Politics

WASHINGTON — In a speech that left the Senate chamber unusually attentive, Mitch McConnell took to the floor Wednesday and delivered an animated address that even longtime colleagues described as a striking display of the Kentucky senator’s famed command of rhetoric.

Washington - President Donald Trump paid his respects at a closed memorial service for Sen. Mitch McConnell, according to people familiar with the event, in a somber gathering that reflected both the senator’s long public career and the guarded tone surrounding his recent health concerns. The service was not open to the public, and few details were released about the guest list or the remarks delivered inside. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed Elizabeth Colbert Busch to temporarily fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant after the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, placing a longtime figure in the state’s business and political circles at the center of an expedited succession process. President Donald Trump praised the decision, calling the pick a strong choice for the state as South Carolina prepares for a special election later this year.

WASHINGTON — After years of maintaining one of the busiest schedules in the Senate, Sen. Mitch McConnell is taking what aides describe as a long-overdue vacation, following persistent encouragement from his staff to step away from work for a period of rest.

According to a spokesperson, McConnell initially resisted the idea, preferring to remain focused on legislative matters and constituent responsibilities. Staff members, however, reportedly spent weeks convincing the senator that taking time off would ultimately benefit both his well-being and his work.

Washington - Federal authorities said they are still searching for a clear motive following a reported assassination attempt targeting President Donald Trump, according to remarks made Sunday by FBI Director Kash Patel.

Speaking to reporters during a brief press availability, Patel said investigators have yet to determine why the suspect allegedly attempted to harm the president. “I doubt we’ll ever find a motive,” Patel said, adding that the case remains under active investigation.

WASHINGTON — A document described as an internal Department of Justice memorandum, circulating among senior officials late last week, suggests Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. has privately considered stepping down from the bench to explore a possible run for the White House.

Sacramento - Congressman Eric Swalwell today said he will end his campaign for California governor and resign from Congress later this month, citing a “strategic recalibration” ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.

Washington - President Donald Trump threatened Tuesday to “cut off all ties” with Congress if lawmakers move forward on a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting his authority to initiate military action without prior approval.

Washington — A deposition involving former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly descended into brief chaos Thursday after Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) allegedly shared a photo of the closed proceeding with a right-wing media personality, prompting an angry outburst and a temporary halt to the session.

ATLANTA — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard arrived at the Georgia Elections Center late Sunday evening wearing a striking sheer blue gown. The occasion, reportedly linked to a federal inspection of election security protocols, quickly drew national attention both for its operational significance and its unusual optics.