By Jill Nolin | Editor
The FBI has urgently deployed 260 analysts to join what it is calling a “priority” investigation into the 2020 presidential election in Fulton County.
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., looks on as Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference in front of the U.S. Capitol on May 19, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
2020 ELECTION
By Maya Homan
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is reassigning hundreds of analysts to assist with an ongoing investigation into Fulton County’s 2020 election records, according to an internal memo first obtained by MS Now. The case is a “priority effort” for FBI Director Kash Patel.
Roughly 260 intelligence officers will be directed to the case from all FBI field offices, MS Now is reporting. Each analyst will be expected to check a total of 708 records by July 17. The memo authorized weekend and holiday overtime pay, according to MS Now.
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., looks on as Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference in front of the U.S. Capitol on May 19, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
VOTING
By David Lightman
The long, often agonizing struggle for Black political clout in Washington faces a new, uncertain and potentially troublesome chapter.
Black political power in the nation’s capital is centered on the Congressional Black Caucus. In the U.S. House, the caucus has enough members to comprise roughly-one fourth of the votes needed to reach a 218-vote majority, including some of the most senior and influential Democrats in Congress. Their numbers and cohesion have been enough to push landmark legislation such as the Affordable Care Act across the line.
But the April 29 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais narrowing the scope of the federal Voting Rights Act, as well as this year’s aggressive Republican redrawing of congressional district lines in conservative states, is a serious threat to Black political momentum. Analysts see more than 20 caucus members possibly at risk of losing their seats.
Merchandise tied to America’s 250th birthday is sold in a stall at Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., on June 30, 2026. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/States Newsroom)
DC BUREAU
By Ashley Murray
What’s more American than apple pie? Capitalism. And an array of merchandise and influence is on sale for the 250th birthday of the United States.
An America250 $275 Liberty Lux American Prosperity decorative throw pillow, anyone? How about a $25 Freedom 250 youth tee?
America250, a commission created by Congress a decade ago, and Freedom 250, President Donald Trump’s entity formed last year, each operate on their own respective tracks as a nonprofit and as a limited liability company. Both are employing staff, soliciting corporate donors and spending taxpayer funds.
Empty tables line the pier at Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where a drop in Canadian visitors has affected business. Nationally, leisure and hospitality jobs dipped 61,000 in June, reflecting slower seasonal hiring. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline)
ECONOMY
By Tim Henderson
Job growth slowed in June to an increase of 57,000 after three straight months of gaining more than 100,000, according to a new report released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job gains were also revised down from 172,000 to 129,000 for May, and from 179,000 to 148,000 for April.
The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2% — the lowest since June 2025, when it was 4.1%.
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ICYMI FROM THE RECORDER
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