A new poll shows Democratic Texas state Representative James Talarico leading Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the 2026 U.S. Senate race, especially among independent voters. The poll highlights shifting voter support in Texas, a state traditionally considered conservative.
Key Facts
James Talarico leads Ken Paxton by 2 points overall, 47% to 45%, in a Texas Senate race poll.
Among independent voters, Talarico holds a 40-point lead over Paxton (63% to 23%).
The poll surveyed 1,200 likely Texas voters from July 27-30, 2026, with a margin of error of ±2.83 points.
Talarico has strong support from Democratic voters (97%), while Paxton has slightly weaker Republican support (85%).
Talarico leads by large margins among Black voters (79% to 12%) and Latino voters (19 points ahead).
Paxton leads among white voters by 14 points (53% to 39%).
Recent polls show Talarico leading in multiple surveys, reflecting possible political shifts in Texas ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Paxton’s team emphasizes that the final election result on November 3 is what matters most, dismissing poll leads.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom is being criticized because his strict rules on plastic packaging and farming are seen as too tough. Some people want Congress to step in to protect the rest of the country and keep prices fair for consumers.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom leads California.
His administration has created strong regulations on plastic packaging.
There are also strict rules on agricultural standards in California.
These policies have drawn criticism from several groups.
Critics say these rules affect people outside California.
There are calls for Congress to intervene.
The goal is to protect national interests and keep consumer prices stable.
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A Senate Democrat report accuses major Wall Street banks of ignoring evidence of Jeffrey Epstein’s illegal activities and helping him handle large amounts of money connected to sex trafficking. The report also criticizes U.S. government agencies for not properly investigating Epstein and highlights ongoing concerns about why few people beyond Epstein and his close associate have faced charges.
Key Facts
Senator Ron Wyden, a top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, released the report.
The report claims banks like JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of America ignored signs of sex trafficking and money laundering linked to Epstein.
Banks allegedly helped Epstein move large sums of cash and hide financial details through shell companies.
Bank of America may have failed to report $170 million from investor Leon Black to Epstein, potentially violating anti-money laundering laws.
The Department of Justice and Treasury are criticized for inadequate investigations into Epstein’s activities.
Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The banks involved settled lawsuits with Epstein’s survivors but denied wrongdoing.
The report calls for renewed efforts by prosecutors and lawmakers to hold people connected to Epstein accountable.
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OpenAI will pay $3.2 million to settle claims by the U.S. Justice Department that it favored temporary visa holders over American workers for certain tech jobs. The settlement requires OpenAI to change its hiring practices to ensure fair opportunities for U.S. workers.
Key Facts
OpenAI agreed to pay $1.2 million in penalties and $2 million to affected workers.
The Justice Department said OpenAI did not properly post some jobs to the public before hiring through a permanent labor certification process (PERM).
DOJ alleges OpenAI discouraged U.S. workers by requiring mailed applications and advertising jobs on late-night radio.
Fewer than 10 job positions were involved in the case.
The settlement requires OpenAI to post job openings online, accept electronic applications, train staff, and allow DOJ monitoring.
DOJ said it is illegal to prefer temporary visa holders over U.S. workers for jobs.
This is the 13th settlement since the DOJ relaunched its Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative in 2025.
OpenAI disagrees with the DOJ but settled to continue supporting employees needing immigration help.
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President Donald Trump has proposed building a 250-foot-tall memorial arch on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A National Park Service report warns that this arch could harm the historical value and visual connections of many important nearby monuments. Some groups oppose the project and argue that it needs approval from Congress before construction can begin.
Key Facts
The arch would be 250 feet tall (76 meters) and commemorates the U.S. 250th anniversary.
The National Park Service says the arch could harm the “integrity” and visual relationships of many historical sites near the Memorial Avenue Corridor.
This corridor connects the Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Bridge, and Arlington House, which symbolize unity between North and South.
The arch would disrupt the alignment between these important monuments and historical sites.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, with members appointed by President Trump, has given early approval to the arch design.
The National Capital Area Planning Commission also approved the site and preliminary plans in July.
A group of three veterans and a historian sued, arguing the arch’s construction requires Congressional approval.
Their lawyer says that building a monument on National Park Service land in Washington, D.C. must have permission from Congress.
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Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller is requesting a House investigation into domestic abuse claims made by his ex-wife. Despite the allegations and calls for him to leave the race, Miller says he will stay in the election for his congressional seat, while President Donald Trump has declined to publicly say if Miller should drop out.
Key Facts
Rep. Max Miller faces domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend.
Miller is asking the U.S. House of Representatives to investigate the allegations to clear his name.
His ex-wife, Emily Moreno, is the daughter of Republican Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno.
Some House Democrats have called for an investigation into Miller.
President Trump spoke to Miller and said his candidacy “doesn’t look good” but did not publicly suggest he should withdraw.
Miller was endorsed by Trump and is running for reelection in a competitive Ohio House district.
The deadline to withdraw from the race is Wednesday, but Miller says he will not quit and plans to win.
Senator Bernie Moreno said Miller does not meet the “basic standards of character” for elected office.
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The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is in progress, with law enforcement officers and medical experts giving testimony on the sixth day. CBS News reporter Shanelle Kaul is providing updates on the trial.
Key Facts
The trial is about the murder of Lindsay Clancy.
The court is hearing testimony from police and medical experts.
This is the sixth day of testimony.
The trial is being covered by CBS News.
Updates are shared by reporter Shanelle Kaul.
Law enforcement officials are involved in presenting evidence.
Medical personnel are testifying about related facts.
The trial is ongoing and details continue to emerge.
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Rep. Max Miller from Ohio said he will ask the House Ethics Committee to investigate him. This comes as he faces pressure to resign or stop his reelection campaign because of accusations of domestic abuse.
Key Facts
Max Miller is a Republican representative from Ohio.
He plans to submit paperwork for the House Ethics Committee to investigate him.
Miller faces domestic abuse allegations.
These allegations have increased public and political pressure on him.
Some people want him to resign or quit his campaign for reelection.
The House Ethics Committee is responsible for reviewing the conduct of members of the House.
Miller described the renewed attention as related to his family affairs.
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The Trump administration is working on a ban that would stop the United States from importing new datacenter parts made in China. These parts, called optical transceivers, help move data quickly in datacenters, which are important for AI and tech services.
Key Facts
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is planning a rule to ban imports of new Chinese optical transceivers.
Optical transceivers are devices that send data through fiber-optic cables at very high speeds inside datacenters.
The Trump administration wants to limit China's role in US technology, especially in AI and datacenter components.
China leads globally in making optical transceivers, which many US datacenters rely on.
US companies are investing a lot of money to build AI infrastructure but are behind schedule compared to China’s rapid development.
Officials worry that Chinese parts in US datacenters could be used to steal data, add malware, or disrupt services.
The FCC recently banned Chinese advanced humanoid robots and is considering more restrictions on Chinese AI technologies.
The Chinese government has warned that it will respond strongly to any US actions that hurt China's interests.
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A survey of Labour party members in the UK shows that many are cautious about increasing welfare spending but support higher defence spending and see climate change as a major issue. The poll also found that most members prefer paying for welfare and social care through higher taxes, mainly on high earners.
Key Facts
The survey was conducted with 788 Labour members between June and July.
Health (43%), the economy (42%), cost of living (39%), and climate change (29%) were seen as the top national issues.
Only 7% of members ranked welfare benefits as a top concern, and 6% ranked immigration.
47% of members say the government spends too much on welfare; 21% say it spends too little.
52% want taxes raised to fund welfare, with 70% supporting higher taxes on high earners only.
73% support more spending on social care funded by higher taxes.
68% want increased defence spending, with 61% supporting higher taxes to pay for it.
Three-quarters of members supported Keir Starmer in the 2020 Labour leadership election.
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The U.S. Department of Justice is asking a court to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed by people who took part in the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. This lawsuit involves multiple rioters acting together in one legal case.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice represents the U.S. government in this matter.
The lawsuit is a class action, meaning many rioters are grouped into one case.
The lawsuit relates to events that happened on January 6, 2021.
January 6, 2021, was the day of the riot at the U.S. Capitol building.
The Justice Department wants the case to be thrown out by the court.
CBS News reported the Justice Department’s move.
Jake Rosen is the CBS News correspondent covering this story.
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Three people were killed and seven others injured in a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho. Two of the victims, Ashley Garibay and Christopher Claunch, have been identified by their families. The 24-year-old suspected shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after two armed bystanders fired back.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred on a Saturday at an In-N-Out Burger location in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Ashley Garibay was an In-N-Out worker from California who traveled to Idaho to help train staff at the new restaurant.
Christopher Claunch was a 59-year-old Idaho resident originally from California, who worked at a recovery center and had overcome alcoholism.
The suspected shooter, Chad Williams, was 24 years old and died by suicide at the scene after armed citizens returned fire.
A third victim killed has not yet been identified publicly.
Seven other people were injured, with two reported in critical condition.
Garibay’s family described her as a bright and caring person who loved her job and dreamt of managing a store.
Claunch’s sister shared that he struggled with loss and addiction but had found stability and enjoyed travel and the outdoors.
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A former Member of Parliament has asked the Conservative Party leader to drop a candidate, Joshua Bonehill-Paine, who was jailed for antisemitic abuse. The Conservative Party defended his selection, saying he has changed and now works to fight extremism.
Key Facts
Joshua Bonehill-Paine was jailed for posting antisemitic material and harassing Luciana Berger, a Jewish politician.
Berger criticized the Conservative Party for selecting him as a candidate for Somerset council.
Conservative Minister Kemi Badenoch said Bonehill-Paine has shown regret and now helps train police on countering extremism.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and Labour Party members condemned the Conservative Party’s decision.
Bonehill-Paine has past convictions including assaulting a police officer and causing a racial harassment case in 2016.
He created the satirical Crewkerne Gazette series online and claims to work against extremism currently.
Reform UK also faced criticism for their vetting process after evidence showed Bonehill-Paine applied to be their candidate.
The controversy highlights concerns over candidate vetting and inclusion in British politics.
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Rep. Max Miller, who denies domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife, said he will request an ethics investigation into himself. Miller’s ex-wife accuses him of hitting and threatening her, and Miller has sued her for defamation. Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Moreno criticized Miller’s character, and President Trump expressed doubt about Miller’s chances in the election.
Key Facts
Rep. Max Miller is running for reelection and faces domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno.
Miller denies the abuse claims and has filed a defamation lawsuit against Moreno.
Miller announced he will ask for an ethics investigation into himself and said he has nothing to hide.
Emily Moreno’s father, Senator Bernie Moreno, said Miller is unfit for office and a danger to his daughter.
President Donald Trump called Miller but expressed doubt about his reelection prospects.
Stephanie Grisham, former White House press secretary, filed a motion to stop Miller from violating a settlement agreement related to a defamation case.
Miller sued Grisham after she wrote about an abusive ex-boyfriend in the Trump administration, but they agreed to avoid public attacks as part of a settlement.
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Sirius Academy West in Hull is holding sessions before the new school year to check and approve students' uniforms. Parents bring trousers and skirts to be inspected and marked with a green sticker if they meet the school's uniform rules, helping avoid confusion or problems when school starts.
Key Facts
The school checks students’ trousers and skirts for uniform compliance before the school year begins.
Approved clothing receives a green sticker to show it meets the uniform requirements.
Uniform rules include black trousers or skirts; skirts must be pencil-fit and made of the same material as blazers.
Parents appreciate the early checks because it reduces stress and criticism for students at the start of the year.
The school allows approval of uniforms not bought from its official supplier, helping families save money.
Some parents find the sessions inconvenient but still see the value in them.
The school shared its uniform expectations on social media to inform parents.
The initiative aims to promote a sense of equality and discipline through uniform standards.
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Stephanie Grisham, who was the White House Communications Director during President Donald Trump’s first term, filed for a temporary restraining order against Representative Max Miller from Ohio. This action follows allegations of abuse made by Miller’s ex-wife and is part of an ongoing legal case.
Key Facts
Stephanie Grisham served as White House Communications Director under President Donald Trump’s first term.
She filed a temporary restraining order against Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio.
The restraining order follows abuse allegations made by Miller’s ex-wife.
Grisham’s lawyer, Mark S. Zaid, announced the filing on the social media platform X.
The restraining order is part of a continuing lawsuit involving the parties.
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Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico criticized Republican actions against transgender people. He said these actions are meant to divide people and that his campaign supports all Texans without excluding anyone.
Key Facts
James Talarico is running for the U.S. Senate in Texas as a Democrat.
He commented on Republican attacks aimed at transgender individuals.
Talarico described these attacks as part of a "culture war" to create division.
He stated that his campaign does not want to harm or exclude any group of people.
The campaign focuses on representing all Texans equally.
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A federal appeals court has stopped President Donald Trump's administration from canceling billions of dollars in climate funding created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The court temporarily blocked the Environmental Protection Agency from taking back these funds.
Key Facts
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals made the decision to block the funding rollback.
The blocked funds are part of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.
The funds are intended for green or climate-related projects.
This decision reverses an attempt by President Trump’s administration to rescind, or cancel, these funds.
The court reinstated a previous temporary order that protects the funds.
The Environmental Protection Agency was trying to recover the money.
The case involves federal climate funding and government agency actions.
The decision is part of an ongoing legal dispute about climate policy.
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A man in Maryland was charged with second-degree murder after police say he pushed another man into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, leading to the man’s death. The incident happened after a fight between the two men, and the victim was later found and pronounced dead at a hospital.
Key Facts
James Fitzsimmons, 36, is charged with second-degree murder in Baltimore.
The victim was James Britt, 37, who died after being pushed into the harbor.
Surveillance video shows the two men fighting before the victim moved toward the water.
Fitzsimmons pushed Britt into the Inner Harbor after the fight.
Fitzsimmons told police Britt jumped in the water on his own.
Britt’s girlfriend told Fitzsimmons that Britt could not swim.
Rescue divers recovered Britt, who later died at a hospital.
Fitzsimmons also faces manslaughter and assault charges and is scheduled to appear in court on August 27.
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