A new forecast from the University of Virginia's Sabato's Crystal Ball predicts that Democrats will gain in some House of Representatives races and in the Georgia Senate race during this year's midterm elections. The updated outlook shows a shift favoring Democratic candidates in these contests.
Key Facts
Sabato's Crystal Ball is an election forecasting tool from the University of Virginia.
The forecast has recently changed to favor Democrats in certain House races.
The Georgia Senate race is now predicted to lean toward the Democratic candidate.
The update was shared by Kyle Kondik, the managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball.
The changes reflect expected shifts in voter support for the upcoming midterm elections.
This forecast helps provide insight into potential election outcomes before voting happens.
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Rep. Ralph Norman expects the South Carolina Republican Senate primary to require a runoff because polls show a close race. A recent survey shows Norman slightly ahead of Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who held the seat.
Key Facts
South Carolina is holding a Republican primary to choose a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat left by Lindsey Graham.
Rep. Ralph Norman is running for this Senate seat.
Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, is also a candidate.
A poll from Emerson College shows the race is very close.
Due to the tight results, Norman expects the primary to go to a runoff, which is a second election if no candidate gets a clear majority.
The discussion about this race was featured on CBS News.
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A group of scholars has asked the U.S. Congress to adopt proportional representation to stop disputes over redistricting. They warn that current practices of drawing voting districts, known as gerrymandering, cause political problems.
Key Facts
Scholars sent an open letter to Congress urging change in voting methods.
They want proportional representation, a system where political parties gain seats based on the share of votes they receive.
Current district map drawing leads to gerrymandering, which manipulates boundaries for political advantage.
Gerrymandering has caused many political fights over redistricting.
The topic was discussed by Amna Nawaz with Stanford law professor Pamela Karlan.
This conversation is part of a series called "On Democracy."
Proportional representation aims to make elections fairer by reflecting voters' preferences more accurately.
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A 15-year-old boy named Jo'Majze Larry was sentenced to 100 years in prison for a 2025 shooting in Indiana that killed one woman and injured two others. He and his co-defendant, Rashawn Samuels, were convicted of murder related to gang violence connected to the Mickey Cobra Nation (MCN) gang.
Key Facts
Jo'Majze Larry was 15 years old when he committed the crime in 2025 in Anderson, Indiana.
The shooting killed 26-year-old Dayla Swain and injured two other women.
Larry and 19-year-old Rashawn Samuels were members of the Mickey Cobra Nation gang.
Both were convicted by a jury on June 30 and sentenced by Judge David Happe.
Larry received a total of 100 years: 50 years for murder and 50 years for a gang-related charge.
Samuels was sentenced to 125 years for murder and his gang-related charge.
Another gang member, Kyree Craver, was sentenced to 90 years for the same murder.
Indiana law allows Larry to seek sentence review after serving 20 years because he was under 18 when convicted.
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Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general is delayed because two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, plan to vote against him. Cornyn is from Texas and Tillis is from North Carolina.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is nominated for the position of attorney general.
His nomination is currently on hold or delayed.
Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, intend to vote no on his nomination.
John Cornyn represents Texas.
Thom Tillis represents North Carolina.
The situation is covered by CBS News and their congressional correspondent Nikole Killion.
The meeting involves Senators Cornyn and Tillis meeting with Blanche.
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President Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney general faces opposition from some Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis want a written promise that a new Justice Department fund aimed at preventing political misuse of the department will be stopped. Their opposition could block the nominee from advancing.
Key Facts
President Trump has selected a nominee for U.S. attorney general.
Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, oppose the nominee.
Cornyn and Tillis serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which votes on confirmations.
These senators want a clear, written assurance that a Justice Department fund meant to prevent political abuse ("anti-weaponization") will be canceled.
If either senator votes "no," it could prevent the nominee from moving forward in the confirmation process.
The “anti-weaponization” fund is a proposed effort to keep the Justice Department from being used for political purposes.
Opposition within the president’s own party highlights divisions in the Senate over the Justice Department’s role.
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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson asked Police Chief Shon Barnes to resign after criticism of the police response to a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival, but Barnes refused. The shooting killed three people and injured four, including a toddler, and raised concerns about the city's communication and safety efforts.
Key Facts
A shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival under the Space Needle killed three people, including one suspect, and wounded four others.
Police Chief Shon Barnes was asked to resign by Mayor Katie Wilson but declined the request.
Barnes was out of town during the shooting and is the second Black police chief in Seattle.
Dozens of officers were present at the festival, and one quickly convinced a 15-year-old suspect to surrender.
Police and city officials were criticized for slow and unclear communication after the shooting; detailed updates were delayed nearly five hours.
Community groups, including the Seattle NAACP and Urban League, support Barnes and wrote an open letter urging the mayor not to fire him.
The shooting involved a suspect armed with a "ghost gun," an untraceable firearm.
Mayor Wilson has not confirmed if she will remove Barnes but is considering input from Black community leaders.
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A recent CBS News poll shows that Democrats and Republicans are now equally divided in how they approve of the economy. This means people from both parties have similar opinions about the current economic situation.
Key Facts
The CBS News poll measured economic approval ratings among Democrats and Republicans.
Both political groups showed equal approval levels of the economy.
This result marks a change from previous polls where one party might have rated the economy higher than the other.
The poll was conducted by CBS News' executive director of elections and surveys, Anthony Salvanto.
The findings reflect public opinion on the current economic conditions in the United States.
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Music has played an important role in sharing America's history and culture. On a podcast, Judy Woodruff talked with experts about how American music shows the country's achievements, challenges, and diverse traditions.
Key Facts
Music has been part of America's story since the country's early days.
It reflects both the good times and the difficult moments in American history.
American music comes from many cultures and traditions that influence the country.
Judy Woodruff hosted a podcast titled “In Pursuit of Happiness.”
Guests on the show included music historian Ted Gioia and music journalist Sidney Madden.
The podcast explored how music expresses American identity.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has started a clinical trial to test if semaglutide, a drug normally used to treat diabetes and help with weight loss, can also reduce alcohol abuse in veterans. The study will involve over 600 veterans at 18 VA medical centers and will last 28 weeks.
Key Facts
The drug being tested is semaglutide, which belongs to a group called GLP-1 drugs.
GLP-1 drugs may reduce cravings and could potentially help treat alcoholism and other addictions.
The study will include more than 600 veterans from 18 VA medical centers.
Participants will get weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo for 28 weeks.
Researchers will track changes in alcohol consumption, health, and quality of life.
About 14% of veterans have alcohol abuse problems, higher than the roughly 10% in the general population.
Veterans who served in combat or have traumatic brain injuries are at greater risk of alcohol abuse.
The VA aims for this research to benefit veterans by finding new treatment options for alcohol use disorders.
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Iowa state Representative Josh Turek did not say if he supports Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s leadership for the next Congress. He was asked about this during an interview on MS NOW but chose not to give a clear answer.
Key Facts
Josh Turek is a Democratic state representative from Iowa.
Chuck Schumer is the Senate Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
The question was about Schumer’s future role leading Democrats in the next Congress.
Turek was interviewed by Jen Psaki, a former White House press secretary.
The interview took place on the show MS NOW.
Turek did not confirm or deny his support for Schumer’s leadership.
This discussion is happening as the midterm elections approach.
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Senator Chuck Grassley warned that Social Security’s retirement fund could run out by 2032, which would cause about a 22% cut in benefits for retirees unless Congress takes action. He said delaying fixes could lead to greater economic problems and that solving the issue will need both higher taxes and benefit changes.
Key Facts
Social Security’s retirement trust fund is expected to be empty by 2032.
After that, current payroll taxes would only pay about 78% of promised benefits.
This gap would result in automatic benefit cuts of around 22%.
More than 69 million Americans receive Social Security benefits.
Both Democrats and Republicans agree the program has serious financial problems.
Demographic changes, like fewer workers per retiree and longer lifespans, increase the program’s costs.
Grassley said no single fix will work; a combination of revenue increases and benefit changes is needed.
Delaying a solution risks more national debt and economic instability.
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TSA agents found five stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger’s suitcase during a routine check at Gulf Shores International Airport in Alabama. The cannonballs were taken from Fort Morgan, and the sheriff’s office said a juvenile was responsible for the theft but no charges will be pressed.
Key Facts
The cannonballs were discovered on July 18, 2026, during a suitcase X-ray screening.
Five small cannonballs wrapped in paper towels were found inside a checked bag.
The cannonballs are from the Civil War era and were taken from Fort Morgan.
Fort Morgan is a historic site important in several military conflicts, including the Civil War.
The cannonballs were inactive and contained no explosives.
A juvenile stole the cannonballs and placed them in their grandmother’s suitcase without her knowledge.
The sheriff’s office returned the artifacts to Fort Morgan but decided not to press charges.
TSA officers noted the find was unusual and unlike typical items they see during screening.
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The article discusses how Americans have difficulty disagreeing without turning political differences into personal conflict. It explains that many people avoid conversations with those who think differently, which deepens division instead of solving problems.
Key Facts
Americans are preparing for the 2026 midterm elections amid ongoing political conflict.
People often stop listening and focus on proving themselves right in disagreements.
Political disputes have damaged friendships, family relationships, and workplace cooperation.
Social media encourages public displays of outrage instead of respectful conversation.
Some people avoid political discussions to protect their mental health, but this can deepen divisions.
Human biology can make us treat political differences like physical threats, reducing patience and curiosity.
Media outlets profit from conflict, promoting extreme voices over calm discussions.
Most Americans are moderate or mixed in their political views, not part of extreme ideological groups.
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A recent poll shows most Americans feel their incomes are not keeping up with rising prices. People generally think neither the Republican nor Democratic parties are doing enough to help with the cost of living, and many view President Trump’s policies on inflation negatively. On immigration, opinions are mixed, with stronger approval from Republicans for President Trump than from Democrats.
Key Facts
Most Americans say their incomes do not keep up with inflation.
Many believe neither political party is effectively addressing the cost of living.
A majority see Republican policies as making their financial situation worse.
Democrats receive slightly better ratings than Republicans on economic help but still face a net negative view.
President Trump and Republicans have a slight advantage over Democrats on immigration policy approval.
Support for the administration’s deportation program has declined during the term.
Most Americans want states, not the federal government, to decide election rules and strongly support photo ID voting requirements.
More voters currently prefer the Democrats to control Congress in the next election, consistent with typical midterm trends.
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Mandela Barnes, the former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, dropped out of the Democratic primary for governor, leaving Francesca Hong and David Crowley as the main candidates. Polls show Hong leading, while Barnes' supporters mostly favor her as their second choice. The winner will likely face Republican Tom Tiffany in the November election.
Key Facts
Mandela Barnes ended his campaign for Wisconsin governor less than two weeks before the Democratic primary on August 11, 2026.
Francesca Hong and David Crowley are now the main candidates competing for the Democratic nomination.
Wisconsin is a closely divided state that narrowly supported President Donald Trump in 2024.
Current Governor Tony Evers is retiring at the end of 2026, making this a competitive race.
Recent polls show Francesca Hong leading with around 35-44% support among Democratic voters.
Barnes’ supporters mostly prefer Hong as their second choice, according to a Marquette Law School poll.
David Crowley is supported by more moderate Democrats, including Governor Evers.
The Democratic nominee will likely compete against Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to give city-region mayors in England a share of income tax and part of business rates for the first time. This move aims to shift power and money from the central UK government to local leaders to help them manage housing, transport, and skills better.
Key Facts
Mayors of English city regions will receive a share of income tax revenue.
Mayors will also keep some business rates collected in their areas.
Exact tax shares will be announced in the autumn budget by Chancellor John Healey.
The UK currently collects only 5.8% of taxes at the local level, the lowest among G7 countries.
The plan intends to replace central government grants with tax revenues controlled locally.
Income tax rates will not change due to this reform.
Some critics worry poorer areas may get less money under the new system.
The new funding model for mayors is set to start with business rates in April 2027 and income tax shares in April 2028.
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England’s regional mayors will gain new powers to borrow money and keep a share of local income tax and business rates starting in 2027 and 2028. These changes aim to give mayors more control over spending and reduce their dependence on Whitehall, the central government in London.
Key Facts
Mayors in England will keep part of the income tax generated in their areas from 2028.
They will also keep business rates revenue totaling tens of millions of pounds by April 2027.
This income replaces previous government grants, not adding new money overall.
Mayors will be able to borrow money based on future income for large projects like housing and transport.
The government plans to move decision-making from Whitehall to local areas with a “local first” policy.
New powers might include control over schools, health services, and childcare, similar to the role of police commissioners.
England’s civil service is expected to become smaller as more authority shifts out of London.
Details on how much tax revenue each area will keep will be announced in the autumn budget.
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Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi often treated Republicans badly and sometimes yelled at them. He shared this while talking about how conservatives and liberals see each other on a TV show.
Key Facts
Kevin McCarthy is a Republican from California.
Nancy Pelosi is a Democrat from California and was the Speaker before McCarthy.
McCarthy said Pelosi yelled at Republican lawmakers.
The comments were made on Fox News’s show "Jesse Watters Primetime."
The discussion involved how liberals and conservatives view each other.
McCarthy agreed with the idea that most liberals see conservatives in a negative way.
The focus was on political interactions between Republicans and Democrats.
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