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The BBC visited an election center in Maryland to examine the mail-in ballot processing and counting procedures ahead of the US midterm elections. President Trump has repeatedly made unverified claims suggesting that postal voting results in widespread fraud, despite having used this voting method himself previously. While voting regulations differ across US states, every state permits some form of mail-in voting. The report demonstrates the security measures employed during ballot processing, including surveillance cameras, zip ties for securing materials, and the presence of election observers to ensure transparency and integrity. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump is facing a political challenge similar to the one that plagued Joe Biden: despite reasonably strong economic indicators like 2.2% GDP growth, 4.2% unemployment, and near-record stock markets, public perception of the economy remains negative. The disconnect stems from Trump's campaign promise to immediately lower prices, while inflation has actually continued at 3.7% annually, outpacing wage growth of 3%. Unlike Biden who could attribute inflation to pandemic-related disruptions, Trump's inflation problems are partly tied to his own policies, including tariffs that raised consumer prices by 2.9% and economic fallout from the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Voters judge the economy based on everyday expenses like groceries and gas rather than GDP statistics, creating a familiar gap between economic data and political reality.

Following Democrat James Talarico's victory in the Texas Senate primary on March 3, 2026, a coordinated campaign emerged on social media platform X to attack his pro-transgender positions through viral videos. Within 26 hours of his win, nearly 200 posts appeared featuring three clips of Talarico discussing trans issues and religion—a dramatic surge from just four posts in the preceding three days. The content spread through a pattern beginning with GOP politicians and strategists posting the clips, followed by right-wing influencers amplifying them, then moving to cable news shows and conservative publications, ultimately reaching over 10 million people. Experts interviewed for the investigation suggest this represents a coordinated propaganda effort that exploits social media algorithms favoring engagement through outrage, despite polls showing trans issues rank low among voter priorities and that most Americans believe both parties discuss them excessively. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump plans to shut down East Potomac Golf Links, a 106-year-old public course in Washington DC, for 15 months of renovations to create what he envisions as a world-class tournament venue. Trump has dismissed the current facility as "Trash Island" and claims it is dilapidated with dangerous conditions, though regular golfers dispute this characterization. The DC Preservation League and local golfers have filed a lawsuit to block the renovation, arguing the accessible public course serves as an important community resource where anyone can play affordably without membership requirements. A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's redevelopment work until at least October 26th after the government began removing trees without proper notice. Regular users fear the renovations will transform the modest public facility into an expensive venue that prices out ordinary residents.

Kristen Clarke, the NAACP's general counsel, describes how two Supreme Court decisions have severely weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act's protections against racial discrimination in voting. The 2013 Shelby County ruling eliminated the preclearance requirement that forced jurisdictions with histories of discrimination to get federal approval before changing voting procedures, while the 2026 Louisiana v. Callais decision further restricted Section 2 by requiring proof of intentional racial disenfranchisement rather than discriminatory effects. These rulings have led to immediate consequences including decreased Black voter turnout and redistricting efforts that dilute Black voting power across Southern states. In response, the NAACP and other civil rights organizations have launched voter protection campaigns, pursued state-level voting rights legislation, and filed lawsuits to prevent voter intimidation, while Clarke advocates for Supreme Court reforms and congressional action to restore voting rights protections. # Key Takeaways

President Trump is proposing to transform his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida into a presidential retreat comparable to Camp David. The golf club would reportedly cover all construction expenses and offer free memberships to future presidents and accommodations for foreign dignitaries at no cost to the federal government. Trump argues the location offers superior security and convenience, being just two minutes from the airport, contrasting with the remote, rustic Camp David facility in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains. This proposal represents another departure from presidential tradition, following Trump's other legacy projects including Oval Office renovations, East Wing demolition, and plans for a triumphal arch in Washington. # Key Takeaways

A 12-year-old girl was fatally shot in Baltimore on Saturday evening when she was caught in crossfire between two men arguing over a parking space at a park where children were watching youth football games. Three other people were also injured in the incident, including a woman found at the scene and two men who later went to hospitals for treatment, though their injuries are not life-threatening. Police Commissioner Richard Worley confirmed that the girl was not the intended target and called the shooters "cowards" for opening fire on each other in a public area filled with children. Authorities are currently searching for at least two suspects, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

President Donald Trump has been enthusiastically anticipating Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington DC for several months, making extensive preparations to impress his guest. Trump has undertaken renovations at the White House, including completing a new marble helipad specifically for the occasion, while expressing disappointment that a new ballroom wouldn't be ready in time. Upon Xi's arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump orchestrated an elaborate reception featuring military flyovers and an expansive 100-foot red carpet. The BBC's North America Editor notes that Trump's enthusiastic reception reflects his well-documented pattern of expressing admiration for authoritarian leaders globally. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington with an elaborate ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, featuring a military flyover, 100-foot red carpet, and marching band - marking the first time since 1962 a US president has personally greeted a foreign leader at the base. The three-day summit, Xi's first visit to Washington since 2015, will address multiple critical issues including artificial intelligence, the Iran conflict, Taiwan, and trade relations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an extension of the US-China trade truce until January, postponing the previous November expiration date. The visit includes planned closed-door meetings and a state dinner on Thursday with American AI company leaders in attendance, as both nations compete for dominance in the technology sector.

Pennsylvania is experiencing its deadliest measles outbreak in recent history, with four deaths reported, prompting public health nurses to conduct door-to-door vaccination campaigns in Amish communities. The Amish population, which makes up a significant portion of the affected area, has limited interaction with modern healthcare systems and low vaccination rates—only about 25% have received the MMR vaccine in some areas. Health officials have administered nearly 4,300 vaccines through pop-up clinics and home visits since the outbreak began in late April, using strategies similar to those employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak has caused particular concern because measles spreads rapidly in the highly social Amish communities, and two of the four deaths were newborns, highlighting the vulnerability of unvaccinated infants. # Key Takeaways

The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed in the Middle East for over 240 consecutive days supporting operations against Iran, sparking concerns about crew mental health and living conditions. Following reports of poor sanitation, equipment failures, food shortages, and suicide attempts by sailors, Admiral Brad Cooper visited the vessel and emphasized that mental health is a leadership priority, though he claimed the ship has relatively few mental health cases compared to other carriers. Thirteen Democratic senators have demanded answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the extended deployment, while President Trump dismissed concerns about the length of time at sea. The USS George Washington is reportedly en route to relieve the Lincoln, potentially arriving within a week to end the record-breaking deployment that was originally scheduled to conclude in May.

Luigi Mangione, a 28-year-old from a wealthy and prominent Maryland family, pleaded guilty in August 2026 to federal charges for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Despite his privileged background as valedictorian at an elite Baltimore private school and an Ivy League graduate with dual degrees in computer science, Mangione confessed that chronic pain from a broken back and frustrations with the healthcare system motivated the shooting. He was arrested five days after the murder at a Pennsylvania McDonald's carrying a gun, fake identification, and a handwritten manifesto criticizing corporate America. While he admitted guilt in the federal case, he still faces separate state charges in New York, with his legal team working to dismiss most counts following his federal plea.

Scottish photographer Kieran Dodds has spent over a decade documenting people with red hair worldwide, culminating in his latest book focusing on ginger-haired Americans. After publishing his 2020 global collection, he discovered a significant gap in his work when American subjects began contacting him, leading him to explore how the diverse American population represents a "microcosm" of global red-haired communities. Through seven trips across the United States, Dodds photographed subjects ranging from Native Americans with mixed European heritage to Black Americans in interracial families, uncovering unexpected stories about genetic diversity and cultural identity. His work revealed surprising historical connections, including early marriages between Scottish and Irish immigrants and Native Americans, as well as contemporary experiences of people whose appearance challenges others' racial expectations.

President Trump is pressuring Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, legislation that would mandate voters provide identification and proof of citizenship when registering and voting in federal elections. While the House passed a version of the bill along party lines in February, it faces significant obstacles in the Senate where Republicans lack the 60 votes needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune has refused to change filibuster rules. Trump has refused to sign a separate bipartisan housing bill until the SAVE Act passes and has added controversial provisions including restrictions on mail-in voting and amendments regarding transgender policies to attract more Republican support. Democrats argue the legislation would disenfranchise eligible voters, while Republicans claim it's necessary to prevent voter fraud, though no evidence of widespread fraud affecting presidential elections has been found.

President Donald Trump announced that immediate repairs will begin on Washington DC's Reflecting Pool after inspecting it from a helicopter while returning from Camp David. The historic landmark, despite recently undergoing a $13 million renovation including new blue paint, continues to experience problems with algae growth turning the water green and paint peeling from the pool's bottom. Trump claims vandals have damaged the pool ahead of America's 250th Independence Day anniversary, with authorities reporting ten people arrested or cited for vandalism, though a former Olympic canoeist arrested denies wrongdoing. Officials have been using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide to combat the algae bloom, and the pool may require draining and refilling for a second time this month.

President Trump announced immediate repair work on Washington DC's Reflecting Pool after claiming to inspect it by helicopter while returning from Camp David. The landmark, which underwent a $13 million renovation including new blue paint, continues experiencing problems with algae blooms turning the water green and paint peeling from the pool's bottom. Trump and other officials have alleged vandalism occurred ahead of July 4th celebrations, leading to arrests including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who denies wrongdoing and says he only touched already-peeling paint. The pool may require draining and refilling for the second time this month, while scientists confirm the current algae species is harmless though ongoing monitoring is recommended.

Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, will mount a psychiatric defense claiming extreme emotional disturbance at his upcoming state murder trial. The Ivy League graduate from Maryland has entered not guilty pleas in both state and federal proceedings related to the shooting outside a Manhattan hotel. If successful, this defense strategy could result in a manslaughter conviction rather than murder. While federal murder and firearms charges were dismissed, Mangione still faces state murder charges with trial scheduled for September, plus federal stalking charges that carry potential life imprisonment.

John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security advisor who became a vocal critic, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of retaining national defense information in his federal classified documents case. Originally indicted on 18 counts last October for mishandling classified materials during and after his White House tenure, Bolton will pay a $2.25 million fine and the plea deal recommends no prison time, though a judge will make the final sentencing decision. The charge stems from his handling of classified "diary-like" entries he used while writing a book about his time in the Trump administration, some of which he allegedly shared with relatives. Bolton's representatives indicated he accepted the plea to avoid potentially exposing more classified information during trial and to take responsibility for his actions.

Momodou Bojang, a Gambian immigrant who now runs a wealth management firm serving federal employees, reflects on the pivotal moment when a U.S. Foreign Service Officer approved his visa application in Banjul decades ago. That brief encounter, which the officer likely forgot, became the foundation for Bojang's successful career in financial services, where he has spent the last decade helping federal workers plan for retirement. He argues that immigrant families and federal employees often fail to transition from survival to building generational wealth, despite having access to exceptional benefits like pensions and TSP accounts. Bojang dedicates his professional practice to honoring that unnamed officer by serving the federal workforce, teaching them to maximize their benefits and create lasting wealth for future generations.

A gunman identified as Nasire Best opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint near the White House on Saturday evening, injuring a bystander before being fatally shot by officers. Best had two prior encounters with authorities at the White House in June and July 2025, during which he claimed to be Jesus Christ, underwent a mental evaluation, and was charged with unlawful entry to federal property. After failing to appear for a court hearing in August 2025, a warrant was issued for his arrest, but he remained at large until the Saturday shooting incident. President Trump was present at the White House during the attack but was unharmed, and no Secret Service personnel were injured.

A federal judge in Tennessee dismissed criminal human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, ruling that he was prosecuted for political reasons rather than legitimate legal grounds. Abrego Garcia, who had been living in Maryland for years and is married to a U.S. citizen, was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite court-ordered protection from deportation due to gang persecution risks. After the Supreme Court ordered his return and he was brought back in June, federal prosecutors charged him over a 2022 traffic stop incident that had previously been investigated and closed. The judge determined the prosecution was vindictive, noting that charges were only filed after Abrego Garcia successfully challenged his illegal deportation, and that the government failed to provide legitimate justification for reopening the closed investigation.

The US Justice Department has established a $1.7 billion compensation fund for Trump allies who claim they faced politically motivated investigations during the Biden administration, announcing this arrangement as President Trump agreed to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. The fund, managed by a five-member commission, will allow pardoned Capitol riot participants and others alleging targeting by federal investigators to file claims for compensation, though Trump and his family will receive only an apology without monetary payment. Democrats have strongly condemned the settlement as an improper use of taxpayer funds that essentially creates a slush fund benefiting Trump associates, with over 90 House Democrats filing a motion to block it. The original lawsuit stemmed from a 2020 leak by former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn, who was subsequently convicted and imprisoned for stealing Trump's tax information that revealed he paid minimal or no federal income taxes for many years.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary is departing after serving just over a year in the position, becoming another senior health official to leave under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership. The British-American surgeon, who previously worked at Johns Hopkins University and gained attention as a Make America Healthy Again advocate, faced mounting criticism from multiple directions during his tenure. His resistance to authorizing flavored vaping products and his agency's approval of a generic abortion pill drew particular scrutiny from the White House and anti-abortion groups respectively. President Trump announced Makary's exit while praising him as "a great doctor," with deputy commissioner Kyle Diamantas taking over on an acting basis until a permanent replacement is selected.

Federal prosecutors have charged Synergy Marine, the operator of the cargo ship Dali, and one of its employees with criminal offenses including conspiracy, obstruction, and misconduct resulting in death following the ship's collision with Baltimore's Key Bridge in March 2022 that killed six construction workers. Authorities allege the company concealed safety violations from the Coast Guard, including the improper use of a flushing pump to supply fuel to generators, which contributed to two power failures that caused the ship to lose control before striking the bridge. While Synergy denies the allegations and calls the incident a "tragic accident," the company has separately agreed to pay Maryland $2.25 billion in a civil settlement covering damages and economic losses. The bridge collapse caused major economic disruption to shipping operations, and reconstruction efforts are expected to take years and cost billions of dollars.

Student activists from across the University System of Maryland organized a "People's Tribunal" protest attended by roughly 100 people to challenge the Board of Regents over investment ties to weapons manufacturers. The coalition accused the 21-member governing board, appointed by Maryland's governor, of financial complicity in violence in Gaza through these investments and of suppressing campus activism on the issue. Before the tribunal event, protesters attended the Board's official meeting where they displayed symbolic red handprints and disrupted proceedings with chants demanding divestment. The demonstration highlighted student concerns about institutional policies they view as restricting free speech, including amplified sound bans and previous attempts to block student group activities that resulted in a lawsuit settlement. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump has nominated Rear Admiral Erica Schwartz, who previously served as his deputy surgeon general, to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after months without permanent leadership. The position became vacant when Susan Monarez was removed in September following disagreements with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding vaccine policy and his controversial advisory panel appointments. Schwartz brings 24 years of experience in the US Public Health Service along with medical and law degrees, though she departed government service after the Biden administration passed her over for a different role. The CDC has undergone significant upheaval under Kennedy's oversight, including widespread staff terminations and organizational changes that critics say have compromised the agency's public health mission. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump signed an executive order attempting to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents who are in the country illegally or on temporary visas, a policy he has long advocated. The order challenges the 14th Amendment's citizenship clause, which has been interpreted since 1898 to grant citizenship to nearly all people born on US soil regardless of their parents' immigration status. Multiple federal courts have blocked the order, calling it unconstitutional, though Trump has appealed to the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear arguments on the case. Legal experts largely agree that changing birthright citizenship requires a constitutional amendment rather than executive action, but the conservative-majority Supreme Court will ultimately decide whether Trump's order can proceed. If birthright citizenship were eliminated, it could potentially create millions of additional unauthorized immigrants over time and establish a permanent underclass of people born in the US without full citizenship rights.

Dayton Webber, a 27-year-old quadruple amputee who became the first person with his condition to compete professionally in the American Cornhole League, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Authorities allege he shot Bradrick Wells, also 27, while driving in La Plata, Maryland, then attempted to dispose of the body with help from backseat passengers who refused and instead reported the incident to police. Wells' body was later discovered in a residential yard approximately 20 miles away in Charlotte Hall, Maryland. Webber, who lost all four limbs in infancy due to a blood infection and had become a motivational speaker and professional athlete, was apprehended in Charlottesville, Virginia, several hours after the shooting.

In 1951, doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital took cervical cancer cells from Henrietta Lacks, a 31-year-old Black woman from Baltimore, without her knowledge or permission, and these cells became "immortal" by continuing to reproduce indefinitely in laboratories. These HeLa cells were distributed worldwide and contributed to major medical breakthroughs including the polio vaccine and advances in HIV and cancer research, while Lacks died from cancer months after her diagnosis and her family received no compensation. Seventy years later, Lacks' family has now reached a confidential settlement with Swiss biotech company Novartis, marking their second legal victory after previously settling with Thermo Fisher Scientific. The family's attorney characterized the agreement as achieving some measure of justice and dignity for Lacks, whose cells generated billions in profits for pharmaceutical companies. # Key Takeaways

A Maryland man has been given a life sentence after being found guilty of sexually abusing two vulnerable teenage girls while employed at the American embassy in Burkina Faso. Fode Sitafa Mara, age 41, exploited the victims' difficult family situation, particularly their mother's serious medical condition, to coerce them into sexual acts at his diplomatic residence between 2022 and 2023. The prosecution successfully argued that because the abuse occurred on property leased for US diplomatic purposes, American courts had jurisdiction over the case. The conviction, which included multiple counts of aggravated sexual abuse and attempted obstruction of justice, was secured through Project Safe Childhood, a federal program dedicated to combating child exploitation.