Democrats' disaster scenario: Lawmakers despondent over "sickening" Virginia ruling "Democrats now have to pitch a perfect game," one lawmaker told Axios. Axios · May 8
Virginia Supreme Court throws out redistricting referendum results The ruling upends one of the most closely watched redistricting fights in the country. Axios · May 8
Texas’ 35th Congressional District primary runoffs: Who is running and what to know Two Democrats and two Republicans advanced to May runoffs for the open San Antonio-area seat, which was drawn to favor the GOP yet is considered winnable for Democrats in a wave year. The Texas Tribune · May 8
By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas cities The governor’s threats have produced quick wins on hot-button issues important to the GOP base – immigration and perceived threats posed by Islam. The Texas Tribune · May 8
California dysfunction puts backlash on the ballot Years of visible dysfunction have hollowed out Democrats' case for competent leadership. Axios · May 8
Pope Leo XIV sought a pastoral role in his first year, but verbal sparring with Trump intervened In his first year as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV seems driven not by the dramatic gesture or tensions that often fueled the papacy of his predecessor, but by a calm, persistent zeal to preach the Gospel and emphasize community and harmony The Independent UK · May 8
Potholes – that’s what voters care about. But you wouldn’t know it from the local elections coverage As I bounced dangerously around a Sussex road, I was reminded of the parlous state of our highways – and the serious neglect of local issues, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins The Guardian - UK · May 8
US launches a review of Mexican consulates that could lead to closures The Trump administration is conducting a review of the 53 Mexican consulates in the United States The Independent UK · May 8
DeSantis says 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center always was meant to be temporary Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” always was meant to be temporary The Independent UK · May 7
The Democratic civil war is just getting started for Chuck Schumer With a fury "not comprehended in the least by a lot of folks in D.C.," one strategist said. Axios · May 7
Trump Faces US Trade Defeat: Court Rules 10% Tariff Rejected Amid $166 Billion Crisis A federal panel has blocked President Trump's 10% tariff on imports, citing legal overreach. This decision may lead to a £131 billion refund to importers, impacting the administration's trade strategy. International Business Times UK · May 7
US Court of International Trade Rules Against Trump's Section 122 Tariffs The 2-1 decision concludes Trump's massive new tariffs are illegal because there is no "balance of payments deficit" of the kind needed to authorize them. Reason · May 7
Trump upends Democrats' strategy on Iran war powers "Who knows how many times Trump could change his position between now and then?" one lawmaker said. Axios · May 7
New York to tax luxury second homes in NYC but stops short of hiking income taxes on the wealthy New York state lawmakers are expected to place a new tax on luxury second homes in New York City, appeasing Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his progressive base as he moves to fund his ambitious agenda on the backs of the rich The Independent UK · May 7
International Business Times · May 7 Marco Rubio And Pope Leo XIV Agree On The Need To 'Work Tirelessly In Favor Of Peace' Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday in a visit that placed one of the Trump administration's most visible Catholic officials face-to-face with the first American pope after the President openly criticized the pontiff.
We Got This Covered · May 7 ‘People in Colorado being deprived of water’: Thomas Massie exposes the White House’s pressure campaign on Lauren Boebert over the Epstein petition Party lines only hold for so long.
The Guardian - US · May 7 Southern Poverty Law Center pleads not guilty in federal fraud case Prosecutors allege SPLC funneled over $3m to sources in extremist groups but legal experts say case is weak
Latin Times · May 7 Bill O'Reilly is Latest Conservative Figure to Cite 'Anger' in Trump Base Over Iran: 'Got to Move it or Midterms Are Lost' "The growing anger in the United States," O'Reilly said, combined with "$5 a gallon" gasoline prices could have electoral consequences for Republicans
The Guardian - US · May 7 Tennessee Republicans redraw maps to erase last Democratic, Black-majority district Move comes days after supreme court ruling weakened Voting Rights Act protections against racial gerrymandering
International Business Times · May 7 Trump's GOP Faces Lower Voter Enthusiasm Than Democrats Ahead of Midterms, Poll Shows Multiple polls have shown Democrats are more motivated to vote, while Republicans are lagging compared with previous midterm cycles.
The Independent UK · May 7 Americans would trade most of their yearly income for peace of mind Financial worries and economic instability drive consumers’ willingness to pay considerable cash for calm
The Independent UK · May 7 Second federal appeals court rejects Trump's no-bond immigration detentions, deepening circuit split An Atlanta-based appeals court has rejected a no-bond policy implemented by the Trump administration for people in immigration proceedings
We Got This Covered · May 7 Donald Trump tells America how he is using the military – to fix his phone’s autocorrect This is what the U.S. army has been reduced to?
The Independent UK · May 7 Comey asks court to cancel upcoming appearance over Trump threat case Comey was indicted last week on two counts of allegedly ‘knowingly and willfully’ transmitting a threat against Trump
The Guardian - UK · May 7 If Labour now decides the PM is no longer up to the job, there’s just one problem: neither is anyone else Whoever leads Britain through the next three years may have to navigate a recession, even a war. The way we choose that person needs an urgent overhaul, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff