The top political headlines for Thursday, August 13, 2026.

1. 1
   White House

   Karoline Leavitt Steps Down as Press Secretary

   White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced her resignation, stepping down at the end of the month to spend more time with her young children. Her departure leaves the Trump administration searching for a new lead spokesperson just three months before the pivotal midterm elections.

2. 2
   Immigration

   ICE Unveils Plan for Electric Shock Gloves

   Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to spend up to $20 million equipping officers with "G.L.O.V.E." devices that deliver painful electric shocks to uncooperative individuals. The announcement has sparked outrage among Democrats and civil rights advocates who call the nonlethal tool unnecessary and cruel.

3. 3
   Elections

   Crowley Wins Wisconsin Governor Primary

   Establishment-backed Democrat David Crowley narrowly defeated Democratic socialist Francesca Hong for the party's gubernatorial nomination in Wisconsin. The razor-thin victory highlights a deep divide within the Democratic party ahead of the November midterm elections.

4. 4
   2028 Elections

   Democrats Finalize 2028 Primary Calendar

   The Democratic National Committee is gathering in Austin, Texas, to give final approval to the 2028 presidential primary calendar. The new schedule permanently cements South Carolina as the first voting state, reflecting an effort to empower diverse voters and officially ending the reign of the Iowa caucuses.

5. 5
   Congress

   Rep. Pallone Expands Surveillance Pricing Probe

   Representative Frank Pallone has expanded his congressional inquiry into corporate "surveillance pricing," issuing letters to eight U.S. airlines. Pallone's probe seeks to uncover whether airlines are utilizing customers' personal data to adjust ticket prices individually.

6. 6
   Foreign Policy

   U.S. Condemns West Bank Settler Siege

   U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee strongly condemned the actions of Jewish settlers who are blockading the home of an American Palestinian family in the occupied West Bank. Huckabee referred to the ongoing siege as a "horrific act of terror."