Maya Millete, a mother of three in Southern California, disappeared in January 2021. Her family and friends continue to search for her and have concerns about her husband Larry, who had marital problems with Maya before she vanished.
Key Facts
Maya Millete went missing from her home in Chula Vista, California, on January 7, 2021.
Maya was 39 years old and the mother of three young children.
Her husband, Larry Millete, had been contacting spellcasters to put a hex on Maya to keep her in the marriage.
Maya immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1995 with her family.
She and Larry met as teenagers working at a fast-food restaurant in Honolulu and later married after Larry joined the Navy.
Both worked for the Navy in Southern California; Maya was a contract specialist, and Larry was an optician.
Maya’s family and coworkers describe her as a strong, caring mother and a respected leader.
Maya disappeared suddenly before a planned family ski trip, and her family is still seeking answers.
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An ICE officer fatally shot a driver in Biddeford, Maine, during an immigration enforcement operation. This incident is part of a recent pattern of deadly force used by ICE since President Donald Trump began his immigration crackdown.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on Monday in Biddeford, Maine.
The driver was shot by an ICE officer during an immigration enforcement action.
This is the second time in one week that ICE used deadly force.
Since President Donald Trump started his immigration crackdown, at least nine people have died related to ICE actions.
The Department of Homeland Security said the officer shot the driver because he feared for public safety.
ICE agents were surveilling a home connected to someone believed to be in the country illegally with a final order of removal.
Immigrant rights groups are demanding answers and planning more protests.
The incident has raised questions about ICE’s use of force during immigration enforcement.
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At least 12 detainees at a federal immigration jail in Colorado have tested positive for tuberculosis (TB). Those infected and others in the facility are quarantined together, some without air conditioning during a heatwave, raising concerns about health and safety conditions.
Key Facts
Twelve detainees at a Colorado ICE jail have contracted tuberculosis recently.
All 88 detainees in one housing unit were tested for TB, and the positive cases increased from one to twelve in a few days.
Infected and non-infected detainees remain quarantined together in the same area.
The air conditioning in the pod broke during a heat advisory with temperatures around 96°F (36°C), and fans were provided instead.
Some detainees receive TB medication twice daily.
The facility is run by Geo Group, a private company contracted by the government.
A previous TB outbreak occurred at the jail in April 2023.
Local Congressman Jason Crow has frequently visited and monitored the facility to ensure detainee safety and transparency.
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The article argues that immigration courts in the United States are no longer fair. It suggests that Congress should remove these courts from the Justice Department to keep judges independent from political influence.
Key Facts
Immigration courts are currently part of the U.S. Justice Department.
The article claims these courts have lost fairness in handling cases.
Political influence is seen as a problem affecting judges' decisions.
Removing the courts from the Justice Department could help judges remain neutral.
Congress has the power to change how immigration courts are organized.
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The article says that creating a group made up of members from both political parties only works well if the group is free from control by any party. It suggests that Congress should rethink how an independent commission is set up to make sure it is truly neutral.
Key Facts
The idea discussed is about independent commissions, which are groups formed to handle important issues.
The group should include members from both major political parties (bipartisan design).
For this to work, the commission must not be controlled by one political party.
The article recommends that Congress look again at the rules for these commissions.
The goal is to create a fair and impartial agency that can operate without political influence.
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A Pentagon watchdog report found that a new ammunition plant in Mesquite, Texas, built to produce parts for 155mm artillery rounds, has not made any parts since opening nearly two years ago. This lack of production is slowing the Army’s efforts to replenish artillery supplies, which have been heavily used in support of Ukraine since 2022.
Key Facts
The Mesquite, Texas plant opened in May 2024 to produce metal parts for 155mm artillery rounds.
As of March 2026, the plant had produced no projectile metal parts meeting contract requirements.
The Army spent $469 million to build the plant, which was intended to increase artillery production from 14,000 to 100,000 rounds per month by October 2025.
Army production is currently about 36,000 rounds per month, short of the goal.
Over four years, the Pentagon’s 155mm artillery stock fell by 3.6 million rounds due to aid given to Ukraine and other uses.
General Dynamics, which operates the plant, is planning additional investment to fix production problems.
The Army stopped plant work in August 2025 to evaluate options amid production delays.
The demand for artillery rounds has decreased somewhat as Ukraine’s war tactics have shifted toward drone use.
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A sheriff's office has warned the public about a scam involving QR codes connected to a case in Guthrie. These QR codes have been appearing in online posts, potentially misleading people.
Key Facts
The sheriff's department issued a warning about scam QR codes.
The scam is related to a case in Guthrie.
QR codes are appearing in posts on the internet.
Scammers may use these codes to trick people.
The department wants people to be cautious when scanning unknown QR codes.
No specific details about the scam's impact or how to avoid it were provided.
The warning aims to protect the public from fraud.
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Senator Lindsey Graham’s death has opened a U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina ahead of the 2024 midterm elections. Several Republicans are considering running for the seat, while Democrat Annie Andrews plans to compete in November. The special election will be held on August 11 with a possible runoff in late August.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham, who was running for reelection, died recently, leaving his Senate seat open.
South Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1998.
Democrat Annie Andrews is the candidate expected to challenge the Republicans.
Multiple Republicans are interested in running, including Mark Lynch, Representative Ralph Norman, and Nancy Mace.
Former Governor Nikki Haley has stated she does not plan to run.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister as an interim senator until the election.
President Donald Trump has not endorsed anyone in the Republican primary yet.
The special election will be August 11, with early voting starting August 5 and a runoff if no candidate wins over 50%.
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Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan spoke about her interactions with Senator Lindsey Graham during her nomination process. She remembered him while making remarks on Capitol Hill and honored him after his passing.
Key Facts
Justice Elena Kagan is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court.
She recalled her nomination process for the Supreme Court.
Senator Lindsey Graham was involved during her nomination process.
Justice Kagan honored Senator Graham after he passed away.
The remarks took place on Capitol Hill.
The information was shared by CBS News.
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Louisiana rapper Boosie Badazz paid $600,000 to a Washington DC lobbying firm to help get a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump for a weapons conviction. The pardon was never granted, and Boosie is now seeking $300,000 back through arbitration because the firm did not deliver the promised result.
Key Facts
Boosie Badazz’s real name is Torence Hatch.
He was convicted in 2023 for possessing a loaded weapon during a music video shoot.
Boosie hired JM Burkman & Associates for $600,000 in 2025 to secure a pardon from President Trump.
The lobbying firm claimed Trump had signed the pardon, but the White House denied receiving such a request.
Boosie wants to recover half the money ($300,000) because the pardon was never granted.
The firm disputes any agreement to return money if the pardon failed.
The situation is part of a broader trend where large sums of money are spent seeking clemency from President Trump.
Boosie’s conviction came after he pleaded guilty to avoid prison, receiving supervised release, community service, and a fine.
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A U.S. federal judge canceled an agreement between President Donald Trump and the IRS that was based on a $10 billion lawsuit. The judge ruled that Trump used the lawsuit in a wrongful way to create this deal, which now gives him protection from tax audits. Some lawyers and government officials involved are being investigated for possible disciplinary actions.
Key Facts
A federal judge invalidated a tax settlement agreement between President Trump and the IRS.
The settlement was related to a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
The judge decided Trump used the lawsuit improperly to get a favorable deal.
The ruling removes Trump's protection from IRS tax audits related to this matter.
A lawyer for Trump and top officials in the Justice Department have been referred to disciplinary authorities.
The case involves issues about fairness and legal conduct in tax enforcement.
The decision was announced on July 14, 2026.
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Senator Marco Rubio has promised to stop the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it threatens U.S. military actions. The Trump administration plans to isolate the ICC, but the United Nations and European leaders oppose this move.
Key Facts
Senator Marco Rubio wants to end the influence of the International Criminal Court.
The ICC is an international court that investigates serious crimes like war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Rubio claims the ICC interferes with U.S. military operations.
President Donald Trump’s administration is working to isolate the ICC completely.
The United Nations and European leaders disagree with the U.S. plan and are resisting it.
This disagreement is causing tensions between the U.S. and some of its closest allies.
The news highlights a diplomatic conflict about the future of global justice and accountability.
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Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified before the House of Representatives about the need for more security funding. They spoke because there have been increasing threats against Supreme Court members.
Key Facts
Justices Kagan and Barrett appeared before House lawmakers.
The hearing focused on security concerns for Supreme Court members.
There have been growing threats against the justices.
Lawmakers are considering providing more money for court security.
The goal is to protect Supreme Court members from potential harm.
The testimony took place on Capitol Hill, where Congress meets.
This is part of a broader effort to respond to safety challenges facing the court.
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New York will start giving new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards with chip technology to millions of food assistance recipients in early 2027. These chip cards will help prevent criminals from stealing benefits through card-skimming, a method that captures information from the current magnetic-stripe cards.
Key Facts
The new EBT cards will use chip technology similar to debit and credit cards.
The change aims to stop theft and fraud targeting food assistance benefits.
About 2 million new chip-enabled cards will be issued to SNAP and certain public assistance recipients statewide.
Recipients will receive the new cards automatically; no application is needed.
The rollout begins in the first quarter of 2027 to allow time for card production and retailer system upgrades.
Current magnetic-stripe cards will still be used until the new cards arrive.
Officials advise cardholders to monitor accounts, change PINs often, and watch for tampered card readers before new cards come.
New York’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is working with stores and banks to prepare for the new cards.
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A recent poll from Zogby Analytics shows Republican Vice President JD Vance leading Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom in early 2028 presidential matchups. The poll reflects early voter opinions when no candidates have officially entered the race and includes many undecided voters, meaning the results could change.
Key Facts
JD Vance leads Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by about 45% to 38% in a hypothetical 2028 election matchup.
Vance also leads Gavin Newsom by around 45% to 38%.
Republican Secretary of State Marco Rubio trails Vance but slightly edges both Democrats in separate tests.
The poll surveyed 1,003 likely voters from July 1 to July 4, 2026, with a 3.1% margin of error.
About 17% to 23% of respondents said they were undecided, showing many voters had not made up their minds.
Likely voter polls focus on people expected to vote, often older or more consistent voters, which can lean more Republican.
Early polls often reflect general political mood rather than firm voter decisions and can change as campaigns develop.
The presence of many undecided voters means the race is still very uncertain at this stage.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has temporarily stopped most vehicle stops during operations across the country, except for serious criminals. This change follows recent deadly shootings involving ICE agents and will last while officers receive more training on how to safely conduct vehicle stops.
Key Facts
ICE agents were told to stop most vehicle stops except for cases involving serious criminals.
This decision comes after fatal shootings in Texas and Maine within the past week.
The pause in vehicle stops is temporary and will remain until officers get extra training.
Vehicle stops have been a common ICE tactic under President Trump’s administration.
These stops help officers identify, follow, and arrest suspects away from homes or workplaces.
The new policy could affect how ICE carries out its enforcement operations.
The article mentions ongoing legal and policy issues related to ICE and immigration enforcement.
This situation is still developing and may be updated with more information.
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A court released over $5.6 million that President Donald Trump owes E Jean Carroll after a sexual abuse and defamation trial. This release happened after the Supreme Court refused to hear Trump’s appeal, ending his efforts to delay payment.
Key Facts
A Manhattan federal court released $5.6 million to E Jean Carroll on July 9, 2024.
The money is from a jury award in Carroll’s 2023 sexual abuse and defamation case against President Trump.
The Supreme Court refused to hear Trump’s appeal on June 29, 2024.
Trump denied the accusations and has tried multiple appeals to delay payment.
Both legal teams agreed the money would be held in a court account (called CRIS) during appeals.
Carroll’s legal team requested the immediate release of the funds once the Supreme Court rejected the appeal.
A separate 2024 trial awarded Carroll $83.3 million for defamatory comments made by Trump while he was president.
Carroll’s claims relate to a 2019 magazine article excerpting her book, which described alleged events from about 30 years earlier.
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President Donald Trump welcomed Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, to the White House for a meeting. Ali al-Zaidi is a businessman without prior political experience who became Iraq’s prime minister after a long delay following elections.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House.
The meeting was scheduled for 11:15 p.m. EDT.
Ali al-Zaidi is a businessman with no previous political experience.
He was chosen as Iraq’s prime minister after months of political deadlock.
Al-Zaidi officially became prime minister-designate in April.
President Trump expressed strong support for al-Zaidi’s leadership on social media.
Trump sees this leadership change as a chance for improved relations between the U.S. and Iraq.
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An outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite causing severe diarrhoea, has infected over 3,000 people in 31 US states, with Michigan most affected. Public health officials are struggling to find the source because the parasite is hard to detect, and recent budget cuts have reduced disease monitoring programs.
Key Facts
Cyclospora is a parasitic infection that spreads through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after eating contaminated food, causing frequent, watery diarrhoea.
The outbreak has reached 31 states and infected more than 3,000 people, mostly in Michigan and New York.
Tracking the parasite is difficult because it requires testing large amounts of food and the parasite takes time to cause illness.
Federal budget and staff cuts have reduced the capacity of foodborne disease monitoring programs like FoodNet.
FoodNet stopped monitoring cyclospora recently, limiting available data for tracing outbreaks.
Officials advise washing produce carefully, avoiding certain fruits, and cooking vegetables to kill the parasite.
The CDC continues to collect data through other surveillance systems and works with state health departments.
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David Penman, a small business owner in Victoria, Australia, used private legal actions to charge five local councillors and the council CEO with unlawful conduct related to the council's budget. Due to the law requiring councillors facing criminal charges to stand down, only two of seven councillors remain active, stopping the council from making major decisions until court cases finish.
Key Facts
In Victoria, councillors must step down if charged with a crime while the case is ongoing.
David Penman launched private prosecutions against the Hepburn Shire mayor, four councillors, and the council CEO.
The charges claim the council unlawfully adopted the budget without required financial documents.
Only two out of seven councillors are able to serve, so the council cannot meet for major decisions.
Daily services like rubbish collection and libraries continue despite the legal issues.
Council representatives say the private prosecutions disrupt democracy and community representation.
The Victorian government is considering changes to the Local Government Act to prevent private prosecutions from forcing councillors to step down in the future.
Local councillor Brian Hood said the council is in limbo and an administrator may be appointed by the state government.
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