Democrats see signs of a comeback -- from polls to ballot boxes

Interim US Attorney Lindsey Halligan suggested that the Biden-appointed judge overseeing the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey violated judicial conduct rules by questioning if she was a 'puppet' of President Trump.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair James Risch (R-Idaho) objected to a request by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to commemorate slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington, calling it 'inappropriate.' Khashoggi, a Virginia resident, was murdered in 2018, and Kaine's request aimed to honor his legacy amid ongoing discussions about human rights and accountability.

House lawmakers have gathered sufficient signatures to compel a vote on a bill aimed at reversing President Trump's executive order that ended collective bargaining rights for a majority of federal workers. This legislative move seeks to restore those rights and enhance labor protections for federal employees.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) appeared on Meet the Press NOW to discuss the implications of a federal court blocking a new congressional map in Texas, which was designed at the request of President Trump. She emphasized the importance of blue states continuing the fight for fair redistricting ahead of the midterm elections and shared her considerations regarding a potential Senate run.

Elon Musk and Nvidia have announced a partnership with a Saudi state-backed firm to establish a large-scale AI data center. This development coincides with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington, where the U.S. government appears to have facilitated Saudi Arabia's acquisition of American semiconductors. The collaboration aims to enhance AI capabilities and infrastructure in the region.

The latest NPR, PBS News, Marist poll indicates a decline in approval ratings for Republicans, reflecting low confidence in both major political parties among voters. This trend suggests a challenging political landscape as the midterm elections approach.

Saudi Arabia is releasing U.S. citizen Saad Almadi, who was jailed for five months due to social media posts critical of the royal family. His release follows a bilateral meeting between President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington, D.C. Almadi, 75, immigrated to the U.S. in 1976 and was arrested during a family visit in 2021.

The first confirmed case of the H5N5 bird flu strain in the United States has been reported in Washington state. A resident is currently hospitalized with this rare avian influenza strain, which has not been previously seen in humans.