US News Live: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper holds early lead over RNC Chair Michael Whatley in 2026 Senate race poll

A new poll for the potential 2026 North Carolina Senate race shows current Governor Roy Cooper (D) leading Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley (R), according to a report in The Hill. The Emerson College Polling survey, released Friday, indicates Cooper has 47 percent support compared to Whatley's 41 percent. The poll also found that 12 percent of voters remain undecided in the prospective general election matchup for the seat currently held by Senator Thom Tillis.

Vaccination against shingles increased among U.S. adults aged 50 and older during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the rise was not uniform across all demographics, with significant gaps persisting for underserved groups, AP says in a report. According to a study published in the journal Vaccine, this trend indicates that while broader health awareness during the pandemic may have boosted uptake, it did not resolve existing inequalities in access to preventative care. Shingles, which is caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox, can lead to a painful rash and other serious complications.

The FBI is investigating the Cibola county correctional center in New Mexico for alleged rampant drug trafficking and violence, according to a report in The Guardian. The facility is owned and operated by private contractor CoreCivic, which holds a government contract to house federal inmates and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees. The investigation has reportedly implicated some of CoreCivic's own staff in drug smuggling operations at the prison. This development occurs as CoreCivic is expanding its immigrant detention business amid an increase in ICE arrests.

The initial wave of Social Security payments for August is set to be sent out in 12 days, with disbursements beginning on the second Wednesday of the month, according to a report in the Washington Examiner. These payments, which are now capped at a maximum of $5,108 for retirees who began collecting benefits at age 70, are distributed in subsequent weekly waves. The specific date a recipient receives their payment is determined by their day of birth.

The US labor market slowed significantly in July, adding only 73,000 jobs while the unemployment rate remained flat at 4.2 percent, according to a report in The Hill. The data, released by the Labor Department, indicates a stall in the market attributed to uncertainty among consumers and businesses over President Donald Trump's trade policies and new tariffs.

Alaska is facing a significant budget crisis, leaving it unable to fund critical repairs for crumbling rural schools that now pose serious health and safety risks to students and staff, according to a report in NPR. The state's inability to address the deteriorating infrastructure is the result of long-standing fiscal challenges. The lack of funding directly impacts communities in remote parts of the state where school buildings are in a state of disrepair.

The August Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment, with a maximum value of $967 for an individual, is being sent to recipients today, according to a report in the Washington Examiner. These monthly payments, funded by general tax revenues, are provided to eligible low-income individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. The actual amount received by beneficiaries can vary based on factors such as other income sources.

Voters in Detroit are participating in a municipal primary on Tuesday to select a successor for outgoing three-term Mayor Mike Duggan, AP said in a report. Nine candidates are featured on the ballot in the nonpartisan primary. The two candidates who receive the most votes will advance to the general election scheduled for November.

A mass monarch butterfly die-off in southern California in January 2024 was probably caused by pesticide exposure, new peer-reviewed research finds, according to a report in The Guardian. Researchers who discovered hundreds of dead or dying insects near an overwintering site noted the butterflies were found twitching or in piles, which are common signs of neurotoxic pesticide poisoning. Subsequent testing found an average of seven different pesticides in each of the 10 butterflies analyzed, providing new evidence that pesticides are a factor in the species' recent population declines.

A bipartisan bill, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, has been introduced in the US Congress by Representatives Brian Jack (R-GA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS), confirming rumors of an effort to amend federal boxing laws, according to a report in The Guardian. The proposed legislation seeks to overhaul the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, a law historically designed to protect boxers' rights and welfare. The changes are reportedly intended to clear the way for a new boxing venture backed by Saudi Arabia and run by TKO Holdings Group, the parent company of UFC and WWE, which would adopt a centralized promotional model similar to the UFC's, bypassing the sport's traditional sanctioning bodies.

A US federal appeals court has upheld a jury verdict finding Google's Android app store operates as an illegal monopoly, according to a report in AP. The unanimous ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday affirms the original verdict from a lawsuit brought by Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. This decision now allows a federal judge to enforce measures intended to create more competition and provide consumers with more choices in the app market.

Exxon Mobil's second-quarter profit has fallen to its lowest level in four years due to a slump in global energy prices, as per a report in AP. The decline is linked to increased production from OPEC+ and US benchmark crude prices remaining below $70 per barrel for most of the year. The report also notes that broader global markets have been impacted by US trade policies. Despite the drop in profit, Exxon Mobil's earnings still surpassed Wall Street expectations.

Exxon Mobil's profit for the second quarter dropped to its lowest point in four years as sliding oil prices, influenced by increased OPEC+ production, impacted sales, AP said in a report. The company reported earnings of $7.08 billion, or $1.64 per share, for the three months ending June 30, a decrease from the $9.24 billion, or $2.14 per share, earned in the same period a year earlier. Despite the profit decline, Exxon's earnings still exceeded Wall Street's expectations.

Major US tech companies are seeing significant financial returns from their artificial intelligence investments, with Microsoft and Google attributing strong quarterly results to the AI boom, Axios says in a report. Despite this revenue growth, these firms, including Meta and Amazon, are reinvesting heavily and increasing spending on AI infrastructure like data centers. Microsoft plans to spend $100 billion in capital expenses next year, and total big tech investment in AI infrastructure is projected to reach $320 billion this year. OpenAI is also expanding its "Stargate" data center network and has seen its monthly revenue double to $1 billion since the start of 2025. This massive spending on computing power has benefited companies like Nvidia, which became the first to reach a $4 trillion market capitalization.

John Woeltz, a suspect in a case involving the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian crypto trader, has been released from custody after spending two months at Rikers Island, Fox News said in a report. His release was secured after he posted a $1 million bond. Woeltz is facing charges related to the alleged torture over a bitcoin dispute. The release is pre-trial, and the charges against him remain pending.

Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters announced a new requirement for teachers relocating to the state from so-called 'blue states', Fox News said in a report. These educators must now pass an 'America First' certification test to become eligible to teach in Oklahoma. The test will reportedly cover subjects including American history, civics, and what officials described as 'common sense topics'.

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is providing swimming instruction to players from the Baltimore Ravens after they requested his help, according to a report in Fox News. The collaboration began after several players, including safety Kyle Hamilton, publicly admitted to their deficiencies in swimming. Phelps, a Baltimore native and 23-time Olympic gold medalist, responded to the players' call for assistance by offering his expertise to his hometown NFL team.

President Donald Trump has condemned Russia's recent attacks on Kyiv, labeling them "disgusting," as per a report in Al Jazeera. The report notes that the statement comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for "regime change" in Moscow.

The US job market is showing signs of a gradual slowdown, with an estimated 115,000 jobs created in July, as per a report in AP. While the nationwide unemployment rate remains low, there are indicators of weakening momentum, such as increased difficulty for new entrants to find work. Specifically, the unemployment rate for college graduates between the ages of 22 and 27 has reached its highest level since 2012, excluding the initial pandemic spike. The report also notes a sentiment among many current employees who are choosing to stay in their jobs, suggesting a belief that better opportunities are not readily available.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested a trade due to a lack of progress in contract extension negotiations, according to a report in The Guardian. The request comes after McLaurin sat out the first four days of training camp before reporting on Sunday; after reporting, he is no longer subject to daily fines. He was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with an ankle injury upon reporting. McLaurin recorded a career-best 1,096 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in the 2024 season.

President Donald Trump on Thursday engaged in a contentious exchange with a reporter regarding his administration's tariff policies, according to a report in Fox News. When questioned on the matter during a press availability, Trump defended his stance by citing the pandemic and asserted that he had to spend his first presidential term "fighting lunatics like you."

The US Senate has confirmed Andrea Lucas for a second term as a commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), The New York Times said in a report. Lucas is known for her public criticism of and opposition to corporate and governmental diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Her confirmation secures her position on the key federal agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in the workplace.

The NFL's preseason kicked off with the Hall of Fame game, which began with a moment of silence to honor shooting victims, as per a report in The Guardian. In the game that followed, the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Detroit Lions 34-7. The Chargers' Trey Lance threw for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

Sherry Xue Li, a woman from Oyster Bay, New York, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges of money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, The Hill said in a report. The charges are related to a multi-year, $30 million investment scheme in which Li sold foreign investors access to American politicians, including President Donald Trump. As part of the fraud, she also falsely promised the investors that their funds would secure them permanent resident status in the United States.

The Smithsonian Institution has removed a reference to President Donald Trump's past impeachments from an exhibit on the American presidency, as per a report in The New York Times. According to museum officials, the exhibit was considered outdated. A spokeswoman for the Smithsonian clarified that a future, updated exhibit would be more comprehensive and is planned to include information regarding "all impeachments."

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has publicly addressed a back injury, as per a report in Sports Illustrated. The report notes her status in recent games, observing that she was on the bench during a July 24 game against the Seattle Storm but was on the court for a July 29 game against the Washington Mystics.

President Donald Trump has postponed the start date for new tariffs to August 7, creating fresh uncertainty after administration officials had previously assured the public of an 'ironclad' Friday deadline, according to a report in AP. The new tariffs, which build upon others announced in the spring, are now a source of speculation and have raised concerns about potential increases to inflation rates. It also remains unclear if the newly proposed tariffs will withstand potential legal challenges.

President Joe Biden delivered a speech at the National Bar Association’s annual gala in Chicago on Thursday night, The Hill said in a report. This event marked his first major public appearance following the recent disclosure that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The address was his first significant public engagement since the announcement.

Tennessee state leaders have fast-tracked approval for a tunnel project by Elon Musk's The Boring Company that will connect to Nashville's airport, as per a report in The New York Times. The state's decision overrides objections from Nashville city officials, who had raised concerns about the project's feasibility due to the area's challenging limestone geology. The state's approval process bypassed the city's standard regulatory reviews and public hearings.

In response to ongoing federal investigations and multiple civil lawsuits alleging sex trafficking and sexual assault, the legal team for Sean 'Diddy' Combs has put forward a First Amendment defense, as per a report in MSNBC. The argument posits that the parties hosted by Combs, which have been colloquially termed 'freak offs', should be considered expressive conduct protected under constitutional rights to free speech. This legal strategy attempts to reframe the alleged illicit activities as protected expression amid the severe criminal allegations he is currently facing.

A federal judge in California on Thursday extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 60,000 people from Central America and Asia, blocking a termination initiated by the previous Trump administration, as per a report in AP. The ruling affects approximately 51,000 Hondurans, 7,000 Nepalis, and 3,000 Nicaraguans. The order provides immediate relief, as the status for individuals from Nepal was set to expire on Tuesday, while the protections for those from Honduras and Nicaragua were scheduled to end on September 8.

The legal team for President Donald Trump has adopted a more constrained position on deportations during a court case, a stance that contrasts with the President's public rhetoric about mass removals, according to a report in The Washington Post. The arguments presented in court must adhere to existing legal frameworks, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act and constitutional due process requirements, which present significant logistical and legal challenges to the kind of large-scale deportations Trump has publicly advocated for.

The US Treasury Department has sanctioned multiple entities for their role in supporting Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program, as per a report in The Daily Wire. The sanctions, administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), target groups involved in the procurement and development of Iranian drones. This action aims to disrupt the financial and logistical networks supporting the program, which has become a significant concern due to the proliferation of these drones to regional proxies and their use by Russia in the war against Ukraine.

The United States will raise tariffs on certain Canadian goods from 25 percent to 35 percent beginning Friday, August 1, 2025, according to a report in The Hill. President Donald Trump announced the increase on Thursday. The White House clarified that goods covered under the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be exempt from the higher tariff rate.

Two large wildfires in Arizona and Utah are so hot they are creating 'fire clouds,' which produce their own erratic weather and present challenges for firefighters. In Arizona, a wind-whipped 'megafire' near the Grand Canyon has burned over 164 square miles and is 9% contained. The wildfires have also prompted power outages in Utah, fueled by ongoing dry conditions in the region.

Former California Rep. Michelle Steel has announced she will not run for Congress in 2026, citing 'other goals' for her decision, according to a Fox News report. The announcement follows her narrow loss in the November 2024 re-election campaign for her southern California district and is expected to set the stage for a competitive Republican primary for the seat.

Senator Elizabeth Warren fell on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Thursday during a vote on resolutions aimed at blocking military sales to Israel, according to a report in Fox News. The incident occurred while senators were present for the vote, and Warren received assistance from colleagues from both parties who were nearby.

A new Republican-led bill in the House of Representatives aims to cut federal funding to police agencies that employ unauthorized immigrants, Fox News said in a report. The proposed legislation follows a recent incident where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a Jamaican national who was serving as a seasonal police officer. The bill is the latest legislative action connected to the ongoing national debate over immigration policy and enforcement.

The U.S. Department of Education is calling on state and local school officials to utilize existing flexibilities to opt out of federal programs and provisions considered "burdensome," according to a report in The Washington Times. This directive is part of the current Trump administration's broader policy initiative aimed at decentralizing education and returning more authority and control to the states. The push encourages schools to move away from federal oversight in favor of state-led educational management.

A Texas man has been indicted for fatally shooting an Afghan refugee, Abdul Rahman Waziri, who had helped U.S. forces defuse bombs during the war in Afghanistan, as per a report in AP. The indictment comes more than three months after the April 27 shooting, which occurred during a parking dispute at a Houston apartment complex. The victim's brother expressed frustration over the delay, noting that the alleged shooter had identified himself to police at the scene of the crime.

A federal immigration judge in Miami has ordered a wealthy Haitian businessman and former presidential hopeful to remain in custody in the United States, according to a report in AP. The man was arrested at his home in South Florida earlier in July and is being held on accusations from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE has stated that the individual is accused of being “engaged in a campaign of violence and gang support that contributed to Haiti’s destabilization.”

Vaccination rates among US kindergarteners declined during the 2024-25 school year compared to the previous year, according to a report in The Hill. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that coverage dipped to 92.1 percent for the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. Rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine also fell to 92.5 percent.

The US military has walked back a plan to discontinue the distribution of some weather forecast data after facing public opposition, according to a report in The Hill. In a new statement, the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center confirmed it will continue to provide data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. The reversal follows the public's negative reaction to the initial proposal to cease distributing the information.

Amazon posted higher profit and sales for its fiscal second quarter compared to the previous year and offered a sales outlook for the current quarter that surpassed analysts' expectations, according to a report in AP. The Seattle-based company's performance highlights its resilience amid tariff uncertainty. Despite the positive results, Amazon's shares declined in after-market trading because its operating income forecast for the current quarter fell short of analysts' projections.

Two Colorado deputies have been disciplined for helping federal immigration agents, an action that violates a state law designed to limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, according to a report in AP. The state's law is a direct response to federal policies. The local sheriff stated that officers from other agencies have also engaged in similar cooperation with federal authorities. The disciplinary action for one of the deputies, Alexander Zwinck, occurred after his assistance to federal agents on a drug task force was revealed following the immigration-related arrest of a Brazilian college student in June.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has rejected a proposal from the Trump administration to implement funding cuts for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to a report in The Hill. The White House budget had called for slashing the NIH's funding by $18 billion, which represents a 40 percent decrease for the medical research agency. The committee advanced a measure that not only rejects the cuts but also increases the NIH's budget by $400 million.

Two significant wildfires in the western U.S. are so intense they are forming 'fire clouds' that generate their own unpredictable weather, according to a report in AP. In Arizona, a wind-driven 'megafire' has consumed over 164 square miles and is only 9% contained. These conditions present major challenges for firefighters and have also caused power outages in Utah amid ongoing dry conditions.

Jamie Dimon has changed his stance on the Trump administration's trade tariffs after months of criticism, stating in a recent interview that the policy has been "so far, so good," as per a report in The Hill. Dimon, who had previously been skeptical of the efforts to rewire global trade, remarked that the tariffs have proven to be "more moderate and thoughtful" than initially anticipated. This marks a notable shift in tone from a leading figure in the US financial sector regarding the administration's protectionist trade measures.

A U.S. federal appeals court on Thursday rejected a request by attorneys for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to remove the judge presiding over his death sentence appeal, according to a report in AP. The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the argument from Tsarnaev’s lawyers that U.S. District Court Judge George O’Toole should be recused from the case due to a perceived lack of impartiality.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of thousands of children's play kitchens after a toddler died from strangulation and asphyxia, according to a report in The Hill. The federal agency's action addresses the safety hazard posed by the product that led to the child's death.

A recent meeting in France involving LeBron James, his business partner Maverick Carter, and Nikola Jokić’s agent concerned plans for a new $5 billion international basketball league to rival the NBA, The Guardian said in a report. The proposed league, led by Carter, would feature six men's and six women's teams traveling together to eight global cities in a touring format. Inspired by LIV Golf and Formula One, the venture aims to offer players equity stakes, a practice currently prohibited for active athletes under NBA rules.

Apple's revenue growth accelerated during the April-June quarter, overcoming challenges from past trade tariffs and a delayed entry into artificial intelligence, according to a report in AP. Despite the strong results, the company faces potential future difficulties, which could include higher prices for iPhones. The quarterly performance was released amid concerns about the company's trajectory, though it remains highly profitable.

Chemicals that are restricted or banned in other jurisdictions have been found in major brands of shampoo, sunscreen, and tampons in the USA, according to a report in Fox News. The findings have intensified calls from advocacy groups for stricter federal oversight of the personal care industry. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) operates under a long-standing legal framework that provides it with limited authority to pre-approve cosmetic ingredients, relying instead on post-market action if a product is found to be unsafe. In response to these regulatory gaps, a growing number of consumers are using mobile applications to research ingredients and assess product safety.

Apple announced accelerated revenue growth for its April-June quarter on Thursday, overcoming challenges from past US-China trade tariffs and a slower initial push into artificial intelligence, as per a report in AP. The results come as the company continues to navigate the effects of tariffs imposed during a previous Trump administration. Despite the strong performance, the report notes Apple faces potential future difficulties, including the possibility of increased iPhone prices as it works to diversify its supply chain.

The governor of Massachusetts has proposed a $400 million plan to support research projects and jobs at the state's colleges and universities, The New York Times says in a report. The proposal is a direct response to what the governor's office describes as federal "uncertainty" and funding cuts from the Trump administration, which have impacted institutions heavily reliant on federal grants. This state-level investment aims to provide financial stability for research initiatives and help maintain the competitiveness of the state's higher education sector.

A researcher at Texas A&M University, Tae Heung “Will” Kim, who is a legal permanent resident with a green card, was detained for more than a week by authorities at the San Francisco International Airport upon returning from a trip to South Korea, AP said in a report. According to his family and attorneys, Kim was held starting July 21, sleeping in a chair and living off food sold in the airport. His attorney stated at a news conference that the reason for the detention remains unclear, and Kim now faces deportation proceedings.

More than 100 national parks across the USA that normally charge for admission will offer free entry for one day in August, according to a report in The Hill. The National Park Service (NPS) initiative is one of several fee-free days offered throughout the year to encourage public visits. While entrance fees are waived on this day, charges for other amenities and activities, such as camping, tours, and concessions, will still apply.

Atlanta-based homebuilder Beazer Homes USA Inc. reported a fiscal third-quarter loss of $324,000, a significant drop from a profit in the same period a year earlier, according to a report in AP. The company stated its loss was 1 cent per share, while earnings adjusted for asset impairment costs were 26 cents per share. These results fell short of Wall Street expectations, where the average estimate from three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research had projected earnings of 42 cents per share.

US stocks ended a volatile trading day with losses on Thursday, driven by a pullback in the health care sector that offset an early rally in technology stocks, as per a report in AP. The S&P 500 experienced its third consecutive decline, falling 0.4%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.7% and the Nasdaq composite edged down by less than 0.1%. Despite the day's losses, the S&P 500 recorded a 2.2% gain for the month of July and remains up 7.8% for the year.

Tennessee's Supreme Court has ruled that the execution of Byron Black can move forward, Al Jazeera says in a report. The decision was made despite legal challenges centered on concerns that the inmate's implanted defibrillator—a medical device that delivers an electric shock to the heart—could be triggered by lethal injection drugs. This interaction, it was argued, might prolong the dying process and cause excessive pain, potentially violating constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

First Solar Inc. reported second-quarter earnings of $341.9 million, surpassing Wall Street expectations, according to a report in AP. The Tempe, Arizona-based company, identified as the largest U.S. solar company, announced a net income of $3.18 per share, which exceeded the average analyst forecast of $2.68 per share. The company also posted revenue of $1.1 billion for the period, which likewise topped Street forecasts.

The Pentagon is withdrawing 1,350 National Guard troops from Los Angeles this week, significantly reducing a presence originally established for the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, AP says in a report. An order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaves 250 troops in the city for the specific purpose of protecting federal personnel and property, a statement from chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell indicated. The original deployment was part of a larger force that included approximately 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines.

US stock markets ended lower on Thursday despite early gains, with the S&P 500 falling 0.4% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 0.7%, as per a report in AP. The Nasdaq composite saw a minimal slip of less than 0.1%. The decline was primarily driven by a sell-off in health care stocks, which fell after the White House issued letters to large pharmaceutical companies requesting they reduce drug prices and implement other changes within the next 60 days. In contrast to the broader market, Meta Platforms' stock surged after the company reported sales and profits that exceeded analyst expectations.

The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday advanced legislation providing over $1 trillion in government funding for the 2026 fiscal year, according to a report in The Hill. The proposed funding, moved forward ahead of a late September deadline to prevent a shutdown for the current fiscal year, includes approximately $852 billion in discretionary funding for defense and about $200 billion for the departments of Labor and Health. This committee approval marks an early step in the budget process for fiscal year 2026, which runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

Singer Justin Timberlake announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, according to a report in AP. In a social media post, Timberlake described the disease as "relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically" and noted that he considered ending his 'Forget Tomorrow' tour after receiving the diagnosis. He wrote that he ultimately decided to continue with the tour, which recently concluded.

President Donald Trump sent letters to 17 of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies on Thursday, demanding they take steps to significantly lower prescription drug prices, according to a report in The Hill. This action represents an escalation of his administration's push to implement a "most favored nation" model, which aims to ensure that the U.S. pays no more for drugs than the lowest price paid in a selection of comparable foreign countries.

The United States, during the previous Biden administration, imposed visa bans on some Palestinian officials, according to a report in The New York Times. The travel restrictions typically apply to individuals associated with the Palestinian Authority or the Palestine Liberation Organization. The foreign policy action was implemented under the authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for the suspension of entry for individuals whose presence is deemed detrimental to U.S. interests.

Senator Bernie Sanders's 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour is scheduled to visit West Virginia and North Carolina in early August, according to a report in The Hill. The tour will make stops in Wheeling, Lenore, and Charleston, West Virginia, on August 8 and 9, followed by a stop in Greensboro, North Carolina, as detailed on the senator's official website.

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, The Hill says in a report. Whatley, a key ally of President Donald Trump who was endorsed for the RNC leadership role in March 2024, is entering what is expected to be a highly competitive race in the battleground state. The announcement positions him for a likely general election contest against popular former two-term Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, with the outcome considered critical for determining which party controls the U.S. Senate.

Microsoft's market capitalization has surpassed $4 trillion, making it the second company to reach this milestone, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The surge in the company's value follows its recent announcements of increased investment in artificial intelligence. This development occurred in the same month the company conducted significant layoffs that affected thousands of its employees.

Support among Republican voters for cutting U.S. aid to Ukraine has decreased over the past five months, a new poll shows, according to a report in the Washington Times. The findings indicate a shift in sentiment within the Republican base regarding the continuation of U.S. financial and military assistance to the country.

The San Diego Padres acquired closer Mason Miller and left-handed pitcher JP Sears from the Oakland Athletics in a major trade deadline deal on Thursday, according to a report in The Guardian. To secure the pitching upgrades, the Padres sent a package of prospects to the A's, including highly-regarded shortstop Leo De Vries and pitchers Henry Baez, Braden Nett, and Eduarniel Nunez. The report also noted a separate trade involving pitcher Shane Bieber being sent to the Blue Jays.

Federal judges in the USA are reporting a significant increase in threats and harassment, including a tactic known as "pizza doxing," where unsolicited pizzas are sent to their homes, according to a report in AP. This rise in intimidation coincides with intensified criticism of the judiciary by President Donald Trump. In a particularly cruel twist, many of these deliveries are made in the name of Daniel Anderl, the 20-year-old son of District Judge Esther Salas who was murdered at his family's home in a 2020 attack. Dozens of judges, including District Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., who previously ruled against Trump's policies, have been targeted by this form of harassment.

Forecasters have warned that major US East Coast cities, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City, could see excessive rainfall through Friday, according to a report in The New York Times.

Two federal judges publicly denounced threats they have faced amid growing tensions between the judiciary and the White House, according to a report in The Hill. During a virtual event on Thursday, U.S. District Judges Jack McConnell of Rhode Island and John Coughenour of Washington stated they have received threats while presiding over major cases involving the Trump administration, highlighting the mounting pressure on members of the federal judiciary.

Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a former boxing champion who won world titles in two weight classes during the 1980s, has died at age 72, The New York Times said in a report. Qawi's career began unconventionally after he joined a boxing program while incarcerated. Following his release, he became a professional contender, ultimately winning both the light heavyweight and cruiserweight championships.

The new College Sports Commission has reached an agreement to relax standards on name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals for college athletes, avoiding further litigation on the issue, according to a report in The Guardian. The commission will now consider a payment from a third-party company to a player as having a "valid business purpose" if the agreement "is related to the promotion or endorsement of goods or services provided to the general public for profit." This change provides new clarity for third-party collectives, which are the main source of NIL deals for players in US college sports.

The head of the Southern Baptist Convention's policy arm, Brent Leatherwood, has resigned from his position as president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), AP says in a report. The ERLC, which confirmed it accepted his resignation on Thursday, is the public policy agency for the USA's largest Protestant denomination. Leatherwood's departure after nearly four years comes as the staunchly conservative agency, which advocates against abortion and transgender rights, has faced pressure from critics within the denomination seeking to push it into even more right-leaning positions.

A new Republican-led Senate bill proposes making all driving under the influence (DUI) convictions a deportable offense for non-citizens, regardless of whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, according to a report in Fox News. The proposed legislation aims to limit executive discretion for future administrations in immigration enforcement by codifying any DUI conviction as sufficient grounds for deportation. Under current federal immigration law, a single misdemeanor DUI is not always a deportable offense, but the new bill seeks to make it a mandatory trigger for removal proceedings.

A bipartisan pair of senators has introduced a proposal for $54.6 billion in new aid for Ukraine, according to a report in The New York Times. The measure faces significant political hurdles, particularly after a larger foreign aid package stalled in early 2024 due to Republican opposition. This new legislative effort comes as President Donald Trump has recently signaled a potential openness to finding ways to support Kyiv, a shift from his earlier stance that influenced the opposition to the previous bill. The success of this new proposal is uncertain, but it represents a renewed attempt to provide critical funding to Ukraine.

The U.S. Department of Defense will continue to share crucial data from three weather satellites used for tracking hurricanes, reversing a previous plan to halt the data stream by the end of July 2025, AP says in a report. The decision comes after meteorologists and scientists raised concerns that losing access to the information from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, which is jointly operated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, would pose risks to the accuracy and timeliness of storm forecasting.

US kindergarten vaccination rates for the 2024-25 school year have decreased again, while the percentage of children with vaccine exemptions has climbed to an all-time high of 4.1%, up from 3.7% the previous year, AP says in a report. This is the third consecutive year that the exemption rate has set a new record, with the vast majority of these exemptions being for nonmedical reasons. Concurrently, the vaccination rate among kindergartners for required shots like measles, mumps, and rubella stood at 92.5%.

A select group of elite artificial intelligence technologists in the USA is commanding massive compensation packages, with some negotiating deals worth up to $250 million, The New York Times said in a report. This top tier of talent, typically holding PhDs and significant research credentials, is approaching the job market in a manner similar to professional athletes by utilizing advisors to manage offers and leveraging intense competition among the highest bidders. The trend reflects an extreme supply-and-demand imbalance for specialized researchers with experience in leading-edge AI models.

A U.S. Coast Guard investigation found that rotten wood and poor inspections were key factors in the collapse of a mast on the schooner Grace Bailey in Maine, which killed one person and injured several others in October 2023, AP said in a report. The report, made public Thursday, stated that deterioration on the 1882-built vessel went "unnoticed and unaddressed" due to a lack of thorough inspections. The main mast of the schooner splintered and fell onto the deck as it was returning from a four-day cruise.

The U.S. Navy Secretary is pushing for a new review board to overhaul the curriculum at the U.S. Naval Academy with the stated goal of restoring a "warrior ethos," Fox News said in a report. The proposal includes removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, expanding the number of military faculty members from 40 to 100, and removing educational materials considered inappropriate for warfighter training.

A joint NASA and SpaceX launch scheduled for Thursday was scrubbed due to unfavorable weather conditions, according to a report in The Hill. The decision is a routine safety measure in spaceflight operations and is not related to any technical issues with the launch vehicle or spacecraft. The launch has been rescheduled for Friday.

Former vice president Kamala Harris will release a memoir next month about her experiences during the 2024 election campaign, according to a report in the New York Times. The book, which details her perspective on the political race, is scheduled to be published in August.

The US Department of Defense has reversed its decision to stop sharing critical satellite weather data that is essential for hurricane forecasters and scientists, according to a report in NPR. This change in policy comes approximately one month after the Navy announced it would cease distributing the information. The data is considered vital for accurately monitoring and predicting severe weather events like hurricanes, and the reversal ensures its continued availability.

An F-35 fighter jet experienced a fiery crash in a field located in Fresno County, California, on Wednesday evening, The Hill said in a report. The pilot of the advanced military aircraft was able to eject safely before the plane went down. Military authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the incident.

China's cyberspace regulators summoned US chipmaker Nvidia on Thursday regarding security concerns that its H20 chips could be tracked and remotely disabled, according to a report in AP. The Cyberspace Administration of China demanded the company explain the alleged 'backdoor safety risks' and submit relevant materials. In response, Nvidia stated that cybersecurity is critically important and that its products do not contain 'backdoors'.

The United States and numerous NATO allies released a joint statement accusing Iran of orchestrating a growing number of threats across Europe and North America, AP says in a report. The statement demands that Iran cease all attempts to harm dissidents and other individuals, citing alleged plots by Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap, and harass people. The allies described these activities as a clear violation of their national sovereignty and noted that Iranian services are increasingly collaborating on such efforts.

President Donald Trump plans to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test for American schoolchildren, a program originally created in 1966 to promote active lifestyles, according to a report in AP. The revived test would revert to its original format, which required students to perform athletic feats such as running, situps, pullups or pushups, and a sit-and-reach test. This move reverses a change made in 2012 during the Obama administration, which had altered the program to focus more on individual health metrics rather than competitive athletic performance.

Scientists are using artificial intelligence to combat an invasive plant species that costs US ranchers an estimated $35 million annually, according to a report in The Hill. Researchers utilized AI to generate new, synthetic images of the plant, which enhances the system's ability to accurately identify it in various conditions. This improved identification is a critical first step that enables more effective and targeted management strategies to control the spread of the invasive species and mitigate its significant economic impact on the agricultural sector.

A key inflation measure in the USA rose in June, with the price index increase being seen as the latest evidence that President Donald Trump's tariffs are affecting consumer prices, according to a report in The New York Times. This development adds to the economic pressure on the Federal Reserve as it navigates its monetary policy.

Microsoft became the first company to surpass a market value of $4 trillion on Thursday after reporting strong quarterly earnings, according to a report in The Hill. The US-based technology company's stock increased by 7 percent during morning trading, pushing its market capitalization over the $4 trillion threshold for the first time. The financial milestone occurs amid ongoing discussions in Washington D.C. concerning the market power of large technology firms and potential antitrust regulation.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed U.S. mortgage slipped to 6.72% from 6.74% last week, providing modest relief to prospective homebuyers, AP said in a report. This week's rate is comparable to the rate from three weeks ago and is nearly identical to the 6.73% average from a year ago. Additionally, the average rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, often used for refinancing, also decreased to 5.85% from 5.87% the previous week.

The son of Marie Blaise, a woman who died of heart disease in a South Florida U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center, has alleged his mother told him she was not allowed to see a doctor for chest pains prior to her death, as per a report in Reason Magazine. Blaise collapsed and died in the facility in April, and her son's claim has raised new questions regarding the medical care provided to detainees. This incident adds to ongoing scrutiny concerning conditions and healthcare standards within ICE-contracted detention facilities.

A 34-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene on Wednesday afternoon following an apparent fall from the Whitney Museum in New York, according to a report in The New York Times. Following the incident, the museum stated that it would be closed to the public on Thursday.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is facing significant backlash from Democrats over remarks made on Wednesday describing proposed "Trump accounts" as a "backdoor for privatizing Social Security," according to a report in The Hill. Bessent made the comment during an event with Breitbart News while discussing the Trump administration's proposal for new savings accounts. His statement has triggered strong criticism from Democratic lawmakers who oppose moves toward the privatization of the federal retirement program.

The Ohio governor's office has announced the deployment of the Ohio State Highway Patrol to assist the Cincinnati Police Department, according to a report in Fox News. This state-level support comes in response to a recent violent assault in the city that was captured on camera. The decision to provide support from the state patrol was indicated in a gubernatorial press release.