Browsing: US politics

CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow to caution Russia against potential aggression towards NATO member states, amid fears of new provocations. He also addressed Iran’s shipping situation, linking sanctions to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The CIA did not comment on the trip.

The Pentagon has upgraded the awards for three Marines involved in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, honouring their actions after a suicide attack killed 13 U.S. service members. Retired Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Eby and retired Lance Corporal Jordan Houston received Bronze Star Medals, while retired Corporal Michael Gretzon was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

A coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit aiming to block a new U.S. Postal Service rule on mail voting, claiming it undermines their election authority and risks disenfranchising voters. The final rule, linked to President Trump’s executive order, imposes new envelope design requirements and mandates voter information submission.

Senator Darline Graham won the South Carolina Republican Senate runoff, defeating Representative Ralph Norman, according to CBS News projections. Graham’s victory sets her up for the November election against Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic primary winner, as the seat is expected to remain Republican.

South Carolina Republicans are set to choose a candidate on Tuesday to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham in the upcoming midterm election. Sen. Darline Graham is facing Rep. Ralph Norman in a runoff, with President Trump supporting Darline Graham amid concerns over her foreign policy knowledge.

Hasan Piker faced backlash from several Democrats, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, after asserting that some Jewish Americans’ support for Israel exacerbates antisemitism. El-Sayed clarified that his campaign does not endorse Piker’s views, emphasising that he alone represents the campaign’s stance.

Republican Rep. Tom Barrett joined Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a Michigan apple orchard to promote efforts aimed at enhancing the American diet, including reducing certain artificial dyes in foods. Critics note that many initiatives rely on voluntary compliance, raising concerns about their efficacy and transparency.

The Pentagon issued termination notices to Stars and Stripes Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer, and reporter Lara Korte, citing insubordination. Slavin expressed uncertainty about the paper’s future editorial independence following his dismissal, which he described as a “shock” linked to his comments on censorship.

President Trump announced the imposition of a 50% tariff on all Canadian automotive and steel imports, effective 1 January 2027, following stalled trade negotiations. He claimed Canada has exploited the U.S. economically. Canada is set to retaliate with its own tariffs beginning 8 September.

Josette Smith filed a federal complaint against her son Ethan’s school in Winter Haven, Florida, citing discrimination based on his disability and race. Smith alleges that the school failed to provide necessary support, resulted in suspensions, and involved police intervention, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.