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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Make American history national again

Make American history national again

Summary

The article says that the way American history is taught today has changed. It claims that current methods use new ideas that see history mainly as a story of power and struggle, aiming to create social change.

Key Facts

  • The article discusses changes in teaching American history.
  • It mentions the use of post-modern theories in understanding history.
  • Post-modern theories view history as a story about power struggles.
  • These theories see history as a tool to promote social change.
  • The article suggests this approach replaces older ways of telling America's story.
  • It implies there is controversy about this new method.
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Chuck Edwards Drops Out Amid Harassment Claims as Max Miller Deadline Looms

Chuck Edwards Drops Out Amid Harassment Claims as Max Miller Deadline Looms

Summary

Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards from North Carolina has dropped out of his re-election race after a House Ethics Committee recommended censure for sexual harassment claims. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Max Miller of Ohio faces a deadline to withdraw after domestic abuse allegations but has said he will stay in the race and asked for an ethics investigation.

Key Facts

  • Chuck Edwards decided to end his re-election campaign after allegations of sexual harassment.
  • The House Ethics Committee found Edwards showed “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two female staff members.
  • Edwards denied any sexual or romantic intent and disagreed with the committee’s findings.
  • Edwards said he will finish his current term representing western North Carolina.
  • Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, faces allegations of domestic abuse from his former wife and daughter.
  • Miller denies the abuse claims and has decided to stay in the election race.
  • Miller requested the House Ethics Committee to investigate the abuse allegations against him.
  • Miller has until Wednesday afternoon to withdraw so Ohio Republicans can name a replacement on the ballot.
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House Democrats add 12 solidly Trump districts to their midterm election target list

House Democrats add 12 solidly Trump districts to their midterm election target list

Summary

House Democrats have added 12 more Republican-held districts, all won easily by President Donald Trump in 2024, to their list of targets for the November midterm elections. This expands their total target list to 58 seats as they try to take back control of the House by appealing to voters dissatisfied with the economy, the war in Iran, and the current Republican administration.

Key Facts

  • Democrats now aim to win 58 Republican-held House seats in the 2026 midterms.
  • The new targets include districts in both swing states and traditionally Republican areas.
  • Many of these districts were won by President Trump with large margins just under two years ago.
  • Democrats believe voters are unhappy with current issues like the economy and the war in Iran.
  • The added districts include the seat of Rep. Richard Hudson, chairman of the House Republican campaign committee.
  • One notable target is North Carolina’s 9th district, where Trump won by 15 points but Black voter growth may favor Democrats.
  • Arkansas’ 2nd district, won by Trump by 16 points, is another target where Democrats hope changing demographics could help.
  • Democrats need to flip only a few seats to regain the House majority during President Trump’s second term.
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AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Tennessee’s state primary

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Tennessee’s state primary

Summary

Tennessee will hold important state primary elections, including a race for governor with several Republican and Democratic candidates. New congressional maps have changed district boundaries in Memphis, affecting longtime representatives and shifting political dynamics.

Key Facts

  • Tennessee’s senior U.S. senator, Marsha Blackburn, is running in the Republican primary for governor.
  • Governor Bill Lee cannot run again due to term limits.
  • U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts also compete in the Republican governor primary.
  • Memphis voters will pick nominees for Congress under new district maps favoring Republicans.
  • The new maps split Memphis into three mostly Republican districts, ending Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen’s long tenure.
  • State Rep. Justin Pearson and others are running for the Democratic congressional nomination in the new 9th District.
  • Tennessee’s junior U.S. senator, Bill Hagerty, seeks a second term with no Republican opposition so far.
  • Shelby, Davidson, and Knox counties are key areas influencing statewide elections in Tennessee.
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David Hearn's attorneys want Reflecting Pool case permanently dismissed

David Hearn's attorneys want Reflecting Pool case permanently dismissed

Summary

David Hearn, a former Olympic athlete, faces charges for damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. His lawyers have asked the court to permanently dismiss the case, saying new information shows the damage was caused by bad construction, not vandalism.

Key Facts

  • David Hearn is charged with felony destruction of property related to the Reflecting Pool.
  • The Justice Department says damage was due to poor installation by the contractor, not Hearn.
  • Hearn’s lawyers want the case dismissed with prejudice, meaning he cannot be charged again for this.
  • The U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. previously asked to dismiss the case without prejudice, allowing possible future charges.
  • Hearn pleaded not guilty to the charges last month.
  • Lawyers argue the indictment was rushed due to political pressure, including comments from President Donald Trump.
  • President Trump criticized the U.S. Attorney’s decision to drop the case, claiming it was a mistake.
  • If the permanent dismissal is denied, Hearn’s lawyers want the court to review the grand jury evidence before any further action.
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Michigan Democratic race to close to call with El-Sayed in narrow lead  First Thing

Michigan Democratic race to close to call with El-Sayed in narrow lead First Thing

Summary

The Democratic Senate primary in Michigan is very close, with Abdul El-Sayed slightly ahead of Haley Stevens as votes are nearly all counted. Meanwhile, the US government revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador, escalating tensions between President Trump’s administration and Brazilian President Lula’s government.

Key Facts

  • Abdul El-Sayed leads Haley Stevens with 48.7% to 47.3% in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, with 95% of votes counted.
  • Michigan is a key state for Democrats hoping to regain control of the US Senate in November.
  • In Missouri, Democratic congressman Wesley Bell won his primary, defeating Cori Bush’s attempt at a comeback.
  • Missouri’s top election official rejected a petition for a referendum on new congressional maps passed by the Republican-led legislature.
  • The US government revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, worsening diplomatic relations between the US and Brazil.
  • The visa revocation came after Brazil refused to approve Trump’s nominee for ambassador and denied visas to two US diplomats.
  • Brazil’s government accused the US move of trying to influence Brazil’s upcoming presidential election.
  • OpenAI agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle US government claims it discriminated against American workers by favoring foreign visa holders in hiring.
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The diploma divide is reshaping American politics

The diploma divide is reshaping American politics

Summary

The article discusses how having a college degree is influencing American politics. It suggests that political preferences and divisions are changing based on whether people have a degree or not.

Key Facts

  • College degrees are becoming an important factor in political views.
  • People with and without degrees tend to support different political parties.
  • This divide is changing how political groups form and campaign.
  • Having a degree does not automatically mean a person is wiser or better.
  • The trend affects voting patterns and election results in the U.S.
  • Politicians and parties pay attention to education levels when creating strategies.
  • The divide highlights broader social and economic differences in the country.
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Takeaways from AP’s review of military families detained under Trump’s immigration crackdown

Takeaways from AP’s review of military families detained under Trump’s immigration crackdown

Summary

An Associated Press investigation found that under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, more than 50 parents and spouses of active-duty U.S. military members have been detained by immigration authorities. These detentions disrupt military families by removing key support, which can affect the readiness and emotional well-being of service members.

Key Facts

  • At least 51 parents and spouses of active-duty U.S. military members have been detained since President Trump’s second term began.
  • Six of these detained family members have been deported.
  • Eight immediate family members remain in federal immigration custody.
  • These detentions interfere with military family support, causing emotional strain and delaying military deployments.
  • The government does not keep official records on detentions of military families, so the actual numbers may be higher.
  • Information was gathered through court records, media reports, and interviews with families and lawyers.
  • The Department of Homeland Security says military service doesn’t guarantee legal status or immunity from immigration laws.
  • The Pentagon did not provide a comment on this issue.
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AP Exclusive: Trump’s immigration crackdown has detained more than 50 military spouses and parents

AP Exclusive: Trump’s immigration crackdown has detained more than 50 military spouses and parents

Summary

Since President Donald Trump began his second term, his administration has detained over 50 spouses and parents of active-duty U.S. military members after removing special immigration protections for military families. These detentions have caused emotional and logistical hardships for service members and their families.

Key Facts

  • More than 50 parents and spouses of active-duty military personnel have been detained under President Trump’s immigration policies.
  • At least six of these detained family members have been deported.
  • Eight immediate family members of U.S. service members are still in federal immigration custody.
  • For many years, spouses and parents of military members were protected from deportation by bipartisan agreements.
  • The current policy reversal means these family members can be detained for months while trying to adjust their immigration status.
  • Detentions have caused emotional stress, delayed military deployments, and forced some service members to take leave.
  • Military recruitment often advertises immigration benefits for families, but these detentions contradict that promise.
  • The Department of Homeland Security does not track data on detained military family members, making this the first reported count by the Associated Press.
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Trump Slams Exxon and Chevron Iran War Windfalls. Can He Do Anything?

Trump Slams Exxon and Chevron Iran War Windfalls. Can He Do Anything?

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized ExxonMobil and Chevron for making large profits because of higher fuel prices linked to the Iran war. He urged these companies to lower prices or share their extra earnings with customers. The Justice Department is also investigating whether these companies are unfairly raising gas prices.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said American oil companies are making “too much money” due to the Iran war’s impact on energy markets.
  • He called on ExxonMobil and Chevron to reduce retail fuel prices or return some profits to customers.
  • ExxonMobil earned $14.5 billion in profit in the second quarter, more than double the same period last year.
  • Chevron’s net income rose 380% to $12.1 billion for the same period.
  • Global oil prices rose sharply after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil.
  • The Justice Department started investigating if oil companies are causing unfairly high gas prices.
  • The American Petroleum Institute denies that oil companies are gouging consumers.
  • Federal regulators are monitoring for illegal practices like price fixing or fraud in petroleum markets.
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‘They’re selling the safety of the traveling public’: TSA workers decry Trump privatization push

‘They’re selling the safety of the traveling public’: TSA workers decry Trump privatization push

Summary

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to expand a program called TSA Gold+ that will privatize security checkpoints at three U.S. airports, shifting operations and equipment control to private companies. The union representing TSA workers warns this change will reduce employee benefits and could hurt security, and it is considering legal action against the Trump administration’s plan.

Key Facts

  • TSA Gold+ will privatize security at airports in Tampa, Charleston, and Des Moines.
  • TSA workers under the program will lose their union contracts and employee benefits.
  • The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union opposes the plan and may challenge it legally.
  • Before TSA’s creation in 2001, airport security was managed by private contractors with less strict standards.
  • Past private contractors have cut employee pay and oversight issues have arisen, including security lapses.
  • The TSA plans to cut about 4,500 jobs as part of the privatization expansion to 220 airports.
  • In 2027, the Trump administration proposes further TSA budget cuts, eliminating 8,400 officer positions.
  • The Trump administration previously tried to end collective bargaining for TSA workers but was blocked by courts.
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Fauci's decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment tees up legal debate and contempt vote

Fauci's decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment tees up legal debate and contempt vote

Summary

Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a congressional hearing about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Republican-led Senate committee plans to vote on holding Fauci in contempt of Congress and refer the matter to the Justice Department.

Key Facts

  • Fauci refused to answer many questions from a Senate committee by invoking the Fifth Amendment.
  • The committee, led by Republican Senator Rand Paul, will vote on a contempt of Congress charge against Fauci.
  • Fauci was pardoned by President Joe Biden in early 2025 for acts from 2014 up to the pardon date.
  • Republicans argue the pardon means Fauci should not have used the Fifth Amendment to avoid testimony.
  • Legal experts say Fauci may have feared prosecution by states or other investigations, justifying his right to remain silent.
  • The case raises questions about how pardons affect congressional investigations and witnesses’ rights.
  • Some see the case as a precedent for future pardons President Trump might issue to others testifying before Congress.
  • It is unclear if the Justice Department will act on the contempt referral.
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Fauci’s decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment tees up a legal debate and a contempt vote

Fauci’s decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment tees up a legal debate and a contempt vote

Summary

Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment, refusing to answer questions from a Republican-led congressional committee about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee plans to vote on holding Fauci in contempt of Congress and may refer the matter to the Justice Department, raising legal questions about pardons and constitutional rights.

Key Facts

  • Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions at a congressional hearing.
  • The hearing was led by a Republican committee focusing on Fauci’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Senator Rand Paul, who subpoenaed Fauci, is pushing for a contempt vote against him.
  • Fauci was pardoned in early 2025 by President Joe Biden for actions between 2014 and 2025.
  • Republicans argue Fauci’s pardon means he cannot claim the Fifth Amendment protection.
  • Legal experts say Fauci might still have a valid right to invoke the Fifth Amendment due to possible state investigations and unresolved questions about pardons.
  • The Justice Department’s response to any contempt referral is uncertain.
  • This case could set a precedent regarding the power of presidential pardons and congressional testimony.
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WATCH:  Mom says she was given days to live after spider-bite nightmare

WATCH: Mom says she was given days to live after spider-bite nightmare

Summary

A mother of four from Kansas was seriously ill after multiple spider bites while with her family at a lake. She was told she only had days to live but survived her medical emergency.

Key Facts

  • The incident involved a Kansas mother of four.
  • She was bitten by several spiders during a family campfire at a local lake.
  • The spider bites caused a severe health crisis.
  • Doctors reportedly gave her only a few days to live.
  • She fought through the illness and survived.
  • The article highlights the dangers of spider bites in outdoor settings.
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House Democrats targeting 12 new GOP districts, including Lauren Boebert's seat

House Democrats targeting 12 new GOP districts, including Lauren Boebert's seat

Summary

House Democrats have added 12 more Republican-held seats to their list of targets for the upcoming midterm elections, hoping to gain control of the House. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee believes the political environment favors Democrats and plans to spend heavily on these races, including some seats President Trump won in 2024.

Key Facts

  • The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) added 12 new GOP districts to its "Districts in Play" list, now targeting 58 Republican seats.
  • Targets include Colorado’s Rep. Lauren Boebert and North Carolina’s Rep. Richard Hudson, a top Republican leader.
  • The DCCC cites recent polls and voter enthusiasm as reasons for expanding their efforts, saying they have a winning message focused on affordability.
  • The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is targeting 36 districts, including some Democratic seats won by President Trump in 2024.
  • Republicans hold a slim majority in the House and can lose only two seats without losing control.
  • Midterm elections usually result in losses for the president’s party, but Democrats hope voter dissatisfaction with the Trump administration will help them.
  • Redistricting in several states, including Texas and California, changed the political landscape, making some districts more competitive.
  • Both parties plan to spend large amounts of money in a short timeframe leading up to the November elections.
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House Democrats pack 2026 target list with more Trump-won seats

House Democrats pack 2026 target list with more Trump-won seats

Summary

House Democrats added 12 districts won by President Trump in 2024 to their list of places they want to compete in the 2026 midterm elections. The Democratic campaign group says this shows their confidence, while Republicans disagree and say the idea is unrealistic.

Key Facts

  • The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) added 12 Trump-won districts to their "Districts in Play" list.
  • The list now includes 59 districts where Democrats believe they have a chance to compete.
  • These new districts were won by President Trump by 10 to 21 percentage points in 2024.
  • One notable district added is North Carolina's 9th, where a Democratic challenge is underway.
  • The DCCC does not plan to spend large amounts of money on all 59 districts; the actual focus will be smaller.
  • Democrats cite polling that shows them leading Congress nationally by 8 points.
  • Republicans question the competitiveness of these districts and criticize the Democrats’ strategy.
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House Democrats add 12 GOP seats to offensive target list

House Democrats add 12 GOP seats to offensive target list

Summary

House Democrats’ campaign group, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), has added 12 Republican-held seats to the list of districts they want to win in the upcoming election. The list now includes seats held by Rep. Lauren Boebert from Colorado and Rep. Richard Hudson from North Carolina, who leads the Republican campaign committee.

Key Facts

  • The DCCC is the campaign group for House Democrats.
  • They added 12 Republican seats to their target list on Wednesday.
  • The target seats include districts held by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.).
  • Rep. Richard Hudson is also the chair of the Republican campaign group, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).
  • The added seats are seen as competitive or leaning toward Republicans but now targeted by Democrats.
  • This move shows Democrats’ strategy to try to win more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Chuck Edwards drops reelection bid after Ethics panel calls for censure

Chuck Edwards drops reelection bid after Ethics panel calls for censure

Summary

Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican from North Carolina, decided to stop running for reelection after the House Ethics Committee said he should be officially censured. The committee found he broke rules related to sexual harassment toward staff members.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Chuck Edwards is a Republican from North Carolina.
  • The House Ethics Committee recommended that Edwards be formally censured.
  • The investigation found Edwards violated rules meant to prevent sexual harassment against staff.
  • Edwards announced his decision to end his campaign on a Wednesday.
  • He said the decision came after prayer and reflection.
  • The formal censure is a strong public rebuke by the House.
  • The issue involves the "spirit" of the chamber's policies, meaning his actions went against the intended respect and protections in place.
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8/5: CBS Evening News

8/5: CBS Evening News

Summary

Federal authorities are investigating a safety scare involving Marine One, the helicopter used by President Donald Trump. Additionally, a man was arrested near one of President Trump’s golf clubs, and authorities are looking into the details of the incident.

Key Facts

  • Marine One is the official helicopter for President Donald Trump.
  • A safety scare involving Marine One has prompted a federal investigation.
  • A man was arrested near one of President Trump’s golf clubs.
  • Authorities are examining the circumstances around both events.
  • CBS Evening News reported on these developments on August 5.
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White House declassifies info on secret FBI probe into Trump's firing of Comey

White House declassifies info on secret FBI probe into Trump's firing of Comey

Summary

The White House revealed that the FBI once opened a secret investigation into whether President Trump was helping Russia when he fired FBI Director James Comey. This investigation, called Oxford Comma, was part of a larger FBI probe into possible connections between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia but found no evidence against President Trump.

Key Facts

  • The FBI opened a secret case named Oxford Comma focused on President Trump’s firing of Comey in 2017.
  • Oxford Comma was part of Crossfire Hurricane, the broader FBI investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.
  • The investigation aimed to see if President Trump acted as an agent for Russia but did not find supporting evidence.
  • Oxford Comma was kept sensitive, meaning it was hidden from most FBI agents to protect the investigation.
  • This case was later included in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, which found no proof of conspiracy between Trump’s campaign and Russia.
  • President Trump fired Comey shortly after starting his term, originally citing Comey’s handling of Hillary Clinton’s email case.
  • Mueller’s probe started after Comey's firing, triggered by concerns about Russian interference and possible Trump campaign ties.
  • President Trump has criticized the FBI and Comey, accusing them of unfair investigations against him.
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