Three FBI agents were fired last year because of their work investigating President Donald Trump's efforts to change the 2020 election results. Several groups, including a large FBI agents' association, are now supporting a lawsuit these agents filed against the administration.
Key Facts
Three FBI employees were fired last year related to their investigation into President Trump’s actions after the 2020 election.
These agents are suing the administration over their firing.
The FBI Agents Association, which represents thousands of FBI agents, supports the lawsuit.
Five legal briefs from outside groups have been filed to back the fired agents in the last week.
FBI Director Kash Patel led a personnel shake-up that removed employees connected to the Trump investigation or seen as not supporting the current administration.
The lawsuit and support highlight tensions within the FBI related to how investigations about President Trump are handled.
The personnel changes at the FBI are part of a larger effort by the agency’s leadership under Patel.
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Kansas held primary elections to choose candidates for governor and U.S. Senate. Republicans aim to win the governor's office after eight years of Democratic leadership, while voters also considered a proposal to change how state Supreme Court justices are elected.
Key Facts
Kansas Republicans are selecting their candidate for governor in a crowded primary.
The current Democratic governor, Laura Kelly, cannot run again due to term limits.
Kansas has a history of electing governors from the party opposite the previous governor for over 60 years.
Democrats are also holding competitive primaries for governor and the U.S. Senate seat.
Voters are deciding on a possible constitutional amendment to allow direct election of state Supreme Court justices.
President Donald Trump endorsed Ty Masterson for the Republican governor’s primary.
Other Republican candidates include Charlotte O’Hara, Philip Sarnecki, Vicki Schmidt, and Scott Schwab.
Kansas generally votes Republican in federal elections but has an interesting pattern in state governor races.
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Almost 75% of people who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election think that Democratic lawmakers in Congress should do more to oppose President Donald Trump. This information comes from a poll done by The Economist and YouGov.
Key Facts
About 74% of Harris voters say Democrats challenge President Trump "too little."
Only 2% of Harris voters believe Democrats challenge him too much.
The poll was conducted by The Economist and YouGov.
The poll focuses on opinions of Harris voters from the 2024 election.
The main topic is the level of opposition Democratic lawmakers have toward President Trump.
The poll reflects views on political actions in the U.S. Congress.
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A congressman from the St. Louis area, Wesley Bell, is running for re-election and faces a primary challenge from former congresswoman Cori Bush, whom he defeated before. This primary and others in Missouri are the first under a new congressional map created by Republican lawmakers and supported by President Donald Trump to help Republicans keep control of the House.
Key Facts
Wesley Bell is a first-term Democratic congressman from Missouri's 1st Congressional District in the St. Louis area.
Cori Bush is a former congresswoman and a member of a progressive group in the House called The Squad.
Bell and Bush are competing in a Democratic primary rematch.
Missouri recently adopted a new congressional map designed by Republicans and backed by President Trump.
The new map aims to increase Republican chances of keeping the House majority in the 2024 midterm elections.
Primaries are underway for all of Missouri’s eight U.S. House seats.
The race draws attention from a powerful pro-Israel group.
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President Donald Trump asked the contractors working on the White House helipad to redo their work because he was unhappy with how it looked after weeks of construction. The helipad project started in June and was one of Trump's priorities.
Key Facts
President Trump prioritized building a helipad at the White House.
Construction on the helipad began in June.
After weeks of work, Trump was unhappy with its appearance.
He ordered the contractors to make changes and redo the work.
The information comes from a report by the Washington Post.
Two unnamed sources provided details about Trump's dissatisfaction.
The helipad is meant for presidential helicopter use.
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The article discusses the competitive Michigan Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate seat between Haley Stevens, a centrist congresswoman, and Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive former public health director. The author spent two days in Detroit to explore key questions about this important political contest.
Key Facts
The article focuses on the Michigan Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate.
Haley Stevens is a centrist congresswoman running in the primary.
Abdul El-Sayed is a progressive candidate and former public health director.
The race is described as one of the most active political contests in the country.
The author and a producer visited Detroit to learn more about the race and its dynamics.
The article aims to answer four main questions about the primary race.
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Wildfires in Spokane, Washington, forced over 60,000 people to leave their homes and destroyed more than 700 houses. A local man has been arrested and charged with starting the biggest fire on purpose, but no deaths or injuries have been reported.
Key Facts
Over 60,000 residents had to evacuate due to wildfires in the Spokane area.
More than 700 homes were destroyed by the fires.
The biggest fire is called the Old Trails Fire.
A 37-year-old Spokane resident, Aaron Farinacci, was arrested for first-degree arson.
Investigators say the fire was started intentionally with matches or a lighter.
Farinacci is held on a $1 million bond.
No deaths or injuries have been reported from the fires.
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Virginia voters are having their third statewide election in nine months to choose candidates for U.S. Senate and House seats. The primaries use old district boundaries after a new, more Democratic map was canceled by the state’s top court.
Key Facts
Virginia is holding midterm primary elections for U.S. Senate and House nominees.
This is the third statewide vote in Virginia in less than a year.
Some districts are swing districts that could affect control of Congress in November.
The primaries use the current district lines, not new ones.
Voters approved new Democratic-leaning district maps in April.
The Virginia Supreme Court struck down the new district maps shortly after.
President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers in some states tried to redraw congressional maps early to help Republicans keep control of the House.
Virginia’s struggle over maps reflects a larger national battle over congressional district lines.
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A Wisconsin judge ruled that paper absentee ballots discriminate against certain disabled voters by limiting their ability to vote privately and independently. The judge did not order electronic absentee voting but set a trial to decide whether to require it.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in 2024 by Disability Rights Wisconsin, the League of Women Voters, and four disabled voters.
The groups say the current paper-only absentee ballots violate disabled voters’ rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Dane County Circuit Judge Everett Mitchell ruled the paper ballot system denies disabled voters equal opportunity for private and independent absentee voting.
The judge did not yet require electronic absentee ballots, citing concerns about feasibility and risks.
An earlier temporary order for electronic ballots was reversed by an appeals court because it disrupted the current voting system.
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature opposes the lawsuit.
Absentee ballots are emailed only to military and overseas voters currently, not to disabled voters.
A hearing is scheduled for August 12 to discuss possible trial dates and next steps.
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A new report shows that Mississippi’s foster care system is not meeting most safety rules and continues to put children at risk. The report found many cases of abuse, neglect, and failures to follow proper procedures, despite some small improvements.
Key Facts
Mississippi’s foster care system met only 22 out of 107 safety standards in 2025.
Children in foster care suffered abuse or neglect at more than twice the allowed rate.
Many children were placed in homes or facilities before checks and visits were properly completed.
The state often undercounted how many foster children experienced abuse.
Some improvements were seen, such as lighter caseworker workloads and fewer overcrowded foster homes.
The report relates to a federal lawsuit, Olivia Y. v. Barbour, which claims Mississippi’s child welfare system frequently endangers children.
Mississippi’s Department of Child Protection Services and Governor Tate Reeves want the lawsuit dismissed, saying they have made progress.
The court is waiting for the 2025 report to consider the state’s request to end the lawsuit.
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Mississippi lawmakers have started the process of redrawing legislative, congressional, and judicial districts following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that affected minority voting protections. The bipartisan committee will hold public hearings across the state and hired attorneys to assist but has faced criticism from voting rights advocates who fear the effort aims to reduce Black political influence.
Key Facts
The Mississippi Joint Redistricting and Reapportionment Committee held its first meeting after the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling.
The committee is seeking public input in eight regions over the next two months about redistricting.
Republican Sen. Dean Kirby was elected chairman, and Republican Rep. Noah Sanford was named vice chair.
The committee hired attorneys from the law firm Butler Snow as legal advisers.
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann did not specify which districts would be prioritized or confirm if all district types would be redrawn.
Voting rights advocates expressed concern the hearings might be a formality, fearing attempts to weaken majority-Black districts.
A recent voting rights town hall was held to encourage voter registration and turnout amid redistricting debates.
Democratic leaders emphasized the historical importance of voting rights and urged continued advocacy against efforts to reduce minority representation.
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Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio spoke about his family’s difficult situation after his daughter said Representative Max Miller, also from Ohio, abused her. Moreno described the emotional pain his family is experiencing because of these accusations.
Key Facts
Senator Bernie Moreno represents Ohio.
Moreno’s daughter has accused Representative Max Miller of abuse.
Max Miller is also a Republican Representative from Ohio.
Moreno expressed that his family is suffering emotionally.
The article highlights the personal impact on Moreno’s daughter and wife.
The situation has created fear and distress within Moreno’s family.
Moreno spoke publicly about the family’s experience on a Tuesday.
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Berhanu Kibret, a teacher at the University of Maryland’s pharmacy school who recently won a "teacher of the year" award, was arrested by U.S. immigration agents at a Texas airport for having an expired visa. The university says Kibret has valid work permission and hopes his immigration issues will be resolved soon so he can keep working there.
Key Facts
Berhanu Kibret is an instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s pharmacy school.
He was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Dallas-Fort Worth airport.
The reason for his arrest was an expired visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The university says Kibret has valid work authorization and is hopeful the situation will be fixed quickly.
Kibret recently received a "teacher of the year" award at a meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
His research studies how the brain's cannabinoid system affects mental health and addiction.
The university called Kibret a valued and well-regarded member of their community.
ICE said Kibret overstayed a visa issued when he entered the U.S. in June 2021 and will stay in custody pending immigration proceedings.
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David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool but the charge was dropped after prosecutors found the damage was caused by poor work by a contractor. Hearn’s attorney said they are exploring legal actions against the government, while President Trump criticized the decision to drop the charges.
Key Facts
David Hearn was charged with felony property destruction related to damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
The charge against Hearn was dropped after prosecutors said the damage was due to faulty installation by a contractor.
The reflecting pool had recently been renovated at a cost of $14 million during the Trump administration.
Hearn was arrested on June 19 and faced up to 10 years in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Prosecutors found a rushed and flawed installation process connected to the pool damage.
President Trump criticized the U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro for dismissing the charges, accusing her of failing.
Hearn was detained for five hours by national guard and park police after touching the pool liner during a bike ride.
Hearn’s lawyers are seeking a court dismissal that would prevent future prosecution and are considering civil suits and other actions against the government.
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Washington state held primary elections for U.S. House seats and other offices while firefighters worked to control wildfires in Spokane, the state's second-largest city. Due to evacuations and emergencies, officials advised voters to check online that their mail-in ballots were received and to get replacement ballots if needed.
Key Facts
Washington state held primary elections on Tuesday for U.S. House and other positions.
Large wildfires have damaged Spokane, causing a state of emergency.
About 67,000 people in Spokane are under evacuation orders due to the fires.
Voters are encouraged to use a state website to confirm their mail-in ballots were received.
Replacement ballots can be obtained through official channels if needed.
Ballots must be postmarked or returned to drop boxes by 8 p.m. local time.
One ballot drop box in the evacuation zone will close after collecting remaining ballots.
Washington mostly uses mail-in voting with few in-person votes.
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President Donald Trump is visiting California and Nevada to promote his economic policies and highlight differences with Democrats ahead of the November elections. He will address issues like the economy, border security, and crime while trying to boost Republican support.
Key Facts
President Trump is visiting Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada this week.
He will speak at a Republican fundraising dinner in California and an event about the economy in Nevada.
Only 32% of U.S. adults approved of his handling of the economy in a recent poll.
Most Americans (69%) see the economy as poor, with high costs of groceries and gas stressing many people.
Trump plans to criticize California Governor Gavin Newsom and contrast his policies with Democratic ones.
California and Trump have a tense relationship, especially after Trump sent troops to Los Angeles without the governor’s consent last year.
Nevada’s governor race is competitive, with Trump’s visit tied to Republican Joe Lombardo, who faces a tough challenge from Democrat Aaron Ford.
California’s government says Trump’s visit is more about fundraising and political attacks than helping wildfire survivors.
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Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona is proposing a new law that would require social media companies to get parents' permission before allowing children under 16 to have accounts. This law aims to protect younger users by raising the minimum age for social media use.
Key Facts
Senator Ruben Gallego is introducing the bill.
The bill requires parental approval for children under 16 to create and keep social media accounts.
It would raise the minimum age by at least three years on some platforms.
The bill targets social media companies operating in the United States.
The law would be one of the strictest rules for social media use by kids in the country.
The goal is to increase safety and oversight for younger social media users.
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A gunman opened fire at a newly opened In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, killing three people before taking his own life. One of the victims, Ashley Garibay, had traveled from California to Idaho to help train new employees for the restaurant chain’s expansion.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at an In-N-Out Burger location in Twin Falls, Idaho, shortly after the restaurant opened in late July 2026.
Three people were killed during the attack, including Ashley Garibay and Christopher Claunch.
Ashley Garibay was an employee from Stockton, California, who came to Idaho to help open and train staff at new In-N-Out stores.
The gunman was identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who died by shooting himself after the attack.
Police say Williams acted alone, but the motive for the shooting has not been released.
An off-duty state trooper and a civilian fired at the gunman, helping to end the attack.
A candlelight vigil was planned, and the city flags were lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims.
Support centers were set up for people affected by the shooting to get help and collect personal items left at the scene.
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Springdale, a small suburb near Pittsburgh, has become a center of local conflicts over immigration enforcement and a new data center project. Since the town made an agreement to work with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to detain undocumented immigrants, there have been protests and community opposition focused on government transparency and accountability.
Key Facts
Springdale Borough is a small suburb in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
The town signed a 287(g) agreement in November that allows local police to work with ICE on immigration enforcement.
Jose Acosta, an undocumented immigrant from Honduras, was arrested by Springdale police and ICE in July while working near Springdale.
Acosta had lived in the U.S. since 2018 and had only one previous minor traffic stop in 2023 before his arrest.
The arrival of a data center project near homes in Springdale has also caused local protests and community concerns.
Two local groups, Indivisible Allegheny Valley and Save Allegheny Valley Environment (SAVE), have formed to oppose the ICE cooperation and the data center.
Residents say they feel the local government has not been clear or open about these issues, leading to a loss of trust.
Springdale’s leadership is mostly volunteer-based, which some see as a challenge for managing these complex community issues.
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The US Department of Justice (DOJ) sent federal monitors to voting sites in four Michigan cities during the state’s primary elections to help ensure fair voting. Some lawmakers and advocates worry these monitors might be used for political reasons by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
The DOJ deployed monitors in Detroit, Hamtramck, Lansing, and East Lansing, all mostly Democratic-leaning cities.
The monitors were sent to observe Michigan’s primary election held on a Tuesday.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the goal is to guarantee fair and nondiscriminatory election monitoring nationwide.
President Trump has claimed, without proof, that there was widespread election fraud in the 2020 election.
Michigan has been a key focus of Trump’s allegations about voter fraud.
Local Michigan officials found some fraudulent voter registration forms in Muskegon but said no fake votes were cast.
Ten Democratic senators requested the DOJ ensure that monitors do not disrupt voting or target areas for political reasons.
The DOJ plans to expand election monitoring to other states before the November midterm elections.
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