The latest on the pause of a controversial federal settlement fund, key primaries in six states, and a major appeals court ruling on military service.

1. 1
   Justice Department

   DOJ Pauses $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund Amid Backlash

   The Justice Department agreed to abide by a federal court order temporarily halting the Trump administration's controversial $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces intense questioning from Congress as bipartisan backlash mounts. Lawmakers have expressed concern that the fund could be used to compensate individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.

2. 2
   Primary Elections

   Voters Head to Polls for Primaries in Six States

   Voters in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota are casting ballots in primary elections today. Key races include competitive gubernatorial primaries in California and Iowa, as well as a closely watched mayoral race in Los Angeles. The outcomes will set the stage for crucial congressional and state-level battles in the November midterms.

3. 3
   Federal Courts

   Appeals Court Rules Transgender Military Ban Illegal

   A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled that the Trump administration's policy banning transgender individuals from military service is illegal. The 2-1 decision from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals marks a significant legal setback for the administration's military agenda. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has already indicated plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

4. 4
   Foreign Policy

   Secretary of State Marco Rubio Testifies on Iran Conflict

   Secretary of State Marco Rubio is testifying before Congress for the first time since the United States entered into a military conflict with Iran earlier this year. Rubio faces back-to-back hearings before House and Senate committees to defend the State Department's budget and address the fragile ceasefire. Lawmakers from both parties are increasingly frustrated with the war's costs and the administration's shifting diplomatic goals.

5. 5
   White House

   Trump Signals Optimism for Iran Peace Deal

   President Donald Trump stated that a peace agreement with Iran to extend the current ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within the next week. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations despite recent regional hostilities. To help secure the deal, the President also urged Israel and Hezbollah to halt their fighting in Lebanon.

6. 6
   Immigration

   Administration Moves to Hollow Out ICE Watchdog

   The Trump administration has significantly reduced the capacity of the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, an independent oversight unit within the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration advocates warn that the hollowing out of the watchdog has led to worsening conditions in detention centers as the detainee population grows to over 60,000. The move severely limits independent inspections of immigration detention facilities.