The GOP Leads Congressional Approval Rating

WASHINGTON – Congressional Republicans’ approval rating outperformed their Democratic counterparts for the second time this year, according to the latest Fox News national survey. Bernie Bennett has this report.

VERBATIM:
Thirty-three percent of registered voters approve of the job Democrats in Congress are doing (66% disapprove), up 3 points from a near record-low 30% in March.

While their Republican colleagues garner a higher 38% approval rating (61% disapproval), that’s down 5 points from a record-high 43% six months ago.

The decline in congressional Republican approval comes from within: 76% of self-identified GOPers approve, but that’s down from 88% in March. And while congressional Democrats earn the approval from just 58% of self-identified Democrats, that’s up from 49% six months ago.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Russian Earthquake

MOSCOW (AP) – The U.S. Geological Survey reported a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck early Saturday near the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka region. Bernie Bennett has this report.

OUT CUE: That’s correspondent Bernie Bennett reporting.

VERBATIM:
The quake’s epicenter was 69.3 miles east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and had a depth of 39 kms, according to the USGS.

There were no immediate reports of injuries of major damages.

Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula was hit by five powerful quakes – the largest with a magnitude of 7.4 – on July 20, 2025.

House-Defense Bill

On Wednesday, The House passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, with a bipartisan amendment to repeal two laws authorizing the use of military force in Iraq. Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM:
The legislation, which authorizes funding and sets policy for the U.S. military, passed 231 to 196. Four Republicans opposed the bill while 17 Democrats joined the rest of the GOP in voting for it.

The AUMF amendment would repeal the 2002 Iraq War and 1991 Gulf War authorizations… as well as make it more difficult for presidents to bypass Congress on military actions.

Lawmakers voted 261 to 167 to pull the AUMFs, which critics say have been abused by presidents as they grant the commander-in-chief authority to use military force without issuing a formal declaration of war.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

DC Changes Gun Laws

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal prosecutors in the nation’s capital will no longer bring felony charges against people for possessing rifles or shotguns in the District of Columbia, according to a new policy adopted by the leader of the nation’s largest U.S. attorney’s office.

VERBATIM:
That office will continue to pursue charges when someone is accused of using a shotgun or rifle in a violent crime or has a criminal record that makes it illegal to have a firearm. Local authorities in Washington can prosecute people for illegally possessing unregistered rifles and shotguns.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement that the change is based on guidance from the Justice Department and the Office of Solicitor General and conforms with two Supreme Court decisions on gun rights. The new policy also coves large-capacity magazines, but does not apply to handguns.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

New House Member Sworn In

WASHINGTON – Fairfax County Virginia Supervisor James Walkinshaw was sworn in to the House on Wednesday, further narrowing House Speaker Mike Johnson’s razor-thin majority. More on this from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
Walkinshaw said Wednesday in a post on X, “Honored to be sworn in today to represent VA-11 in Congress. Fairfax families will always come first. Grateful to my wife Yvette and our son Mateo for their love and support every step of the way.”

With Walkinshaw, the former chief of staff of late Democrat Congressman Gerry Connolly sworn in, Speaker Johnson’s majority has narrowed 219-213, meaning he can only afford to lose two GOP votes on any party-line bill.

There are three vacant seats.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Hurricane Kiko Approaches Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) – Hurricane Kiko has weakened into a tropical storm but still could create life-threatening surf and rip currents in Hawaii. More details from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
The storm was forecast to pass to the north of the Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday as it continues to weaken. The threat of direct impacts on the islands has decreased, though people in Hawaii are asked to monitor the storm’s progress in case circumstances change.

With maximum sustained winds around 45 mph, Kiko was centered roughly 215 miles north-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and about 300 miles east-northeast of Honolulu.

The storm was traveling west-northwest at 14 mph.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Texas Elections Investigation

HOUSTON (AP) – Nine people have pleaded not guilty to felony charges brought forth in a rural Texas county by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton as part of a widening elections investigation.
Correspondent Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM:
The probe is being criticized by Latino rights activists as being politically driven.

The nine people, who were indicted in June, appeared either in person or by Zoom during a court hearing on Wednesday in Pearsall, Texas, before state District Judge Sid Harle.

Those indicted include a former mayor and city council member and the chief of staff to a state representative. The indictments are the latest development in an investigation Paxton started to root out voter fraud, which is rare.

In May, six other people were indicted as part of Paxton’s investigation.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Deputies Shot in Virginia

GRETNA, Virginia (AP) – Three sheriff’s deputies who were shot while executing warrants in southern Virginia were “shaken up” but doing well. Bernie Bennett has this report.

VERBATIM:
Pittsylvania County Sheriff Michael Taylor says the warrants were for brandishing a firearm and trespassing. The depubites were also serving a protective order.

After the all clear, Sheriff Taylor told reporters there was an hour-long standoff, but it ended peacefully and with the suspected shooter in custody.

Republican Congressman John McGuire, who represents Virginia’s 5th congressional district, said in a post on X that his thoughts and prayers were with deputies and he also extended his thoughts and prayers to their families.

Pittsylvania County is located along the state’s southern border with North Carolina, about 98 miles northwest of Raleigh.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Mayor Bowser DIscusses President Trump

As National Guard troops deploy across her city as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to clamp down on crime, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is responding with relative restraint.

VERBATIM:
She’s called President Trump’s takeover of the city’s police department and his decision to activate 800 members of the guard “unsettling and unprecedented” and gone as far as to cast his efforts as part of an “authoritarian push.”

But Bowser has so far declined to respond with the kind of biting rhetoric and personal attacks typical of other high-profile Democratic leaders.

She even suggested the surge in resources might benefit the city and noted that limited home rule allows the federal government “to intrude on our autonomy in many ways.”

Bowser is in her third term as mayor of the Capital City.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Radio News Shows Profits after a 30 Year Low

Radio news profitability rises after a 30-year low. Details from Correspondent Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
The latest RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Survey found that radio news profitability rose to 13% in 2025. That has a rebound from last year’s 30-year Survey low of 10.1%.

Clear patterns of profitability are hard to identify. Stations in major markets are just as likely to profit from news as those in smaller markets, and the same holds true regardless of staff size. For whatever reason, stations in the South and Midwest are more likely to show a profit from news than stations in the Northeast or West.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

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Rep. Stefanik Gains on Gov. Hochul in Possible NY Governor Match-Up

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul lost a chunk of her gaping lead over a potential Republican challenger in the latest snapshot of a possible matchup for next year’s governor’s race. Correspondent Bernie Bennett has more details.

VERBATIM:
The Democratic incumbent led Rep. Elise Stefanik by 45% to 31% in a Siena College survey of voters released Tuesday, a 14-point edge that had shrunk from the 23-point lead Hochul held in a Siena poll from June.

Huge shares of voters in both polls declined to pick a favorite in the hypothetical race, showing a lot of room for shifts in either direction if the matchup takes place.

Stefanik, who has represented northeastern New York in the House for more than a decade, is weighing a 2026 run for governor and says she’ll announce her decision after this November’s elections for county and local offices in New York.

Fellow GOP Rep. Mike Lawler, who also considered entering the race, decided last month to run for re-election instead, clearing the field for now for Stefanik, if she opts to run.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Sen. Schumer Faces Low Favorability Ratings

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York saw his favorability rating dip in a poll released Tuesday, as many in the party call for generational changes. More on this from Correspondent Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
According to a Siena College poll, Schumer is at his lowest favorability rating, dating back to February 2005, at 38% who approve to 50% who disapprove. That’s a change from 41% and 47%, respectively, in June.

The Brooklyn native is also down with New York City voters, 39%-46%.

Following Democrats’ major losses in 2024, many in the party have begun pushing for a generational shift, calling for younger voices in office, as many established members face primaries from the younger generation heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

The Posse-Comitatus Act

President Donald Trump’s recent actions have sparked debate over the Posse Comitatus Act, a law from 1878 that limits military involvement in domestic affairs.

VERBATIM:
On Tuesday, about 800 National Guard troops arrived in Washington, D.C., after President Trump declared that they were needed to reduce crime in the Disrict. Meanwhile, a California judge is reviewing whether Mr. Trump’s federalization of Guard personnel in Los Angeles during immigration protests violated this law.

The Posse Comitatus Act prevents the military from enforcing domestic laws unless bypassed by Congress or under the Insurrection Act. Experts say the law’s enforcement has clear limitations and remains largely untested.

Posse Comitatus can be bypassed by a congressional vote or in order to defend the Constitution.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Alaska’s History of Summits

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – When U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in Alaska on Friday, it will be the latest chapter in the 49th state’s long history with Russia – and with international tensions. An update from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
Siberian fur traders arrived from across the Bering Sea in the first part of the 18th century, and the imprint of Russian settlement in Alaska remains.

The oldest building in Anchorage is a Russian Orthodox church, and many Alaska Natives have Russian surnames. But Alaska has been U.S. territory since 1867. Some observers say it is a bad choice for a summit on the Russia-Ukraine war because it sends a message that territory can change hands.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

President Trump: Kennedy Center Honors

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump will be visiting the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, the same day that the recipients of this year’s honors are announced. Reporter Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM:
President Trump avoided the Kennedy Center Honors during his first term due in part to protests from artists.

In his second term, he has made himself chairman and fired the board of trustees.

On Tuesday, Mr. Trump teased a possible name change for the center on Truth Social. He also promised to restore it to its former glory.

It’s unclear how this year’s honorees will be chosen, but the President has indicated he wants a more active role.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

Trump’s Presidential Powers in DC Takeover

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump took unprecedented steps toward federalizing Washington, D.C. on Monday, saying it’s needed to fight crime even as city leaders pointed to data showing violence is down. Bernie Bennett shares details about the President’s authority in this matter.

VERBATIM:
The Constitution calls for the creation of the District of Columbia to serve as the federal seat of power under the jurisdiction of Congress rather than any state.

While the Home Rule Act allowed for greater local control, the president can still call up the National Guard in Washington. Section 740 of the Home Rule Act allows for the president to take over Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department for 48 hours, with possible extensions to 30 days, during times of emergencies.

It wasn’t immediately clear how long this takeover might last or exactly what it might mean. It could also face challenges in court.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Maine – Referendum Votes

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – Maine can’t enforce a voter-approved foreign election interference law that a federal appeals court said likely violates the Constitution by limiting political donations.

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OUT CUE: That’s Correspondent Bernie Bennett reporting.

VERBATIM: Voters in the state overwhelmingly approved a referendum that bans foreign governments and companies with 5% or more foreign government ownership from donating to state referendum races.

The law has been on hold pending federal lawsuits from utilities companies and media organizations that raise constitutional challenges about it. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston says it affirms a lower-court ruling that the law likely violates the First Amendment.

Delivery Drones Will Soon Be Everywhere

Delivery drones are supposed to be fast, yet the long-promised technology has been slow to take off in the United States. More on this from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM: More than six years after the Federal Aviation Administration approved the first commercial home deliveries with drones, the service still is confined to a handful of suburbs. That could soon change.

The FAA proposed a new rule last week that would make it easier for companies to fly drones outside of an operator’s line of sight. A handful of companies do that now, but they had to obtain waivers.

Walmart, Amazon, DoorDash and the drone companies they work with say they are preparing to make drone-based deliveries available to millions more U.S. households.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

President Trump Reaches Deal with House GOP

President Donald Trump has announced that he made a deal with most of the House Republicans who derailed a procedural vote on a package of legislation, including three cryptocurrency bills. More on this from Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM: President Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday night: “I am in the Oval Office with 11 of the 12 Congressmen/women necessary to pass the GENIUS Act and, after a short discussion, they have all agreed to vote tomorrow morning in favor of the Rule.

“Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was at the meeting via telephone, and looks forward to taking the Vote as early as possible. I want to thank the Congressmen/women for their quick and positive response. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

The deal followed days of GOP infighting that threatened to stall the president’s legislative agenda in the House.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Senate Holds “Vote-a-rama” on Recissions Bill

WASHINGTON – The Senate narrowly advanced a request from the White House to claw back billions in funds for international aid and public broadcasting, as Congress faces a Friday deadline to act. Correspondent Bernie Bennett has this story.

(POSSIBLE OUTCUE: The rescissions request would cut 8 billion dollars for USAID and 1 billion dollars for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.)

VERBATIM: The request, known as a rescissions package, cleared its first procedural hurdles late Tuesday, with the help of Vice President JD Vance. The vice president cast two tie-breaking votes after three Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing it.

Earlier Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune appeared uncertain if he had the votes to advance it but moved ahead with a pair of procedural votes later in the day. 

Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against moving forward.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Rep. Stefanik Breaks Fundraising Record

Rep. Elise Stefanik’s campaign announced Monday she raked in 4 million dollars in the second quarter of the year, leaving her with 11 million dollars cash on hand, breaking multiple records. Reporter Bernie Bennett has more on this story.

VERBATIM: Stefanik’s cash on hand total is the largest for a New York Republican ever, according to her campaign. Additionally, the haul is the largest off-year quarter haul for a Republican in the state.

Sources told reporters last month that Stefanik is preparing to launch her campaign for governor, challenging Democrat incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Hochul’s political operation announced on Monday that the governor raised more than 11.8 million dollars during the first half of 2025.

Republican Congressman Mike Lawler is also considering a challenge against Hochul, while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has also been floated as a potential candidate.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

An Active Shooter Attacking Border Patrol Agents is Neutralized

An active shooter armed with tactical gear and a rifle opened fire upon Border Patrol agents as they arrived at a Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen, Texas on Monday. Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM:
Agents and local police returned fire and killed the gunman. No federal agents were hit, but one McAllen police officer was struck. Law enforcement sources say the officer is in stable condition.

Oficers believes the attack was a purposeful ambush targeting Border Patrol officials.

Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement, “Both Border Patrol agents and local police helped neutralize the shooter. This is an ongoing investigation led by the FBI. More information will be shared as it becomes available.”

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Sen. Cornyn Says Texans are in Prayer

A July Fourth weekend deluge in Texas caused catastrophic flash flooding that has killed at least 89 people. Details on this story from Correspondent Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
On a Sunday morning interview show, Sen. John Cornyn said Texas is unified in prayer and rescue efforts as the flooding hazard remains. The Texas Republican said, While it  “was a 100-year flood event in an area that had been known to flood,” it had never flooded this much and this quickly.

Camp Mystic in Kerr County says Monday morning that it is “grieving the loss” of 27 campers and counselors as the search continues for victims of the disaster. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared July 6 a day of prayer.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

House GOP Celebrates Passage of Big, Beautiful Bill

House Republican Leaders took a victory lap after passing the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Thursday and sending it to the White House. Reporter Bernie Bennett has the story.

VERBATIM: Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he knew this conference would pass the largest tax cut legislation in history.

HOUSE GOP ON BBB-johnson-a2-THUpm (:07) “it’s belief”

Majority Leader Steve Scalise said it took a lot of work to bring this to the House floor.

HOUSE GOP ON BBB-scalise-a5-THUpm (:10) “voting yes”

The Bill now moves on to the White House for the President’s signature.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.