A mountainous state in the Southern/Mid-Atlantic U.S.
Developments across multiple regions have kept negotiators busy. The week has seen ongoing discussions while some participants push for concrete concessions and timelines.
Maryland County's new superintendent has vowed to push an agriculture-focused development plan, prioritizing education, local land use, and inclusive governance, as he tours communities in Harper and Pleebo. The plan includes processing equipment for farmers and reforms to land practices, with an emphasis on locally benefiting the county and sustainable development ahead of Liberia's bicentennial.
A federal grand jury in West Virginia has indicted Kerr Kriisa, a 25-year-old Estonia-born former college basketball player, on five counts of wire fraud. He was arrested in Kentucky and is set to appear in federal court this week. The indictment details alleged schemes involving victims who were told they were helping someone in need and included claims of loans, organ sales, and family emergencies.
Andrea Shaw has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the May 2025 deaths of her 18-month-old twins, Dallas and Tyson, in Payette, Idaho. Prosecutors say she suffocated them; defense links the deaths to vaccines. Shaw faces life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
A sprawling Ohio case centers on 16 siblings found living in squalor in a 12-by-12 room after a warrant uncovered a home described as deplorable. Four adults face felony child endangerment charges as state aid to care for the victims is being considered.
A global look at paid time off shows most countries guarantee some leave by law, but the U.S. stands apart, treating it as a voluntary benefit. Top earners in the U.S. still enjoy paid time off at lower rates than peers in other economies, while debates over policy and AI-era work norms shape future protections.
Eight men across multiple states have been charged in two conspiracies related to plans to provide material support to terrorists and to murder a federal official during a UFC event on the White House lawn. Investigators say they planned explosive drones and sniper attacks, targeting high-profile figures; arrests span Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, Washington, California and West Virginia.
CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business quality-of-life rankings have drawn criticism from conservatives who say the methodology unfairly targets red states. Critics argue the list conflicts with population growth data and different state policy outcomes.
A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to leafy greens is expanding across the United States. Michigan reports thousands of cases as authorities investigate a potential link to Taco Bell and other produce sources. Health officials warn the outbreak is likely to continue through August; precautions include thoroughly washing produce or cooking it.
Chipotle has removed jalapeños from restaurants after public health officials have linked a Salmonella Javiana outbreak to jalapeños served at multiple Mexican‑style restaurants. Minnesota has identified 110 cases tied to the outbreak; the FDA has opened an active investigation and has started sampling but has not issued a recall. Chipotle says it has replaced the peppers from different growers.
The U.S. outbreak of cyclosporiasis has expanded across multiple states, with Michigan reporting the highest counts. Officials say the source remains unidentified, but lettuce and leafy greens are under investigation amid recalls and ongoing traceback work as case counts rise through summer.
West Virginia faces a severe flood emergency as heavy rainfall triggers widespread damage. Governors mobilize National Guard and declare a state of emergency across all 55 counties. Rescues continue as utilities restore power and crews clear debris. Officials warn that the situation remains volatile with high water and saturated ground.
The Pentagon has extended the Washington, D.C. national guard deployment until January 20, 2029. Local officials say the presence is a burden and not improving safety, while federal authorities cite crime reductions. The situation remains politically charged as city leaders push for withdrawal and review of federal actions.
Infections linked to Cyclospora have risen across several states, with authorities tracing a possible tie to contaminated lettuce. Health officials urge thorough washing and cooking to kill the parasite and advise peeling fruits where possible. Experts highlight safer fruit choices and the limits of washing against the parasite.
The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has expanded to additional states. FDA tracebacks identify Taylor Farms de Mexico as a key supplier; Taco Bell has removed affected lettuce and recalls are ongoing. Public health officials warn consumers and stress washing and cooking precautions where relevant.
Global wildfire smoke from Ontario and other Canadian fires is driving dangerous air quality across the US Midwest and Northeast. President Trump is pressing Canada over forest management, while Ontario faces evacuations and aid efforts. Canadian fires have intensified amid a hotter, drier climate.
The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell has cited thousands of cases across multiple states, with Ohio and Michigan at the forefront as lawsuits and recalls unfold. Authorities have warned against lettuce from Taylor Farms while investigations determine the outbreak’s precise source.
Over the past weeks, U.S. and Canadian grocers have pulled iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico after a Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms products. FDA and CDC warn consumers to discard recalled items and seek refunds. The recall now covers 27 states and multiple brands, with thousands of illnesses reported.
Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce distributed to 27 states after U.S. health officials linked shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell to Cyclospora contamination. The recall covers products from central Mexico with best-by dates through Aug. 3, and Sysco has halted distribution of affected lettuce.
The FDA has reaffirmed the outbreak advisory linking shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico to cyclosporiasis, while Taylor Farms recalls iceberg lettuce as a precaution. A subsequent reevaluation has determined the initial positive test was a false positive, but health officials say the outbreak data remains valid and investigations continue.
Defaults among federal student loan borrowers have surged after the pause ended, with around 9.5 million in default and more facing higher payments as the government ends the SAVE plan. The government has shifted repayment options and tightened relief, raising concerns about financial strain.
The multistate cyclospora outbreak is now linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ central Mexico operations and has affected at least nine states, with thousands of cases and hundreds of hospitalizations reported. Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall, and FDA and CDC investigations continue as officials warn consumers to avoid recalled lettuce.
The Cyclospora outbreak has expanded, with Michigan reporting rising case totals and southeastern counties remaining the epicenter. Ohio reports more than 500 cases across several counties. Health authorities are urging caution with certain produce while investigations continue to identify the sources.
West Virginia faces severe floods in 2026. Officials have set up a Flood Resiliency Office after the 2016 disaster. New funding has been approved, but leaders warn more is needed to protect communities and infrastructure.
UKHSA reports 67 Cyclospora cases among returning travelers since April, with 48 linked to visits to Mexico. Outbreak traced to contaminated produce in central Mexico; warning issued on food and water hygiene for summer travel to Mexico and the US. Symptoms include explosive diarrhoea and stomach cramps; most cases are mild but antibiotics are used for severe infections.
The DOJ has repeatedly lost in federal courts as it seeks voter rolls and citizenship data to back President Trump’s election-security push. Courts across the country have rebuffed its requests, citing constitutional boundaries and procedural limits, while some states have begun sharing data that is publicly available. The legal battle continues as cases move toward potential Supreme Court review.
The National Jamboree in West Virginia has exposed tensions over Scouting America’s inclusion initiatives after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to end military support if changes were not made. About 15,000 scouts, leaders and volunteers are participating as debates about inclusion spaces and LGBTQ+ staff roles unfold, prompting some attendees to reconsider or shift roles.
Max Miller faces mounting calls to resign amid domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife and other sources. The House Ethics Committee has opened a probe as Republicans weigh potential action while Miller pledges to stay in the race. Political fallout intensifies as several senators and Trump allies weigh in.
Kroger has been consolidating its store footprint, closing around 60 underperforming locations over 18 months as part of a broader restructuring. The company is accelerating moves after acquiring Giant Eagle, with some stores shifting to Kroger Marketplace formats and others staying market-adjusted.
A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly entering a neighbor’s home, hurling dog feces, and engaging in a physical confrontation that included the use of a child’s scooter as a weapon. The incident followed an ongoing dispute over unscooped dog waste.
Rising heat advisories affect millions across the central Plains to the Southeast, with temperatures pushing toward 100 F and humidity making it feel hotter. In the U.K., calls for legal maximum workplace temperatures gain momentum as workers advocate protective laws amid intensifying heat waves.
OpenAI has added an Apple Messages plugin to ChatGPT for Mac that can read, search, summarise, draft and send iMessages. The feature is optional, runs on the desktop app and requires user permission; OpenAI says processing happens locally on the Mac but privacy experts, Apple’s on-device privacy stance and some users have raised concerns about message access and authenticity.
Iran reports a new gas discovery in the south of Fars province, with more than 160 billion cubic metres of sweet natural gas. Officials say production could last around 15 years, but Bloomberg suggests full-scale output may take years given sanctions and repairs. Other outlets note the field is not yet in operation.
Anthropic has announced Enterprise Frontier Safeguards and new Claude 5.1 family models as it expands data handling controls for enterprise customers. The move coincides with major cloud and hardware partnerships to scale compute capacity, as the company positions itself for a possible IPO amid fierce competition in AI infrastructure.
The Hawk Fire near Reno has reached about 27% containment and stretched over roughly 23 square miles. Officials say Modest progress is being made as evacuation orders remain for tens of thousands. The fire is considered human-caused, with questions still surrounding its origin. Schools are closed and residents face ongoing danger as winds shift.
Nvidia has reported another monster quarter, surpassing expectations with a 70% forecasted revenue increase for fiscal 2028 while signaling broader AI infrastructure growth. The company notes demand is accelerating, while supply constraints and rising memory costs pose ongoing challenges. Nvidia is expanding its financing partnerships to back AI data centers, and Meta’s $16.7 billion settlement adds regulatory attention to the AI stack.
The administration has ended Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and other nations, and deportations are expanding. ICE has shifted from criminal targeting to people in limbo, asylum seekers, and long-term residents, with thousands already detained or facing removal as flights increase and new detention capacity is built.
Justus Kelley has won Miss USA 2026, becoming the first married woman, first mother, and the first contestant in her 30s to win the pageant as the 75th edition crowns her in Miami. The Virginia native uses the platform to champion foster care and reflects on her family’s dedication.
Grey Beard has completed the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail, reclaiming the oldest-hiker record at age 91 after a challenging campaign. He faced multiple falls, a hospital visit, and a pinch nerve, but his perseverance ended at Maine's highest peak with a moment of prayer.