Maryland lawmakers started a special session to discuss changing the state constitution to allow new political maps that could help Democrats win more U.S. House seats in 2028. The change would need voter approval before any new maps are drawn, and Republicans oppose the plan, calling it a power grab.
Key Facts
Maryland Democrats want to amend the state constitution to let them draw congressional districts more favorably for their party.
The proposed amendment must be approved by voters before lawmakers can redraw district lines.
Currently, Democrats hold 7 of Maryland’s 8 U.S. House seats; Republicans hold 1.
A previous attempt to redraw districts to make a Republican seat competitive was struck down by a judge for extreme partisan gerrymandering.
The amendment aims to limit rules about district shapes and natural boundaries only to state legislative districts, not congressional ones.
Republicans criticize the move, saying it limits public input and splits communities unfairly.
Governor Wes Moore supports the effort and says voters will ultimately decide the issue.
The plan responds partly to changes in the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act rulings that affect redistricting nationwide.
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A man named Chad Williams opened fire at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, killing three people and injuring seven others before shooting himself. Police say Williams acted alone, and an off-duty officer and a citizen fired at him to stop the attack.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on Saturday at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Chad Williams, 24 years old, was the gunman and died from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Three people died, including an In-N-Out employee.
Seven people were injured; some are in stable or critical condition.
An off-duty state trooper and a civilian fired shots that helped stop the gunman.
Williams’ family is cooperating with investigators.
Police have not released the names of the victims or the people who fired at the shooter.
The restaurant had opened recently as part of the chain’s expansion in Idaho.
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Nigel Farage said he talked about the financial risks of returning to lead the Reform party months before the 2024 UK general election. He also said these discussions happened well after he received a £5 million gift from a billionaire, which has raised questions about whether he should have declared it as a Member of Parliament (MP).
Key Facts
Nigel Farage discussed possible financial problems with Richard Tice, then leader of Reform, if he returned to politics in spring 2024.
Farage said this was not a formal deal or agreement, just a discussion.
He received a £5 million gift from British cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne before becoming an MP in July 2024.
Farage says the money was a personal gift for his security and not related to politics.
Labour Party critics say he should have declared the gift in the MPs' register of interests when elected.
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner was investigating Farage for possibly breaking rules but paused after Farage resigned his Clacton seat to trigger a by-election.
The investigation will continue if Farage wins the by-election on August 13, 2024.
Farage left frontline politics in 2021, returned to lead Reform in June 2024, reversing his earlier decision not to stand in the general election.
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Two people in Michigan have died in a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness. Health officials say these are the first deaths linked to the outbreak, and both individuals had other serious health problems.
Key Facts
Two deaths in Michigan are connected to the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
This is the first time deaths have been reported from this outbreak in the U.S.
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a parasite that is usually not life-threatening.
The individuals who died had serious underlying health conditions.
The illness can cause dehydration, which may worsen other health issues.
Thousands of people across multiple states have been sickened in this outbreak.
Federal authorities still do not know the exact source of the outbreak.
Health officials continue to investigate the cause and spread of the illness.
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Investigators in Arizona released two ransom notes related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. The notes provide conflicting information, and the sheriff previously said there was no ransom note before sharing them publicly.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, 84 years old and mother of Savannah Guthrie, disappeared in Arizona.
Two ransom notes were sent to a local CBS station shortly after her disappearance.
The first note demanded $4 million in bitcoin and promised to return Nancy safely.
The second note said Nancy had died from heart issues and was buried in nature, with no ransom demand.
Sheriff Chris Nanos initially said no ransom note existed but later released the two notes publicly.
The FBI found details in the first note that seemed credible, like mentioning Nancy’s white Apple Watch and porch floodlights.
Investigators believe both notes came from the same masked IP address but do not know who sent them.
Savannah Guthrie urged the public to help identify the author of the notes in hopes of solving the case.
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Two people in Michigan have died from cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, during the largest U.S. outbreak of the disease. The outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from a farm in Mexico and has spread to multiple states, causing thousands of reported infections and hundreds of hospitalizations.
Key Facts
Two deaths in Michigan were reported from cyclosporiasis, both with other serious health problems.
The outbreak has affected nine states, with over 11,200 cases reported in Michigan alone.
The illness is caused by the Cyclospora parasite and mostly results in diarrhea and stomach problems.
The U.S. FDA linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico.
There have been 193 hospitalizations reported in Michigan due to the outbreak.
Adults aged 30 to 39 are the most affected age group in Michigan.
The CDC has confirmed 6,707 cases nationwide and is investigating more suspected cases.
The outbreak has caused consumers to avoid certain restaurants and buy less lettuce at stores.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has canceled the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" that was created under President Donald Trump. This move aims to address concerns raised by two Republican senators and may help Blanche become the permanent attorney general.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the acting U.S. attorney general.
He canceled a $1.8 billion fund called the "anti-weaponization fund."
The fund was created during President Donald Trump’s time in office.
Two Republican senators had concerns about the fund.
Rescinding the fund may improve Blanche’s chances to be confirmed as attorney general.
The announcement was made on a Sunday.
CBS News reported on the order and the political context.
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Michigan health officials reported two deaths linked to a cyclospora outbreak, marking the first confirmed U.S. deaths from this intestinal parasite. The parasite is spread through contaminated food, and officials have traced lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell to some cases.
Key Facts
Two people in Michigan died in connection with a cyclospora outbreak.
Both had other health problems that may have worsened the effects of the parasite.
Cyclospora is a parasite that spreads when food is contaminated with human feces, often via water used on produce.
The illness caused by cyclospora includes frequent and intense diarrhea.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell in five states to the outbreak.
Since May 1, the CDC has confirmed over 4,100 cases and is investigating more than 7,400 possible cases in 41 states.
Officials said other food suppliers or restaurants might also be involved as the investigation continues.
Michigan health officials declined to provide more details about the deaths.
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Two people in Michigan have died after getting sick from Cyclospora, a parasite causing an outbreak in the state. These are the first deaths linked to this Cyclospora outbreak in Michigan, and both had other serious health problems.
Key Facts
Two Michigan residents died from cyclosporiasis during the current outbreak.
Both individuals had serious underlying health issues that may have made their illness worse.
Michigan has reported 11,234 Cyclospora cases and 193 hospital stays as of August 3.
Deaths from Cyclospora are rare and it is usually not life-threatening.
The CDC is investigating the outbreak connected to iceberg lettuce.
The outbreak has affected at least nine states with 1,947 cases and 98 hospitalizations.
The Michigan Department of Health and the CDC are tracking the situation closely.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes stomach illness and dehydration.
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Two people in Michigan have died from an outbreak of cyclospora, a type of intestinal illness. Both had other health problems that could have made their condition worse, according to state health officials.
Key Facts
Michigan reported the first two deaths in the U.S. linked to cyclospora.
Cyclospora is an intestinal illness that can cause dehydration.
Both people who died had underlying health conditions.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced these deaths on a Monday.
Cyclospora outbreaks affect the digestive system and can be serious for vulnerable individuals.
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A large number of baby boomers are expected to retire between 2026 and 2029, shrinking the U.S. workforce and changing job market conditions. Reduced immigration under President Trump’s policies also lowers the number of new workers entering the job market, which may lead to fewer new jobs needed to keep unemployment steady.
Key Facts
Baby boomer retirements will remove many workers from the labor force, mostly from 2026 to 2029.
Oxford Economics reports that the job growth needed to keep unemployment stable will drop to zero by 2027 and may become negative by 2028.
Reduced net immigration due to President Trump’s stricter immigration policies has lowered labor force growth.
The Trump administration deported over 605,000 people since January 2025.
Net immigration was negative in 2025, meaning more people left the U.S. than arrived, a trend expected to continue.
Less immigration and more retirements mean fewer workers are available, which may cause talent shortages in some regions.
Regions highly dependent on undocumented workers, such as parts of California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, will feel stronger impacts.
Despite fewer new jobs, unemployment may stay stable as fewer people enter or stay in the workforce.
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Michigan health officials reported two deaths linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. The state has recorded over 11,000 cases, including 193 people hospitalized.
Key Facts
Two people have died due to cyclosporiasis in Michigan.
More than 11,000 cases have been reported in the state.
A total of 193 people have been hospitalized from this outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a parasite called Cyclospora.
The Michigan health department is tracking and managing the outbreak.
The situation is ongoing, and more updates are expected.
The outbreak has affected a large number of people across the state.
Public health officials are likely investigating the source of the outbreak.
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President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order at the White House on Monday afternoon. This happens after Senator John Cornyn reached an agreement with the Justice Department to end a $1.8 billion fund related to investigations, allowing Cornyn to support Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general.
Key Facts
President Trump is signing an executive order at the White House.
Senator John Cornyn is involved in a deal with the Justice Department.
The deal ends a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund connected to Trump’s allies.
Ending this fund allows Cornyn to support Todd Blanche’s nomination.
Todd Blanche is nominated to become attorney general.
The event takes place on a Monday afternoon.
The fund was related to investigations concerning Trump’s associates.
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The National Park Service (NPS) reviewed President Trump’s plan to build a Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C., and found it would negatively impact many historic sites. The NPS identified about 40 affected locations while collecting public feedback for their evaluation.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed building a Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C.
The National Park Service evaluated the proposal for its impact on historic areas.
The NPS found that the arch would harm nearly 40 historic sites around the city.
The agency asked outside groups and the public to comment on the project.
The public comment period was reopened and ended recently.
The concern is that the arch could affect the appearance and preservation of historic places in the city.
The list of impacted sites includes major landmarks.
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Rep. Summer Lee, a Democratic congresswoman from Pennsylvania, said that criticism from Republicans about more socialists joining the Democratic Party is mostly political talk and does not reflect what most voters really care about. She believes everyday people have different priorities than the GOP’s focus on socialism.
Key Facts
Rep. Summer Lee represents Pennsylvania as a Democrat.
She spoke about the growing number of socialist candidates within the Democratic Party.
The Republican Party has criticized this rise in socialism.
Lee called these criticisms “political noise,” meaning they are mostly for political effect.
She thinks voters are more concerned with other issues than socialism.
The statement was made on a Sunday interview or event.
The conversation highlights differences in what political parties focus on in public debates.
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President Donald Trump nominated Todd Blanche as the head of the Department of Justice. Blanche agreed to end a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate people claiming unfair government investigations, but legal experts are concerned the deal could still be changed later.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche was nominated by President Trump to lead the Department of Justice.
His nomination is delayed due to concerns from some Republican senators.
The $1.8 billion fund was designed to compensate people allegedly targeted unfairly by government investigations.
Critics worry the fund could help those convicted in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Blanche announced the fund has been officially ended but did not put this in a legal agreement that cannot be reversed.
Some legal experts say future justice officials could revive the fund because the original settlement still exists.
Blanche’s deal also limits tax audit immunity for Trump and his family to past cases only.
President Trump has expressed support for the fund and threatened to bring it back if Blanche’s nomination does not progress.
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A man named Nathan Owen drove his electric Jaguar dangerously on motorways while falsely claiming the car's brakes had failed. He was jailed for over four years for lying about the brake failure to avoid paying car finance and causing a police chase.
Key Facts
Nathan Owen drove up to 86 mph on the M58, M57, and M62 motorways for about 35 minutes.
He claimed his Jaguar's brakes failed and that the car was accelerating out of control.
Police tried to stop him after he called 999, believing his emergency was real.
Owen collided with a police car 31 times during the chase.
Jaguar Land Rover confirmed the car was fully working and that Owen never pressed the brakes.
Owen had about £5,000 left to pay on the car finance and was in personal debt.
He received money from media outlets for telling his false story.
Owen pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and two counts of fraud and will be banned from driving for five years after prison.
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A bill called the Social Security 2100 Act was reintroduced in Congress to change how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated for Social Security benefits from 2027 to 2036. The bill aims to better reflect seniors’ spending, especially on healthcare, by using a new inflation measure alongside the current one to possibly increase annual benefit raises.
Key Facts
The Social Security 2100 Act proposes changing the COLA formula to include the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), in addition to the current Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
The CPI-E tracks spending patterns of Americans aged 62 and older, who typically spend more on healthcare.
Under the bill, Social Security benefits would increase by whichever inflation measure (CPI-W or CPI-E) shows a higher rise each year.
The change would start in 2027 and last through 2036.
Currently, about 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, many of whom rely on these payments as a major income source.
The increase in benefits would likely be small each year but would add up over time, potentially raising benefits by about 2% more over 10 years.
The bill has limited support in Congress and is mainly seen as a starting point for future bipartisan negotiations.
Experts note it could improve benefits for older retirees and ask higher earners to pay more payroll taxes.
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A group connected to the Human Rights Campaign filed a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges a rule that bans coverage of gender transition treatments in federal workers' health insurance. It argues the ban goes against federal laws that stop sex discrimination at work.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed on Monday by a group linked to the Human Rights Campaign.
It targets the Trump administration’s ban on gender-affirming care in federal worker health plans.
Gender-affirming care includes medical treatments that help people transition to their identified gender.
The lawsuit says the ban breaks federal rules that prevent sex discrimination in workplaces.
This is a class-action lawsuit, meaning it represents many people affected by the ban.
The Human Rights Campaign focuses on protecting LGBTQ+ rights.
The Trump administration implemented the ban in federal employee health insurance plans.
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Lawmakers from both parties are frustrated with the Trump administration for not giving enough information about the conflict with Iran. CBS News reports that this lack of details is causing concern in Congress.
Key Facts
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers want more information about the U.S.-Iran situation.
The Trump administration has provided only limited details on the conflict.
Frustration is growing in Congress because of this lack of transparency.
CBS News correspondent Margaret Brennan reported on the issue.
The article mentions criticism of media coverage but does not give specifics.
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