latest news in politics
Federal Judge Blocks Federal Demand for New Jersey Voter Records
Newark, Thursday, 30 July 2026.
A federal judge rejected the Justice Department’s bid to access New Jersey voter rolls, marking its 19th consecutive court defeat despite revelations that a software glitch improperly registered thousands.
Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes Exits Wisconsin Governor Race as Primary Polling Lags
Madison, Thursday, 30 July 2026.
Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes withdrew from Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary on July 30, 2026, after polling showed candidate Francesca Hong holding a dominant lead ahead of August.
US Government Takes Ownership Stakes in Seven Semiconductor Firms to Power Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence
Washington, Friday, 31 July 2026.
On July 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced $874 million in federal CHIPS Act funding directed to seven semiconductor firms advancing artificial intelligence supply chains. In a significant shift for American industrial policy, the government is taking direct minority equity stakes in each private recipient—including a 1% stake in GlobalFoundries alongside holdings in firms like Aeluma and Kepler—in exchange for research subsidies. The capital targets breakthroughs in high-speed optical data transmission, advanced chip packaging, and next-generation memory architectures designed to handle intensive AI workloads. By securing non-controlling stock holdings, federal officials intend to generate direct returns for taxpayers while safeguarding critical domestic technology infrastructure. This strategic expansion of state-backed corporate equity reflects an increasingly interventionist approach to securing vital microchip supply lines against global competition.
