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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice is under investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog for not declaring an interest as required by parliamentary rules. The inquiry began on July 28 and is related to a possible breach of conduct rules.
Key Facts
Richard Tice is the deputy leader of Reform UK.
He is being investigated for potentially failing to declare an interest.
The investigation started on July 28.
The watchdog handling the case follows Rule 6 of its code of conduct.
The investigation details are published on the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner’s website.
Reform UK was contacted for a statement but no comment was provided yet.
The story is ongoing and updates will be released soon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A bystander named Jordan Salinas returned fire during a shooting at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. The video shows him taking action while the shooting was happening.
Key Facts
The incident took place at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho.
The shooting involved a gunman attacking inside the restaurant.
Jordan Salinas, 35 years old, was seen firing back at the gunman.
The event was captured on video and shared publicly.
The article was reported on August 3, 2026.
The shooting is described as deadly, but specific casualty details are not given.
The situation involved a violent attack in a public place.
The story highlights the role of a bystander intervening during a shooting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said he prefers the BBC to ABC during a conversation with a reporter, even though he is suing the BBC for $10 billion. The lawsuit relates to a 2024 BBC documentary that Trump says wrongly edited his January 6, 2021 speech to make it seem like he encouraged the Capitol riot.
Key Facts
President Trump made a comment on Air Force One saying he likes BBC better than ABC News.
Trump is suing the BBC over a documentary called "Trump, A Second Chance" that aired in 2024.
The lawsuit claims the BBC edited Trump’s Capitol speech to wrongly suggest he called for violence.
The BBC apologized for the editing mistake but denies the defamation claims and plans to fight the lawsuit.
Trump filed the lawsuit in Florida, seeking up to $10 billion in damages.
In July, Trump dropped claims against BBC Studios but continues to sue the BBC itself.
A judge ordered Trump to provide financial records related to his businesses to help determine damages.
Trump’s legal team plans to change the lawsuit to focus on reputation harm instead of financial losses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senate Republicans view President Trump as a political risk while they prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. They are concerned about his frequent criticism of their leadership and his support for a $1.8 billion fund aimed at their political allies.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans worry that President Trump’s actions could hurt their chances in the 2026 elections.
President Trump has often criticized Republican Senators' ability to govern.
He supports a $1.8 billion fund to help political allies aligned with his movement.
Some GOP Senators see this fund and Trump’s attacks as obstacles to party unity.
The Senate GOP is trying to maintain control of the Senate in upcoming elections.
These issues highlight divisions within the Republican Party.
The party faces challenges balancing support for President Trump with broader election strategies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The race for Wisconsin governor has become more uncertain as Democrats face withdrawals and controversies in their primary. As a result, Republicans have gained a small lead in chances to win the November election, where they will likely face Tom Tiffany, who is supported by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Republicans now have a 53% chance to win the Wisconsin governor’s race, up from 46% in early August, according to the prediction market Kalshi.
Democrats’ chances dropped to 48% after candidate turmoil in their primary.
David Crowley, a Democratic candidate, withdrew, endorsed another candidate, then reentered the race after that candidate withdrew due to a finance issue.
Mandela Barnes, a former Democratic candidate, dropped out following allegations of inappropriate behavior; a legal review found no misconduct.
The Democratic primary is on August 11, with Francesca Hong and David Crowley as leading candidates.
Tom Tiffany is expected to be the Republican nominee and has President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Wisconsin is a closely divided swing state, making this governor’s race highly competitive.
The governor controls state policy and can affect the balance of power with the Republican-led state Legislature.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator John Cornyn from Texas has made an agreement with the Justice Department about the $1.8 billion fund to stop its use against President Donald Trump’s supporters. This deal allows Cornyn to support advancing Todd Blanche’s nomination to be attorney general in an upcoming Senate vote.
Key Facts
Senator John Cornyn is a Republican from Texas.
Cornyn agreed with the Justice Department to end a $1.8 billion fund related to “anti-weaponization” efforts targeting President Trump’s allies.
This agreement helps move forward the nomination process for Todd Blanche to become attorney general.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday.
Cornyn’s support is important for advancing the nomination.
The “anti-weaponization” fund was connected to actions against Trump’s allies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Missouri’s Democratic primary, voters will choose between incumbent Wesley Bell, who supports Israel, and Cori Bush, a progressive critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This race reflects a wider debate within the Democratic Party about its stance on Israel, especially as some progressive candidates challenge established members with backing from pro-Israel groups.
Key Facts
The Missouri first congressional district includes St. Louis’s north side with a high African American population.
Incumbent Wesley Bell supports Israel and seeks a second term.
Cori Bush, a progressive and former congresswoman, accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and seeks to regain her seat.
A Super PAC linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) has spent over $3 million against Bush.
Progressive candidates in New York and Denver recently defeated incumbents by opposing support for Israel.
Many Democrats have voted against military aid to Israel, though some efforts failed.
The primary reflects broader tensions over the Democratic Party’s policies on Israel ahead of the November midterm elections.
Local leaders express concern that attention to foreign conflicts may overshadow urgent community issues like violence in St. Louis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, U.S. immigration officials tried to force-feed at least 10 hunger-striking detainees in ICE detention centers using court orders. These medical procedures involved inserting feeding tubes or using IVs without consent and continued into early 2026, shortly after President Trump began his second term.
Key Facts
At least 10 hunger strikers in ICE detention were targeted for involuntary medical procedures, including force-feeding.
Force-feeding involves inserting a tube through the nose to deliver nutrition, which experts say can cause physical harm.
These procedures lasted for months in some cases and happened in several privately run ICE detention centers in Texas, Florida, and Washington.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requested court orders to restrain detainees for these procedures.
Many detained immigrants had no legal representation during the court hearings allowing forced medical treatment.
Some hunger strikers stopped their strike just before officials began forced feeding or hydration.
The practice began days before President Trump’s 2025 inauguration and continued afterward.
DHS and ICE also used these procedures under the prior Biden administration, showing the practice spans different governments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s efforts to tighten his control often involve breaking rules openly and creating scandals. These moves aim to keep power but also make his administration vulnerable to criticism and failure.
Key Facts
Trump’s power grabs include false claims about voter fraud and attempts to influence the Supreme Court to change election results.
Modern autocrats often pretend to support democracy while gaining control, but Trump openly breaks laws without hiding.
He uses a strategy of creating many scandals quickly, which can overwhelm public attention and reduce the impact of each scandal.
This approach relies on loyal supporters who defend him even when they lie or deny facts.
High loyalty can help keep power but also causes problems when incompetent officials cause visible mistakes.
Other autocrats, like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, use deception to appear democratic, but Trump does not try to hide his actions.
Trump’s lack of respect for U.S. institutions and international opinion is a key difference from other leaders who seek more subtle control.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is trying to get support from the Senate for a large amount of money to support the war in Iran. However, he has not convinced many senators, partly because some Republicans doubt his ability to lead the military in this conflict.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is seeking funding for the war in Iran.
The war has quickly used up U.S. military supplies and funds.
The Trump administration wants to inject tens of billions of dollars into the war effort.
Republican senators are hesitant to support the funding request.
Some Republicans question Hegseth’s leadership in managing the military during the war.
The lack of Senate support is slowing down the funding process.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has officially withdrawn President Donald Trump’s proposed fund intended to compensate people prosecuted over the 2021 US Capitol riot. This withdrawal clears the path for Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general, after two Republican senators previously blocked the process due to concerns about the fund and protections against IRS audits for Trump and his family.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is currently acting US Attorney General and is nominated for the permanent position.
Blanche formally withdrew President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund plan.
The fund was meant to pay people prosecuted over the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot and settle a lawsuit by Trump against the IRS.
Some senators opposed Blanche’s confirmation due to the fund and a provision shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits.
After discussions, Blanche clarified and then removed the fund plan in writing.
President Trump gave mixed messages about the fund’s future, at times calling it dead and other times threatening to revive it.
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis initially blocked Blanche’s confirmation due to these concerns but Cornyn later agreed with the Department of Justice.
A Senate Judiciary Committee meeting to discuss Blanche’s nomination is scheduled soon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many states are starting to require Medicaid recipients to show they work, go to school, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to keep their health coverage. Nebraska has already begun removing people from Medicaid who do not meet these work rules or exemptions, causing confusion and concern among patients and doctors nationwide.
Key Facts
States must set up systems for Medicaid enrollees to report work, school, or volunteering hours starting now.
Nebraska is the first state enforcing these new work requirements, with about 200 people losing coverage this week.
Medicaid recipients need to report 80 hours per month or get an exemption to keep coverage.
Up to 7 million people across the U.S. could lose Medicaid by 2028 because of these work rules.
Many patients, including cancer patients, say their illnesses make it hard to meet work or paperwork demands.
Doctors face extra work deciding who qualifies for medical exemptions but say they are not trained for this kind of assessment.
Some states, mostly led by Democrats, are suing the administration, saying the rules on exemptions are too strict.
The federal government says it will review public comments before making future rule changes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Communities in the United States are taking more steps to prepare for extreme weather like floods, heat waves, and wildfires. Many states are improving infrastructure and safety measures to handle climate risks that are becoming more common and intense.
Key Facts
After deadly floods in Texas Hill Country, new sirens helped warn residents during later floods, reducing deaths.
Texas, Houston, Florida, Louisiana, California, Los Angeles, and Phoenix have all upgraded buildings, power systems, and emergency plans to better withstand climate extremes.
Much of the U.S. infrastructure was built for past climate conditions, which no longer represent today’s risks.
Insurance companies are starting to factor climate risk into the cost and design of infrastructure.
Some communities, like Babcock Ranch, Florida, have prepared well for hurricanes by improving drainage and building stronger homes.
Adaptation efforts include stronger building codes, backup power systems, wildfire-resistant materials, urban forestry, and water recycling.
Experts say preparing for future disasters means redesigning infrastructure, not just rebuilding what was damaged.
Federal action on climate adaptation has been limited, but state and local initiatives continue despite funding and political challenges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Democratic Party is currently without a clear leader and may remain so until the 2028 elections. Key Democratic figures face challenges in leadership roles, and the party is divided between more traditional liberals and rising socialist voices.
Key Facts
Democrats likely won't have a strong, unified leader until at least March 7, 2028 (Super Tuesday).
DNC Chair Ken Martin is expected to leave amid financial problems for the party.
Hakeem Jeffries might become House Speaker but may lack support to fully lead.
Senate leader Chuck Schumer is seen as vulnerable and may face challenges, including from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).
Barack Obama remains influential but prefers working behind the scenes.
Bernie Sanders has strong influence for the 2028 election because of his popularity and network.
Democrats are hopeful due to a favorable 2028 Senate election map, with many Republican seats up for grabs.
Political instability is expected to continue, possibly increasing support for socialism among Democrats and Trumpism among Republicans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man named Jordan Salinas helped stop a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday. The gunman, Chad Williams, killed three people before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot. Salinas, along with an off-duty officer, confronted the shooter and helped prevent more harm.
Key Facts
Chad Williams, 24, opened fire at an In-N-Out Burger, killing three and injuring seven.
One of the victims was an employee at the restaurant.
Williams died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound near the scene.
Police and an off-duty officer, with help from Jordan Salinas, confronted the shooter.
Salinas is a 35-year-old healthcare worker from Kimberly, Idaho.
Salinas was at the restaurant by chance and responded quickly when the shooting started.
Police are investigating the motive and warned against spreading false information online.
The FBI asked the public to share any videos or photos related to the shooting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Enrollment in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans dropped by nearly 3 million people this year, falling to about 19.2 million. The Trump administration says this is because of fraud and removal of fraudulent enrollees, but experts say rising insurance costs and higher premiums are the main reasons people are dropping coverage.
Key Facts
ACA enrollment decreased by about 3 million people between 2025 and 2026.
Average monthly premiums for ACA plans rose 58% to $178 in 2026.
Deductibles increased 37% on average, reaching nearly $3,800 per year.
A Department of Health and Human Services report claims 5.6 million people were fraudulently enrolled in 2025.
The Trump administration removed 2.9 million alleged fraudulent enrollees, matching the enrollment drop.
Experts dispute the fraud claim, saying rising premiums are the bigger factor in people leaving ACA plans.
The administration ended a program allowing low-income people to sign up for ACA plans year-round, which they suggest led to fraud.
Voters are concerned about healthcare costs, with Democrats seen as more trusted to handle costs, while Republicans emphasize fighting fraud.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Newsweek created an American Dream Index that ranks all U.S. ZIP codes based on opportunities for people to improve their lives. They asked readers what the American Dream means to them and if they believe it is still alive. Readers shared a mix of hopeful, critical, and personal views about the state of the American Dream today.
Key Facts
Newsweek scored 33,772 U.S. ZIP codes from 0 to 100 on six parts of opportunity, focusing on whether people can move up in life.
States like North Dakota, Utah, and Minnesota scored highest, while some wealthy cities scored lower due to high housing costs.
Readers’ definitions of the American Dream varied, including having a happy life, equal rights, and economic success through hard work.
Some readers feel the Dream is alive, rooted in freedom and personal hope.
Others believe the Dream is fading, especially for people stuck in low-paying jobs or facing educational barriers.
Readers noted generational differences, with older generations having more access to homeownership and jobs.
Economic struggle and inequality were mentioned as challenges to the American Dream in places like Detroit.
Newsweek provides an online tool for people to explore their ZIP code’s score and compare areas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three months before the midterm elections, polls and prediction markets show Democrats with a lead to possibly regain control of the House, while Republicans are slightly favored to keep the Senate. Both parties express confidence, with Democrats citing voter enthusiasm and Republicans highlighting President Donald Trump’s policy achievements and strong funding.
Key Facts
Polls give Democrats a 6-point lead in the generic congressional vote.
Prediction markets estimate Democrats have about an 85% chance to win the House.
Republicans have about a 56% chance to keep control of the Senate.
Republicans emphasize President Trump’s actions on drug prices, border security, jobs, and taxes.
Democrats blame Republicans for higher costs on gas, groceries, and healthcare and say they are organizing strongly nationwide.
The Senate race is important for control, with Democrats needing to gain four seats to take over.
Republicans focus on key states like Michigan to maintain their Senate majority.
Both parties cite internal strategies and candidate differences as key factors for the upcoming election results.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
