The U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
The 2026 Senate map is tough for Democrats, but Republicans have their own headaches
By THOMAS BEAUMONT and JILL COLVINUpdated 8:17 AM CDT, July 20, 2025
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are encountering early headaches in Senate races viewed as pivotal to maintaining the party’s majority in next year’s midterm elections, with recruitment failures, open primaries, infighting and a president who has been sitting on the sidelines.
Democrats still face an uphill battle. They need to net four seats to retake the majority, and most of the 2026 contests are in states that Republican President Donald Trump easily won last November.
But Democrats see reasons for hope in Republicans’ challenges. They include a nasty primary in Texas that could jeopardize a seat Republicans have held for decades. In North Carolina and Georgia, the GOP still lacks a clear field of candidates. Trump’s influence dials up the uncertainty as he decides whether to flex his influential endorsement to stave off intraparty fights.
An ugly Texas brawl
Democrats have long dreamed of winning statewide office in this ruby red state. Could a nasty GOP primary be their ticket?
National Republicans and GOP Senate strategists are ringing alarm bells amid concerns that state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing a bevy of personal and ethical questions, could prevail over Sen. John Cornyn for the nomination. ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
Trump said he never ‘wrote a picture.’ This woman solicited two drawings from him | CNN Politics
After the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday night on a 2003 letter to Jeffrey Epstein that included Donald Trump’s name and an outline of a naked woman, the president’s denial was comprehensive.
www.cnn.comTexas Republicans aim to redraw House districts at Trump's urging, but there's a risk
Texas Republicans are poised to redraw the state’s congressional map during a special session that starts Monday.
apnews.com
Only 25% of Americans feel like Trump’s policies have helped them
According to an AP-NORC poll, only a quarter of Americans think US President Donald Trump’s policies have helped them, while 49% believe they’ve done more harm than good.
www.usatoday.com
CBS News poll finds support for Trump's deportation program falls; Americans call for more focus on prices
Republicans and MAGA remain solidly behind Trump.
www.cbsnews.comCar strikes crowd outside Los Angeles venue, injuring 30. Bystanders attack driver, who was shot
The driver was later found to have been shot, according to police, who were searching for a suspected gunman who fled the scene along Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood.
apnews.com
Trump threatens to block Washington Commanders stadium deal unless team changes back to former name
"OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!" wrote President Trump, in calling on the Washington Commanders to revert to the name Redskins, which many view as a slur against Native Americans.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump threatens to restrict stadium deal with Washington Commanders if they don’t change name back to ‘Redskins’ | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump on Sunday escalated his call for the Washington Commanders to change their name back to the “Redskins,” threatening to restrict the NFL team’s stadium deal if they don’t, though it’s unclear how he would be able to.
www.cnn.comTrump's pace of early travel largely mirrors Biden's, but with more sports events and golf
Moving at the “speed of Trump” is one of the White House’s favorite phrases, but when it comes to presidential travel, Donald Trump’s pace is about the same as that of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.
apnews.com
Beto O'Rourke calls for Democrats to be 'ruthless' in pursuit of power, backs Newsom's gerrymandering proposal
Beto O'Rourke urges Democrats to match Republican redistricting tactics, supporting Newsom's proposal to eliminate California's nonpartisan commission to regain political power
The biggest political fights over Trump's megabill are converging in Nevada
Nevada, set to play a key role in the 2026 and 2028 elections, could be uniquely affected by some of the new law's tax and Medicaid provisions.
www.nbcnews.com
ICE head says agents will arrest anyone found in the U.S. illegally, crack down on employers of unauthorized workers
Immigration agents will arrest anyone they find in the country illegally, even if they lack a criminal record, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said in an exclusive CBS News interview.
www.cbsnews.com
Ex-Epstein lawyer Alan Dershowitz calls for Justice Department to release records
One of Jeffrey Epstein's former attorneys called on the Justice Department to release additional investigative records from its sex-trafficking investigation.
www.usatoday.com
Hegseth tells lawmakers about plan to detain immigrants at bases in Indiana and New Jersey
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says military bases in Indiana and New Jersey could house detained immigrants without affecting their military operations.
apnews.com
Trump calls those who want Epstein files released 'troublemakers'
President Donald Trump again lashed out against calls for more information into the Jeffrey Epstein probe, even after he requested the release of grand jury testimony.
Trump approval rating drops in new poll; more Americans oppose immigration policies
A new poll from CBS/YouGov says support for Trump's immigration policies have dropped by double digits since February.
www.usatoday.com
This is the summer of flooding across the US, and scientists know why | CNN
Summer has increasingly become a season marked by deadly disasters, underscoring the escalating volatility of our warming world.
www.cnn.com
'When the raids started, fear spread': LA Mayor Bass on Trump's deportation efforts
On "This Week," Mayor Karen Bass detailed the impacts of ICE raids on Los Angeles and the country.
A MAGA bot network on X is divided over the Trump-Epstein backlash
Researchers have found hundreds of fake X accounts that support the Trump administration.
www.nbcnews.comRequest to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts likely to disappoint, ex-prosecutors say
Ex-federal prosecutors say a Justice Department request to unseal grand jury transcripts in the prosecution of chronic sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend is unlikely to produce much, if anything, to satisfy the public's appetite for new revelations about the financier's crimes.
apnews.com
Senator hits Trump for blaming Epstein backlash on Dems, says it's as if viral CEO faulted Coldplay
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar knocked President Donald Trump for blaming Democrats over the backlash his administration faces on the Jeffrey Epstein case.
www.usatoday.com
Judge dismisses Trump's lawsuit against Bob Woodward over audiobook
In his 2023 lawsuit, Trump said he told Woodward repeatedly that the interviews were meant solely for the book. Woodward said he never agreed to that restriction.
www.nbcnews.com
Ellen DeGeneres: I moved to the UK because of Donald Trump
The TV star makes her first public appearance since moving to the UK the day after Trump's re-election.
www.bbc.com
How well did Trump and Epstein really know each other? A timeline
A recent newspaper report claims Trump wrote Epstein a salacious birthday letter back when the two were friends.
House Republicans face mounting resistance as third ex-Biden WH aide pleads Fifth Amendment
Former top Biden aide Annie Tomasini is the latest ex-White House official to appear in the House Oversight Committee's probe. She pleaded the Fifth on Friday.
EPA shutters its scientific research arm, with hundreds of scientists expected to be impacted
The EPA's Office of Research and Development has more than 1,500 employees, including scientists and researchers, dispersed across the U.S.
www.cbsnews.com
Commerce Secretary Lutnick says next two weeks will be "for the record books" as Trump presses for tariff deals
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed confidence Sunday that the Trump administration will cut trade deals with key U.S. trading partners in the coming weeks — before steep tariffs kick in for dozens of countries.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden admin spent hefty sum of US tax dollars to upgrade embassy swimming pools in Iraq, Russia
Biden administration spent over $1.2 million in taxpayer funds renovating swimming pools at U.S. embassies in war-torn countries, according to Sen. Joni Ernst's report.
Trump's on a roll. Why isn't he smiling? Answer: Jeffrey Epstein
Overshadowed is Congress' willingness to cede a constitutional power to the White House. Instead, the case of a disgraced and dead financier looms.
www.usatoday.com
Trump signs new cryptocurrency bill into law, marking major milestone for the industry
President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law Friday, setting new regulations for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency tied to assets like the U.S. dollar.
apnews.com
What have Trump's tariffs achieved so far? Experts weigh in
The policy remains in flux months after "Liberation Day."
Trump DOJ order on Jeffrey Epstein could create legal and ethical challenges
The Justice Department said unsealing grand jury transcripts related to Epstein's case is necessary given "longstanding and legitimate" public interest in the case.
www.nbcnews.com
She left her federal job because of Trump. Now she’s running for office to fight his policies | CNN Politics
Becoming a federal prosecutor was a longtime professional dream for Erika Evans, one she achieved nearly four years ago.
www.cnn.comRussia insists on achieving Ukraine goals despite Trump's ultimatum
Russia says it's open to peace with Ukraine but insists achieving its goals remains a priority. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s demands on Sunday, including Ukraine withdrawing from Russia-annexed regions and abandoning its NATO aspirations.
apnews.com
GOP Rep. Tim Burchett still wants Epstein files to be released
Tennessee GOP Rep. Tim Burchett called for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and pushed back against criticism from President Donald Trump.
Ellen DeGeneres blames Trump for her US exodus
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres made her UK move permanent after Trump's election win, selling her Montecito estate and embracing English farm life with chickens and sheep.
With gavel in hand, Trump chisels away at the power of a compliant Congress
When House Speaker Mike Johnson gifted to President Donald Trump the gavel used to enact the Republicans' tax breaks and spending bill, it was a memorable moment at the White House.
apnews.com
As Trump pushes Texas takeover in fight for House, Democrats plot their counterpunch | CNN Politics
House Democrats are actively preparing for political trench warfare against the GOP in next year’s midterm battle, with talks taking shape behind the scenes to mount a counterattack against President Donald Trump’s aggressive play in Texas that aims to cement GOP control of Washington for the...
www.cnn.com
Trump’s big beautiful police state is here
The unprecedented expansion of the immigration enforcement budget will pave the way for more policing and repression.
Trump's latest demand: Washington football and Cleveland baseball teams should change names back
The president demanded on Truth Social that the names be changed back to versions considered divisive.
www.nbcnews.com
'Heed our warnings': Nobel laureates plea for diplomacy to prevent nuclear war
Top nuclear experts gathered in Chicago to offer world leaders a playbook for reducing the risk of nuclear war.
www.usatoday.com
Senior Hegseth adviser out at Pentagon, sources say
Justin Fulcher started at the Defense Department as a member of DOGE. He was later promoted to a post as senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
www.cbsnews.comTrump administration imposes limits on Mexican flights and threatens Delta alliance in trade dispute
It's not immediately clear how these actions might affect the broader trade war with Mexico and negotiations over tariffs.
apnews.com
Israeli forces kill 67 Palestinians seeking aid in northern Gaza, Hamas-run ministry says
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had "fired warning shots" and disputed the number of reported deaths.
www.bbc.com
Ukrainian drones attack Moscow as Zelenskyy suggests fresh ceasefire talks
Russia's Defense Ministry on Sunday claimed to have shot down at least 26 Ukrainian drones over the Moscow region.
Trump sues Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch over reporting on Epstein ties
President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, a day after the newspaper published a story reporting on his ties to wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein.
apnews.com
Trump’s housing chief rips Powell for blowing millions on Fed facelift during housing crisis he perpetuates
HUD Secretary Scott Turner criticizes Fed Chair Jerome Powell for spending billions on renovations while Americans struggle with high mortgage rates amid a housing crisis.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard announces new Russia hoax info will be released 'next week' | Fox News Video
'The Big Weekend Show' discusses more 'Russiagate' whistleblowers expected to speak out and a new report exposing how the Biden Administration targeted parents.
Can you mount an art exhibition about race in the age of Trump? | CNN Politics
What Trump’s order for the Smithsonian to review its exhibits says about the limits and power of art.
www.cnn.com
Syria: Bedouins tell BBC they could return to fighting Druze
More than 1,000 people in Syria have been killed in recent clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters.
www.bbc.com
Men the Trump administration sent to El Salvador megaprison freed in prisoner swap
El Salvador released 200 Venezuelans held in a notorious prison in exchange for Venezuela freeing 10 American nationals and multiple political prisoners.
www.nbcnews.comVenezuela releases jailed Americans in deal that frees migrants deported to El Salvador by US
Venezuela has released 10 jailed U.S. citizens and permanent residents in exchange for getting home scores of migrants deported by the United States to El Salvador months ago under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
apnews.com
Trump just made it harder to close the Education Department
Trump has said he wants to close the Education Department, but he just gave the agency a long to-do list.
www.usatoday.com
CNN Poll: Americans largely oppose Trump’s ramp-up of deportations | CNN Politics
Americans largely oppose recent efforts by Donald Trump’s administration to scale up its deportation program, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds, with a rising majority saying the president has gone too far in carrying out deportations.
www.cnn.com
Heatwave causes water shortages in Iran as temps top 50C
Reservoirs of the dams supplying water to Tehran are currently at their lowest level in a century.
Officials say 85 Palestinians seeking aid are killed in Gaza as Israel widens evacuation orders
Gaza’s Health Ministry says the territory has experienced its deadliest day for aid-seekers in over 21 months of conflict, with at least 85 Palestinians killed while seeking aid.
apnews.com
Trump celebrates 6 months back in office: US 'totally revived' after being 'DEAD' under Biden
President Donald Trump marks six month anniversary of his second term, claiming it's been "one of the most consequential periods of any President."
Huckabee visits Christian church in West Bank that was target of arson attack
In early July, the occupied West Bank village of Taybeh was hit by an arson attack in the area of the ruins of the Byzantine-era Church of Saint George, which dates back to the fifth century.
www.cbsnews.comEPA eliminates research and development office, begins layoffs
The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it is eliminating its research and development arm and reducing agency staff by thousands of employees.
apnews.com
Trump administration completes large-scale prisoner swap with Venezuela | CNN Politics
The Trump administration completed a large-scale prisoner swap with Venezuela on Friday, sending about 250 Venezuelans who had been deported and imprisoned in El Salvador back to their home country in exchange for 10 US nationals, officials said.
www.cnn.com
Trump 2.0 is correcting Trump 1.0 | CNN Politics
The 47th president is in many ways a different man than the 45th president, even though they are both Donald J. Trump.
www.cnn.comJudge limits a small part of a court order blocking Trump's election overhaul as lawsuits continue
A federal judge has modified part of a previous ruling that blocked much of President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order seeking to overhaul elections in the U.S.
apnews.com
Bipartisan government funding is at risk of dying in Trump's Washington
Eschewing a long-standing practice, Trump’s budget director is calling for a more partisan path to funding the government ahead of a Sept. 30 shutdown deadline.
www.nbcnews.com
Moscow airports temporarily closed after Ukraine drone attacks
Russia's defence ministry says more than 230 Ukrainian drones have been downed over Russia since Saturday morning.
www.bbc.comMinnesota lawmaker convicted of felony burglary for breaking into estranged stepmother’s home
A Minnesota state senator has been convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s home.
apnews.com
Astronomer CEO steps down after viral Coldplay 'kiss cam' clip
Astronomer, a data company headquartered in New York, confirmed on LinkedIn that its CEO, Andy Byron, has stepped down.
What Musk's fracture with Trump means for GOP’s future: ‘Beating heart of the Republican Party’
While there is interest in a third party, political experts weigh in on the viability of Elon Musk's new America Party and where the tech mogul should direct his efforts.
Man dies after heavy weight-training chain around neck pulls him into MRI machine
A man whose large metallic weight-training chain around his neck pulled him into an MRI machine in New York after he wandered into the room has died.
apnews.com
Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' includes these key tax changes for 2025 — what they mean for you
President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” includes several tax changes that are effective for 2025.
www.nbcnews.com
Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent Russia offer of new peace talks
Ukrainian leader also reiterates readiness for face-to-face meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Trump sues Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over Epstein birthday letter story
President Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal over claims he sent Epstein a lewd birthday letter.
www.usatoday.com
From summer school to language class, Education Department freezes leave students bereft of learning lifelines | CNN Politics
Desperation crept into Sylvia’s voice as she rattled off all the ways her life would become more difficult if a free learning program that her son attends during the summer shuts its doors.
www.cnn.com
WW2 veteran and TikTok star 'Papa' Jake Larson dies aged 102
Tributes are being paid to the American D-Day veteran and social media star.
www.bbc.comWhat to know as Texas' search for flood victims stretches into a third week
The number of people still missing in a Texas county ravaged by deadly flooding over the Fourth of July holiday weekend now stands at three, down from nearly 100.
apnews.com
Rosie O'Donnell goes off on 'madman' Trump and Colbert's cancelation in scathing TikTok attack
Rosie O'Donnell launched a TikTok rant against President Trump, claiming he would arrest artists and suggesting he's responsible for Stephen Colbert's show cancellation.
Ecuador extradites leader of violent Ecuadorian drug gang to the United States
Ecuador has extradited the leader of a violent Ecuadorian gang who relied on hitmen, bribes and military weapons to do business to the United States.
apnews.com
Starving Palestinians pepper-sprayed at GHF aid site in Gaza, video shows
Men, women and children seen running in all directions away from Israeli soldiers attacking the desperate aid seekers.
Trump: Epstein grand jury records unlikely to satisfy critics
President Donald Trump has struggled to meet demands he helped stoked for information about Jeffrey Epstein's criminal case.
www.usatoday.com
Florida Rep. Joe Casello dies while in office
Florida Democratic lawmaker Joe Casello has died while in office following a heart attack. He was 73.
apnews.com
Threat of flash flooding hits the Midwest amid a dangerous heat warning
The threat of flash flooding on Sunday afternoon was focused over parts of the Midwest.
Gabbard claims Obama's goal with Russia narrative was to 'subvert’ the will of the American people
Tulsi Gabbard claimed on "Hannity" on Friday that Barack Obama and his national security team manufactured the Russia hoax to "subvert the American people's will" in the 2016 election.
Tense scenes from Druze-Bedouin clashes in Syria's Sweida
Renewed violence in Syria between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes is threatening to deepen divisions in a country recuperating from a civil war.
apnews.com
Number of missing in Texas floods drops from nearly 100 to 3 in hard-hit county
In a statement Saturday, officials cited "extensive follow-up work among state and local agencies."
Russia pounds Ukraine with over 300 drones, killing 1 in Odesa
Russia has launched a massive overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, killing at least one person.
apnews.com
Hegseth moving first female superintendent of Naval Academy to new post
The change in the head of the prestigious sevice academy is the latest in military personnel moves by the Trump administration.
www.usatoday.com
Trump has now been in office for six months, for the second time. Here are the highlights
President Trump has been in office for six months, delivering on campaign promises, securing his "big beautiful bill" by his self-imposed deadline and taking decisive action on the world stage.
China's economy grows at a robust pace as trade truce eases pressure from US tariffs
China has reported that its economy slowed in the last quarter as President Donald Trump's trade war escalated, but it still expanded at a robust 5.2% pace.
apnews.com
Heritage Foundation founder Edwin J. Feulner dies at 83
Conservative movement leader Edwin J. Feulner, who built the Heritage Foundation into a prominent Washington think tank and remained active in Project 2025, has passed away at age 83.
Fire engine thief wanted after car-smashing rampage
A suspect remained on the loose Sunday after stealing a 35,000-pound fire engine in Everett, Washington.
Trump’s tariff pressure pushes Asia toward American LNG, but at the cost of climate goals
Asian countries are offering to buy more U.S. liquefied natural gas to ease trade tensions with the Trump administration.
apnews.com
Could Pam Bondi have prosecuted Jeffrey Epstein when she was Florida's top legal officer?
Pam Bondi took office as Florida's first female attorney general in 2011. Epstein had gotten out of the Palm Beach County Jail two years earlier.
www.usatoday.com
South Korea floods trigger landslides and leave at least 17 dead
There are fears the death toll will rise after raging floods destroyed roads, submerged buildings and ravaged farmland.
www.bbc.com
Suspect named in shooting of Border Patrol agent in New York City park
An off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and wounded just before midnight on Sunday in a New York City park.
Oregon wildfire burns almost 100K acres, approaching rare megafire status
The Cram Fire in central Oregon, already the country's largest in 2025, could be the first this year to grow to at least 100,000 acres — a phenomenon that is becoming more common.
www.nbcnews.com
Israeli forces kill 115 Palestinians in Gaza as 19 people starve to death
Victims include 79 aid seekers who were gunned down in the north and 13 others killed in the south, medics say.
Rubio announces visa revocations on Brazilian judge for 'political witch hunt' against ex-president Bolsonaro
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions on a Brazilian judge after search warrants and restraining orders were issued against former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Trump frustrated at having to take the heat for Pam Bondi's handling of the Epstein files
White House officials and other Trump allies said that the president, not the attorney general, has been the one having to answer questions about Jeffrey Epstein.
www.nbcnews.com
They don't need Medicaid. But their kids do.
"If we get to a place where we're no longer eligible, I can start a timer on how much longer Emma will be alive," Stacy Staggs said.
www.usatoday.com
'Che Guevara of Greenland': An evening with Trump's Arctic 'son'
A 51-year-old former bricklayer may be the most fervent supporter of Trump in the entire Arctic. But it's not always easy being Jorgen Boassen.
www.usatoday.com
Justice Department moves to unseal Epstein, Maxwell grand jury transcripts amid calls for transparency
The DOJ moved to unseal Epstein and Maxwell grand jury transcripts, citing public interest and transparency after a review found no grounds for new charges.
Iran to hold nuclear talks with 3 European powers on Friday
China, France, Germany, Russia and the UK are the remaining parties to a 2015 nuclear deal reached with Iran.
Transcript: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 20, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 20, 2025.
www.cbsnews.com
Transcript: Rep. Jim Himes on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 20, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with Rep. Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 20, 2025.
www.cbsnews.com
Transcript: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 20, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 20, 2025.
www.cbsnews.com
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 20, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and ICE director Todd Lyons join Margaret Brennan.
www.cbsnews.comNEWS FROM THE HILL:
NEWS FROM REUTERS:
