Michigan’s High Stakes Dem Primary, Blanche Confirmation Latest, Max Miller Stays In: AM Update 8/5

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show AM Update – August 5, 2026
Guest Host: Mark Halperin
Episode Focus: Michigan’s Democratic Senate Primary, AG Nomination Battle, Max Miller’s Scandal, Spokane Wildfire Arson

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Episode Overview

In this high-stakes AM update, Mark Halperin guest-hosts in Megyn Kelly’s stead, providing a rapid-fire rundown of the day’s hottest political headlines. The episode zeroes in on Michigan’s fiercely contested Democratic Senate primary, the tense Senate Judiciary wrangling over Acting AG Todd Blanche’s confirmation, the embattled saga surrounding Ohio Congressman Max Miller and allegations against him, and the alarming arrest of a convicted felon accused of igniting Spokane’s largest wildfire. Halperin delivers no-nonsense context, direct quotes, and reactions from major players—offering listeners a digest of pivotal stories shaping the national conversation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Michigan Democratic Senate Primary: A Test for the Party’s Soul

[02:57–05:26]

• The Democratic Senate primary in Michigan is a battleground between progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens.

• Historic levels of spending—nearly $81 million—fueled a bitter advertising war, with 79% spent supporting Stevens.

• AIPAC and allied groups poured nearly $30 million into the race, marking their largest investment in a single election.

  • El-Sayed framed outside spending as corrupting:

    “There's a reason that I'm up in nearly all the polls despite the fact that they've outspent us 20 to 1, 30 to 1, that money is corrupting on its own terms and people understand what will transpire if they support a candidate who's taking that kind of money and they don't want that anymore.”
    (Abdul El-Sayed, via Washington Post) [04:06]

  • Stevens countered, rejecting the influence of donors:

    “Anyone who supported me is supporting me because of my dedication to the people of Michigan and the things I have done for Michiganders.”
    (Haley Stevens, via AP) [04:30]

• The primary remained “too close to call” late Tuesday, with major ideological and policy debates—especially over Israel and Gaza—fueling divisions.

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2. DOJ and AG Todd Blanche Confirmation Battle

[05:26–09:00]

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Todd Blanche

• Acting AG Todd Blanche’s confirmation advanced after negotiations dissolved a controversial DOJ payout fund.

  • Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, previous GOP holdouts, were placated by written commitments—especially eliminating the so-called “anti-weaponization fund” and clarifying limits on IRS settlements.

  • Cornyn:

    “I've been very clear...I needed specific assurances in writing about a release signed by the Acting Attorney General...to permanently end the weaponization fund.”
    (John Cornyn [06:11])

  • Tillis:

    “The first one I call the Payout Pot for Punks. I've never liked this 1776 fund...It's done, it's been rescinded, and I am satisfied...If you want to talk about weaponization, take a look at the Biden administration. Take a look at the Obama administration. Take a look at Crossfire Hurricane...The bottom line is nobody is clean here. And until we start recognizing this behavior as bad, we're just going to one up it.”
    (Thom Tillis [07:24])

• Democrats remained skeptical, warning the revised provisions could be reversed by future DOJ actions.

  • Cornyn (in objection):

    “Mr. Blanche's statement on the Celeste run and the IRS immunity agreement are not signed by the parties to the settlement agreement and are therefore unenforceable...the Cop Beaters fund can easily be revived with a new order from the Department of Justice 15 minutes after Mr. Blanche is confirmed...”
    (John Cornyn [08:33])

• As of air time, Blanche’s confirmation hinges on a razor-thin vote margin, with some key Republicans undecided and Senator Susan Collins announcing opposition.

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3. Max Miller Scandal: Abuse Allegations and GOP Fallout

[11:13–17:17]

• Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) faces mounting allegations of domestic violence from ex-wife Emily Moreno, including the charge of breaking their daughter’s collarbone.

• President Trump reportedly expressed doubts directly to Miller about his electoral viability amid the turmoil.

• Miller emphatically denied all allegations in a CNN interview, specifying that two investigations cleared him and emphasizing that the police are not pursuing the allegations.

  • Miller:

    “There have been two investigations that have already been looked into me...the police are not investigating it. Ask yourself why aren't they investigating these things?”
    (Max Miller, CNN appearance [12:26])

• Emily Moreno described the trauma facing their family:

  • “This is truly the seventh level of hell. This has been a horrific experience for my entire family...My daughter lives in constant fear of this man. Not like something that's existential, but deeply in her heart she fears what this guy is capable of.”
    (Emily Moreno [13:48])

• Compounding the controversy, Miller released a Dropbox link containing hundreds of private family messages and inadvertently included a nude photo of his young daughter, which he claims was accidental.

  • Moreno:

    “...on Sunday, when he went out and did what he did, including releasing photos of my granddaughter completely naked...hundreds of thousands of psychotic human beings have that...this is a felony and...every single human being that touched that photo and transmitted it electronically should go to jail...”
    (Emily Moreno [16:26])

• Miller requested a House Ethics Committee investigation and faces a deadline to potentially exit the race—his political future in flux.

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4. Spokane, Washington Wildfire Arson Case

[17:17–21:15]

• Convicted felon Aaron Farinacci (served 10 years in Arizona for killing his father) was arrested for allegedly igniting the largest wildfire in Spokane’s history.
• The fires have collectively scorched over 8,000 acres, destroyed at least 700 structures, and displaced over 67,000 people.
• Farinacci was identified due to a “very good citizen” witness.

  • Sheriff Knowles:

    “The witness...noticed a male standing on the side of the road looking into the trees...10 minutes later he noticed the male was bending down near some grass...They saw smoke coming from what they believed was the area they had seen the male...Mr. Farnachi was contacted in the area about a mile and a half from where the fire started...”
    (Sheriff John Knowles [18:40])

  • Upon his arrest, Farinacci claimed he carried matches and a lighter “because he smokes.” Authorities are exploring potential additional crimes.

  • Sheriff Knowles:

    “Mr. Furnace is a convicted felon out of the state of Arizona. He has a felony conviction for manslaughter...We will be looking into any other crimes Mr. Farnachi may have committed...”
    (Sheriff John Knowles [20:27])

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Abdul El-Sayed on money in politics:

  “That money is corrupting on its own terms and people understand what will transpire...” [04:06]

• Thom Tillis on political weaponization:

  “The bottom line is nobody is clean here. And until we start recognizing this behavior as bad, we're just going to one up it.” [07:24]

• Emily Moreno on personal and family trauma:

  “This is truly the seventh level of hell...My daughter lives in constant fear of this man.” [13:48]

• Sheriff Knowles on citizen vigilance:

  “The witness, a citizen, very good citizen, noticed a male standing on the side of the road looking into the trees…” [18:40]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Michigan Democratic Senate Primary – 02:57–05:26
• AG Todd Blanche Confirmation Battle – 05:26–09:00
• Max Miller Abuse Allegations – 11:13–17:17
• Spokane Wildfire Arson Case – 17:17–21:15

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Summary Takeaway

This episode demonstrates the intersections of national and local politics, institutional accountability, and personal tragedy. Mark Halperin, employing a straightforward and analytical tone, guides listeners through pressing developments—from high-profile election battles and judicial nominations to the deeply personal and controversial, all while spotlighting the individuals involved in shaping tomorrow’s headlines.

Transcript

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[Mark Halperin]

Good morning everyone. I'm Mark halperin, host of NextUp with Mark Halpern, filling in today for Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and this is your AM update. Michigan Democrats choosing their Senate nominee shattering primary battle over the future direction of the party.

[Senator Thom Tillis]

I believe that we have addressed the

[Mark Halperin]

concerns that I have acting AG Todd Blanch clearing a key Senate hurdle in his bid to get confirmed as the attorney general after two Republican holdouts forced the DOJ to scrap a controversial payout fund.

[Emily Moreno]

My daughter lives in constant fear of this man.

[Mark Halperin]

President Trump reportedly losing confidence in Congressman Max Miller. And the Ohio Republican denies allegations that he terrorized his former wife and seriously injured their young daughter. And a man who served 10 years for killing his own father, now accused of starting Spokane's largest wildfire. All that and more coming up here on your AM update.

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[Mark Halperin]

Michigan voters heading to the polls yesterday in a closely watched Democratic Senate primary viewed as the latest test of the party's ideological direction. Progressive candidate Abdul El Sayad facing off against more moderate establishment backed Congresswoman Haley Stevens. Ad Impact tracking a record $80.9 million in advertising, spending and reservations targeting the Democratic primary. About 79% of all spending in the primary supporting Congresswoman Stevens. The Washington Post reporting Congresswoman Stevens raising more than $11 million through the Middle of July with donations coming from small dollar contributors as well as energy, chemical and pro Israel interests. AIPAC and its affiliated organizations pouring get this nearly $30 million into the race, according to Ad Impact the AP calling it AIPAC's largest ever investment in a single election. Several additional so called dark money organizations spending millions more without publicly disclosing their donors. Elsad making that outside support a central argument against his opponent, telling the Washington Post and I quote, there's a reason that I'm up in nearly all the polls despite the fact that that they've outspent us 20 to 1, 30 to 1, that money is corrupting on its own terms and people understand what will transpire if they support a candidate who's taking that kind of money and they don't want that anymore. Congresswoman Stevens rejecting the suggestion that the spending influences her positions, telling the AP quote, anyone who supported me is supporting me because of my dedication to the people of Michigan and the things I have done for Michiganders. Drawing a sharp contrast on Israel denouncing the war in Gaza and arguing AIPAC holds too much power inside the Democratic party. As of 11:00pm Eastern Time last night, the race still too close to call with both campaigns waiting for the final ballots to be counted. We'll have more on this later today on the MK Show. Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee advancing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination yesterday, clearing the way for a confirmation vote before the full Senate. The committee voting 12 to 10 along party lines after Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis last week forced party leaders to postpone the vote over their objections to a proposed Justice Department agreement. Republican Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley had yesterday's committee vote, noting the two Holdettes prior objections I want to thank Senator

[Senator John Cornyn]

Cornyn and Senator Tillis for their work. Very hard work. Related today's nomination. Their concerns about the anti weaponization fund and the IRS settlement were shared by many, including this Senator. I'm grateful that they, as well as Mr. Blanch and the White House, worked in good faith to solve them. Formally rescinding the fund and clarifying the scope of release of claims has put this issue to bed once and for all.

[Mark Halperin]

Senator Cornyn outlined the written assurances he says Mr. Blanche provided after several rounds of negotiations.

[Senator John Cornyn]

I've been very clear, as others have, that in other order to support Mr. Blanche's nomination, I needed specific assurances in writing about a release signed by the Acting Attorney General last May. I ask for written assurances that clarifies the scope of the parties to the IRS audit agreement and permanently ends the weaponization fund. This past Sunday, Senator Tillis and I came to an agreement after numerous meetings with the Department of Justice and Mr. Blanch on an agency interpretive guidance document that reaffirms what Mr. Blanch said in his sworn testimony in front of the committee. This document will help limit the substance and scope of the audit protection to the defendants in the lawsuit, the IRS and the treasury, and it limits it to the parties to the audit settlement. It limits the parties to the audit settlement to the plaintiffs, the people who brought the lawsuit, and no one else.

[Mark Halperin]

Senator Tillis saying the agreement resolves his objections, then broadening his criticism to the political use of federal law enforcement under both parties.

[Senator Thom Tillis]

I believe that we have addressed the concerns that I have. The first one I call the Payout Pot for Punks. I've never liked this 1776 fund. It made no sense to me and I thought it was an insult to the police officers and the people that defended us. On January 6th. It's done, it's been rescinded, and I am satisfied. Everybody has this view of they are as pure as the driven snow. And it's the other side that has a problem. I think we both have a problem, folks. If you want to talk about weaponization, take a look at the Biden administration. Take a look at the Obama administration. Take a look at Crossfire Hurricane. Take a look at the codes that Lois Lerner used in the IRS to target businesses to try and unbank them. Take a look at the prospective pardons on the way out the door that President Biden did for family members, for staff members in Congress. The bottom line is nobody is clean here. And until we start recognizing this behavior as bad, we're just going to one up it.

[Mark Halperin]

Democrats remaining unconvinced that the changes permanently close either issue to state the obvious,

[Senator John Cornyn]

Mr. Blanche's statement on the Celeste run and the IRS immunity agreement are not signed by the parties to the settlement agreement and are therefore unenforceable. The parties could still sue to enforce the agreement, and the Cop Beaters fund can easily be revived with a new order from the Department of Justice 15 minutes after Mr. Blanche is confirmed as

[Mark Halperin]

attorney general, the nomination now heading to the full Senate. Politico reporting. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, John Curtis of Utah and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana have not yet committed to supporting Mr. Blanch. Senator Murkowski telling the outlet the written elimination of a fund is a, quote, pretty good step. While the other two continue reviewing the nomination. Punchbowl News reporting yesterday afternoon, Senator Susan Collins, Republican from Maine, will not vote for Blanche. With Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky absent from voting since June for health reasons, Blanche can lose no more than one additional Republican if every Democrat remains opposed. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune aiming to hold the final confirmation vote before senators leave Washington potentially as soon as the end of the week. Coming up, President Trump reportedly raising doubts about Congressman Max Miller as he comes out swinging over allegations of violent abuse against his former wife and their young daughter. And the man accused of setting Spokane's largest wildfire is a convict who recently left prison for killing his own father.

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[Mark Halperin]

Republican Congressman Max Miller of Ohio, refusing to abandon his reelection campaign even as President Trump is reportedly expressing doubts about Miller's ability to survive the growing allegations against him. CBS News reporting. The President called Congressman Miller on Monday raising concerns about his campaign following accusations that he assaulted his ex wife, Emily Moreno and their two year old daughter. Axios reporting the President repeatedly warning that Miller's reelection prospects are not looking good. Congressman Miller reportedly pointing to his own polling and telling the President he will remain in the race. Congressman Miller entering the House in 2023 after receiving President Trump's endorsement. The former Trump White House aide marrying Emily Moreno in 2022 during a ceremony at the President's Bedminster Golf Club. Moreno, the daughter of Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio separating from the congressman in 2024 before the couple's divorce. The former Mrs. Miller now accusing her ex husband of repeated domestic abuse, including allegedly holding a gun to her head and breaking their daughter's collarbone. Congressman appearing on CNN yesterday denying all allegations that he abused either his ex wife or their child.

[Congressman Max Miller]

There have been two investigations that have already been looked into me and I would like to just have a little bit of moment to explain. The first investigation that was looked into me was that my ex wife, Emily Moreno filed a report of child abuse against me. That first incident, two individuals were held liable for abusing my daughter at a daycare which I have a private settlement agreement from. I was found not guilty. They looked at my fingerprints, they made me take off my shirt, they made me look at my body to make sure that I didn't abuse my daughter. And that was number one, Mr. Tapper. Number two, when I was reported for child abuse for my daughter, for a broken collarbone, my daughter was in my ex wife's care nine out of the last 11 days and she took her to the emergency room, which is a contempt violation from our shared parenting plan. Further more than that, Mr. Tapper, is this. These matters have already been looked into. Ms. Moreno has already gone to the police. The police are not investigating it. Ask yourself why aren't they investigating these things?

[Mark Halperin]

Congressman Miller going on to say that he's been in therapy for 10 years, calling it, quote, healthy to talk to somebody. Senator Moreno on Sunday publicly calling on the Congressman, his former son in law, to resign, arguing Miller should seek professional help. Speaking to reporters yesterday, the Senator describing the toll these allegations are taking on his family.

[Emily Moreno]

What did you think of Miller telling Trump he could still win the election? I don't care about the politics of this. I hope that you guys understand and maybe I hope you never have to understand what my daughter's been through, what my daughter's going through, what my wife is going through. My two other my two boys and my other daughter are going through. This is truly the seventh level of hell. This has been a horrific experience for my entire family. You got to remember when you don't have kids and you get divorced, you can just say farewell. You never have to see each other again. But when you have a child, you have to co parent with that individual for the rest of your life. My daughter lives in constant fear of this man. Not like something that's existential, but deeply in her heart she fears what this guy is capable of.

[Mark Halperin]

The remarks following Congressman Miller's nearly 20 minute livestream Sunday where he denied the allegations and directed viewers to to an online file he said would support his version of events.

[Congressman Max Miller]

I've been portrayed as an abusive husband, an abusive father and a violent man. Those allegations have damaged my reputation, caused enormous pain to my family and most importantly, it's affected our daughter. I very much am grateful for the opportunity to address you in this way and I look forward to many follow ups after this. But the last thing I'll say and end it, please take a look at the Dropbox that will be made public and it should be made public right now. God bless you all. I'm not getting out of this race and I'm winning in November and I'll be back in the 120th. Thank you all. God bless you.

[Mark Halperin]

The congressman then posting a Dropbox link containing hundreds of private messages, photographs and videos. One photograph showing the couple's young daughter unclothed. The images appearing in a February 2025 exchange as Marino and Miller coordinated custody arrangements. Marino informing Miller that she discovered a large bruise while bathing their daughter. Miller asking her to send a photograph of the injury. The bruising later determined to be connected to a broken collarbone, prompting a police investigation that ended without criminal charges. Miller's attorney taking responsibility for the photograph being included in the release, telling CNN he accidentally overlooked the final three pages of a document exceeding 40 pages, describing the disclosure as unintentional and saying he corrected the file Monday morning. Senator Marino yesterday rejecting that explanation and

[Emily Moreno]

to have this whole thing out in the public like this is not what I wanted to do. It's not what my daughter wanted to do. But on Sunday, when he went out and did what he did, including releasing photos of my granddaughter completely naked, that now you have hundreds of thousands of psychotic human beings that have that and to say oops is grotesque, my personal opinion is that this is a felony and that every single human being that touched that photo and transmitted it electronically should go to jail because it is illegal to do that. This has been brutal beyond comprehension and if there's any minimum standard for being an elected official, as I said, he fails to meet that minimum basic standard.

[Mark Halperin]

Congressman Miller announcing yesterday he will ask the House Ethics Committee to investigate the allegations against him, saying he intends to provide all necessary documents and has, quote, absolutely nothing to hide. The House Ethics Committee announcing shortly afterward it is opening an investigation. The congressman now facing a 4pm deadline today to leave the race the last opportunity for Ohio Republicans to replace him on the November ballot. A convicted felon who served prison time for killing his own father, now under arrest, accused of deliberately starting the largest of the devastating wildfires tearing through the Spokane, Washington region. Authorities on Monday charging 37 year old Spokane resident Aaron Farinachi with first degree arson, alleging he ignited the Old Trails fire Saturday afternoon, the blaze burning more than 3,600 acres, making it the largest of three major fires surrounding Spokane. The Old Trail's Autumn Lane and Fairview fires collectively scorching more than 8,000 acres, destroying at least 700 buildings and forcing about 67,000 people to evacuate, according to NBC News. Another 400 structures reportedly still awaiting assessment as of Monday with all three fires remaining completely uncontained as of yesterday morning. Spokane County Sheriff John Knowles crediting an alert citizen with giving investigators their first major break in the case.

[Sheriff John Knowles]

The witness, a citizen, very good citizen, noticed a male standing on the side of the road looking into the trees as he was going to pick somebody up. About 10 minutes later as he was coming back through the area, he noticed the male was bending down near some grass. At that point the male stood up and looked very nervous, according to our citizen witness. At that point the the male walked away. The citizen returned to their house a short time later after being at home. They saw smoke coming from what they believed was the area that they had seen the male bending down by the side of the road. They contacted an Airway Heights police officer, gave that police officer a description of the suspect. Mr. Farnachi was contacted in the area about a mile and a half from where the fire started and was detained, questioned and ultimately released after being identified by our citizen witness.

[Mark Halperin]

Sheriff Knowles saying investigators eventually determined the fire originated precisely where the witness reportedly saw Farinacci kneeling beside the road. A judge approving arrests and search warrants Monday with members of Spokane County SWAT team taking Farinacci into custody with that incident. The same day authorities recovering waterproof matches and a butane lighter from Farnacci when officers initially detained him near the scene, according to an AFFIDAVIT obtained by the Associated Press. Farinacci denied he started the fire, reportedly claiming he carried the matches and lighter because he smokes. He's now being held on a $1 million bond. Sheriff Knowles also revealing investigators are examining whether Fahrenhaci could be tied to any other crimes while outlining the suspect's serious criminal record.

[Sheriff John Knowles]

Mr. Furnace is a convicted felon out of the state of Arizona. He has a felony conviction for manslaughter and a proceeding arrest in the same case in premeditated murder in the state of Arizona. We will be looking into any other crimes Mr. Farnachi may have committed in the past. We will also be looking into other charges that may come about as the facts and circumstances of the old trail fire come to light and come to be known. Just know that this charge is what we have probable cause for right now. It is a serious charge. It is significant, but these charges may change as the investigation goes on.

[Mark Halperin]

Arizona records revealing Farinacci fatally shot his father in 2010, reportedly following an argument over washing dishes. Farinashi later convicted of manslaughter and aggravated assault, serving roughly 10 years in prison before his release in 2020, according to ABC10. That'll do it for your AM update. I'm Mark Halperin, host of NextUp. Find more about my show at NextUp halperin.com and catch the Megyn Kelly show today live on SiriusXM, the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and all podcast platforms. Lots of places can expose you to identity theft. Oh no. That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their own. If we find anything suspicious, like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away, all through text, phone, email or the LifeLock app. Get the alerts that could make all the difference. Save up to 30% your first [e-mail] podcast terms apply.