The latest U.S. political news, from a new U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham.

1. 1
   Foreign Policy

   U.S. Asserts Control Over Strait of Hormuz

   President Donald Trump announced Monday that the U.S. is taking control of the Strait of Hormuz following a weekend of military strikes. He declared that Iranian vessels will be blocked from the waterway, and the U.S. will impose a 20 percent toll on eligible cargo from other nations. The move raises global concerns over a full-scale resumption of the U.S.-Iran war.

2. 2
   Congress

   Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71

   South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham passed away unexpectedly over the weekend due to an aortic dissection. His death sends shockwaves through Capitol Hill, momentarily stalling the GOP's legislative agenda. President Trump has reportedly backed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve the remainder of his term.

3. 3
   Diplomacy

   State Department Targets International Criminal Court

   Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched a sweeping campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over Americans. The State Department is threatening travel bans and sanctions against ICC officials, calling the court an 'intolerable threat to U.S. sovereignty.' The move escalates ongoing tensions over the ICC's probes into U.S. and Israeli actions.

4. 4
   Immigration

   Haitian TPS Expiration Pushed to July 24

   The federal government has temporarily delayed the termination of Temporary Protected Status for over 350,000 Haitians, moving the deadline from July 10 to July 24, 2026. The extension comes amid ongoing legal battles stemming from former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to end the designation. A district court stay currently prevents the administration from deporting those affected.

5. 5
   Law Enforcement

   Fatal ICE Shooting Sparks Protests

   Protests have erupted following the fatal shooting of a man by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Houston, Texas. Lawmakers, including Representative Sylvia Garcia, held news conferences demanding accountability, while demonstrations spread to other states like Maine. The incident is intensifying scrutiny over ICE's enforcement tactics and high-speed pursuits.

6. 6
   Federal Grants

   Lawmakers Push Back on Politicized Science Grants

   A coalition of more than forty California lawmakers is demanding the Office of Management and Budget rescind a proposed rule altering federal financial assistance. Representatives argue the new regulation would allow political appointees to control scientific research grants. Critics warn the policy could compromise independent research and prioritize partisan agendas over objective science.