Newsweek is reporting that a Donald Trump-endorsed candidate suffered a narrow primary defeat in Iowa on Tuesday, marking the first loss for a Trump-backed contender in the 2026 midterms cycle. Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra conceded the Iowa gubernatorial primary to businessman and farmer Zach Lahn, who was supported by the Make America Healthy Again movement.
In California, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has advanced to a November runoff in her reelection bid, according to projections. Newsweek said she will face either independent candidate Spencer Pratt or progressive City Councilmember Nithya Raman, as Bass did not secure a majority in the primary election.
Political tensions are also affecting higher education, with Newsweek reporting that Condoleezza Rice, director of Stanford University's Hoover Institution, requested a student newspaper withdraw a report. The report alleged the institution received at least $3 million from a member of a top Chinese political family who leads an influence and intelligence agency affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Public health officials are raising alarms after federal funding cuts impacted one of America's leading infectious disease surveillance programs. Newsweek said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Wastewater Surveillance System will see its funding reduced from approximately $125 million to $25 million, sparking concern as a newer COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2 or "cicada," continues to spread across 25 U.S. states.
Despite ongoing fears, economists told Newsweek that a full-scale U.S. housing market crash remains unlikely in 2026. Instead, analysts anticipate a prolonged stalemate characterized by affordability challenges for buyers and homeowners reluctant to sell.
In other news, President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner on July 24. Republican Representative Andy Ogles apologized after a post on his X account stated that "homosexuality has no place in America." Additionally, artist Wyland has sued FIFA for at least $25 million after his artwork was painted over ahead of the 2026 World Cup.