President Donald Trump has privately expressed support for Vice President JD Vance as his preferred successor for the 2028 presidential election. Early polls show Vance leads the Republican field nationally but his margin in key states like New Hampshire has narrowed. No candidate from either party has officially announced a run yet, and the field remains uncertain.
Key Facts
President Trump told donors he wants Vice President JD Vance to succeed him.
Vance leads early national Republican surveys by double digits but has lost ground to Marco Rubio in New Hampshire.
On the Democratic side, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leads early polling in New Hampshire, ahead of Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris.
No major candidates have formally declared their 2028 presidential campaigns.
A July poll showed Vance leading Ocasio-Cortez and Newsom by about 7 percentage points among likely voters.
A significant share of voters remain undecided in early 2028 matchup polls, reflecting an unsettled race.
Marco Rubio holds a competitive but weaker position than Vance against leading Democrats.
Prediction markets show a tightening Republican contest with Vance slightly ahead of Rubio.
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A Senate committee voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress because he refused to answer questions by using the Fifth Amendment last week. The vote took place during a hearing related to investigations involving Dr. Fauci.
Key Facts
A Senate committee voted on Thursday to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress.
Dr. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment, which allows a person to avoid answering questions to prevent self-incrimination.
The vote came after a hearing held the previous week.
The hearing focused on questioning Dr. Fauci about certain topics under investigation.
Holding someone in contempt means the committee believes the person is not cooperating with Congress.
This action may lead to further legal proceedings against Dr. Fauci.
The Senate committee members chose to take this step after Dr. Fauci’s refusal to testify fully.
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Senator Jon Husted of Ohio asked Representative Max Miller to resign from Congress and stop his campaign for reelection. Husted said Miller should focus on what is best for his daughter amid ongoing domestic abuse allegations that Miller denies.
Key Facts
Senator Jon Husted called on Rep. Max Miller to resign and quit his reelection campaign.
Husted knows Miller, his ex-wife Emily Moreno, and their daughter personally.
Miller denies allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife.
Senator Bernie Moreno, Ohio’s senior senator, also said Miller is unfit to serve.
Miller must withdraw by Saturday under Ohio law to allow time for a replacement before Monday’s deadline.
Pressure on Miller is coming from both Republicans and Democrats.
The situation relates to Miller’s personal and political future ahead of the November election.
Max Miller is the representative for an Ohio congressional district.
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Several influential people have died in 2026, including U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and aviation pioneer Wally Funk. The article lists notable figures from various fields who passed away in the first half of the year.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican known for his political flexibility, died from a tear in his aorta in July 2026.
Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer and the oldest woman to fly in space at age 82, also died in July 2026.
Funk had trained as an astronaut in the 1960s in the Mercury 13 program but was not allowed to become a professional astronaut at that time.
Other notable July 2026 deaths include former Qatari ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, singer Bonnie Tyler, former CIA director R. James Woolsey, cricketer Garry Sobers, and actor Sam Neill.
Influential people who died earlier in 2026 include Diane Crump, the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby, and Aldrich Ames, a CIA officer who betrayed U.S. intelligence.
The article also mentions several entertainers, athletes, and cultural figures who passed away in January 2026.
The list covers people from diverse backgrounds and professions, including politics, sports, intelligence, music, and film.
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Ford is developing a new midsize electric pickup truck called the Fathom, planned to go on sale in 2027. The company redesigned its approach to build a more affordable, lighter, and better-made electric truck after its previous full-size electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, faced declining demand and was discontinued in 2025.
Key Facts
The Ford Fathom is a new midsize electric pickup truck set to launch in 2027.
Ford has invested billions in developing and producing the Fathom.
The Fathom was designed from scratch with a new manufacturing process inspired by Chinese automakers.
Ford's first electric truck, the full-size F-150 Lightning, debuted in 2021 but was discontinued in December 2025 due to falling demand.
Automakers, including Ford, have had to adjust electric vehicle plans due to changes in global regulations and market demand.
Consumer interest in electric trucks is uncertain; many early reservations for electric trucks do not convert to actual sales.
Tesla’s Cybertruck had over 1 million reservations but only about 70,000 sales to date.
General Motors sold around 36,000 GMC Hummer EVs from 90,000 reservations, showing a higher conversion rate.
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Senator Mitch McConnell has left a rehab center and returned home after a long absence from Congress. He plans to continue physical therapy at home and stay involved with his Senate work.
Key Facts
Senator Mitch McConnell is 84 years old.
He was hospitalized in June and has not appeared in public since then.
His office released pictures of him during this time.
McConnell’s current term ends in January 2027.
He will continue physical therapy at home based on his doctors’ advice.
He intends to keep working with his staff and other senators.
His return to the Senate floor is still uncertain.
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Super Pacs linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) have spent millions of dollars in a California special congressional race to support Melissa Hernandez and oppose progressive candidate Aisha Wahab. Wahab and Hernandez, both Democrats, will compete in a runoff election after leading a June primary.
Key Facts
The race is for Eric Swalwell’s former congressional seat in California’s East Bay.
Swalwell resigned after multiple sexual assault allegations.
Aisha Wahab, a progressive Democrat and state senator, is endorsed by the California Democratic Party and is a frontrunner.
Melissa Hernandez, a former mayor, is Wahab’s main opponent.
Super Pacs linked to Aipac have spent over $5 million in the race, supporting Hernandez and running ads against Wahab.
United Democracy Project, backed by Aipac, contributed $1.2 million, and Bold America Pac, backed by the same group, contributed $2.1 million.
Aipac has increased political spending to $67.2 million, focusing largely on Democratic primary races.
Wahab criticized the use of “dark money” in the race and encouraged voters to ask her about her record.
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This article explains why August is a good time for seniors to sign up for a Medicare supplemental insurance plan, also known as Medigap. It highlights that rising inflation, increasing borrowing costs, and higher long-term care expenses make having extra coverage important to reduce out-of-pocket medical bills.
Key Facts
Medicare supplemental plans help pay for costs not covered by regular Medicare, like deductibles and co-pays.
Inflation remains higher than the Federal Reserve’s target, making everyday expenses more costly for seniors.
Higher inflation reduces the money seniors have left to pay medical bills.
Borrowing costs may rise soon if interest rates increase, making loans and credit more expensive.
Rising long-term care costs, such as nursing homes or in-home care, take up more of seniors’ budgets.
A Medigap plan offers financial protection by covering extra healthcare expenses during these tough economic times.
Seniors should check their plan options and sign up at this time to get coverage before costs rise further.
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A power failure at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre caused major train delays and cancellations across northern England on Thursday. Thousands of passengers experienced long waits, stopped trains, and had to find alternative travel, with disruption expected to continue throughout the day.
Key Facts
The power failure happened just before 2:00 PM at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre in Ardwick.
This centre controls train signals and operations across a large area from Crewe to Carlisle and from Todmorden to the Welsh border.
At least eight train companies were affected by the outage into Thursday evening.
Passengers reported very long delays; some were stuck on trains for over 90 minutes or forced to find expensive alternate transport.
Some travelers, including business visitors and people returning from trips, had to pay for hotels or taxis due to cancelled trains.
Rail operators issued warnings not to travel in many affected areas and arranged replacement buses where possible.
Network Rail and local transport officials advised passengers to check their train status before traveling.
Staff were praised for calmly helping evacuate passengers safely from stalled trains.
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Michigan health officials said people can safely eat lettuce and salad greens again because new cases of a parasite infection called cyclosporiasis are going down. The outbreak was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico used at some Taco Bell restaurants, and the contaminated lettuce has mostly been removed.
Key Facts
Michigan had over 12,400 cyclosporiasis cases since June, with 279 hospitalizations and two deaths.
The outbreak involved shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced in central Mexico.
Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico voluntarily.
Taco Bell stopped using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at all its restaurants.
New cases and emergency visits related to cyclosporiasis are now decreasing in Michigan.
Health officials say the majority of contaminated lettuce is no longer available to consumers.
People can stop avoiding bagged salad mixes and return to normal food handling and lettuce eating.
Consumers should still avoid recalled products and keep washing fruits, vegetables, hands, and surfaces.
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The legal cases related to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol have mostly ended, with judges dismissing the last indictments against members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. President Donald Trump has pardoned some Jan. 6 defendants and his administration has taken steps that change how the events are officially remembered and handled.
Key Facts
Judges recently dismissed the final cases against leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta called this the end of prosecutions for January 6 but said the court cannot change what happened.
A judge appointed by President Trump acknowledged that January 6 was an attack on the peaceful transfer of power.
Some members of these groups were convicted of seditious conspiracy, with sentences up to 22 years in prison.
President Trump pardoned Henry "Enrique" Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, and reduced sentences for others.
The Department of Justice asked to overturn some remaining convictions earlier this year.
The Trump administration has removed federal workers connected to January 6 investigations and changed the narrative around the event.
A $1.8 billion fund meant to support officers harmed on January 6 was ended, and President Trump suggested some rioters should receive compensation.
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The U.S. military investigated a possible white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base in South Korea and found no leak occurred. Local officials had temporarily evacuated nearby residents as a precaution.
Key Facts
The incident took place near Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
On July 28, local authorities asked people living close to the base to evacuate briefly.
The evacuation was because of concerns about a possible white phosphorus leak.
The U.S. military carried out an investigation after the evacuation.
The investigation concluded there was no leak of white phosphorus at the base.
White phosphorus is a chemical sometimes used in military settings that can cause harm if exposed.
The base is located just south of Seoul, South Korea’s capital.
The situation was resolved without confirming any chemical hazard.
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Senator Mitch McConnell was released from a rehabilitation center and will continue his recovery at home with physical therapy. He plans to keep working with his Senate staff and colleagues while recovering.
Key Facts
Senator Mitch McConnell left the rehab facility on August 6, 2026.
He will continue recovery through physical therapy at home.
McConnell expressed gratitude for support from friends, colleagues, and people in Kentucky.
He thanked the medical staff for their care during his rehab.
McConnell will stay engaged with Senate work during his home recovery.
The rehabilitation is part of his ongoing health treatment.
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Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens. He will face Republican Mike Rogers in the November general election, which will be important for control of the Senate.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is a former public health official.
He beat Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan.
The primary race was very close, with El-Sayed leading by less than 1%.
Over 1.5 million ballots were counted in this primary.
The Associated Press called the race after nearly all votes were tallied.
El-Sayed will run against Republican Mike Rogers in November.
Mike Rogers is a former congressman.
This election is significant for determining control of the U.S. Senate.
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Senator Mitch McConnell announced that he has left a rehab center and will continue his recovery at home. He plans to keep doing physical therapy and working with his staff while away from the Senate.
Key Facts
Senator Mitch McConnell is a Republican from Kentucky.
He was hospitalized on June 14.
He has now been discharged from a rehabilitation center.
McConnell will continue recovering at home with physical therapy.
He will stay involved with Senate work by communicating with his staff and colleagues.
The statement did not specify when he will return to Capitol Hill.
This news is ongoing, with more updates expected.
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At Amsterdam’s 2026 Pride festival, dozens of people took part in a "Married For A Day" event to celebrate 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Although fewer Dutch couples marry now, the right to marry remains important to many, especially same-sex couples.
Key Facts
The event was held in a pink inflatable chapel as part of Amsterdam’s Pride festival.
The Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, the first country to do so.
Over 36,000 same-sex couples have married in the Netherlands since legalization.
The overall number of married adults in the country has dropped nearly 10% recently.
Jan Derksen-Wynn and John Wijfjes were the first couple in the event, planning a longer marriage later.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the country’s first openly gay leader, plans to marry his partner soon.
Jetten highlighted the Pride event’s importance due to global challenges to LGBTQ+ rights and recent attacks.
The celebration took place near the original location where same-sex marriage was first legalized.
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Senator Mitch McConnell was released from a rehabilitation center 53 days after his fall on June 14. He will continue his recovery at home while staying involved in Senate work remotely.
Key Facts
McConnell fell on June 14 and required hospitalization and rehabilitation.
He spent 53 days in a rehabilitation center before being discharged.
He will continue physical therapy at home as advised by doctors.
McConnell plans to stay active and engaged with his Senate team and colleagues.
This marks his first big step toward returning to regular Senate duties.
His recovery is ongoing, influencing how quickly he can fully return to public appearances.
McConnell and his wife Elaine Chao thanked medical staff and supporters.
The release happened during the important August Senate work period.
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At least 100 people died during a large number of migrants crossing from Morocco into the Spanish city of Ceuta. Thousands of migrants remain in the city, putting a strain on local resources and raising concerns about border security in Europe.
Key Facts
About 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta within two days, nearly matching the local population size.
Ceuta’s local leader, Juan Jesus Vivas, reported at least 100 deaths during the crossings.
Between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants still remain in Ceuta.
Local reception centers in Ceuta are overwhelmed and lack resources.
The Spanish government did not attend a European Parliament hearing on the crisis; the European Commission represented Spain instead.
European officials warned that Europe’s border safety depends too much on cooperation from Morocco, making it vulnerable.
Moroccan authorities rejected responsibility, saying Spain should have expected the surge after a court ruling stopped immediate deportations of migrants who entered by swimming.
Ceuta’s leader said the border is weak and called for faster deportation of irregular migrants, though unaccompanied minors can only be returned if they agree.
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Washington, D.C. residents will vote in November on whether to ban the sale of foie gras, a luxury food made from force-fed ducks or geese. This vote comes after the D.C. Board of Elections certified the initiative called the Prohibiting the Force-Feeding of Birds Act.
Key Facts
The vote will take place in November in Washington, D.C.
The initiative is called the Prohibiting the Force-Feeding of Birds Act (Initiative 86).
If passed, the initiative will ban the sale of foie gras in D.C.
Foie gras is made from ducks or geese that are force-fed to enlarge their livers.
Animal welfare groups support the ban, citing cruelty concerns.
The city’s fine-dining restaurants oppose the ban because foie gras is a popular ingredient.
The D.C. Board of Elections officially approved placing this question on the ballot.
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