The Press Democrat

Stephen Richer appeared before a US House committee hearing examining allegations of noncitizen voting in New Jersey. The hearing, highlighted by the Ash Center, brings election administration figures to Capitol Hill as Republicans press claims about voting integrity and Democrats challenge the evidence. Richer, a former Arizona county election official known for defending election administration, testified amid ongoing national debate over voter eligibility rules.

During a Senate hearing, Democrats pressed Senator Eric Schmitt until he allowed special counsel Jack Smith's evidence to be displayed, including a poster showing text messages at issue. One message showed a fellow prosecutor asking about a seat reserved for Smith; a Republican poster depicted the Atlanta Hawks' arena. The exchange drew attention amid ongoing disputes over the prosecution of Donald Trump.

Members of the US House Democratic Women's Caucus are pressing the health secretary over shortages of estrogen patches, a hormone replacement therapy product many women rely on. The caucus is demanding answers on supply problems and what the administration is doing to restore availability, keeping drug shortages and women's health access in the political spotlight.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, describing herself as 'a Midwest lesbian's mom,' delivered a pointed message to Democrats who are hesitating on LGBTQ+ rights. Speaking as the parent of a lesbian daughter, she pressed her party not to waver on the issue. Supporters are highlighting her personal framing as a powerful appeal from a key swing-state leader.

Jack Smith, the former special counsel who brought federal criminal charges against Donald Trump, is set to appear before Congress for another round of questioning. Lawmakers are expected to press him over the investigations into Trump's handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The hearing comes as Republicans scrutinize the prosecutions and Democrats defend the independence of the Justice Department.

House Democrats from New York are pressing for a delay in the state's cost-sharing requirement for SNAP, the federal food assistance program. Spectrum News NY1 reported the push exclusively, though further details of the lawmakers' arguments and the federal response were not immediately available. The move touches on debates over who should fund food benefits at a time of budget pressure.

Representative Ro Khanna, a leading House Democrat, is pressing for answers on whether Chinese AI companies are slowing their development, amid US policy debates over AI safety and possible cooperation with China on a treaty. The story, reported by The Verge, highlights growing congressional attention to AI safety and competition with China.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Tim Kaine and Peter Welch have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to respect free elections in Brazil. The three Democratic lawmakers issued the appeal through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, pressing the Trump administration's top diplomat to back democratic processes in the South American country amid tensions between Washington and Brasília.