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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Washington state will hold a primary election to choose candidates for several important government positions, including one of the country’s most competitive U.S. House seats. Voters will pick finalists for the 3rd Congressional District, other congressional districts, the state Legislature, and state Supreme Court seats. The top two vote-getters in each race will move to the November general election.
Key Facts
Nine candidates are competing for the 3rd Congressional District seat in Washington’s primary.
Incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez seeks reelection and is the best-known Democrat in the race.
Three Republicans are challenging her, including state Senate Minority Leader John Braun, endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Washington uses a top-two primary system, where the two candidates with the most votes move on regardless of party.
The 3rd District is a key battleground and voted 50.3% for Trump in 2024 and 50.1% for Gluesenkamp Perez in 2022.
Nine of Washington’s 10 congressional districts have incumbents running again; the 4th District is open as Rep. Dan Newhouse retires.
Trump has endorsed candidates in the 4th District race to replace Newhouse, including Amanda McKinney.
Washington voters will also elect candidates for about half the state Senate seats, all state House seats, and three state Supreme Court justices.
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Large wildfires in eastern Washington state have forced about 60,000 people to evacuate in the Spokane area and destroyed at least 600 homes, businesses, and other buildings. The fires have burned around 12 square miles near Spokane and remain uncontained as cooler temperatures and light winds are expected to help firefighting efforts.
Key Facts
About 60,000 people have evacuated from the Spokane area due to wildfires.
At least 600 structures, including homes and businesses, have burned down.
The fires cover roughly 12 square miles near Spokane.
The fires are currently 0% contained and spreading amid dry weather.
Firefighters expect cooler weather and lighter winds on Monday, but no rain is forecast.
About 390 square miles have burned across Washington from multiple wildfires.
No injuries or missing persons have been reported so far.
Unauthorized drone flights over the fire area have led to citations for operators.
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Tony Livesey has left BBC Radio 5 Live after working there for 16 years. He stepped back from his show last month following allegations against his former newspaper boss, David Sullivan, who denies the claims.
Key Facts
Tony Livesey worked at BBC Radio 5 Live from 2010 and started with the BBC in 2006.
He previously was editor-in-chief at David Sullivan’s Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers.
David Sullivan, a billionaire and West Ham co-owner, faces accusations of abusing his power and sexually exploiting women, including teenagers.
The allegations were reported by The Times and BBC Panorama.
Livesey took a break from his radio show during the investigation and has now decided to leave the BBC station.
One alleged victim said Livesey arranged a meeting with Sullivan in 1999, which Livesey denies remembering and says was not part of his job.
Livesey expressed sympathy for the alleged victims but rejected any involvement in the abuse.
Livesey received awards for his radio work, including interviews and reports on personal loss.
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BBC radio presenter Tony Livesey has left his role following allegations related to his time as editor-in-chief at David Sullivan’s Sport newspapers. These allegations surfaced after a BBC Panorama investigation into David Sullivan, who denies claims of sexual misconduct.
Key Facts
Tony Livesey was a BBC 5 Live host and left the station after misconduct allegations connected to his previous career.
The BBC Panorama investigation accused David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United, of sexual exploitation and predatory behavior.
Sullivan denies all the allegations through his lawyers.
One accuser claimed Livesey arranged a meeting between her and Sullivan; Livesey denies remembering this and says it was not his job.
Livesey co-created a “countdown to 16” feature with Sullivan, involving models just turning 16, but later said parts of his book about this were fictionalized.
Sullivan stepped down as a director and co-chair at West Ham United before the allegations became public.
Livesey worked at Sport newspapers for 18 years before focusing on his BBC career.
The BBC has not commented on its internal investigation outcomes related to the allegations.
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John Sayles was inspired by coal miners' stories of union struggles in West Virginia to write and direct the 1987 film Matewan. The film tells the story of coal miners uniting across racial lines to fight against company agents trying to stop unionizing, based on a real 1920 event involving violence. Sayles made the film to remind people why unions are important and highlighted ongoing challenges workers face today in organizing and striking.
Key Facts
John Sayles hitchhiked in West Virginia in 1970 and learned about coal miners' union conflicts.
The Matewan Massacre in 1920 involved violent clashes between miners and company agents hired to stop unions.
In the film Matewan, miners from different races and ethnic groups unite to strike against the coal company.
Company agents used violence, including killing a miner, to try to stop union efforts.
The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 gave workers legal rights to unionize and bargain collectively.
Later laws like the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 restrict some types of strikes and organizing.
Sayles noted companies today can move jobs abroad, making union efforts harder in some industries.
Collective action from diverse groups is needed to create strong labor movements in the US.
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The Trump administration has stopped nearly $2.75 billion in Medicaid funding for California and Minnesota, causing uncertainty for disabled people and their caregivers. Officials say the pause is due to concerns about possible fraud in home care services, but states and advocacy groups argue the claims lack clear evidence and that these services help many families avoid more costly care.
Key Facts
The federal government halted $2.2 billion in Medicaid money for California and $550 million for Minnesota.
These funds reimburse states for services they already paid for in Medicaid programs.
Federal officials suspect misuse in home-based care services but have not provided detailed proof.
In-home supportive services help families care for disabled members without forcing caregivers to take extra jobs.
Experts say more home-based care is needed due to increased disabilities and is cheaper than nursing home care.
Families worry that losing Medicaid support will cause financial instability and loss of care.
Legal experts say the federal approach of suspending funds before clear proof is unusual and concerning.
Advocates describe the cuts as cruel because they threaten safety nets for vulnerable people.
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Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho expressed sadness over a deadly shooting at a new In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. He offered his condolences to the families affected by this tragic event.
Key Facts
A fatal shooting occurred at a newly opened In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Senator Mike Crapo represents the state of Idaho and is a member of the Republican Party.
The shooting caused grief within the Idaho community.
Senator Crapo called the incident “senseless violence.”
He extended his deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims.
The location of the shooting is a recent addition to Twin Falls, Idaho.
No further details about the shooter or victims were provided in this statement.
The statement was made late on a Sunday.
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The article argues against treating one form of discrimination as more important than others in schools. It suggests that discussions about Zionism, a political movement supporting a Jewish homeland, should be included and critically examined in education.
Key Facts
The article focuses on the idea of not giving special treatment to any single kind of discrimination.
It mentions Zionism as a topic that should be discussed in schools.
Zionism is described as a political movement supporting the establishment of a Jewish state.
The article encourages challenging all forms of discrimination equally.
It implies that education should include diverse viewpoints on political and social issues.
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The United States is working to reduce its dependence on China for rare earth magnets used in advanced weapons. A small company in New Hampshire called Phoenix Tailings is expanding its refinery to produce these critical minerals from mining waste, supported by a $500 million loan from the Pentagon. This effort aims to speed up domestic production to meet defense needs amid global conflicts and stricter rules on sourcing from China.
Key Facts
The U.S. relies heavily on China for rare earth magnets essential in advanced weapon systems like missiles and fighter jets.
Phoenix Tailings, based in Exeter, New Hampshire, refines rare earth elements from mining waste using electrolysis.
The Pentagon gave Phoenix Tailings a $500 million loan to build a new factory that will increase rare earth processing capacity.
It will take about 14 to 18 months to complete the new factory.
The need for increased domestic production is urgent due to military demands and rules banning sourcing critical minerals from China.
Many U.S. rare earth mines are still years from operating, so extracting minerals from existing waste helps meet immediate demand.
The expanded production supports U.S. weapons systems such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, THAAD interceptors, and F-35 fighter jets.
Phoenix Tailings’ workers wear protective suits and masks due to the nature of the materials handled during refinement.
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A man in Wales kept his dead mother’s body in a freezer at home for nearly three years while continuing to collect her pension and benefits. He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after being caught when police found the body during a welfare check.
Key Facts
Christopher Phillips, 60, kept his mother Sylvia Phillips’ body in a chest freezer for almost three years.
Sylvia Phillips, 89, died in March 2023.
Phillips collected about £78,190 in her pension and benefits after her death.
Police found the frozen body in February 2026 after a welfare check.
Phillips admitted to failing to properly bury his mother and fraudulently claiming her benefits.
He bought the freezer two days after his mother died and kept the body in the dining room.
Phillips told medical staff and police false information about his mother’s situation.
The court said Phillips deliberately hid his mother’s death and misled officials.
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Anthony Fauci appeared before Congress recently and chose not to answer some questions by invoking the Fifth Amendment, which protects against self-incrimination. The article suggests that Fauci's mistakes during the COVID-19 pandemic were helped by media coverage that was very supportive and divided by political views.
Key Facts
Anthony Fauci testified before Congress about his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He used the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering some questions.
The Fifth Amendment means a person can refuse to answer questions that might make them look guilty.
The article says the media was very supportive of Fauci during the pandemic.
This support may have allowed some mistakes to go unchallenged.
Fauci’s behavior during the testimony was described as uncomfortable.
The article links Fauci's pandemic role with political divisions in the media.
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President Donald Trump’s administration is planning big changes to the Head Start program, which helps low-income children with preschool and family support. The proposed changes would reduce detailed federal rules and give more control to states, possibly lowering program standards.
Key Facts
Head Start is a program started in the 1960s to help children from poor families with education and health services.
The current rules for Head Start are over 100 pages, covering teacher ratios, health checks, and family involvement.
The Trump administration wants to cut these rules down to about a dozen pages and let states set many specifics.
The plan may require more paperwork from parents who are homeless or unemployed.
An early draft suggested banning children of undocumented parents from enrolling, but it is unclear if this is in the final proposal.
Head Start currently serves over half a million low-income babies, toddlers, and preschoolers across the U.S.
Critics warn that these changes could significantly weaken the program’s quality and impact.
The proposed rules have not been officially released, and key agencies have not commented yet.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has officially ended the Justice Department’s plan for a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund." This fund was meant to compensate people who claimed they were unfairly targeted by government investigations but faced strong criticism as a possible reward for allies of President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche became acting attorney general after Pam Bondi left in April.
The Justice Department proposed a $1.8 billion fund to compensate those allegedly targeted unfairly by government actions.
The fund was linked to a deal where President Trump and his family dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
The fund aimed to protect Trump, his family, and businesses from future IRS audits.
Critics, including Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, opposed the fund and sought its cancellation.
A federal judge temporarily halted the fund in May before the DOJ abandoned it in June.
President Trump has threatened to bring back the fund if Congress does not confirm Blanche as attorney general.
Blanche’s recent order confirms that the fund no longer exists, with no money spent or claims paid.
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Millions of people in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah face extreme heat this week, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service has issued multiple heat warnings to help protect vulnerable people from heat-related illness.
Key Facts
Extreme Heat Warnings are active across large areas of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
Some locations expect temperatures near 120 degrees, which feels extremely hot.
The Phoenix area faces highs between 109 and 116 degrees through Tuesday.
Parts of California’s deserts and inland valleys could see temperatures up to 119 degrees.
Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, may experience temperatures between 110 and 120 degrees through Wednesday.
Warm overnight temperatures give little relief, increasing risk of heat illness.
Heat is dangerous, especially for older adults, children, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning.
Utah’s southern national parks, including Zion National Park, are also under heat warnings with temperatures up to 112 degrees.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has officially ended President Trump’s $1.8 billion fund meant to help his political allies, resolving a dispute with two Republican senators who delayed Blanche’s nomination. Blanche’s order also limits protections for President Trump and his family from tax audits, making the protections apply only to past claims, not future tax filings.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the acting U.S. attorney general.
Blanche terminated President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” created to compensate Trump’s political allies.
Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, were blocking Blanche’s nomination until the fund was officially ended.
Blanche’s written order officially cancels a previous May 18, 2026 order that created the fund.
The order limits tax audit immunity for Trump and his family to only apply retroactively to tax claims open at the time of the earlier settlement.
The Senate judiciary committee will vote on Blanche’s nomination soon after the announcement.
This action follows weeks of talks and concerns about the fund possibly being revived.
The fund’s termination clears a major hurdle for Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general.
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