A federal judge decided that some gun rules are no longer valid because Congress removed the taxes that made those rules legal. The 1934 National Firearms Act required a $200 tax on certain guns, but that tax was eliminated last year by Republicans.
Key Facts
The 1934 National Firearms Act created a $200 tax on transferring or making certain guns and silencers.
This tax helped justify the law's legality under Congress’s power to collect taxes.
Last year, Republicans passed a law that removed this $200 tax.
A federal judge ruled that, because the tax was eliminated, some gun restrictions are now unconstitutional.
The judge’s decision affects federal rules on gun silencers and other firearms in the NFA.
The ruling could change how these types of guns are regulated in the future.
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A Senate committee voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer questions about COVID-19 origins. Some Republicans want the Department of Justice to consider prosecuting him despite a pardon from President Biden.
Key Facts
The Senate Homeland Security Committee voted 8-5 to hold Fauci in contempt.
Fauci declined to answer questions from the committee investigating COVID-19's origins.
Senator Rand Paul said he will refer the contempt vote to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.
President Biden pardoned Fauci before leaving office, potentially preventing prosecution.
Some Republicans accuse Fauci of avoiding questions on government-funded research in China and "gain of function" studies.
Democrats argue the contempt vote may discourage future witnesses from cooperating with congressional investigations.
Fauci called Senator Paul’s questions an effort to put him behind bars and said Paul has an "unhinged obsession" with him.
The committee recently obtained Fauci’s pandemic-era phone and released his diary to the public.
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Ohio Congressman Max Miller is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse by his ex-wife and others, leading to calls from within his own party for him to resign. Miller denies the claims and blames political opponents and media for a smear campaign. The situation is causing concern among Republican voters and party officials in his district ahead of the November election.
Key Facts
Max Miller is an Ohio Republican congressman accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno.
Allegations include pointing a gun at Moreno, pouring hot water on her, and possibly injuring their young child.
Emily Moreno is the daughter of Ohio Republican senator Bernie Moreno, who has publicly called for Miller to resign.
Miller denies all abuse allegations and claims the accusations are part of a political smear by the left and his ex-wife.
Miller made a public statement and appeared on CNN to defend himself, questioning why police are not investigating.
Miller previously worked as an aide for President Donald Trump, who endorsed him in 2021, but Trump's current support seems uncertain.
Republicans in Miller’s district are worried and divided, and the party is unsure if he should resign or if the allegations are credible.
The deadline for the Ohio Republican party to replace Miller as a candidate is August 12, less than 3 months before the November election.
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore supports changing how U.S. congressional districts are drawn across the country. On the same day, he signed a law that redraws Maryland’s congressional map, with the new map to be voted on by citizens in November.
Key Facts
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is a member of the Democratic Party.
He wants national reform for redistricting, the process of drawing voting district boundaries.
On Wednesday, he signed a redistricting bill passed by Maryland lawmakers.
The bill redraws Maryland’s congressional districts before the upcoming midterm elections.
The new district map will appear on the November ballot for voter approval.
The changes could lead to the removal of Rep. Andy Harris’s district in Maryland.
Redistricting reform aims to make drawing voting districts fairer and less political.
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Health officials have linked jalapeños sold at Chipotle and Qdoba restaurants to a rise in salmonella cases. At the same time, a separate outbreak of cyclospora, a foodborne parasite, is affecting 15 states.
Key Facts
Jalapeños sold at Chipotle and Qdoba are connected to a salmonella outbreak.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
There is also a cyclospora outbreak ongoing in 15 states.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes an intestinal illness.
Both outbreaks are related to contaminated food products.
Health officials are investigating to find the sources and prevent further illness.
People should be cautious about eating foods that might be contaminated.
Restaurants involved are being monitored for safety and cleanliness.
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Pia Dandiya, a new Democratic candidate in Florida, switched from running in the 21st congressional district to the newly redrawn 22nd district after Governor Ron DeSantis changed the district lines. The redistricting aimed to give Republicans more seats, but Dandiya is working hard to win over voters in her new district.
Key Facts
Pia Dandiya is a first-time Democratic candidate and professional educator.
She originally planned to run in Florida’s 21st congressional district against Republican Brian Mast.
Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican and ally of President Donald Trump, redrew Florida’s congressional districts mid-decade.
The redistricting is intended to help Republicans gain up to four more House seats in Florida.
Dandiya switched to the newly drawn 22nd district, which now includes diverse urban and rural areas and leans Republican.
The 22nd district was previously mainly in Palm Beach County but now covers a large part of South Florida.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Dandiya to its Red to Blue program, showing national support.
Dandiya is campaigning hard despite the challenge of the new district and its mixed voter base.
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A 38-year-old Black man named Corey Ruiz was killed by police in Madison, Wisconsin, sparking debate over police accountability and the use of body cameras. The incident raised questions about police actions, existing policies, and efforts to address deeper issues like mental health and homelessness.
Key Facts
Corey Ruiz was killed by Madison police after being seen with a knife and injuring an officer, but video showed he was shot while on the ground and detained.
Ruiz’s family and many others called for mandatory police body cameras and charges against the officers involved.
Madison’s mayor announced plans to fund body cameras in the city budget soon after the shooting.
Protesters set up a memorial and camp near the shooting site; police removed it, arresting about two dozen people.
Advocates say body cameras alone are not enough and want changes like community control over police and better mental health and homelessness support.
Madison’s police use force disproportionately affects Black residents, who are only 7% of the city’s population but involved in over half of use-of-force cases.
Since George Floyd’s murder in 2020, many cities discussed policing reforms; some tried alternatives like mental health crisis programs.
Despite protests, police funding increased nationally by 2022, including support from President Joe Biden.
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John Gannon, a lifelong Republican and former supporter of President Trump, is reconsidering his political views after immigration officers detained his Venezuelan fiancée at an airport. He said this experience made him question his previous vote for President Trump.
Key Facts
John Gannon has been a Republican his whole life.
He supported President Trump in past elections.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained his Venezuelan fiancée at an airport.
This event made Gannon rethink his political choices.
Gannon described the situation as a negative experience.
The incident involves U.S. immigration enforcement actions.
It highlights personal impacts of immigration policies on families.
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President Donald Trump criticized Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. Trump intensified his attacks on El-Sayed after the Democratic primary, calling him names and making strong negative statements.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is a progressive Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
Mike Rogers, a former Republican congressman, will compete against El-Sayed in the general election.
President Donald Trump increased his verbal attacks against El-Sayed after the Democratic primary.
Trump accused El-Sayed of hating Jewish people.
The comment is part of Trump's broader strategy to challenge his political opponents.
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The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose slightly to 199,000 last week, but layoffs remain at a low level compared to recent years. Hiring growth slowed in June, and the unemployment rate dropped slightly as fewer people looked for work.
Key Facts
Weekly jobless claims increased by 1,000 to 199,000 for the week ending August 1.
The previous week’s claims were revised up by 1,000 to 198,000.
Layoffs remain low compared to historical data from past years.
The unemployment rate fell from 4.3% in May to 4.2% in June, largely because some unemployed people stopped looking for jobs.
Employers added only 57,000 jobs in June, less than half the previous month’s total.
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, PCE, was 3.7% in June, above the 2% target.
Elevated inflation may lead the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, which could make hiring more costly for businesses.
Companies like Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, Walmart, and Microsoft have recently reduced their workforces.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have started an investigation after a problem occurred with President Trump's Marine One helicopter in Washington, D.C. The issue involved air traffic control during the helicopter’s flight.
Key Facts
President Trump's Marine One helicopter experienced an incident in the airspace of Washington, D.C.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also involved in the investigation.
The problem was related to air traffic control operations.
CBS News reporter Nancy Cordes covered the report.
The investigations aim to find out what caused the issue and ensure flight safety.
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There are growing calls for an independent investigation into the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, where teenage recruits have reported rape and sexual abuse. Several women who attended the college said they faced harassment and a culture of sexual violence while they were 17 years old.
Key Facts
Four women told the BBC they were sexually assaulted and harassed at AFC Harrogate.
The college trains under-19s and receives all Army recruits aged 16 in the UK.
A 2021 government review found widespread cases of sexual abuse and that the military complaints system was inadequate.
Between January 2018 and June 2025, there were 176 complaints about inappropriate sexual behavior at AFC.
North Yorkshire Police recorded 16 reports of sexual offenses linked to the college in one year, including voyeurism and assault.
MPs and former military personnel are demanding an independent inquiry led by experts in safeguarding children.
The Army said criminal behavior has no place in the forces and encouraged victims and witnesses to come forward.
Victims reported ongoing problems such as bullying, physical abuse, and sexual assault over several years.
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A U.S. Senate committee obtained a backup copy of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s phone as it considers holding him in contempt of Congress for not answering Republican questions. The phone contains information from Fauci’s time as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, including during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic under President Trump.
Key Facts
The Senate homeland security subcommittee, led by Senator Ron Johnson, got a copy of Fauci’s phone.
Fauci used this phone while leading the health institute during the Trump administration’s COVID-19 response.
Fauci refused to answer many questions at a recent hearing and cited his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Senate hearings are partly focused on the origins of COVID-19 and pandemic health measures.
Senator Rand Paul, who chairs the Senate homeland security committee, has long supported the “lab leak” theory about COVID-19’s origin.
Fauci expressed frustration with President Trump in private journals, calling him an embarrassment and difficult to work with.
Fauci has said he fears criminal charges from the ongoing investigations.
The phone copy was provided by the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a critic of Fauci.
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Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for the US Senate in Michigan. Leading Democrats now support him to try to win the seat and help retake control of the Senate in the November elections.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate and former public health official, won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary.
Prominent Democrats like Senate leader Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have united behind El-Sayed.
Democrats aim to stop President Trump by defeating Republicans and regaining the Senate majority.
Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats; Democrats need to keep seats in Michigan and Georgia and flip others to win control.
Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the Senate as the new director of the CDC in a mostly party-line 51-44 vote.
Human Rights groups say an Israeli strike killed Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil intentionally, which could be a war crime.
Israel expressed regret over journalist deaths, saying they happened during attacks on Hezbollah operatives.
There have been many journalist deaths in the ongoing Israel conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza since 2023.
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The White House said President Donald Trump was never in danger when his Marine One helicopter came close to a passenger airplane on Tuesday. A White House spokesperson said the helicopter is flown by top pilots and the President was always safe.
Key Facts
President Trump’s Marine One helicopter came within one mile of a passenger jet on Tuesday.
The White House stated the President was never in danger.
Marine One flights are operated by highly skilled pilots.
The incident happened during a scheduled flight of Marine One.
The White House provided reassurance about the safety of the President.
There were no reported injuries or damages from the incident.
The spokesperson commented shortly after the event to clarify the situation.
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In Michigan, progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won the party’s Senate primary against centrist Haley Stevens. This result shows some Democrats are moving more to the left, but El-Sayed’s narrow win worries some party leaders about his chances in the general election.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is a progressive Democrat who won the Michigan Senate primary.
Haley Stevens was the more centrist, or moderate, Democratic candidate.
The primary election was closely contested.
El-Sayed’s win suggests a shift to the left among some Democratic voters in Michigan.
Party leaders are concerned the close result might make the general election harder to win.
Michigan is considered a swing state, meaning it can vote for either party in national elections.
The Senate seat in Michigan is important for control of the U.S. Senate.
The victory happened in the context of broader U.S. political discussions involving Democrats and President Trump.
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The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will vote on a resolution to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. This comes after Fauci declined to answer questions during a hearing by invoking the Fifth Amendment.
Key Facts
The vote is scheduled for Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is a former top health official.
Fauci refused to answer some questions during a Senate committee hearing.
He invoked the Fifth Amendment, which protects against self-incrimination.
The resolution to hold Fauci in contempt was set up by Senator Rand Paul.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is leading this action.
This event is part of ongoing Senate investigations involving Fauci.
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Nearly 10,000 people were referred to the UK government’s Prevent anti-terrorism program in the year leading to September 2025, a record high. The increase is linked to greater public awareness after a deadly attack in Southport in 2024 and improvements in the program's training and policies.
Key Facts
There were 10,293 referrals in England and Wales in the year to September 2025, a 39% increase from the previous year.
The largest group referred was children aged 11 to 15, making up 36% of referrals.
The Southport attack in July 2024, where a 17-year-old killed three children and injured others, raised public awareness of Prevent.
The Southport attacker had been referred to Prevent three times before the attack but his case was closed too early.
Referrals related to extreme right-wing beliefs increased by 42%, now making up 20% of all referrals.
Islamist extremism referrals made up 8% of the total.
Over half of the referrals (56%) were for individuals without any identified extremist ideology.
Only half of the referrals included ethnicity data; most of those were white (68%), followed by Asian (18%) and Black (8%).
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The University of Minnesota offered a job to historian Raz Segal to lead its Holocaust and Genocide Studies center but withdrew the offer days later after backlash over his criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. Two years later, the university agreed to pay Segal $250,000 in a settlement, without admitting wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Raz Segal was offered a leadership role at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies in June 2024.
The offer was withdrawn five days later after criticism of Segal’s op-ed calling Israel’s actions in Gaza “a textbook case of genocide.”
Segal’s op-ed was published in October 2023, shortly after attacks in Israel, and he denied justifying Hamas crimes.
A coordinated campaign by donors, legislators, and pro-Israel activists pressured the university to rescind the offer.
Segal sued, arguing the university violated his free speech rights, and reached a $250,000 settlement in 2026.
The settlement does not mean the university admitted any wrongdoing.
Segal is Jewish, holds dual Israeli-US citizenship, and is a Holocaust scholar.
Two UMN professors resigned in protest after the job offer was withdrawn.
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President Donald Trump denied reports that the U.S. military is running low on munitions in its conflict with Iran. He said his administration is working to find the people who leaked this information to the news.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. has large amounts of munitions available.
He mentioned that more munitions are being made and sent out.
The reports about shortages came from news outlets.
Trump called those who leaked the information "leakers."
The administration is trying to identify and stop the leaks.
The statements were made in the context of the ongoing situation with Iran.
Trump shared his comments on his social media platform, Truth Social.
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