President Donald Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court to allow an executive order limiting mail-in voting to take effect while related lawsuits continue. The order aims to have mail ballots sent only to people listed by federal agencies, but courts have blocked parts of it, saying it could stop many eligible voters from casting ballots.
Key Facts
President Trump’s executive order directs agencies to make lists of people allowed to vote by mail and limits ballot mailings to those on the lists.
The order targets noncitizen voting, which is very rare and illegal.
A lower court blocked key parts of the order, saying the U.S. Postal Service cannot make rules about mail-in voting.
A federal appeals court upheld the block, warning the order could stop many qualified voters from voting.
About one-third of voters are expected to use mail ballots in the November 2024 election.
The Trump administration argues the order gives general guidance, not state election rules, and wants quick approval before August.
The Supreme Court has split opinions on mail-in voting deadlines in previous cases this year.
This is part of ongoing legal fights over election rules just months before the midterm elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge has decided that US singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, will face a murder trial for the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and sexual abuse related to her death.
Key Facts
D4vd is the stage name of musician David Anthony Burke.
Burke is 21 years old.
The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was 14 years old.
Her remains were found last September in a Tesla car registered to Burke’s address.
The case was presented in a five-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors questioned about 12 witnesses and showed photos as evidence.
Burke has denied the charges of murder and sexual abuse.
The court will now proceed with a full murder trial.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Audio recordings from 2017 of President Biden working with his ghostwriter were released after a legal fight. These recordings contain discussions of notes that may include classified information, which were referenced in a 2024 special counsel report that investigated Biden's handling of classified documents but did not charge him with a crime.
Key Facts
About 70 hours of audio recordings from 2017 were shared with CBS News.
The recordings involve Biden talking with his ghostwriter while working on his memoir.
Biden mentions in the tapes that some notes might be classified, though this material was not included in the published book.
A 2024 special counsel report investigated Biden after classified documents were found in his home and private office.
The special counsel did not recommend charges, partly because they believed a jury would see Biden as well-meaning but having a poor memory.
The recordings show Biden speaking slowly and having some difficulty remembering events.
The recordings were released following a two-year legal battle initiated by a conservative nonprofit seeking government transparency.
Biden has said he did not share classified information with his ghostwriter and was unaware how classified documents ended up stored in his garage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump recently urged US defense companies to produce weapons faster, highlighting the importance of replenishing military stockpiles. After nearly 40 days of conflict with Iran, the US paused strikes to allow negotiation, amid concerns that expensive missiles and munitions used during the fighting have depleted reserves.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at a defense summit, emphasizing faster and increased weapons production.
The US spent about $37.5 billion on weapons during the conflict with Iran earlier this year.
US forces targeted over 13,000 locations in Iran and intercepted more than 1,700 Iranian drones and missiles.
A ceasefire began on April 8, pausing US military strikes to enable talks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested $87 billion more to address shortages in military equipment.
Approximately 1,000 Tomahawk missiles were fired in the conflict; these missiles cost about $2.6 million each.
Replenishing missile stockpiles, like Tomahawks, could take up to 5 years or more.
Detailed current ammunition levels and remaining weapons stocks are classified by the government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rep. Robert Garcia is investigating Taylor Farms for its possible role and influence in the federal response to a cyclospora outbreak linked to its lettuce, which made thousands of people sick. The inquiry focuses on Taylor Farms' political donations, communications with the White House, and the handling of the outbreak by the FDA.
Key Facts
Taylor Farms’ lettuce was linked to a nationwide cyclospora outbreak causing illness in many states.
Rep. Robert Garcia sent a letter to Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor asking for details about the company’s role in the outbreak and its communications with federal agencies and the White House.
Taylor Farms donated $1 million to President Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., in 2025, plus more than $1 million to other Republican PACs.
The White House denied any improper influence on public health decisions related to the outbreak.
Taylor Farms recalled its iceberg lettuce after the FDA linked it to the outbreak but stated no confirmed positive test results for cyclospora as of July 24, 2026.
The FDA first announced a positive test for cyclospora on lettuce, then retracted it, calling it a false positive due to testing difficulties.
Garcia questioned the FDA’s investigation and wants Taylor Farms to provide all communications and documents about the outbreak and safety measures.
Food safety oversight in the U.S. involves multiple state and federal agencies working together to detect and stop foodborne illness outbreaks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The police are investigating an image shared by Green party leader Zack Polanski on Instagram that showed a man wearing a T-shirt with the phrase “we’re only making plans for Nigel” and a picture of a guillotine. Reform UK reported the image for “inciting murder,” and the image was removed from Polanski’s account. Polanski’s party said he did not realize the full content of the post and condemned the image on the T-shirt.
Key Facts
Zack Polanski posted an image on Instagram showing a man wearing a T-shirt with the words “we’re only making plans for Nigel” and a guillotine.
Reform UK reported the image to police, claiming it incited murder.
Green party said Polanski condemned the image on the T-shirt and was tagged in a multi-image post without seeing all content.
Nigel Farage shared the image on social media, saying Polanski should be arrested for the post.
The phrase on the T-shirt comes from a 1979 song by the rock band XTC named "Making Plans for Nigel."
The image was removed from Polanski’s Instagram after it caused controversy.
The Metropolitan police confirmed they received a report and are investigating.
No contact has been made between the police and Polanski so far.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 15-year-old teenager is in police custody after a shooting near the Space Needle in Seattle on Sunday. Officials believe there is one more suspect who has not yet been caught.
Key Facts
The shooting happened near the Space Needle in Seattle.
A 15-year-old is currently in custody related to the shooting.
Authorities think a second suspect is still free.
The incident occurred during a food festival event.
Police are continuing their search for the second suspect.
CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi reported on the situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers approved a petition to ban political spending by regulated utilities and large government contractors in state elections. The proposal could appear on the November ballot if the state legislature does not approve it within 40 days.
Key Facts
The petition was certified in a 3-1 vote by a bipartisan board.
The initiative aims to stop companies like DTE Energy and Consumers Energy from donating to political candidates.
Supporters say this would reduce corporate influence and help control electricity rate increases.
Opponents argue it would limit the free speech rights of employees at these companies.
A legal challenge may be pursued by groups opposing the proposal.
The board still needs to approve a short summary of the initiative for the ballot.
The petition included over 561,000 signatures, well above the 356,958 required.
Signature verification was closely reviewed due to claims of irregularities like fake or duplicate signatures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Savannah Guthrie, host of the Today show, has made a public plea for help in finding her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was kidnapped from her Arizona home nearly six months ago. Authorities believe Nancy was taken against her will, and the FBI is investigating ransom notes related to her disappearance.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie disappeared on February 1 from her home near Tucson, Arizona.
Blood was found near the front door, and a masked man was seen on surveillance footage that night.
Volunteers and search teams have looked for her in the nearby desert and near the Arizona-Mexico border.
Multiple ransom notes have been sent, some considered extortion and others still being investigated by the FBI.
Savannah Guthrie and her family have offered a $1 million reward for information.
Savannah has said the family continues to hope and will never stop searching for Nancy.
The family requests anyone with information to come forward and help find Nancy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to killing four University of Idaho students in 2022 and received four life sentences, is now challenging his conviction. He claims he was misled into confessing and is representing himself in the legal process.
Key Facts
Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025 to stabbing four University of Idaho students to death in 2022.
He was sentenced to four life sentences without the chance of parole.
Kohberger filed a petition for post-conviction relief, saying he was misled into confessing.
He is representing himself in this legal challenge.
Kohberger's guilty plea helped him avoid the death penalty.
Evidence against him included DNA linking him to a knife sheath at the crime scene and phone and car location data.
Kohberger’s motive for the murders is still unknown.
The family of one victim said Kohberger got the deal he wanted and criticized the focus on his claims rather than on the victims.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A bipartisan group of U.S. House lawmakers is urging Congress to approve emergency funding to address the worsening drought and falling water levels in the Colorado River Basin. They warn that the declining water supply threatens drinking water, farming, electricity production, and industries across the Western U.S.
Key Facts
Lawmakers sent a letter on July 17 asking for emergency Colorado River funding in an upcoming government spending package.
The Colorado River provides drinking water to 1 in 10 Americans and supports 90% of U.S. winter produce crops.
The Hoover and Glen Canyon dams on the river supply electricity to 2.5 million people.
The river system and nearby parks generate over $26 billion a year for the outdoor economy.
Reduced river flow is linked to drought, with water levels about 20% lower than in the 20th century.
The Colorado River supports key industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and defense in the West.
Previous drought mitigation funding of $4 billion has mostly been spent, with less than $100 million left.
Projections show Lake Mead and Lake Powell will continue to drop to dangerous levels by the end of 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump visited Michigan to support his tariffs on imported goods, especially those affecting the automobile industry. He said these tariffs are helping the U.S. auto sector by encouraging companies to make products in America, even though Michigan’s job growth is slow and unemployment remains relatively high.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at a General Motors plant in Milford, Michigan.
Michigan has been economically affected by tariffs, particularly in the auto sector.
U.S. tariffs include a 25% tax on Canadian-made vehicles with non-U.S. parts and steel tariffs.
The U.S. plans to increase some tariffs, including on Canadian autos, to 50% starting in August.
Canada responded with 25% tariffs on certain U.S. vehicles and parts.
Michigan’s job growth was just 500 jobs in the 12 months before June, lower than other states like Texas.
Michigan’s unemployment rate was 5.1% in May 2024, higher than most U.S. states.
Trump highlighted investments by automakers like GM and Ford in U.S. manufacturing as signs his policies are working.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A widespread outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite found on fresh fruits and vegetables, has caused many Americans to avoid eating produce. The outbreak has led to over 11,500 reported illnesses across 41 states, with investigations pointing to contaminated lettuce as a major source.
Key Facts
Cyclospora is a parasite that spreads through contaminated fresh produce.
Over 11,500 cases of illness have been reported in 41 states, with more than 300 hospitalizations.
The largest outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms sold at Taco Bell and other places.
Michigan alone has reported 9,253 cases as of July 27.
About 40% of Americans have reduced their consumption of fruits and vegetables due to the outbreak.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have faced staff cuts of 20-25% recently.
A new FDA rule on food traceability, which could help identify sources of outbreaks faster, has been delayed.
Critics say federal leadership and response to the outbreak have been poorly managed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bryan Kohberger, convicted of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, has asked to withdraw his guilty plea and get a new trial. He claims he pleaded guilty because he got bad legal advice, but the state and victims’ families oppose this request.
Key Facts
Kohberger was found guilty of breaking into a house and killing four college students with knives.
The victims were Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Kohberger says he is innocent and wants to plead not guilty now.
He is representing himself in court to request a new trial.
The victims’ families and Idaho’s attorney general oppose the new trial request.
Kohberger is serving four consecutive life sentences without parole and 10 more years for burglary.
Evidence against him included DNA on a knife at the scene and surveillance video near the house.
Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania about a month after the killings while visiting his father.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court to review a court decision blocking parts of his executive order on mail-in voting and voter lists. The order directs new rules for mail ballots and asks Homeland Security to create state lists of eligible voters, but 23 states challenged it as unlawful before the upcoming election.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the executive order in March 2024.
The order requires Homeland Security to create lists of eligible voters for each state.
It also directs the U.S. Postal Service to set new rules for mail-in ballots, like using specific envelopes.
Twenty-three states and Washington D.C. sued, saying the order is illegal.
A federal judge blocked parts of the order from taking effect in those states for the November 2024 election.
A federal appeals court upheld the block, preventing the order’s implementation.
The Trump administration argues the court’s block is premature because agencies are still planning how to carry out the order.
The administration says the order is aimed at protecting election integrity and directing lawful action by federal agencies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman, is on trial for the murder of her three children in January 2023. Her ex-husband said her mental health worsened in the months before the deaths, while prosecutors say she planned the killings and her defense argues she suffered from psychosis.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is charged with three counts of first-degree murder for killing her children aged 5, 3, and 8 months.
Clancy has pleaded not guilty but admits to carrying out the acts.
Her ex-husband, Patrick Clancy, testified she was very depressed and her mental health declined sharply in December 2022.
Prosecutors say she deliberately and rationally planned the murders.
The defense claims she experienced postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness that can cause hallucinations and confusion after childbirth.
Clancy attempted suicide after the killings and was hospitalized.
The trial will last several weeks with witnesses including psychiatrists, family, and law enforcement.
Postpartum psychosis affects about 1 in 1,000 mothers and is considered a medical emergency.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump was interrupted by protesters chanting "pedophile protector" during a speech in Michigan. The disruption relates to criticism over the handling of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in jail.
Key Facts
The chant interrupted President Trump’s speech but he continued after a brief pause.
Videos show the disruption happening while Trump was speaking in Michigan.
Protesters’ remarks relate to pressure for releasing more documents about Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting charges.
Trump referred to someone as "a communist" during the event.
The crowd responded with chants of "USA! USA!" after the interruption.
It is unclear if protesters were removed from the event.
Earlier this year, a similar protest occurred during Trump’s visit to a Ford facility in Dearborn.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent analysis shows that redistricting done by Republican leaders in the middle of the current decade created a U.S. House map similar to the one from 2018, when Democrats won the majority. Although the new map is more favorable to Republicans than in 2024, it still resembles the past map where Democrats held the majority.
Key Facts
Republican-led redistricting took place mid-decade, changing district boundaries.
The new 2025-2026 House map is more Republican-leaning than the 2024 map.
Despite this, the map's overall shape and competitiveness are close to the 2018 map.
In 2018, Democrats won the majority of seats in the House of Representatives.
The "median House seat" is a term used to measure which party has an advantage based on presidential voting patterns.
Redistricting influences which party has a better chance of winning more seats.
These changes can affect future elections and party control in the House.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune responded to President Donald Trump's repeated requests to cancel the Senate’s August break until a voting law called the SAVE America Act passes. Thune said he supports the bill only if there is a clear way to get it passed but is unsure if that is possible.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act before the August recess.
The SAVE America Act includes a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voting.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he would back the bill if there is a way to pass it.
Thune questioned whether it is possible to find a path to pass the bill.
Thune’s remarks came after the president’s call to cancel the Senate break.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries made affordability the main focus of the Democratic campaign for the upcoming midterm elections. He said the party wants to lower the cost of living and improve things like jobs, housing, healthcare, and education if they regain control of the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
Jeffries launched the “Fighting for an Affordable America” agenda in Pennsylvania, targeting Republican-held districts.
He emphasized that hardworking Americans should be able to live middle-class, affordable lives.
The speech focused on the rising costs of groceries, housing, and healthcare.
Jeffries blamed higher costs on President Trump and Republican control of Congress.
He promised to reduce prices and protect programs like Medicare and Social Security if Democrats win.
Jeffries also pledged to fight corruption by banning stock trading by top officials and investigating wrongdoing.
Many Americans feel squeezed by inflation, with grocery prices up 33% since 2019 and housing costs increasing.
Polls show most Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living issue.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
