A 10-year-old boy, Nathaniel Rai, was rescued from a dangerous rip current near Santa Cruz, California, by 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams. Nathaniel’s father said the rescue saved his son’s life, and both families expressed deep gratitude for the quick actions of Ryder and others who helped.
Key Facts
Nathaniel Rai, age 10, was caught in a rip current after tripping near the water.
The rescue happened off the coast of Santa Cruz, California.
Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old lifeguard, saved Nathaniel when he was unconscious and not breathing.
Nathaniel’s father said his son was seconds away from dying.
Other lifeguards and bystanders also helped during the rescue.
Ryder Williams said he loves his job and is thankful to assist in such rescues.
Nathaniel expressed his thanks to Ryder for saving his life.
The rescue took place last month.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democrat Bobby Pulido is currently leading Republican Monica De La Cruz in Texas’ 15th Congressional District, a seat that President Trump won by nearly 18 points in 2024. New polls suggest the race is tightening, making this district a key area to watch in the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Bobby Pulido, a Democrat, leads Monica De La Cruz, the Republican incumbent, by 51% to 45% in a recent poll.
The district was redrawn and President Trump won it by nearly 18 points in the 2024 election.
Another poll from May showed Pulido ahead 48% to 46%.
Prediction markets give Pulido a 67% chance of winning the seat.
Analysts moved the district rating from "Likely Republican" to "Leans Republican."
Texas’ 15th District covers South Texas, a region with a large Latino population where Republicans gained ground in recent years.
Pulido is a well-known Latin Grammy Award-winning musician and has a favorable reputation among voters.
This race is seen as a test of whether Democrats can regain support in South Texas amid a challenging election environment for Republicans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed state officials to require data centers to share detailed information about their electricity and water use before connecting to the state’s power grid. The Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT, the grid operator, will audit these data centers to ensure they meet the requirements.
Key Facts
Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive regarding data centers in Texas.
Data centers must provide detailed information about their electricity and water usage.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and ERCOT will conduct audits on data centers.
Data centers cannot connect to Texas’s power grid without sharing this information.
The goal is to better manage energy and water resources in the state.
ERCOT is the organization responsible for operating Texas’s electrical grid.
This directive aims to increase transparency and control over large power users in Texas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro brought evidence to the White House to show President Trump that damage to the Reflecting Pool was caused by poor construction, not by vandalism. Her office dropped criminal charges against several people accused of vandalism, citing new information from the Interior Department.
Key Facts
Jeanine Pirro is the U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., and an ally of President Trump.
She met with President Trump to explain the evidence about the Reflecting Pool damage.
The damage was found to be caused by faulty work from a contractor, not vandalism.
Charges were dropped against Olympic canoeist David Hearn and three others.
The Interior Department initially claimed vandals caused the damage, but new evidence contradicted this.
President Trump criticized Pirro for dropping the charges, saying she “folded like an umbrella.”
Pirro’s office has faced difficulties in other cases involving people linked to President Trump’s interests.
A judge ended Pirro’s grand jury subpoenas related to a Fed renovation, calling them a tactic to pressure Fed officials.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration plans to close five smaller U.S. diplomatic missions in Africa, Asia, and the Western Hemisphere to save money. At the same time, it is working to reopen embassies in Venezuela, Syria, and Libya to restore official U.S. presence there.
Key Facts
The U.S. will close the embassy in Grenada and consulates in Nagoya (Japan), Medan (Indonesia), and Douala (Cameroon), plus a presence post in Winnipeg (Canada).
These closures are expected to save about $4.4 million annually.
The affected missions have very few American and local staff, ranging from 1 to 14 U.S. employees and some local workers.
The State Department earlier announced plans to close the consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan.
The closures are part of efforts to make the State Department’s work more efficient at home and abroad.
Funds saved will help support reopening U.S. embassies in Caracas (Venezuela), Damascus (Syria), and Tripoli (Libya).
Reopening these embassies follows political changes and aims to restore formal diplomatic relations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two U.S. senators introduced a bill to create a new visa program that lets states sponsor temporary foreign workers to fill local job shortages. The federal government would still control security checks and immigration rules, while states would decide on their workforce needs and manage the workers they sponsor.
Key Facts
Senators John Curtis (Utah, Republican) and Mark Kelly (Arizona, Democrat) introduced the State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026.
The program allows states to request visas for foreign workers to address labor shortages in their local economies.
States must approve participation through their legislatures before joining the program.
The federal government keeps control over visa approvals, background checks, and immigration enforcement.
Visa holders must generally live and work in the sponsoring state but may move among states if agreements exist.
Visas can last up to three years and can be renewed if conditions are met.
States must ensure that sponsored workers do not replace U.S. workers and comply with labor and tax laws.
If a state has many visa violations, it faces fines and a cut in future visa numbers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, are investigating three possible cases of tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever," a rare bacterial infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 64 cases nationwide so far in 2026, with symptoms often including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin sores.
Key Facts
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and is commonly found in wild animals like rabbits, rodents, and muskrats.
Humans can get infected through tick or deer fly bites, contact with infected animals, breathing in contaminated dust, or drinking contaminated water.
The disease is not spread from person to person.
Symptoms usually appear 3-5 days after exposure and can include high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and skin ulcers.
Tularemia cases usually occur in the U.S. between May and September, when people are outdoors more and ticks are active.
Fewer than 200 cases are reported in the U.S. each year, making it a rare illness.
Tularemia can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught early.
Laboratory testing for the Suffolk County cases may take several weeks to confirm.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tom DeLay, a former House majority leader who helped create the TV ownership cap, says the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cannot legally remove the cap because it is set by law. Despite this, the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr plans to vote on eliminating the cap, which currently limits any TV station owner from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households.
Key Facts
Tom DeLay helped write the rule that limits TV station owners to reaching no more than 39% of U.S. TV households.
The 39% ownership cap is part of U.S. law, so DeLay says only Congress can change it, not the FCC.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has proposed removing the 39% cap and replacing it with a review process for each merger.
The FCC is scheduled to vote on this proposal soon.
The TV ownership cap was first set by the FCC in 1985 and later changed by Congress several times.
In 2004, Congress passed a law requiring the FCC to keep the cap at 39%, preventing the FCC from changing it on its own.
Both Democratic and Republican FCC leaders have claimed some authority to change the cap in the past, but the 39% limit remains.
Previously, the FCC allowed a media company to buy another company and exceed the 39% cap by granting a special waiver.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More adults in the United States are moving back in with their parents due to rising living costs and inflation. This change shows how harder it has become for some people to afford living on their own.
Key Facts
Inflation means prices for many everyday things have gone up.
The cost of housing and other expenses is increasing.
Some adults, like a 34-year-old woman interviewed, choose to live with their parents again.
Moving back home can help adults save money during hard financial times.
This trend reflects a larger problem with affordability in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller is facing growing pressure from his party to resign over domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife. His ex-father-in-law, GOP Senator Bernie Moreno, and several other Republican senators publicly said Miller should step down. President Donald Trump called Miller, warning that his re-election campaign looked difficult.
Key Facts
Max Miller is a Republican U.S. representative from Ohio.
Miller has been accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, including serious allegations involving their toddler.
Senator Bernie Moreno, Miller’s ex-father-in-law and a Republican ally of Trump, said Miller is unfit to serve and should resign.
Other Republican senators have publicly supported Moreno’s call for Miller to quit.
Miller denies the allegations and has filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.
President Trump called Miller, telling him his re-election chances are tough but did not take a clear public position.
If Miller withdraws from the race soon, the GOP must hold a special primary or select a new nominee by early August.
Miller married Emily Moreno in 2022 and they divorced in 2025 amid these allegations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Progressive Democrats are challenging moderate Democrats in key primary races in Michigan and Missouri. These races are important because they could influence control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. Voters are showing frustration with Democratic leaders for not opposing President Donald Trump strongly enough.
Key Facts
Progressives have recently won important congressional primaries in cities like Denver, New York, and Philadelphia.
Several incumbent moderate Democrats have lost to more progressive candidates.
On Tuesday, primary races in Michigan and Missouri could show whether progressives can win in more moderate or conservative areas.
A poll showed 73% of Democrats believe party leaders do not challenge President Trump enough.
The Michigan Senate primary between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Haley Stevens is highly watched and could affect Senate control.
Michigan’s 7th District race features progressive William Lawrence against two moderate Democrats in a key swing district.
Polls and prediction markets show Lawrence with a significant lead in the Michigan 7th District primary.
Missouri’s 1st District and Michigan’s 13th District also have competitive races between progressives and moderates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12–10 along party lines to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, despite concerns about politicization in the Justice Department under President Donald Trump. Blanche agreed to cancel a large compensation fund and narrow a tax immunity deal for Trump, which helped secure Republican support for his nomination to proceed to a full Senate vote.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general was advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 12–10 party-line vote.
Republicans acknowledged that the Justice Department’s behavior has become more politicized under President Trump.
Blanche agreed to cancel a $1.8 billion compensation fund known as the Anti-Weaponization Fund.
Blanche also limited a tax-audit immunity deal that protected Trump and his family.
Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn required these concessions before supporting Blanche’s nomination.
Tillis described the DOJ’s conduct as “bad” and part of a cycle of political escalation by both parties.
Blanche’s nomination now moves to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.
The limits agreed upon by Blanche could be reversed once he becomes attorney general.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man named Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a migrant from El Salvador, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Delaney Hall facility in New Jersey. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said he had a medical emergency before his death.
Key Facts
Edwin Lopez-Cornejo was in ICE custody at Delaney Hall in New Jersey.
Lopez-Cornejo was a migrant from El Salvador.
He died after experiencing a medical emergency.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the death.
Delaney Hall has faced protests and a hunger strike by detainees.
The hunger strike was due to complaints about poor conditions inside the facility.
CBS News reported on the incident and the protests.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Elizabeth Warren said she rarely listens to opinions from Democratic strategist James Carville. This comment came after Carville said he would leave the Democratic Party if Hasan Piker, a left-wing Twitch streamer, became a key figure in the party.
Key Facts
Senator Elizabeth Warren represents Massachusetts.
James Carville is a longtime Democratic strategist.
Carville said he would leave the Democratic Party if Hasan Piker became an important party member.
Hasan Piker is known as a left-wing Twitch streamer.
Warren said she pays attention to only about one out of every ten opinions from Carville.
The discussion happened after Carville’s recent public remarks.
TMZ reported on Warren’s response to Carville’s statement.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge stopped New York from enforcing a law that bans federal immigration officers from wearing face masks and requires them to show identification. The judge issued a temporary order because the Justice Department probably has a strong argument against the law.
Key Facts
A federal judge from the Northern District of New York made the decision.
The judge issued a preliminary injunction, meaning the law cannot be enforced for now.
The law would have stopped federal immigration officers from wearing masks.
The law also required these officers to show their identification at all times.
The judge found the U.S. Justice Department likely has good reasons to challenge the law.
The issue relates to federal immigration officers, who work under the national government.
The ruling temporarily protects federal agents’ ability to wear masks and not always display ID.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Mitch McConnell has been absent from public view for weeks and missed all Senate votes since June 11. His staff continue to be paid, with several earning more than the senator himself, but they have not provided clear information about McConnell’s health or whereabouts.
Key Facts
McConnell has missed all 47 Senate roll call votes since June 11 but has co-sponsored legislation remotely.
His office released photos and statements saying he had a fall and pneumonia, but details remain unclear.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has asked for transparency about McConnell’s condition.
McConnell’s staff earned nearly $4 million in total between April 2025 and March 2026.
Several top staff members earn more than McConnell’s $193,400 Senate salary, with some making over $220,000 annually.
Chief of Staff Terry Carmack has worked with McConnell since 1985.
Other high-paid staff include Operations Director Melissa Schultz Bennett and Senior Communications Adviser Robert Steurer, who have declined to share information about McConnell.
Staff members also cover state operations and communications roles, with long tenures in McConnell’s office.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Maine's Republican Party took action to hold one of its own accountable before the November elections. The article suggests that Ohio's Republican Party leadership has the chance to do the same with Congressman Max Miller but has not yet done so.
Key Facts
Maine's Republican Party removed Graham Platner before the November election.
This move shows a party holding its members accountable early.
Ohio's Republican Party leadership previously spoke about addressing issues with Max Miller.
So far, Ohio's party has not taken action against Max Miller.
The article compares the responses of these two state Republican parties.
It implies an expectation that Ohio's party may follow Maine's example.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to move forward with the nomination of Todd Blanche to become the permanent Attorney General. Blanche gained support from two key Republican senators after canceling a program called the "Anti-Weaponization Fund."
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is currently the acting Attorney General.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced his nomination to lead the Department of Justice permanently.
Two important Republican senators supported Blanche after he withdrew the "Anti-Weaponization Fund."
The vote took place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
The Department of Justice is the U.S. government agency responsible for enforcing federal laws.
Blanche's nomination is part of President Donald Trump’s administration.
The story was reported by ABC News and is still developing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three FBI agents who were fired for investigating President Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election are receiving broad support from FBI agents and former justice officials in a lawsuit against the Biden administration. The lawsuit claims the firings were illegal and politically motivated, challenging FBI Director Kash Patel’s removal of employees linked to investigations of Trump.
Key Facts
Three FBI employees were fired last year after investigating President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
An association representing nearly 12,000 FBI agents supports the fired agents in a legal lawsuit.
The FBI Director Kash Patel led a personnel purge targeting agents who worked on Trump-related investigations or opposed the current administration’s interests.
The lawsuit argues the agents were denied due process and fired due to perceived political views.
Former FBI and Justice Department officials filed legal briefs condemning the firings for undermining the FBI’s long-standing independence.
The fired agents had good service records and did not expect to be dismissed abruptly without explanation.
The investigation they worked on resulted in an indictment by special counsel Jack Smith accusing Trump of trying to overturn the 2020 election.
The filings state these terminations could intimidate current and future FBI employees from doing their jobs without political interference.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump told Ohio Representative Max Miller in a phone call that Miller may have a difficult time getting reelected because of domestic abuse allegations against him. Miller shared this information with The Wall Street Journal.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke with Ohio Rep. Max Miller on Monday.
Trump warned Miller about a tough reelection campaign ahead.
The difficulty is linked to allegations of domestic abuse against Miller.
Miller publicly shared details of the phone conversation with a major newspaper.
The comments relate to political challenges in Miller’s current election efforts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
