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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Deborah Birx, who helped lead the U.S. government’s COVID-19 efforts, said many Americans remain angry about how the government handled the pandemic. She made these comments after Dr. Anthony Fauci’s recent Senate hearing, which revealed ongoing frustration about unanswered questions regarding the COVID-19 response.
Key Facts
Deborah Birx was the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief White House medical adviser, recently had a Senate hearing.
The hearing showed that many Americans are still upset about the COVID-19 response.
Birx described this anger as “persistent,” meaning it has lasted a long time.
People are frustrated because they feel some questions about the pandemic response were not fully answered.
The interview with Birx was on CBS News’s program called “The Takeout.”
The focus is on public dissatisfaction with government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A recent poll by the Associated Press found that about two-thirds of Americans think a war with Iran is not worth fighting. This shows that most people in the U.S. prefer to avoid military conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by the Associated Press.
Around 66% (two-thirds) of Americans said war with Iran is not worth fighting.
The poll reflects public opinion about U.S. involvement in a possible Iran conflict.
CBS News covered the poll and shared related reports.
The poll indicates a majority of Americans favor diplomacy or other solutions instead of war.
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Mandela Barnes has quit the race for Wisconsin governor's Democratic nomination just days before the August 11 primary. He made this announcement after a poll showed Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist candidate, leading among Democratic voters in Wisconsin.
Key Facts
Mandela Barnes was running in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor.
He announced he is dropping out less than two weeks before the primary election on August 11.
Barnes shared his decision in a video on his Facebook page.
Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is a key candidate in the race and has strong support from the party's liberal voters.
A recent poll from Marquette Law School showed Hong leading Barnes and others among Democratic primary voters.
About one-third of voters were still undecided in that poll.
Barnes was previously the lieutenant governor of Wisconsin.
The Democratic primary in Wisconsin is shaping up to be competitive and influenced by different wings of the party.
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Colin Gray was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the 2024 shooting at Appalache High School, carried out by his son, Colt Gray. The case highlights legal consequences for family members involved in school violence incidents.
Key Facts
Colin Gray is the father of Colt Gray, who committed a school shooting at Appalache High School in 2024.
Colin Gray received a 15-year prison sentence.
The sentence was handed down on a Thursday.
The case involved legal responsibility for actions connected to the shooting.
The news report was covered by CBS News.
Rebecca Roiphe provided legal analysis for the story.
The shooting is described as a tragedy that took place at Appalache High School.
The sentencing reflects charges linked to Colin Gray’s involvement in the incident.
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This article discusses how preparing for retirement is not just about finances but also about dealing with changes in identity. It highlights the emotional and psychological adjustments people, especially women, face when they leave long-held roles and routines behind.
Key Facts
Many people spend a lot of time planning money matters for retirement but less time thinking about how retirement will change their sense of self.
Retirement is now seen as a chance to create a fulfilling life beyond work, not just as stopping work.
People often struggle with the question, "Who am I without my job or caregiving roles?"
Women may feel this identity change more strongly because their roles often include both careers and caregiving.
Building a new sense of self in retirement involves renewing relationships with oneself, with others, and with a larger purpose.
The author shares personal experience of losing and rediscovering confidence and self-awareness after years of balancing many responsibilities.
Retirement can be a time to celebrate accomplishments and explore new possibilities, focusing on legacy and “becoming” rather than just “building.”
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The National Urban League published its yearly report called "State of Black America," saying that life chances for Black Americans could get worse if President Trump has a second term. The report was put together by the Urban League, along with some lawmakers and business leaders.
Key Facts
The National Urban League is a civil rights group that has existed for 116 years.
It published the "State of Black America" report recently.
The report focuses on opportunities and challenges facing Black Americans.
It warns that a second Trump administration may harm prospects for minorities.
Lawmakers and business leaders helped create the report.
The report highlights concerns about social and economic issues affecting Black communities.
The publication came out just after President Trump’s re-election in 2024.
It reflects the Urban League’s role in promoting civil rights and equity in the U.S.
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A Senate committee approved Dr. Erica Schwartz’s nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If confirmed by the full Senate, she will guide the agency through ongoing challenges, including political pressures and staff losses.
Key Facts
Dr. Erica Schwartz was nominated to be the 22nd director of the CDC.
She holds medical and law degrees and has served as deputy surgeon general and a U.S. Coast Guard leader.
The Senate Health Committee advanced her nomination after concerns about her standing up to political influence were addressed.
Some senators questioned whether she would resist instructions from political appointees that go against science, especially from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The CDC has lost over 3,000 employees since President Trump began his current term, hurting morale and operations.
Kennedy, a controversial figure linked to the anti-vaccine movement, has attempted to change vaccine guidelines, causing disputes.
Schwartz promised to protect scientific integrity but did not clearly oppose some of Kennedy’s actions during the hearing.
A group of former and current CDC workers asked for stronger, clearer commitments from Schwartz about defending the agency’s science-based work.
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A report from the National Urban League says that Black Americans face more difficulties achieving the American Dream than at any time since the Civil Rights Movement. The report links these challenges to policy changes made by President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
The National Urban League released the annual "State of Black America" report.
The report says Black Americans' economic and political opportunities have worsened recently.
It points to policies from President Trump's administration as a key cause.
The report suggests these issues affect the future success of all Americans.
The Urban League describes the situation as a "state of emergency" for civil rights.
The report was made public on a Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press.
It compares current struggles to those faced since the Civil Rights era.
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A new survey shows that many US farm workers, especially those without legal immigration status, fear deportation due to increased immigration raids under President Donald Trump’s administration. These fears affect their daily lives, including their work, healthcare, and family security, with many hoping for legal protections and a path to citizenship.
Key Facts
The survey included 2,250 farm workers, mostly undocumented, conducted by the United Farm Workers Foundation.
92% said immigration raids and deportations have affected their jobs.
90% worry about being separated from their families.
61% are shopping less, and 29% avoid medical care because they fear immigration enforcement.
80% have lived in the US more than 10 years; 41% for over 20 years.
Most US farm workers are Hispanic (73%), with 66% being noncitizen immigrants and 47% lacking work authorization.
76% want protection from deportation; 53% hope for a way to get legal status and citizenship.
Many cannot visit family abroad due to their immigration status; 87% would visit if immigration reform passed.
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Four major Latino organizations are working together to increase Latino voter participation in the 2026 midterm elections. They aim to register 250,000 new voters and raise turnout by 5% by 2028, focusing on key states with close races.
Key Facts
The four organizations are UnidosUS, the LULAC Institute, Mi Familia en Acción, and Latino Victory Foundation.
Their joint effort is the largest coordinated nonpartisan Latino voter campaign in recent U.S. history.
They plan to reach over 5 million Latino voters and register 250,000 new voters.
Latino voters are the second-largest and fastest-growing voting group in the U.S., with more than 36 million eligible voters.
The campaign focuses on battleground states like Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Colorado, New Mexico, and California.
Republicans, including groups like LIBRE Action, are also working to maintain Latino support from the 2024 elections.
Latino voters show varied political views and do not form a single-issue voting bloc.
The coalition's plans were announced at the Unidos annual conference in Austin, Texas.
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A federal judge allowed a Trump administration rule to move forward that requires many Medicaid patients to prove they can work to keep their health insurance. The rule includes exemptions for those with serious medical conditions but has faced legal challenges from states worried it will limit health coverage.
Key Facts
The rule requires most Medicaid recipients to do at least 80 hours of work or community activities each month to keep their coverage.
People who are "medically frail," meaning they have serious health issues that make working difficult, are exempt from this requirement.
If Medicaid recipients do not prove they meet the work or exemption criteria, states must notify them and can eventually end their coverage if they do not comply.
At least 24 states, led by Democratic attorneys general and governors, have sued to block the rule.
States argue the rule is too complicated, may cause people to lose healthcare unfairly, and will be costly and hard to implement.
The judge’s decision allows the rule to take effect while the lawsuit continues.
The rule must be put into place by states no later than January 1, 2027.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) supports the rule as part of President Donald Trump’s policy goals.
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President Donald Trump announced a new program called “Freedom Haulers” to help U.S. military veterans find jobs as truck drivers. The plan aims to replace truck drivers who are in the country illegally with veterans looking for work.
Key Facts
The initiative is named “Freedom Haulers.”
It was announced by President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling.
The program focuses on creating truck driving jobs for U.S. military veterans.
It specifically aims to replace truck drivers who are in the U.S. illegally.
The goal is to provide employment opportunities for veterans and address labor shortages in trucking.
The announcement took place on a Thursday.
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A federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration cannot stop immigrants detained inside the United States from seeking release on bond. This decision adds to disagreements among courts about the administration's policy that requires some immigrants to be held without bond.
Key Facts
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Trump administration’s policy expanding mandatory detention of immigrants inside the U.S.
The court's decision was 2-1, with one judge appointed by President Trump voting with the majority.
Other appeals courts have both rejected and supported the Trump administration’s detention policy, causing a split in decisions across the country.
The Trump administration expanded mandatory detention last July to include immigrants inside the U.S., not just at the border.
Before this expansion, most immigrants without criminal records could apply for bond hearings while their cases were ongoing.
The Trump administration argues that a 1996 law allows mandatory detention inside the U.S., but previous administrations did not enforce this.
The split among courts makes it more likely the U.S. Supreme Court will review the issue.
The ruling was written by Judge Daniel Bress, a Trump appointee, who disagreed with the administration’s interpretation of the law.
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Mandela Barnes dropped out of the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor less than two weeks before the August 11 election. His exit came after polls showed Francesca Hong leading, and it follows other candidates leaving the race, reshaping the contest.
Key Facts
Mandela Barnes is a former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin.
Barnes quit the Democratic primary race on a Thursday, less than two weeks before the primary election.
Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, has strong support from the party's liberal wing and was leading in recent polls.
Two other Democrats, Sara Rodriguez and Missy Hughes, had previously dropped out of the race.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley reentered the race and is endorsed by Governor Tony Evers.
Over 128,000 voters already cast absentee ballots before Barnes dropped out.
A judge denied a request to let voters who returned absentee ballots cancel them to vote again.
The Democratic primary winner will likely face U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, who has little opposition in the Republican primary.
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ABC News has accused the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of using the threat of cancelling broadcast licenses to intimidate media outlets critical of President Donald Trump. The FCC announced an early review of eight ABC stations' licenses, which ABC says is a warning to other media companies to avoid coverage unfavorable to the Trump administration.
Key Facts
ABC filed a court document accusing the FCC of trying to shape news coverage by threatening to cancel broadcast licenses.
The FCC started an early license review of eight ABC stations, an action not taken in over 50 years.
ABC’s licenses were not due for renewal until October 2028, but the FCC moved up the review.
The FCC said the review was due to an investigation into whether ABC’s diversity policies were discriminatory.
President Trump has publicly called for revoking licenses of news outlets that criticize him or his allies.
Trump filed lawsuits against BBC, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal for billions of dollars over their coverage.
The Department of Justice recently dropped subpoenas requiring New York Times journalists to testify about reporting on Air Force One.
Supporters of free press warn that such government actions can threaten the free speech protections in the U.S. Constitution.
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A report says about two-thirds of American children aged 2 to 19 consume caffeine daily, with an average of 19.4 milligrams per day. Caffeine comes not only from soda but also from foods like chocolate baked goods, flavored milk, tea, and candy, and it may affect children’s sleep.
Key Facts
Nearly 66% of U.S. children aged 2-19 consume caffeine on any given day.
Kids average about 19.4 milligrams of caffeine daily, roughly two-thirds the amount in a can of Coke.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children should not consume caffeine.
For kids aged 2-11, chocolate-containing baked goods are the top source of caffeine, followed by flavored milk, candy, soda, and tea.
For kids aged 12-19, soda is the main caffeine source, followed by baked goods, tea, coffee, and candy.
Caffeine consumption can reduce sleep; a study showed that 24% of teens with high caffeine intake slept less than six hours.
The timing of caffeine consumption, such as in the evening, can worsen sleep problems.
Health experts are uncertain about the safe caffeine limit for children.
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A legal expert from Fox News, Solomon Wisenberg, said the Senate would likely lose if it tried to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. He said the case would not be close and that the Department of Justice would probably not support the Senate's attempt.
Key Facts
Solomon Wisenberg is a legal contributor for Fox News.
He commented on the Senate's effort to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt.
Contempt of Congress means disobeying or not cooperating with Congress.
Wisenberg said the Senate would probably lose this legal fight.
The Department of Justice would likely not back the Senate on this issue.
Dr. Fauci is a prominent government health official.
The Senate is considering legal action against Fauci related to its investigations.
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Federal and state officials are investigating cyberattacks on over 30 water plants in Minnesota. They are checking if Iran or hackers linked to Iran are responsible for these attacks.
Key Facts
More than 30 water plants in Minnesota were hacked earlier this week.
Federal and state authorities are leading the investigation.
Officials are exploring a possible connection to Iran or hackers linked to Iran.
The attacks appear to be coordinated, happening around the same time.
The situation is still developing, and more information is expected.
Cyberattacks on water systems can affect public safety and water quality.
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Mandela Barnes, the former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, ended his campaign for governor because he was not gaining enough support in polls. He said the party’s nominee was already clear and encouraged supporters to work together.
Key Facts
Mandela Barnes is a Democrat and former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin.
He dropped out of the governor’s race on Thursday.
Barnes cited low poll numbers as a reason for ending his campaign.
He said the likely nominee for governor is already clear.
Barnes posted a video message on social media platform X to announce his decision.
He encouraged people to unite and support the chosen nominee.
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Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins supports an investigation by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier into Dr. Anthony Fauci’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collins wants the case to be resolved in court to find out the truth about Fauci’s decisions and whether any laws were broken.
Key Facts
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is investigating Dr. Anthony Fauci for his conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fauci appeared before a Senate committee and refused to answer questions by invoking his Fifth Amendment right.
The investigation will examine if Fauci misled the public or caused harm to Floridians financially or physically.
Fauci’s attorney declined to comment on the investigation.
The probe focuses on whether Fauci violated Florida state laws, which are separate from any federal issues covered by presidential pardons.
Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins fully supports the investigation and wants accountability for pandemic-related losses.
Collins believes Florida’s pandemic response was successful compared to other states.
Fauci was a key federal health official during COVID-19 and a frequent target of criticism by Republicans.
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