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USA TODAY

Why what this military dad had to say about Trump last week is still a thing

Donald Trump may be facing his biggest blowback yet. This time, it's for going after the Muslim parents of a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq. Trump repeatedly criticized the parents of Capt. Humayun Khan after the father spoke at last week's Democratic National Convention. Khizr Khan said Trump’s proposals would have barred his son from the U.S. because they are Muslims. Why we’re still talking about it: 1) Trump just cannot let it go. He complained Monday he was "viciously attacked" by Khan’s father at the convention. 2) Going after both parents, Khizr and Ghazala Khan, broke a political and societal taboo: Gold Star families — those who have lost a family member in combat — are considered sacrosanct. Republicans, including Arizona Sen. John McCain, joined the chorus of criticism against Trump. 3) Trump stoked further outrage by implying Ghazala Khan, standing next to her husband, did not speak at the convention because she is a Muslim woman. She dismissed that suggestion on TV appearances, telling CNN on Monday, "My religion or my family or my culture never stopped me from saying what I want to say." Now take a breath. It's less than 100 days until Election Day ... not that we're counting.

Believe it or not, other things are important in the world of politics. (We'll leave Trump's thoughts on Russian control of Crimea right here.)

The real reason "Make America Great Again" is, as far as slogans go, a great one.

Polls are favoring Hillary Clinton right now.

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10 people likely got Zika from mosquitoes in Florida

Yeesh. Small area, big worry. The Zika virus is spreading in a 1-square-mile area just north of downtown Miami. The virus is linked to a birth defect that results in small heads and brain damage, and there is no vaccine or treatment. Florida confirmed10 more cases Monday in people infected by local mosquitoes. It's a major development, because — with the exception of one case tied to a lab accident — infections in the U.S. until now have been in people who traveled abroad or who had sex with a traveler. Also new: The CDC says all pregnant women in the U.S. should be assessed for the virus.

Heartbreak as IDs of Texas hot air balloon crash victims emerge

The victims of the nation's most deadly hot air balloon crash were being memorialized Monday on social media, while investigators continued to pursue the cause of the Texas tragedy. All 16 people aboard died Saturday when the balloon crashed in a field 30 miles south of Austin. National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt said Monday it was "pretty suspicious" that the balloon was found directly under power lines, but investigators have not determined whether the power lines caused the crash or if the balloon was already on fire when it hit them.

'Harry is done now,' J.K. Rowling says. Time to cry into your butterbeer

It looks like "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is really it. J.K. Rowling, author of the book series which captivated our attention prior to Pokemon Go, said she believes Harry's story was now complete when talking to reporters at the play's London premiere. He "goes on a very big journey during these two plays and then, yeah, I think we're done," Rowling said at the Palace Theatre, according to RadioTimes. "This is the next generation, you know," she continued. "So, I'm thrilled to see it realized so beautifully but, no, Harry is done now." Here's our review of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

One wife, dead. Two others, missing.

GONE. Have you seen this incredible piece of journalism? Investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell of The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger brings us "Gone," an investigative project that tells the story of Felix Vail and the people whose paths he crossed. Vail goes on trial next week in Lake Charles, La. — the oldest prosecution of a suspected serial killer in U.S. history. He is charged in the 1962 death of his first wife, and authorities suspect he is connected to the disappearances of two other women.

Explore the "Gone" Web documentary, and come back Tuesday and Wednesday for the conclusion of the series:

Olympic-style Extra Bites:

The Rio Games begin FRIDAY. Get excited. Read all the things.

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This is a compilation of stories across USA TODAY.

Contributing: Associated Press