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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some Democratic senators criticized Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano for sending a message that they say exaggerated the benefits of President Donald Trump’s tax law for seniors. The message claimed millions of seniors received tax relief under Trump’s law, but Democrats argue this is misleading because the law only provides a temporary tax deduction that will expire in 2028.
Key Facts
Social Security supports over 70 million people, mostly retirees and disabled individuals.
Senate Democrats sent a letter to Commissioner Bisignano accusing him of using Social Security resources to promote President Trump’s tax law benefits.
Bisignano’s message said about 35 million seniors received an average of $7,500 in tax relief under Trump’s legislation.
The tax law provides a temporary deduction for seniors’ income, which phases out at higher income levels.
The deduction will expire in 2028 and does not fully eliminate taxes on Social Security income.
Democrats dispute calling the tax relief a “tax cut” and say the message is misleading.
Control of Congress is at stake in the upcoming midterm elections, increasing the political importance of Social Security.
President Trump has been campaigning on the benefits of his tax law in key states ahead of the elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Louisiana passed a law in 2024 that made the drug misoprostol a controlled substance, forcing hospitals to keep it locked away instead of on easy-to-access carts used to treat heavy bleeding after childbirth. Doctors say this delay can increase risks of severe hemorrhages in pregnant patients because the drug is slower to get to those who need it urgently.
Key Facts
Louisiana hospitals previously kept misoprostol on special carts to quickly treat heavy bleeding during pregnancy or after childbirth.
The 2024 law reclassified misoprostol as a controlled substance, requiring it to be locked in secure rooms.
Misoprostol is a cheap, safe, and shelf-stable drug used to stop dangerous bleeding.
The drug is also a key part of medical abortions, which led lawmakers to restrict its access.
Doctors report that waiting for the drug to be retrieved now causes dangerous treatment delays.
Some alternative drugs are on the cart but may not be safe for patients with asthma or high blood pressure and are more expensive.
Misoprostol is also used to prepare for procedures like IUD insertions and to induce labor or manage failed pregnancies.
The law coincided with a sharp drop in abortion procedures recorded in Louisiana, but many still use medication abortions via telemedicine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt answered questions from reporters about several topics, including the nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia, China’s artificial intelligence technology, and voter registration lists in New Jersey. The briefing was held on Thursday, and CBS News shared highlights afterward.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary.
She spoke to reporters on Thursday during a news briefing.
Topics discussed included the U.S.-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal.
She also addressed China’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Questions about New Jersey’s voter registration lists were covered.
CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro shared his summary of the briefing afterward.
The briefing provided information on U.S. government policies and concerns.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is expanding its program to partner with social media influencers. This effort aims to spread the party’s messages online ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Key Facts
The DNC’s "Influencer & Creative" program works with over 500 social media creators.
Influencers involved range from about 1,000 to 10 million followers.
Around 21% of U.S. adults regularly get news from influencers on social media.
Young adults aged 18-29 are more likely (38%) to get news from influencers.
The DNC provides creators with video clips and briefings from Democratic lawmakers.
Recent briefings included talks about the Iran conflict and the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The DNC is considering a creator-led debate for the 2028 Democratic primaries.
There are currently no federal laws requiring influencers to disclose political payments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general. There are concerns from both political parties about his recent work while serving under President Trump.
Key Facts
The Senate Judiciary Committee is preparing to vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
The vote is scheduled for Thursday.
Todd Blanche served in a leadership role under President Donald Trump.
Both Republicans and Democrats have expressed concerns about his recent performance.
The article also mentions a past Senate effort to pressure President Trump to end the Iran war, which did not succeed.
CBS News reporter Taurean Small provides analysis of the situation.
The nomination process is part of the U.S. government’s efforts to fill key legal positions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a member of Vice President Vance’s security team for possibly leaking sensitive information. The agent has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation and possible criminal inquiry continue.
Key Facts
The investigation involves a Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President Vance’s protective detail.
The agent is suspected of leaking sensitive operational and information security details.
The Secret Service has started an administrative investigation into the matter.
There may also be a criminal inquiry linked to these allegations.
The agent has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
Anthony Guglielmi is the Chief of Communications for the Secret Service.
The leak could compromise the security and safety of the Vice President’s operations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 24 states sued the Trump administration for requiring them to meet election and immigration rules to get disaster funding from the federal government. The states say these conditions are illegal and could cause them to lose important money meant for public safety and disaster response.
Key Facts
Over 24 states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on April 24, 2026.
The lawsuit challenges new rules tying disaster funding to changes in state election and immigration policies.
States are required to switch to paper-ballot voting, audit voting systems manually, and verify citizenship of all voters to receive full funds.
The conditions also let the Department of Homeland Security stop grants at any time for any reason.
The states argue this violates federal laws and the Constitution’s rules about how the government can spend money.
Past court rulings have stopped the administration from attaching such conditions to funding before.
The disputed Homeland Security Grant Program funds are used to protect against cyberattacks and terrorism.
The lawsuit was filed in Rhode Island and challenges policies from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study found that gun violence increased by 10% in Chicago neighborhoods near public schools that closed and stayed vacant for many years. Many of these schools, mostly in Black communities, have been abandoned since the 2013 closures, with some buildings still unused and plans to develop them underway.
Key Facts
Matthew Henson Elementary School in Chicago closed in 2013 and has been empty for 13 years.
The school and many others were part of the largest mass closing of public schools in U.S. history.
More than half of the 50 closed Chicago schools remained vacant for years despite city plans to sell or demolish them.
Most closed schools were located in majority-Black neighborhoods.
University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins researchers found a 10% rise in gun violence near these vacant school sites.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the city formed a committee to redevelop the closed school properties.
CPS is reviewing bids to repurpose eight remaining vacant school buildings, with community input planned.
CPS offers protective services and early childhood education programs to help reduce violence and support students.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Amish Shah won the Democratic primary for a key congressional seat in Arizona, beating the candidate supported by the party’s national committee. He will compete against Republican Jay Feely, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, in the November general election.
Key Facts
Amish Shah is an emergency doctor who won the Democratic primary in Arizona.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) supported Marlene Galán-Woods, but Shah won instead.
Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker, won the Republican primary and was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Shah and Feely were once part of the same New York Jets football team; Shah was a doctor for the team, and Feely was the kicker.
Marlene Galán-Woods switched from the Republican party to the Democratic party during President Trump’s first term.
The primary results show some voters are choosing candidates not favored by party leaders in Washington.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
