Salah Sarsour, leader of Wisconsin’s largest mosque and a legal U.S. resident, is fighting deportation by the U.S. government. His former lawyer testified that Israeli authorities tortured Sarsour and forced him to confess to crimes, but never linked him to a terrorist group.
Key Facts
Salah Sarsour was arrested in March by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A judge released him in June, questioning why the government wants to deport him after decades in the U.S.
The U.S. government claims he is a foreign policy threat based on Israeli convictions from the 1980s and 1990s.
Sarsour has no criminal record in the United States.
His former Israeli lawyer testified that Sarsour was tortured and pressured to confess.
He was convicted for trying to possess a weapon but not for terrorism-related charges.
Sarsour’s brother described him as weak and in pain after Israeli detention.
Sarsour will attend the next immigration hearing remotely and will not testify himself.
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President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot memorial arch in Washington, D.C. could disturb the historical meaning of many nearby monuments and sites, according to the National Park Service. The arch would change important visual connections between landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, which were designed to symbolize unity.
Key Facts
The proposed arch would be 250 feet (76 meters) tall and have a gold color.
The National Park Service says the arch would disrupt the "integrity" and visual links of many historic places nearby.
These places include the Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Bridge, Arlington House, the National Mall, U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lady Bird Johnson Park.
The area affected is called the Memorial Avenue Corridor, a historic landscape connecting sites between Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia.
The original design of the Memorial Bridge area symbolized unity between the North and South after the Civil War.
Despite concerns, the arch has passed initial approval steps with support from commissions including Trump appointees.
The White House said it will follow all legal rules in building the arch.
Some groups, including veterans and historians, have filed a lawsuit opposing the project.
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A US federal appeals court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) likely broke the law by trying to cancel a $20 billion clean energy grant program created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The court stopped the EPA from freezing the grants but paused the release of funds while the EPA considers asking the Supreme Court to intervene.
Key Facts
The court ruled against the EPA’s attempt to cancel the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a $20 billion grant program for clean energy projects.
The fund was created by Congress in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to support nonprofit groups investing in energy projects and clean energy infrastructure.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin tried to stop the program, claiming it was wasteful and accused recipients of fraud.
The EPA froze billions of dollars that were held at Citibank for distribution to grantees.
The organizations receiving funds sued, saying the administration was wrongfully withholding money approved by Congress.
The full appeals court reversed an earlier panel decision that had sided with the EPA.
Judges said the EPA’s action was based on policy disagreements and likely violated the law.
The court’s decision restores an earlier judge’s order that blocked the EPA from canceling the grants without proper justification.
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Senator Bernie Sanders proposes increasing Social Security benefits by $2,400 annually while extending the program’s funding for 75 years. His plan would raise taxes on income above $250,000, including investment income, to help avoid a 22% benefit cut scheduled for 2032 without congressional action.
Key Facts
Social Security faces a funding shortfall that could cut benefits by 22% starting in 2032.
Sanders proposes raising Social Security payroll taxes on income and investments over $250,000.
Currently, payroll taxes apply only up to an income limit of $184,500.
The plan would not raise taxes for 91% of Americans earning less than $250,000 a year.
More than 70 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits.
Nearly half of seniors live on less than $30,000 annually, with over 20% living on less than $15,000.
Sanders opposes privatizing Social Security and wants to keep it government-run.
The proposal is based on Social Security Administration analysis showing solvency can be extended for 75 years with these changes.
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Two Republican senators, John Curtis and Jon Husted, decided to support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after their concerns were addressed. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Blanche’s nomination following several weeks of debate between committee members and the Department of Justice.
Key Facts
Senators John Curtis (Utah) and Jon Husted (Ohio) were previously undecided on supporting Todd Blanche.
Both senators decided to support Blanche after getting satisfactory answers to their concerns.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday morning.
There had been weeks of disagreement between two Republican senators on the committee and the Department of Justice.
Todd Blanche is nominated for the role of attorney general.
The nomination process involves evaluation and approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The article focuses on political support and decision-making within the U.S. Senate.
The update improves the chances of Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general.
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A man named Edwin Lopez-Cornejo died while held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, New Jersey. His family questions the medical care he received before his death and wants answers, including the release of his medical records and the closure of the detention center.
Key Facts
Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a 39-year-old Salvadoran national, died on Saturday at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center.
ICE reports he had a "medical emergency," was seen by medical staff, and was transported to a hospital where he died.
The official cause of death has not yet been released.
Lopez-Cornejo had health problems including high blood pressure and diabetes.
Family members say he reported numbness in his face and arm a day before his death but was not immediately taken to a hospital.
The family demands full medical records from ICE and GEO Group, the private company managing the facility.
They also call for the facility’s closure and the release of detained individuals.
Local officials are pursuing legal action to inspect health conditions at the detention center.
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Jay Clayton has been sworn in as the US director of national intelligence, overseeing 18 intelligence agencies. His confirmation was marked by controversy because he would not say that President Biden won the 2020 election, a point criticized by Democrats and supported by Republicans.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is the ninth director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard.
He was sworn in by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the Oval Office, with President Trump present.
Clayton previously served as US attorney for southern New York and chaired the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
He refused to affirm that President Biden won the 2020 election during his Senate confirmation hearing.
Clayton promised to protect the intelligence community from political interference.
Before Clayton’s appointment, Bill Pulte served briefly as acting director despite lacking national security experience.
Republicans confirmed Clayton along party lines; Democrats expressed concern over his stance on the 2020 election.
Clayton’s background includes overseeing major prosecutions related to terrorism and financial crimes, and holding senior roles in business and law.
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Los Angeles County fire officials reported that the 2025 Eaton Fire, which killed 19 people and destroyed over 9,400 homes and businesses, was caused by electrical sparks from an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower. The fire started during extreme weather and took nearly a month to put out.
Key Facts
The Eaton Fire burned 22 square miles in the Los Angeles area.
The fire caused 19 deaths and destroyed more than 9,400 structures.
The fire began because of electrical arcing (sparks) from an idle Southern California Edison tower.
The fire spread quickly due to high temperatures, dry brush, and strong winds.
Southern California Edison admitted its equipment was likely involved in starting the fire.
Fire officials and Cal Fire conducted a joint investigation that lasted 18 months.
Southern California Edison has filed lawsuits claiming local agencies delayed evacuation warnings and water supply was insufficient.
The fire affected areas including Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and La Cañada Flintridge.
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A new bill in the House of Representatives aims to help veterans understand how VA health care works with Medicare. It requires clearer information to prevent veterans from facing costly Medicare penalties due to confusion about their coverage and enrollment.
Key Facts
The Veterans Medicare Premium Transparency Act (H.R. 10012) was introduced on July 30 by Congressman Roger Williams.
Many veterans mistakenly think VA health care enrollment is the same as Medicare Part B enrollment.
VA health care does not count as creditable coverage for Medicare Part B, which can lead to permanent late-enrollment penalties if veterans delay signing up.
The bill requires the federal Medicare guide “Medicare & You” to explain how VA enrollment affects Medicare premiums and coverage.
Medicare.gov and other Health and Human Services websites must also include this information.
The bill instructs federal agencies to report data on veterans who face Medicare penalties linked to VA health care enrollment.
Millions of veterans receive VA health care and must make Medicare decisions when they turn 65, making this issue widespread.
The goal is to help veterans avoid unexpected financial penalties and make better health coverage choices.
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New York City is opening five city-run grocery stores offering discounted prices without requiring shoppers to show ID. A voluntary customer card may be available to help manage stock and prevent reselling, but it will not require identification or proof of residency.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to open five grocery stores owned by New York City.
These stores will sell food at about 30% off to help with rising grocery prices.
No ID or proof of residency will be needed to shop at these stores.
There is a proposal for a voluntary customer card to manage supply and stop bulk buying for reselling.
The customer card will be free and available to anyone who wants one.
The card would not be required to enter or shop in the stores.
City officials and spokespeople have denied claims that ID would be needed.
The card’s final design will be decided by the private operator running the stores, not by the city government.
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Jennifer Lackard, a deputy police commissioner in Mount Vernon, New York, was fired after she and her son were arrested for allegedly being involved in an attempted murder case. The charges relate to a shooting outside Bronx criminal court, where her son was the suspected gunman and she reportedly acted as the getaway driver.
Key Facts
Jennifer Lackard was the deputy police commissioner of wellness in Mount Vernon.
Both Jennifer and her 20-year-old son Chase Lackard were arrested and charged with attempted murder and other crimes.
The incident involved shots fired near Bronx criminal court on June 29, with no injuries reported.
Chase Lackard was believed to be the shooter and his mother allegedly drove the getaway car.
Jennifer Lackard was fired immediately after the arrest.
Chase Lackard has a history of violence and multiple prior police encounters involving shootings.
Jennifer Lackard’s salary was $138,219 in 2025.
The Mount Vernon police and city officials said the alleged criminal acts are unrelated to her official duties.
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Mike Lindell is stepping down as the CEO of MyPillow to focus on his campaign for governor of Minnesota. He has also reduced his ownership in the company but will remain on the board. His Republican primary campaign faces challenges about his residency and campaign actions.
Key Facts
Mike Lindell founded MyPillow in 2004 and led the company for 22 years.
Lindell is stepping down as CEO and will reduce his ownership share to a minority.
James Furlong, previously a MyPillow director, will become the new CEO.
Lindell remains a member of MyPillow’s Board of Directors.
The Republican Party of Minnesota is questioning whether Lindell meets residency rules to run for governor.
Lindell denies residency concerns and claims they are politically motivated attacks.
Lindell faced accusations of breaking campaign laws by giving away pillows promoting his campaign at a parade.
President Trump endorsed Lindell for the Republican nomination, and early voting for the primary started.
Other Republican candidates include Kendall Qualls and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
The winner of the GOP primary will likely compete against Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar in November.
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A measles outbreak in 2025 cost nearly $5.4 million to control, according to a new study. The researchers reported that over $53,000 was spent for each case of measles, with about $1,800 spent on each person exposed to the disease.
Key Facts
The measles outbreak happened in 2025.
Containing the outbreak cost nearly $5.4 million.
The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers calculated $53,522 spent per measles case.
About $1,817 was spent for each person who was exposed to measles.
The numbers come from tracking cases and people in contact with the disease.
The study highlights the high cost of managing contagious diseases like measles.
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A victim of Jeffrey Epstein expressed disappointment over Senator John Cornyn’s vote to move forward the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. The survivor had hoped for a different decision but felt let down by the senator’s choice.
Key Facts
Dani Bensky is a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Senator John Cornyn is a Republican from Texas.
Cornyn voted on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
Bensky spoke about her feelings on MS NOW with Mychael Schnell.
She described Cornyn’s vote as “really depressing.”
Bensky had hoped the senator would act differently in this matter.
The article focuses on the connection between political decisions and survivors of sexual abuse.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin made comments supporting more work visas in agriculture and changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. These statements upset some supporters of President Donald Trump who want stricter immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Mullin said more work visas are needed for farm jobs because some industries lack enough workers.
He acknowledged that the idea that immigrants take American jobs is true in some fields, but not all.
Mullin clarified he opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants and supports detention and deportation.
He said ICE is focusing on arresting serious criminals, not doing raids at workplaces or public places.
Some Trump supporters, including former Border Patrol commanders and commentators, criticized Mullin’s immigration approach.
Mullin urged state governors to cooperate with DHS to improve public safety.
The Trump administration's immigration hardliners work closely with Mullin despite the criticism.
Some members of Trump’s base want more mass deportations and harsher immigration enforcement.
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The FBI is not conducting a civil rights investigation into the July shooting death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero by an ICE officer in Maine. Instead, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General and the Maine attorney general's office are leading the investigation.
Key Facts
Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero was shot and killed by a federal ICE officer in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13.
The shooting happened after Guerrero allegedly tried to flee in his vehicle from immigration officers.
The Department of Homeland Security said the officer fired because he feared for public safety.
Surveillance video captured the shooting, and a witness reported hearing Guerrero say, "I tried to stop."
The ICE officer involved may not have been properly vetted and has a history of violent behavior.
Legal experts say the FBI usually leads civil rights investigations into deadly shootings by federal agents.
The FBI initially responded to investigate possible assault on a federal officer but later deferred to DHS Inspector General and Maine authorities.
The Maine attorney general's office has interviewed Guerrero’s partner but has not confirmed any FBI involvement.
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Three FBI agents were fired last year because of their work investigating President Donald Trump's efforts to change the 2020 election results. Several groups, including a large FBI agents' association, are now supporting a lawsuit these agents filed against the administration.
Key Facts
Three FBI employees were fired last year related to their investigation into President Trump’s actions after the 2020 election.
These agents are suing the administration over their firing.
The FBI Agents Association, which represents thousands of FBI agents, supports the lawsuit.
Five legal briefs from outside groups have been filed to back the fired agents in the last week.
FBI Director Kash Patel led a personnel shake-up that removed employees connected to the Trump investigation or seen as not supporting the current administration.
The lawsuit and support highlight tensions within the FBI related to how investigations about President Trump are handled.
The personnel changes at the FBI are part of a larger effort by the agency’s leadership under Patel.
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Kansas held primary elections to choose candidates for governor and U.S. Senate. Republicans aim to win the governor's office after eight years of Democratic leadership, while voters also considered a proposal to change how state Supreme Court justices are elected.
Key Facts
Kansas Republicans are selecting their candidate for governor in a crowded primary.
The current Democratic governor, Laura Kelly, cannot run again due to term limits.
Kansas has a history of electing governors from the party opposite the previous governor for over 60 years.
Democrats are also holding competitive primaries for governor and the U.S. Senate seat.
Voters are deciding on a possible constitutional amendment to allow direct election of state Supreme Court justices.
President Donald Trump endorsed Ty Masterson for the Republican governor’s primary.
Other Republican candidates include Charlotte O’Hara, Philip Sarnecki, Vicki Schmidt, and Scott Schwab.
Kansas generally votes Republican in federal elections but has an interesting pattern in state governor races.
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Almost 75% of people who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election think that Democratic lawmakers in Congress should do more to oppose President Donald Trump. This information comes from a poll done by The Economist and YouGov.
Key Facts
About 74% of Harris voters say Democrats challenge President Trump "too little."
Only 2% of Harris voters believe Democrats challenge him too much.
The poll was conducted by The Economist and YouGov.
The poll focuses on opinions of Harris voters from the 2024 election.
The main topic is the level of opposition Democratic lawmakers have toward President Trump.
The poll reflects views on political actions in the U.S. Congress.
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A congressman from the St. Louis area, Wesley Bell, is running for re-election and faces a primary challenge from former congresswoman Cori Bush, whom he defeated before. This primary and others in Missouri are the first under a new congressional map created by Republican lawmakers and supported by President Donald Trump to help Republicans keep control of the House.
Key Facts
Wesley Bell is a first-term Democratic congressman from Missouri's 1st Congressional District in the St. Louis area.
Cori Bush is a former congresswoman and a member of a progressive group in the House called The Squad.
Bell and Bush are competing in a Democratic primary rematch.
Missouri recently adopted a new congressional map designed by Republicans and backed by President Trump.
The new map aims to increase Republican chances of keeping the House majority in the 2024 midterm elections.
Primaries are underway for all of Missouri’s eight U.S. House seats.
The race draws attention from a powerful pro-Israel group.
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