USA TODAY is reporting that independent voters are expected to be a crucial demographic in the 2026 midterm elections. It said it spoke with three such voters to understand their perspectives.
Separately, USA TODAY reported that women who accuse Jeffrey Epstein of sexual misconduct detailed a combative meeting with Todd Blanche, President Donald J Trump's attorney general nominee. The accusers claimed Blanche evaded their questions regarding whether he had reviewed the Epstein files.
In weather news, USA TODAY is reporting that the August forecast predicts continued record heat across much of the United States. Long-range predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate above-normal temperatures are expected through mid-August.
Justice officials have dropped charges against a former Olympian in connection with damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, USA TODAY said. The Trump administration acknowledged that flawed work was the cause of the damage.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department is sharing newly released ransom notes in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case, USA TODAY reported. The notes demanded millions in bitcoin for Guthrie's safe return.
CBS has placed analyst Tony Romo on leave indefinitely following his arrest on suspicion of operating while intoxicated, USA TODAY reported. The network announced Romo's leave will continue "until further notice."
USA TODAY also reported that plastic surgeons are observing an increase in patients seeking treatment for "temporal hollowing," a facial side effect associated with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. It said surgeons consider this a "high risk" area.
At Lollapalooza, Olivia Rodrigo performed with The Smashing Pumpkins, a band native to Chicago that had not played the festival since 1994, USA TODAY reported.
Finally, USA TODAY said that officials confirmed the state's autopsy results for Nolan Wells have been completed and compiled into a report.