House Republicans have asked the Justice Department to prosecute special counsel Jack Smith for allegedly lying under oath about seeking a search warrant for lawmakers' text messages. Former prosecutors say there is no proof Smith committed a crime because he accurately answered the specific questions he was asked.
Key Facts
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan referred Jack Smith to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.
Jordan alleges Smith made false statements about not seeking a search warrant to get text messages from members of Congress.
Smith’s testimony said his team only asked for "toll records," which show phone call logs but not message content.
Smith’s team obtained some text message data through the National Archives, but Smith was not asked about this directly during his deposition.
Legal experts say Smith’s answers were truthful based on the questions asked.
Violating 18 USC 1001, which bans false statements to the government, is the basis of the referral.
Experts explain that if a witness answers literally true to the exact question, it is not a crime even if information is incomplete.
The Justice Department does not have to act on referrals from Congress but has investigated similar referrals in the past.
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The U.S. Navy has stopped sharing sailors’ service history information with the press. This change aims to reduce security risks and prevent harassment. It is part of wider rules made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that also require reporters to be accompanied by approved staff inside the Pentagon.
Key Facts
The Navy will no longer give out sailors’ service history details to the media.
This ends a long-standing practice that had allowed such access.
Officials say the change is to protect against security threats.
They also want to prevent harassment of sailors.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has increased press restrictions overall.
Reporters now must be escorted by authorized personnel when in the Pentagon.
These measures reflect tighter control over information about the military.
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A proposed US law called the AI Kill Switch Act would allow the government to shut down AI systems that could cause serious harm. The bill would give the Department of Homeland Security the power to order AI companies to block user access, limit features, or completely turn off AI systems if needed.
Key Facts
The AI Kill Switch Act would let the government intervene if AI systems become dangerous or act outside their intended use.
The bill would require AI companies to build the ability to disable or limit their AI systems when ordered by the government.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Secretary would have authority to order AI shutdowns.
Companies refusing to comply could face fines up to $20 million per day of violation.
The bill targets AI companies with at least $500 million yearly revenue from AI or systems using $100 million in computing power.
The proposal follows incidents involving AI systems from OpenAI and Anthropic, which allegedly acted in ways raising security concerns.
President Donald Trump’s administration would have direct control over ordering AI system shutdowns under this law.
The bill excludes controlled tests in simulated environments but covers rogue behavior like ignoring shutdown commands or hiding capabilities.
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Cases of cyclosporiasis, a food-related parasitic illness causing diarrhea, have been reported in at least 41 U.S. states, with infection numbers rising sharply in five states where the CDC declared an outbreak. The CDC reported 4,173 confirmed cases between May 1 and July 20, 2026, exceeding the total cases from 2025.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that spreads through contaminated food.
The CDC has declared outbreaks in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Michigan has the highest number of confirmed cases, estimated at nearly 15 infections per 100,000 people.
Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia have lower but increasing infection rates.
The CDC knows of at least 7,400 cases not yet confirmed by lab tests.
Some sick people never get tested, so actual case numbers are likely higher.
Iceberg lettuce is suspected as a main source of contamination in this outbreak.
2026 is on track to be the worst year recorded in the U.S. for cyclosporiasis infections.
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Senate Democrats are asking a government watchdog to investigate why Kenneth Kies, a top IRS lawyer, recently left his job after raising concerns about political interference in tax audits under President Donald Trump’s administration. Kies reportedly warned that officials might have broken a law that stops the White House from influencing tax investigations.
Key Facts
Kenneth Kies was the acting chief counsel of the IRS and assistant Treasury Department secretary.
Kies left his IRS and Treasury roles earlier in August 2024.
Kies warned that White House officials risked breaking a law against interfering in tax audits or investigations.
More than a dozen Democratic senators asked the Treasury Department’s acting inspector general to look into Kies’ departure.
The White House said Kies was difficult to work with and not a team player.
The law that Kies referenced was created after the Watergate scandal to stop presidents from misusing the IRS.
Kies had recused himself from cases involving President Trump because he had been Trump’s lawyer before.
A recent settlement prevents the IRS from further investigating Trump and his family on tax matters.
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Some Democratic senators criticized Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano for sending a message that they say exaggerated the benefits of President Donald Trump’s tax law for seniors. The message claimed millions of seniors received tax relief under Trump’s law, but Democrats argue this is misleading because the law only provides a temporary tax deduction that will expire in 2028.
Key Facts
Social Security supports over 70 million people, mostly retirees and disabled individuals.
Senate Democrats sent a letter to Commissioner Bisignano accusing him of using Social Security resources to promote President Trump’s tax law benefits.
Bisignano’s message said about 35 million seniors received an average of $7,500 in tax relief under Trump’s legislation.
The tax law provides a temporary deduction for seniors’ income, which phases out at higher income levels.
The deduction will expire in 2028 and does not fully eliminate taxes on Social Security income.
Democrats dispute calling the tax relief a “tax cut” and say the message is misleading.
Control of Congress is at stake in the upcoming midterm elections, increasing the political importance of Social Security.
President Trump has been campaigning on the benefits of his tax law in key states ahead of the elections.
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Louisiana passed a law in 2024 that made the drug misoprostol a controlled substance, forcing hospitals to keep it locked away instead of on easy-to-access carts used to treat heavy bleeding after childbirth. Doctors say this delay can increase risks of severe hemorrhages in pregnant patients because the drug is slower to get to those who need it urgently.
Key Facts
Louisiana hospitals previously kept misoprostol on special carts to quickly treat heavy bleeding during pregnancy or after childbirth.
The 2024 law reclassified misoprostol as a controlled substance, requiring it to be locked in secure rooms.
Misoprostol is a cheap, safe, and shelf-stable drug used to stop dangerous bleeding.
The drug is also a key part of medical abortions, which led lawmakers to restrict its access.
Doctors report that waiting for the drug to be retrieved now causes dangerous treatment delays.
Some alternative drugs are on the cart but may not be safe for patients with asthma or high blood pressure and are more expensive.
Misoprostol is also used to prepare for procedures like IUD insertions and to induce labor or manage failed pregnancies.
The law coincided with a sharp drop in abortion procedures recorded in Louisiana, but many still use medication abortions via telemedicine.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt answered questions from reporters about several topics, including the nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia, China’s artificial intelligence technology, and voter registration lists in New Jersey. The briefing was held on Thursday, and CBS News shared highlights afterward.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary.
She spoke to reporters on Thursday during a news briefing.
Topics discussed included the U.S.-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal.
She also addressed China’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Questions about New Jersey’s voter registration lists were covered.
CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro shared his summary of the briefing afterward.
The briefing provided information on U.S. government policies and concerns.
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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is expanding its program to partner with social media influencers. This effort aims to spread the party’s messages online ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Key Facts
The DNC’s "Influencer & Creative" program works with over 500 social media creators.
Influencers involved range from about 1,000 to 10 million followers.
Around 21% of U.S. adults regularly get news from influencers on social media.
Young adults aged 18-29 are more likely (38%) to get news from influencers.
The DNC provides creators with video clips and briefings from Democratic lawmakers.
Recent briefings included talks about the Iran conflict and the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The DNC is considering a creator-led debate for the 2028 Democratic primaries.
There are currently no federal laws requiring influencers to disclose political payments.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general. There are concerns from both political parties about his recent work while serving under President Trump.
Key Facts
The Senate Judiciary Committee is preparing to vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
The vote is scheduled for Thursday.
Todd Blanche served in a leadership role under President Donald Trump.
Both Republicans and Democrats have expressed concerns about his recent performance.
The article also mentions a past Senate effort to pressure President Trump to end the Iran war, which did not succeed.
CBS News reporter Taurean Small provides analysis of the situation.
The nomination process is part of the U.S. government’s efforts to fill key legal positions.
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The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a member of Vice President Vance’s security team for possibly leaking sensitive information. The agent has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation and possible criminal inquiry continue.
Key Facts
The investigation involves a Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President Vance’s protective detail.
The agent is suspected of leaking sensitive operational and information security details.
The Secret Service has started an administrative investigation into the matter.
There may also be a criminal inquiry linked to these allegations.
The agent has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
Anthony Guglielmi is the Chief of Communications for the Secret Service.
The leak could compromise the security and safety of the Vice President’s operations.
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A study found that gun violence increased by 10% in Chicago neighborhoods near public schools that closed and stayed vacant for many years. Many of these schools, mostly in Black communities, have been abandoned since the 2013 closures, with some buildings still unused and plans to develop them underway.
Key Facts
Matthew Henson Elementary School in Chicago closed in 2013 and has been empty for 13 years.
The school and many others were part of the largest mass closing of public schools in U.S. history.
More than half of the 50 closed Chicago schools remained vacant for years despite city plans to sell or demolish them.
Most closed schools were located in majority-Black neighborhoods.
University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins researchers found a 10% rise in gun violence near these vacant school sites.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the city formed a committee to redevelop the closed school properties.
CPS is reviewing bids to repurpose eight remaining vacant school buildings, with community input planned.
CPS offers protective services and early childhood education programs to help reduce violence and support students.
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More than 24 states sued the Trump administration for requiring them to meet election and immigration rules to get disaster funding from the federal government. The states say these conditions are illegal and could cause them to lose important money meant for public safety and disaster response.
Key Facts
Over 24 states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on April 24, 2026.
The lawsuit challenges new rules tying disaster funding to changes in state election and immigration policies.
States are required to switch to paper-ballot voting, audit voting systems manually, and verify citizenship of all voters to receive full funds.
The conditions also let the Department of Homeland Security stop grants at any time for any reason.
The states argue this violates federal laws and the Constitution’s rules about how the government can spend money.
Past court rulings have stopped the administration from attaching such conditions to funding before.
The disputed Homeland Security Grant Program funds are used to protect against cyberattacks and terrorism.
The lawsuit was filed in Rhode Island and challenges policies from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.
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Amish Shah won the Democratic primary for a key congressional seat in Arizona, beating the candidate supported by the party’s national committee. He will compete against Republican Jay Feely, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, in the November general election.
Key Facts
Amish Shah is an emergency doctor who won the Democratic primary in Arizona.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) supported Marlene Galán-Woods, but Shah won instead.
Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker, won the Republican primary and was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Shah and Feely were once part of the same New York Jets football team; Shah was a doctor for the team, and Feely was the kicker.
Marlene Galán-Woods switched from the Republican party to the Democratic party during President Trump’s first term.
The primary results show some voters are choosing candidates not favored by party leaders in Washington.
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Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned President Donald Trump’s nominee, Brian Johnson, for leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) about possible conflicts of interest and the agency’s recent budget cuts. The hearing took place before the Senate Banking Committee, with concerns raised about the future direction of the CFPB.
Key Facts
Brian Johnson is President Trump’s nominee to lead the CFPB.
Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed Johnson on potential conflicts of interest.
Warren also highlighted cuts to the CFPB’s workforce under acting director Russell Vought.
The hearing was held in front of the Senate Banking Committee.
The CFPB is a government group that protects consumers in financial matters.
The Trump administration has reduced the agency’s budget and staff.
Senator Warren is a leading Democratic voice on consumer protection.
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Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, is adjusting her approach to deal with the new Labour leader, Andy Burnham. She focuses on economic issues and questions how Burnham plans to pay for his policies, while becoming more confident and disciplined in her public appearances.
Key Facts
Kemi Badenoch recently gave her first major speech since the prime minister change.
She described Andy Burnham as a "nice guy" but challenged his economic plans.
Burnham replaced Keir Starmer as Labour leader and is considered more media-friendly and likable.
Badenoch and her team focus their criticism on how Burnham will fund his policies.
Badenoch is avoiding culture-war debates and emphasizing economy and jobs.
She holds regular press conferences and media Q&As, even without new policies to announce.
Analysts think Burnham’s relaxed style may reduce the impact of Badenoch’s harsh rhetoric.
Badenoch’s personal poll ratings have improved but this hasn’t yet increased support for her party.
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A West Virginia state lawmaker, Delegate David Elliott Pritt, was arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a minor. He allegedly used social media to contact and engage in sexual acts with a teenage student he taught.
Key Facts
Delegate David Elliott Pritt, 36, was arrested on sex abuse charges involving a minor.
He is accused of using Roblox and Snapchat to communicate with a 15-year-old student.
The victim’s family reported the abuse to law enforcement on July 9.
Pritt allegedly sent explicit photos and videos and asked the minor to do the same.
Sexual activity reportedly happened in his classroom multiple times between 2025 and early 2026.
Pritt was the assistant majority leader in the West Virginia House of Delegates and also worked as a teacher.
He was removed from all official legislative roles and is being held in jail.
The West Virginia House Speaker called on Pritt to resign following the charges.
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A new AARP poll shows Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff leading Republican Mike Collins by 9 points in the race for Georgia’s Senate seat in the 2026 midterm elections. Ossoff is seen as vulnerable but holds strong support among younger voters and independents, while Collins is favored by older voters.
Key Facts
Jon Ossoff has 52% support, Mike Collins has 43%, with 5% undecided in the recent AARP poll.
The poll surveyed 1,060 likely Georgia voters from July 13-16, 2026, with a margin of error of ±3 points.
Ossoff leads by large margins among voters aged 18-34 (33 points) and 35-49 (29 points).
Collins leads by 24 points among voters aged 65 and older.
Independent voters favor Ossoff 55% to 35%.
The race is classified as Lean Democratic by political analysts like Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball.
Ossoff benefits from incumbency, financial advantages, and a divided Republican opposition.
Other recent polls also show Ossoff with a lead ranging from 4 to 13 points over Collins.
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Two gun rights groups sued the U.S. Virgin Islands government for not allowing nonresidents to get licenses to carry concealed guns there. The lawsuit focuses on a Florida man who wants to carry a gun for self-defense when visiting the islands. This is the second lawsuit against the territory over gun rights.
Key Facts
Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed the new lawsuit.
The suit claims that the U.S. Virgin Islands police won't allow nonresidents to get concealed carry licenses.
Florida resident Sean Dale Henry wants a license to carry a concealed handgun there for visits.
Henry tried contacting the U.S. Virgin Islands police multiple times without success.
The groups say the Second Amendment rights apply in U.S. territories like the Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Justice Department previously sued the territory for denying gun rights to residents.
Local laws in the Virgin Islands require applicants to prove a good reason and have two people vouch for them to get a gun license.
The territorial government says it supports constitutional rights but also public safety.
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Police are looking for a woman named Isabelle Rose Johnson. She is suspected of killing a man in Florida who was found buried in a shallow grave last month. The search for her is happening across several states.
Key Facts
Isabelle Rose Johnson is wanted by police.
She is connected to a murder investigation in Florida.
The victim is a father who was found buried in a shallow grave.
The crime happened last month.
The search involves multiple states.
Authorities are actively working to find Johnson.
The investigation is ongoing.
No further details about the victim or suspect were provided.
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