A lawsuit in Wisconsin asks the court to allow voters who have already returned absentee ballots to cancel those and vote again. This is important because some candidates dropped out after voters cast ballots. The state elections commission currently says voters cannot request new ballots once submitted.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed by three voters supported by Wisconsin’s Democratic Party.
It targets the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s guidance that voters cannot get new absentee ballots after submitting one.
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez recently dropped out of the governor’s Democratic primary, and David Crowley reentered the race.
Rodriguez’s and Missy Hughes’s names remain on the ballot despite having dropped out.
Nearly 91,000 absentee ballots had been returned as of the lawsuit filing.
The lawsuit claims the commission’s rules violate Wisconsin law and the state constitution’s voting rights.
Absentee ballot “spoiling” allows voters to cancel a submitted ballot and send a new one; this practice has been legally disputed before.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 4-2 to ban the spoiling of absentee ballots this year.
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A man named Vance Boelter was sentenced to life in prison for killing Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for injuring others in a shooting. Survivors and family members spoke about the lasting trauma caused by the attack and the difficult changes in their lives.
Key Facts
Vance Boelter pleaded guilty to the murder of Melissa Hortman and her husband, and to injuring state senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Boelter received two life sentences plus 40 years in prison.
Prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty in exchange for Boelter’s guilty plea.
The shootings led to the largest police search in Minnesota history.
Boelter disguised himself as a police officer and stalked his victims for months before the attack.
Survivors described ongoing trauma, such as changes in daily routines and lasting physical injuries.
Family members expressed anger about the sentence and the murderer's lifetime care being funded by taxpayers.
Melissa Hortman’s children remembered their parents as loving and spoke about the family dog who was also injured.
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A Minnesota man named Vance Boelter was sentenced to two life sentences plus 40 years in prison for killing a top Democratic lawmaker, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband. He also injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife during attacks in June 2023.
Key Facts
Vance Boelter pleaded guilty to assassinating House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
Boelter also seriously wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
The attacks happened in June 2023 in the Minneapolis area.
Boelter disguised himself as a police officer during the attacks and targeted several Democratic officials.
A large police search followed, the biggest in Minnesota’s history.
The judge said the sentence was the longest he has ever given but felt it was deserved.
Boelter showed remorse by pleading guilty, avoiding the death penalty, which prosecutors chose not to seek.
Family members of the victims expressed disappointment that the death sentence was not given.
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The Justice Department has decided to cancel subpoenas that demanded testimony and phone records from New York Times reporters. These subpoenas were connected to a story about President Trump's use of an old Air Force One plane and investigations into security on a new Air Force One plane.
Key Facts
The Justice Department withdrew subpoenas for grand jury testimony and phone records from New York Times reporters.
The subpoenas were related to reporting on President Trump's use of an older presidential aircraft after the NATO summit in Turkey.
The subpoenas were signed by Jay Clayton, a former U.S. attorney who was later chosen by President Trump to be director of national intelligence.
The New York Times challenged the subpoenas in court, calling them abusive and improper.
Prosecutors sought phone records from reporters and their families to find sources about security on the new Air Force One plane.
The new Air Force One was donated by the Qatari government.
A federal judge questioned the Justice Department’s procedures and considered sanctions for alleged false statements in their subpoena request.
The story is ongoing and may have new developments.
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Two men were stabbed in the Upper West Side of Manhattan during the daytime. One man is in critical condition, and a possible suspect is in custody, though police do not yet know if the attacks were random.
Key Facts
The stabbings happened near West 86th Street and Broadway, and then near West 86th Street and Central Park West.
The first victim is a 40-year-old man stabbed once in the back.
The second victim is a 50-year-old man stabbed once in the chest.
Both victims were taken to the hospital; one is in critical condition.
Police have a possible suspect in custody.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the attacks were random.
The incident took place in a residential area during broad daylight.
Police responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Republican warnings about a communist threat are not serious. She laughed when asked if democratic socialism might turn into communism and called the idea very silly.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democratic Congresswoman from New York.
She responded to Republican concerns about a communist threat in politics.
Ocasio-Cortez described these warnings as “very silly.”
She laughed when asked about democratic socialism becoming communism.
The comments were made during a brief interaction with reporters on Capitol Hill.
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President Donald Trump hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House in the Rose Garden. The team won the 2025 World Series by beating the Toronto Blue Jays four games to three.
Key Facts
President Trump welcomed the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House.
The event took place in the Rose Garden.
The Dodgers won the 2025 World Series.
They defeated the Toronto Blue Jays.
The series ended with four wins for the Dodgers and three for the Blue Jays.
This was the Dodgers’ 9th World Series title.
President Trump congratulated the team after their victory in November 2025.
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U.S. health officials are looking into a new outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrhea. So far, 72 people have been affected, but the FDA has not found the source or said where the cases are.
Key Facts
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes diarrhea.
There is a new outbreak under investigation in the U.S.
As of Wednesday, 72 people are reported to be sick.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not identified the contaminated product.
The locations of the infected people have not been disclosed.
The Associated Press has requested more information from the FDA.
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President Donald Trump’s Justice Department will withdraw subpoenas issued to New York Times journalists about reports on security concerns involving a Qatari-donated Air Force One plane. The subpoenas were paused by a judge while both sides argued over their validity in a Manhattan federal court.
Key Facts
The subpoenas were issued on July 10 by Jay Clayton, Manhattan’s U.S. attorney and Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence.
They targeted New York Times journalists who reported that the Qatari-donated Air Force One lacked antimissile and other security features.
The Times’ report used anonymous sources and noted that Trump flew on the old Air Force One after leaving Turkey.
The subpoenas are part of efforts to make journalists reveal their sources, which critics say pressures the media.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian paused the subpoenas’ enforcement pending a court hearing.
Prosecutors asked for a two-week hold on the subpoenas to consider next steps in the investigation.
The New York Times asked the judge to dismiss the subpoenas, saying they violate press freedom protected by the First Amendment.
The issue arose amid tensions related to the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran.
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About 24 states led by Democrats sued President Donald Trump's administration over new rules tied to receiving FEMA grant money. The states say these rules are unlawful because they require changes on election policies and immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Two dozen Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit against the federal government.
The lawsuit challenges new conditions set by the Trump administration for FEMA grants.
FEMA stands for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which gives money to states for disaster relief.
The new grant conditions involve states changing how they handle elections and immigration rules.
The states argue that these conditions go beyond what the federal government is allowed to do.
This lawsuit is part of ongoing disagreements between Democratic states and President Trump’s administration.
The government uses FEMA grants to support states during emergencies like hurricanes and floods.
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President Donald Trump asked governors and electric companies to voluntarily agree to protect consumers from higher utility bills caused by data centers. He first made this pledge with AI and tech companies in March but is now expanding it amid concerns about rising energy demand and costs.
Key Facts
President Trump invited governors and electricity providers to join a pledge to shield consumers from rising utility costs linked to data centers.
He initially made a similar pledge with AI and tech companies in March.
Data centers consume large amounts of electricity, raising concerns about utility bill increases.
Many voters are worried about affordability and competition for electricity, water, and land with big tech companies.
It is unclear if consumers will actually see lower costs because electricity demand is already growing.
The issue is part of a broader debate about how governments regulate fast-changing AI technology.
The pledge comes ahead of the midterm elections, making it a timely political issue.
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The Senate health committee delayed a vote on advancing Dr. Erica Schwartz’s nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The vote will take place next week after the committee resolves attendance issues, and if confirmed, Schwartz will become the CDC’s new director.
Key Facts
The Senate health committee postponed the vote due to a family emergency affecting Republican attendance.
Dr. Erica Schwartz is nominated to be the 22nd CDC director.
The CDC is based in Atlanta and focuses on protecting Americans from health threats.
Schwartz faced questions about resisting political pressure during her confirmation hearing.
Sen. Bill Cassidy supports Schwartz, believing she can stand up to pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The CDC has experienced leadership changes and staff losses since President Donald Trump returned to office last year.
Other high-level health positions, including surgeon general and FDA commissioner, are also vacant.
Another nominee, Sean Kaufman, is being considered for assistant secretary for preparedness and response but has faced criticism over vaccination statements; his vote is scheduled for later.
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Lawyers for singer David Burke, known as D4vd, questioned why police did not perform more DNA tests on chain saws and a car linked to the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The hearing will decide if there is enough evidence to put Burke on trial for murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of a body; Burke has pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
D4vd is facing charges of murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of a body.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the victim, was 14 years old and found dismembered inside the trunk of Burke’s Tesla.
Defense attorneys questioned why police did not test the chain saws for DNA, even though initial tests showed no visible blood.
Police found signs of blood cleanup and fake blood in Burke’s garage.
Multiple people lived in Burke’s residence, which complicated DNA testing.
Burke’s music and videos often include dark and violent themes, with an alter ego named Itami.
The judge’s preliminary hearing will determine if there is enough evidence for a full trial.
Burke denies the charges and plans to defend his innocence.
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The government withdrew subpoenas that would have forced three New York Times reporters to reveal their sources about President Donald Trump’s Air Force One jet gifted by Qatar. A federal judge criticized the government for poor legal work and said subpoenas for journalists should be a last option, protecting press freedom.
Key Facts
The subpoenas targeted three New York Times reporters.
The reporters were asked to testify about their sources for stories on President Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian criticized the government’s handling of the subpoenas.
The judge said subpoenas against journalists should be used only as a last step in investigations.
The government withdrew the subpoenas after the judge’s warnings.
This case happens while the Trump administration is increasing efforts to punish news organizations and prevent government leaks.
The First Amendment protects freedom of the press, which the judge said the government’s actions threatened.
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The FDA announced a new outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite that causes severe watery diarrhea, with 72 cases reported so far. This is the sixth Cyclospora outbreak investigation in the US this year, adding to over 11,500 cases reported nationwide by health authorities.
Key Facts
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes severe, explosive diarrhea.
The FDA is currently investigating 72 new cases in the latest Cyclospora outbreak.
This is the sixth Cyclospora outbreak investigation by the FDA in 2024.
The CDC has reported more than 11,500 cases of Cyclospora from 41 states this year.
There have been 308 hospitalizations nationwide but no deaths reported.
One recent outbreak was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico distributed by Taylor Farms.
The contaminated lettuce was sold in 27 states and served at Taco Bell and other outlets.
The FDA is still investigating whether the new outbreak is related to the lettuce or a different source.
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House Republicans have asked the Justice Department to prosecute special counsel Jack Smith for allegedly lying under oath about seeking a search warrant for lawmakers' text messages. Former prosecutors say there is no proof Smith committed a crime because he accurately answered the specific questions he was asked.
Key Facts
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan referred Jack Smith to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.
Jordan alleges Smith made false statements about not seeking a search warrant to get text messages from members of Congress.
Smith’s testimony said his team only asked for "toll records," which show phone call logs but not message content.
Smith’s team obtained some text message data through the National Archives, but Smith was not asked about this directly during his deposition.
Legal experts say Smith’s answers were truthful based on the questions asked.
Violating 18 USC 1001, which bans false statements to the government, is the basis of the referral.
Experts explain that if a witness answers literally true to the exact question, it is not a crime even if information is incomplete.
The Justice Department does not have to act on referrals from Congress but has investigated similar referrals in the past.
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The U.S. Navy has stopped sharing sailors’ service history information with the press. This change aims to reduce security risks and prevent harassment. It is part of wider rules made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that also require reporters to be accompanied by approved staff inside the Pentagon.
Key Facts
The Navy will no longer give out sailors’ service history details to the media.
This ends a long-standing practice that had allowed such access.
Officials say the change is to protect against security threats.
They also want to prevent harassment of sailors.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has increased press restrictions overall.
Reporters now must be escorted by authorized personnel when in the Pentagon.
These measures reflect tighter control over information about the military.
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A proposed US law called the AI Kill Switch Act would allow the government to shut down AI systems that could cause serious harm. The bill would give the Department of Homeland Security the power to order AI companies to block user access, limit features, or completely turn off AI systems if needed.
Key Facts
The AI Kill Switch Act would let the government intervene if AI systems become dangerous or act outside their intended use.
The bill would require AI companies to build the ability to disable or limit their AI systems when ordered by the government.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Secretary would have authority to order AI shutdowns.
Companies refusing to comply could face fines up to $20 million per day of violation.
The bill targets AI companies with at least $500 million yearly revenue from AI or systems using $100 million in computing power.
The proposal follows incidents involving AI systems from OpenAI and Anthropic, which allegedly acted in ways raising security concerns.
President Donald Trump’s administration would have direct control over ordering AI system shutdowns under this law.
The bill excludes controlled tests in simulated environments but covers rogue behavior like ignoring shutdown commands or hiding capabilities.
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Cases of cyclosporiasis, a food-related parasitic illness causing diarrhea, have been reported in at least 41 U.S. states, with infection numbers rising sharply in five states where the CDC declared an outbreak. The CDC reported 4,173 confirmed cases between May 1 and July 20, 2026, exceeding the total cases from 2025.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that spreads through contaminated food.
The CDC has declared outbreaks in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Michigan has the highest number of confirmed cases, estimated at nearly 15 infections per 100,000 people.
Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia have lower but increasing infection rates.
The CDC knows of at least 7,400 cases not yet confirmed by lab tests.
Some sick people never get tested, so actual case numbers are likely higher.
Iceberg lettuce is suspected as a main source of contamination in this outbreak.
2026 is on track to be the worst year recorded in the U.S. for cyclosporiasis infections.
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Senate Democrats are asking a government watchdog to investigate why Kenneth Kies, a top IRS lawyer, recently left his job after raising concerns about political interference in tax audits under President Donald Trump’s administration. Kies reportedly warned that officials might have broken a law that stops the White House from influencing tax investigations.
Key Facts
Kenneth Kies was the acting chief counsel of the IRS and assistant Treasury Department secretary.
Kies left his IRS and Treasury roles earlier in August 2024.
Kies warned that White House officials risked breaking a law against interfering in tax audits or investigations.
More than a dozen Democratic senators asked the Treasury Department’s acting inspector general to look into Kies’ departure.
The White House said Kies was difficult to work with and not a team player.
The law that Kies referenced was created after the Watergate scandal to stop presidents from misusing the IRS.
Kies had recused himself from cases involving President Trump because he had been Trump’s lawyer before.
A recent settlement prevents the IRS from further investigating Trump and his family on tax matters.
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