More Republicans are breaking with Trump. Is it conscience or politics? Congressional Democrats say GOP majority is unraveling, but moves may in fact be aimed at retaining power The Guardian - US · Jun 6
Democrats’ key to a Senate take-back is mired in scandal as party leaders brush off claims of abusing women and racist tattoo ANALYSIS: The dead-heat race between Susan Collins and Graham Platner just got a new wrinkle amid a slew of fresh news reports about a Maine oysterman’s treatment of women, as well as his infamous “Totenkopf” tattoo. Eric Garcia reports on the effect of it all on Democrats’ chances to flip… The Independent UK · Jun 5
Democrats Reportedly Rattled Following New Revelations About Maine Senatorial Candidate Graham Platner Maine Democrats worry that a series of revelations about Senate Candidate Graham Platner and his past dealings with women might sink his campaign. International Business Times · Jun 5
Four Senate Republicans Block SAVE Act in Latest Split With Trump as Fellow GOP Senator Says They 'Betrayed Their Constituents' Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell and Thom Tillis voted with Democrats to prevent it from being attached to the immigration enforcement funding package Latin Times · Jun 5
Eight Senate Republicans broke ranks this week. John Cornyn, spurned by Trump in his primary, didn’t. The Texas senator’s defeat to Ken Paxton sparked talk he’d join the “YOLO Caucus” of Republicans defecting from Donald Trump. This week, he sided with Senate GOP leadership on every key vote. The Texas Tribune · Jun 5
US Senate passes new funds for ICE and Border Patrol Senators have approved funding for US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown after hours of arguing over his controversial "anti-weaponisation" fund. AAP · Jun 5
US visa laws do not target India; H-1B rules part of global framework, clarifies State Dept official A senior US State Department official stated that US visa laws are applied uniformly across all countries, including India, dispelling concerns about H-1B visas and immigration policies. The US aims to balance job opportunities for its citizens with facilitating necessary foreign talent for investment and economic growth. The Economic Times · Jun 5
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner rejects new allegations of abusive behavior Platner says claims in New York Times article of physical misconduct and offensive remarks ‘politically motivated’ The Guardian - US · Jun 4
Senate Republicans narrowly block bid to bar Trump’s $1.8bn fund to pay allies Three GOP senators join Democrats as dispute over proposed payouts exposes party divisions The Guardian - US · Jun 4
Trump’s new hire fractures MAGA media Many of the president's stalwart allies won't defend his choice of Bill Pulte as director of national intelligence Salon · Jun 3
US DHS chief Mullin signals flexibility on $100,000 H-1B visa fee Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated the DHS can waive a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee in specific cases, potentially easing employer recruitment costs. He also expressed support for streamlining the return process for compliant seasonal H-2B visa workers, acknowledging the need for congressional action on broader visa program changes. The Economic Times · Jun 3
More than two lakh H-1B applicants paid $100,000 for entry to US, says DHS US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin revealed over two lakh applicants paid USD 100,000 for faster H-1B visa processing in fiscal year 2026. This fee allows for processing in about 15 days. Senator Susan Collins raised concerns about rural doctor shortages and asked about fee exemptions for medical professionals. Senator… The Economic Times · Jun 3
Democrats backing Platner for Maine Senate despite news of sexting infidelity Challenger to Susan Collins has already cited PTSD for bigoted online posts and covered up Nazi tattoo The Guardian - US · Jun 2
Republicans balk at Trump’s attempt to appoint a MAGA enforcer to lead National Intelligence ANALYSIS: Trump’s cold reception comes after the GOP killed his ‘slush fund’ and angered plenty in the Senate Republican conference, Eric Garcia writes The Independent UK · Jun 2
International Business Times UK · Jun 1 Graham Platner's Wife Amy Gertner Collects Campaign Paycheque While Defending Husband In Sexting Scandal Maine Democratic Senate candidate faces mounting pressure as wife reveals she was paid by campaign when disclosing explicit messages
International Business Times UK · Jun 1 Trump Backs Down From Multi-Billion Dollar IRS Settlement Account Following Intense Congressional Rebellion President Trump drops the £1.4 billion Anti-Weaponisation Fund following bipartisan opposition, legal challenges, and criticism from former Vice President Pence, marking a significant setback in his second term.
The Independent UK · Jun 1 As scandal rocks Maine Democrat another seat in the heart of Trump country may be do-or-die ANALYSIS: The former swing state turned scarlet red. Now, reports Eric Garcia, Democrats feel they have a chance in the Hawkeye State thanks to Trump’s tariffs
International Business Times · Jun 1 Graham Platner's Wife Calls Coverage of Explicit Texts "Shameful" Amid Scrutiny Of Maine Democrat Graham Platner's wife is publicly defending the Maine Democratic Senate hopeful after reports that he exchanged sexually explicit messages with women during their marriage, calling the coverage of the private texts "shameful."
The Independent UK · Jun 1 Maine Senate hopeful’s wife breaks silence on ‘Sexting’ claims as campaign rocked by fresh scandal This marks the latest controversy to embroil the Maine Democrat’s high-stakes Senate campaign
The Independent UK · May 30 Graham Platner’s wife told his Senate campaign he sent sexually explicit texts to several women, report says Platner’s wife said she and her husband had overcome the hurdle and that their marriage was ‘stronger than ever before’
The Guardian - US · May 30 Democrats have fresh hope to win back Senate – could they really pull it off? North Carolina, Ohio, Maine and Alaska are key targets for a party bullish after a bruising Republican primary in Texas
We Got This Covered · May 29 Maine Senate candidate had a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol, but House Democrats are split on whether it should disqualify him Platner insists he never knew what it meant.
The Independent UK · May 26 Boston Red Sox’s TV network pulls ad of Senate candidate who criticized the team New England Sports Network removed Graham Platner’s 15-second ad midway through Red Sox game last week
The Independent UK · May 20 Trump got his revenge on ‘disloyal’ Republicans in primaries. It leaves his party weaker in the midterms ANALYSIS: Trump’s singular focus on exacting revenge already put one Senate seat at risk. Eric Garcia reveals how he now risks putting another one at risk
The Times of India · May 20 Four of Trump’s allies break ranks, side with Democrats on vote against Iran war Four Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution against President Trump's actions in Iran, highlighting congressional concerns over his authority. The symbolic vote underscores a growing divide as lawmakers question the administration's transparency and justification for continued military operations. Despite the measure's limited enforcement power, it signals increasing…