A summer of indictmentshas set the stage for a fall dominated by legal proceedings, as former President Trump and other high-profile Republicans defend themselves against what they claim is a tainted justice system.
Why it matters: The dizzying headlines already pouring out of D.C., Georgia, Florida and New York will accelerate over the coming months, testing the public's patience for a notoriously slow and complex legal process.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is facing heat from fellow Republicans over his health status in the wake of several public freeze-ups.
Why it matters: McConnell's allies are closing ranks, butthe dissent from some Senate conservatives presents a rare public display of party disunity in a body known for its discretion and gentility.
New York's attorney general asked the state's supreme court on Tuesday to sanction former President Trump, his oldest sons Eric and Don Jr. and other business and legal associates for $20,000 over raising "previously-rejected arguments" in motions.
Why it matters: The filings related to James' $250 million civil fraud lawsuit against Trump, his sons, his business and many other associates over alleged false and misleading valuations of business assets.
One month after wildfires in Hawai'i ravaged the entire town of Lahaina and other parts of Maui, the local community is suffering a fresh layer of hardship on top of the trauma: a severe economic downturn.
The big picture: Locals and government officials have a new message: Come to Hawai'i, come to Maui. But be respectful and don't try to visit the Lahaina area or west side of the island.
A federal court struck down Alabama Republicans' latest congressional map on Tuesday for failing to comply with a Supreme Court order to increase the voting power of the state's Black residents.
Driving the news: The three-judge panel decided that the Alabama legislature failed to comply with the Voting Rights Act, which requires providing minority voters with "an equal opportunity to participate in the political process."
Seven defendants charged in the Fulton County, Georgia, election subversion case, including former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, multipleoutletsreported.
Why it matters: Now, all 19 defendants in the case over alleged efforts to overturn the state's 2020 election results have pleaded not guilty.
President Biden's support among Hispanic and Black voters may be dwindling from 2020, according to analysis by the New York Times, as he faces the prospect of a rematch with former President Trump in 2024.
Why it matters: Bidenwon the support ofmore than 70% of Black and Hispanic voters during the 2020 election, but a compilation of polls over the last year show that support deteriorating heading into 2024.
Dominican Americans, one of the fastest growing U.S. Latino groups, have rarely cracked federal office — although that could start to change with a special congressional election in Rhode Islandthat includes two Dominican American candidates.
Driving the news:Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and state Sen. Ana Quezada, both Dominican Americans, are among the field of candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the race for former Rep. David Cicilline's open House seat.
Congress’ attending physician Tuesday said there's “no evidence” of a "seizure disorder or stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson's disease" leading to freeze-ups by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.).
Why it matters: The revelation came in a letter released by the Kentucky senator’s office just hours before the Senate is scheduled to return from a month-long recess.
Truth Social, former President Trump's social media platform, got a major reprieve on Tuesday, courtesy of shareholders in the blank-check company seeking to take it public.
Driving the news: Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC) will get another 12 months to complete its troubled merger with Trump Media & Technology Group.
President Biden and former President Trump have identical ratings in a new WSJ poll: 39% of registered voters view them favorably, while 58% view them unfavorably.
Why it matters: Many analysts believed so many voters had turned against Trump that it would be difficult for him to win a general election. But the WSJ poll finds 49% view Biden very unfavorably, just behind Trump's 52%.
Tensions between the Biden administration and local Democrats are coming to a head as shelters around the country overflow and thousands of immigrants arrive in major cities.
Why it matters: PresidentBiden is stuck between growing calls to help the Democratic-controlled cities, the politics of the vulnerable issue and what the administration views as legal handcuffs prohibiting much action.
President Biden has decided to nominate former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to serve as U.S. ambassador to Israel, the White House said in a statement. Lew's expected nomination was first reported on Axios.
Why it matters: The fact that Biden decided to nominate a senior figure like Lew, who held several cabinet positions in the past, as the new ambassador shows the importance he gives to the post in Jerusalem in general and especially at the current time.
Suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will stand trial in the state Senate this week as lawmakers decide if he should return to his position.
Why it matters: Regardless of the outcome, the trial will be historic. Paxton is the third state official in Texas history to be impeached, following Gov. James "Pa" Ferguson in 1917 and a district judge in 1975.
The Biden campaign plans to place a new TV ad targeted to battleground states during the NFL season opener Thursday, a source working with the campaign told Axios. The spot is part of a broader $25 million campaign that will focus on the president's economic record and last through December.
Why it matters: A new Wall Street Journal poll out Monday finds a majority of American voters disapprove of the president's handling of the economy and inflation.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un is set to travel to Russia this month to discuss with President Vladimir Putin supplying weapons for the Kremlin's war on Ukraine, the New York Times first reported Monday.
The big picture: News of Kim's rare trip abroad comes as Moscow officials said they're discussing inaugural joint naval exercises with their Pyongyang counterparts and after the White House expressed concern about deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea.
First lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, but she's "experiencing only mild symptoms" and will remain at home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, her spokesperson announced Monday night.
Details: President Biden tested negative for the virus and "will test at a regular cadence this week and monitor for symptoms," per a White House statement.
President Biden is "too old" to run for re-election in 2024, 73% of registered voters told a poll for the Wall Street Journal that was published Monday.
Why it matters: This compares to 47% of voters who said the same about his close 2024 election rival former President Trump, who at 77 years old is only three years younger than Biden.
