DOJ will pause $1.8 billion fund, per court order. And, key primaries to watch today
Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. The Justice Department says it will abide by a federal court order that puts funds for the Trum
Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.
The Justice Department says it will abide by a federal court order that puts funds for the Trump administration's nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization program on hold. The administration says the fund would compensate people who allege they were targeted by the federal government. The fund has faced bipartisan backlash and concerns that it would be used to pay people convicted for storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies during a Senate appropriations hearing on May 19, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption
Six states — California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota and New Mexico — hold primaries today. California and Iowa are drawing particular attention, with competitive gubernatorial primaries in each state. In California, the top two candidates will advance, regardless of party. In both states, the Democratic Party sees a potential road map to control of Congress in the fall. Here are the key races to watch .
President Trump said he secured pledges from Israel and Hezbollah to pause fighting after Iran said it would suspend peace talks with the U.S. over Israel's offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran's announcement came after Israel's military warned residents in southern Beirut to leave ahead of planned airstrikes.
"I Voted" stickers are seen as a person casts their ballot in Philadelphia in Pennsylvania's primary election on May 19. Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images hide caption
As primary elections roll through the U.S., some lawmakers are speaking out against closed, single-party primaries. In these elections, only registered voters of a particular party can cast a ballot in their party's primary. Critics say the system limits voter choice and rewards party loyalty. Here's how single-party primaries could reshape Congress :
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