The House Ethics Committee found that Representative Chuck Edwards from North Carolina broke House rules by behaving inappropriately toward female staff members. The committee recommended that the entire House vote to formally censure him for these violations.
Key Facts
Rep. Chuck Edwards was found to have violated rules against sexual harassment and unwanted advances.
The Ethics Committee released a 25-page report outlining these findings.
The committee said Edwards failed to act in a way that reflects well on the House.
The committee plans to propose a resolution for the full House to vote on censure.
Edwards denied the accusations and said he welcomes any investigation.
The Ethics Committee began investigating Edwards on May 14.
The full House must approve the censure by a simple majority vote.
The House is currently on break and will not consider the censure until after August 31.
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A recent poll shows that 39 percent of Americans approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration, while 58 percent do not. This approval rating has dropped by 10 points since President Trump began his second term.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
39 percent of Americans approve of President Trump’s performance on immigration.
58 percent of Americans disapprove of his immigration policies.
The approval rating on immigration has fallen by 10 points since the start of President Trump’s second term.
Immigration is a key issue on President Trump’s political agenda.
The poll reflects public opinion at the time of the survey.
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President Donald Trump will visit California and Nevada this week to promote his economic policies. His trip includes a Republican National Committee dinner in Los Angeles and a stop in Las Vegas to talk about tax cuts.
Key Facts
President Trump’s trip includes stops in Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
He will attend a Republican National Committee dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, he will speak in Las Vegas about tax cuts.
The purpose of the trip is to promote his economic message.
The focus is on supporting Republican policies related to the economy.
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Layoffs during President Donald Trump’s current term are slightly higher compared to the final months of President Joe Biden’s term. Although layoffs have increased in some visible sectors, the overall job market remains stable with low unemployment and many job openings.
Key Facts
Average monthly layoffs were about 1.66 million in Biden’s last 17 months and about 1.75 million in Trump’s first 17 months of his second term.
The highest monthly layoffs under Trump reached 1.891 million, surpassing Biden’s highest of 1.831 million.
Layoffs are happening across many industries, including tech, media, and companies using artificial intelligence (AI).
Many companies are cutting jobs to reduce costs and improve efficiency after expanding during the pandemic recovery.
Overall unemployment remains low, and job openings are still high by historical standards.
Some workers are leaving the labor force because they are discouraged about finding jobs.
Recent large layoffs have affected well-known companies such as Ideal US Talent Systems and Corizon Health.
ESPN has conducted layoffs linked to restructuring after Disney's integration of NFL Network.
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President Donald Trump signed an order to create a new group called the President’s Military Spouse Commission. This group will work on making life better for military spouses and their families by focusing on the problems they face. Jennifer Rauchet, wife of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will lead this commission.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order on Monday.
The order forms the President’s Military Spouse Commission.
The commission’s goal is to improve the lives of military spouses and families.
It will focus on the challenges military families face.
Jennifer Rauchet will be the chair of the commission.
Jennifer Rauchet is married to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The commission will provide advice and recommendations related to military families.
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Health officials in Suffolk County, New York, reported three probable cases of tularemia, also called "rabbit fever," a rare bacterial illness. The disease is usually spread by tick or deer fly bites and contact with infected animals, and symptoms include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.
Key Facts
Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis.
It spreads mainly through tick and deer fly bites or contact with infected animals like rabbits and rodents.
The infection is not spread from person to person.
Symptoms appear 3 to 5 days after exposure but can take up to 3 weeks.
Common symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a sore or ulcer at the site of infection.
Handling infected animal tissue can lead to eye infections and swollen lymph glands.
The most serious form, pneumonic tularemia, affects the lungs and causes coughing and breathing problems.
Lab tests to confirm the disease can take several weeks.
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A high court judge ordered the UK Home Office to bring back a man who was forcibly sent to France under a policy that exchanges one asylum seeker returned for one allowed into the UK. The judge also cancelled a policy that stopped asylum seekers from having their trafficking claims reviewed again after an initial denial.
Key Facts
The "one in one out" policy removes some people crossing the Channel illegally and brings a similar number from France legally into the UK.
The judge ruled the policy change that blocked reconsideration of trafficking claims was unlawful and should be treated as if it never existed.
The man ordered to be returned is a Sudanese asylum seeker who survived torture and is believed to be a trafficking victim.
Others removed to France under this policy have sometimes gone underground or fled due to threats.
Another asylum seeker involved in the legal challenge will have his trafficking case reviewed in France and might be returned to the UK.
The Home Office and asylum seekers have permission to appeal parts of the ruling.
The decision could affect many others removed to France under this policy.
The Home Office is reviewing the judgment and considering possible appeals.
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Recent polls show that President Donald Trump’s approval rating is at some of the lowest levels seen in his terms. Despite these results, President Trump disputes the polls, calling them fake, and points to achievements like tax cuts and economic growth as reasons his support is actually strong.
Key Facts
Several recent polls from groups like CNN, Quinnipiac University, and AP-NORC show Trump’s approval rating near record lows.
A Quinnipiac poll found only 32% of registered voters approve of Trump, the lowest in both his terms.
CNN’s poll showed 34% approval for Trump from July 23-27.
Republican-leaning polls such as McLaughlin & Associates recorded 36% approval of Trump and his policies, with 47% disapproval.
Rasmussen Reports found 44% approval and 55% disapproval among likely voters.
Cygnal’s poll measured personal favorability at 56.1% favorable versus 41.9% unfavorable.
President Trump tweeted that poll numbers are “fake” and highlighted economic achievements and foreign policy successes.
The low approval ratings are a concern for the Republican Party ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
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Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, have agreed to support President Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, Todd Blanche, after Blanche canceled a controversial $1.8 billion fund. This fund was criticized for potentially using taxpayer money to help Trump’s political allies, including some involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
Key Facts
Senators Cornyn and Tillis said they will vote to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Blanche canceled the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation fund” that sparked bipartisan criticism.
The fund was created to compensate Trump allies who claimed government persecution.
Some feared the fund could benefit supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault.
Blanche currently serves as acting Attorney General and was involved early in creating the fund.
President Trump had sued the IRS for $10 billion, which was related to the fund’s creation.
Blanche confirmed in a hearing he would not move forward with the fund, but Trump continued promoting it.
The Justice Department officially rescinded the order authorizing the fund, stating no money was spent or claims processed.
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Two people in Michigan have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness. Both had serious health problems that may have worsened because of the infection and dehydration.
Key Facts
Two deaths in Michigan linked to cyclosporiasis have been reported.
Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions.
These health problems might have been affected by the cyclosporiasis infection and dehydration.
Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services shared this information on Monday.
As of Monday, Michigan has reported 11,234 cases of cyclosporiasis.
Cyclosporiasis causes watery diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.
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Republican lawmakers are urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to increase rules overseeing baby formula safety. They want limits set on harmful substances in formula and more research on health effects to protect babies.
Key Facts
Most babies in the U.S. receive infant formula during their first year.
A recent FDA study found the U.S. baby formula supply safe.
Some lawmakers want formal limits on toxic metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury in formula.
Florida Rep. Brian Mast introduced the FORMULA Act of 2026 to set federal contaminant limits and require regular testing and reporting.
The bill would require manufacturers to keep testing records and report violations annually to Congress.
Contaminants mentioned include microplastics, pesticides, and certain chemical substances.
The bill currently has one cosponsor, Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter, and is under review by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Representatives stress that parents deserve certainty about formula safety and better protections for babies.
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Paul Rivera, who wrote an internal report analyzing the Democrats’ 2024 election loss, says a full chapter titled “What Happened in 2024” was removed from the version made public. This missing section discussed topics like President Biden’s choice to run again and questions about wealthy party operatives, which some party leaders deny having seen.
Key Facts
Paul Rivera authored the Democrats’ internal 2024 election loss report.
A chapter called “What Happened in 2024” was not included in the public report but was given to party chairman Ken Martin in January.
The missing section talked about President Biden’s decision to seek re-election and the influence of wealthy Democratic officials.
Ken Martin said he did not see this missing chapter and would have released it if he had.
The released report disappointed many because it didn’t fully explain why Democrats and their candidates lost to President Trump.
The absent chapter suggested Democrats misunderstood voter concerns and failed to address key demographic shifts.
The Democratic party faces a $2 million cash shortfall heading into upcoming elections, while the Republican party has a much larger positive balance.
The disclosures come as Michigan Democrats prepare for primary elections between moderate and progressive Senate candidates.
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Maryland lawmakers started a special session to discuss changing the state constitution to allow new political maps that could help Democrats win more U.S. House seats in 2028. The change would need voter approval before any new maps are drawn, and Republicans oppose the plan, calling it a power grab.
Key Facts
Maryland Democrats want to amend the state constitution to let them draw congressional districts more favorably for their party.
The proposed amendment must be approved by voters before lawmakers can redraw district lines.
Currently, Democrats hold 7 of Maryland’s 8 U.S. House seats; Republicans hold 1.
A previous attempt to redraw districts to make a Republican seat competitive was struck down by a judge for extreme partisan gerrymandering.
The amendment aims to limit rules about district shapes and natural boundaries only to state legislative districts, not congressional ones.
Republicans criticize the move, saying it limits public input and splits communities unfairly.
Governor Wes Moore supports the effort and says voters will ultimately decide the issue.
The plan responds partly to changes in the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act rulings that affect redistricting nationwide.
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A man named Chad Williams opened fire at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, killing three people and injuring seven others before shooting himself. Police say Williams acted alone, and an off-duty officer and a citizen fired at him to stop the attack.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on Saturday at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Chad Williams, 24 years old, was the gunman and died from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Three people died, including an In-N-Out employee.
Seven people were injured; some are in stable or critical condition.
An off-duty state trooper and a civilian fired shots that helped stop the gunman.
Williams’ family is cooperating with investigators.
Police have not released the names of the victims or the people who fired at the shooter.
The restaurant had opened recently as part of the chain’s expansion in Idaho.
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Nigel Farage said he talked about the financial risks of returning to lead the Reform party months before the 2024 UK general election. He also said these discussions happened well after he received a £5 million gift from a billionaire, which has raised questions about whether he should have declared it as a Member of Parliament (MP).
Key Facts
Nigel Farage discussed possible financial problems with Richard Tice, then leader of Reform, if he returned to politics in spring 2024.
Farage said this was not a formal deal or agreement, just a discussion.
He received a £5 million gift from British cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne before becoming an MP in July 2024.
Farage says the money was a personal gift for his security and not related to politics.
Labour Party critics say he should have declared the gift in the MPs' register of interests when elected.
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner was investigating Farage for possibly breaking rules but paused after Farage resigned his Clacton seat to trigger a by-election.
The investigation will continue if Farage wins the by-election on August 13, 2024.
Farage left frontline politics in 2021, returned to lead Reform in June 2024, reversing his earlier decision not to stand in the general election.
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Two people in Michigan have died in a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness. Health officials say these are the first deaths linked to the outbreak, and both individuals had other serious health problems.
Key Facts
Two deaths in Michigan are connected to the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
This is the first time deaths have been reported from this outbreak in the U.S.
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a parasite that is usually not life-threatening.
The individuals who died had serious underlying health conditions.
The illness can cause dehydration, which may worsen other health issues.
Thousands of people across multiple states have been sickened in this outbreak.
Federal authorities still do not know the exact source of the outbreak.
Health officials continue to investigate the cause and spread of the illness.
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Investigators in Arizona released two ransom notes related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. The notes provide conflicting information, and the sheriff previously said there was no ransom note before sharing them publicly.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, 84 years old and mother of Savannah Guthrie, disappeared in Arizona.
Two ransom notes were sent to a local CBS station shortly after her disappearance.
The first note demanded $4 million in bitcoin and promised to return Nancy safely.
The second note said Nancy had died from heart issues and was buried in nature, with no ransom demand.
Sheriff Chris Nanos initially said no ransom note existed but later released the two notes publicly.
The FBI found details in the first note that seemed credible, like mentioning Nancy’s white Apple Watch and porch floodlights.
Investigators believe both notes came from the same masked IP address but do not know who sent them.
Savannah Guthrie urged the public to help identify the author of the notes in hopes of solving the case.
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Two people in Michigan have died from cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, during the largest U.S. outbreak of the disease. The outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from a farm in Mexico and has spread to multiple states, causing thousands of reported infections and hundreds of hospitalizations.
Key Facts
Two deaths in Michigan were reported from cyclosporiasis, both with other serious health problems.
The outbreak has affected nine states, with over 11,200 cases reported in Michigan alone.
The illness is caused by the Cyclospora parasite and mostly results in diarrhea and stomach problems.
The U.S. FDA linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico.
There have been 193 hospitalizations reported in Michigan due to the outbreak.
Adults aged 30 to 39 are the most affected age group in Michigan.
The CDC has confirmed 6,707 cases nationwide and is investigating more suspected cases.
The outbreak has caused consumers to avoid certain restaurants and buy less lettuce at stores.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has canceled the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" that was created under President Donald Trump. This move aims to address concerns raised by two Republican senators and may help Blanche become the permanent attorney general.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the acting U.S. attorney general.
He canceled a $1.8 billion fund called the "anti-weaponization fund."
The fund was created during President Donald Trump’s time in office.
Two Republican senators had concerns about the fund.
Rescinding the fund may improve Blanche’s chances to be confirmed as attorney general.
The announcement was made on a Sunday.
CBS News reported on the order and the political context.
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Michigan health officials reported two deaths linked to a cyclospora outbreak, marking the first confirmed U.S. deaths from this intestinal parasite. The parasite is spread through contaminated food, and officials have traced lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell to some cases.
Key Facts
Two people in Michigan died in connection with a cyclospora outbreak.
Both had other health problems that may have worsened the effects of the parasite.
Cyclospora is a parasite that spreads when food is contaminated with human feces, often via water used on produce.
The illness caused by cyclospora includes frequent and intense diarrhea.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell in five states to the outbreak.
Since May 1, the CDC has confirmed over 4,100 cases and is investigating more than 7,400 possible cases in 41 states.
Officials said other food suppliers or restaurants might also be involved as the investigation continues.
Michigan health officials declined to provide more details about the deaths.
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