By Richard Cowan and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Bipartisan talks in the U.S. Senate to end the federal shutdown have taken a positive turn, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Saturday,

As the government shutdown hits Day 38, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democrats offered a plan that would reopen the government. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.)

A group supporting Derek Dooley's campaign is blaming GOP U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins for the federal government shutdown.

Democrats face an uphill battle to recapture a U.S. Senate majority in the November 2026 midterm elections, as Republicans are defending just two seats seen as competitive by nonpartisan analysts and hold a 53-47 majority.

Senate blocks resolution to Venezuela war powers measure as Schumer warns Trump is “leading troops over the Rubicon”

Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr has officially filed to run for U.S. Senate. The Republican submitted his candidacy paperwork Friday morning at the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office, making his Senate campaign for 2026 formally underway.

El-Sayed, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham are vying for the Democratic nomination in the August primary. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake Township is considered the favorite for the GOP nomination.

But the workday ended with no bipartisan deals announced on reopening the government and no release to the public of full-year funding bills.