š§ LISTEN TO THE HEADLINES ON THE SUBSTACK APP
Cyberattacks On Water Systems Hit At Least 12 States
Cyberattacks targeting municipal water and wastewater systems have affected at least 12 U.S. states, according to reports. Minnesota saw more than 30 systems targeted, with some disruptions including pressure losses and temporary operational issues. Michigan and Georgia confirmed incidents as well. Federal agencies including the FBI noted the attacks focused on programmable logic controllers, with some facilities switching to manual operations. No widespread public health impacts from contaminated water have been reported.
šļø News & Politics
DSA Islamist Abdul El-Sayed Defeats Haley Stevens In Michigan Senate Primary
Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic nomination for Michiganās U.S. Senate seat, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens by about 1 percentage point. El-Sayed, a former public health official backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and progressive groups, now faces Republican Mike Rogers in November. The race featured heavy outside spending favoring Stevens and highlighted divides over Israel policy and economic issues. Mallory McMorrow, who dropped out earlier, received a small share of the vote.
North Carolina Republicans Advance Election Integrity Overhaul
North Carolina Republican lawmakers have approved election reform legislation that shortens the early voting period for primaries, expands post-election ballot challenges and increases the state auditorās oversight of election administration. The measures passed the General Assembly this week and now head to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who has indicated he will veto the more comprehensive bill. Republicans have overridden several of the governorās vetoes previously this year.
Jeanine John Taele Federally Charged After Scouting Security At Trump Golf Club
Jeanine John Taele, 38, of Downey, California, faces a federal charge of possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle after his arrest at Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles. Authorities said he was seen photographing and filming security preparations ahead of President Trumpās visit. Deputies recovered a loaded pistol, ammunition, body armor and other items from his vehicle and residence.
Republican Senators Block OMB Rule On Tracking Federal Grant Spending
The Senate Appropriations Committee has suspended a proposed Office of Management and Budget rule on federal financial assistance as part of a continuing resolution. The rule would have required greater accountability for subawards in grant spending exceeding $700 billion. Sen. Susan Collins called the rule deeply flawed. The measure delays implementation amid concerns over impacts on research and rural communities.
Paragon Study Finds Nearly Half Of Medicaid Expansion Enrollees Ineligible In 2024
A Paragon Health Institute study estimates that 9.2 million people, or nearly 46 percent of Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion enrollees, did not meet eligibility requirements in 2024. The figure rose from 4.9 million in 2019 and cost the federal government an estimated $32.9 billion that year. California accounted for about 3.1 million of the improper enrollees.
Report Author Says DNC Omitted Key Chapter From 2024 Election Autopsy
Paul Rivera, author of the Democratic National Committeeās analysis of the 2024 election loss, said the party left out a chapter from the report released in May. The omitted section examined former President Joe Bidenās decision to seek reelection and the influence of a financially secure consultant class. Rivera said he provided the chapter in a binder to DNC Chair Ken Martin in January. Martin denied receiving it and stated the released draft included all materials submitted.
Listen to Underground USAās podcast:
āāāāā How the Left Weaponized Irrational Fear
BE SURE TO LIKE THE ARTICLE & SHARE IT WIDELY
š¢ The American Fifth Column
Buttigieg Says Ending Electoral College Expanding Supreme Court Not Radical
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a podcast interview that eliminating the Electoral College in favor of a national popular vote, expanding the Supreme Court with term limits, adopting proportional representation in the House, and amending the Constitution to restrict corporate spending in politics should not be viewed as radical. He argued these changes would improve the political system and force candidates to campaign more broadly. Buttigieg emphasized the Constitutionās amendment process as a key feature that should be used.
Leftist Climate Group Pivots To Fighting Trump
The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate activist group, has expanded its mission beyond environmental issues to combating what it calls authoritarianism under the Trump administration. Delegates voted to broaden the focus, leading to tactics including disruptions of immigration operations, student walkouts, and campaigns against hotels and companies linked to ICE. The group has received funding from sources including the Open Society Foundations and partners with other progressive organizations on these efforts.
Fired 60 Minutes Correspondents Hired As Columbia Journalism School Residents
Former 60 Minutes correspondents Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi have been named journalists in residence at Columbia Journalism School for the 2026-27 academic year. They will mentor students through lectures, workshops and events on reporting and investigative skills. Both will also contribute pieces to the Columbia Journalism Review. The roles come after their departures from the CBS program earlier this year amid changes at the show.
California Democrats Defy Newsom And Becerra On Billionaires Tax
California Democratic Party delegates endorsed Proposition 40, a ballot measure imposing a one-time 5% tax on the stateās roughly 200 billionaires, at their convention. The measure aims to raise an estimated $100 billion mainly for healthcare. The endorsement came after a contentious vote that cleared the required threshold on a second attempt and puts the party at odds with Gov. Gavin Newsom and gubernatorial nominee Xavier Becerra, both of whom oppose the tax. Supporters include labor unions and some progressive lawmakers.
Madison Police Clear Autonomous Zone Encampment After Clashes
City workers and Madison police cleared a protest encampment at the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin streets on August 4. The site had blocked the area for nearly two weeks following the police shooting of Corey Ruiz. Protesters threw rocks and lit fires in response. Officers used pepper spray, and at least 12 people were arrested. The intersection reopened to traffic after the removal.
š International
Iran, Oman Near Agreement On Hormuz Shipping Route
Iranās Foreign Ministry said it has agreed with Oman on the geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials indicated a joint statement is in the final stages if third parties do not interfere. The proposed arrangement would have Iran coordinate inbound traffic, and Oman manage outbound traffic. President Trump said discussions are progressing and a deal could come soon.
Houthis Attack Vessels Off Yemen As Threats To Saudi Tankers Lift Oil Prices
Yemenās Houthi militants attacked vessels off the Yemeni coast, including one that sank after an uncrewed surface vessel strike, according to UK maritime authorities. The group threatened Saudi oil tankers in the northern Red Sea in retaliation for diversions from southern routes. Brent crude bounced above $80 a barrel amid the developments. Crews were reported safe in the incidents. The actions occurred alongside ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
EU Calls Emergency Meeting After Ceuta Migrant Surge
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged stronger EU borders following the mass arrival of tens of thousands of migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Most have returned to Morocco. Ireland is convening an emergency meeting of interior ministers. Von der Leyen called for enhanced monitoring, physical barriers where needed, cooperation with non-EU countries, and dismantling smuggling networks. The incident has strained relations among member states.
Colombian Authorities Seize Bus With 420 Kilograms Of Explosives Bound For Cali
Colombian police intercepted a passenger bus carrying 420 kilograms of explosives on the Pan-American Highway in Cauca department. The vehicle was headed toward Cali days before the presidential inauguration. Authorities linked the shipment to FARC dissidents under the alias IvƔn Mordisco and said it targeted military and police installations. The explosives were destroyed in a controlled operation.
China Uses Financial Leverage To Expand Pacific Influence Analysts Warn
A Lowy Institute report finds Chinaās new loan deals in the Pacific have declined while some nations face substantial debt obligations to Beijing. Analysts say the Chinese regime continues to use economic aid for political leverage and to displace Western influence. Australia remains the regionās largest development partner.
