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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Donald Trump criticized the Justice Department after it dropped criminal charges against David Hearn, a former Olympic athlete accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The Justice Department said the damage was caused by a faulty installation, not vandalism, but President Trump disagreed and called the damage vandalism.
Key Facts
David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist, faced charges for damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro dropped the charges, citing new information that the damage was caused by poor installation, not vandalism.
President Trump expressed strong disagreement with the decision and described the damage as vandalism.
The Reflecting Pool had undergone recent renovations selected by President Trump without a usual competitive bidding process.
After the renovation, the pool showed problems like peeling lining and algae growth.
There were multiple arrests related to the pool damage, with some criticism that the arrests were politically motivated.
Hearn denied vandalizing the pool and said he only touched the peeling material while passing by.
The pool renovation and its issues have become a political controversy linked to President Trump’s efforts to reshape parts of Washington, DC.
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Senator Joni Ernst publicly supported Senator Mitch McConnell amid growing questions about McConnell’s health and his long absence from Congress. Ernst responded to calls for McConnell to share more information about his health by referring to a recent letter he wrote.
Key Facts
Senator Mitch McConnell is the Republican leader facing health questions.
McConnell has been absent from Congress for a long time recently.
Senator Joni Ernst publicly expressed confidence in McConnell.
People are asking McConnell to explain his health condition more clearly.
Ernst mentioned a letter McConnell recently wrote as part of the response to these questions.
The discussion happened during an interview with journalist Nick Ballasy.
McConnell represents Kentucky in the Senate.
Ernst represents Iowa in the Senate.
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Bill Maher criticized democratic socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on his HBO show, saying their ideas are very similar to communism. He expressed concern about the growing influence of democratic socialism within the Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Bill Maher is a political commentator who speaks on HBO’s show "Real Time."
He criticized democratic socialism during his recent episode.
Maher compared democratic socialism and the DSA to communism.
He said this similarity is obvious and not hidden.
Maher is worried about democratic socialism gaining power in the Democratic Party.
The Democratic Socialists of America is an organization promoting these ideas.
Democratic socialism is a political movement that supports social ownership and interventions in the economy but is distinct from communism in most definitions.
This topic is part of ongoing debates within the U.S. political scene.
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President Donald Trump disagreed with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s statement that damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool came from poor construction, not vandalism. Pirro’s office dropped criminal charges against an Olympian accused of damaging the pool, but President Trump continues to claim vandals caused most of the damage.
Key Facts
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was damaged after renovations for the nation's 250th birthday celebration.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the damage was due to construction problems, not vandalism.
Pirro’s office dropped criminal charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of causing the damage.
President Trump criticized Pirro’s view and insists vandals caused the major damage to the pool.
Trump acknowledged some possible contractor issues but maintains his claim about vandalism.
The Justice Department’s decision to drop charges was seen as a setback after it initially supported the vandalism claim.
Trump made his statements through social media posts.
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A woman died and three other people were hurt in a shooting after a Puerto Rican festival in Rochester, New York. Police are searching for suspects and the investigation is still ongoing.
Key Facts
The shooting happened around 12:25 a.m. after the Puerto Rican festival crowd began to leave.
One woman was killed at the scene.
Three people were wounded: a man in his 20s, a woman in her 30s, and a man in his 40s. Their injuries are not life-threatening.
The crowd had gathered around 10:30 p.m., blocking North Clinton Avenue.
The Puerto Rican festival in Rochester draws about 25,000 attendees each year.
The festival includes concerts, art displays, and educational programs.
Rochester Police Chief David Smith gave details at a press conference on August 1, 2026.
Police continue to investigate and look for those responsible.
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Republican leaders are encouraged to back making Puerto Rico a state. This move aims to gain important voters and help Republicans keep control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the next midterm elections.
Key Facts
Republicans want to win key swing districts in future elections.
Supporting Puerto Rican statehood could bring more voters who favor Republicans.
Gaining Puerto Rico as a state would add new congressional seats.
These new seats could help Republicans maintain or increase their House majority.
The push for statehood is seen as a strategic political move ahead of upcoming elections.
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President Donald Trump criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro after she agreed to drop the vandalism case against David Hearn related to damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The Justice Department decided to end the case because the harm was caused by a faulty installation, not intentional vandalism.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke out against U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s decision.
The case involved damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
David Hearn, a former Olympian, was the person accused in the case.
The Justice Department dropped the case on Friday.
The damage was caused by a “rushed and botched installation,” according to the Justice Department.
Officials determined the damage was not due to vandalism.
The case was linked to the Department of Justice.
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A strong heat wave is expected to bring very high temperatures to parts of the Western U.S. this weekend, including Arizona, Nevada, California, and Montana. This extreme heat increases the risk of wildfires and prompts warnings for people to stay indoors and stay hydrated.
Key Facts
Temperatures could reach as high as 118°F (48°C) in El Centro, California, and 116°F (47°C) in Phoenix, Arizona.
Las Vegas is forecasted to hit 115°F (46°C), the hottest temperature of the year there.
Parts of Montana, including Great Falls and Helena, are expected to break heat records with temperatures over 100°F (38°C).
The heat wave is caused by a high-pressure ridge called a “heat dome” holding warm air close to the ground.
Overnight temperatures will remain very warm, between the upper 80s and low 90s, reducing relief from the heat.
Wildfire risk is increasing due to the hot and dry conditions, especially in Montana where red flag warnings are in effect.
The heat wave is expected to be short-lived, with temperatures dropping by Sunday.
Officials advise people to stay inside, avoid the heat, and stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
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A heat wave is causing very high temperatures across parts of the Western U.S., including Arizona, Nevada, California, and Montana. The heat is raising concerns about wildfires in dry areas and officials are urging people to stay indoors and hydrated.
Key Facts
Temperatures are forecasted to reach record highs, such as 116°F (47°C) in Phoenix and 118°F (48°C) in El Centro, California.
Las Vegas expected a high of 115°F (46°C), which is 10 degrees above the normal temperature.
Overnight temperatures remain high, offering little relief from the heat.
Montana is under extreme heat warnings, with some places breaking or matching their heat records.
The heat wave increases the risk of wildfires due to dry conditions and ongoing fires.
Most of Montana is under a red flag warning, which signals high fire danger.
The U.S. Forest Service warns of high wildfire risk in Southern California except along the coast.
Climate change and the El Niño weather pattern contribute to hotter and longer heat waves and increased wildfire risks.
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President Donald Trump supports restarting a controversial “anti-weaponisation fund” meant to compensate people claiming political persecution under President Joe Biden. He is pushing for Todd Blanche to remain acting attorney general despite opposition in the Senate, using the fund as leverage in the confirmation battle.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to bring back the “anti-weaponisation fund,” originally part of a settlement with the IRS.
The fund aims to compensate people who say they faced political persecution under President Biden.
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are blocking Todd Blanche’s nomination because of concerns about the fund.
Blanche is currently acting attorney general and helped create the fund but has said it is no longer active.
Trump plans to keep Blanche in the position even without Senate approval and wants Congress to pass the fund into law.
Critics worry the fund could pay people involved in the January 6 Capitol attack who supported Trump.
Republican leaders view the fund as politically risky before the November midterm elections.
Blanche’s confirmation is stalled, partly because of concerns about his loyalty and independence as attorney general.
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President Donald Trump’s company has launched a new paid service called Truth API that gives subscribers early access to posts from his social media platform, Truth Social. This service allows paying users, including trading firms, to see posts in real time before others, raising concerns about possible misuse of presidential influence and market fairness.
Key Facts
Trump Media and Technology Group started Truth API, a subscription service for early access to Truth Social posts.
Paying customers can pay up to $100,000 a month to get real-time posts from Trump and other top accounts.
President Trump is the biggest user and largest shareholder of the company behind Truth Social.
Trump often posts major policy announcements on Truth Social that can affect financial markets.
Critics say the service could lead to insider trading and unfair market advantages.
Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren have asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether this service breaks any laws.
Trump Media’s stock has lost more than 70% in value since President Trump took office last year.
The new API service could help Trump Media earn money beyond advertising if it succeeds.
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Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio did not clearly say if Representative Max Miller should stay on the ballot after Miller was accused of abusing Moreno's daughter, Emily Moreno. When asked about Miller's reelection campaign, Senator Moreno gave a short answer and did not provide more details.
Key Facts
Senator Bernie Moreno is from Ohio and is a Republican.
Representative Max Miller, also from Ohio and a Republican, faces abuse allegations from Emily Moreno, his ex-wife.
Emily Moreno is Senator Moreno’s daughter.
The question was whether Max Miller should remain on the ballot for reelection.
Senator Moreno gave a brief reply and did not clearly state his position.
The issue involves personal and political concerns within the Ohio Republican Party.
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President Donald Trump said he completely disagrees with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s view that damage at the Reflecting Pool was due to poor installation, not vandalism. Prosecutors dismissed felony charges against David Hearn after new evidence showed contractors caused most of the damage during a protest.
Key Facts
President Trump said he "disagrees 100%" with Jeanine Pirro about the cause of damage at the Reflecting Pool.
Jeanine Pirro is the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Prosecutors moved to dismiss charges against Olympian David Hearn, linked to the Reflecting Pool case.
Evidence showed contractors, not Hearn, caused much of the Reflecting Pool damage.
The protest in May involved demonstrators displaying “86 47” on the lawn near the Reflecting Pool.
The phrase “86 47” is politically controversial and considered by some Trump supporters as a threat.
Investigators could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that Hearn caused the property damage.
The disagreement highlights a rare public split between President Trump and one of his appointees.
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has started a national clinical trial to see if semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help treat alcohol addiction among veterans. The trial will involve over 600 veterans across 18 VA medical centers and will study the drug’s effects on alcohol use over 24 weeks.
Key Facts
More than 400,000 U.S. veterans are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
The trial is called the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in medications like Ozempic, which act on hormones affecting blood sugar, appetite, and brain reward.
Over 600 veterans aged 18 to 80 with moderate or severe AUD will participate.
Participants will get weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks.
The trial began recruiting veterans on July 28 and will track drinking habits, health, and quality of life.
Earlier studies suggested veterans using GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide had lower rates of substance disorders and hospital visits, but controlled trials are needed to confirm effects.
Veterans are advised not to self-medicate with these drugs and should speak with VA health providers before changing treatments.
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President Donald Trump began renovating the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in 2026 after complaints about its poor condition. The project faced delays, cost overruns, legal challenges, and issues with the pool liner peeling; charges against a man accused of damaging the pool were dropped, and officials blamed installation problems instead.
Key Facts
The reflecting pool renovation started in April 2026, inspired by a complaint from a guest about dirty water.
The initial plan was a quick, 1-2 week project costing about $1.5-$2 million.
The pool holds around 4 million gallons of water and was last renovated in 2012 for $34 million.
A company linked to a Trump donor installed a water-purification system using a new technology called NanoBubble Ozone Technology (NBOT).
Legal challenges arose from non-profit groups concerned about historic preservation.
The pool liner began peeling and bubbling, causing costs to rise to $14-$16 million.
Former Olympian David Hearn was arrested and charged with vandalism but the charges were later dropped.
Officials said the damage was due to faulty installation and poor information from the Department of Interior.
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A new poll in Michigan shows several Democrats competing for the 2028 presidential nomination, with Pete Buttigieg leading. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a notable candidate but currently trails others like Buttigieg, Jon Ossoff, and Gavin Newsom.
Key Facts
The poll was done by The Public Sentiment Institute between July 25-29 with 762 likely Michigan voters.
Pete Buttigieg leads with 24.2% support, followed by Jon Ossoff at 13.9% and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 10.7%.
Gavin Newsom has 10.0% support, Kamala Harris 5.1%, JB Pritzker 3.8%, and Josh Shapiro 3.6%.
About 21.7% of respondents remain undecided, showing an uncertain race.
Prediction markets also show no clear front-runner, with Newsom, Ocasio-Cortez, and Ossoff having varying chances.
Kamala Harris has hinted at possibly running but has not announced officially.
Gavin Newsom has said he's not currently thinking about running but does not rule it out.
Ocasio-Cortez focuses on long-term policy goals like healthcare and workers' rights rather than her presidential ambitions.
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A 2-year-old child was rescued safely after a man stole a running car with the child inside in Atlanta, Georgia. Police arrested the suspect, Saleem Martin, and charged him with several crimes including kidnapping and theft.
Key Facts
The child's mother was dropping off an Instacart order when her car, with the 2-year-old inside, was stolen.
The vehicle was left running, allowing the thief to take it quickly.
Police used license plate readers to find the stolen car within 15 minutes.
Saleem Martin, age 21, was arrested at the scene and handcuffed by officers.
Martin faces charges of kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering a vehicle, cruelty to children, and attempted felony.
Body camera footage shows the arrest and captures the child crying but unharmed.
The child was safely returned to her parents without injury.
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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at the National Urban League Conference and named some of the most effective U.S. presidents in history. She mentioned President John F. Kennedy and President Barack Obama but did not mention President Joe Biden, even though she serves as his vice president.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris spoke at the National Urban League Conference.
She was asked to name the top three most effective presidents in U.S. history.
Harris mentioned President John F. Kennedy and President Barack Obama.
She did not mention President Joe Biden, her current president.
Marc Morial is the President of the National Urban League.
Harris has served as Vice President under President Biden since 2021.
The conference focused on discussions about leadership and history.
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President Donald Trump threatened to keep Todd Blanche as acting attorney general and push to revive the controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund if Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis continue blocking Blanche’s confirmation. The fund is tied to compensation for people who Trump’s side says were unfairly targeted by investigations during the Biden administration. Cornyn and Tillis want assurances about the fund’s management before approving Blanche.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Todd Blanche confirmed as attorney general but faces opposition from Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.
Trump said he would keep Blanche as acting attorney general and try to pass the Anti-Weaponization Bill if the senators block the nomination.
The Anti-Weaponization Fund is about $1.8 billion intended to compensate people allegedly unfairly targeted in investigations.
Cornyn and Tillis want written guarantees that the Justice Department won’t restore or misuse the fund before approving Blanche.
Blanche has been acting attorney general since former Attorney General Pam Bondi left.
A federal judge paused the fund in May amid legal challenges.
Trump criticized the senators for blocking his nominee because he did not endorse their reelection campaigns.
The nomination fight ties into a broader disagreement among Republicans about the fund and justice department policies.
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President Donald Trump said he might start a fund to pay his allies if two Republican senators do not support his choice for attorney general. This creates uncertainty about the Senate vote scheduled for next week and shows his focus on helping supporters who believe they have been treated unfairly.
Key Facts
President Trump is pushing to confirm his nominee for attorney general.
Two Republican senators have not yet agreed to support the nominee.
Trump threatened to create a fund to pay compensation to his allies.
The fund aims to help supporters who feel they have been unfairly treated.
The Senate confirmation vote is planned for next week.
The situation has added uncertainty to the confirmation process.
Trump’s actions indicate his continued interest in supporting his loyal followers.
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