The top U.S. political stories for Monday morning.

1. 1
   White House

   Trump Cancels Major Iran Strikes Pending Negotiations

   President Trump announced he is calling off massive planned strikes on Iran at the request of Middle Eastern nations [1.4.1]. Trump claimed that a deal to denuclearize Tehran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, with mediated talks set to begin in Oman. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the U.S. military had been poised to execute the attacks over the weekend.

2. 2
   Justice Department

   Todd Blanche Advances AG Nomination with GOP Deal

   Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has reached a deal with Republican senators who were blocking his formal confirmation. Blanche formally rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund after weeks of negotiations with GOP holdouts, including Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. The move paves the way for his confirmation vote to proceed.

3. 3
   Congress

   Senate Leaders Unveil Stopgap Bill to Avert Shutdown

   Key senators have introduced a short-term spending bill to fund federal agencies through December 11, aiming to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the 2026 midterms. The bipartisan measure excludes the White House's request for $1 billion to build new Trump-class battleships. Lawmakers are rushing to pass the extension before leaving for their traditional August recess.

4. 4
   House of Representatives

   Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur Hospitalized After Crash

   Ohio Democratic Representative Marcy Kaptur has been hospitalized following a hit-and-run car crash. The incident occurred over the weekend, prompting an outpouring of support from colleagues. Details regarding her current medical condition have not yet been publicly released.

5. 5
   Immigration

   Democrats Walk Back Support for Laken Riley Act

   Several Democratic lawmakers are walking back their previous support for the Laken Riley Act. The political shift comes in response to mounting criticism from progressive and immigration advocacy groups as the midterm elections approach.

6. 6
   In Memoriam

   Former Texas Rep. Kay Granger Dies at 83

   Kay Granger, the former House Appropriations Committee chairwoman and the first Republican woman from Texas to win a House seat, has died at the age of 83. Her passing marks the end of a trailblazing political career in Texas and Washington.