The Daily Briefing

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JACK SMITH TESTIFIES BEFORE SENATE — Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee today about his investigations of President Donald Trump. The hearing focused on Smith's investigative methods, subpoenas involving lawmakers' communications records and the federal cases he previously brought against Trump.

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS ELECTION CONDITIONS ON COUNTERTERRORISM GRANTS — U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled that the administration could not withhold part of more than $1 billion in federal counterterrorism grants from states and localities unless they adopted specified election-administration measures. The court found that Congress had not authorized the agencies to impose those election-related conditions on the security grants.

SUPREME COURT CONSIDERS MAJOR NEW CASES — Ahead of its new term, the Supreme Court is considering whether to hear disputes involving mandatory immigration detention, regulation of prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket, and laws requiring Ten Commandments displays in public-school classrooms.

ADMINISTRATION ASKS SUPREME COURT TO ALLOW FEDERAL-PRISON MEDICAL POLICY — The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to permit enforcement of restrictions on gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender federal prisoners while litigation proceeds. Lower courts have temporarily blocked parts of the policy.

WHITE HOUSE PRESS-ACCESS CASE CONTINUES — CNN, MS NOW and Politico have asked a federal judge to maintain an order allowing their journalists access while their lawsuit challenging White House restrictions proceeds. The case raises First Amendment and presidential press-access questions.

MILITARY CYBER FORCES ASSIGNED ELECTION-SECURITY ROLE — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed U.S. military cyber organizations, including the National Security Agency, to help protect election infrastructure against foreign cyber threats during the 2026 midterms. Federal cybersecurity support for election systems has existed for years, although the federal organizational structure overseeing election cybersecurity has changed during the current administration.

FEDERAL ELECTION POLICY REMAINS IN COURT — Several disputes over voter citizenship verification, mail voting, federal election databases and the federal government's authority over state-run election systems remain active as the November 3 midterm elections approach. The Constitution gives states substantial responsibility for administering elections while Congress has authority to regulate aspects of federal elections.

CONGRESS AND FEDERAL SPENDING — Disputes continue over the executive branch's authority to withhold or redirect money previously appropriated by Congress. These cases raise broader constitutional questions about Congress' power of the purse and presidential authority over federal spending.

In Other Cities Around the Country

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration has introduced a citywide strategy addressing antisemitism, including security measures, education and prevention initiatives. Housing affordability, homelessness, public safety and the city's relationship with the federal government remain major City Hall policy areas.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles is preparing for its November 3 mayoral election. Beyond the election itself, City Hall is dealing with homelessness, housing affordability, municipal services, economic conditions and preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

CHICAGO — The city's projected budget deficit is driving negotiations between Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration and the City Council. Potential spending changes, property taxes and other revenue proposals remain under discussion as officials develop the next city budget.

HOUSTON — Houston and other Texas local governments were among the plaintiffs challenging federal conditions placed on counterterrorism grants. The federal court's ruling blocking those election-related conditions therefore has direct implications for local governments in Texas.

PHOENIX — Housing affordability and homelessness remain significant municipal-policy issues. Phoenix has substantially increased spending on shelters, housing assistance and homelessness programs in recent years while city officials continue evaluating the effectiveness and structure of those programs.

PHILADELPHIA — City government is reconsidering how Philadelphia awards public contracts. The Parker administration has moved toward a framework emphasizing small and locally owned businesses following legal concerns surrounding previous race-conscious contracting policies.

SAN ANTONIO — The recently adopted FY2027 city budget remains a major local government development following debate over taxes, spending and municipal services. San Antonio is also preparing for a police-leadership transition following longtime Chief William McManus' decision to step down.

ATLANTA — BELTLINE RAIL RETURNS TO CITY HALL AGENDA: The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved a resolution urging Mayor Andre Dickens' administration, MARTA and Atlanta Beltline officials to develop a plan and timeline for constructing light rail along the Eastside Beltline. The resolution requests a plan by January 2027.

Atlanta is also considering the proposed $68 million sale of the Atlanta City Detention Center to Fulton County. The agreement still requires government approval. ajc

NEW ORLEANS — CITY DECLINES FEDERAL MODEL CITIES GRANT: Mayor Helena Moreno's administration decided not to apply for a Justice Department Model Cities grant that would have required participating jurisdictions to align with specified federal policies involving immigration enforcement and public sleeping.

The potential grant was worth tens of millions of dollars for public-safety initiatives.

New Orleans City Council has also approved a new fee for Carnival krewes participating in the upcoming Mardi Gras season.

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