A Trump-backed Matt Van Epps secured a closely watched congressional seat in Tennessee, giving the GOP an important win as both parties position themselves for 2026. The race had drawn national attention after Democrats invested heavily in flipping the district. The victory reinforces President Trump’s influence over Republican primary voters and shows the continued strength of his endorsements in competitive regions. Party strategists say the result gives Republicans a small but meaningful boost heading into the next legislative session, where the balance of power remains narrow.
During a Cabinet meeting, President Trump stated that the Pentagon will take the fight to land-based narco-terrorist operations, signaling a hardened security position as cross-border trafficking intensifies. He framed the move as essential to protecting American sovereignty, while defense officials stressed that final operational details are still under deliberation. The potential shift raises questions about the scope of military engagement in regions dominated by cartel networks, as well as future cooperation with foreign governments that may be affected by expanded U.S. counter-terror operations.
Attorneys for Luigi Mangione are seeking to block several pieces of evidence from being used in his upcoming trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In a series of hearings, defense counsel argued that investigators acted outside proper legal boundaries and that the contested evidence would prejudice a fair trial. Prosecutors countered that all procedures were lawful and that the materials in question are central to the state's case. The judge is expected to rule on admissibility ahead of formal jury selection. The decision will determine how much of the prosecution’s narrative reaches the courtroom.
Congressional Republicans are divided after Pete Hegseth’s reported authorization of a "double tap" strike on a narco-trafficking target in the Caribbean. Some in the party defended the action as a decisive move against violent criminal networks, while others urged caution and requested a formal review of whether the engagement complied with U.S. and international law. Multiple committees have already launched inquiries to determine the chain of command, rules of engagement, and intelligence assessments that preceded the strike. The growing rift reflects broader tensions within the GOP over national security strategy and executive authority.
