California Schemin' and Other Primary News
Plus: Rubio Draws Hard Line in Iran Talks
In Today’s BRIGHT
California Schemin’ and Other Primary News
Rubio Draws Hard Line in Iran Talks
Medicaid Work Requirements Set to Begin in 2027
CEOs Expect Economic Slowdown
On Wednesdays We Wear Pink
California Schemin’ and Other Primary News
California’s sluggish vote counting ripped across the political spectrum: ‘Extremely embarrassing’ (Fox News)
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass makes Nov. 3 runoff; Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman fight for second (Los Angeles Times)
Spencer Pratt lays out plan to defeat Mayor Karen Bass in November runoff: ‘I could not be more excited’ (California Post)
California’s race for governor and other key primaries remain unsettled as vote count continues (NBC News)
Trump-endorsed Feenstra concedes to MAHA-backed Lahn in GOP governor primary upset (Fox News)
Rubio Draws Hard Line in Iran Talks
Politico reported Secretary of State Marco Rubio told senators Tuesday that the U.S. is not offering Iran sanctions relief simply to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that “any sanctions relief is conditions-based” and must be tied to Iran’s nuclear program. Responding to questions from Senator Chris Murphy when asked whether sanctions relief was being used as an incentive, Rubio said, “No, that’s not been discussed, that’s not been offered.”
Rubio said negotiations are proceeding in stages, with Iran first needing to reopen the strait, guarantee safe passage for ships, and agree to further nuclear talks. He noted that Iran’s leadership remains divided, saying, “There’s definitely elements within that regime that understand” the country’s economic troubles could fuel unrest, while other factions are more resistant to compromise.
In one exchange, Senator Cory Booker said, “We are the strongest nation on the planet Earth, and we’re in a stalemate with Iran. And now we’re begging to get back into a deal that you all trashed in the first place.”
Rubio responded, “There’s no one begging.”
Later that afternoon, President Trump posted on Truth Social:
Fake News Reports that the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the U.S.A., stopped speaking a few days ago are false and erroneous. The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today. Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, “It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!”
Yesterday, Iran abandoned diplomacy, launching missiles at several Gulf states. Live updates on Fox News.
Medicaid Work Requirements Set to Begin in 2027
The Hill reported the Trump administration has finalized rules requiring most Medicaid beneficiaries ages 19–64 in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month to maintain coverage. States must begin implementing the requirements by Jan. 1, 2027. The rules also established systems for exemptions, eligibility verification, and reporting.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz called the rule “our path to prosperity for the American people” and said it would help “preserve our precious Medicaid program for those who benefited from it.” Oz added that the goal is to help able-bodied adults move toward employer-sponsored coverage while ensuring “our most vulnerable population” receives needed care.
CEOs Expect Economic Slowdown
Fox Business reported corporate leaders are growing increasingly pessimistic about the U.S. economy, according to a new survey by the Conference Board and The Business Council. The CEO Confidence Index fell from 59 in the first quarter to 47 in the second quarter, signaling that negative outlooks now outweigh positive ones. Only 15% of CEOs said the economy is better than six months ago, while 47% said conditions have worsened.
Conference Board Chief Economist Dana M. Peterson said, “CEOs reported that the economy is materially worse now than it was six months ago and expected economic conditions to weaken further over the next six months.”
Additionally, Fox reported that 31% of CEOs expect workforce reductions, reflecting a “low-hire, low-fire economy.”