Senate Leaves Town for Recess after Passing Stopgap Spending Bill, Blocking Photo ID for Voting

The U.S. Senate adjourned for its summer recess early Saturday after approving a stopgap spending bill but declining to advance legislation that would require photo ID for voting.  In a rare overnight session that began on Friday, senators trudged through a slew of measures, confirmed President Donald Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche as attorney general … The post Senate Leaves Town for Recess after Passing Stopgap Spending Bill, Blocking Photo ID for Voting first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Senate Passes Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill With Bipartisan Support

The Senate overwhelmingly approved sweeping new sanctions on Russia on Friday, sending a long-delayed bipartisan measure to the House that would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas. The 86-11 vote marked a major breakthrough for legislation that had been stalled … The post Senate Passes Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill With Bipartisan Support first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Trump-Backed Rep. Andy Ogles Loses GOP Primary in Tennessee

Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee lost his bid for renomination Tuesday, becoming one of the highest-profile congressional incumbents to fall in the 2026 primary season despite receiving President Donald Trump’s endorsement. NBC News projected that former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated Ogles in the Republican primary, handing the controversial two-term congressman a major … The post Trump-Backed Rep. Andy Ogles Loses GOP Primary in Tennessee first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Trump Again Tries to Curb Birthright Citizenship, Following Supreme Court Loss

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed two executive orders in his second attempt to deny citizenship to babies born to noncitizens, following the Supreme Court’s defeat this summer of an earlier order to redefine birthright citizenship. Trump said the Supreme Court ruling was “an unfortunate decision” so “we’re making adjustments” to birthright citizenship, which is … The post Trump Again Tries to Curb Birthright Citizenship, Following Supreme Court Loss first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

U.S. Economy Loses 23,000 Jobs in July as Hiring Unexpectedly Turns Negative

The U.S. economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July, marking the first monthly decline in employment in months and signaling renewed weakness in the labor market as employers pulled back on hiring. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday that nonfarm payrolls fell by 23,000 jobs, far below economists’ expectations of an 83,000-job increase, according … The post U.S. Economy Loses 23,000 Jobs in July as Hiring Unexpectedly Turns Negative first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Senate Panel Votes to Hold Anthony Fauci in Contempt Over COVID Hearing

A Republican-led Senate committee voted Thursday to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after the former top U.S. public health official refused to answer questions during a hearing on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating a yearslong political battle over the federal government’s response to the outbreak. The Senate Homeland Security and … The post Senate Panel Votes to Hold Anthony Fauci in Contempt Over COVID Hearing first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Trump’s Handpicked Candidate Just Lost to a Republican Who Quit the Race

President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate for a critical battleground U.S. House seat in Michigan suffered a stunning primary defeat Tuesday night, losing to a little-known Republican who had suspended his own campaign weeks earlier and endorsed another candidate. Business owner Thomas Smith unexpectedly defeated Navy veteran Amir Hassan in the Republican primary for Michigan’s 8th … The post Trump’s Handpicked Candidate Just Lost to a Republican Who Quit the Race first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Trump’s Long-Term National Guard Deployment in D.C. Could Cost Taxpayers $1.4 Billion, Estimate Shows

President Donald Trump’s ongoing deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., is expected to cost taxpayers more than $1.4 billion through January 2029, according to estimates provided during the Senate confirmation process for the Pentagon’s prospective chief financial officer. The projection came from Jules Hurst III, Trump’s nominee to serve as the Defense Department’s … The post Trump’s Long-Term National Guard Deployment in D.C. Could Cost Taxpayers $1.4 Billion, Estimate Shows first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Senate Confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as Permanent CDC Director After Yearlong Vacancy

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, giving the nation’s leading public health agency its first permanent leader in nearly a year as it confronts rising infectious disease outbreaks and renewed debate over vaccine policy. The Senate approved Schwartz’s nomination in a 51-44 vote … The post Senate Confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as Permanent CDC Director After Yearlong Vacancy first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Sen. Angela Alsobrooks on 2028, Voting Rights & Restoring Trust in Congress

On this episode of Poli Alert, we sit down with U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland for an in-depth conversation about the biggest political stories shaping the country—and the choices that will define the next election cycle. The discussion examines the battle over which state should vote first in the 2028 presidential primary calendar and what that decision could mean for Black voters, regional influence, and the future of the Democratic Party. We also break down Rep. Nancy Mace’s latest move involving the Congressional Black Caucus and the broader political tensions surrounding it. The episode tackles the growing bipartisan debate over banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, along with questions about transparency, conflicts of interest, and public trust. Sen. Alsobrooks also weighs in on voter ID, election reform, the “one vote” conversation, and the political stakes surrounding Georgia’s upcoming elections. Plus, Rapid Fire delivers a fast-paced look at the latest headlines, followed by Marching Orders with practical ways to stay informed, organized, and civically engaged. In this episode: • Exclusive interview with Sen. Angela Alsobrooks • The fight over the 2028 presidential primary calendar • Nancy Mace and the Congressional Black Caucus • The push to ban congressional stock trading • Voter ID, election reform, and the “one vote” debate • Georgia’s upcoming elections and political backlash • Rapid Fire • Marching Orders

spreaker.com

House Ethics Committee Opens Investigation Into Rep. Max Miller Over Abuse, Drug Use Allegations

The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday that it has opened an investigation into Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio over allegations that he may have engaged in domestic violence, abuse or illegal drug use, escalating scrutiny of the second-term congressman as he seeks reelection. The committee disclosed it will review whether Miller “engaged in domestic … The post House Ethics Committee Opens Investigation Into Rep. Max Miller Over Abuse, Drug Use Allegations first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

U.S. Nearly Exhausted Long-Range Missile Stockpile During Iran War, Sources Say

The United States has used nearly all of its global stockpile of key long-range precision missiles during its military campaign against Iran, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, raising new questions about the pace of U.S. weapons production and military preparedness. The sources told CBS News that the U.S. has expended … The post U.S. Nearly Exhausted Long-Range Missile Stockpile During Iran War, Sources Say first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Abdul El-Sayed Squeaks Out Win Over Haley Stevens in Hotly Contested Democratic US Senate Primary

After a grueling primary that saw attacks from Republicans and establishment Democrats alike, Abdul El-Sayed has won in his race to be the party’s nominee to face Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in the November general election. Unofficial election results show that El-Sayed was on track to win the race over contender and U.S. … The post Abdul El-Sayed Squeaks Out Win Over Haley Stevens in Hotly Contested Democratic US Senate Primary first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Rep. Chuck Edwards Ends Re-Election Bid After House Ethics Committee Recommends Censure

Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina announced early Wednesday that he is ending his bid for a third term in Congress, just days after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured over findings that he engaged in repeated inappropriate conduct toward two young female staff members. “After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided … The post Rep. Chuck Edwards Ends Re-Election Bid After House Ethics Committee Recommends Censure first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Michigan Senate Race Tops Primary Night as Progressives and Moderates Split

The closely watched Democratic primary for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat remained too close to call early Wednesday, capping an election night that exposed growing ideological divisions within the Democratic Party while setting the stage for several competitive House races in November. With ballots still being counted, Rep. Haley Stevens, a centrist backed by much … The post Michigan Senate Race Tops Primary Night as Progressives and Moderates Split first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Voter Roll Purge, Israel Aid Vote & Sen. London Lamar Joins Poli Alert

On this episode of Poli Alert, we break down the latest political headlines shaping the nation—and what they could mean for voters ahead of the midterm elections. The discussion begins with President Trump’s reported push to purge voter rolls, raising urgent questions about election access, voter eligibility, and the future of voting rights. We also examine the 103 House Democrats who voted to reduce U.S. military aid to Israel and what the vote signals about the changing debate inside the Democratic Party. The episode also explores reports that one of Trump’s defense attorneys is under consideration for Attorney General, along with the questions that possibility raises about loyalty, independence, and the Justice Department. Plus, an exclusive interview with Tennessee State Sen. London Lamar about her campaign for Congress in Tennessee’s 9th District, the issues driving her run, and her vision for the communities she hopes to represent. We close with the Poli Alert To Do List—your weekly civic assignments and practical ways to stay informed, involved, and engaged. In this episode: • Trump’s reported voter-roll purge ahead of the midterms • The House Democratic vote on U.S. military aid to Israel • A Trump defense lawyer reportedly being considered for Attorney General • Exclusive interview with congressional candidate Sen. London Lamar • The Poli Alert To Do List and weekly civic assignments

spreaker.com

Blanche Nomination for Attorney General Advanced by Senate Panel on Party-Line Vote

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was one step closer to permanently leading the Justice Department Tuesday, after two skeptical Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans voted to advance his nomination given Blanche’s signed promise that President Donald Trump’s nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund is dead. Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, … The post Blanche Nomination for Attorney General Advanced by Senate Panel on Party-Line Vote first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

States Sue Trump Administration Over Access to Welfare Recipients’ Personal Data

A coalition of more than 20 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to block the Trump administration from expanding federal access to the personal information of millions of Americans who receive welfare benefits through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, challenges … The post States Sue Trump Administration Over Access to Welfare Recipients’ Personal Data first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Jasmine Crockett Backlash, Trump’s Housing Fight & Democrats at a Crossroads

On this episode of Poli Alert, we break down the political controversies, policy fights, and party debates shaping the national conversation. Rep. Jasmine Crockett faces backlash over comments made at the Essence Festival, raising new questions about political messaging, representation, and the intense scrutiny placed on prominent Black elected officials. The episode also examines the latest fight over President Trump’s housing bill and what its potential impact could mean for American families, renters, and homeowners. The conversation turns to Maine, where Graham Platner has withdrawn from the Senate race amid growing controversy. Charles Booker also joins the discussion on investment, economic opportunity, and the future direction of Democratic politics. Plus, the Poli Alert Lightning Round covers the biggest political headlines you need to know—and why they matter beyond the news cycle. In this episode: • Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Essence Festival controversy • The battle over Trump’s housing bill • Graham Platner’s exit from Maine’s Senate race • Charles Booker on investment and Democratic politics • A rapid-fire breakdown of the week’s biggest political stories

spreaker.com

House Ethics Panel Recommends Censure for Rep. Chuck Edwards Over Conduct Toward Female Staffers

The House Ethics Committee has recommended censuring Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., after concluding he engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct toward two young female congressional aides that made them uncomfortable and blurred the line between professional and personal relationships. The bipartisan panel released a 25-page report Monday detailing what it described as … The post House Ethics Panel Recommends Censure for Rep. Chuck Edwards Over Conduct Toward Female Staffers first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

More Than 4 Million Americans Lose SNAP Benefits Ahead of Major Food Assistance Overhaul

More than 4 million Americans have lost federal food assistance since last summer as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program undergoes its largest overhaul in decades, with policy experts warning that even steeper reductions could follow once major funding changes take effect later this year. Preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows monthly SNAP … The post More Than 4 Million Americans Lose SNAP Benefits Ahead of Major Food Assistance Overhaul first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Capital One Says Anti-Money Laundering Review Led to Trump Account Closures

Capital One is asking a federal judge to dismiss the Trump Organization’s lawsuit over the closure of hundreds of its bank accounts, arguing the decision resulted from a months-long anti-money-laundering review rather than political retaliation following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. In a motion filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Florida, the bank … The post Capital One Says Anti-Money Laundering Review Led to Trump Account Closures first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

DOJ Drops $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ as Todd Blanche Moves to Break Senate Confirmation Standoff

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally rescinded the Trump administration’s proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” Sunday, marking a significant concession aimed at resolving a Senate standoff that has jeopardized his nomination to become the next U.S. attorney general. Blanche issued a written order eliminating the proposed compensation fund, which was intended to provide payments to … The post DOJ Drops $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ as Todd Blanche Moves to Break Senate Confirmation Standoff first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Sen. Bernie Moreno Calls on Rep. Max Miller to Resign After Daughter’s Abuse Allegations

Sen. Bernie Moreno on Sunday publicly called for Rep. Max Miller to resign from Congress, marking his strongest condemnation yet of the Ohio Republican after renewed allegations of domestic violence and child abuse involving Miller and Moreno’s daughter, Emily Moreno. The Ohio Republican said Miller “should not serve in the House of Representatives,” accusing the … The post Sen. Bernie Moreno Calls on Rep. Max Miller to Resign After Daughter’s Abuse Allegations first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

NYC Goes All In on Mamdani | Jamie Harrison Joins Poli Alert | Trump Rejects Housing Bill

On this episode of Poli Alert, we break down a consequential week in politics, policy, and the courts. Zohran Mamdani’s political slate sweeps New York City on primary night, signaling a major shift in the city’s political landscape. Kenny Burns is also joined by special guest Jamie Harrison, host of the At Our Table Podcast, for insight on the latest developments shaping the country. In this episode: • Primary Night: Zohran Mamdani’s political slate sweeps New York City • Special Guest: Jamie Harrison, host of the At Our Table Podcast • Trump says he won’t sign the bipartisan housing bill • Congress debates the Iran War Powers Resolution • The latest on Karmelo Anthony’s appeal • The Supreme Court rules in favor of Monsanto From local elections to national policy and Supreme Court decisions, Poli Alert connects the headlines to the people and power behind them.

spreaker.com

Trump Revives $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ as Todd Blanche Confirmation Stalls

President Donald Trump said Saturday he will seek congressional approval for a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” if the Senate fails to confirm his attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche, escalating a standoff with two Republican senators that has stalled Blanche’s nomination. In a social media post, Trump said he would keep Blanche in the role … The post Trump Revives $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ as Todd Blanche Confirmation Stalls first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

String of Outbreaks Tests US Public Health System amid Funding Cuts, Vaccine Resistance

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged during his confirmation hearing to do everything in his “power to put the health of America back on track.” Kennedy testified that when he worked as a lawyer he “learned that human health and environmental health are intertwined and inseparable.” He referred to the Make … The post String of Outbreaks Tests US Public Health System amid Funding Cuts, Vaccine Resistance first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Mandela Barnes Drops Out of Primary for Wisconsin Governor

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes announced he is suspending his campaign for governor Thursday in a video posted to social media, narrowing the field to four as state Rep. Francesca Hong has expanded her lead in polls.  “We’re incredibly proud of all the things that we’ve accomplished and all the resources that we have raised … The post Mandela Barnes Drops Out of Primary for Wisconsin Governor first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com

Cyberattack Targets Water Utilities in Seven States as FBI Probes Possible Iran Link

Federal authorities are investigating a coordinated cyberattack that disrupted technology used by water utilities in at least seven states this week, with officials examining whether hackers linked to Iran were responsible for the incidents. The FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed Thursday that malicious cyber activity targeted … The post Cyberattack Targets Water Utilities in Seven States as FBI Probes Possible Iran Link first appeared on Poli Alert.

polialert.com