Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and Democrat, has been campaigning to unseat Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina. After Senator Graham’s death, his sister Darline was appointed to his seat, but Andrews plans to continue her campaign focused on healthcare and other local issues.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham, a longtime Republican senator from South Carolina, recently passed away at age 71.
Dr. Annie Andrews is a 45-year-old pediatrician running as a Democrat to take Graham’s Senate seat.
Andrews has spent 20 years working in healthcare and sees political solutions as key to fixing public health problems.
After losing a 2022 congressional race, Andrews started a group targeting climate change, gun violence, and childhood poverty.
Andrews became more motivated to run after President Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy has promoted anti-vaccine views, which Andrews sees as dangerous to children’s health.
Measles cases in the US are at a 35-year high, partly due to vaccine misinformation.
Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, was appointed to serve the rest of his term and will run in a Republican primary soon.
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Many Americans are paying close attention to the current cyclospora outbreak and about 40% say they are now eating or buying less fresh produce because of it. People are somewhat divided in their trust in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to handle the outbreak, with more Republicans trusting the agency than Democrats.
Key Facts
Most Americans are following news about the cyclospora outbreak at least somewhat closely.
Around 4 in 10 people report reducing their consumption or purchase of produce due to the outbreak.
Women and older adults are more likely to eat less produce than men and younger people.
Interest in news about cyclospora is nearly as high as interest in the conflict with Iran.
People paying very close attention to the outbreak are more likely to eat less produce.
More Americans have confidence than not in the FDA’s ability to manage the outbreak, but few have high confidence.
Republicans express more confidence in the FDA than Democrats.
The survey was done with 2,193 U.S. adults between July 22-24, 2026, and has a margin of error of ±2.7 points.
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The CBS News program "Sunday Morning" on July 26 covers several stories, including aging in rural America, food safety issues, and profiles of people in arts and culture. The show features interviews and segments on supermodel Lauren Hutton, singer Corinne Bailey Rae, artist Derrick Adams, as well as topics like worm grunting and how plants respond to touch.
Key Facts
The program aired on July 26 and is hosted by Mo Rocca.
One segment focuses on the challenges of aging in rural areas of the United States.
The show discusses compromises affecting food safety.
It includes a feature on supermodel and actress Lauren Hutton.
Singer Corinne Bailey Rae is profiled.
Artist Derrick Adams is also featured.
The program explores the unusual practice of worm grunting.
Another story explains how plants react when touched.
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The article discusses how modern plea bargains affect the constitutional right to a jury trial in the United States. It highlights concerns that plea deals may limit defendants' access to their trial rights.
Key Facts
The United States recently celebrated 250 years of independence.
The constitutional right to a jury trial is a key part of American legal values.
Plea bargains are agreements where defendants plead guilty to a lesser charge to avoid a trial.
Many cases today end with plea bargains instead of going to trial.
Plea bargains can shorten legal processes but may reduce the chance for a defendant to have their case heard by a jury.
Critics argue this trend challenges the original intent of guaranteeing a jury trial.
Supporters say plea bargains help manage court workloads and provide quicker resolutions.
The issue raises questions about balancing efficiency with protecting legal rights.
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The 2026 midterm elections are 100 days away. Democrats hold a slight advantage in polls for the House, but Republicans have structural benefits from redistricting. In the Senate, Republicans have a favorable map, while Democrats face tough races in states like Maine, Ohio, and Michigan.
Key Facts
The House currently has 218 Republicans, 212 Democrats, 1 independent, and 4 vacancies.
Fox News polls show Democrats ahead by about 7 points on the generic ballot.
Inflation and high gas prices, linked to President Trump’s war in Iran, help Democrats politically.
Redistricting in nine states may create 6 to 9 new Republican seats in the House.
Democrats have 23 candidates running in districts that President Trump won, while Republicans have 8 candidates in districts won by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Iowa is a key battleground where Democrats aim to win up to three of four Republican-held House seats.
The Senate currently has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, and 2 independents who caucus with Democrats.
Senate races in Maine, Ohio, Alaska, Texas, Iowa, and Michigan will be crucial for control of the Senate.
Michigan’s Democratic primary features a close race between Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed.
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Maine Democrats have chosen Troy Jackson as their candidate to run against Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming November midterm elections. This sets up a close race for a Senate seat that could affect control of Congress.
Key Facts
Troy Jackson is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
He will challenge incumbent Senator Susan Collins, a Republican.
The midterm elections are scheduled for November.
Control of the U.S. Congress is at stake in these elections.
The parties have about 100 days to campaign before the election.
Senator Collins is considered vulnerable in this race.
The article also mentions cyclospora tests connected to the Trump administration but does not provide details.
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Many American workers rely on union contracts to protect them from the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) at work. Since most U.S. workers are not in unions, only those with union support can negotiate rules about AI use, like preventing job cuts or unfair AI tools.
Key Facts
About 90% of U.S. workers are not in unions, leaving approximately 130 million workers without AI protections through collective bargaining.
The NewsGuild union has 85-90 contracts that include specific rules about AI.
Some unions have stopped companies from using AI tools that replace workers without agreement, such as SAG-AFTRA protecting actors from AI replicas.
AI protections are growing mostly in industries with strong unions, like manufacturing, journalism, and entertainment.
Tech workers are increasingly organizing after realizing AI and layoffs threaten their jobs, even if they perform well.
Current labor laws were created before AI and remote work, making them less effective for today's challenges.
In 2025, only about 11.2% of U.S. workers were unionized, with large differences between industries.
Congress has made little progress on AI workplace rules, while some states are starting to create their own laws.
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President Donald Trump urged Republican senators to end the filibuster rule so they can pass his voting bill and other laws more easily. He warned that Democrats will remove the filibuster if they gain control, so Republicans should act first.
Key Facts
President Trump called on all Republican senators to end the filibuster.
The filibuster is a Senate rule that allows a minority to block bills by extending debate.
Trump wants to pass the "Save America Act," which includes his voting reform proposals.
He warned that Democrats will remove the filibuster if they get the chance.
Trump made this statement late on a Saturday night.
Ending the filibuster would allow bills to pass with a simple majority instead of needing 60 votes.
The filibuster has been a central issue in Senate debates about voting laws and other legislation.
Trump’s message was aimed at speeding up legislative action before Democrats possibly change Senate rules.
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Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, often wears a formal suit, even while doing activities like swimming and playing football. His consistent choice of suits aims to show he is serious and always working for the city.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani usually wears dark suits with formal ties and black boots.
He wore a suit while cheering for the New York Knicks and even put the team jersey over his shirt and tie.
On New Year’s Day 2025, Mamdani wore a suit while swimming in the cold Atlantic Ocean during a traditional event.
He also jumped into a swimming pool fully dressed in a suit to announce the opening of New York City’s pools.
Previous mayors like Bill De Blasio and Eric Adams dressed more casually, favoring shorts, polo shirts, or cardigans.
Mamdani’s choice to always wear a suit may be to show he is constantly working and committed to his job.
Some believe Mamdani’s suit symbolizes his identity as a young, Muslim, socialist mayor.
Wearing formal clothes can increase how seriously people take political figures and speakers, especially those from minority groups.
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President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Alexander Kolodin for Arizona's secretary of state race in November. Kolodin, who won the Republican nomination, will compete against Democrat Adrian Fontes and is known for challenging past election results, including supporting Trump's claims of election fraud.
Key Facts
President Trump gave his full endorsement to Alexander Kolodin for Arizona secretary of state.
Kolodin won the Republican nomination, defeating former GOP chair Gina Swoboda.
Kolodin will face Democrat Adrian Fontes in the November general election.
The secretary of state role includes overseeing elections and certifying results in Arizona.
Kolodin is part of the right-wing Freedom Caucus and has questioned past election outcomes.
He represented Trump's campaign in a dismissed lawsuit claiming election fraud in Arizona.
Prediction markets gave Kolodin an 18.1% chance of winning after Trump's endorsement.
The race is important as Arizona will be a key battleground state in the 2028 presidential election.
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Cori Bush and Wesley Bell, two Black Democratic politicians from Missouri, are competing in a primary rematch after Bush lost to Bell two years ago. Their race highlights changes in the Democratic Party, including debates over party leadership, views on Israel, and the influence of progressive activists.
Key Facts
Cori Bush is a progressive politician who began as a Black Lives Matter organizer in Ferguson.
Wesley Bell is a moderate prosecutor who defeated Bush in the last primary by less than six points.
Both candidates have backgrounds connected to the civil rights movement following the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown.
Bush blames her previous loss partly on spending by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Bush criticizes the war in Gaza and some Democratic leaders, gaining support from progressive groups.
Bell emphasizes his work for St. Louis and has the support of Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi.
The primary vote takes place on August 4, with early voting already started.
The race is seen as a test of the Democratic Party’s direction on issues like establishment support and democratic socialism.
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A study found that 35% of U.S. voters, about 85 million people, feel disconnected and distrustful of government but care about their communities and issues. These people often do not vote because they feel isolated and do not see how voting can improve their lives. Creating community spaces called "civic homes" can help people feel connected and encourage them to take part in voting and politics.
Key Facts
35% of U.S. voters are disaffected, meaning they feel unhappy and distrustful of politics.
About 58% of these disaffected voters want to feel more connected to others.
Disaffected voters include all races and genders but tend to be younger with fewer resources.
They talk about politics and seek information online almost as much as other voters.
The main difference is disaffected voters are less likely to vote (56%) compared to the general public (65%).
Nearly half of disaffected voters do not belong to any community groups or religious organizations.
"Civic homes" are community places where people connect, discuss issues, and feel they can make a difference.
People who feel a stronger sense of belonging in these civic homes are more likely to vote and take political action.
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Abdul El-Sayed, a doctor and progressive candidate, is running in the Michigan Democratic primary for the US Senate. He represents a younger, more grassroots wing of the party and is competing closely with Haley Stevens, the party establishment’s choice. The August 4 primary will show if Michigan Democrats want a new direction in politics.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is a doctor and epidemiologist running for US Senate in Michigan.
He is known for mixing serious policy talks with humor and is seen as a progressive voice.
El-Sayed faces Haley Stevens, a more moderate Democrat backed by party leaders.
The race is very close according to recent polls, showing divided support within the Democratic party.
El-Sayed lost the Michigan governor’s race in 2018 but now represents a larger anti-establishment coalition.
He criticizes both parties’ establishments and wants a capitalism system that works for all.
El-Sayed linked US military spending to cuts in domestic programs like healthcare and nutrition support.
The August 4 primary will test if Michigan Democrats support more progressive, grassroots candidates.
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U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for better screening for Alzheimer’s disease. However, a key federal expert panel that advises on health screenings, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), has not met for over a year, delaying important recommendations on cognitive decline screening.
Key Facts
The USPSTF, which advises on preventive health services, has been unable to meet since March 2025 due to government actions.
The Trump administration fired two taskforce chairs and has not filled many vacancies on the panel.
The USPSTF had planned to recommend guidelines on cognitive decline screening this year along with other health topics.
Alzheimer’s researchers say progress is slowed by these delays and funding disruptions.
Health Secretary Kennedy criticized the panel for inaction and emphasized the need for better Alzheimer’s screening.
The National Institutes of Health remains the largest federal funder of Alzheimer’s research.
About 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, with around 200,000 middle-aged Americans also diagnosed.
Alzheimer’s screening currently depends on noticing symptoms and performing cognitive tests followed by specialist referral.
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House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is launching a campaign focused on making life more affordable as the midterm elections approach. He and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro are supporting Democratic candidate Bob Brooks in a key district, aiming to win House control from Republicans during President Trump’s second term.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries announced the “Fighting for an Affordable America” agenda with 100 days left before the midterms.
The focus is on lowering costs for groceries, gas, housing, and providing affordable health care.
Jeffries and Governor Josh Shapiro support Bob Brooks, a retired firefighter running in Pennsylvania’s 7th District.
The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who is also holding his own campaign kickoff event.
Midterms often serve as a referendum on the sitting president, currently President Donald Trump.
President Trump supports Republican candidates and promotes his One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes tax breaks and spending cuts.
Democrats highlight voter frustration over the war with Iran and rising everyday costs to win votes.
Control of the House could be decided by fewer than 20 competitive districts, with Pennsylvania’s contests being especially important.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to increase arrests and deportations of Haitian migrants as the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians is set to end. More than 300,000 Haitians will lose their legal protection from deportation and work permits following a Supreme Court decision supporting the Trump administration's effort to end TPS for Haitian migrants.
Key Facts
ICE is preparing operations to arrest and deport Haitian migrants, including in Ohio where many Haitian communities live.
TPS is a program that gives temporary legal status and work permission to people from countries in crisis, like Haiti.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of ending TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians.
Losing TPS means Haitians can be deported unless they have another legal status or a judge stops the deportation.
Deportations to Haiti are complicated by the difficult conditions there, including gang violence and political instability.
The U.S. government has limited deportations mostly to the northern city Cap-Haïtien, avoiding more dangerous areas like the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The Department of Homeland Security said TPS had been used like an unofficial amnesty and suggested that migrants who lose TPS should "self-deport."
TPS for Haiti began after the 2010 earthquake, and many Haitians recently arrived in the U.S. under programs ended by the Trump administration.
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House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, passed a $95 billion budget plan aimed at supporting military readiness related to the war with Iran and other priorities. They also approved a large military spending bill and proposed new voting restrictions, but faced opposition within their party and from Democrats, who criticized the war spending amid economic challenges and low approval ratings for President Trump.
Key Facts
House Republicans passed a $95 billion budget focused on military readiness connected to the Iran conflict.
The budget avoided using words like “war” or “Iran” in its description.
Speaker Mike Johnson led the Republicans in passing a large military budget and voting restrictions on elections.
Four Republicans joined Democrats to pass a resolution urging President Trump to withdraw troops from Iran.
Senate Republicans, including leader John Thune, expressed hesitancy about quickly approving the House budget plan.
The defense budget’s approval is complicated by its combination with the Save America Act, which includes stricter voting rules favored by President Trump.
Democrats oppose the military budget’s high cost and criticized it as adding to economic strain.
The plan’s fate remains uncertain as negotiations continue over government funding beyond September 30.
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The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 330,000 Haitian immigrants in the US, which allowed them to live and work legally. Many Haitian immigrants and their families fear deportation back to Haiti, where violence and unsafe conditions remain.
Key Facts
Over 330,000 Haitian immigrants will lose their legal right to live and work in the US as TPS is terminated.
About 13,000 Haitian TPS holders work as nursing assistants, caring for around 65,000 patients daily.
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of ending TPS for Haitians and Syrians.
TPS was first given to Haitians in 2010 after a disaster and has allowed them to stay due to ongoing unsafe conditions in Haiti.
US Homeland Security says immigrants with TPS should leave or seek other legal statuses, but there is no clear path from TPS to permanent residency.
Haiti remains under a US travel warning due to a national state of emergency and violence.
Immigrant advocates and unions warn that ending TPS will hurt communities and industries that depend on immigrant workers.
Haitian immigrants with TPS have complied with government rules, paying fees and passing background checks.
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President Donald Trump has recently warned about a rise in communist ideas in the United States. He has described communism as a major threat and promised strong actions against it. This comeback of anti-communist talk happens as some left-leaning politicians gain support in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech on July 3 at Mount Rushmore, calling communism a danger to America.
Trump said he would quickly defeat communists and exile them.
The U.S. State Department released a report accusing Cuba of leading modern communist efforts against the U.S.
The report claims communist networks have connections to leftist groups within the U.S.
The return of anti-communist views relates to Democrats who identify as socialists winning elections, like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Some newly elected Democrats endorsed by socialist groups have faced controversy over past support for communist figures.
Critics say Trump wrongly mixes socialism, which some European countries use, with Soviet-style communism.
Anti-communism was a main theme during the Cold War, involving Senator McCarthy and Trump’s mentor Roy Cohn, who fought against suspected communists.
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A recent poll shows President Donald Trump’s approval rating is low across the United States, especially in key states that could decide control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump has strong support in some Republican states, but his approval has dropped in many places since he started his second term.
Key Facts
President Trump’s national approval rating is 38%, with 57% disapproval, making him 19 points underwater overall.
He is underwater (more disapproval than approval) in every major battleground state like Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
Some states that once had positive approval for Trump now have more people disapproving, including Florida and Ohio.
Trump’s strongest support is in Republican-leaning states such as Wyoming (+26 net approval) and North Dakota (+18 net approval).
Several of Trump’s strongest states have seen big drops in approval since January 2025; for example, Wyoming fell from +47 to +26.
Younger voters (ages 18-34) and independents mostly disapprove of Trump’s job performance.
Women disapprove of Trump by a larger margin than men, who are more evenly split.
The states where Trump’s ratings are lowest are likely to play a key role in the upcoming midterm election results.
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