Policy & Law

How Does Cyclospora Compare to Some of the Worst Outbreaks in US History?

Health officials are investigating simultaneous cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks affecting dozens of states, prompting comparisons to landmark foodborne illness crises.

By James Callahan · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

El-Sayed Doubles Down After Criticism Over Disparaging Remarks About Mackinac Island

The Michigan Democratic Senate nominee faced backlash for video from his 2018 gubernatorial campaign where he said 'I hate Mackinac so much.'

By Marcus Webb · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

US Birth Rates Hit Historic Lows as Research Highlights Political and Educational Divides in Fertility

The total fertility rate fell to 1.62 births per woman in 2024, the lowest since reliable records began, with demographic researchers pointing to widening gaps between urban college-educated populations and rural religious communities.

By Eleanor Cross · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Ex-GOP Strategist Says Democrats Could Win Texas This Cycle

The Lone Star State has not elected a Democrat statewide in three decades, but recent polling showing James Talarico leading Ken Paxton has Republicans reassessing.

By Eleanor Cross · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Omaha Residents Report Inconsistent Responses to Lead Contamination Concerns Despite Decades-Old EPA Cleanup Program

The Flatwater Free Press and ProPublica found high lead levels in multiple yards outside the Superfund cleanup zone, but residents say government responses vary widely.

By Marcus Webb · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Saharan Dust Cloud the Size of Continental US Reaches Southern U.S., Affecting Summer Weather Patterns

The massive plume of mineral dust from Africa has traveled thousands of miles, suppressing storm activity and creating vivid sunsets across the Gulf Coast region.

By James Callahan · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

Shannon Taylor's Prosecutorial Record Draws Scrutiny in Virginia First District Race

The Democratic nominee, challenging Republican Rep. Rob Wittman, faces questions about her support for progressive prosecutors and policies she championed as Henrico County commonwealth attorney.

By Eleanor Cross · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Justice Alito Defends 'Practical Originalism' as Constitutional Interpretation Method, Draws Criticism from Academic Circles

The Supreme Court justice has articulated a framework for interpreting the Constitution that he says bridges historical meaning with contemporary application.

By James Callahan · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Socialism's Campus Appeal Meets Gen Z Resistance as Students Keep Score on Communism

Pro-Israel Jewish students at a Washington summit described feeling alienated by the Democratic Party's progressive wing, with some saying they are moving toward conservative positions.

By James Callahan · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Legal Scholar Lawrence Lessig Argues Maine Campaign Finance Law Could Challenge Super PAC Structure

Lessig, a Harvard Law professor known for campaign finance advocacy, is backing the Maine People's Law as a potential test case that could redefine political spending limits.

By Marcus Webb · Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4 min read