The U.S. has seen the highest number of measles cases in over 30 years in 2026, with outbreaks spreading across several states. Experts say the rise is mainly due to lower vaccination rates, which puts public health at risk.
Key Facts
By mid-July 2026, measles cases in the U.S. surpassed the total cases for all of 2025.
In 2025, there were over 2,200 confirmed measles cases, the highest recent number.
The U.S. has held measles elimination status since 2000 but may lose it due to current outbreaks.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems like lung and brain infections.
Vaccination is safe, effective, and prevents measles, according to medical research.
Most measles cases are in unvaccinated people, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
Vaccination rates for kindergartners dropped from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to about 92.7% in 2023-2024.
Herd immunity usually requires at least 95% vaccination coverage to protect a community.
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Nick Reiner has been charged with the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found dead in their home in Brentwood last year. He pleaded not guilty and faces possible life in prison or the death penalty.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner is charged with two counts of murder and special circumstances including multiple murders and lying in wait.
He is accused of using a knife as a deadly weapon in the killings.
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead on December 14, inside their Brentwood home by their daughter Romy.
The couple died from multiple sharp force injuries, according to the medical examiner.
Rob Reiner was a well-known actor and director, famous for the TV show "All in the Family" and movies like "The Princess Bride."
Michele Reiner was a photographer who took a photo of President Donald Trump used on the cover of "The Art of the Deal."
The night before the killings, Rob and Nick had a loud argument at a party hosted by Conan O’Brien.
Nick Reiner is in custody without bail, and his pretrial hearing is set for September 15.
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A former official of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Heidi Beirich, has been charged as part of a wider criminal case against the nonprofit group by the U.S. Department of Justice. Beirich faces charges including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, with her initial court appearance scheduled in California.
Key Facts
Heidi Beirich worked at the SPLC as a political extremism expert and chief financial officer.
She is charged with wire fraud conspiracy, submitting false statements to a bank, and money laundering conspiracy.
The Department of Justice’s case against the SPLC is based in Montgomery, Alabama.
The SPLC is a civil rights group that tracks hate groups but has been criticized by conservatives for alleged political bias.
Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges without naming Beirich.
Beirich founded another group called the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism after leaving SPLC.
Her lawyer said the justice system should not be used to silence political opponents.
The SPLC spokesperson and Beirich’s newer group did not immediately comment on the charges.
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President Donald Trump left a NATO summit in Turkey secretly due to threats from Iran. Instead of using his usual Air Force One planes, he flew out on a small military jet hidden inside a catering truck to avoid detection.
Key Facts
President Trump faced threats from Iran targeting him personally.
He attended a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, in early July 2026.
After the summit, he left Turkey secretly using a smaller military plane, the Air Force C-32A.
This secret departure was hidden from the press and some White House officials.
The usual Air Force One planes, including a new one gifted by Qatar, were not used for his exit.
The new Qatar-gifted Air Force One left Turkey without President Trump onboard.
Trump said the Secret Service and military made the decision for the covert flight due to higher risks.
The secret exit took place shortly after U.S.-Iran ceasefire efforts collapsed and attacks resumed.
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Nick Reiner has been officially charged with murdering his parents, director Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner, by waiting to attack them with a knife. He pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail, with a court hearing set for mid-September.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner is charged with two counts of murder for killing his parents.
The charges include special allegations for multiple murders and lying in wait, meaning he planned and waited to attack.
Prosecutors say he used a knife as a deadly weapon.
The murders happened on December 14, 2025, at the Reiners’ home in Brentwood.
Nick Reiner was living on his parents’ property at the time of the incident.
He had an argument with his father, Rob Reiner, the night before the killings.
Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bond.
His next court hearing is scheduled for September 15, 2026.
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ICE is planning to buy special gloves that can deliver electric shocks to control people who resist. The Department of Homeland Security said the agency may spend up to $20 million on these devices by March. The gloves are called G.L.O.V.E. and have been used by some police and jails before.
Key Facts
ICE officers may get gloves that give electric shocks to handle combative people.
The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to spend up to $20 million on these gloves.
The purchase is expected to be completed by March.
The gloves are called G.L.O.V.E., which means Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter.
The gloves are made by Compliant Technologies LLC, based in Lexington, Kentucky.
These gloves have been used before in some jails and police departments.
The electric shock is meant to cause pain to gain compliance but is not lethal.
The gloves are described as "conductive distraction and de-escalation devices."
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Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah event, faces legal arguments against the death penalty charge. His lawyers say prosecutors failed to prove Robinson knowingly risked others’ lives besides Kirk’s during the shooting.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
Prosecutors want to pursue the death penalty, claiming Robinson created a great risk of death to others present.
Robinson’s lawyers filed a 41-page request asking a judge to dismiss the aggravated murder charge.
The defense argues prosecutors did not prove anyone else was actually at risk in the bullet’s path.
Video evidence showed the bullet hit above the crowd, striking Kirk on an elevated platform.
Utah law requires proof that others faced a high chance of death and that the shooter knew this risk.
The defense also disputes claims that Robinson was motivated by Kirk’s political views.
A judge will decide by September 1 if Robinson will be tried and if the death penalty remains an option.
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Navy leaders held a meeting with about 200 family members of sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln. The meeting focused on concerns about mental health problems and the risk of self-harm among the crew during their ongoing mission in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The Navy met with sailors’ families to discuss mental health concerns.
Around 200 family members attended the meeting in San Diego.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently deployed in the Middle East.
There are worries that the deployment might make mental health issues worse.
Navy leadership is addressing risks related to self-harm among the sailors.
The meeting was held in person to allow families to voice their concerns directly.
Mental health support is a key focus during this deployment.
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The screen door is a simple feature of many American homes that lets fresh air in while keeping bugs out. Beyond its practical use, it symbolizes openness and trust within neighborhoods and families by allowing people to see and hear outside without fully opening the door.
Key Facts
Screen doors are made of lightweight materials like aluminum or wood with a mesh that blocks insects.
They let air flow into homes while keeping mosquitos and flies out.
A screen door allows people to see inside or outside without fully opening the door, creating a semi-private space.
It helps neighbors and family feel connected by inviting casual visits without formal doorbell rings.
The screen door is known for closing gently, avoiding slamming sounds.
It represents trust in the community and offers a way to hear and sense the surrounding nature.
There is a story, although unconfirmed, that a woman in Iowa invented the screen door in the late 1800s.
The screen door is part of a series called “American Objects,” celebrating items important to U.S. history and culture.
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The Trump administration has stopped supporting the annual Arctic Report Card, a report that tracks environmental changes in the Arctic region. NOAA will no longer coordinate the report starting in 2026, but data collection will continue and remain public. Scientists are working to continue the report despite this change.
Key Facts
The Arctic Report Card has tracked environmental changes in the Arctic since 2006.
The Arctic is warming about four times faster than the rest of the world due to climate change.
NOAA announced it will not coordinate the 2026 Arctic Report Card but will keep collecting and sharing data.
The 2025 report showed Arctic temperatures were the highest recorded since 1900 and sea ice was at a record low.
Changes in the Arctic impact sea levels, water quality, and increase risks like floods and landslides.
Scientists are trying to find ways to continue the report despite losing federal coordination.
The loss of US federal support is seen as a step back in US leadership on Arctic science and climate research.
This move is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce support for government climate studies.
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A couple from Mesa, Arizona, Ian and Athena Bartlett, was arrested for stealing over $6,000 worth of books from the Mesa Public Library. They checked out many books using two accounts and sold hundreds to a local bookstore before being caught by police.
Key Facts
Ian Bartlett is 36 years old; Athena Bartlett is 33.
They stole about $6,200 worth of library books from Mesa Public Library.
The couple used two library accounts to check out the books.
Hundreds of the stolen books were sold at a local secondhand bookstore.
Library staff reported the suspicious activity after bookstore employees tried to refuse buying the books.
Ian Bartlett's first account was blocked for owing about $1,565 in unreturned books.
Athena Bartlett made five transactions involving 423 books at the bookstore between May 7 and May 14, 2026.
Both were charged with theft (a class four felony) and trafficking stolen property (a class two felony).
Police are still investigating and ask anyone with stolen library books to contact them.
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Congress is starting its summer break while working quickly to agree on spending bills that keep the government running. They need to finish this before October 1 to avoid a government shutdown and before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Congress is beginning its August recess.
Lawmakers are trying to agree on continuing appropriations resolutions.
These resolutions are temporary spending bills to fund the government.
The deadline to avoid a government shutdown is October 1.
The midterm elections are coming up soon after the deadline.
So far, little progress has been made in passing final spending bills.
Failure to agree could lead to a government shutdown.
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Todd Blanche, the newly confirmed U.S. Attorney General, confirmed that the Justice Department's "Anti-Weaponization Fund" will not be restarted. He said the fund is officially ended but stated the department supports any law Congress may pass to address victims of alleged past government "weaponization."
Key Facts
Todd Blanche was recently confirmed as U.S. Attorney General.
He held his first press conference since the confirmation.
Blanche stated that the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" is officially ended and no longer exists.
He rescinded the order that created the fund.
President Donald Trump said the decision to revive the fund would be Blanche’s, but Blanche confirmed it will not return.
Blanche said the Justice Department and White House would support a new law by Congress to help victims affected by the previous Justice Department actions.
Blanche emphasized President Trump and himself want to compensate those they believe were harmed by government actions under prior administrations.
The new form of compensation will not use the previous Anti-Weaponization Fund.
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The Trump administration plans to spend at least $900 million on construction projects at the White House. Some of this spending will use taxpayer money and may proceed without approval from Congress.
Key Facts
The total cost for White House construction projects is expected to be at least $900 million.
These projects include tearing down the East Wing and building a new White House ballroom.
Part of the funding will come from taxpayer dollars.
The spending may occur without getting approval from Congress.
The report about this spending comes from The Washington Post.
This construction is happening during President Donald Trump’s administration.
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U.S. inflation slowed down slightly in July, with prices rising 3.4% from a year ago, a small drop from June's 3.5%. However, prices are still higher than before the Iran war, and many Americans continue to face rising costs for things like food, gas, and healthcare.
Key Facts
Inflation rose 3.4% in July compared to one year earlier.
This is a slight decrease from 3.5% inflation in June.
Inflation was lower at 2.4% before the Iran war began in February.
From June to July, prices increased by only 0.1%.
The smaller rise in inflation may reduce pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.
Prices for groceries, gas, and healthcare are going up faster than average wages.
Rising costs remain a concern for many Americans.
These economic issues are important as the midterm elections approach.
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Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist in Wisconsin, narrowly lost the Democratic nomination despite early poll leads. The Democratic Party’s organized support and traditional campaign strategies helped David Crowley, the establishment candidate, secure the nomination.
Key Facts
Francesca Hong was a strong contender with early big leads in polls for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin.
David Crowley, the party establishment’s choice, won the nomination by a few thousand votes.
The Democratic Party’s leadership and institutions still have significant influence over voter support.
Similar party consolidation happened in 2020 when leaders quickly united behind Joe Biden after early contests.
The left’s grassroots organizing in urban areas created a loyal base but was too narrow to win statewide.
Traditional campaign methods like TV ads and paid media are important for reaching a broad range of voters.
The left faces increased scrutiny and hostility from media and opposition as it gains influence.
Winning statewide races requires combining grassroots efforts with mass communication and effective media strategies.
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A judge in Washington DC has ordered the Kennedy Center to pay over $250,000 to musician Chuck Redd after he canceled a concert due to the center adding President Trump’s name to the venue. The judge dismissed the Kennedy Center’s lawsuit against Redd and ruled that he should be reimbursed for his legal costs.
Key Facts
The judge ordered the Kennedy Center to pay $252,479.70 in legal fees to Chuck Redd within 45 days.
Chuck Redd canceled a Christmas Eve concert at the Kennedy Center after it announced adding President Trump’s name to the venue.
The Kennedy Center sued Redd after the cancellation but the judge dismissed the case under the anti-SLAPP law, which protects free speech.
The Kennedy Center plans to appeal the judge’s decision.
The Kennedy Center board, controlled by Trump appointee Richard Grenell, renamed the venue to include President Trump’s name.
A federal judge later ruled the board did not have permission to rename the center and ordered removal of Trump’s name.
The federal court also blocked plans to close the Kennedy Center for two years of major renovations starting in July.
Planned renovations include work on marble facades, remodeling halls and theaters, and moving some events offsite.
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New York City is trying to introduce a new tax on luxury second homes owned by people who mostly live outside the city. However, the tax has caused confusion and legal challenges because it is hard to determine who actually owns and uses these properties as their primary residence.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports a new tax on expensive second homes in New York City owned by non-primary residents.
The tax targets homes worth over $5 million for houses and over $1 million for condos and co-ops.
The tax aims to raise about $500 million yearly from wealthy owners who do not pay city income taxes.
Complex ownership arrangements like trusts and limited liability companies make it hard to identify who should pay the tax.
Some property owners and groups have sued the city, claiming the city did not clearly establish who owes the tax.
A judge temporarily paused the tax process, but the city appealed to continue collecting it during legal review.
President Donald Trump’s Manhattan penthouse could be affected by this tax since his main home is now in Florida.
Officials say showing proof of primary residence is difficult due to informal arrangements like family members staying without documentation.
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Perez Hilton’s mother has filed for temporary custody of his three children after he was hospitalized during a mental health crisis in south Florida. Hilton was taken into care following a disturbing live stream where he appeared to harm himself, and his family is working to protect his children and support his recovery.
Key Facts
Perez Hilton’s mother filed for temporary custody of his three children in Miami-Dade County.
Hilton was hospitalized after a mental health crisis shown in a now-deleted live stream.
In the video, Hilton appeared naked, covered in blood, with cuts and holding a knife.
Police used Florida’s Baker Act to detain Hilton for up to 72 hours for a psychiatric evaluation.
Hilton’s family says he is in serious condition and requires surgery.
His children, niece, and sister left the home just before the live stream started to protect the kids.
Hilton is a single parent to three children under 14, all born via surrogacy.
The family asks for privacy and space around their home as they focus on healing and recovery.
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The U.S. Department of Justice charged 11 people in New York for running a marriage fraud scheme that helped mostly Chinese nationals get green cards. The scheme lasted about ten years, involved over 1,000 fake marriages, and included paying U.S. citizens to pose as spouses.
Key Facts
Eleven defendants were arrested for conspiracy to commit marriage and immigration fraud.
The scheme operated from 2016 to 2026 and involved fraudulent green card applications.
Foreign nationals paid up to $100,000 to enter fake marriages with U.S. citizens.
The defendants staged fake wedding ceremonies and submitted false evidence to immigration officials.
The fraud operated not only in New York but also in other states like Connecticut, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Participants included recruiters who found willing U.S. citizens and facilitators who earned commissions.
The charges carry possible prison terms of five to ten years.
The scheme generated millions of dollars over its operation.
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