton — 6:16 p.m.
By the Associated Press
President Trump on Tuesday urged his followers to vote for Hilton, a former Fox News TV host and British political adviser.
“He will work with me and the Federal Government, the money will flow because I have confidence in him (but not any of the others!), and we will MAKE CALIFORNIA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance called Hilton a “good guy” and encouraged Californians to vote for him.“California is such a beautiful state--it just needs better political leadership!” Vance wrote on X.
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Pratt says it’s a two-person race between him and Bass — 6:15 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Republican Spencer Pratt is dismissing Nithya Raman’s campaign as “weak” and effectively over. The only real race, he says, is between him and Democratic incumbent Karen Bass.
Raman, a former Bass ally and progressive city council member, is challenging the mayor from the left.
In a social media video posted Monday, Pratt says Raman hasn’t gotten anything done during her six years in city leadership. He calls a vote for Raman a waste.
“At this point, it’s me and Karen,” Pratt says.
Will Republican-turned-independent congressman survive California primary? — 6:13 p.m.
By the Associated Press
One of California Democrats’ top targets when they redrew the state’s congressional map was Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley. They split his Northern California district in two, tethering each half to more Democratic areas near Sacramento to create two Democratic-leaning seats.
Kiley opted to run in the 6th District, which is crowded with local Democratic candidates. He became an outspoken critic of political gerrymandering and then left the Republican Party to run as an independent. That might be his best shot of survival with the new California map.
Iowa has some of this year’s most competitive House races — 6:08 p.m.
By the Associated Press
- In southeastern Iowa’s 1st District, Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks again faces a challenge from businessman David Pautsch, who earned 44% of votes against the incumbent congresswoman in the 2024 primary. Three-time Democratic candidate Christina Bohannan, who came about 800 votes shy of unseating Miller-Meeks in the last election, has the Democrat congressional committee’s support but must first fend off her primary opponent, first-time candidate Travis Terrell.
- In northeastern Iowa’s 2nd District, former state Rep. Joe Mitchell, endorsed by Trump, and state Sen. Charlie McClintock are Republicans seeking U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s open seat. Three Democrats want the nomination: state Rep. Lindsay James, former nonprofit leader Clint Twedt-Ball and Kathy Dolter, a former dean of nursing at an Iowa community college.
- In southcentral Iowa’s competitive 3rd District, Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and Democratic state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott are both unopposed on the primary ballot.
What’s at stake in the New Mexico governor’s race — 5:35 p.m.
By the Associated Press
New Mexico voters will decide primaries in three congressional seats, a U.S. Senate seat and a long list of statewide offices. The governor’s race is the main attraction as the state grapples with high rates of violent crime, underperforming schools and cuts to federal programs that are key safety nets for residents.
Two Democrats and three Republicans are vying for their parties’ nominations to replace Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who is term-limited. The winner of November’s general election is all but likely to be a Democrat, given the party’s dominance in recent years. A Republican candidate has not won statewide election in New Mexico in 10 years.
Democrats compete to take on New Jersey’s Tom Kean Jr. — 5:15 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Democrats in the 7th District, where incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been absent for months, are picking their nominee to take him on in the fall.
Kean’s team has said he’s dealing with a personal medical issue and he plans to return soon, but they haven’t disclosed any details about what’s made him more than 100 votes in Congress.
Bruce Paterson, 75, a self-described “regular Democrat” who’s been supportive of Kean, said at a recent state legislative town hall that he’s been tracking Kean’s absence.
“He has been out for months. Nobody knows where he is,” he said.
Competing for the Democratic nomination are Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah and Brian Varela.
The district, which has New York suburbs and rural areas and includes Trump’s Bedminster golf course, has flipped parties in midterms in 2018 and 2022.
Kean issued a statement on Tuesday saying “I will continue putting our constituents first” and “I am optimistic about the road ahead.”
“Right now I am focused on my recovery and under the advice of healthcare professionals. I will transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks,” said Kean, who’s seeking a third term in November. “I look forward to sharing my experience with the public.”
Justice Department not abandoning other part of Trump settlement, Blanche says — 5:03 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Blanche said that while the Justice Department was scrapping plans to create the ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, it was standing by another part of Trump’s settlement with the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns.
As part of that deal, the IRS agreed to drop all pending probes of Trump over whether he’s paid his fair share of taxes.
Pressed over whether it was also abandoning that part of the deal, Blanche said “nothing has changed with that,” and that the administration was only retreating on plans to create the $1.8 billion fund.
News of ‘anti-weaponization’ fund being scrapped catches Democrat by surprise — 4:57 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Blanche revealed that the administration was backing down on the proposed fund under questioning by Rep. Grace Meng, the top Democrat on the subcommittee.
Meng pressed Blanche on the administration’s plans for the fund, asking him: “Not moving forward, ever?” Blanche responded: “Correct,” prompting Meng to let out a surprised “oh.”
The Justice Department on Monday had only committed to temporarily pausing the plans for the fund to comply with a court order blocking it.
Trump administration scrapping plans to create a $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund’ — 4:43 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Blanche told lawmakers that the administration was backing down after widespread political backlash and setbacks in the courts.
Blanche’s comments during a House committee hearing came in response to mounting pressure from Republicans for reassurances that the Justice Department’s plans were off the table before they would move forward with legislation funding President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies.
The Trump administration had previously defended the fund as an appropriate measure make up for what officials insist was a weaponized Justice Department during President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration, a claim the Biden administration strongly denied.
‘Out of my lane.’ Dr. Oz ducks questions during his turn in the White House briefing room. — 4:33 p.m.
By the Associated Press
He spoke fast, hammering through the Trump administration’s efforts to lower prescription drug prices, combat health care fraud, and curb the spread of Ebola overseas.
But when reporters tried to ask Dr. Mehmet Oz about the most-pressing issues of the day — the point of the White House briefing where he was speaking for the administration — the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services had little to offer, and said so again and again.
Rubio wraps up full day of congressional hearings, first since Iran war began — 4:25 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Secretary of State testified for nearly five hours in total before lawmakers on Capitol Hill, starting with a Senate Committee hearing in the morning and a House subcommittee hearing in the afternoon.
Rubio faced a wide array of questions that ranged from the Iran war, Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, U.S. support for Taiwan and a U.S. stockpile of birth control that was supposed to go to foreign countries.
Both hearings were punctuated by the shouts of protestors, some of whom called Rubio a war criminal for U.S. operations in the Middle East and Latin America.
Rubio will face the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Wednesday morning.
US won’t use $9 million stockpile of contraceptives, Rubio says — 4:20 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Democratic Rep. Grace Meng of New York questioned Rubio about the fate of the stockpile, which as of last year was stored in a U.S.-funded warehouse in Geel, Belgium. It includes contraceptive pills, contraceptive implants and IUDs that could spare women in war zones and elsewhere the hardship of unwanted pregnancies.
The Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which managed foreign aid programs, left the supplies’ fate uncertain.
Meng also asked about the cost of storing the birth control. Rubio said he didn’t know what the cost was, adding that some of the contraceptives have been destroyed. He said they’re not distributing them per an executive order.
“We’re not going to use them or the government of the United States is not going to be involved in distributing contraceptives and all these other things around the world,” Rubio said.
Hearing featuring acting Attorney General Blanche getting underway — 4:19 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is expected to face questions from lawmakers over the Trump administration’s plans to create a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate allies of the Republican president.
The administration is facing pressure from Republicans to scrap the fund that has provoked outrage over the mere possibility that violent pro-Trump rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, could be eligible for payouts.
A person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Monday that Trump was reconsidering whether to move forward with the fund established to resolve his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns.
Late-night hosts question Trump’s cognitive tests: ‘Why do they keep giving them to you?’ — 4:13 p.m.
By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe staff
President Trump said he “aced” yet another cognitive exam last week, but Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers have a few follow up questions.
The late-night hosts poked fun at the president’s fourth exam in his roughly 16-month second term during their respective shows Monday night. Trump described the test last Tuesday as his six-month physical, and his physician released a report late Friday saying the president was “fully fit” to serve.
As part of the exam, Trump was again given the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a test used to screen for dementia and cognitive impairment. Trump said on his Truth Social account early Sunday morning that it was his fourth time taking the test and he “scored a perfect 30 out of 30.”
Democrats introduce legislation to rein in AI use by the military — 4:09 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Democrats in Congress are introducing legislation to rein in AI use among the military as the Trump administration pushes for its expanded use.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York introduced legislation Tuesday that, if passed, would prohibit the use of AI for nuclear weapon launches, establish controls on its use for surveilling U.S. citizens, and broadly restrict the use of fully autonomous weapons systems, according a statement released by her office. The bill also codifies a policy that requires humans to always be involved in decisions to use force or other “high-consequence” actions.
Gillibrand’s bill comes just months after Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, also a Democrat, introduced a similar bill.
The proposed legislation comes as leaders in the Pentagon, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have insisted that the Pentagon be allowed to use the technology in any legal way it sees fit.
Rubio says China hasn’t provided help to Iran that ‘in any way impeded our operations’ — 3:59 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Rubio told lawmakers on a House subcommittee that Iran has Chinese military equipment from their previous ties but said the U.S. has seen no indication that anything provided has “changed the dynamic in the battlefield.”
The remarks came several weeks after the State Department sanctioned three China-based entities for providing satellite imagery that enabled Iran’s military strikes against U.S. forces in the Middle East.
The Trump administration alleged that one company collected satellite imagery of U.S. and allied military facilities to support Iranian imagery request during the Iran war. Another company provided satellite imagery to Iran during the military operation and the third published open-source images detailing U.S. military activity.
Rubio does not support Netanyahu’s plan of seizing 70% of Gaza — 3:32 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Rep. Rose DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, pressed Rubio on where the U.S. stands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal of seizing 70% of Gaza to defeat the Hamas militant group.
Rubio said Netanyahu’s statement was not part of President Trump’s 20-point plan to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The plan would end Hamas’ rule and rebuild the territory.
“We have a plan — it doesn’t call for that,” Rubio said. “And at the end of the day, we understand that what we want, and I think what the Israelis would ultimately want, is a Gaza that is governed by a non-Hamas” entity.
Testy exchange between Murphy, Mullin kicks off hearing — 3:08 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The budget hearing with DHS Secretary Mullin is already getting heated.Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy used his opening statement to lambast Mullin and his department.
Murphy said while Mullin vowed during his confirmation hearing to keep the department out of the news, he’d done the opposite. He slammed Mullin’s threats to pull CBP officers from airports and accused the department of reckless spending.
“Every day, this agency is breaking the law at scale and wasting billions of taxpayer dollars. DHS does not implement the law any longer. It makes up the law,” said Murphy.
Mullin, who until just a few months ago was a senator alongside Murphy, diverted from his prepared remarks to respond to Murphy.
“I do have an opening statement here, but, wow, Senator Murphy, the outlandish claims you made there, it’s just flat wrong,” said Mullin who blamed rhetoric like Murphy’s for a growing number of threats and attacks against his officers.
Democratic lawmaker blasts ‘insidious sledgehammer’ to foreign aid during Rubio’s second hearing — 2:47 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Rep. Lois Frankel, one of the senior Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee, said that when Rubio was first confirmed to be America’s top diplomat she was hopeful about what he had presented as his “commitment to democracy and American leadership.”
“And then what happened? DOGE came in with Elon Musk,” the Florida lawmaker said.
She added that Musk and his allies’ time in the administration has had “devastating consequences” that resulted in the dismantling of USAID agency, terminating critical health and development programs, and forcing thousands of experienced public servants out of government.
Rubio faces continued protests during second hearing — 2:45 p.m.
By the Associated Press
When Rubio began his testimony before a House Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday afternoon, a man stood up with a sign and urged the Secretary of State stop supporting Israel and what the man said was “genocide.” The man was quickly led out of the room.
Rubio faced protesters during an earlier hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They raised concerns that sanctions against Cuba were hurting children on the island nation.
This is the first time Rubio is testifying to lawmakers since the Iran war began.
Mullin hearing kicks off in Senate — 2:42 p.m.
By the Associated Press
A Senate budget hearing with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is getting started.
Mullin is at the appropriations subcommittee on homeland security.
The Senate is currently weighing legislation that would fund immigration enforcement agencies through the end of President Donald Trump’s term.That’s designed to bypass any need for Democratic support. They’ve demanded restraints on ICE and Border Patrol before agreeing to fund the agencies.
But that funding attempt has been caught up in Republican opposition to a $1.776 billion settlement fund to compensate Trump allies who believe they have been politically prosecuted.
Mullin’s likely to face questioning about conduct of immigration enforcement officers, treatment of detainees at an ICE facility in New Jersey and security preparations for the World Cup.
Rubio starts testimony before the House Committee on Appropriations — 2:11 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Rubio is testifying for the second time Tuesday before lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The stated reason is the State Department’s budget, but questions will likely veer into issues concerning the Iran war, the Trump administration’s campaign against drug cartels in Latin America and U.S. support for Taiwan.
The former Republican senator from Florida sat for well over two hours of questioning on Tuesday morning in front the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In the afternoon, he’ll be testifying before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Like the Senate hearing, the hallways outside the room included protestors. Some called Rubio a terrorist and told him to stop killing children in Gaza and Iran when he walked into the room.
How Trump has used the presidency to benefit himself and his allies — 2:05 p.m.
By the Associated Press
President Trump hasn’t been shy about turning the presidency into a major source of personal benefit, involving everything from merchandising deals to crypto ventures to high-dollar political and official events at his properties.
Asked about possible self-dealing by the president, the White House called such suggestions “the same, tired narrative that Democrats have pushed against President Trump, his family, and his administration for a decade.”
“President Trump only acts in the best interests of the American public — which is why they overwhelmingly re-elected him to this office, despite years of lies and false accusations against him and his businesses from the fake news media,” spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. “There are no conflicts of interest.”
Here are some key ways Trump rewards himself, his children, and allies.
Trump keeps getting checkups because ‘he likes the results,’ Oz says — 2:00 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The CMS administrator faced another question about the president’s more-than-annual physicals. The president went for the fourth known checkup of his second term last week.
“I think he likes the results,” Oz responded. “He aces the test every single day, and I do actually believe that he is curious to make sure everything is going in the right direction.”
His getting so many physicals was more of a sign of his “very meticulous” nature, Oz contended, because he “wants to know all the numbers” and stay on top of them.
Oz says Trump’s health is ‘spectacular’ — 1:43 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The CMS administrator, who is a physician by trade, says the almost 80-year-old president has “excellent” health, according to his medical records.
Trump went for another checkup at Walter Reed last week.
“That amount of energy and that amount of mental acuity does not exist in a vacuum,” Oz told reporters at the White House on Tuesday. Referring presumably to Trump’s physical body, Oz said: “you have to have a vessel to carry it.”
Trump appears to dispute state media reports that Iran cuts off talks — 1:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump in a social media post on Tuesday disputed that Iran has cut off communication with mediators, calling Iranian reports of a cessation in talks “false and erroneous.”
“The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today,” Trump said. “Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, ‘It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!’”
Fars and Tasnim, two semiofficial Iranian news agencies, reported earlier Tuesday that Iran had stopped communicating with mediators about extending a ceasefire in the war with the U.S. and Israel.
Oz reveals TrumpRx is adding 160 more drugs — 1:28 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The CMS administrator announced during the White House press briefing that 160 new medications are being added to the government’s discounted drug website TrumpRx.
That brings the total number of drugs on the site to more than 750, Oz said.
The news comes two weeks after the Trump administration unveiled partnerships with various online pharmacies to add some 600 generic drugs to the platform.
Even with generics added, experts said the potential savings heavily depend on a patient’s situation. For the vast majority of Americans who have health insurance, using that coverage to get medications is cheaper than paying cash through TrumpRx.
Watch the White House press briefing here.
Lights, camera, press briefing: The Dr. Oz show comes to the White House — 1:22 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Dr. Mehmet Oz is about to be in the spotlight. It’s a place where he’s already comfortable.
The heart surgeon and longtime daytime TV host, now running the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will lead Tuesday’s White House press briefing as the fourth administration official to stand in for press secretary Karoline Leavitt during her maternity leave.
Oz rose to prominence on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show before spinning off his own series, “The Dr. Oz Show,” in 2009. And though he now leads one of the Trump administration’s wonkiest agencies, he’s still found ways to use his camera showmanship to his advantage.
With social media videos and speeches around the country in recent months, he’s become one of the most public promoters of the administration’s efforts to fight healthcare fraud.
Rubio Senate hearing ends as House hearing nears — 1:20 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wrapped up his hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which was his first before Congress since the Iran war began.
Rubio will face the House Appropriations Committee at 2 p.m.
‘No one is begging’: Rubio defends US unsteady stance in Iran negotiations — 12:48 p.m.
By the Associated Press
In a tense back-and-forth, Democratic Senator Cory Booker and Rubio argued over who has the upper-hand in the more than two month war between US and Iran.
The New Jersey lawmaker pointed to the unsteady ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, which has been further tested in recent days by back-and-forth attacks.
“We are the strongest nation on the planet Earth, and we’re in a stalemate with Iran,” Booker said to the secretary. “And now we’re begging to get back into a deal that you all trashed in the first place.”
“There’s no one begging,” Rubio responded, detailing what he called the dire situation of Iran’s economy. “I don’t know where you’re getting this perception that Iran is stronger.”
Rubio says Afghan allies can’t come to US but will try to resettle them elsewhere — 12:11 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The secretary said he could not commit to Democratic Sen. Chris Coons to resettle more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted America’s war effort and relatives of US service members to the US as was promised under the Biden administration.
Rubio said the US is in talks with multiple countries to take a few hundred of them in order to avoid sending them back to the Taliban where they will likely face reprisal.
Those individuals have been stranded at a US base in Doha for the past year as the Trump administration’s immigration actions have left them in a limbo.
The refugees at Camp As-Sayliyah include Afghans who served as interpreters and with Special Operations Forces as well as the immediate families of more than 150 active duty US military members.
Rubio says pressure from China is not holding up Taiwan arms deal — 12:06 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Rubio said a US arms deal to Taiwan is not under review right now because of pressure from China, although he said the Chinese almost always bring up the issue in discussions with the United States and Trump has described it as a great negotiating chip.
“They are constantly talking about Taiwan arms sales, but that in no way is what is holding up our decision making or the White House’s decision making,” Rubio said. “It is something the president will have to decide on the timing of when and how that is executed on. It’s been approved by Congress, it’s been noticed, the money is available.”
Rubio added that the US recently sold arms to Taiwan in December.
“So there are a variety of reasons why these things don’t happen immediately,” Rubio said.
Democratic senator tells Rubio that Trump foreign policy ‘has become a dumpster fire’ — 11:53 a.m.
By the Associated Press
In a sharp diatribe against the status of US foreign policy, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen blasted Rubio and his boss, Trump, for the actions taken in the year and a half in office regarding aid and foreign intervention. The Maryland lawmaker specifically took aim at the US and Israeli decision to strike Iran, accusing Trump of entering the war on behalf of Israel.
“Netanyahu said he’s been waiting 40 years to do this. It turns out he finally found a president who was both stupid and reckless enough to join him,” Van Hollen said.
He then detailed war’s impact, including the death of 14 US service members and thousands of civilians, and the increase in gas prices.
“Let’s face it, Mr. Secretary, the Trump foreign policy has become a dumpster fire,” Van Hollen added.
New York sues Trump administration over deal to end offshore wind project — 11:50 a.m.
By the Associated Press
TotalEnergies is getting $1 billion — essentially a refund of its leases for offshore wind projects off New York and North Carolina — if the French company invests it in fossil fuel projects instead.
State attorneys general from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont joined New York on Tuesday in challenging the cancellation of the lease off of New York and the bulk of the payout.
“This administration cooked up a sham deal to pay a foreign energy company hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to abandon offshore wind and invest in oil and gas instead,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. “We are fighting back to stop this illegal agreement that threatens to erase over a thousand union jobs and cheat millions of New Yorkers out of clean, affordable energy.”
The Interior Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
Rubio sees indications that Iran’s new supreme leader is ‘increasingly engaged’ with US talks — 11:42 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Detailing the fractured Iranian leadership, Rubio says US negotiators have seen signs that Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father to become the country’s new supreme leader, has been engaged with negotiations despite not being seen publicly.
“I would imagine, given what’s happened to multiple leaders in that system, being very public is probably not something that’s recommended for them internally,” he said. “But that said, I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level, although all of his communications have been in writing and through intermediaries.”
Rubio says Iran will not receive sanctions relief for reopening Strait of Hormuz — 11:38 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy pushed Rubio to see what incentives, if any, Washington is willing to offer Tehran in exchange for a deal.
Rubio said that any sanctions relief would have to come after major concession on the nuclear issue and the enriched uranium.
“Will they receive relief just in exchange for reopening the strait?” Murphy asked.
Rubio responded, “No, that’s not been discussed. That’s not been offered.”
US targeting criteria for alleged drug boats does not include narcotics on boat, Kaine says — 11:22 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia pressed Rubio on why the U.S. military’s targeting criteria for attacking alleged drug boats in Latin American waters do not include drugs on the boat. Kaine described it as “odd” before adding that he can’t share much more because the targeting criteria are classified.
Rubio pushed back, saying that every strike follow’s a legal officer’s determination on whether a strike is legal or not. Rubio also said that the U.S. military has “walked away from strikes” multiple times because they did not meet the targeting criteria.
The U.S. military has attacked dozens of boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, killing roughly 200 people since early September. The Trump administration says the U.S. is at war with drug cartels, while many Democrats have questioned the legality and effectiveness of the strikes.
Rubio says Iran will not receive sanctions relief for reopening Strait of Hormuz — 11:18 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy pushed Rubio to see what incentives, if any, Washington is willing to offer Tehran in exchange for a deal.
Rubio said that any sanctions relief would have to come after major concession on the nuclear issue and the enriched uranium.
“Will they receive relief just in exchange for reopening the strait?” Murphy asked.
Rubio responded, “No, that’s not been discussed. That’s not been offered.”
Senate Majority Leader says acting DNI Pulte would face ‘lengthy road’ to confirmation — 11:11 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., says he’s trying to get more insight from the White House about the decision to make Bill Pulte the acting Director of National Intelligence.
“I’m trying to get more information about the current state of their thinking about that position,” Thune told reporters Tuesday.
Thune said if the White House wants to nominate the real estate scion and Trump loyalist to that position permanently, he would have “a lengthy road ahead of him.”
Asked if he has concerns about a weaponized DNI position, Thune said “we don’t need a weaponized DNI, we need professionals there.”
Democrats blast Trump for picking Pulte as director of national intelligence — 11:09 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s decision to tap his housing finance director as acting director of national intelligence, saying Bill Pulte is “a partisan thug with no experience in intelligence.”
Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a lengthy statement that Pulte was picked because Trump “believes he will provide the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need.” He warned that a pick like this leaves Americans “vulnerable to a terrorist attack.”
Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said “it is critical that Pulte go through a full security clearance process before he walks into the building.”
Rubio says while US is leading on AI, the technology could ‘destabilize societies all over the world’ — 11:05 a.m.
By the Associated Press
In a very sober assessment, the secretary of state was clear-eyed about the innovation that artificial intelligence can have on the U.S. and global economy but also acknowledged that the emerging technology will also cause destruction to certain industries and white-collar jobs.
Those jobs will have to be replaced with new jobs or new skills, he said.
“That’s not just an economic issue. That is a political issue, that over time could destabilize societies all over the world. And so we have to start thinking about AI in those terms, as well,” he said.
Rubio won’t commit to not extending waiver on Russian oil sanctions — 10:57 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Shaheen, the committee’s ranking Democrat, pressed Rubio on whether the U.S. will extend a waiver on Russia oil sanctions. The U.S. has issued extensions for countries to import Russian oil that is already in tankers at sea in order to ease oil shortages caused by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio said the decision will ultimately be made by the U.S. Treasury Department, “but I will tell you, it depends on the circumstances at the time.”
“We would like to end it as soon as we possibly can, because the underlying policy of this country has been to sanction their oil. These are time limited waivers for the purpose of opening up more global supply,” Rubio said.
Rubio to Congress: Iran has ‘agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear program’ — 10:40 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Pressed by Democrats and Republicans on the status of negotiations with Tehran, Rubio tried to present a more optimistic view on the progress Washington has made with the Iranian regime.
“They have agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear program that just a month ago, just a year ago, they were refusing to even mention,” he said. But he added that it’s “not a guarantee that ultimately it will lead to a deal that’s acceptable” by Congress. He said these negotiations have been made difficult by the instability of Iran’s leadership.
Shaheen lambasts Rubio for ignoring requests for information on Ukraine, Iran and more — 10:22 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, lambasted Rubio in her opening remarks. She said his office has refused to provide information requested about the Trump administration’s changing troop posture in Europe as well as US operations in Iran and American support for Ukraine.
“When you do notify Congress, it’s to inform us of decisions you have already made,” she said.
She also focused on the US military’s declining stockpile of advanced weapons used in the Iran war.
Rubio set to testify as Senate committee hearing begins — 10:14 a.m.
By the Associated Press
James E. Risch, the Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has kicked off Tuesday’s hearing, the first for the US secretary of state since the Iran war began.
Risch has praised Rubio’s efforts to reduce illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
Rubio to be defiant on status of US foreign policy in first congressional testimony since Iran war — 10:12 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The former Republican senator is set to defend the Trump administration’s bulldozing of American soft power in his opening statement to senators Tuesday as part of an annual budget request hearing.
“The U.S. government is not a charity. We are not here to play social worker,” Rubio’s prepared remarks say.
The written remarks focus mostly on the Western Hemisphere, with no mention of the ongoing, sprawling U.S. operations in the Middle East.
They call the capturing of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro “one of the most extraordinary feats of lethal precision in military history.”
“We have made it clear to every government in this hemisphere that America can either be their greatest friend or their most feared enemy — the choice is theirs,” he added.
Rubio enters Senate briefing room to chants from protesters — 10:08 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Rubio faced chants from protesters who urged him to “stop killing Cubans” when he entered a Senate briefing room on Tuesday.
The protesters were quickly pulled from the room. Their chants also included “Let Cuba live!” as well as, “Repent Marco Rubio. God will forgive you for your sins. Stop killing Cubans.”
Rubio is sitting at a table staring into the lenses of media photographers.
Protesters arrested outside Rubio hearing — 10:07 a.m.
By the Associated Press
A small number of protesters who were lined up outside a Senate briefing room where Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to testify before Congress have been arrested.
The group chanted “Rubio lies. People with AIDS die” as well as “One child dies every 30 mins.”
A small number of other protesters, who were not arrested, have found seats in the back of the room where Rubio is to provide testimony at 10 a.m.
Judges and grand juries have rebuffed Pulte’s accusations against Trump rivals — 10:01 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Pulte has used his perch as FHFA director to make a succession of criminal referrals against political opponents of Trump related to allegations of mortgage fraud.
One such referral centered on New York Attorney Letitia James, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. A prosecution against her was dismissed in November after a judge concluded that the prosecutor who filed the charges was was illegally appointed. Prosecutors have tried several times since to bring a new case but have been rebuffed by grand juries.
Other referrals made by Pulte, including against Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, have not yielded any criminal charges. Lawyers for both have denied any claims of wrongdoing.
Pulte has raised his profile by attacking Trump’s rivals — 9:52 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Pulte has mainly trained his sites on Trump’s domestic rivals. He targeted Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for having not cutting the central bank’s benchmark interest rates as aggressively as the president wanted, and led a protracted campaign against New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat who angered Trump by prosecuting him in court.
It’s unclear what national security expertise Pulte exists, but the attention-seeking and hyper-online millennial has become a major player in the Trump administration, and a frequent guest on Air Force One as Trump has traveled to Mar-a-Lago, his home and club in Florida.
Pulte is a loyal Trump aide who lacks intelligence agency experience — 9:39 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The position, which involves overseeing and coordinating the country’s 18 intelligence agencies, is one that requires Senate confirmation
With the appointment, Trump who has long the nation’s intelligence agencies with suspicion, is foregoing a director with experience in sensitive intelligence and national security matters and instead selecting a loyal aide who made a career in the homebuilding industry and cultivated a combative social media presence.
Gabbard was seen as an unconventional pick, but she was a former congresswoman who had served in the military.
Trump taps federal housing finance director Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — 9:22 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump made the surprise announcement on Truth Social on Tuesday regarding Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chair of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago,” he wrote.
Trump said Pulte would keep his other positions even as he fills in for Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned last month after revealing her husband’s cancer diagnosis.
If formally nominated, Pulte would need to be confirmed by the Senate to hold the position full time.
Pulte’s current role involves ensuring the soundness of the mortgage market, but he morphed into a megaphone who went after Trump’s perceived political foes.
EU strikes Trump-like deal for more deportations and detention centers abroad — 9:00 a.m.
By the Associated Press
A vast overhaul of the European Union’s migration policy aims to speed deportations using detention centers outside the 27-nation bloc. Critics compare the regulations agreed-to Monday night to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.
“The new regulation will speed up the return process and increase returns of persons who have no legal right to stay in the EU,” said Nicholas Ioannides, deputy migration minister for Cyprus, which holds the rotating EU presidency.
Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece are already in talks with third countries, mostly in Africa, to host the “return hubs.” Critics compare them to the secretive Trump administration agreements to deport thousands of people to countries that are not their own.
“The legalization of return hubs outside the European Union, the green light for the detention of minors, home visits inspired by ICE practices: the legal arsenal serving a xenophobic ideology is now complete,” said Mélissa Camara, a French Green party lawmaker.
Jill Biden surprised at Kamala Harris’ critiques of Joe Biden’s 2024 decision — 8:35 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The former first lady said she was surprised that the former vice president wrote in her own memo that Joe Biden’s ego and ambition effectively damaged Democrats’ hopes in the 2024 presidential election.
“I was a little surprised she wrote that,” Jill Biden said on MSNOW’s “Morning Joe,” adding that “Joe and Kamala, me, Doug (Emhoff), I thought we were a great team.”
She added that “when Joe got out, he handed over the reins to Kamala” and “had full confidence in her.”
The interview comes as part of Jill Biden’s media tour touting her new memoir of the Bidens’ White House years.
The former first lady said her husband and Harris remain on good terms and that Harris “just called two days ago” to check on how he’s doing.
Former first lady says of Joe Biden’s cancer has been tough — 8:31 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Jill Biden said her 83-year-old husband “gets tired a little more often” since his prostate cancer diagnosis.
“Cancer takes its toll,” she said in an MSNOW interview.
But she noted the former president is “still giving speeches” and “still on Amtrak a couple of times a month, keeping a schedule.”
Biden’s son, Beau Biden, died of an aggressive brain cancer in 2015, when his father was still vice president.
“I know every family in America has been touched by cancer,” Jill Biden said. “So I think people can relate when I say ... it’s been, it’s been tough.”
Can Democrats take the Senate? Here are the key races to watch. — 6:54 a.m.
By Kaitlin Lewis, Globe Staff
Midterm elections are taking shape across the country, and Democrats are increasingly optimistic about their chances to retake the US Senate.
There are far too many factors between now and November to say which race will be decided with certainty, including a number of outstanding primary contests that will determine the final November matchups. But a path exists for Democrats to flip control of the upper chamber of Congress. To do so, the party needs to hold onto three battleground seats and flip four others.
Here’s a rundown of nine Senate races we’re watching.
What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries as Democrats try to defend California and make inroads in Iowa — 4:33 a.m.
By the Associated Press
For a state that’s home to Hollywood, there isn’t much star power in California’s governor race. It’s a somewhat different story in Los Angeles, where a reality television personality is running for mayor as the city prepares to host the Olympics.
More primaries are being held on Tuesday as well. Democrats are banking on a rare chance to regain ground in Iowa, a rural state that has repeatedly eluded them in recent years. Republicans, meanwhile, are grappling with a New Jersey congressman whose unexplained absence could put their already slim majority at risk.
Here are some things to watch as voters in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota cast ballots.
Republican senators want more answers on $1.8 billion settlement fund as Trump considers its future — 2:15 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Senate Republicans will meet Tuesday to discuss next steps after the Justice Department said it would comply with a court order pausing the implementation of a $1.776 billion settlement fund designed to compensate President Trump’s political allies.
GOP senators who revolted against the settlement before leaving for a Memorial Day recess two weeks ago say they want more information from the administration about the future of the fund, which could potentially go to Trump supporters who beat police and attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Meanwhile, Trump is reconsidering whether to move forward with it at all, according to a person familiar with his thinking.
Rubio to testify before Congress for the first time since the start of the Iran war — 12:44 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to face a litany of questions Tuesday about the Trump administration’s fragile or stalling diplomatic efforts around the world when he appears for back-to-back hearings on Capitol Hill for the first time since the Iran war began.
The former Republican senator will sit before House and Senate committees to make the State Department’s annual budget request. But the focus is likely to shift quickly to the already unsteady cease-fire between Washington and Tehran, which has been further tested in recent days by back-and-forth attacks.
Cabinet members, including Rubio, have defended President Trump’s decision to launch the conflict despite promises over the years not to engage in “forever wars” in the Middle East. That work has been made more difficult by Trump’s shifting goals for the conflict.