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, 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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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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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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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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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 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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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche canceled the order to create President Trump's $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, aiming to help his confirmation process in the Senate. The legal settlement behind the fund remains in place, but the fund itself is not being set up for now.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche rescinded the order for President Trump’s $1.776 billion fund meant to compensate people claiming harm from government "lawfare."
The fund was part of a May settlement in a lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS over his tax records.
The settlement included an apology to Trump and his sons, and protections from certain IRS claims and audits.
Blanche’s new order cancels the fund but does not remove the settlement itself, which can only be changed if both sides agree in writing.
Blanche explained that audit protections only apply to Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization, not to all related parties.
Senate Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have concerns about Blanche’s confirmation and the fund issue.
President Trump threatened to keep Blanche as acting attorney general and restart the fund if needed.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to vote on Blanche’s confirmation soon and needs all Republican votes to pass him.
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Fast-moving wildfires in the western United States have destroyed many homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has withdrawn a fund created by President Trump aimed at preventing government weaponization as part of decisions affecting his own nomination.
Key Facts
Wildfires are spreading quickly in the western U.S.
Hundreds of buildings have been burned down by the fires.
Thousands of residents have had to leave their homes because of the fires.
Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General.
He has canceled a fund started by President Trump called the "anti-weaponization fund."
The fund was intended to stop government agencies from being misused.
Blanche’s action relates to the process of his nomination for Attorney General.
These events were reported in the CBS News Eye Opener.
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Senator Tim Kaine says U.S. military strikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats have likely killed people not involved in drug trafficking. He reviewed classified materials and told President Donald Trump that the military exceeded the legal limits set by Trump's orders during these operations.
Key Facts
The U.S. military has conducted strikes on boats in the Pacific and Caribbean since September 2025.
These strikes are part of a campaign called Operation Southern Spear targeting drug-smuggling groups.
At least 218 people have been killed in these strikes so far.
Senator Kaine reviewed classified targeting lists and legal memos related to the operations.
Kaine says some victims do not fit the legal criteria outlined in President Trump’s execute order.
The Department of Defense and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have defended the strikes as lawful.
Pentagon spending on this campaign has exceeded $820 million.
President Trump announced the strikes publicly in September 2025 on his social media platform.
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In July 2025, immigration agents raided two cannabis farms in Camarillo, California, detaining hundreds of people and causing chaos among workers and local residents. The raid involved heavy tactics, including tear gas and arrests, and affected many lives, including an army veteran, a farmworker, and a professor. The event was part of President Trump’s ongoing immigration enforcement efforts and continues to impact the community.
Key Facts
The raid occurred at two cannabis farm facilities owned by Glass House Farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria, California.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 14 minors and 361 adults during the raid on July 10, 2025.
A 56-year-old farmworker named Jaime Alanis died after falling 30 feet from a greenhouse roof during the raid.
The operation involved heavily armed ICE agents using chemical munitions such as tear gas against workers and protesters.
John Caravello, a university professor, was arrested after throwing back a tear gas canister at agents during the protest.
George Retes, an army veteran and security guard, was pepper sprayed and detained after trying to report for work amid the raid chaos.
The raids represented an aggressive phase of President Trump’s mass deportation campaign in Los Angeles.
After public outrage over violent raids, ICE shifted to quieter, more targeted arrests, but recent incidents suggest possible renewed aggressive tactics.
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President Donald Trump said he stopped a large military attack on Iran. He also said that talks between the U.S. and Iran would start soon, but Iran denied that negotiations would happen.
Key Facts
President Trump announced he called off a major attack on Iran.
He claimed the threatened attacks were the worst since World War II.
The President said that talks or negotiations with Iran would begin on Monday.
Iran denied that any new talks or negotiations were planned.
The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Courtney Kealy.
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A psychiatrist explains that addiction often starts earlier than many realize and is caused by many factors, not just bad choices. Early warning signs in children and teens include changes in school, friendships, mood, and habits. Mental health issues and trauma can increase the risk of addiction.
Key Facts
Addiction usually results from multiple factors like genetics, brain development, mental health, family, peers, and substance access.
Nearly 10 million young people in the U.S. had substance use disorders in 2020.
Addiction often begins in the teenage years, with early warning signs appearing between ages 8 and 12.
Teen brains are still developing, making them more likely to take risks and be influenced by peers.
Warning signs include falling grades, mood swings, secrecy, rule-breaking, and missing valuables.
Mental health problems like anxiety and depression increase the chance of substance misuse.
Trauma such as abuse or family instability is a strong risk factor for addiction.
Protective factors, like strong support systems, can help reduce the risk of addiction.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is likely to be confirmed by the Senate after he canceled the "anti-weaponization fund," which had caused concern among some Republican senators. This move appears to have helped him gain their support.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General.
There was an "anti-weaponization fund" that some Republicans disagreed with.
Blanche officially canceled this fund.
The cancellation helped ease opposition from Republican senators.
Blanche is now expected to be confirmed by the Senate.
The confirmation vote is part of the Senate's approval process for his role.
The issue was reported by CBS News correspondent Taurean Small.
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Michigan voters will choose the Democratic candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in a primary election on Tuesday. The race is between U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, who has support from many party leaders, and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed, backed by progressive politicians. The winner will face a Republican candidate in the November general election.
Key Facts
Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary is between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.
Stevens is supported by established Democratic leaders like Sen. Gary Peters and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
El-Sayed is endorsed by progressive figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Outside groups, including one linked to the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, have spent over $30 million supporting Stevens.
The winner will compete against Republican Mike Rogers in the general election.
Michigan is a key battleground state with important races for governor, U.S. House, and state legislature happening the same year.
A third candidate, Mallory McMorrow, withdrew but remains on the ballot without endorsing either candidate.
The primary results could affect control of the U.S. Senate and indicate the influence of progressive and pro-Israel groups in the Democratic Party.
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Missouri voters will hold primaries for all eight U.S. House seats under a new congressional map supported by President Trump, designed to favor Republicans. In one key race, Democratic U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell faces a primary rematch against former Rep. Cori Bush, with outside spending from a pro-Israel group playing a major role. Voters will also decide on ballot measures, including proposals to change how constitutional amendments are passed and to phase out state income taxes.
Key Facts
Missouri’s new congressional map was created by Republican lawmakers with backing from President Trump.
The 1st Congressional District primary features Democrat Wesley Bell against former Rep. Cori Bush, whom Bell defeated in 2024.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent about $11.7 million in total supporting Bell and opposing Bush.
Cori Bush is critical of Israel after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which influenced AIPAC’s spending.
Missouri’s districts have been redrawn, affecting longtime Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s district, making it more Republican-leaning.
Cleaver is running for his 12th term in a district that President Trump carried with about 58% of the vote.
Missouri voters will decide on Amendment 4, which could require a majority vote in every congressional district to pass constitutional amendments initiated by citizens.
Amendment 5 would phase out Missouri’s individual income tax and increase sales taxes.
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A man in south Wales kept his dead mother’s body in a freezer for nearly three years while collecting her pension and benefits. He was jailed after police discovered the body during a welfare check and found he had taken over £70,000 in payments meant for her.
Key Facts
Christopher Phillips, 60, kept his mother Sylvia Phillips’ body in a freezer at their home for almost three years.
Sylvia was 89 years old when she died in March 2023.
Phillips continued to collect her pension, benefits, and savings totaling over £78,000.
He told police his mother was in London with cousins to avoid suspicion.
Police found the body after noticing flowers on top of the freezer.
Phillips pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial and fraud.
He was sentenced to two years and four months in jail.
Phillips had been his mother’s main carer since 2008 and described himself as vulnerable with mental health issues at the time.
The court heard he talked to her as if she was still alive and placed flowers and cards by the freezer.
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A new bill called the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act proposes giving low-income households an extra $60 each month to buy fruits and vegetables. The program would be run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and target families receiving SNAP benefits or those earning less than 80% of their local median income.
Key Facts
The bill was introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal and nine other House members on July 2.
The program would provide $60 monthly through electronic benefit cards or other state payment systems.
Money from the program must be spent within 30 days on fresh, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables without added fat, sugar, or salt.
Eligible items also include herbs and plant starts used to grow qualifying foods.
Benefits can be used at farmers markets, grocery stores, farm stands, supermarkets, and other USDA-approved retailers.
The program aims to improve diet quality and food security by encouraging healthier food purchases.
The pilot is modeled after Seattle’s existing Fresh Bucks program, which improved food security and increased fruit and vegetable consumption among participants.
Applicants outside SNAP would fill out a simple application, with efforts to reduce paperwork and prevent benefit loss through easy renewals and support.
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Former U.S. Representative Kay Granger from Texas died at age 83. She was known for being the first Republican woman to lead the House Appropriations Committee and held important roles in the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Kay Granger was a Republican representative from Texas.
She passed away on Sunday at the age of 83.
Granger was the first GOP woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees government spending.
She also served as vice chairwoman of the House Republican Conference.
Granger co-chaired key committees during her career.
She was respected by members of the Republican Party.
Her death has led to mourning among lawmakers.
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A candidate named El-Sayed is doing well in Michigan’s election. However, some experts think his win might not help the Democratic Party overall in the country.
Key Facts
El-Sayed is a progressive candidate competing in Michigan.
Progressives are a group within the Democratic Party who have more liberal ideas.
Winning in one state does not always mean success for the whole party nationally.
Some analysts believe that a win for El-Sayed could have negative effects for Democrats in other areas.
The situation shows the complexities of political races within the U.S. Democratic Party.
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