Maine Democrats rally around Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner in crucial Senate race

Maine Democrats have coalesced around former state Senate President Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner in the pivotal Senate race this November. After Platner suspended his campaign due to sexual assault allegations (which he denies), several potential candidates dropped out and endorsed Jackson. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former CDC director Nirav Shah, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban, and progressive Jordan Wood all threw their support behind Jackson. Though not legally binding, over two-thirds of the 601 delegates have committed to voting for Jackson at the July 25 nominating convention in Bangor.

President Trump announced that the Qatari-donated jet serving as Air Force One will be sent for upgrades in about a month to be 'maxed out.' Security concerns arose after the New York Times reported the plane lacks missile-defense countermeasures present in older models. The administration issued subpoenas to several Times journalists, condemned by critics as an attempt to punish the media.

For the first time, the Trump administration filed a petition to the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC), created in 1996 but never used. Judge Joan Ericksen, after a hearing, requested additional information on the government's claims.

Meanwhile, average U.S. gas prices rose back to $4 per gallon, nearly a dollar more than a year ago, according to AAA, as conflict between the US and Iran resumed.