Bo French, the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, drew sharp criticism from Texas Republicans after posting about nonwhite University of Texas students celebrating a football win. Karl Rove reportedly said he would vote for French’s Democratic opponent, ending a decades-long streak of backing Republicans.
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Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Trump administration will comply with the Supreme Court’s decision blocking new mail-in ballot restrictions. He also defended President Donald Trump’s criticism of the justices who rejected the plan.
House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected an AI moratorium, warning it would benefit China, while Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon called for restrictions on the technology. Sanders urged a global treaty to pause advanced AI, while Bannon demanded a hard technological break with Beijing.
FBI Director Kash Patel defended revised hiring rules that allow some applicants previously barred for prostitution-related conduct, employer theft or bestiality to receive case-by-case review. Senators from both parties questioned the changes, with Patel saying they were meant to avoid punishing trafficking and abuse victims.
Census Bureau data show median U.S. household income reached $87,460 in 2025 while the official poverty rate fell to 10.2%. Analysts warned that cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and health coverage subsidies could affect future poverty and insurance figures.
Rep. Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of illegally waging the Iran war and violating the Constitution in several military operations. The House must act by Thursday, forcing a rapid vote before an extended recess.
Jonathan Hunter Kramer, 21, of Valencia, Pennsylvania, was charged after federal authorities said he acquired a semiautomatic rifle and discussed attack methods in support of ISIS. Investigators seized weapons, ammunition and knives and said tips from the public helped thwart the alleged plot.
A new International IDEA report says key U.S. democracy indicators have fallen to 50-year lows and are weakening the global rule of law. The report links democratic erosion to pressures on courts, elections, press freedom, civic space and international stability.