Top Senate Republicans are breaking with former President Trump over his plan to impose across-the-board tariffs on goods coming into the U.S.
Why it matters: The comments from senators, including two vying to replace Mitch McConnell as GOP leader, signal the potential for a fresh round of Republican infighting over trade and the economy if Trump wins on Nov. 5.
Senate Democrats are quietly approaching a critical benchmark in confirming judges nominated by President Biden, but November's election will determine how quickly they get there.
Why it matters: Senate Republicans under the Trump administration confirmed 234 federal judges, a number Democrats have made a priority to eclipse.
The pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC is pouring money into its effort to take out a second member of the progressive "Squad" this cycle, Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.)— and the fight is turning predictably bitter.
Why it matters: Polling suggests Bush, a prominent progressive, is in serious danger of losing her re-election battle to local prosecutor Wesley Bell.
Meanwhile, Vice President Harris is expected to announce her own No. 2 pick this week, and families are reunited after a historic prisoner swap that brought Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich home.
Here's what you may have missed when newsmakers hit the airwaves this Sunday, August 4.
Top Democrats have been telling us for several days that although she hasn't made it final, all signs point to Vice President Harris picking Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, 51, as her running-mate. But this weekend saw a flurry of efforts by rival Democratic camps to tank his chances.
Why it matters: Harris is conducting in-person interviews with finalists in Washington this weekend, and will appear Tuesday in Philadelphia with her choice.
Intensely personal decisions about children and family are suddenly becoming a fierce political battleground.
Why it matters: The U.S. fertility rate has been steadily falling, mirroring trends in other developed countries, and hit a record low of 1.62 births per woman in 2023.
HONOLULU — One year after fast-moving wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, Maui, there are visible signs of progress to rebuild.
Lots have been mostly cleared of debris. The water and wastewater systems have been rebuilt. Permits for residents to start rebuilding have been approved. Even its iconic, 151-year-old Banyan tree seems to have survived.
Why it matters: But the wildfires that killed more than 100 people on Aug. 8, 2023, exacerbated a housing crisis and have forced local residents and leaders to confront bigger questions about how to rebuild on Maui.
Why it matters: Kennedy had a rare opportunity when chaos over President Biden's candidacy paralyzed the party. But Kennedy's poll numbers appear to be falling, his cash is dwindling and he's slowed his schedule.
