US Domestic News Roundup: Key Highlights

This summary highlights key US domestic news stories including the rise of AR-15 style rifles, Supreme Court decisions, bird flu cases in Colorado, railroad safety hearings, movements in Biden's campaign, a potential Weinstein retrial, and Silicon Valley's political endorsements.

AR-15 style rifles have become a cultural icon in the US through marketing and militarization, with conservative politicians posing with them in Christmas card portraits and churches raffling them in deep red states. Demonstrators at protests also frequently carry them, and a Congressional bill aims to designate the AR-15 as 'the National Gun of the United States.'

The US Supreme Court is making it increasingly difficult to pursue lawsuits, even for conservatives, by overturning high-profile cases related to abortion rights, online free speech, student loans, immigration, and Native American child welfare.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed two additional bird flu cases among Colorado poultry farm workers, bringing more attention to the spread of H5N1.

Federal Railroad Administration and National Transportation Safety Board officials will testify about rail safety in light of a significant Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that released hazardous pollutants.

President Joe Biden faces mounting calls from fellow Democrats to end his reelection campaign, despite his vow to continue. Concerns have been fueled by a negative debate performance and fundraising issues.

A New York judge has tentatively set November 12 for Harvey Weinstein's retrial on rape charges, although an earlier September date is possible depending on pretrial proceedings.

Vice President Kamala Harris tried to reassure Democratic donors about the party's prospects, affirming confidence in their electoral chances amid internal calls for Biden to step down.

Donald Trump recounted a life-threatening attack during his speech at the Republican National Convention, emphasizing his survival by 'the grace of Almighty God.'

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg has chosen not to endorse either Donald Trump or Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election, diverging from other Silicon Valley influencers who back Trump.

(With inputs from agencies.)