Trump campaigned in North Carolina for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley, focusing on crime, Cooper’s record and economic concerns. The race to replace Sen. Thom Tillis could help determine control of the Senate.
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Alex Ovechkin appeared in a campaign video for Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, prompting renewed criticism of the Washington Capitals star’s political ties. The Capitals said Ovechkin was “asked by his country to participate” while in Russia and that the matter will not affect the season ahead.
Siddharth Jawahar was sentenced to 11 years in prison and ordered to repay more than $31 million after admitting to wire fraud. Prosecutors identified Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce as one of the victims but did not disclose details of his losses.
The House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act in a 417-3 vote, aiming to keep consumers from paying for power upgrades tied to large data centers. The bill now heads to the Senate amid growing political pressure over AI, energy prices and local opposition to data center construction.
The House voted 262-159 to approve a Russia sanctions bill named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, sending it to President Donald Trump. The measure would allow tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy and extend sanctions authority targeting Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.
Macklemore said he will donate all $1 million of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians. He also challenged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match the donation after Kraft opposed his appearance at Gillette Stadium.
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate to 3.75% to 4%, its first increase since 2023, citing persistent inflation. President Donald Trump demanded lower rates as officials signaled more hikes may be possible.
Sen. Bill Cassidy blamed the Trump administration’s vaccine-skeptical approach for measles deaths and pressed surgeon general nominee Nicole Saphier to reject claims linking vaccines to autism. Saphier said the MMR vaccine is not lethal and is the country’s greatest tool against measles.