Morris Katz, a Democratic strategist, discussed why Graham Platner decided to quit the U.S. Senate race in Maine. Katz pointed to old Reddit posts by Platner that caused controversy and said these posts should have been a clear warning sign.
Key Facts
Graham Platner was running for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
Morris Katz helped recruit Platner as the Democratic candidate.
Some old posts made by Platner on Reddit resurfaced, causing controversy.
Platner decided to drop out of the Senate race after these posts became public.
Katz said the Reddit posts should have been a “red line,” meaning a clear sign not to proceed.
Katz shared his thoughts during a podcast interview with The New York Times’s Ezra Klein.
The podcast episode was released on a Friday.
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Venezuela has told the United Nations it will leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) because it believes the court is unfairly targeting countries in the Global South. This decision follows ICC investigations into alleged crimes by the Venezuelan government during protests in 2017 and comes as Venezuela shifts its political alignment towards the United States.
Key Facts
Venezuela informed the UN of its decision to withdraw from the ICC.
The government says the ICC is biased against African and Latin American countries.
The ICC started investigating possible crimes against humanity by Venezuela in 2021.
Venezuela’s National Assembly canceled its agreement to follow the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2023.
The ICC has faced criticism for treating Western and Global South leaders differently.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez leads the government and supports closer ties with the US.
The US opposes the ICC and has taken actions, like sanctions, against ICC officials.
The move to leave the ICC comes amid Venezuela’s efforts to improve relations with Israel.
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President Donald Trump responded to questions about his announcement on a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia. He said no one announced the deal before him, despite changing the terms to include a new condition requiring Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to reporters about the Saudi nuclear deal.
He added a new condition to the deal that Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords are agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and some Arab countries.
The announcement came before the deal was fully finalized.
President Trump said he was the first to announce the deal publicly.
The nuclear deal concerns Saudi Arabia’s plans for nuclear energy.
CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi reported on the situation.
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Paramount has agreed to postpone completing its $81 billion purchase of Warner Bros Discovery until at least June 1, 2027. This delay comes as a judge reviews a lawsuit from 12 states trying to stop the deal over concerns about reducing competition in the movie and cable markets.
Key Facts
Paramount, owned by Skydance, plans to buy Warner Bros Discovery for $81 billion.
Twelve states, led by California, sued to block the merger.
The states argue the deal would reduce competition and limit choices for consumers.
A judge granted a temporary order to pause the deal while the case is reviewed.
Paramount agreed to delay closing the purchase until at least five days after the court decides on the merits or June 1, 2027.
Paramount says the states’ claims have no strong basis and will defend the merger vigorously.
The lawsuit focuses on the potential impact on Hollywood and cable customers.
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Saudi Arabia has carried out air strikes on the city of Hodeidah in Yemen, which is controlled by the Houthi rebels. This action follows recent attacks by the Houthis on Saudi ships and a maritime blockade they imposed on Saudi Arabia.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia launched air strikes on Hodeidah, a city held by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Houthi media reported that telecommunications facilities and Kamaran Island were targeted.
A Saudi ship was reportedly hit in the Red Sea amid ongoing tensions.
The Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20.
The blockade was described by Houthis as retaliation for a Saudi strike on Sanaa’s airport.
This attack ended a four-year informal truce that started in 2022.
Hodeidah’s port is crucial because it handles most commercial and humanitarian imports for northern Yemen.
The conflict is increasing tensions in the region during other ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and Gaza.
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Canada opened the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, without U.S. officials present. The event was quiet and focused on Canadian attendees due to a trade dispute and tariff threats from President Donald Trump, which have strained relations between the two countries.
Key Facts
The Gordie Howe International Bridge links Windsor, Ontario, with Detroit, Michigan.
Canada canceled a planned joint ribbon-cutting ceremony with the U.S. because of tensions over trade and toll-sharing.
President Trump threatened 50% tariffs on Canada amid ongoing trade disagreements.
The $4.7 billion bridge, funded by Canada, aims to provide a faster alternative to the existing Ambassador Bridge.
Canadian officials celebrated the opening with family of Gordie Howe and encouraged patriotic dress in red and white.
There are ongoing disagreements about how toll revenues from the bridge will be divided between Canada and the U.S.
The bridge is important for trade, with $194 million worth of goods crossing daily between Windsor and Detroit.
A Detroit businessman opposing the bridge donated $1 million to a Trump-aligned political group, though no direct connection to the trade dispute was confirmed.
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) voted to remove its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, due to serious misconduct related to sexual misconduct allegations. This is the first time the ICC has removed a chief prosecutor, following a long investigation and vote by member states.
Key Facts
Karim Khan, the ICC’s chief prosecutor, was accused of sexual misconduct with a female aide and denies the allegations.
The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties, made up of 125 member countries, voted by a large majority to remove Khan.
Khan was temporarily suspended in June 2023 while the investigation happened.
The court found Khan committed "serious misconduct and serious breach of duty."
A motion to make it harder to remove Khan was rejected early in the meeting.
The ICC is facing pressure from the United States, which is working to reduce the court’s influence and protect U.S. citizens from ICC investigations.
Venezuela announced it will leave the ICC, accusing it of focusing unfairly on Africa and Latin America.
The controversy around Khan’s removal is linked to political tensions over the court’s investigations, such as those involving Israel and the U.S.
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Afrah al-Zouba has been appointed Yemen’s first female foreign minister, marking a historic first for the country’s cabinet. She has a long career working in development, peacebuilding, and government, including key roles in Yemen’s political transition after the 2011 revolution.
Key Facts
Afrah al-Zouba is the first woman to serve as Yemen’s foreign minister or hold any top cabinet position.
She has more than 25 years of experience in development and peacebuilding in Yemen.
Al-Zouba was appointed minister of planning and international cooperation in February 2024, just before her new role.
She led the body responsible for managing foreign aid to Yemen.
She played a senior role in the National Dialogue Conference from 2013 to 2015, which aimed to create a new political system in Yemen.
Al-Zouba helped draft a proposed new constitution during the political transition period.
The peace process she worked on failed after the Houthi movement rejected the agreements and took control of the capital in 2014.
Her background includes degrees in pharmacy, community health, health economics, and business administration.
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President Donald Trump said he thinks NBA player LeBron James might be a racist. When asked if he prefers LeBron James or Michael Jordan, Trump said he prefers Jordan and mentioned that Jordan is his friend and that they golf together.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump called LeBron James a "possible racist."
Trump was asked whom he prefers between LeBron James and Michael Jordan.
Trump said he prefers Michael Jordan.
Trump described Michael Jordan as a good guy and his friend.
Trump mentioned he plays golf with Michael Jordan.
The comments came during a conversation in the Oval Office on a Friday.
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Tony Romo, former NFL quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Wisconsin. He failed sobriety tests, was released the same night, and must attend a court hearing on September 21.
Key Facts
Tony Romo was stopped by police in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, around 6 p.m. local time.
He performed poorly on field sobriety tests, leading to his arrest for intoxicated driving.
Romo was released from custody later that night.
He has a court date scheduled for September 21.
This is reported to be his first offense related to drunk driving.
Possible penalties include losing his driver’s license and a fine.
Romo played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2016, scoring 248 touchdown passes.
Since 2017, he has worked as a football commentator for CBS.
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Rylan Ferguson, a 21-year-old college student, mimicked President Donald Trump during a rally in Georgia as a friendly joke, saying it was a sign of respect. His actions gained a lot of attention online, but Ferguson said he was just having fun and did not mean to offend anyone.
Key Facts
Rylan Ferguson is 7 feet tall and describes himself as an extrovert.
He attended the rally at his former high school in Georgia, where President Trump spoke.
Ferguson graduated from Wheeler High School two years ago and now studies finance at the University of Alabama.
He mimicked President Trump’s speech and hand gestures, which was captured on video and went viral.
Ferguson said his impersonation was a "sincere form of flattery" and that he was comfortable doing it with friends nearby.
He considers himself politically independent and hopes to meet President Trump one day.
Some people criticized Ferguson’s impersonation, but others found it funny and harmless.
Ferguson did not plan to seek attention and believes the viral moment will fade soon.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford said President Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian goods will raise prices for Americans and harm both countries. Ford criticized the trade war, saying it hurts jobs and economies in the U.S. and Canada, and urged Canada to fight back against the tariffs.
Key Facts
President Trump announced 50% tariffs on various Canadian goods starting next month.
Tariffs will affect close to $20 billion of Canadian products like hockey sticks, alcohol, milk, and honey.
Canada canceled a U.S. official invitation to the Gordie Howe Bridge opening in response to the tariffs.
The Gordie Howe Bridge connects Detroit (U.S.) and Windsor (Canada) and will create jobs on both sides.
Canada is the largest U.S. trading partner, with about $52 billion in two-way trade.
Ford said the trade war raises prices and creates uncertainty for businesses in both countries.
The Trump administration says tariffs are retaliation for Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods and liquor bans.
Ford compared the trade conflict to repeated punches and said Canada must stand up for itself.
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A court hearing is ongoing to decide if musician D4vd, also known as David Anthony Burke, will go to trial for murder charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors say Burke killed Hernandez and tried to hide her body; Burke denies the charges.
Key Facts
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14 years old when she died.
David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, is charged with capital murder and other crimes.
Prosecutors say Burke started a sexual relationship with Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18.
Rivas Hernandez’s body was found in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.
Her remains were dismembered and in a decomposed state when found, making the autopsy difficult.
The autopsy showed she died from multiple stab wounds, including ones to her liver and ribs.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court has reviewed graphic photos of the body during the hearing.
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Costa Rica captured Alejandro Arias-Monge, a top fugitive nicknamed "Diablo," who was wanted by the United States for drug trafficking. The arrest involved a fight that injured several Costa Rican agents, and authorities also seized weapons and arrested others at the scene.
Key Facts
Alejandro Arias-Monge, 41, known as "Diablo," is a major drug trafficker wanted by the U.S.
He was caught in Costa Rica after an hourlong struggle during which six federal agents were injured.
One agent remains in serious condition following the arrest.
Two other people were arrested, and authorities seized high-powered weapons.
The U.S. State Department offered a $500,000 reward for Arias-Monge's capture.
Arias-Monge led a violent transnational criminal group smuggling drugs from Colombia to the U.S.
His group operated throughout all seven provinces of Costa Rica.
He and his syndicate used social media to post violent content to intimidate locals.
Arias-Monge had been on the run since 2016 and is suspected of involvement in about 100 deaths.
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A police boat crashed into Westminster Bridge in central London, throwing officers into the River Thames and injuring five crew members. The cause of the crash is being investigated, and no civilians were reported hurt.
Key Facts
The crash happened on the River Thames near Westminster Bridge.
Five police officers on the boat were injured and treated by paramedics.
A police helicopter was present near the scene during the rescue.
The police boat’s purpose at the time of the crash is unknown.
Witnesses saw the boat crash and officers fall into the water.
The bridge was closed to traffic while emergency crews responded.
The Port of London Authority and Coastguard assisted police with river traffic.
No civilians were involved or injured in the incident.
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President Donald Trump said that no one announced the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal before him, even though he changed the agreement the day after the announcement. He made these comments to respond to a CNN report suggesting he was surprised by his own secretary.
Key Facts
President Trump made a statement on Friday about the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal.
He claimed that no one announced the deal before he did.
The terms of the deal were changed by President Trump the day after the initial announcement.
CNN reported that President Trump was caught off guard by his own secretary regarding the deal.
Trump’s comments were meant to disagree with CNN’s report.
The deal involves nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
The news highlights some disagreement or confusion within the U.S. administration about the deal.
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President Donald Trump announced that four new nuclear power plants has reached an important milestone, meeting the administration’s goal for new reactors by July 4. He highlighted this as a success for nuclear energy, a key part of his energy policy.
Key Facts
Four new nuclear power plants reached a major milestone recently.
These plants met the administration’s goal for progress by July 4.
President Trump made this announcement in the Oval Office.
CEOs and administration officials were present at the announcement.
Nuclear power is a vital energy source promoted by President Trump’s administration.
The milestone supports the administration’s push for expanding nuclear energy.
This progress is part of broader efforts to advance U.S. energy independence.
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California rejected about 150,000 mail-in ballots during its June primary election, which is the largest number in recent years. This increase was partly due to many ballots being postmarked late, raising questions about how the U.S. Postal Service handled election mail.
Key Facts
California rejected 148,241 mail-in ballots in the June primary.
These rejected ballots make up 1.73% of all mail ballots cast.
The number of rejected ballots is the highest in recent election cycles.
Many ballots were rejected because they were postmarked late.
Concerns have been raised about changes in how the U.S. Postal Service processes election mail.
The data comes from the California Secretary of State’s office.
Mail-in voting plays a big role in California elections.
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A large wildfire in central Spain has forced over 10,000 people to leave their homes. Firefighters are working to control what is described as the worst wildfire in the country’s history.
Key Facts
The wildfire is happening in central Spain.
More than 10,000 people have been evacuated.
Firefighters are trying to stop the fire from spreading.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency because of the fire.
This wildfire is called the worst in Spain’s history.
Evacuees have spoken about their close escapes from the fire.
Efforts to manage the wildfire are ongoing.
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A new bill led by House Democrats aims to expand access to fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), for veterans and military families. The proposed law would increase coverage nationwide through the VA and other health plans, helping veterans facing infertility, especially those with service-related injuries.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Right to IVF Act of 2026 and includes a part named the Veteran Families Health Services Act.
It seeks to cover IVF and other fertility treatments for veterans, military families, and the wider population.
Currently, VA IVF coverage is limited to certain veterans and spouses under strict conditions.
Women veterans have a 50% higher infertility rate than civilian women, often due to service injuries.
The legislation would require fertility treatment coverage in employer plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans' benefits.
It aims to reduce the high out-of-pocket costs that many families face for IVF treatments.
Related earlier legislation, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025, proposed broader fertility services, including fertility preservation and travel assistance.
The bill is supported by several House Democrats and Senators Patty Murray and Rick Larsen.
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