Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be the main speaker at an event called Salute to Liberty on August 18 in Anderson, South Carolina. This event is considered one of the largest annual gatherings of Republicans in the state.
Key Facts
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the governor of Arkansas.
Sanders will speak at the Salute to Liberty event in South Carolina.
The event will take place on August 18 in Anderson, South Carolina.
South Carolina is important for choosing Republican presidential candidates.
The event is organized by Rep. Sheri Biggs from South Carolina’s 3rd District.
Rep. Biggs believes Sanders shares the values of her district's people.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, a long-serving Democratic representative in his late 70s, is facing a primary challenge from 26-year-old Liam Elkind. Elkind argues that new leadership is needed and points to Nadler's age as a concern, while Nadler plans to run for reelection, emphasizing his experience and past election successes.
Key Facts
Jerry Nadler is a 78-year-old Democratic representative from New York.
26-year-old Liam Elkind is challenging Nadler in the primary election.
Elkind states Nadler is too old to effectively oppose Donald Trump.
Nadler was previously removed from the Judiciary Committee leadership position last year.
A spokesperson for Nadler pointed out his strong past election performances.
Nadler plans to run for reelection, highlighting his achievements and plans.
Elkind is a Yale graduate and former leader of a nonprofit that helped during the pandemic.
More than a dozen House Democrats over 70, including Nadler, face primary challenges from younger candidates.
In an interview, Eric Trump mentioned that someone from his family, besides his father, might consider running for the U.S. presidency in the future. However, he doubts that he would personally think about running for president himself in 2028, describing politics as tough.
Key Facts
Eric Trump is the son of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
He suggested that another family member could possibly run for the presidency.
Eric Trump was interviewed by Dan Roan from BBC Sport.
He said it's uncertain if a family member would actually decide to run.
Eric expressed that politics is "brutal," indicating it is harsh or difficult.
He specifically mentioned he likely wouldn't consider a presidential run in 2028.
Kamala Harris announced she will not run for governor of California next year. She did not rule out a third run for the U.S. presidency in 2028. Harris plans to stay active in politics by supporting other Democratic candidates.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris decided not to run for California governor next year.
She is leaving open the possibility of running for president in 2028.
Harris has run for president twice before, in 2020 and 2024.
She plans to support Democratic candidates across the country.
Harris was the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve as the U.S. vice president.
She lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump.
Harris' political career includes serving as a U.S. senator and state attorney general in California.
The Trump administration is introducing a plan for Americans to upload personal health records to new apps managed by tech companies, aiming to make health information more accessible. The system will feature technologies for managing diabetes and weight, and it involves cooperation from major tech companies and hospital systems. Patients must agree to share their data, which will be protected, but there are concerns about privacy.
Key Facts
The initiative allows individuals to upload health data to apps by private tech companies.
Tech giants like Google and Amazon and hospital systems like Cleveland Clinic are participating.
The system focuses on tools for diabetes, weight management, and AI assistance.
Patients must opt-in to share their personal health data, which officials say will remain secure.
The system promises to make accessing medical records easier, replacing outdated methods like fax machines.
Noom, a weight loss app, will use the data to provide personalized health advice.
The initiative aims to eliminate barriers to obtaining medical records, which can delay treatment.
Privacy concerns exist about how securely patient data will be stored and used.
Two Federal Reserve officials may disagree with the central bank's decision to keep interest rates the same, showing differences within the Fed. This could be important if new leadership takes over when Jerome Powell's term as chair ends in May 2026. Interest rates may stay the same for now, but opinions differ on whether the economy is strong or showing signs of weakness.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve is likely to keep its key interest rate at about 4.3%.
Governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman might vote against this, which would be the first time in over 30 years that two Fed governors dissent.
Jerome Powell's term as the Fed Chair ends in May 2026.
President Donald Trump has expressed support for lower interest rates.
The economy grew at a 3% annual rate in the second quarter but shrank by 0.5% in the first quarter.
The overall growth for the first half of the year averages to about 1.25%.
Unemployment is at a low 4.1%, and inflation increased somewhat in June, partly due to tariffs.
Some Fed officials believe the economy may be weakening, with slow job growth and consumer spending.
Texas Republicans have introduced a plan to redraw the U.S. House district map to create more Republican-leaning seats before the 2026 elections. This plan includes adding five new districts that favor Republicans in Texas' major cities, aiming to strengthen the GOP’s position in the House.
Key Facts
Texas Republicans proposed a new district map to create more seats that favor their party.
The plan aims to add five new Republican-leaning seats by focusing on urban areas.
The Texas GOP aims to approve this map in a special 30-day legislative session.
Republicans currently hold 25 of Texas’ 38 U.S. House seats and could increase this to 30 with the new map.
Democrats in other states, like California, are considering similar moves to counter the GOP's efforts.
Texas Democrats may consider walking out of the legislative session to block the new map’s approval.
In past events, such as in 2003, Texas Democrats have attempted similar tactics, like fleeing the state, to prevent legislative actions.
The new map would also create two Black-majority districts and one Hispanic-majority district in Texas' largest cities.
In 1965, Medicaid was created to help low-income Americans with health care. Recently, a new law signed by President Trump has made significant changes to this and other aid programs, cutting over $1 trillion by imposing work requirements and shifting some costs to states. These changes may affect health care and food assistance for many people.
Key Facts
Medicaid began in 1965 to provide health care to low-income people.
A new law from President Trump changes Medicaid and other aid programs.
The law includes over $1 trillion in cuts over ten years.
Changes mainly involve adding work requirements for aid.
Some costs will shift from the federal government to the states.
An estimated 10 million more people might lose health insurance.
About 3 million fewer people may get food assistance from SNAP.
Local governments are concerned about how to handle these changes.
Thousands of fans gathered in Birmingham, England, to honor Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne after his recent death at age 76. Birmingham, known as the birthplace of heavy metal, celebrated Osbourne's life and legacy with a funeral procession, highlighting his influence on music and the city.
Key Facts
Ozzy Osbourne, lead singer of Black Sabbath, died at 76 and was honored in Birmingham.
Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham in 1968 and helped define heavy metal music.
The funeral procession went through Broad Street to the Black Sabbath bench.
Osbourne's hearse was followed by six vehicles carrying his family, who paid for the event.
Fans of all ages attended the procession, showing Osbourne's broad appeal.
Osbourne was known as the "Prince of Darkness" for his stage antics and influence.
Black Sabbath sold over 75 million albums worldwide.
Osbourne also gained fame through the reality TV show "The Osbournes."
Steve Witkoff, a White House envoy, will visit Israel on Wednesday to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This is his first visit to Israel in about six months, and there is currently a standstill in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostages.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff is a White House envoy.
He will travel to Israel on Wednesday.
His visit will focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This is his first visit to Israel in nearly six months.
There is a stalemate in ceasefire and hostage talks.
Witkoff might also visit aid centers in Gaza.
The White House wants to understand the situation to help civilians in Gaza better.
This information is part of a breaking news story.
People visiting the U.S. from countries not in the visa waiver program will soon have to pay an extra $250 fee on top of their regular visa fees. This new charge, called the "visa integrity fee," is meant to be refunded if visitors follow all the visa laws, but it's unclear how refunds will be processed and proven.
Key Facts
A new $250 visa integrity fee will be added for visitors needing a visa to enter the U.S.
This fee does not apply to travelers from countries in the visa waiver program.
Families from countries like Mexico, India, China, Brazil, and African nations will pay more due to this fee.
A family of four would have to pay an extra $1,000 because of this fee.
The fee is intended to be refunded if visitors adhere to visa rules.
There is uncertainty about how visitors will show compliance to get their refund.
PBS News discussed this topic with an expert from an immigration law firm.
A federal grand jury indicted Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell on sex trafficking charges, but the victims did not testify directly. Only law enforcement officials testified. The Justice Department wants the court to release the grand jury transcripts, but a judge has not agreed to this.
Key Facts
The federal grand juries charged Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell with sex trafficking.
None of the victims testified before the grand juries; only law enforcement officials did.
The Justice Department is asking the court to release the grand jury transcripts due to public interest.
Grand jury transcripts are usually kept secret, unless a court decides otherwise.
Epstein's grand jury heard from one FBI agent in June and July 2019.
Maxwell's grand jury heard from the same FBI agent and a New York Police Department detective in 2020 and 2021.
Public interest in the case remains high due to the connections Epstein and Maxwell had with famous people.
Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
Texas Republicans have proposed a new plan to change the political district lines in the state. This plan aims to create up to five more seats for the Republican Party in Congress, possibly influencing future control of the U.S. House.
Key Facts
Texas Republicans released a plan to redraw congressional district lines.
The new map could add up to five more GOP seats in Congress.
The redistricting might impact which party controls the U.S. House after the midterm elections.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott included redistricting in a special legislative session agenda.
The proposed map suggests creating 30 Republican districts and eight Democrat districts.
Texas currently has 25 Republican-held seats.
Democrats may consider similar redistricting in other states, but face legal challenges.
The proposal could change during the special session.
A magnitude 8.8 earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula caused tsunami waves to hit several areas, including Japan, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast. Coastal regions remain under tsunami alerts, with officials advising caution as more waves could follow.
Key Facts
A massive earthquake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, measuring 8.8 in magnitude.
This earthquake is tied as the sixth-strongest ever recorded globally.
Tsunami waves affected Russia, Japan, Hawaii, and parts of the U.S. West Coast.
Hawaii and Japan experienced waves but reported no significant damage or injuries.
Officials have issued tsunami alerts for coastal areas in Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington.
Waves hit San Francisco, with tidal changes of 2 to 2.5 feet happening quickly.
National Weather Service warns the first wave may not be the biggest, and multiple waves can occur.
People are advised to avoid beaches and shores until authorities declare it safe.
Myanmar's military government has introduced new strict laws for those protesting against its upcoming elections. The rules, effective since Tuesday, punish activities like protesting or distributing leaflets against the election with prison terms and, in extreme cases, the death penalty.
Key Facts
The Myanmar government has set new penalties for protesting the planned elections.
These penalties include prison terms of three to seven years for individual violations.
Group offences can result in five to ten years in prison.
Damaging election-related materials or intimidating voters can lead to up to 20 years in prison.
If election disruption causes a death, those involved may face the death penalty.
The military took control of Myanmar in a 2021 coup, leading to ongoing conflict.
There are significant areas in Myanmar that remain outside of military control.
Attempts to collect census data for the elections faced security issues, affecting 19 million people.
The Pentagon has stopped taking part in events hosted by think tanks, which are groups of experts that provide advice on policy. This decision aligns with the current administration's aim to change how the Pentagon operates and communicates with the public, focusing instead on smaller, more favorable networks.
Key Facts
The Pentagon has paused involvement in think tank events.
This is part of a broader plan by the administration to shift away from traditional defense circles.
Recently, the Pentagon withdrew from the Aspen Security Forum.
The move has caused some confusion within the defense community about new rules.
The decision indicates a desire for more controlled messaging and engagement.
Former Pentagon officials believe this could limit the Pentagon's ability to communicate effectively with defense industry partners.
The administration is focusing on connecting with groups that align more closely with its political agenda.
Florida has carried out the most executions in the U.S. this year, surpassing its previous annual record. With nine executions already completed and more scheduled, the state is setting new benchmarks for the number of executions. Nationally, the U.S. is also seeing a rise in executions compared to last year.
Key Facts
Florida has executed nine death row inmates this year, a state record.
The previous record was eight executions in 2014.
Florida has three more executions planned, with one on July 31, and others in mid and late August.
Nationwide, 26 people have been executed so far this year.
Eleven more executions are scheduled in the U.S. for this year.
Last year, there were a total of 25 executions in the country.
Experts say that the number of executions does not fully represent current public opinion on the death penalty.
State laws govern how the death penalty is applied, not federal executive orders.
The U.S. Justice Department allowed Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to merge with Juniper Networks due to national security concerns related to China. The decision was influenced by the intelligence community, which saw the merger as important to compete with Chinese tech companies, particularly Huawei.
Key Facts
The Justice Department's decision to approve the merger was influenced by national security issues linked to China.
U.S. intelligence agencies supported the merger to help American companies be more competitive against China’s Huawei.
A senior official stated that stopping the merger would have weakened U.S. businesses and strengthened Chinese competitors.
The Justice Department often works with intelligence groups when making important decisions like this.
Attorney General Pam Bondi had discussions with intelligence officials, which led to her support of the merger.
The decision reflects a close working relationship among President Trump’s Cabinet members.
Tensions within the DOJ's antitrust division arose, leading to the firing of two senior officials over their disagreement with the merger decision.
President Trump has secured more than $1.2 billion in settlements from universities, law firms, media companies, and tech firms, based on an examination by Axios. A potential $500 million settlement with Harvard University would be the largest so far. These settlements relate to claims of civil rights violations and other issues.
Key Facts
President Trump has obtained $1.2 billion in settlements from major universities, law firms, media, and tech companies.
A $500 million settlement with Harvard University is under discussion, linked to accusations of civil rights violations, including antisemitism and diversity policies.
Harvard filed a lawsuit when federal research funding was frozen, claiming its rights were being violated.
Columbia University agreed to a $221 million fine, which is less than what Harvard might pay.
Big law firms have settled for legal service agreements worth between $40 million and $125 million.
CBS parent company Paramount settled for $16 million over a lawsuit about a "60 Minutes" interview.
Meta paid $25 million to settle a lawsuit after banning Trump from Facebook and Instagram.
Some law firms have successfully challenged Trump's actions in court, questioning the legal grounds for some of these settlements.
A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, leading to tsunami warnings and evacuations in many areas, including Japan and Hawai'i. Tsunami waves were reported in parts of the U.S., with significant impacts in Hawai'i and California, but there were no immediate reports of injuries in Russia.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 8.8 and occurred near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
Tsunami warnings and evacuation orders were issued for coastal areas in Japan, Hawai'i, and parts of the U.S. Pacific Coast.
Tsunami waves over 5 feet were observed in Hawai'i, and waves of over a foot were seen in California.
Russia reported tsunami waves over 10 feet, which caused flooding in a port city.
Japan experienced waves up to 2 feet along its Pacific coast.
No casualties were initially reported in Russia, but a state of emergency was declared in the Severo-Kurilsky District.
In Hawai'i, flights were canceled, and harbors were closed as a precaution.
This earthquake released significantly more energy than other recent notable earthquakes.
