President Donald Trump praised Scotts Miracle-Gro for restoring the White House lawn at no cost. The company donated money, products, and support to repair the South Lawn after an event there, and Trump highlighted their work during a White House appearance. He also signed an order prioritizing the supply of glyphosate herbicides, products that Scotts distributes.
Key Facts
President Trump thanked Scotts Miracle-Gro for restoring the White House lawn for free.
Scotts Miracle-Gro donated $1 million in money, products, and technical support to repair the South Lawn after the UFC Freedom 250 event.
Trump chose a special grass blend from Scotts for the South Lawn restoration.
Scotts Miracle-Gro and related groups gave over $770,000 in campaign donations in 2024, including $500,000 to a pro-Trump political group.
In February, Trump signed an executive order to prioritize supplies of glyphosate herbicides and elemental phosphorus for U.S. agriculture.
Scotts Miracle-Gro is the exclusive distributor of consumer Roundup herbicide products in the U.S., a brand owned by Bayer’s Monsanto subsidiary.
Bayer faces many lawsuits over Roundup, though it says the product is safe; a recent Supreme Court ruling favored Monsanto in these cases.
The lawn restoration fits into Trump’s wider plan to update the White House grounds and surrounding areas.
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Maryland lawmakers are close to putting a question on the November ballot asking voters to approve a new congressional map that would favor Democrats. The Democratic-led House approved sending the amendment to voters, and the Senate was expected to vote on it, aiming to redraw district lines in a way that could increase Democratic representation.
Key Facts
Maryland currently has seven of eight U.S. House seats held by Democrats.
The proposed amendment would allow redrawing congressional districts in a way that favors Democrats.
The amendment must get three-fifths approval in both the House and Senate before going to voters.
Republicans oppose the change, calling it a power grab and say many voters do not support it.
The measure passed the Maryland House by a 96-38 vote.
This redistricting move follows efforts in other states, led mostly by Republicans, to adjust maps before the 2026 midterm elections.
The amendment would change rules so that federal courts have less power to reject congressional maps based on criteria like compactness or natural boundaries.
One current Republican district includes Maryland’s Eastern Shore, which could be affected if districts are redrawn to cross the Chesapeake Bay.
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Abdul El-Sayed, a former Michigan public health official, announced his run for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. He is a Democrat aiming to replace Senator Gary Peters, who is not seeking reelection in 2026.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is 40 years old and previously ran for Michigan governor in 2018.
He was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders during his 2018 campaign and again for the Senate race.
El-Sayed served as the director of Health, Human & Veterans Services in Wayne County and was Detroit’s public health director during its bankruptcy in 2013.
Senator Gary Peters, the current Democratic Senator from Michigan, will not run for reelection in 2026.
Other Democrats running for the Senate seat include state Senator Mallory McMorrow and possible candidates Haley Stevens and Dana Nessel.
Former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers is running for the Republican nomination for the same Senate seat.
El-Sayed supports Medicare for All and believes healthcare is a human right.
He was motivated to run because of recent changes and cuts to federal health agencies seen during President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Fire officials have determined that Southern California Edison equipment caused the deadly 2025 Eaton Fire in Los Angeles, which killed 19 people and damaged over 9,000 buildings. The fire started from electrical arcing on an out-of-service power tower and took nearly a month to put out.
Key Facts
The Eaton Fire burned 22 square miles in Los Angeles County in 2025.
The fire caused 19 deaths and destroyed or damaged more than 9,000 homes and businesses.
Investigators found that electrical arcing on an unused Southern California Edison tower started the fire.
Firefighters took nearly one month to fully extinguish the blaze.
Southern California Edison has filed lawsuits blaming local agencies for slow evacuation warnings and limited water supply for firefighters.
Most of the fire victims (18 out of 19) lived in west Altadena.
The Eaton Fire burned at the same time as the Palisades Fire, which was the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
The Palisades Fire killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,800 homes and buildings.
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Severe weather near Denver caused 22 flights to be redirected to Colorado Springs. Multiple passengers on these flights needed medical attention after landing.
Key Facts
Bad weather near Denver airport led to flight diversions.
A total of 22 flights landed in Colorado Springs instead of Denver.
Some passengers required medical care after arriving.
The weather affected travel plans in the Denver area.
Colorado Springs served as an alternate landing location due to the weather.
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The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee plans to vote on a resolution to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt. This follows a recent hearing where Fauci refused to answer questions by repeatedly citing his Fifth Amendment rights.
Key Facts
The Senate committee involved is the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC).
The vote is scheduled for Thursday morning.
The resolution aims to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt.
Fauci is a former top health official.
During the hearing last week, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment right more than 100 times.
Invoking the Fifth Amendment means refusing to answer questions to avoid self-incrimination.
Fauci declined to answer any questions during that hearing.
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The Eaton Fire in Altadena was caused by electrical arcing from an out-of-service power tower owned by Southern California Edison, according to a new fire report. The fire destroyed or damaged over 9,000 homes, killed 19 people, and investigations were done by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Cal Fire.
Key Facts
The fire started due to electrical arcing on an out-of-service transmission tower.
Hot metal particles from the arcing fell onto dry vegetation, igniting the fire.
The fire began near a ridge above Eaton Wash in Altadena.
Over 9,000 homes were destroyed or damaged by the fire.
The fire caused 19 deaths, as confirmed by the LA County Medical Examiner.
The investigation took 18 months and was conducted by LACFD and Cal Fire.
Southern California Edison paid more than $314 million to fire victims last month.
The fire started on January 7, 2025, and severely affected the Altadena and Pasadena areas.
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Michigan is holding important primary elections where progressive and moderate Democrats are competing against each other. Representative Debbie Dingell explained that the results could influence the future direction of the Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Michigan is having primary elections with contests between progressive and moderate Democrats.
Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Representative, discussed the importance of these races.
The outcomes may affect the future strategies and leadership within the Democratic Party.
The article includes no detailed results or specific candidate names beyond Dingell.
The primary races reflect a split or rivalry within the Democratic Party in Michigan.
These primaries are considered high-stakes for the party’s future.
The event is part of the broader political process leading up to general elections.
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Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee to become the U.S. Attorney General. The committee voted 12-10 along party lines, moving his nomination to a full Senate vote despite concerns about his loyalty to Trump and involvement in a controversial IRS settlement.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche was President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer and is nominated for U.S. Attorney General.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Blanche by a 12-10 vote, split by party lines.
Some Republican senators delayed the vote due to concerns about Blanche’s role in a $1.8 billion IRS settlement involving Trump.
The settlement created an “anti-weaponisation” fund, which critics say could protect Trump and his allies from certain IRS audits.
A federal judge accused Blanche of working for both Trump’s interests and the IRS, raising questions about conflict of interest.
Blanche, currently acting attorney general, signed documents to cancel the fund and limit who the IRS can investigate in the future.
Democrats criticized Blanche for lacking independence and accused him of supporting a politically biased justice system.
Republicans expressed hope Blanche will reduce the misuse of the justice system for political purposes.
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President Donald Trump and other White House officials want Representative Max Miller to stop running for reelection in Ohio. Several U.S. officials who know about the situation told CBS News about this hope.
Key Facts
Representative Max Miller is a Republican member of Congress from Ohio.
President Trump and White House staff want Miller to end his campaign for reelection.
The officials described the situation as urgent, wanting Miller to quit immediately.
The information comes from multiple U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
CBS News reported this information and spoke with correspondent Taurean Small.
The article does not specify why officials want Miller to quit.
The news focuses on political events within the United States government.
No official statements from Miller or direct White House quotes are included.
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A 41-year-old man from El Salvador named Edwin Lopez-Cornejo died while detained at the Delaney Hall immigration facility in Newark, New Jersey. Federal officials and advocates raised concerns about the living and medical conditions at the facility, which has seen several detainee deaths in recent months.
Key Facts
Edwin Lopez-Cornejo was detained on June 18 and died on a Saturday while at Delaney Hall.
The official cause of death will be announced after further medical review.
Delaney Hall is a 1,000-bed immigration detention center run by the private company Geo Group.
There have been previous detainee deaths at the facility, including two others this year.
Some detainees and advocacy groups say medical care and living conditions at Delaney Hall are poor.
Delaney Hall has been a site of protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
ICE says Lopez-Cornejo was given proper medical care while in custody.
ICE changed its policy this year and no longer reports deaths that happen within 30 days after release from custody.
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A new poll shows Democratic Texas state Representative James Talarico leading Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the 2026 U.S. Senate race, especially among independent voters. The poll highlights shifting voter support in Texas, a state traditionally considered conservative.
Key Facts
James Talarico leads Ken Paxton by 2 points overall, 47% to 45%, in a Texas Senate race poll.
Among independent voters, Talarico holds a 40-point lead over Paxton (63% to 23%).
The poll surveyed 1,200 likely Texas voters from July 27-30, 2026, with a margin of error of ±2.83 points.
Talarico has strong support from Democratic voters (97%), while Paxton has slightly weaker Republican support (85%).
Talarico leads by large margins among Black voters (79% to 12%) and Latino voters (19 points ahead).
Paxton leads among white voters by 14 points (53% to 39%).
Recent polls show Talarico leading in multiple surveys, reflecting possible political shifts in Texas ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Paxton’s team emphasizes that the final election result on November 3 is what matters most, dismissing poll leads.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom is being criticized because his strict rules on plastic packaging and farming are seen as too tough. Some people want Congress to step in to protect the rest of the country and keep prices fair for consumers.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom leads California.
His administration has created strong regulations on plastic packaging.
There are also strict rules on agricultural standards in California.
These policies have drawn criticism from several groups.
Critics say these rules affect people outside California.
There are calls for Congress to intervene.
The goal is to protect national interests and keep consumer prices stable.
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A Senate Democrat report accuses major Wall Street banks of ignoring evidence of Jeffrey Epstein’s illegal activities and helping him handle large amounts of money connected to sex trafficking. The report also criticizes U.S. government agencies for not properly investigating Epstein and highlights ongoing concerns about why few people beyond Epstein and his close associate have faced charges.
Key Facts
Senator Ron Wyden, a top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, released the report.
The report claims banks like JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of America ignored signs of sex trafficking and money laundering linked to Epstein.
Banks allegedly helped Epstein move large sums of cash and hide financial details through shell companies.
Bank of America may have failed to report $170 million from investor Leon Black to Epstein, potentially violating anti-money laundering laws.
The Department of Justice and Treasury are criticized for inadequate investigations into Epstein’s activities.
Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The banks involved settled lawsuits with Epstein’s survivors but denied wrongdoing.
The report calls for renewed efforts by prosecutors and lawmakers to hold people connected to Epstein accountable.
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OpenAI will pay $3.2 million to settle claims by the U.S. Justice Department that it favored temporary visa holders over American workers for certain tech jobs. The settlement requires OpenAI to change its hiring practices to ensure fair opportunities for U.S. workers.
Key Facts
OpenAI agreed to pay $1.2 million in penalties and $2 million to affected workers.
The Justice Department said OpenAI did not properly post some jobs to the public before hiring through a permanent labor certification process (PERM).
DOJ alleges OpenAI discouraged U.S. workers by requiring mailed applications and advertising jobs on late-night radio.
Fewer than 10 job positions were involved in the case.
The settlement requires OpenAI to post job openings online, accept electronic applications, train staff, and allow DOJ monitoring.
DOJ said it is illegal to prefer temporary visa holders over U.S. workers for jobs.
This is the 13th settlement since the DOJ relaunched its Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative in 2025.
OpenAI disagrees with the DOJ but settled to continue supporting employees needing immigration help.
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Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller is requesting a House investigation into domestic abuse claims made by his ex-wife. Despite the allegations and calls for him to leave the race, Miller says he will stay in the election for his congressional seat, while President Donald Trump has declined to publicly say if Miller should drop out.
Key Facts
Rep. Max Miller faces domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend.
Miller is asking the U.S. House of Representatives to investigate the allegations to clear his name.
His ex-wife, Emily Moreno, is the daughter of Republican Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno.
Some House Democrats have called for an investigation into Miller.
President Trump spoke to Miller and said his candidacy “doesn’t look good” but did not publicly suggest he should withdraw.
Miller was endorsed by Trump and is running for reelection in a competitive Ohio House district.
The deadline to withdraw from the race is Wednesday, but Miller says he will not quit and plans to win.
Senator Bernie Moreno said Miller does not meet the “basic standards of character” for elected office.
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President Donald Trump has proposed building a 250-foot-tall memorial arch on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A National Park Service report warns that this arch could harm the historical value and visual connections of many important nearby monuments. Some groups oppose the project and argue that it needs approval from Congress before construction can begin.
Key Facts
The arch would be 250 feet tall (76 meters) and commemorates the U.S. 250th anniversary.
The National Park Service says the arch could harm the “integrity” and visual relationships of many historical sites near the Memorial Avenue Corridor.
This corridor connects the Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Bridge, and Arlington House, which symbolize unity between North and South.
The arch would disrupt the alignment between these important monuments and historical sites.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, with members appointed by President Trump, has given early approval to the arch design.
The National Capital Area Planning Commission also approved the site and preliminary plans in July.
A group of three veterans and a historian sued, arguing the arch’s construction requires Congressional approval.
Their lawyer says that building a monument on National Park Service land in Washington, D.C. must have permission from Congress.
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The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is in progress, with law enforcement officers and medical experts giving testimony on the sixth day. CBS News reporter Shanelle Kaul is providing updates on the trial.
Key Facts
The trial is about the murder of Lindsay Clancy.
The court is hearing testimony from police and medical experts.
This is the sixth day of testimony.
The trial is being covered by CBS News.
Updates are shared by reporter Shanelle Kaul.
Law enforcement officials are involved in presenting evidence.
Medical personnel are testifying about related facts.
The trial is ongoing and details continue to emerge.
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Rep. Max Miller from Ohio said he will ask the House Ethics Committee to investigate him. This comes as he faces pressure to resign or stop his reelection campaign because of accusations of domestic abuse.
Key Facts
Max Miller is a Republican representative from Ohio.
He plans to submit paperwork for the House Ethics Committee to investigate him.
Miller faces domestic abuse allegations.
These allegations have increased public and political pressure on him.
Some people want him to resign or quit his campaign for reelection.
The House Ethics Committee is responsible for reviewing the conduct of members of the House.
Miller described the renewed attention as related to his family affairs.
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The Trump administration is working on a ban that would stop the United States from importing new datacenter parts made in China. These parts, called optical transceivers, help move data quickly in datacenters, which are important for AI and tech services.
Key Facts
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is planning a rule to ban imports of new Chinese optical transceivers.
Optical transceivers are devices that send data through fiber-optic cables at very high speeds inside datacenters.
The Trump administration wants to limit China's role in US technology, especially in AI and datacenter components.
China leads globally in making optical transceivers, which many US datacenters rely on.
US companies are investing a lot of money to build AI infrastructure but are behind schedule compared to China’s rapid development.
Officials worry that Chinese parts in US datacenters could be used to steal data, add malware, or disrupt services.
The FCC recently banned Chinese advanced humanoid robots and is considering more restrictions on Chinese AI technologies.
The Chinese government has warned that it will respond strongly to any US actions that hurt China's interests.
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