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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Max Miller's Chances of Winning Election Plunge as He Denies Allegations

Max Miller's Chances of Winning Election Plunge as He Denies Allegations

Summary

Republican Congressman Max Miller from Ohio denies allegations of abuse made by his ex-wife and says he will continue his campaign for reelection. After his denial, betting odds showed a drop in his chances to win, while Democrats gained confidence in the race.

Key Facts

  • Max Miller is a two-term congressman and former aide to President Donald Trump.
  • His ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of abuse, which he denies.
  • Miller has not been charged with any crime related to the allegations.
  • He posted a video on the social media platform X rejecting the abuse claims and said he will stay in the race.
  • Betting odds showed Miller’s chance of winning fell from 47% to 34% after his video.
  • Democrats are calling for his resignation and want a congressional ethics investigation.
  • Ohio’s deadline for Miller to withdraw and be replaced on the ballot is August 9, with party replacement deadline on August 10.
  • President Donald Trump said he will review the situation but called the claims “accusations” so far.
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Blanche order keeps intact immunity deal barring investigation of Trump and his family

Blanche order keeps intact immunity deal barring investigation of Trump and his family

Summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche canceled a $1.776 million fund created to prevent government misuse for political reasons. However, an order that protects President Trump, his adult children, and their business from investigation for past actions remains unchanged.

Key Facts

  • Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General.
  • He rescinded (canceled) a $1.776 million "anti-weaponization" fund.
  • The fund was created to stop government efforts being used unfairly against political figures.
  • This cancellation happened one day after the fund was set up.
  • A separate legal order gives broad legal protection (immunity) to President Trump, his adult children, and their business for past actions.
  • The immunity order remains active despite canceling the fund.
  • The memo about the fund received less public attention than the immunity order.
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List of States Where Cyclospora Cases Are Still Rising

List of States Where Cyclospora Cases Are Still Rising

Summary

A parasite called Cyclospora has caused thousands of cases of illness across many U.S. states since May. Health officials are investigating outbreaks linked mainly to contaminated shredded lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served in Taco Bell restaurants, leading to recalls and rising case counts.

Key Facts

  • As of July 28, there were 6,707 confirmed Cyclospora cases in 45 states, with 423 hospitalizations but no deaths.
  • Over 11,500 suspected cases are still being investigated.
  • The largest outbreak is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, especially served at Taco Bell in several states.
  • Taco Bell stopped using the contaminated lettuce on July 17, and Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico sent to 27 states.
  • Michigan has the highest number of cases with 10,773, followed by Ohio with 4,013 confirmed cases.
  • States like North Carolina, Missouri, Florida, Iowa, and Virginia have all reported rising numbers of cases recently.
  • Cyclospora is a parasite that infects food via contact with human feces, often through contaminated water used on produce.
  • Illness caused by Cyclospora, called cyclosporiasis, affects the gut and can lead to serious stomach problems.
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Senate pushes ahead with plan to fund government through midterms

Senate pushes ahead with plan to fund government through midterms

Summary

The Senate plans to approve a temporary funding measure to keep the government running through December, ahead of the November midterm elections. This plan differs from the House version and aims to avoid a government shutdown while including some changes to funding rules.

Key Facts

  • The Senate's continuing resolution would keep government funding at current levels until December 11.
  • The House approved a different short-term funding plan before its recess, which some Democrats opposed.
  • The Senate measure includes changes affecting nutrition, national security, and disaster relief programs.
  • Senate Democrats oppose reallocating funds from other programs to the Border Patrol, which is included in the House plan.
  • Senate leaders want a bipartisan agreement requiring support from both parties to pass funding bills.
  • The Senate also included language to pause a proposed rule that would allow canceling some federal grants.
  • The Senate aims to vote on the measure before its August recess; the House will decide its next steps when it returns.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson may face pressure from his party over accepting the Senate’s plan.
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Arizona clergy who learn of child abuse in confessions aren’t required to report it, court rules

Arizona clergy who learn of child abuse in confessions aren’t required to report it, court rules

Summary

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that clergy members in Arizona do not have to report child abuse they learn about during religious confession. This decision protects the confidentiality of confessions even if clergy become aware of abuse.

Key Facts

  • Arizona clergy are not required to report child abuse learned in confession, according to the state supreme court.
  • The case involved children abused by their parents, who sued the Mormon church and two bishops for not reporting the abuse.
  • The Mormon church supports the ruling and says it condemns all abuse and helps victims.
  • A previous Washington state law that would have forced clergy to report abuse was withdrawn after legal challenge by the Catholic church.
  • Paul Adams admitted child abuse to a bishop in 2011 during confession and later died by suicide in jail.
  • Abuse continued because bishops followed church rules to keep confessions confidential and sought advice not to contact police.
  • The court said the First Amendment protects religious freedom, meaning courts can’t question religious reasons for keeping confessions secret.
  • The ruling overturned a lower court decision that had favored the children, confirming protection of religious confession confidentiality.
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Washington state governor says he’s talked to Trump about wildfires

Washington state governor says he’s talked to Trump about wildfires

Summary

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said he talked with President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the wildfires in Washington state. Ferguson described the wildfire damage in Spokane and other parts of the state during the conversation.

Key Facts

  • The wildfires are affecting Washington state, including the city of Spokane.
  • Governor Bob Ferguson spoke directly with President Trump about the emergency.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was also part of the discussion.
  • Ferguson explained the serious and harmful effects of the wildfires.
  • The conversation happened on a Sunday, according to Ferguson’s post on X (formerly Twitter).
  • Governor Ferguson is in his first term and is a member of the Democratic Party.
  • The call aimed to raise awareness about the wildfire crisis in Washington.
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Is Trump Losing Support Over Iran? The Conversation

Is Trump Losing Support Over Iran? The Conversation

Summary

Support for President Donald Trump’s approach to the conflict with Iran has decreased, according to a recent poll. Public opinion is divided, with some people worried about a long, difficult war and others believing the military action has stopped Iran’s nuclear progress.

Key Facts

  • A Quinnipiac University poll of 963 registered voters found only 34% support U.S. military action in Iran, while 60% oppose it.
  • President Trump planned to cancel an attack on Iran to allow rapid diplomatic talks.
  • Public reactions vary: some fear long, unresolved conflicts in the Middle East, others think the military actions have weakened Iran’s threat.
  • Joe Rogan, a public figure who once supported Trump, expressed doubt about a clear resolution to the conflict.
  • Some readers criticized Rogan’s influence, questioning his support for President Trump.
  • Comments highlight concerns about U.S. involvement possibly leading to prolonged conflicts or “forever wars.”
  • Others argue the military campaign has successfully stopped Iran’s nuclear advancements and reduced dangers posed by Iran.
  • The article notes worries about U.S. ammunition supplies amid ongoing tensions.
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Blanche rescinds 'anti-weaponization fund' for Trump allies after GOP senators threaten to block his AG bid

Blanche rescinds 'anti-weaponization fund' for Trump allies after GOP senators threaten to block his AG bid

Summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche ended a $1.8 billion fund linked to President Donald Trump that was meant to compensate political allies. This decision followed talks with two Republican senators who were blocking Blanche’s nomination to be attorney general.

Key Facts

  • Todd Blanche is the acting U.S. Attorney General.
  • President Donald Trump had created a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" for his political allies.
  • Blanche officially ended this fund by a formal order on Sunday.
  • Two Republican senators, John Cornyn from Texas and Thom Tillis from North Carolina, were blocking Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general.
  • Cornyn confirmed the deal to end the fund, while Tillis had no comment.
  • Blanche’s nomination will be voted on by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
  • The decision to end the fund was part of negotiations to move forward with Blanche’s confirmation.
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Dollar sinks against yen after Trump administration intervention

Dollar sinks against yen after Trump administration intervention

Summary

The U.S. dollar recently dropped in value against the Japanese yen after Japan and President Trump’s administration worked together to intervene in the currency market. The dollar fell from a 40-year high of 164 yen in July to about 156.80 yen.

Key Facts

  • Japan and the Trump administration joined forces to intervene in currency markets.
  • The U.S. dollar reached a 40-year high of 164 yen in July.
  • By Monday morning, the dollar’s value against the yen fell to approximately 156.80 yen.
  • The U.S. Treasury Department sold euros to buy yen during the intervention.
  • The move was aimed at influencing currency exchange rates.
  • The intervention caused the dollar to weaken versus the yen.
  • Currency market interventions are rare and usually done to stabilize exchange rates.
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Ohio senator says former son-in-law shouldn't be in Congress amid abuse claims

Ohio senator says former son-in-law shouldn't be in Congress amid abuse claims

Summary

Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno said that his former son-in-law, Congressman Max Miller, should not serve in Congress because of abuse accusations involving Moreno’s daughter and granddaughter. Max Miller denied these claims and said he does not plan to leave his position.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bernie Moreno is from Ohio and a member of the Republican Party.
  • Congressman Max Miller is also a Republican from Ohio.
  • Moreno accused Miller of abusing his daughter and granddaughter.
  • Miller denied the abuse allegations.
  • Miller has stated he will stay in Congress despite the accusations.
  • The dispute involves family members and political figures within the same state and party.
  • The situation is being reported by CBS News.
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Trump wants the power to stop the public from suing polluters

Trump wants the power to stop the public from suing polluters

Summary

The U.S. government has allowed citizens to sue polluters when the government doesn’t act, through “citizen suit provisions” in environmental laws like the Clean Water Act. Now, the Trump administration wants to stop people from suing polluters and says only the government should enforce these laws.

Key Facts

  • Environmental laws since the 1970s include “citizen suit provisions” that let regular people sue companies or agencies violating pollution rules.
  • These citizen suits have triggered over 2,000 lawsuits and are important for stopping pollution and protecting wildlife.
  • Citizens must notify the polluter and the EPA before suing and can only sue if the government hasn’t already taken enforcement action.
  • Citizen suits can stop harmful activities, recover cleanup costs, and fine polluters.
  • The Clean Water Act is the most common law used for citizen suits because just dumping pollution without a permit is against the law.
  • Examples include a 2017 case where a Texas shrimper sued a plastics company, which settled for $50 million to clean pollution.
  • In 2023, environmental groups sued a packaging company over plastic pellet pollution; the company settled for $2.5 million and agreed to install filters.
  • The Trump administration’s recent legal position challenges the ability of citizens to sue and wants enforcement to be done only by the government.
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What kind of political advertising spin can help the flailing Republicans?

What kind of political advertising spin can help the flailing Republicans?

Summary

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has asked Senator Mitch McConnell to share a video message about his health. This request comes after Senator McConnell has been inactive in the Senate for several weeks, leading to rumors.

Key Facts

  • Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear made a public request.
  • He wants Senator Mitch McConnell to provide a video update.
  • The update is about Senator McConnell’s health.
  • Senator McConnell has not been active in the Senate for several weeks.
  • This inactivity has caused rumors about his condition.
  • The request aims to address and clarify these rumors.
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Off-duty state trooper and civilian credited with helping stop Idaho In-N-Out shooter

Off-duty state trooper and civilian credited with helping stop Idaho In-N-Out shooter

Summary

Three people died and seven were hurt in a shooting at an In-N-Out restaurant in Idaho over the weekend. An off-duty state trooper and a civilian helped stop the shooter, who acted alone, while officials are still looking into the reasons behind the attack.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened at an In-N-Out restaurant in Idaho.
  • Three people were killed in the shooting.
  • Seven people were injured during the incident.
  • Officials say the shooter acted by themselves, with no accomplices.
  • An off-duty state trooper helped stop the shooter.
  • A civilian also played a role in stopping the shooter.
  • Authorities are investigating the shooter’s possible motives.
  • The incident occurred over the weekend.
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Socialist Kshama Sawant Says AOC's and Progressives' Strategy Isn't Working

Socialist Kshama Sawant Says AOC's and Progressives' Strategy Isn't Working

Summary

Socialist candidate Kshama Sawant says working-class voters want leaders who challenge the Democratic Party. She criticizes progressive Democrats like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for cooperating with party leaders instead of pushing harder for change.

Key Facts

  • Kshama Sawant is running against longtime Democratic Representative Adam Smith in Washington's 9th Congressional District.
  • She argues voters are unhappy with both major parties and want more radical left-wing politics.
  • Sawant served 10 years on the Seattle City Council as an independent socialist.
  • She led efforts to raise Seattle’s minimum wage to $15 in 2013, which later increased to $21.30 an hour linked to inflation.
  • Sawant opposed U.S. military aid to Israel and supports higher wages, universal health care, rent control, and taxing the wealthy.
  • Despite opposition from big corporations like Amazon, which spent $1.5 million against her, she won reelection multiple times.
  • Her grassroots Tax Amazon campaign helped pass a payroll tax on big businesses in Seattle.
  • Washington’s top-two primary system lets the two candidates with the most votes move on to the general election, regardless of party.
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Todd Blanche rescinds controversial "anti-weaponization fund" that turned off 2 Republicans

Todd Blanche rescinds controversial "anti-weaponization fund" that turned off 2 Republicans

Summary

Todd Blanche, who is up for confirmation as attorney general, canceled a program called the "anti-weaponization fund" after two Republican senators objected to it. The decision came just before his confirmation hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

Key Facts

  • Todd Blanche is a nominee for attorney general.
  • His Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
  • Blanche had created a fund called the "anti-weaponization fund."
  • Two Republican senators protested against this fund.
  • In response, Blanche officially canceled the fund late Sunday night.
  • The fund’s cancellation was reported by CBS News.
  • The controversy around the fund affected support from some Republican senators.
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Abdul El-Sayed Chances Against Haley Stevens: Final Michigan Polls

Abdul El-Sayed Chances Against Haley Stevens: Final Michigan Polls

Summary

The 2026 Democratic primary for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed is highly competitive. Recent polls show El-Sayed leading Stevens by a significant margin, and prediction markets give him a strong chance to win the nomination. The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in the November general election.

Key Facts

  • The primary election date is August 4, 2026.
  • Abdul El-Sayed is supported by progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders.
  • Haley Stevens is backed by more moderate Democrats, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
  • Michigan is a key battleground state that narrowly supported President Donald Trump in 2024.
  • Recent polls show El-Sayed leading Stevens by 11 to 16 points in several surveys.
  • Younger voters (18-44) strongly support El-Sayed, while Stevens leads among voters aged 65 and older.
  • Republican Mike Rogers is the likely GOP nominee for the Senate seat.
  • Prediction markets give El-Sayed about a 98% chance to win the Democratic nomination.
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AP Decision Notes: What to expect in the Kansas state primary

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in the Kansas state primary

Summary

Kansas will hold primary elections to choose candidates for governor and U.S. Senate. Republicans aim to regain the governor’s office after eight years under Democrats, while Democrats have competitive primaries for governor and Senate. Voters will also consider a constitutional amendment to allow direct election of state Supreme Court justices.

Key Facts

  • The Kansas Republican party will select a nominee for governor to try to win back the office after Democratic Governor Laura Kelly reaches her term limit.
  • President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican candidate Ty Masterson for Kansas governor.
  • Republican candidates include Ty Masterson, Charlotte O’Hara, Philip Sarnecki, Vicki Schmidt, and Scott Schwab.
  • Philip Sarnecki and Scott Schwab have contributed large amounts of their own money to their campaigns.
  • Democratic gubernatorial candidates include Ethan Corson, Cindy Holscher, and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog.
  • Republican Senator Roger Marshall seeks re-election and has Trump’s endorsement; he faces a primary challenge from Pond Naramore.
  • Democrats have an 11-candidate field for U.S. Senate, including Adam Hamilton, who has raised the most money.
  • Kansas voters will vote on a proposal to allow direct election of state Supreme Court justices, changing the current appointment system.
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Carville: Progressive left ‘too hot-headed to know that they’re not popular’

Carville: Progressive left ‘too hot-headed to know that they’re not popular’

Summary

Democratic strategist James Carville said on CNN that the progressive left wing of the Democratic Party does not realize they are unpopular. He made this comment while discussing the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.

Key Facts

  • James Carville is a Democratic political strategist.
  • He spoke on CNN’s show "The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper."
  • Carville criticized the progressive left wing of the Democratic Party.
  • He said they are “too hot-headed” to understand their lack of popularity.
  • The comment was made during a discussion about the Michigan Senate Democratic primary.
  • The candidates in the Michigan primary mentioned were Abdul El-Sayed and Representative Haley Stevens.
  • Carville’s remarks focus on internal attitudes within the Democratic Party.
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Live updates: Deal to end part of Trump’s IRS settlement clears Blanche’s confirmation path

Live updates: Deal to end part of Trump’s IRS settlement clears Blanche’s confirmation path

Summary

The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to vote on nominating Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General. This vote was made easier by a deal between Senator John Cornyn and the Department of Justice, ending a special fund called the anti-weaponization fund.

Key Facts

  • Todd Blanche is nominated to be the acting Attorney General.
  • The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on this nomination.
  • Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, helped make the nomination process smoother.
  • Cornyn reached an agreement with the Department of Justice.
  • The agreement involves ending the anti-weaponization fund permanently through a formal order.
  • The anti-weaponization fund was created to prevent misuse of government tools or powers but is now being stopped.
  • This deal helps clear the way for Blanche’s confirmation vote in the Senate.
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Nancy Guthrie ransom note said she died, sheriff says investigation is still active and mounting

Nancy Guthrie ransom note said she died, sheriff says investigation is still active and mounting

Summary

Nancy Guthrie disappeared, and two ransom notes were found, one saying she had died. The sheriff from Pima County says the investigation is ongoing and remains very active.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie is missing.
  • Two ransom notes were discovered related to her disappearance.
  • One ransom note claimed that Nancy Guthrie had died.
  • Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is leading the investigation.
  • The sheriff said the investigation is still very active and growing.
  • CBS News reporter Anna Schecter covered the story.
  • Authorities continue to search for answers about what happened to Nancy Guthrie.
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