Voters in Missouri’s 1st District chose Wesley Bell over Cori Bush in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, with Bell winning by about six percentage points. Bell, who unseated Bush in the 2024 primary after she described the Gaza conflict as a genocide, received endorsements from establishment Democrats such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. The pro‑AIPAC super PAC spent roughly $2 million on Bell’s campaign, compared with $9.3 million in 2024, and did not receive comparable advertising support from progressive groups that backed Bush in 2024. The outcome reflects limits on progressive criticism of sustained U.S. support for Israel despite national polling trends that show growing opposition to Israel. Bush, who has maintained her progressive credentials through endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Socialists of America, conceded the loss. Bell’s victory sets the stage for the general election in November, where his positions on Israel and other issues will be tested.
Congress, the White House, elections, and the policies shaping the country.
Three FBI agents have filed a federal lawsuit challenging their 2023 termination from the bureau. Michelle Ball, Jamie Garman and Blaire Toleman said they were dismissed without cause and without an opportunity to respond. The FBI Agents Association, representing nearly 12,000 members, filed an amicus brief asserting that the firings violated due process and penalized perceived political affiliation. The brief argues that the dismissals conflict with longstanding expectations that FBI agents can work on sensitive cases without jeopardizing their careers. A separate brief from former senior Justice Department officials warned that the purge threatens a half‑century of bureau independence. Other groups, including First Amendment scholars, Lawyers for the Rule of Law, and Justice Connection, also submitted briefs saying a politicized FBI could target speech and association. The agents' lawsuit stems from the investigation into former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which resulted in an indictment by special counsel Jack Smith. Smith later dropped the case after Trump's 2024 election victory, citing Justice Department policy that bars indictments of sitting presidents. FBI Director Kash Patel, who oversaw a personnel purge targeting employees who investigated Trump or were seen as opposed to the administration, said the agents were fired for weaponizing federal law enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who served at the time of the firings, echoed that claim in termination letters, a characterization the plaintiffs call defamatory and baseless. The case remains pending, and the outcome will determine whether the bureau's independence can be preserved amid ongoing personnel changes.
Virginia voters will hold primary elections on Tuesday to select nominees for U.S. Senate and U.S. House seats, with several competitive races that could influence control of the House in November.
The primaries use the state’s current district boundaries after a map drawn in April was invalidated by the Virginia Supreme Court less than three weeks later; the court’s decision followed attempts by Republican leaders in other states to redraw maps ahead of schedule.
In the 2nd Congressional District, a rematch is possible between two‑term Republican Representative Jen Kiggans and former Representative Elaine Luria, the Democrat she unseated in 2022; Luria leads fundraising among the four Democratic candidates while Kiggans is unopposed for the Republican nomination. The neighboring 1st District features a contested Democratic primary with seven candidates, including Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor and retired Navy Commander Jason Knapp, seeking to unseat Republican Representative Rob Wittman, who is seeking his 10th term. In the 7th District, freshman Democrat Eugene Vindman faces no primary challenger and will meet the winner of a three‑way Republican primary that includes Philip Harding, Doug Ollivant and Rick Smithers. The 5th District’s Democratic primary includes a comeback bid by former Representative Tom Perriello, who may confront Republican John McGuire in a district that supported Donald Trump with 56 % of the vote. Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger has endorsed Luria, Taylor and Perriello in their respective primaries. At the top of the ballot, Democratic Senator Mark Warner is unopposed for a fourth term, with Republicans Kim Farington, Bert Mizusawa and David Williams as his potential November opponents.
The primary results will determine the nominees who will compete in the November general election and affect the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a petition seeking a statewide referendum on the state’s redistricting map, saying the measure could not appear on the November ballot. The new map redraws the Kansas City‑based fifth congressional district, currently held by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver, into a district leaning Republican. The petition required more than 111,000 valid signatures and was supported by over 300,000 signatures submitted by the group People Not Politicians Missouri, which local officials verified as meeting the qualification threshold. Hoskins said the petition violated a constitutional prohibition against bundling multiple subjects in a single amendment and that congressional redistricting cannot be subject to a voter referendum under Missouri law. The group’s executive director Richard von Glahn said the decision silences the people’s voice and announced plans to contest the ruling in court. Hoskins had previously asked a federal court to block the petition and waited until the statutory deadline to issue his decision, allowing the new districts to be used in the primary elections. The rejection also applied to a separate amendment that would raise the signature threshold for citizen initiatives and require an 80% vote in both legislative chambers to approve or amend voter‑approved measures. Coalition member Bob Johnson, a former Republican state senator, called the move a disregard for the will of the people and said the group would pursue legal action. The legal challenge will determine whether the referendum can be placed on the ballot, which could affect the use of the new districts in the 2026 congressional elections and influence redistricting efforts in other states before the 2028 cycle.
The Defense Department estimates that extending the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. through January 2029 will cost about $1.4 billion for fiscal years 2027‑2029, according to a report provided to Congress.
The deployment began in summer 2025 after President Donald Trump issued an emergency order to increase law‑enforcement presence in the capital. The Guard has been tasked with supporting arrests, snow removal, and city beautification projects. As of July 2026, about 5,000 Guard members were on duty, including roughly 2,500 personnel on average through the end of 2029.
The estimate assumes an average of 2,500 Guard members will remain in the city through January 2029. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, requested the figure and said the spending represented a political stunt. The cost was first reported by The Washington Post.
State officials from 23 states and territories continue to contribute personnel. Georgia contributed about 800 troops, Arkansas about 123, Hawaii 27, Louisiana 150, and the District of Columbia about 4,600. Some units are scheduled to return at the end of the month or later in October, while others remain in place.
Residents have voiced concerns that the funds could be redirected to health care or food assistance. A protest in the city on Monday featured remarks from Donna Powell, who said the money could be used for families in need.
The Pentagon said the mission will continue until January 20, 2029, or until terminated by the President.
Local officials have criticized the deployment as an infringement on the city's autonomy, while Democrats argue it has militarized the streets. The use of Guard troops in other jurisdictions has been limited by court rulings, but their presence in D.C. remains unrestricted because the president directly commands the D.C. Guard.
The governors of the contributing states must decide whether to extend their units beyond the current timeline, and the deployment's ultimate duration remains undetermined.
A Leon County Circuit Judge ordered Florida to rewrite the ballot title and summary for Amendment 3, a proposed property tax amendment, ruling that the language read more like a political slogan than a neutral explanation. Attorney General James Uthmeier has 10 days to submit a revised version.
The amendment, which seeks to alter property tax assessments, has faced opposition from the Florida Sheriffs Association, police and fire organizations, and some legislative leaders. The lawsuit was filed by a bipartisan group that includes former Democratic Rep. Al Lawson and former Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes. The court's decision represents the latest setback for the proposal, which has struggled to attract broad support.
Uthmeier said his office is reviewing the ruling and will provide further comment soon, without indicating whether the state will appeal. Governor Ron DeSantis has distanced himself from the amendment, and business groups have remained silent. The amendment will still appear on the November ballot, but it cannot campaign for itself until the title and summary are corrected.
The ruling underscores the requirement that ballot language be impartial. The court emphasized that the government cannot use the ballot to promote an amendment rather than explain it.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced plans to introduce legislation that would make wildlife poaching a felony, saying current penalties are insufficient. Poaching in Florida has historically been treated as a misdemeanor, a classification he described as inadequate for the seriousness of illegal wildlife taking and the risk of discharging firearms near populated areas. Uthmeier made the announcement at a news conference held at the Bay County Shooting Range in Panama City Beach. The proposed bill would create a new felony offense for aggravated illegal taking of wildlife, with charges ranging from third to first degree. Penalties would include imprisonment, fines, permanent revocation of hunting and fishing licenses, and forfeiture of weapons, vehicles or vessels used in the offense. Additionally, a separate third-degree felony would be established for poaching while committing trespass. The Office of Statewide Prosecution would handle the cases to ensure consistent prosecution. Uthmeier said poachers who unlawfully discharge firearms near homes endanger families and neighborhoods. He added that the legislation would give prosecutors additional authority to hold offenders accountable. Roger Young, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said the tougher penalties provide officers with needed resources and reinforce the state's commitment to conserving wildlife for future generations. If enacted, the measure would take effect during the 2027 Legislative Session, and its effect on poaching rates remains to be determined.
The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, a former labor and delivery nurse, began in Massachusetts in January 2023 after she was accused of killing her three young children. Clancy’s defense argues that she was overmedicated and that the drugs contributed to a later diagnosis of bipolar disorder, while prosecutors say she killed the children deliberately and premeditatedly. During opening statements, the defense presented a list of 13 prescription medications, including antidepressants, sleep aids and antipsychotics, that had been prescribed in the months after the birth of her third child in 2022. Media outlets and social media users highlighted the list, calling it evidence of malpractice and urging accountability for the pharmaceutical industry. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, has used the case to criticize the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, saying the nation is overmedicated. Experts cautioned that public scrutiny without context could discourage treatment for postpartum depression, a condition that affects about 10 % of new parents and is a leading cause of preventable pregnancy‑related deaths. Dr. Sunny Patel, a psychiatrist at Georgetown’s Thrive Center for Children, said that fear of medication may lead people to avoid necessary treatment, which could increase the risk of untreated mental illness. Reid Mergler, a clinical psychiatrist, noted that dosage adjustments are common and that clinicians often try multiple medications to find the most effective regimen. The trial underscores ongoing gaps in communication among providers and the need for better education about postpartum psychosis, which affects less than 1 % of new parents. Systemic improvements may depend on transparent analysis of all factors that contributed to the tragedy.
Washington will hold a primary election Tuesday for U.S. House seats and other offices, while firefighters battle wildfires that have forced evacuation orders in Spokane and prompted a state of emergency.
The primary uses a top-two system in which all candidates appear on a single ballot and the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. Polls close at 8 p.m. Pacific Time, and voters may verify ballot receipt and request replacements through the state website; ballots must be hand-postmarked at a post office or deposited in a drop box by 8 p.m. local time.
Approximately 67,000 residents in the Spokane area remain under evacuation orders. Washington conducts elections primarily by mail, with 58.5 percent of 2024 primary voters delivering ballots via drop boxes and 41.3 percent by mail; about 780,000 ballots had been cast as of Friday.
In the 3rd Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez seeks a third term against eight primary challengers, including Republican state Senate Minority Leader John Braun, who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Trump received 50.3 percent of the vote in the district in 2024, compared with 47 percent for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The 4th Congressional District is open because incumbent Republican Dan Newhouse is retiring after six terms. Eleven candidates, including Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney and former NASCAR driver Jerrod Sessler, are running, and Trump endorsed McKinney in January. Newhouse was one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Incumbents are running for reelection in nine of the state’s ten congressional districts. All 98 state House seats and about half of the 49 state Senate seats are up for election in 2026, with Democrats holding roughly 60 percent of seats in both chambers.
Three of the nine state Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Debra Stephens, appear on the ballot, with a fourth seat also contested; the seats are nonpartisan and liberals currently hold a majority.
Election officials have advised voters in affected areas to use the state website to confirm ballot receipt and obtain replacements. Machine recounts are automatic if the margin between the top two candidates is fewer than 2,000 votes and less than 0.5 percent of the total votes; manual recounts apply under stricter thresholds for statewide contests and other races. The Associated Press will declare winners only when a trailing candidate cannot close the gap.
The primary is part of a broader set of elections that also include contests in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Virginia, with the next midterm elections scheduled for 2026.
New York state officials issued an 11-page response last week disputing the assertion that large solar installations are converting productive farmland. The criticism stems from former President Trump's claim that the state was fast‑tracking solar projects on prime agricultural land. New York officials said that farmers can lease parcels to developers and retain the land for farming after the lease ends, citing a Cornell University study that found most lease‑payment recipients used the income to maintain or expand farming operations. The state energy agency released a guidebook last year showing that sheep and cattle graze beneath solar arrays on several farms and that zoning rules protect undeveloped land. A Solar Energy Industries Association report indicates solar farms occupy 0.13 percent of New York's 13,000 square miles of prime farmland, or 0.07 percent of all U.S. farmland, figures that are lower than those for golf courses and suburban development. Anti‑solar voices on social media, including influencer Alexandra Fasulo and former "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" musician John Rich, who was hired by the White House to advocate for landowners, continue to promote the land‑use narrative. In California's Central Valley, drought has led to fallowing of hundreds of thousands of acres, and some farmers lease land to solar developers as an alternative income source, according to the guidebook. The debate highlights tensions between renewable energy expansion and agricultural preservation, and New York's approach may serve as a model for other states confronting similar misinformation.
Pete Buttigieg, the former Democratic presidential candidate and current U.S. Transportation Secretary, said that Democrats could improve their electoral prospects by appealing to voters who favor cherry ice cream, according to a recent interview. He presented a theory that the party might attract additional support by focusing on issues that resonate with voters who prefer cherry ice cream.
Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez secured a spot in Washington's all‑party primary, advancing to the November general election to defend her House seat.
Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez secured a spot in Washington's all‑party primary, advancing to the November general election to defend her House seat. The two‑term congresswoman, who has diverged from her party on several issues, faced criticism from both progressive and conservative factions while campaigning in a district won by Donald Trump in 2024. The primary, held on August 6, 2026, attracted multiple candidates from various parties. Perez emphasized her record of bipartisan voting, while Republican state senator John Braun highlighted his support for Trump‑aligned policies. Both candidates received endorsements from their respective parties and local officials. The November contest will be a key test of whether the district remains aligned with Trump’s agenda or shifts toward Democratic control in the battle for House majorities.
Voters in Missouri's 1st congressional district will decide on Tuesday whether to re‑elect incumbent Wesley Bell or elect former representative Cori Bush in a Democratic primary that has become a focal point for debates over pro‑Israel financing in U.S. politics. Bush, a Democratic Socialist, represented the district from 2020 until Bell defeated her in 2022 after a race that attracted more than $8 million in spending by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and its affiliates. Bell, who served as St. Louis County Prosecutor beginning in 2019, ran a campaign focused on local concerns such as cost of living and health‑care expenses. The primary follows a broader shift in Democratic public opinion on Israel, with a February 2024 poll showing 58 percent of Democrats saying the United States is “too supportive” of Israel, up from 45 percent in January. Multiple surveys also indicate that a majority of Democrats believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and several members of Congress have voted against unconditional aid to Israel. AIPAC, the nation’s largest pro‑Israel lobbying group, has increased its overall spending, with its super PAC reporting more than $100 million in expenditures this election cycle, while directing much of its candidate support through unaffiliated entities rather than direct contributions. Bell has argued that AIPAC funding should not determine the outcome, emphasizing his local record and the concerns of voters about everyday costs. He has received endorsements from House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Bush, who defeated Bell by a margin of roughly six points in 2022, has said that continued AIPAC spending will be met with community opposition and that voters will reject candidates accepting that money. The contest will test whether the influence of AIPAC‑linked spending can be countered by grassroots activism in a district that has consistently elected Democratic representatives.
Kansas Republicans will narrow the field for governor in a primary on Tuesday, seeking to retake the governor's office after eight years of Democratic rule. Democrats will also hold contested primaries for governor and U.S. Senate, and voters will consider a ballot measure to allow direct election of state Supreme Court justices. Governor Laura Kelly is term‑limited, and Kansas has alternated party control between successive governors for 60 years. The Republican governor primary is being watched as a test of former President Donald Trump's influence, with his endorsement of state Senate President Ty Masterson over candidates including former state Representative Charlotte O'Hara, financial services executive Philip Sarnecki, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt and Secretary of State Scott Schwab. Democratic candidates include state Senators Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog; Sarnecki and his running mate Joy Eakins have contributed personal funds to the campaign. In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Republican Roger Marshall seeks a second term with Trump's endorsement and will face Arch Naramore, who is running under the name Pond. The Democratic Senate primary features a field of eleven candidates, with former pastor Adam Hamilton leading in fundraising. Republicans have won every U.S. Senate election in Kansas since 1932, and no Democrat has been elected to the seat since direct elections began in 1914. Voters will also decide a statewide ballot measure that would change the method for selecting Supreme Court justices, replacing the current gubernatorial appointment process with a commission‑selected list of finalists. Contested primaries are also available for U.S. House, secretary of state and state Board of Education. All 125 House seats will be up for election in 2026, with Republicans holding a majority. Johnson County, the most populous county, as well as Sedgwick and Shawnee counties, play a decisive role in the primaries, while Douglas and Wyandotte counties tend to influence Democratic contests more heavily. Polls close at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time) depending on time zone. Voters registered with a political party may vote only in that party's primary; unaffiliated voters may select a primary by affiliating at the polls. As of May 1, the state had about 2 million registered voters, including roughly 894,000 Republicans, 495,000 Democrats and 588,000 unaffiliated voters. Early or absentee voting accounted for about 45% of Democratic primary votes and 28% of Republican primary votes in 2022, and as of Friday roughly 133,000 ballots had been cast, with about 62,000 from Republicans and 60,000 from Democrats. Vote counting in the 2022 governor primary began 24 minutes after polls closed and reached about 96% of total votes by early morning. The Associated Press will declare winners when the lead is insurmountable.
Rep. Max Miller (R‑Ohio) said on Sunday that he will not withdraw his name from the November ballot despite recent allegations of domestic violence and other assaults, and the deadline for a withdrawal passes in six days. The allegations, detailed in a Mother Jones report based on court filings and police records, include claims that Miller scalded his ex‑wife with hot water, shoved her against a wall, and held a gun to her head, and that he has faced prior accusations of violence toward other women. Miller has denied all allegations. Several Republican lawmakers have urged him to step aside, and the Democratic Women’s Caucus called for a House Ethics investigation. Miller announced that he will file an ethics investigation into himself. Ohio law requires a candidate who wins a primary to withdraw by 4 p.m. on the 86th day before the general election to appear on the ballot; the deadline falls next Monday afternoon. If Miller withdraws by tomorrow, a special election could be held to select a new Republican nominee; if he waits until after the deadline but before Aug. 10, local party officials would choose his replacement. The seat is viewed as important to Republicans, who hold a narrow majority in the House, and the potential vacancy could affect the balance of power. Former Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost expressed concern about the allegations and their impact on the House’s control, while President Trump said during a call on Monday that “things aren’t looking good” regarding Miller’s continued candidacy. The deadline is approaching, and Republicans must decide whether to replace Miller on the ballot before the statutory cutoff.
Candidates in Florida’s House District 10 have failed to file campaign finance reports on time, prompting audit letters from the state Department of State. Florida law requires candidates to file reports before the deadline and imposes a $50 daily fine for the first three days of lateness, followed by a $500 daily fine thereafter, up to 25 % of total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, and a $500 daily fine for reports filed immediately before an election. Republican candidate Marshall Rawson, a farmer and business owner, filed a report on August 2 showing a $500 contribution but did not disclose the source of the funds. The Department of State sent Rawson three audit letters warning of erroneous filings, with additional notices possible because of multiple late submissions over recent weeks. Democratic candidate Merrillee Malwitz‑Jipson also received three audit letters from the Department of State. Write‑in candidate James Batley has reported no contributions or expenditures since filing on June 12 and has received two audit letters advising of potential fines. Real estate manager Chase Brannan, whose father is a former state representative, has not received any audit notifications. Rawson reported raising $145,000 in campaign contributions, including $10,000 in personal loans, and had $82,600 remaining at the end of July after receiving about $12,000 in in‑kind support. Brannan reported raising $195,400 through his campaign account and $99,000 through his political committee, Friends of Brannan, while receiving $10,000 in in‑kind assistance; he had $51,500 remaining after expenses as of July 24. Malwitz‑Jipson’s fundraising total was $11,000, with $500 remaining at the last reporting deadline. The district covers Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia and Union counties. Rawson declined to respond to a request for comment, and Malwitz‑Jipson did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Department of State has indicated that further penalties may be imposed if filings remain outstanding.
Orange County Commission Proposes New Regulations to Prevent Wildlife Exhibition Incidents
The Sloth World attraction, which opened in 2023 on International Drive, closed after an investigation revealed that many of the animals died from improper storage conditions in a county warehouse. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission currently regulates exotic wildlife throughout the state.
Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the county has jurisdiction over zoning, business licensing and site compatibility, and that local rules can address community concerns. She noted that her office has received many inquiries about the incident, providing the county a perspective on local impacts. Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad expressed support, noting that using public tax revenue to advertise the attraction before the criticism raised concerns about stewardship of public funds.
The County Attorney’s Office will review the proposals and assist in drafting the regulations. Wilson added that facilities that use animals for educational purposes and that demonstrate responsible practices would be exempt from the new rules. State Representative Anna Eskamani described the commission’s action as an important first step and emphasized the need for stronger oversight of exotic animal exhibitions.
The commission plans to finalize the regulations later this year, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will review the changes. The final framework will determine how future exotic animal attractions are licensed and monitored in Orange County.
Austin Rogers, a Republican seeking to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, announced endorsements from U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, and U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.
Dunn, a Republican who has represented the district since 2017, announced his retirement earlier this year, creating an open seat. Rogers, a Panhandle native, previously served as general counsel to Sens. Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott and worked in the offices of Jordan and other congressional leaders.
Reschenthaler, the House Chief Deputy Whip, said Rogers would help preserve the Republican majority, secure the border, and restrain federal spending. Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, noted Rogers’s experience as general counsel to Sens. Rick Scott and Lindsey Graham, saying that this background equips him to advance President Trump’s agenda from day one. Emmer, the House Majority Whip, said Rogers’s work as chief counsel to Sens. Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott prepares him to begin work in Congress and said he supports families and small businesses in the district. Rogers thanked the lawmakers for their support, stating that he will work to represent Florida families and uphold Republican principles.
The primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, and Rogers joins a field of candidates vying for the nomination to succeed Dunn.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office will threaten Catholic schools with loss of voucher and scholarship funding if they do not provide religious exemptions to COVID‑19 vaccine requirements. Uthmeier said the office received hundreds of complaints, including from Catholic families who said the mandates conflict with their religious beliefs. He cited Florida Statute 1003.22(3) which requires immunizations for school attendance and said schools that do not offer religious exemptions may be violating state law. Uthmeier, who identifies as Catholic, noted that policies vary among dioceses nationwide and that the state should respect religious teaching while upholding parental rights. A representative of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops said schools are operating in accordance with the law and Church teaching. The potential funding loss includes the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, which provides an $8,000 annual stipend, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities, which can reach $36,000 annually. Nearly 95,000 students were enrolled in Catholic schools last year, and the majority relied on scholarships, with about 14,000 receiving the higher‑value FES-UA award. Schools such as Orlando’s Blessed Trinity continue to state that enrollment requires the Florida Department of Health immunization certificate and that they do not accept religious objections. The bishops said a response is being prepared and Uthmeier said his office awaits further comment.
Missouri will hold primary elections on Tuesday for its seven U.S. House seats and several statewide offices, with a rematch in the 1st Congressional District between freshman Democrat Wesley Bell and former Representative Cori Bush.
The primary follows a redistricting plan approved by Republican legislators that redraws district boundaries to increase Republican chances in the November midterms.
In the 1st District, Bell defeated Bush in the 2024 primary with a margin of nearly six percentage points after receiving about $8.6 million in outside spending from the political arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, while Bush, a member of the progressive House group known as The Squad, has been a vocal critic of Israel since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
The district is strongly Democratic; Democratic then‑Vice President Kamala Harris received about 78 percent of the vote in her 2024 presidential run in the area.
Representative Emanuel Cleaver, first elected in 2004, now faces a new map that moves his Kansas City base into a district that supported Donald Trump with 58 percent of the vote, compared with the previous district that backed Harris with 61 percent.
Six Republicans, including former Boone County Clerk Taylor Burks, state Senator Rick Brattin and former law professor Brett Hueffmeier, are competing to challenge Cleaver in November, with Burks leading in fundraising.
Voters will also decide on four statewide ballot measures, including Amendment 4, which would raise the threshold for citizen‑initiated constitutional amendments, and Amendment 5, which would phase out the individual income tax and expand sales taxes.
Polls close at 7 p.m. Central Time, and early voting and absentee ballots accounted for about 12 percent of the 2024 state primary vote.
Vote counting began six minutes after polls closed, surpassed the halfway mark around 10:20 p.m. Eastern Time, and the final update was released near midnight with roughly 99.9 percent of votes counted.
Candidates may request a recount if the margin is less than 0.5 percent for federal, state and legislative races, or less than 1 percent for local races, and a court may order a recount in contested elections.
The Associated Press will monitor the results and declare winners only when the lead is insurmountable; as of Tuesday, 91 days remain until the 2026 midterm elections.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate for Ohio governor, is making outreach to the state's Indian American community as his campaign encounters difficulties. Ramaswamy and his parents have attended the Hindu temple in Dayton for decades, and the temple remains a gathering point for local Indian Americans. On a recent Tuesday afternoon, a priest lit incense at the temple altar while first‑time visitors walked the grounds outside. The candidate's campaign has struggled to gain momentum, with recent polling showing limited support among Ohio voters. Ramaswamy's team plans to increase outreach through cultural events and direct engagement with community leaders, but it remains unclear whether these efforts will translate into electoral advantage. The race for Ohio's governorship continues, with Ramaswamy's ability to connect with the Indian American electorate remaining a key variable.
Cori Bush and Wesley Bell are contesting a rematch in the Democratic primary for Missouri’s 1st District on Tuesday. The race highlights the party’s internal debate over U.S. policy toward Israel. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, has spent at least $2.1 million on ads supporting Bell, according to ad‑tracking firm AdImpact, and Bell’s campaign has added more than $2 million, with New Democrat Majority contributing an additional $700,000, bringing total outside spending to over $4.8 million while Bush’s campaign has spent less than $200,000. A July AP‑NORC poll found that about half of Democrats believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians, a claim denied by both the Israeli and U.S. governments. Progressive candidates in Colorado, New York and elsewhere have used similar criticism of Israel to win primary contests against establishment opponents, a trend some analysts describe as the ‘Mamdani effect.’ Bell has secured endorsements from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. He says he supports campaign finance reform and opposes singling out individuals for political participation. In an interview he said he can both support and criticize allies, noting that he does not favor Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but believes the United States should stand with its allies. Bush is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Rashida Tlaib. Bush said the contest is about the affordability and peace of every person in the country, and that her opponent is funded by AIPAC. Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson for Justice Democrats, said the nationwide ideological fight reflects a base that believes the party establishment is unable to confront Donald Trump and Republican extremists. The outcome of the St. Louis primary will indicate how the Democratic Party’s internal debate over Israel and other issues will shape future elections.
The U.S. House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday that it is opening an investigation into domestic abuse allegations against Republican Representative Max Miller of Ohio.
Miller, a former senior adviser to former President Donald Trump and a current member of the House, faces scrutiny as he seeks re-election in the 2026 midterms. The allegations stem from his ex‑wife, Emily Miller, and an ex‑girlfriend, and involve claims of domestic violence and possible drug use.
Committee members said they are reviewing whether Miller engaged in domestic violence, abuse, or illegal drug use. Miller said on his social media platform that he has requested his own ethics investigation to clear his name. He added that he has "nothing to hide" and intends to remain in the race, saying he will win in November.
Trump spoke with Miller on Monday and told him that his candidacy "doesn't look good," according to a source familiar with the discussion. Axios reported the private conversation.
Senator Bernie Moreno, the former father‑in‑law of Miller's ex‑wife, criticized the situation, describing the impact on his daughter, granddaughter and family as "truly the seventh level of hell" and saying Miller "fails to meet the basic standard" of a public official. He said he traveled to a suburban Cleveland police station where Miller was dropping off their two‑year‑old daughter, whom Miller shares custody of with his ex‑wife.
Miller, who previously livestreamed a video defending himself on X and posted documents related to his divorce and custody, said he would not drop out of the race.
The allegations have prompted legal filings by his ex‑wife and an ex‑girlfriend, and have raised concerns among Republicans about the potential loss of a House seat during the midterms. Trump declined to call for Miller's withdrawal, stating that the accusations were only allegations and that he would let the families decide.
The investigation will determine the factual basis of the claims, and its outcome may influence the political landscape ahead of the November election.
Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary will be held on Tuesday, featuring congresswoman Haley Stevens and former public health director Abdul El‑Sayed. The contest has drawn national attention as a test of the centrist‑progressive split within the party. Voters cited campaign finance, the economy and U.S. policy toward Israel as top concerns.
The primary is part of the broader Democratic primary season. Stevens, a moderate Democrat from the 11th congressional district, emphasizes her record of working for the state. El‑Sayed, a progressive candidate, highlights his public health experience and appeal to younger voters.
Reporters visited campaign events in Detroit and Lansing. At a community venue with about 100 attendees, El‑Sayed spoke to a crowd that included a cat; attendance at a Chamber of Commerce event for Stevens was about 23 people, while a later gathering with the Blue Brigade included roughly 16 members. Supporters of El‑Sayed cited the high cost of living and the influence of money in politics. A United Auto Workers member said people cannot afford basic necessities. A University of Michigan student expressed frustration with both parties and called for limits on large donations. A first‑time canvasser noted a growing awareness of the power of money in elections. Stevens supporters emphasized health care and expressed concerns about dark money, with one homeowner association president criticizing AIPAC contributions. A Jewish voter raised concerns about antisemitism within the party following the October 7 attacks. Business owner Doug Mulkey said he is monitoring the race while trying to maintain wages and benefits amid inflation. An anti‑data center activist in the 7th Congressional District may also be affected by the issue.
Democrats have found limited evidence of animosity between the two candidates. Only one voter said they would not support the other candidate in November if their preferred candidate lost the primary. The divide observed online appears less sharp in person than during the 2016 Clinton‑Sanders contest. The Republican nominee, former congressman Mike Rogers, has secured the former president’s endorsement while avoiding explicit alignment with the MAGA movement.
Analysts view the primary as one data point among many trends showing progressive gains nationwide. The outcome may influence the party’s strategy for the general election, but it does not determine the party’s future direction.
After the primary, Democrats will need to focus on areas of agreement to present a unified front against the Republican candidate.
Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, the Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, said the primary results may not be finalized until Wednesday morning. El-Sayed appeared to hold a narrow lead over Stevens as of Tuesday night.
The primary is a pivotal contest for Democrats aiming to regain control of the Senate in the November midterm elections. The winner will face Republican nominee Mike Rogers in the general election, succeeding retiring Senator Gary Peters.
El-Sayed, a former public health official, led Stevens, a congresswoman, in the Democratic primary, though the margin remained close. The race has drawn national attention as a reflection of progressive versus establishment tensions within the party. No official tally from the Michigan Secretary of State was released by the evening, and both campaigns indicated that vote counting could extend into Wednesday.
The outcome will determine the Democratic nominee who will compete against Rogers in November.
Maria Eugenia Laurencio, a retired anesthesiologist who voted Republican for decades, registered as a Democrat and voted for Joe Biden in 2020 after the party nominated Donald Trump for a second term. Laurencio is a member of Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, a nonpartisan organization founded in 2023 that advocates for immigration reform, opposes school book bans, supports abortion rights and voting access, and organizes protests and voter outreach. The group now includes about 250 members, many of them Cuban women, with ages ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s and occupations that include retired doctors, engineers and former legislators. Cuba Poll data from Florida International University show Cuban-American support for Republican candidates increased from 35 percent in 2016 to 68 percent in 2024, while support for Democratic candidates fell from 31 percent to 23 percent over the same period. Analysts attribute the shift to longstanding alignment with the Republican Party, outreach during naturalization ceremonies under the Cuban Adjustment Act, and messaging about ending communism. Some former Republicans, including Laurencio and her nephew, have voiced concerns about Trump's immigration policies, the January 6 Capitol attack and recent economic issues such as inflation and gas prices. Members have attended vigils outside the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility, assisted families of deported individuals and mailed more than 50,000 postcards urging voters to support Amendment 4, a ballot measure that failed to protect abortion rights in Florida. The organization says its growth reflects a need for community among Cuban-American women and its intention to remain active in upcoming elections.
Wesley Bell, a Democratic congressman, won the primary in the St. Louis area on Tuesday, defeating Cori Bush, the former representative who had served two terms. Bell will be the Democratic nominee for the November general election and is favored to win a second term. He said he would continue to oppose the administration’s policies and support working families. The race attracted significant outside spending, with about $4 million total from groups supporting Bell, including the United Democracy Project linked to AIPAC and the New Democrat Majority PAC, which contributed $1 million. Bush, who was first elected in 2020 and was part of the progressive “Squad,” campaigned on opposition to U.S. aid to Israel and criticized Bell’s vote against the 2021 infrastructure bill. Bell, a former county prosecutor, was backed by House Democratic leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus, while Bush received endorsements from the Democratic Socialists of America and other progressive organizations. Both candidates framed their positions around standing up to former President Donald Trump and addressing regional recovery after a tornado that struck the area in 2025.
Tampa presented a $2.04 billion recommended budget for fiscal year 2027, which includes $347 million for capital projects and maintains nearly $191 million in general fund reserves while absorbing higher personnel costs without expanding the workforce. The city expects property tax revenue of nearly $400 million, a figure that could decline by $35 million to $40 million in fiscal year 2028 if Amendment 3 is approved by voters in November, with losses rising to $60 million to $65 million in the following year and potentially $71 million to $74 million by fiscal year 2032. The budget aligns with the projected first‑year impact of the amendment and reflects cautious planning as the city prepares for possible revenue reductions. Department presentations covered water, wastewater, solid waste, parking, solid waste, and golf courses, highlighting rising construction costs and aging infrastructure; water officials noted increasing expenses beyond the cost of cheap water and emphasized the need for rate adjustments, while wastewater officials said about 60% of sewer pipes are over 60 years old and require relining. The council expressed approval of department cost‑control efforts but criticized the workshop’s organization and the lack of complete budget documents. The next workshop will address stormwater and transportation on Aug. 10, followed by discussions on police, fire, parks, recreation, the convention center and special events on Aug. 17; a public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 and final adoption on Sept. 22.
South Dakota Democratic Senate nominee Julian Beaudion withdrew from the race on Tuesday, clearing the way for independent candidate Brian Bengs to face Republican Sen. Mike Rounds in November. Beaudion’s withdrawal follows pressure from within the Democratic Party to clear the field for a stronger independent contender and comes on the same day as the filing deadline, according to paperwork submitted to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office. In a statement, Beaudion said his decision was motivated by a desire to avoid a split that could hinder the party’s chances, likening the situation to the Apollo 13 mission, and expressed gratitude to supporters while noting “Houston, we have a problem.” He is the third Democrat in a deep‑red Senate race to exit in order to give independents, who have shown stronger polling and fundraising, a better opportunity; Democrats in Idaho and Nebraska have also withdrawn and endorsed independents. Bengs, a former Democrat who lost to Majority Leader John Thune in the 2022 Senate race, said internal polling indicates a competitive contest with Rounds if Beaudion’s exit creates a two‑person race. Montana Democrat Alani Bankhead has said she will remain in her campaign, despite the presence of a well‑funded independent candidate. The November election will determine whether Bengs can challenge Rounds directly.
Right-wing outlets, including the Post Millennial and the Gateway Pundit, revisited a 2023 interview in which Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong disclosed a teenage hospitalization for a mental breakdown and a prior bipolar disorder diagnosis. Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and a current Wisconsin State Assembly member, is leading the Democratic primary race for the August 11 election. Her campaign platform calls for expanding mental health services by integrating social workers, nurses, community health workers, and peer counselors across the state. In the interview, Hong said her personal experience deepened her empathy and motivated her to speak openly about mental health. She emphasized that mental health care is a basic need and advocated for increased funding for community resources, training, accessibility, and culturally relevant services. She also noted that she is currently receiving treatment for depression and takes medication, according to her campaign. Therapist Andrea B. Vassilev of California, who has bipolar disorder, said the focus on Hong's history appears intended to generate fear and reinforce stigma. The timing coincides with Republican discussions about Representative Tom Kean's extended absence for depression treatment. The controversy highlights the challenges candidates face when discussing mental health publicly and the debate over how such personal histories are used in political discourse.
Justin Overbaugh, a retired U.S. Army colonel, was appointed Deputy Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security by Secretary Pete Hegseth and confirmed by the Senate in September 2025. The role oversees defense intelligence and security agencies and shapes policy to advance national security and military operations.
Overbaugh has a 25‑year career in intelligence, including leadership positions in the Middle East, the United States, and Europe. His public statements and social media activity have attracted attention. He has posted a black‑and‑white image of an AK‑47 with the caption “Come and Take It,” shared the phrase “Weak men create hard times,” and responded to a child’s drawing of a soldier by asking if the child was old enough to join the Army. He has advocated for carrying weapons to church and described lax immigration policies as “suicidal empathy.” He has expressed support for Germany remaining ethnically German and shared a link to the far‑right political party Alternative für Deutschland, whose factions have been linked to neo‑Nazi movements. He has also praised British far‑right activist Tommy Robinson.
Overbaugh regularly promotes the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, a denomination founded by pastor Doug Wilson, who has made statements opposing women’s suffrage and suggesting that homosexuality be criminalized. Overbaugh attended Christ Church DC, planted by Wilson, and shared links to Wilson’s sermons. He has endorsed Stephen Wolfe, author of The Case for Christian Nationalism, which argues for a civil magistrate to restrict blasphemy and heresy, and has said that America cannot be both Judeo‑Christian and Christian. Wolfe recently announced the Institute of Christian Politics, a training program in North Carolina; Overbaugh replied asking how he could help.
In a February 2025 hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Overbaugh pledged to transform the Department of War into an agile organization and highlighted a modernization of the National Background Investigation Services, including an expansion of a program that allows agencies to grant interim clearances while full investigations proceed. Jacob Bliss, a Pentagon deputy press secretary, called Overbaugh “a qualified, patriotic professional” and said the agency was “proud to have him as a political appointee.” The Pentagon declined to comment on reports that the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering posted references to the QAnon conspiracy theory and did not respond to inquiries about the hiring of deputy press secretary Kingsley Wilson, who has expressed extremist views including support for Germany’s AFD party.
LaBelle City Commissioner Hugo Vargas endorsed Michael Carbonara, a fintech entrepreneur, in the Republican primary for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. The district stretches from Marco Island in Southwest Florida to Broward County on the Atlantic Coast. The seat is open following the retirement of the incumbent, and the primary will determine the Republican nominee for the general election.
Vargas, who also serves as a Clerk‑Commissioner for LaBelle and was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida State Barber Board, said families in the district face daily challenges with groceries, gas and insurance, and that Carbonara’s focus on solutions aligns with his observations. “I hear every single day what families here are up against. Groceries, gas, insurance, and a government that does not listen,” Vargas said. “Michael Carbonara talks about those problems like a man who actually intends to solve them, because he has spent his life building things that work.”
Carbonara said he welcomed the support. “Hugo Vargas is what public service is supposed to look like. A man who built his business with his own two hands, serves his church, his hospital Board, and his city, and never forgot where he came from,” he said. “From LaBelle to Weston, this campaign is about putting more money in the pockets of working families. I am honored to have Hugo standing with us, and I will fight for Hendry County every single day in Congress.”
Carbonara is competing in a heated primary for the open seat created by a new congressional map drawn by Governor DeSantis. Vargas praised Carbonara’s “pedigree and experience in bringing in sustainable and safe innovation.” He added, “My parents worked the fields so their children could live the American Dream, and I built my business one chair at a time.” He said, “Michael respects that story because it is his story too. He will show up for the farm families, the workers, and the small businesses of Hendry County, and he has my full support.”
The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, with the general election to follow. No further endorsements have been announced as of this report.