U.S. Treasury has returned approximately $81 billion in tariffs collected on imported goods after the Supreme Court declared the tariffs unlawful, according to budget documents released on Monday. The refunds cover duties imposed during the Trump administration’s trade policy, which began when President Donald Trump took office earlier this year. The Supreme Court's decision, announced in a July ruling, found the tariffs exceeded the president’s authority under existing trade law. The Treasury's payment reflects the amounts owed to companies that had imported goods subject to the tariffs.
Congress, the White House, elections, and the policies shaping the country.
The Trump administration has spent $2.7 billion of taxpayer money to cancel eight offshore wind projects and allocated $1.1 billion to expand coal generation, according to the Department of Interior and the Department of Energy.
Since March, the interior department has entered agreements with energy companies to terminate offshore wind leases and invest in fossil‑fuel infrastructure. The first agreement, announced in March with TotalEnergies, prompted a lawsuit from seven Democratic‑controlled states alleging improper use of public funds.
The administration has also directed the Department of Energy to allocate $625 million to extend and modernize coal plants, $350 million to modernize facilities, $175 million for rural coal projects, and $50 million for wastewater upgrades, and an additional $500 million from the Defense Production Act for 13 coal plants and a coal export terminal in Oakland, California. In February, it earmarked $3.6 million to refurbish nine existing coal plants. A White House spokesperson said the administration is returning bid amounts to companies because of national‑security concerns and is not spending taxpayer dollars on the deals, while a DOE spokesperson said the policies are intended to provide affordable, reliable energy.
Critics argue that the spending contradicts the administration’s claim to lower energy costs. Jay Inslee, former governor of Washington, said the moves are forcing higher bills on consumers and enriching donors. Jenny Rowland‑Shea, senior director for conservation policy at the Center for American Progress, said the federal government has no precedent for directly paying developers to relinquish offshore wind leases. She added that keeping coal plants open will increase electricity prices and cause environmental and health harms. A 2025 analysis by Grid Strategies estimates that keeping 35,000 megawatts of coal capacity through 2028 would cost ratepayers at least $3.1 billion. Energy Innovation reported in 2023 that 99 percent of coal‑fired plants cost more to operate than replacement with renewable sources, and that coal generation costs rose 28 percent from 2021 to 2024.
Policy actions have also included lowering royalty rates on federal coal from 12.5 percent to 7 percent under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Wyoming estimates could reduce state revenue by $50 million annually, and a 2023 coal lease sale that attracted only a bid of one‑tenth of a penny per ton. The administration has frozen or slowed clean‑energy tax credits, delayed permitting for new wind projects, and streamlined permitting for fossil‑fuel projects while making it more difficult for renewable projects to proceed. An executive order signed in February directs the Pentagon to purchase electricity from coal plants.
The spending on coal and the cancellation of offshore wind projects represent a significant shift in U.S. energy policy and raise questions about the long‑term cost to taxpayers and the climate impact of continued reliance on coal.
Florida's 2026-27 health care budget, implemented through HB 5301-E, took effect July 1. The bill revises the Department of Health revolving loan program, authorizes new newborn screening tests, and updates infant nutritional and trauma system policies to align with budget priorities. It establishes a formula for distributing funds in the Slots for Doctors Program, which supports physician residency training, and makes the Step into Success Workforce Education and Internship Program and the Foster and Family Support Grant Program permanent. Additional laws taking effect this month include HB 355, which requires hospitals with emergency departments to adopt evidence‑based pediatric emergency care policies, designate a pediatric care coordinator, conduct annual training and drills, and report readiness scores to the Agency for Health Care Administration. HB 697 expands oversight of pharmacy benefit managers by prohibiting financial loss reimbursement requirements and unequal rates for independent pharmacies, and by streamlining claim appeals. Other statutes enacted include SB 816, which designates the University of Florida Diabetes Institute as a statewide resource; SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund; HB 1201, which mandates updated seizure response protocols in schools; and HB 1443, which creates a statewide Parkinson’s disease registry at the University of South Florida.
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program enrollment in Florida declined from 3.74 million in March 2025 to 3.57 million in March 2026, a 4% drop, reflecting the end of pandemic‑era continuous coverage. The decline was smaller than the national 6% decrease, though 19 states saw increases in CHIP enrollment while Medicaid fell in every state. KFF projects further declines as work and reporting requirements for expansion populations and restrictions affecting some immigrant groups take effect in 2026‑2027.
The Sunshine Genetics pilot, launched this summer under HB 907, offers voluntary genomic screening for approximately 900 rare genetic conditions using the state’s newborn screening blood spot. The program, led by the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at Florida State University, aims to enroll about 100,000 newborns and generate data on the health outcomes of universal genomic screening.
Broward Health opened a second freestanding emergency department in Sunrise, a 16,000‑square‑foot facility expected to treat nearly 15,000 patients annually. The center features 15 private exam rooms, resuscitation rooms, and on‑site CT and X‑ray services for adults and children. A similar facility is under construction in Holiday Park, Fort Lauderdale, slated to open in 2027.
AdventHealth DeLand completed upgrades to its cardiac catheterization laboratory and installed a Siemens MAGNETOM Sola MRI system, expanding diagnostic imaging capacity for Volusia County patients.
The Florida Behavioral Health Association noted support for preserved funding for mental health and substance use disorder services in the fiscal year 2026‑27 budget.
Fifteen Florida nursing centers received Silver Achievement in Quality Awards this year, bringing the state total to 62 Silver recipients.
Lobbyist groups representing pediatric health, hearing health, and survivors’ pathways filed information with the state.
A request was made to the Department of Homeland Security to allow Haitian nationals with Temporary Protected Status to continue working in long‑term care facilities, citing potential impacts on up to 35,000 healthcare workers.
Department of Children and Families Secretary Hatch resigned effective immediately after a report alleged mismanagement of a food assistance program.
Tampa General Hospital filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly over the termination of discounted medication pricing, which led to a 25%‑50% increase in hospital spending on Lilly drugs.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s temporary ban on 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) has drawn commentary over concerns that it may limit pain management options for chronic pain patients.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R‑S.C.) died early Sunday, concluding a career that moved from strong criticism of Donald Trump in 2016 to strong support after Trump’s victory. In the 2016 Republican primary, Graham called Trump a demagogue and said the party would be destroyed if it nominated him. After Trump’s election, Graham played golf with Trump and supported his policy agenda, including efforts to pressure Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to reconsider the 2020 vote count. Graham joined Senator Marco Rubio in urging the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Russia, but later aligned with Trump’s denial of Russian interference in the 2016 election. He led a side investigation that questioned the FBI’s Russia probe and the Steele dossier, asserting the investigation was fraudulent; the Department of Justice inspector general said that claim was inaccurate. In late 2020, Graham asked Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to declassify intelligence alleging that the Clinton campaign created a link between Trump and Russia to distract from her private email server; the intelligence was based on Russian reports that the CIA said were not credible. Graham described the released intelligence as the smoking gun and continued to defend that position. He criticized the Trump‑Russia investigation as one of the most criticized episodes in FBI history and claimed a Justice Department inspector general report had declared it fraudulent, a statement the report itself did not support. While his stance on Russia shifted, Graham remained a vocal advocate for Ukraine, a position praised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called him a true defender of freedom. His mixed record on foreign policy and domestic investigations leaves his legacy open to interpretation as the United States continues to manage relations with Russia and Ukraine.
A poll of 600 likely Republican primary voters conducted by the Tyson Group shows former governor Byron Donalds leading the August 18 Florida Republican primary race with 48% support, ahead of Jay Collins at 9%, James Fishback at 8% and Paul Renner at 4%, while 25% of respondents remain undecided. The survey sampled voters who participated in at least one of the past three GOP primary elections or registered as Republicans since 2022 and indicated they intended to vote. Interviews were conducted via cell phone, SMS‑to‑web and landline to reach a mix of younger mobile voters and older primary voters. Donalds also leads among frequent primary voters, vote‑by‑mail participants, seniors and self‑identified MAGA Republicans. He benefits from former president Donald Trump’s endorsement and a substantial fundraising and advertising advantage over his opponents. Florida voters have until August 18 to register or update their party affiliation to qualify for the primary, with a July 6 deadline for requesting a vote‑by‑mail ballot. The state’s online portal, RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, allows electronic updates for those with a Florida driver’s license or state ID; others may submit paper applications. As of May 31, the state had 13.37 million registered voters, including 5.54 million Republicans, 4.03 million Democrats, 3.32 million unaffiliated voters and 486,000 members of minor parties. Republicans hold a 1.51 million‑voter registration edge over Democrats, up from about 1.08 million before the 2024 general election, while Democrats retain registration advantages in eight counties: Alachua, Broward, Duval, Gadsden, Leon, Orange, Osceola and Palm Beach. Republicans have since flipped Hillsborough and Miami‑Dade. Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried said, “Florida was a state Democrats drove past on the way to somewhere else. That is over,” signaling renewed optimism for the party. The primary election will be held on August 18, followed by the November 3 general election, with early voting scheduled from August 8 to August 15 and the vote‑by‑mail ballot request deadline on August 6.
Duval County Judge Eric Roberson faces Judicial Qualifications Commission review after acknowledging remarks made during bench sessions that he says do not reflect his overall record. He expressed regret that his comments may have affected public confidence in the judiciary and in his fellow judges, but maintained that his conduct does not meet the standard for removal.
Roberson, appointed by Governor Rick Scott, responded to formal charges filed by the commission, stating that his remarks were outliers and should not disqualify him from his judicial position. In the case Zoe Wood v. Tatyana Ussin, he acknowledged saying, “This is scary; there’s something seriously off with you … and it’s a shock that there haven’t been criminal charges for this. Part of me wants to ban you from ever coming back to our state, and keep your issues up in Virginia.” The commission listed additional statements, including accusations that the respondent had mental health issues and that her “unique name” was highlighted. In Taheshanoel Knight v. Matthew Kepp, the commission reported that Roberson told the petitioner, “You can’t keep coming and filing these against people where you’re the one doing what’s very troubling behavior. And having delusions that you can’t prove at all, of someone around, you’re building a record to where ultimately, we’re going to stop you from filing in the court system.” Roberson said he recognized the comments as “demeaning.”
In Sylverter Greene v. Erika Greene-Raines, the commission said Roberson referred to the petitioner as an “entitled little snot” and stated, “God bless you for not beating the tar out of her. You are a terrible human being, and I can look you in the eye and tell you that. And I’m a judge, so that’s a legal judgment; you are a terrible human being.” The commission also alleged that he remarked on the respondent’s lack of violence and encouraged further violence between parties. Roberson denied advocating violence, said the charges do not represent the majority of his rulings, and argued that his overall conduct should be considered.
The Judicial Qualifications Commission continues to review the matter, and a decision on whether removal is warranted has not yet been issued.
Governor Henry McMaster announced on Monday that Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, would be appointed to the U.S. Senate seat held by Graham until his death on Saturday. The appointment makes Nordone the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.
Graham’s parents died when he was a teenager, and he became the legal guardian of his 13‑year‑old sister, later adopting her to extend his military benefits. The practice of family members filling Senate vacancies, known as caretaker succession, has been used in the United States since the early 20th century.
Nordone, 62, previously served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and held positions at Clemson University and two state agencies. In remarks after being sworn in on Tuesday, she said she would work to support the president and carry forward her brother’s efforts on behalf of South Carolina citizens. She added that she intended to honor his legacy.
Governor McMaster said at a press conference in Columbia that it was his honor to ask Graham’s sister to finish his work. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the appointment would be a tribute to Lindsey Graham.
Nordone’s appointment follows a tradition that has included Jean Carnahan, who was appointed to the Missouri Senate after her husband’s posthumous win in 2000, and Lisa Murkowski, who was appointed by her father, former Alaska governor Frank Murkowski, in 2002. More recently, Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong, who had no elected experience, to fill the remainder of Markwayne Mullin’s term after Mullin joined the Trump cabinet.
At the time of his death, Graham was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican nomination in June. Speculation about a permanent successor has focused on the upcoming November special primary, though Nordone has not ruled out a candidacy. She is not expected to enter that primary, and her term will end on January 3.
Senate leaders are currently negotiating the National Defense Authorization Act and debating voting legislation that has drawn criticism from many Republicans. A war with Iran, which Graham advocated, also remains a significant issue in the legislative agenda.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone as interim U.S. senator for South Carolina after Senator Lindsey Graham died over the weekend. Nordone had not previously held public office. She became her brother's legal guardian after their parents died within a year of each other, when she was 13 and he was 22. He later adopted her to secure military benefits. She has attended his political events and appeared in campaign advertisements. In March, she stood beside Graham when he filed his candidacy paperwork for the 2024 election, accompanied by her children and grandchildren. A special primary scheduled for next month will select the Republican nominee to face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Her interim term will last until January, after which the primary will determine the candidate for the general election. President Donald Trump recommended her appointment on social media.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography published a study in Science Advances on Wednesday that examines the potential of marine cloud brightening to moderate El Niño events. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that occurs in the tropical Pacific every few years and can raise global temperatures, cause droughts in some regions, intense rainfall in others, and increase tropical cyclone activity. The study models the effect of reducing solar radiation over the Pacific Ocean by spraying seawater into marine clouds, a technique known as marine cloud brightening. Researchers used observations from the 2019‑2020 Australian bushfire season, which injected about one million metric tons of smoke into the stratosphere and contributed to a rare triple‑dip La Niña, to simulate the cloud brightening effect. Model results indicated that reduced sunlight could lower the intensity of two historic El Niño events and lessen their global climate impacts. The authors note that marine cloud brightening has been tested only on small scales and that large‑scale deployment would require international coordination and raise governance concerns. They caution that the technique may have unintended climate consequences and that political challenges could impede implementation. The study suggests that regional solar geoengineering could complement emissions reductions if fossil fuel emissions remain high. Further research and discussion are needed before any practical application.
A poll of 600 likely Florida Republican primary voters conducted by the Tyson Group found Byron Donalds leading with 48% support, compared with 9% for Jay Collins, 8% for James ...
A poll of 600 likely Florida Republican primary voters conducted by the Tyson Group found Byron Donalds leading with 48% support, compared with 9% for Jay Collins, 8% for James Fishback, and 4% for Paul Renner, with 25% of respondents undecided.
The survey was constructed from voters who participated in at least one of the past three Republican primary elections or who registered as Republicans since 2022, and applied a likely‑voter screen that excluded individuals who were not certain to vote. Interviews were conducted using mixed modes: 74% by cell phone, 17% via SMS‑to‑web, and 9% by landline, aiming to reach both mobile‑only and landline‑holding voters.
Donalds’ support was 50% or higher among several high‑propensity subgroups, including three‑time primary voters, voters aged 65 and older, vote‑by‑mail participants, self‑identified MAGA supporters, and heavy Fox News viewers. The pollster noted that Donalds has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and has outspent his opponents by a wide margin, though the exact spending ratio was not specified.
The results align with other recent Republican primary polls in Florida, which have also shown Donalds with a substantial lead. Clearview Research president Steven J. Vancore, who has nearly 40 years of experience conducting polls in the state, said the methodology was designed to reflect actual primary participants rather than registration lists. The primary election is scheduled for August 20, and the race remains fluid as undecided voters continue to evaluate the candidates.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh testified before the House Financial Services Committee on July 14 at 10 a.m. EDT. He presented the Federal Reserve’s semi‑annual monetary policy report. The Fed’s rate‑setting committee is divided on whether inflation will remain elevated or decline after the Iran war. Minutes released last week show that many of the 19 officials expect the policy rate to stay at or slightly below the current 3.6% level by year‑end, while others see a higher rate. Half of the 18 policymakers who submitted forecasts support raising rates by year‑end, and half favor keeping them unchanged or cutting them. Warsh did not submit a personal forecast. Existing home sales fell 2.4% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million units, falling short of economist expectations. The national median home price rose 1.8% from a year earlier to $440,600, an all‑time high. The International Monetary Fund lowered its 2026 world growth forecast to 3%, citing the Iran war’s energy shock, though AI investment may offset some decline. The IMF projects U.S. growth of 2.3% this year and 0.9% for the eurozone. Global oil demand is expected to fall by 1 million barrels per day in 2026, mainly in Asia, while U.S. gasoline use rose in the second quarter despite higher prices. Weekly unemployment claims dropped to 215,000 in the week ending July 4, and June payrolls added only 57,000 jobs, less than half of the previous month’s gain.
Pete Hegseth spoke at an Israel Heritage Foundation dinner in March 2022, honoring former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and noting that Jonathan Burkan, a Morgan Stanley employee, had become his friend and wealth manager, a role he continues to hold alongside Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Rauchet. Burkan, who is not a registered foreign agent for Israel, has organized trips to Israel for political figures and is a founder and director of the Israel Justice Organization, which seeks to influence executive actions to promote pro‑Israel policies. He has publicly supported the United States’ decision to attack Iran, co‑authoring an op‑ed that praised President Trump’s airstrikes. After Hegseth became defense secretary, Burkan remained his financial adviser and participated in trips organized by the Israel Heritage Foundation that included other Trump administration officials. A Financial Times report alleged that Hegseth’s Morgan Stanley broker contacted BlackRock about a multimillion‑dollar investment in a defense‑related fund before the U.S. attack on Iran; Hegseth denied the allegation, and Morgan Stanley said it was unaware of any such contact. The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28 after lobbying by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a decision that has been widely criticized and is estimated to have cost American consumers more than $100 billion and caused thousands of civilian casualties. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended Hegseth, saying his leadership at the Pentagon provided accurate, unbiased information to the president. Critics argue that a network of pro‑Israeli advocates, including Burkan, Jonathan Frager and others, has shaped the views of senior officials and contributed to the decision to engage in the war, though direct evidence of influence on the launch decision is not clearly established. The Israel Justice Organization was created after comments by Martin Oliner, a board member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, suggesting that Israel should “kill civilians” in a manner comparable to historical bombings; Oliner later faced condemnation and disavowed his remarks. Burkan, Frager and other participants have continued to promote pro‑Israel activities, meeting with officials such as Sen. Tom Cotton, Vice President JD Vance and President Trump, and have organized trips for various political figures to Israel and the West Bank. Human‑rights attorney Azadeh Shahshahani said the network of influence raises concerns about its impact on foreign policy toward Palestinians, Iranians and Lebanese.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of his Senate term. Graham died on Saturday, and McMaster made the appointment on Monday after a brief decision process. The appointment makes Nordone an interim caretaker until the August 11 primary election. McMaster said he asked Nordone if she would serve, noting her role overseeing the state Commission for the Blind and her familiarity with the State House. Nordone said she would work to support the president and continue her brother’s work, adding that the decision was what her brother would have wanted. Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune publicly expressed support for the appointment. Trump posted on Truth Social that the appointment would be a "fabulous tribute" to Graham. Several Republican figures, including Representative Russell Fry and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, have indicated interest in running for the nomination. No candidate has formally announced a campaign. The White House has not responded to requests for comment. The interim position is expected to end after the primary, when voters will select a permanent nominee for the seat.
Republican Michael Whatley trails Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper in the North Carolina Senate race, with recent polls indicating a double-digit lead for Cooper. Cooper has raised more than $13.8 million and holds $18.5 million cash on hand, while Whatley raised $5 million and has $2.5 million cash. The race has received less national attention than contests in Texas, Maine and Michigan, but North Carolina remains a decisive state for control of the Senate. Democrats see Cooper, a four-decade political figure, as their best chance to win a Senate seat in the state since 2008. Republicans argue that Whatley, a former RNC chair and Trump ally, lacks name recognition. Cooper entered the second quarter with $18.5 million cash while Whatley reported $2.5 million cash. National Republican groups have committed $71 million to the race and reserved $36 million in broadcast advertising for early September, according to AdImpact. Democratic-aligned WinSenate PAC has pledged over $27 million in fall ad reservations for Cooper. The RNC holds more than $125 million in cash, compared with the DNC’s $14.8 million cash and $18.3 million debt. Both campaigns focus on crime and pandemic-related policies as central themes. Cooper’s team says Whatley misrepresented his role in releasing roughly 3,500 inmates during the pandemic, a settlement that officials say reduced prison overcrowding. Whatley’s campaign accuses Cooper of being a pro-crime, pro-tax career politician whose pandemic restrictions harmed public safety. State Republican officials such as Sen. Steve Jarvis and Rep. Donnie Loftis say increased advertising and voter outreach are needed to raise Whatley’s profile across the state’s 100 counties. The outcome will depend on whether additional national funding arrives before the September ad blitz and how voters recall pandemic-era decisions. Analysts note that despite Cooper’s current lead, the race remains competitive if Republican resources are deployed effectively.
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon on the day she called for an investigation into the fatal shooting of a Texas construction worker by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Nixon, a three‑term member of the Florida House of Representatives, defeated incumbent Kim Daniels in the Democratic primary and announced her bid for the Senate. She outlined policy positions including Medicare for All and guaranteed childcare for working families. Omar, a founding member of the progressive congressional “Squad” and the first Somali‑American woman elected to Congress, has previously called for the abolition of ICE. The primary election is scheduled for August 18, after which the Democratic nominee will face the incumbent Republican, Senator Ashley Moody, who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis following Marco Rubio’s confirmation as Secretary of State. The outcome of the primary will determine the Democratic candidate for the November general election.
Former State Senator Fred Dudley, a Republican who represented Lee County in the Florida House from 1982 to 1986 and in the Senate from 1986 to 2000, died July 13 at his home in Lake Yvette, Florida, at age 81.
Dudley was first elected to the Florida House in 1982 and later won a Senate seat in 1986. He chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and sponsored legislation that created Florida Gulf Coast University in 1991. As a construction lawyer with more than 45 years of experience, he authored bills that revised Florida’s construction lien laws between 1990 and 1998 and represented industry groups including the Florida Home Builders Association and the Aluminum Association of Florida as a lobbyist. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Bar’s Construction Law Committee in 2008 and was listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA. Dudley earned a degree from the University of South Florida and a law degree from Stetson University College of Law, and served in various leadership roles with the Florida Bar and civic boards.
He is survived by his former wife Carol Dudley, sons Chris and Charlie Dudley, four grandchildren, his sister Mary Ann Goss, and his brother Bill Wilson. He was preceded in death by his father Bert Dudley, his mother Kathleen Wilson, and his stepfather Jess Wilson.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday that he is launching a civil investigation into the use of potassium bromate in foods sold in the state. The probe will examine the supply chain for the additive and any disclosures made to purchasers.
The chemical is permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used to strengthen dough and extend shelf life in products such as flour. Evidence indicates it may be linked to cancer and DNA damage, and the European Union has banned its use in foods while California prohibits it in bread. Several other states are considering legislation to limit its use.
Uthmeier said he will issue subpoenas to companies that use potassium bromate, including General Mills, and to major purchasers of the additive within Florida. He emphasized that the investigation is intended to protect Florida families and provide transparency to consumers. The state has not filed a formal lawsuit against any company to date. Uthmeier previously used similar civil subpoenas in investigations of credit‑rating firm Fair Isaac Corp. and pharmacy companies CVS and CVS Health.
Uthmeier said the investigation aims to ensure that consumers know what is in the food they purchase and that manufacturers disclose the presence of potassium bromate in products sold across Florida. No specific timeline for additional actions has been announced.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, died Saturday night after a sudden medical episode, his office said. Preliminary findings indicated an aortic dissection, a tear in the wall of his aorta.
Graham, 71, was a senior member of the Senate and a prominent figure on foreign policy. He had traveled to Ukraine earlier in the week to discuss sanctions with the Trump administration.
Unsubstantiated claims circulated online, alleging that foreign governments such as Russia, Iran, Ukraine or Israel were responsible for his death. Other posts argued that his travel schedule made it impossible for him to die in Washington and suggested the FBI’s presence at his home indicated foul play. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency was assisting local authorities and had made all necessary resources available, adding that no further comment could be provided.
Health experts said the spread of misinformation after major news events is common, noting that emotional reactions can make dramatic explanations appear more compelling than the medical reality.
The medical examiner’s office said the precise cause will be confirmed after toxicological and microscopic testing, and no evidence of criminal action has been found.
The final cause of death is pending, and officials have indicated no indication of wrongdoing.
Republican Rep. Kim Berfield has maintained a larger cash reserve than Democratic challenger Bryan Beckman ahead of a November rematch for Florida House District 58, according to campaign finance reports. Berfield’s campaign and her political committee, Friends of Kim Berfield, reported $276,000 in total funds at the end of the reporting period, roughly four times the amount in Beckman’s campaign account. In the June 13‑26 period, Berfield’s campaign received $5,500 and her committee $3,500, for a combined total of just over $9,000, according to the reports. Beckman’s campaign reported just over $3,000 in new contributions during the same span. From April 1 to June 26, Beckman raised nearly $27,000, compared with about $14,000 collected by Berfield across her campaign and committee, according to the filings. Beckman’s candidate account held a slight edge, but Berfield’s committee funds shifted the overall balance in her favor, according to the reports. Berfield’s fundraising includes larger contributions from businesses and political groups, including five $1,000 contributions from FCCI Services, CEOMC Florida and Friends of Chris Nocco, and additional $2,500 from Charter Communications and $1,000 each from attorney James Holton and the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, according to the filings. Beckman’s campaign reported that 62 of his 64 contributions since June 13 were $100 or less; his largest gifts were $500 from Rudy Michalek and $200 from Casey Wilson, according to the filings. Since entering the race, Beckman has raised more than $85,000 and spent just over $16,000, leaving $69,000 on hand, according to the reports. Berfield has allocated significant sums to direct mail, campaign management and consulting, reporting nearly $13,000 in direct‑mail expenses since April, according to the filings. Beckman’s biggest expenditures have been $7,500 to Blue Velocity Consulting and more than $6,500 to Go Union Printing, according to the filings. No other candidates have entered the race, setting up a head‑to‑head contest in the November General Election, according to the reports.
Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are scheduled to testify before a House Appropriations subcommittee on July 14 at 10 a.m. EDT on the Court's 2027 budget.
The hearing follows a series of recent decisions that have addressed the scope of presidential power, the independence of regulatory agencies, voting rights, and immigration policy.
The subcommittee will review the Court's projected spending, and the justices' testimony will focus on financial oversight and the Court's operations.
In June the Court struck down statutory provisions that required the president to identify a specific cause, such as negligence, before dismissing the heads of independent regulatory agencies. The decision expands the president's ability to reshape agencies that Congress established to operate independently.
The Court ruled that the Federal Reserve's leadership cannot be removed at will, allowing Chair Lisa Cook to remain in office while she contests allegations of mortgage fraud. In a separate decision concerning statements by President Trump about Haitian migrants, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the cited statements were not overtly racial, while Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the statements contained racial undertones that indicated race influenced the president's resolve to remove Haitians from the country.
The Court has limited the Voting Rights Act since 2013, making it more difficult for minority voters to challenge electoral district changes unless they can prove intentional racial discrimination. The ruling prompted Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee to eliminate largely Black districts, including an Alabama district created in response to a prior Supreme Court decision.
The Court upheld the administration's authority to end deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan and Haitian residents and to impose a daily cap on asylum seekers at the southern border. It also granted border officers broader discretion in cases involving green‑card holders.
In the birthright citizenship case, the Court rejected a broad executive order proposed by President Trump that would have limited citizenship for children of undocumented parents, though four justices endorsed an interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment that would permit such restrictions.
The Court upheld Second Amendment rights in two decisions: it held that regular marijuana use does not disqualify individuals from owning firearms, and it struck down a Hawaii law requiring permits to carry firearms into stores and hotels. The Court announced it will soon decide whether bans on semiautomatic rifles implicate the Second Amendment.
The Court ruled that an emergency powers statute does not permit the president to bypass congressional approval of tariffs, a tactic that no president had previously attempted. President Trump responded by criticizing the justices who ruled against him and indicated he will continue to pursue tariff measures under other authorities.
The budget discussion and the Court's recent rulings will influence the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches and affect the rights of individuals and groups across the United States.
Construction business owner Benny Melendez, who voted for Donald Trump in 2024, said immigration enforcement has made it difficult to run his south Texas firm, with workers detained at job sites and his trucks stopped by officers, leading to more than ten deportations since early 2025. The experience has prompted him to support Democrat James Talarico in the 2026 Senate race.
A survey commissioned by the U.S. Hispanic Business Council and first reported by POLITICO found that one in five Hispanic business owners in Texas reported an employee deportation in the past year, and 70 percent said Trump’s tariffs had affected their businesses. The poll, conducted June 2–15 among 1,012 USHBC members across construction, food services, retail, manufacturing and other sectors, showed Talarico leading Attorney General Ken Paxton by seven points despite a plurality of respondents identifying as Republican. Twenty‑five percent of those who backed Senator John Cornyn in the primary now said they would vote for Talarico, while over half said they would back Paxton.
Survey results indicate Paxton’s vulnerability among Texas’s Hispanic business community, a group that has shifted away from the Republican Party amid changing economic conditions and immigration enforcement. The survey highlighted that 70 percent of respondents viewed recent workplace raids negatively, and that fear of enforcement is affecting business morale and labor availability.
Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Business Council, said the deportations and tariffs create fear and disruption that hurt small businesses, noting that losing a single worker can undermine morale and productivity.
Paxton, a long‑time immigration advocate, has defended a controversial Texas immigration law and filed suit to halt publicly funded legal defense for undocumented immigrants. A spokesperson, Madison Cercy, said Hispanic voters seek lower taxes, reduced regulation, affordable energy and a strong economy, and argued that Paxton’s record aligns with those priorities while criticizing Talarico’s positions on gender and religious matters.
Talarico responded with a message to Hispanic voters, saying the campaign will support small businesses and address high costs and immigration system failures, inviting those who feel let down by both parties to join his effort.
Early polling released by The New York Times and Siena College showed the Senate race in a dead heat, with Talarico leading Hispanic voters by 32 points. In 2024, Trump won Texas Latinos by 10 points, carrying 14 of 18 border counties, including Starr County, which is 90 percent Latino.
Local business owners say immigration enforcement has become a decisive issue. Seventy percent of the surveyed business owners expressed a negative view of the raids, and labor shortages in construction have been reported as enforcement activity rose again last month. Department of Homeland Security officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mario Guerrero, leader of the South Texas Builders Association, said the claim that deportations create jobs for American workers is misguided, noting that few U.S. citizens would accept the physically demanding work in extreme heat. Palomarez echoed that sentiment, stating that the notion that immigrants take American jobs is inaccurate and that labor shortages in swing districts are a direct result of the enforcement policies.
Republican Representative Monica de la Cruz, who represents a competitive Rio Grande Valley district, posted on social media that immigration enforcement should target violent criminals, not a nun traveling to church, referencing the recent arrest of an undocumented nun in McAllen that received widespread coverage.
An anonymous construction company owner said the nun’s arrest represented a significant turning point for many Hispanic voters who had previously supported Republicans, describing widespread frustration with the current administration in south Texas.
President Donald Trump said Monday he recommended that South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to fill the remainder of the Senate term. McMaster plans to announce his decision later on Monday afternoon. If appointed, Nordone would serve until a Republican primary scheduled for August 11, after which candidates such as Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman could seek the nomination. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he spoke with McMaster and Nordone on Sunday and said the appointment "would make a lot of sense" and could extend Graham’s legacy. Trump posted that the choice would be a 'fabulous tribute' to his predecessor. State law requires a Republican primary, and the abbreviated campaign period may benefit candidates who have recently run statewide, including Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Representative Ralph Norman. The appointment remains pending.
New York City officials on Friday announced a municipal Click to Cancel rule that will require subscription services to let consumers cancel with the same ease as signing up, beginning October 1.
The rule follows a federal FTC regulation adopted in 2024 that was struck down by the Eighth Circuit Court after a trade group representing cable and internet providers sued to block it; the rule had been promoted by former FTC Commissioner Lina Khan as a consumer protection measure.
Sam Levine, Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, said the regulation would eliminate practices that force consumers to cancel gym memberships in person, mail a letter, or spend hours on hold to stop recurring charges.
Under the rule, businesses must provide cancellation options online, by phone, or by mail, and violations could result in civil penalties of at least $525 per occurrence.
The city estimates the rule could save New Yorkers between $21.5 million and $162.5 million each year, according to the Roosevelt Institute.
The announcement was made at a gym in front of elliptical machines, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the average family of four loses more than $3,200 annually on junk fees and hidden charges, and that the city will also require businesses to display total prices up front.
Enforcement will be handled by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, which will accept complaints through the 311 hotline and may pursue legal action against violators.
While the Trump administration has pursued a deregulatory agenda, Lina Khan said subscription fees represent an upward transfer of wealth from low‑income residents to large corporations that may use the revenue to purchase private jets or yachts.
Statewide Click to Cancel laws already exist in California, Maryland and Colorado, and New York State already has strong consumer protections, but the city rule will be the first municipal ordinance of its kind in the United States.
The regulation will take effect on October 1, and the city will monitor its impact as enforcement begins.
Marco Rubio, the United States Secretary of State, announced on Monday a campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the tribunal interferes with US military and law enforcement operations and threatens American sovereignty. In an op‑ed published in the Wall Street Journal, Rubio described hypothetical scenarios in which US border patrol agents and elected officials could be taken before the ICC by judges from various countries, arguing that such jurisdiction could undermine US legal authority. He noted that the ICC’s activities risk impeding US operations, though no specific incidents were cited. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had previously voiced similar concerns about the court’s impact on US sovereignty. The ICC’s spokesperson declined to comment on Rubio’s remarks. No legislation to dismantle the ICC has been introduced in Congress, and the United States has not moved to withdraw from the Rome Statute that established the court.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R‑Ky.) released a statement to his constituents on Sunday, saying his recent hospitalization was caused by a fall after a four‑week absence from Congress. The 84‑year‑old former Senate Majority Leader has a lifelong history of polio, a disease that was largely eliminated in the United States after the introduction of the Salk vaccine in 1955. He noted that he has lifelong mobility issues related to a childhood polio infection and that post‑polio syndrome can cause muscle weakness and pain. McConnell said that his experience underscores the importance of immunization and that he will not condone the re‑litigation of proven cures. Polio was declared eliminated in the United States in 1990 after the Salk vaccine was introduced in 1955; only one case was reported in an unvaccinated adult in 2022, and no cases have been identified in children. CDC data published in March indicated that about 8 percent of toddlers born in 2021 and 2022 had not received the recommended three doses of the polio vaccine by age two. McConnell’s hospitalization has been the subject of speculation, though he has not disclosed whether he has been diagnosed with post‑polio syndrome. Falls are common among older adults and are not necessarily linked to his underlying condition. In February 2025, McConnell voted against confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary, stating he would not condone the re‑litigation of proven cures and that vaccines have saved millions of lives. During the first Trump administration, he led efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on disability. He also supported the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill, a budget measure that includes provisions that could reduce Medicaid enrollment through administrative changes. Vincent Iannelli, a pediatrician who maintains a website tracking anti‑vaccine misinformation, said that voices like McConnell’s have helped limit vaccine hesitancy among some conservative voters. Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, noted that polio has been detected in domestic wastewater, suggesting possible silent circulation, and that low vaccination rates could increase the risk of disease. Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist and former polio patient, said it is important for polio survivors to speak out about the disease’s historical impact. Caplan added that arguments based on parental autonomy are not supported by evidence. Grace Rossow, who contracted polio in India as an infant and was adopted in the United States, said she has experienced persistent paralysis and fatigue despite 19 surgeries. New York University professor Arthur Caplan, who contracted polio at age six and now uses a mobility aid, said that polio can hide in animals and in asymptomatic individuals, making continued vigilance essential. Health officials warn that declining vaccination coverage could lead to a resurgence of polio, a risk that may be influenced by the statements of prominent figures such as McConnell. The situation remains unresolved as vaccination rates fluctuate and public health officials continue to monitor potential cases.
Michigan health officials announced on Monday that lettuce and salad greens are a potential source of more than 2,800 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes watery diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. The investigation is ongoing and no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified.
The outbreak includes more than 2,640 cases in Michigan and 177 cases in Ohio, according to state health departments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 843 confirmed and 1,500 suspected cases across 31 states on Friday, with 86 hospitalizations and no deaths.
Barbara Kowalcyk, an associate professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute of Public Health, said the investigation is complicated by long incubation periods and delayed reporting, which may be worsened by recent reductions in state and local health department funding.
The Trump administration cut $11.4 billion in grants to state and local health departments in March 2025 and reduced the scope of the FoodNet program in July 2025, limiting monitoring of foodborne pathogens such as cyclospora. Michigan public health laboratories reported a loss of $5.5 million in funding, according to Bridge Michigan.
Dr Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, told the Associated Press that a linked outbreak is occurring. The state health department has urged restaurants and commercial kitchens in the southeast to thoroughly wash leafy greens, snow peas, herbs and raspberries or to cook them, and recommended purchasing whole heads of lettuce, discarding outer leaves and washing inner leaves.
The FDA, under Secretary Kennedy, is investigating the outbreak using epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback tools in coordination with CDC and state partners. HHS senior press secretary Emily Hilliard said the agency is working with 3,000 health departments to gather data.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not identified a specific producer, grower or supplier.
A 26-year-old Colombian man who was authorized to work in the United States was killed in a shooting involving ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine on Monday morning, according to the Portland Press Herald. The Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Presente! Maine issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and community. Daniel Boucher, a witness, said he heard sounds resembling fireworks, saw agents remove the driver from a sedan, and observed the driver bleeding from the head while stating, “I tried to stop.” The Biddeford Police Department said inquiries about the shooting should be directed to ICE; the Department of Homeland Security and ICE declined to comment. FBI agents were photographed at the scene as part of a federal investigation. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) reported speaking with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who said the victim “weaponized” his vehicle, a claim that has been disputed after video evidence in similar incidents. Video of the Monday shooting has not yet been released, and the involved ICE agents were not wearing body cameras. The incident is one of more than 20 shootings by immigration agents since last year, most involving individuals inside vehicles; nine deaths have occurred during President Donald Trump’s second term. Another witness, identified only as Em, described hearing gunshots and seeing a white car lose control before ICE rammed it to stop. Lucas Scott said he saw an ICE agent draw his weapon as he shouted at the driver, who then allegedly attempted to hit the agent with his car before being shot. Images show bullet holes in the windshield of a white Kia sedan, with the victim lying on the ground. Governor Janet Mills said she had been briefed and that Maine State Police were on the scene. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau called ICE the agency involved, while Senate candidate Troy Jackson demanded the agency be abolished, describing it as a “rogue” body that violates the Constitution. Senator King also expressed concern. The shooting follows the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican immigrant in Texas, whose son called for an independent investigation after DHS claimed his father attempted to evade arrest and weaponized his vehicle; video evidence later contradicted that narrative. Former police officer Seth Stoughton noted training advises against placing oneself in front of a moving vehicle or shooting at drivers, explaining that such actions can cause the vehicle to continue moving uncontrolled. Calls to the Maine Immigrant Defense Hotline increased after the incident, and Mufalo Chitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, called for accountability, saying the death should not be treated as routine.