Your daily briefing on the top political stories in the United States.

1. 1
   Foreign Policy

   U.S. and Iran Exchange Airstrikes as Tensions Mount

   The U.S. military conducted its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets, while Tehran launched retaliatory drone strikes on American bases in the Gulf. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a massive attack as the conflict disrupts maritime traffic and pushes global oil prices over $100 a barrel.

2. 2
   Economy & Trade

   Trump Imposes New Tariffs After Supreme Court Defeat

   Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down a sweeping 10% global tariff, President Trump announced new tariffs on more than 80 countries. The administration is now using alleged forced labor as the justification for the levies, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and international trading partners.

3. 3
   Disaster Funding

   States Sue Administration Over Disaster Relief Conditions

   More than two dozen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for placing new election and immigration conditions on FEMA disaster funding. The states argue the move violates the Constitution's spending clause, while FEMA defends the policies as necessary for election security.

4. 4
   Ukraine Conflict

   Rubio Says No Quick Deal to End War in Ukraine

   Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. is prepared to help end the war in Ukraine, but admitted there is no quick path forward. He acknowledged that previous U.S.-mediated talks have stalled due to a lack of mutually acceptable terms.

5. 5
   Judicial Confirmations

   Senate Confirms Benjamin Flowers to Sixth Circuit

   The U.S. Senate confirmed former Ohio Solicitor General Benjamin Flowers to a lifetime seat on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals by a narrow 49-46 vote. Democrats largely opposed the nomination, pointing to his conservative record and refusal to explicitly state who won the 2020 presidential election.

6. 6
   Elections

   Nebraska Senate Race Moves Forward Without a Democrat

   Nebraska is set to hold its second consecutive U.S. Senate election without a Democratic candidate after nominee Cindy Burbank officially withdrew from the race. Her departure leaves incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts facing independent and third-party challengers in the general election.