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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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New polling data shows President Donald Trump's approval rating is low across key battleground states three months before the 2026 midterm elections. Nationally, 36% of registered voters approve of his performance, while 59% disapprove, indicating challenges for Republicans ahead of the congressional elections.
Key Facts
President Trump's national approval rating is 36%, with 59% disapproving, resulting in a net approval of -23.
Trump is unpopular in all key swing states, which are critical for control of Congress.
Some Republican-leaning states that supported Trump early in his term now show negative approval ratings.
Younger voters (ages 18-34) and independents have among the lowest approval rates for Trump.
Compared to previous midterms, Trump's current approval is lower than before his first 2018 midterm.
Democrats may not automatically gain support despite Trump's low ratings, as voter dissatisfaction does not guarantee their votes.
The polling data comes from Civiqs’ online tracking of over 120,000 registered voters.
White House officials highlight Trump's 2024 election win as evidence of continued public support.
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A young woman experienced increasing anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations in early 2025, which she initially thought were just anxiety symptoms. After a severe episode of psychosis, she sought help from a mental health professional and began treatment with antipsychotic and anxiety medications.
Key Facts
The woman struggled with anxiety and depression for a long time but was undiagnosed.
In spring and early summer 2025, her anxiety worsened and she developed paranoia and hallucinations.
She believed someone was following her and saw things that were not real.
These symptoms caused her to lose sleep, motivation, and affected her work and daily life.
She searched online for help and contacted a mental health facility in June 2025.
A psychiatrist diagnosed her with psychosis and prescribed antipsychotic medication alongside treatment for anxiety and depression.
She initially had difficulty adjusting to the medication but felt better after starting treatment.
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Reform UK has proposed using the Royal Navy to stop migrant boats crossing the English Channel and return migrants to France or Belgium. The plan, called "Operation Fortress," aims to be a large military effort and is described as a humanitarian mission, though it may cause diplomatic disagreements with France.
Key Facts
Reform UK plans to use the Royal Navy to intercept small boats carrying migrants in the English Channel.
The proposal includes returning migrants to France or Belgium without requiring prior agreement from those countries.
More than 2,000 migrants have arrived in the UK by small boat since Andy Burnham became prime minister.
Small boat crossings are reported to be down by about 43% compared to the previous year.
The plan is supported by some former military members and described as complying with human rights rules.
International sea law allows rescuing people in danger but does not allow moving them to another country without that country's consent.
The UK has increased law enforcement officers working against people-smuggling gangs on both sides of the Channel.
Some experts and politicians argue for different approaches, including leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to speed deportations.
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A former Royal Navy officer said the Reform UK party’s plan to use the military to stop small boats carrying migrants across the Channel lacks practical details. Reform wants the navy to pick up migrants at sea and return them to France, but experts and politicians question whether this would work or be allowed by France.
Key Facts
Reform UK proposes using the navy to stop small boats carrying migrants from France to the UK.
Retired Royal Naval Commander Tom Sharpe says military ships are better used for actual defense tasks, not migrant transport.
Sharpe notes the navy already has limited resources involved in current missions.
Similar plans were proposed by the Conservative government four years ago but did not reduce crossings.
Labour accuses Reform UK of using the plan to distract from scandals involving its leader, Nigel Farage.
There are doubts France would allow the UK navy to bring migrants back to their shores.
Reform claims its plan follows international law and treats migrants as people rescued at sea needing help.
Reform says France must process asylum claims since it is a safe country, but it is unclear what happens if France refuses.
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President Donald Trump posted many AI-made pictures on his social media platform Truth Social over a weekend. These images showed him in scenes with famous historical figures, as pop culture icons, and near fictional objects, mixing American history, politics, and fantasy.
Key Facts
Trump shared dozens of AI-generated images within about 24 hours on Truth Social.
Images included Trump with George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, an alien, and dressed like Elvis Presley.
One picture showed Trump standing with a handcuffed alien near military vehicles.
Trump posted a campaign-style image saying "Trump 2028," despite the U.S. Constitution limiting presidents to two terms.
Several images depicted Trump involved in American history scenes, such as signing documents with founding fathers.
Trump shared pictures of large monuments, including a grand arch similar to the Arc de Triomphe, which he called a "Triumphal Arch."
Some AI images touched on political themes, like showing Greenland and Venezuela labeled as U.S. states.
Using AI-generated content is becoming a common part of Trump's social media activity.
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A new round of Social Security payments will be sent this week to certain beneficiaries, including some Supplemental Security Income recipients and those claiming benefits since before May 1997. Payments are issued on a schedule based on birth dates, and the amount people receive depends on their work history, age when they start claiming, or financial need.
Key Facts
Over 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivor payments.
Payments this week (starting August 3) are for Supplemental Security Income recipients who also get Social Security and those who claimed benefits before May 1997.
Other beneficiaries receive their payments later in August based on their birth dates: Aug 12 for birthdays 1–10, Aug 19 for birthdays 11–20, and Aug 26 for birthdays 21–31.
Retirement benefits depend on a person’s earnings record and the age they start collecting. Waiting longer increases monthly payments.
The maximum monthly payment in 2026 for someone claiming at age 70 is about $5,181; the average payment is $2,024.77.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps people who are blind, disabled, or have low income, with a max federal payment of $994 monthly in 2026.
Social Security benefits usually increase each year to keep up with inflation through a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The 2027 COLA could be around 3.8%, based on rising prices for gas, energy, and food.
The official COLA amount is announced in October and is based on changes to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
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