The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to move forward with Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general. At the same time, Dr. Anthony Fauci faces a possible contempt vote after a recent congressional hearing.
Key Facts
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
The vote took place on a Tuesday.
There are concerns related to the Department of Justice funds connected to the nomination.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former chief medical adviser, recently testified on Capitol Hill.
Fauci may face a vote for contempt of Congress after his hearing.
CBS News reported these developments.
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Aaron Farinacci was arrested for setting a large wildfire near Spokane, Washington. The fire destroyed many buildings and forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes.
Key Facts
Aaron Farinacci, age 37, was arrested Monday.
He is suspected of first-degree arson related to the Old Trails Fire.
The Old Trails Fire is the largest of three wildfires near Spokane.
These fires have destroyed over 700 buildings.
More than 60,000 people had to evacuate their homes.
Spokane is Washington state’s second-largest city.
Farinacci has a past felony manslaughter conviction in Arizona.
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Since 2020, more than 24 attempts to improve the STOCK Act have failed. This is because the lawmakers who would have to follow the new rules are the ones deciding on these changes.
Key Facts
The STOCK Act is a law designed to prevent conflicts of interest in Congress.
Over two dozen efforts to strengthen this law have been made since 2020.
None of these efforts have succeeded in making changes.
Lawmakers who would be affected by stronger rules are the ones voting on them.
This creates a conflict of interest, hindering reform.
The failure to reform the law means current protections may be weak.
The situation raises concerns about transparency and ethics in Congress.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen said the Democratic Party should welcome many different kinds of voices. He made this comment after a group of candidates who identify as democratic socialists won several elections.
Key Facts
Senator Chris Van Hollen is a Democrat from Maryland.
He spoke about the recent success of democratic socialist candidates.
Democratic socialists support more left-leaning or progressive policies.
Van Hollen said the Democratic Party should include diverse viewpoints.
This shows a growing presence of progressive ideas within the party.
Van Hollen has recently taken more progressive positions himself.
The remarks came as the party considers its direction ahead of future elections.
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Senator Raphael Warnock wants to expand the Child Tax Credit to help families pay for school supplies, which have become more expensive. He says tariffs set by President Donald Trump have raised the prices of many school items, making it harder for families to afford them.
Key Facts
Senator Raphael Warnock proposes expanding the Child Tax Credit to give families more money for children’s expenses.
The current Child Tax Credit gives families up to $2,200 per child under age 17.
School supplies for one fourth-grade student in Georgia cost between $96 and $132, based on a report from five schools.
Prices for educational books and supplies increased by 8.4% from May 2024 to May 2026.
Some individual items, like colored pencils and notebooks, saw price increases of over 20%.
Warnock’s report links some price rises to tariffs on imported school products from countries like Brazil and China.
The American Family Act would raise the credit to $4,320 for children under six and $3,600 for older children, paid monthly.
The Trump administration argues tariffs help American workers and manufacturers and can lower costs over time.
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Aaron Farinacci has been charged with first-degree arson for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire near Spokane. This fire is one of several that are currently burning in the Spokane area.
Key Facts
Aaron Farinacci faces a first-degree arson charge.
He is accused of starting the Old Trails Fire.
The Old Trails Fire is one of multiple fires in the Spokane region.
First-degree arson means intentionally setting a fire that causes significant damage.
The fires are currently ongoing in the Spokane area.
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Some White House officials and President Donald Trump want Ohio GOP Rep. Max Miller to quit his congressional race following allegations that he assaulted his ex-wife and their child. Miller denies the accusations and says he will stay in the race and request an ethics investigation into himself.
Key Facts
Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller faces allegations of assault against his ex-wife and their 2-year-old daughter.
President Donald Trump called Miller to express concern about his reelection campaign.
Miller has denied the allegations and refuses to leave the race.
Miller must withdraw by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be replaced on the November ballot.
Miller announced plans to file paperwork for a congressional ethics investigation into himself.
President Trump called Miller a "very good person" and said he would let the families handle the situation.
Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, is the daughter of Ohio GOP Senator Bernie Moreno.
Senator Moreno stated Miller should not serve in Congress and suggested he needs psychological help.
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President Donald Trump criticized and threatened to fire Jeanine Pirro, the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, after she said the government would not pursue criminal charges for vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The pool had damage after a recent renovation, but Pirro said it was due to poor installation, not deliberate vandalism.
Key Facts
President Trump appointed Jeanine Pirro as US Attorney for the District of Columbia in May last year.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a costly renovation before the 250th US independence anniversary.
Damage was seen on the pool’s lining, with pieces floating and algae turning the water green.
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was arrested and charged with vandalism for allegedly damaging the pool lining.
Pirro later dropped the charges, saying the damage was likely caused by a bad installation, not vandalism.
Trump accused Pirro of failing under pressure and considered firing her but did not do so after meeting with her.
Pirro has a long legal career, was the first female judge and district attorney in her area, and helped start a domestic violence unit.
The pool was drained after the damage was discovered.
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In July 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 51,000 people, the highest number ever recorded in one month by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ICE has increased arrests, including at airports, and some detainees have valid work or parole documents.
Key Facts
ICE made 51,000 arrests in July 2026, a record high for one month.
Arrests at airports also increased, with over 30 people detained in July.
Some people arrested had no criminal records and valid authorization to work or stay.
The total number of deportations in the current fiscal year reached 356,389 by June.
DHS has not publicly responded to requests for comment about the rise in arrests.
ICE has been quietly expanding its enforcement activities nationwide.
Supporters of President Trump want more comprehensive data and stronger immigration enforcement focused on workplaces.
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Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate a cryptocurrency called a "meme coin" linked to President Donald Trump. They are concerned the coin could be a "rug pull," a type of scam where investors lose their money.
Key Facts
Senators Warren and Blumenthal are members of the Democratic Party.
They sent a formal letter to the SEC requesting an investigation.
The investigation is about President Trump's meme coin.
A meme coin is a type of cryptocurrency often based on jokes or internet trends.
A "rug pull" is a scam where the creators take the investors’ money and disappear.
The senators want the SEC to ensure the financial markets are fair and stable.
The SEC is the government agency that regulates financial markets in the U.S.
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A 10-year-old boy, Nathaniel Rai, was rescued from a dangerous rip current near Santa Cruz, California, by 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams. Nathaniel’s father said the rescue saved his son’s life, and both families expressed deep gratitude for the quick actions of Ryder and others who helped.
Key Facts
Nathaniel Rai, age 10, was caught in a rip current after tripping near the water.
The rescue happened off the coast of Santa Cruz, California.
Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old lifeguard, saved Nathaniel when he was unconscious and not breathing.
Nathaniel’s father said his son was seconds away from dying.
Other lifeguards and bystanders also helped during the rescue.
Ryder Williams said he loves his job and is thankful to assist in such rescues.
Nathaniel expressed his thanks to Ryder for saving his life.
The rescue took place last month.
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Democrat Bobby Pulido is currently leading Republican Monica De La Cruz in Texas’ 15th Congressional District, a seat that President Trump won by nearly 18 points in 2024. New polls suggest the race is tightening, making this district a key area to watch in the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Bobby Pulido, a Democrat, leads Monica De La Cruz, the Republican incumbent, by 51% to 45% in a recent poll.
The district was redrawn and President Trump won it by nearly 18 points in the 2024 election.
Another poll from May showed Pulido ahead 48% to 46%.
Prediction markets give Pulido a 67% chance of winning the seat.
Analysts moved the district rating from "Likely Republican" to "Leans Republican."
Texas’ 15th District covers South Texas, a region with a large Latino population where Republicans gained ground in recent years.
Pulido is a well-known Latin Grammy Award-winning musician and has a favorable reputation among voters.
This race is seen as a test of whether Democrats can regain support in South Texas amid a challenging election environment for Republicans.
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U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro brought evidence to the White House to show President Trump that damage to the Reflecting Pool was caused by poor construction, not by vandalism. Her office dropped criminal charges against several people accused of vandalism, citing new information from the Interior Department.
Key Facts
Jeanine Pirro is the U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., and an ally of President Trump.
She met with President Trump to explain the evidence about the Reflecting Pool damage.
The damage was found to be caused by faulty work from a contractor, not vandalism.
Charges were dropped against Olympic canoeist David Hearn and three others.
The Interior Department initially claimed vandals caused the damage, but new evidence contradicted this.
President Trump criticized Pirro for dropping the charges, saying she “folded like an umbrella.”
Pirro’s office has faced difficulties in other cases involving people linked to President Trump’s interests.
A judge ended Pirro’s grand jury subpoenas related to a Fed renovation, calling them a tactic to pressure Fed officials.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed state officials to require data centers to share detailed information about their electricity and water use before connecting to the state’s power grid. The Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT, the grid operator, will audit these data centers to ensure they meet the requirements.
Key Facts
Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive regarding data centers in Texas.
Data centers must provide detailed information about their electricity and water usage.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and ERCOT will conduct audits on data centers.
Data centers cannot connect to Texas’s power grid without sharing this information.
The goal is to better manage energy and water resources in the state.
ERCOT is the organization responsible for operating Texas’s electrical grid.
This directive aims to increase transparency and control over large power users in Texas.
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The Trump administration plans to close five smaller U.S. diplomatic missions in Africa, Asia, and the Western Hemisphere to save money. At the same time, it is working to reopen embassies in Venezuela, Syria, and Libya to restore official U.S. presence there.
Key Facts
The U.S. will close the embassy in Grenada and consulates in Nagoya (Japan), Medan (Indonesia), and Douala (Cameroon), plus a presence post in Winnipeg (Canada).
These closures are expected to save about $4.4 million annually.
The affected missions have very few American and local staff, ranging from 1 to 14 U.S. employees and some local workers.
The State Department earlier announced plans to close the consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan.
The closures are part of efforts to make the State Department’s work more efficient at home and abroad.
Funds saved will help support reopening U.S. embassies in Caracas (Venezuela), Damascus (Syria), and Tripoli (Libya).
Reopening these embassies follows political changes and aims to restore formal diplomatic relations.
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Two U.S. senators introduced a bill to create a new visa program that lets states sponsor temporary foreign workers to fill local job shortages. The federal government would still control security checks and immigration rules, while states would decide on their workforce needs and manage the workers they sponsor.
Key Facts
Senators John Curtis (Utah, Republican) and Mark Kelly (Arizona, Democrat) introduced the State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026.
The program allows states to request visas for foreign workers to address labor shortages in their local economies.
States must approve participation through their legislatures before joining the program.
The federal government keeps control over visa approvals, background checks, and immigration enforcement.
Visa holders must generally live and work in the sponsoring state but may move among states if agreements exist.
Visas can last up to three years and can be renewed if conditions are met.
States must ensure that sponsored workers do not replace U.S. workers and comply with labor and tax laws.
If a state has many visa violations, it faces fines and a cut in future visa numbers.
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Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, are investigating three possible cases of tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever," a rare bacterial infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 64 cases nationwide so far in 2026, with symptoms often including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin sores.
Key Facts
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and is commonly found in wild animals like rabbits, rodents, and muskrats.
Humans can get infected through tick or deer fly bites, contact with infected animals, breathing in contaminated dust, or drinking contaminated water.
The disease is not spread from person to person.
Symptoms usually appear 3-5 days after exposure and can include high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and skin ulcers.
Tularemia cases usually occur in the U.S. between May and September, when people are outdoors more and ticks are active.
Fewer than 200 cases are reported in the U.S. each year, making it a rare illness.
Tularemia can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught early.
Laboratory testing for the Suffolk County cases may take several weeks to confirm.
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Tom DeLay, a former House majority leader who helped create the TV ownership cap, says the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cannot legally remove the cap because it is set by law. Despite this, the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr plans to vote on eliminating the cap, which currently limits any TV station owner from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households.
Key Facts
Tom DeLay helped write the rule that limits TV station owners to reaching no more than 39% of U.S. TV households.
The 39% ownership cap is part of U.S. law, so DeLay says only Congress can change it, not the FCC.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has proposed removing the 39% cap and replacing it with a review process for each merger.
The FCC is scheduled to vote on this proposal soon.
The TV ownership cap was first set by the FCC in 1985 and later changed by Congress several times.
In 2004, Congress passed a law requiring the FCC to keep the cap at 39%, preventing the FCC from changing it on its own.
Both Democratic and Republican FCC leaders have claimed some authority to change the cap in the past, but the 39% limit remains.
Previously, the FCC allowed a media company to buy another company and exceed the 39% cap by granting a special waiver.
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More adults in the United States are moving back in with their parents due to rising living costs and inflation. This change shows how harder it has become for some people to afford living on their own.
Key Facts
Inflation means prices for many everyday things have gone up.
The cost of housing and other expenses is increasing.
Some adults, like a 34-year-old woman interviewed, choose to live with their parents again.
Moving back home can help adults save money during hard financial times.
This trend reflects a larger problem with affordability in the U.S.
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Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller is facing growing pressure from his party to resign over domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife. His ex-father-in-law, GOP Senator Bernie Moreno, and several other Republican senators publicly said Miller should step down. President Donald Trump called Miller, warning that his re-election campaign looked difficult.
Key Facts
Max Miller is a Republican U.S. representative from Ohio.
Miller has been accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, including serious allegations involving their toddler.
Senator Bernie Moreno, Miller’s ex-father-in-law and a Republican ally of Trump, said Miller is unfit to serve and should resign.
Other Republican senators have publicly supported Moreno’s call for Miller to quit.
Miller denies the allegations and has filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.
President Trump called Miller, telling him his re-election chances are tough but did not take a clear public position.
If Miller withdraws from the race soon, the GOP must hold a special primary or select a new nominee by early August.
Miller married Emily Moreno in 2022 and they divorced in 2025 amid these allegations.
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