The top U.S. political stories starting your day.

1. 1
   Anti-Weaponization Fund

   Court Halts Trump's $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund Amid Democratic Backlash

   A federal court has ordered the Trump administration to pause all activity related to its controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. Simultaneously, Senate Democrats have launched a coordinated campaign to block what they are calling a "MAGA slush fund."

2. 2
   Freedom 250

   Trump Floats MAGA Rally After Musicians Drop Out of Freedom 250 Concert

   Following the withdrawal of multiple artists from the "Freedom 250" concert celebrating America's 250th birthday, President Trump has suggested replacing the event with a MAGA rally. The Trump-backed celebrations have faced mounting criticism and concerns over private donor transparency.

3. 3
   Maine Senate Race

   Sen. Cory Booker Voices Concerns Over Graham Platner's Sexting Scandal

   New Jersey Senator Cory Booker has publicly expressed concerns about Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner following a sexting scandal. Platner's wife recently confirmed that he exchanged explicit texts with several women, raising anxieties about the Democrats' chances to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

4. 4
   Congress Returns

   Congress Returns to Washington Facing a Long To-Do List

   Lawmakers are returning to Capitol Hill after the Memorial Day recess with a packed agenda. Key priorities include resuming work on reconciliation legislation, known as Reconciliation 2.0, and dealing with funding disputes surrounding the administration's new initiatives.

5. 5
   Immigration Policy

   New Jersey ICE Detention Center Protests Lead to Clashes and Curfews

   Protests outside an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, have escalated, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The ongoing unrest has prompted local officials, including the Newark mayor, to back a partial curfew in the city.

6. 6
   White House Event

   Construction Underway for UFC Fight on the White House South Lawn

   The White House is moving forward with plans to host a UFC match on the South Lawn as part of the Freedom 250 events. Construction crews are currently building a fight cage and a massive lighting grid known as "The Claw" for the June 14 event.