The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), filling a vacancy that lasted almost a year. Schwartz is a retired Navy rear admiral with medical and legal training who will be the first Black woman to lead the CDC.
Key Facts
Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 51 to 44.
The CDC had no confirmed director since August 2025 after Susan Monarez left the position.
Jay Bhattacharya served as acting CDC director since February before Schwartz’s confirmation.
Schwartz is a retired Navy rear admiral and former deputy surgeon general.
She has a biomedical engineering degree and a medical degree from Brown University and a law degree from the University of Maryland.
Schwartz has experience handling past pandemics like Ebola and H1N1.
She will be the first Black woman to lead the CDC.
Her predecessor, Monarez, said she was forced out after disagreeing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on vaccine advice.
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Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the US Senate as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She is President Donald Trump’s third choice to lead the CDC after previous nominees were withdrawn or fired.
Key Facts
The Senate approved Dr. Erica Schwartz by a vote of 51-44.
Schwartz is the third nominee President Trump has put forward to lead the CDC.
The first nominee, David Weldon, withdrew before his confirmation hearing in March 2025.
The second nominee, Susan Monarez, was fired by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after less than a month.
The leadership changes occurred during a period of instability at the CDC.
Schwartz will be the first permanent CDC director in this administration since these recent turnovers.
The CDC is a key public health agency in the United States.
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A new report estimates that the U.S. government plans to spend $268.9 billion on immigration deportations during President Trump's second term. The costs of these deportations vary by county, with the highest expenses in large population areas like Los Angeles and New York.
Key Facts
The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reports that the U.S. federal government will spend nearly $269 billion on deportations over President Trump's second term.
The money spent on deportations could alternatively pay for over 925,000 schoolteachers or medical care for more than 5 million veterans.
Deportation costs are highest in big counties such as Los Angeles ($9.25 billion), New York ($6.52 billion), and Cook County, Illinois ($5.11 billion).
Immigration enforcement has increased under President Trump's administration since January 2025, with expanded ICE operations and higher detention capacity.
Supporters believe spending is necessary to enforce immigration law and reduce illegal border crossings, while critics argue it diverts funds from other needs.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget for fiscal year 2026 includes $92.3 billion, emphasizing border security and immigration enforcement.
The deportation expenses reflect where large immigrant populations and ICE activity overlap, mainly in urban and suburban counties.
Alternatives suggested include funding teachers, nurses, or public housing with the money currently allocated to deportations.
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Senator Gary Peters said that Dr. Anthony Fauci cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions by using his Fifth Amendment right. Peters explained in a letter that Fauci’s pardon does not affect his legal rights. This statement came just before a Senate vote on whether to hold Fauci in contempt.
Key Facts
Dr. Anthony Fauci pleaded the Fifth Amendment, which means he refused to answer questions to avoid self-incrimination.
Senator Gary Peters wrote a letter supporting Fauci’s right to do this.
Peters said Fauci’s presidential pardon does not cancel his constitutional protections.
The letter was sent to other senators before a vote.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee planned a vote on whether to hold Fauci in contempt.
The contempt vote relates to Fauci’s recent testimony or hearing.
Fauci is known for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a government health expert.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said that decisions about U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s future depend on President Donald Trump. Blanche praised Pirro’s work but left the final decision to the president.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General.
Jeanine Pirro is the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Blanche was once President Trump’s personal lawyer.
Blanche said Pirro is doing a great job.
President Trump has not yet decided on Pirro’s future.
Blanche deferred questions about Pirro’s future to President Trump.
The comments came a day after President Trump’s statement about not making a determination.
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Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, overcoming significant outside spending and beating Rep. Haley Stevens. Now, El-Sayed faces the challenge of uniting different voter groups to win against Republican Mike Rogers in the November general election.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary on August 5, 2026.
He focused on issues like affordability, healthcare, and reducing corporate influence.
El-Sayed defeated Rep. Haley Stevens, who was supported by the party establishment.
He aims to build a broad coalition beyond primary voters, including independents and some Republicans.
El-Sayed received endorsements from his former rival Stevens and retiring Senator Gary Peters.
Michigan is a key battleground state where Democrats need to win to secure Senate control.
El-Sayed plans to unite progressives, young voters, Arab American voters, Black voters, and others.
The general election will test El-Sayed’s ability to bring together different groups and win the Senate seat.
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A recent poll shows Texas Governor Greg Abbott leading Democratic state Representative Gina Hinojosa by 6 points in the race for governor. The election is about three months away, and this contest could be one of the closest in Texas history, with Democrats trying to win the governor’s seat for the first time in over 30 years.
Key Facts
Greg Abbott is the current Republican governor of Texas seeking a fourth term.
Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat, is running to become the first Democratic governor in Texas since 1990.
The poll surveyed 1,200 likely voters in late July, showing Abbott at 49% and Hinojosa at 43%.
About 5% of voters are undecided, and another 3% support a Libertarian candidate.
Abbott has a 48% favorable and 51% unfavorable rating; Hinojosa has a 37% favorable and 28% unfavorable rating.
Almost all voters know Abbott well, but only 65% know enough about Hinojosa to form an opinion.
Abbott leads most white voters and men, while Hinojosa leads Latino, Black voters, and women.
Experts note that Abbott faces challenges due to changing political dynamics and Hinojosa’s lower name recognition.
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The Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), making her the agency’s first full-time political leader in nearly a year. Schwartz is a doctor who worked in the Department of Health and Human Services during President Trump’s first term and now faces challenges rebuilding trust and managing the agency.
Key Facts
The Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz by a vote of 51-44.
Only one Democrat, Senator Tim Kaine, voted for Schwartz, along with all Republicans present.
Schwartz previously worked at the Department of Health and Human Services under President Trump’s first administration.
During her confirmation hearing, Schwartz promised to rebuild trust in the CDC but was unclear about reporting unscientific policies.
Schwartz is the third nominee for CDC director during the current administration. The previous nominee, Susan Monarez, was fired after less than a month.
Schwartz was the former deputy surgeon general and is seen as less politically divisive.
The CDC has struggled with morale and staffing due to nearly a year without a permanent political leader.
Another nominee, Sean Kaufman, is expected to be confirmed for a health department role but faced questions about past anti-vaccine statements.
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The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by a 51-44 vote. She will replace Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has been acting director since February, making her the first permanent CDC director in about a year.
Key Facts
Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the Senate on August 5, 2026, with a 51-44 vote.
She was nominated by President Donald Trump in April 2026.
Schwartz will replace Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the acting CDC director since February 2026.
She is the first permanent CDC director in roughly one year.
Schwartz holds a medical degree from Brown University.
She served in the U.S. Navy until 2005.
Schwartz worked in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and was the Coast Guard Chief Medical Officer.
She was Deputy Surgeon General from 2019 to early 2021 during the first Trump administration.
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At Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the family’s former nanny testified that Clancy appeared to be a loving mother despite struggling with postpartum mental health issues. Clancy is charged with killing her three children in 2023, with her defense saying she suffered from postpartum psychosis, while prosecutors argue she acted intentionally.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for killing her three children in January 2023.
The children were aged from 8 months to 5 years.
Elaine Rossi, the former nanny, testified that Clancy seemed like a loving and caring mother.
Clancy experienced significant weight loss, insomnia, and mental health problems after childbirth.
Clancy is accused of suffering from postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness affecting some women after birth.
The nanny did not believe Clancy was a danger to her kids or herself during her time with the family.
Clancy is a former labor and delivery nurse.
Prescription medicine bottles related to Clancy’s mental health were found in the house.
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The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a 51-44 vote. She becomes the first permanent leader of the agency in almost a year during a time of low staff morale and political challenges.
Key Facts
Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the Senate on July 15, 2026, as CDC director.
Schwartz is the 22nd leader of the CDC based in Atlanta.
She holds both medical and law degrees and has experience as deputy surgeon general and with the U.S. Coast Guard.
The CDC has lost over 3,000 employees, about a quarter of its workforce, mostly due to layoffs and resignations.
The agency has faced low morale and instability with many temporary leaders.
Schwartz's nomination was questioned by some senators about her willingness to oppose health orders they saw as unscientific.
She was President Donald Trump’s choice, not health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for anti-vaccine views.
Schwartz is the third nominee for CDC director in 18 months after previous nominees faced cancellations or removal.
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The US State Department plans to close five consulates in different countries, citing cost and a review of relationships since President Donald Trump took office in 2025. Critics worry that these closures will reduce US diplomatic influence and allow China to expand its presence in these regions.
Key Facts
Five US consulates will close in Grenada, Japan, Indonesia, Cameroon, and Canada.
The closures follow a review of US ties with other countries under President Trump.
The State Department fired over 1,300 employees last year, including diplomats and civil servants.
More than half of US ambassador positions worldwide are currently unfilled.
China has diplomatic offices in three of the five locations where the US is closing its consulates.
Democrats and experts say closing consulates could weaken US influence and benefit China.
The Winnipeg consulate, important for US-Canada trade, is also closing and has faced criticism in Canada.
The White House considered closing up to 30 foreign missions, but there is opposition to reducing diplomatic presence.
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The Senate has approved Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the first time in nearly a year that the CDC will have an official leader.
Key Facts
Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday.
The vote was 51 in favor and 44 against, mostly along party lines.
Senator Tim Kaine was the only Democrat who voted against her confirmation.
The CDC has been without an official director for almost a year.
Dr. Schwartz will now lead the CDC, a key U.S. public health agency.
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Representative Max Miller plans to continue his campaign for re-election in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District despite allegations of domestic abuse made by his former wife. The Ohio Republican Party faces a deadline soon to replace Miller on the ballot if he decides to withdraw, with multiple candidates being considered as possible replacements.
Key Facts
Max Miller is seeking a third term in Congress amid allegations of domestic violence, which he denies.
Miller’s former wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of abuse and threatening her with a gun.
Senator Bernie Moreno, Emily’s father, has urged Miller to drop out of the race.
Ohio election rules require a candidate to withdraw by a certain date (August 10) to avoid a special primary for replacements.
County Republican party leaders would select a replacement candidate if Miller withdraws.
Polls show Miller trailing Democratic opponent Brian Poindexter, with some voters undecided.
The district voted for President Donald Trump by 11 points in 2024 but Republicans now have reduced chances of winning this seat.
Miller shared private images of his young daughter on social media, which raised serious concerns and calls for his resignation.
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A federal appeals court has blocked the Trump administration’s effort to delay student loan debt relief for people who said their schools cheated them. As a result, the Education Department will cancel about $11 billion in federal student loans for over 170,000 borrowers.
Key Facts
The court ruling happened on July 17.
The case involves a class-action lawsuit that has lasted several years.
The lawsuit focuses on borrowers who said they were defrauded by their schools.
The Trump administration tried to delay student loan debt relief for these borrowers.
The court rejected that delay attempt.
The Education Department will erase $11 billion in federal student loan debt.
More than 170,000 borrowers will have their loans canceled due to this ruling.
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Five states held primary elections on Tuesday, including an important Democratic Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. The elections were part of the process to choose candidates for the upcoming general elections.
Key Facts
Five states had primary elections on Tuesday.
A significant Democratic Senate race was between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens.
Primary elections help select party candidates for the general election.
The results will influence who represents each party in future elections.
These elections are important for deciding political leadership at different government levels.
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Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan by narrowly beating Rep. Haley Stevens. He will face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in the November general election.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is a progressive candidate.
He defeated Rep. Haley Stevens, who was backed by party leaders.
This primary win shows Democratic voters favoring change from established politicians.
El-Sayed will compete against Mike Rogers, a former Republican representative.
The Democratic party faces some internal divisions after this competitive primary.
This election is important for Michigan, a key battleground state.
The result reflects shifting attitudes among Democratic primary voters compared to past years.
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The article discusses the debate over making daylight saving time permanent in the United States. It focuses on whether keeping clocks ahead year-round actually helps save energy, based on studies that have looked into this question.
Key Facts
The U.S. is scheduled to switch back to standard time in about three months.
There is a push to pass a law that would stop the clocks from changing each year.
President Donald Trump supports the idea of permanent daylight saving time.
Researchers have studied if permanent daylight saving time saves energy.
Results from these studies have been mixed or unclear about energy savings.
Some believe permanent daylight saving time could affect daily routines and safety.
The decision involves balancing energy use against other impacts like health and traffic safety.
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The White House released documents about a secret FBI investigation into whether President Trump worked for Russia when he fired FBI Director James Comey. This information was shared publicly for the first time on Wednesday.
Key Facts
The White House made public some previously secret information on Wednesday.
The information shows the FBI started an investigation about President Trump's actions.
The investigation looked at whether President Trump was acting as an agent for Russia.
This investigation began after President Trump fired James Comey, the FBI Director.
The documents aim to provide more details about the FBI's response to Comey's firing.
CBS News reported this update with additional coverage by Jake Rosen.
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Abdul El-Sayed is expected to win the Democratic primary against Haley Stevens in Michigan. This happened even though there was a lot of money spent on ads that criticized him.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is running in the Democratic primary in Michigan.
He is projected to win against Haley Stevens.
Many advertisements were made to criticize El-Sayed.
These ads were paid for by groups opposing him.
The primary race took place in Michigan.
CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro reported on the race.
The information comes from CBS News coverage.
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