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Explosions in Iran as US launches new strikes

Explosions in Iran as US launches new strikes

Summary

The U.S. military conducted its eleventh night of strikes against Iran, with explosions reported in the Tabriz region in the northwest of the country. These strikes aim to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global trade.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. began the strikes at 7 pm Eastern Time (2300 GMT) on Tuesday.
  • Explosions were reported in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, which differs from earlier strikes mainly focused in southern Iran.
  • The goal of the strikes is to limit Iran’s threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
  • The strikes resumed after a June 17 agreement between the U.S. and Iran ended.
  • The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) oversees these military actions.
  • There is an ongoing competition between the U.S. and Iran for control of the Gulf’s waterways.
  • This marks a continuation of heightened tensions between the two countries.
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Judge rules Trump must hand over records sought by BBC in defamation case

Judge rules Trump must hand over records sought by BBC in defamation case

Summary

A Florida judge ordered President Donald Trump to provide financial records to the BBC during a defamation lawsuit. The BBC is defending itself against a $10 billion claim by Trump over a TV show segment about the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

Key Facts

  • The judge ruled Trump must hand over financial records from his business trust.
  • The case involves Trump’s accusation that a BBC Panorama episode edited his speech unfairly.
  • The lawsuit demands $10 billion in damages from the BBC.
  • The ruling on the financial records can still be appealed.
  • The judge partly denied the BBC’s request for Capitol riot-related documents from Trump.
  • The discovery process is ongoing, where both sides exchange evidence and documents.
  • BBC claims Trump’s side has provided very few documents compared to the BBC’s large submission.
  • Trump’s lawyers called the BBC’s document requests “oppressive” and said the BBC is trying to harass officials.
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WATCH:  Milwaukee garbage truck blast injures sanitation worker

WATCH: Milwaukee garbage truck blast injures sanitation worker

Summary

An oxygen tank that was not disposed of properly exploded inside a Milwaukee garbage truck while it was crushing trash. A sanitation worker was hurt, suffering a concussion and an injury to his eye.

Key Facts

  • The explosion happened in the back of a garbage truck in Milwaukee.
  • The blast was caused by oxygen tanks that were thrown away improperly.
  • The explosion occurred while the truck was compacting trash.
  • A sanitation worker was knocked off his feet by the blast.
  • The worker suffered a concussion and an eye injury.
  • The incident highlights the dangers of improper disposal of hazardous materials.
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Storms bring flash flooding across Northeast in "dangerous and life-threatening situation"

Storms bring flash flooding across Northeast in "dangerous and life-threatening situation"

Summary

Severe storms caused flash flooding across the Northeastern United States, affecting areas from Ohio to New England. The National Weather Service warned that the situation was dangerous and could threaten lives.

Key Facts

  • Storms hit the most populated part of the country on Tuesday.
  • Widespread flash flooding occurred in states from Ohio to New England.
  • The National Weather Service described the flooding as dangerous and life-threatening.
  • The flooding affected roads and communities in multiple states.
  • Weather experts provided forecasts and updates through news outlets.
  • Residents were advised to take precautions due to the severe weather.
  • The storm system brought heavy rain leading to rapid water rise.
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WATCH: Kennedy presses top military officials for 'straight talk' on fallout if U.S. leaves Iran now

WATCH: Kennedy presses top military officials for 'straight talk' on fallout if U.S. leaves Iran now

Summary

Senator John Kennedy asked top military leaders in a Senate hearing about the possible consequences if the United States stopped its military actions in Iran and brought troops home. Military officials avoided giving a direct answer, saying the question was hypothetical and involved political decisions.

Key Facts

  • Senator John Kennedy spoke at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
  • Some senators want to end U.S. military actions against Iran.
  • Kennedy asked military leaders what would happen if the U.S. left Iran now.
  • General Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not give a direct answer.
  • Military officials called the question hypothetical and related to politics.
  • The hearing included discussions about the future of U.S. involvement in Iran.
  • The video clip of the hearing is available for public viewing.
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Peters calls Hegseth a ‘failure’ at hearing

Peters calls Hegseth a ‘failure’ at hearing

Summary

Senator Gary Peters criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a congressional hearing. Peters said Hegseth failed to win the war in Iran but is now asking Congress for nearly $70 billion more in funding.

Key Facts

  • Senator Gary Peters is a Democrat from Michigan.
  • Peters spoke during an appropriations hearing on Tuesday.
  • He called Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a "failure."
  • Peters said Hegseth lacked the leadership needed to win the Iran war.
  • Hegseth is requesting almost $70 billion in additional funding from Congress.
  • The hearing involves budget decisions for defense spending related to the Iran conflict.
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Trump says US 'not finished' attacking Iran as conflict widens

Trump says US 'not finished' attacking Iran as conflict widens

Summary

President Donald Trump said the United States is not done attacking Iran as conflict in the Middle East grows. Iran and its allies have launched attacks on Gulf states, while the US responded with strikes and diplomatic talks continue.

Key Facts

  • President Trump warned Iran would take 20 to 25 years to recover from US attacks.
  • Iran and its Houthi allies expanded strikes against Gulf states like Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
  • Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian drone and missile attacks.
  • Iran targeted US forces and military sites in the region, including radar and defense systems.
  • The Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to block Saudi ports, potentially affecting oil exports.
  • Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi threat and fights between Saudi forces and Houthis recently resumed.
  • Two oil tankers reversed course in the Red Sea, possibly due to the Houthi threat to port access.
  • President Trump said the US would act if the Houthis blockaded Saudi ports, recalling past actions against them.
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RFK Jr. says cyclospora outbreak is "under control"

RFK Jr. says cyclospora outbreak is "under control"

Summary

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the cyclospora outbreak, which has made thousands of people sick across the U.S., is under control. He defended the work his department has done to manage the situation.

Key Facts

  • The cyclospora outbreak has sickened thousands of people in the United States.
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  • He stated that the outbreak is currently under control.
  • Kennedy defended how his department has handled the outbreak.
  • Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause illness, often spread through contaminated food or water.
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Boost youth jobs by cutting employers' national insurance, MPs urge

Boost youth jobs by cutting employers' national insurance, MPs urge

Summary

A group of UK MPs recommends lowering the tax employers pay on wages for workers under 25 to help more young people find jobs. They say high costs like employer National Insurance contributions make it harder to hire young workers, contributing to many youths not being in school, work, or training (called Neet). The MPs want the government to create clearer, more helpful policies for youth employment.

Key Facts

  • MPs suggest cutting employer National Insurance (NI) contributions for all workers under 25.
  • Over one million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment, or training (Neet).
  • Employer NI rates rose from 13.8% to 15% in April last year, with the start threshold lowered from £9,100 to £5,000.
  • The retail and hospitality sectors, which hire many young people, have been hit hard by increased employer NI costs.
  • Employers pay no NI for workers under 21 or apprentices under 25 (unless paid over £50,270), but must pay 15% for non-apprentices aged 21-24 on earnings above £5,000.
  • MPs highlighted contradictions in policies, like cutting benefits for trainees that discourage apprenticeships.
  • The cost of young people being Neet is estimated at £125 billion a year due to benefits and lost economic output.
  • The government says it is working to create opportunities for young people and support education and jobs.
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WATCH: 'You, sir, are the failure,' Sen. Peters tells Hegseth over lack of U.S. strategy in Iran war

WATCH: 'You, sir, are the failure,' Sen. Peters tells Hegseth over lack of U.S. strategy in Iran war

Summary

Senator Gary Peters criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the U.S. strategy in the ongoing conflict with Iran, saying that American troops are still dying and key problems remain unresolved. Hegseth responded by calling Peters' statement reckless and said it disrespects the sacrifices made by U.S. troops.

Key Facts

  • Senator Gary Peters made his remarks during a hearing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
  • Peters said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, causing higher prices and continued risks to U.S. service members.
  • Peters questioned what has changed since the start of the conflict, implying a lack of progress.
  • Hegseth rejected the claim that the U.S. strategy has been a failure.
  • Hegseth said Peters’ criticism unfairly disrespects the troops fighting to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
  • The discussion centered on the U.S. approach to the conflict with Iran and its consequences.
  • The article highlights a disagreement between a senator and a defense official over the war’s management and outcomes.
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Democratic lawmakers slam Trump "vanity projects" in shadow hearing

Democratic lawmakers slam Trump "vanity projects" in shadow hearing

Summary

Democratic lawmakers held a special hearing to criticize President Trump’s construction projects in Washington, D.C., calling them "vanity projects" and raising concerns about corruption and no-bid contracts. Republicans did not participate, and the hearing did not have official congressional status.

Key Facts

  • Democrats held a shadow hearing on July 21, 2026, to criticize President Trump’s construction projects like the East Wing renovation and the Reflecting Pool repair.
  • They accused the president of using no-bid contracts, including one awarded to a company owned by a political donor and neighbor.
  • Witnesses said these projects show corruption and misuse of power without proven legal violations so far.
  • The hearing had no Republican participation and was done on temporary tables, not in the usual Senate setup.
  • Democratic lawmakers highlighted possible conflicts between donors to Trump’s projects and government decisions.
  • Musician Ben Folds testified that politicizing art at the Kennedy Center, where Trump was chairman, hurt its reputation and led to show cancellations.
  • Democrats are investigating funding and contracts for Trump-led projects but cannot force the administration to share information yet.
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal said Democrats may use subpoena power next year if they gain more authority.
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Here's Tropical Storm Bertha's projected path

Here's Tropical Storm Bertha's projected path

Summary

Tropical Storm Bertha is forming and weather experts are tracking its path. Meteorologists expect the storm to move along a certain route, which they share to help people prepare.

Key Facts

  • Tropical Storm Bertha is currently developing.
  • Weathercasters are closely monitoring its path.
  • The storm's expected route has been projected and shared publicly.
  • The information helps communities prepare for possible weather impacts.
  • Updates are available through CBS News and their app.
  • Lonnie Quinn is a chief weathercaster providing this information.
  • Tropical storms are organized weather systems with strong winds and rain.
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Tropical Storm Bertha strengthening as Gulf Coast braces for flooding

Tropical Storm Bertha strengthening as Gulf Coast braces for flooding

Summary

Tropical Storm Bertha is getting stronger in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Coast is preparing for heavy rain and possible dangerous flooding caused by the storm.

Key Facts

  • Tropical Storm Bertha is currently active in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • The storm is increasing in strength.
  • Areas along the Gulf Coast are expecting heavy rainfall.
  • There is a risk of flooding from both rain and storm surge, which is water pushed onto land by winds.
  • Meteorologists are tracking the storm's path closely.
  • Local communities are taking steps to prepare for potential flooding and dangerous conditions.
  • Officials may issue warnings to keep people safe from the storm’s impact.
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Mexican man killed by truck after ICE encounter was on vacation, officials say

Mexican man killed by truck after ICE encounter was on vacation, officials say

Summary

A Mexican man named Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán died after being hit by a truck in Florida while fleeing from U.S. immigration officers. He was visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa and had been vacationing with family before the incident.

Key Facts

  • Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, 28, died on July 14 in St. Augustine, Florida.
  • He was struck by a tractor trailer after running across a busy road during an encounter with immigration officers.
  • Coronilla Durán had a tourist visa and was visiting from Mexico, staying first in Georgia before traveling to Florida.
  • The incident occurred after he and three others fled on foot from ICE and Homeland Security agents at a gas station.
  • Authorities have not explained why the officers stopped the vehicle or what happened to the others involved.
  • His wife, Yezzika Alamilla, was helped by a farmworker advocacy group to return to the U.S. and handle his remains.
  • Coronilla Durán will be buried in his hometown, San Luis de la Paz, Guanajuato, Mexico.
  • His death is part of a series of fatal encounters with ICE agents since President Trump began a mass deportation campaign last year.
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Will AI help you do your job or replace you?

Will AI help you do your job or replace you?

Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how jobs are done by automating some tasks and helping workers with others. Studies show AI is affecting job opportunities and wages in sectors like finance, software, and creative industries, with companies investing heavily in AI tools to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Key Facts

  • AI companies claim their tools can either replace or assist human workers.
  • Businesses are spending large sums on AI to save money on employee costs.
  • Some AI models now perform complex tasks like software coding that used to take humans hours.
  • AI is beginning to impact jobs in finance, legal work, and creative fields.
  • Research from Stanford shows a 2.7% drop in jobs for young adults since ChatGPT launched, with bigger drops (up to 12.8%) in AI-exposed jobs.
  • Online job postings have declined in sectors exposed to AI, such as telemarketing and legal services.
  • The UK’s service-heavy economy is vulnerable to AI-related job changes.
  • Top companies track AI use with "token leaderboards" to boost worker productivity from AI models.
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GOP links SAVE Act to Olive Garden’s unlimited pasta deal

GOP links SAVE Act to Olive Garden’s unlimited pasta deal

Summary

Republican leaders compared a voting ID law called the SAVE Act to Olive Garden’s unlimited pasta pass during a recent hearing. Rep. Virginia Foxx used the pasta deal as an example while discussing the voting law.

Key Facts

  • The SAVE Act is a law focused on voter ID requirements.
  • GOP leaders made a comparison between this law and Olive Garden’s unlimited pasta offer.
  • Rep. Virginia Foxx (a Republican from North Carolina) mentioned Olive Garden’s pasta deal during a hearing.
  • The comparison was part of a discussion about voter ID laws.
  • Olive Garden’s pasta pass allows customers to eat unlimited pasta for a set price.
  • This unusual comparison attracted attention during the hearing.
  • The hearing took place on a Monday.
  • The article did not provide more details about the SAVE Act’s specific provisions.
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Range Rover answers the question: "What if we built a not-SUV?"

Range Rover answers the question: "What if we built a not-SUV?"

Summary

Range Rover is developing a new car called the Range Rover GT, which is not an SUV. It will be a fully electric vehicle at launch, using a new flexible platform designed to support different types of power, and it aims to offer a mix of luxury, comfort, and off-road capability.

Key Facts

  • Range Rover is known for luxury SUVs but is now building a non-SUV model called the Range Rover GT.
  • The Range Rover GT will be a fully electric car when it launches, with plans for a hybrid version later.
  • It uses the new EMA platform, which can support various powertrains (ways to power the car).
  • The car’s design focuses on being more like a traditional car and less like an SUV while still having Range Rover’s off-road ability.
  • The interior has a minimalist design with high-tech OLED screens and no third screen for the front passenger.
  • The Range Rover GT was tested in places like the Nürburgring racetrack and the Arctic Circle.
  • The car offers different rear seat options: either two separate seats or a bench for three people.
  • More information and official pictures without camouflage are expected later in the year.
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Senators grilled Hegseth on Iran. Here are 3 big moments from the hearing

Senators grilled Hegseth on Iran. Here are 3 big moments from the hearing

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine asked Congress for $87.6 billion in new military funding. Most of this money would support the U.S. military’s ongoing operations related to Iran and the conflict in the Middle East.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. military is seeking $87.6 billion in new funding.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine presented the funding request.
  • The majority of the funding is intended for U.S. efforts in the Middle East.
  • The request was made during a Senate hearing focused on Iran.
  • The hearing involved questioning of Hegseth about the need for the funds.
  • The Trump administration supports this additional military funding.
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Lebanese army deploys in ‘pilot zones’ under US-backed plan

Lebanese army deploys in ‘pilot zones’ under US-backed plan

Summary

The Lebanese army has started sending troops to three towns in southern Lebanon. This move is part of a plan supported by the United States to improve security and prevent Hezbollah, a military group, from operating in these areas.

Key Facts

  • The Lebanese army is deploying in three southern towns.
  • This deployment is part of a new framework agreement.
  • The agreement is supported by the United States.
  • The plan aims to improve security in southern Lebanon.
  • A main goal is to keep the group Hezbollah out of these towns.
  • The areas where the army is deploying are called "pilot zones."
  • The Lebanese army’s ability to maintain security in these zones will be tested.
  • The agreement involves cooperation linked to Israel.
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Hegseth says Iran war has cost $37.5B so far and Pentagon needs $67B to restock arms

Hegseth says Iran war has cost $37.5B so far and Pentagon needs $67B to restock arms

Summary

President Donald Trump’s top military leaders asked Congress for an extra $67 billion to support the Pentagon, stating this money is urgently needed to restock arms after the ongoing conflict in Iran. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the war has already cost $37.5 billion.

Key Facts

  • President Trump’s military advisors appeared before Congress to discuss funding.
  • Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine presented the request.
  • They asked for an additional $67 billion for the Pentagon’s budget.
  • The money is intended to restock weapons and supplies used in the Iran conflict.
  • Hegseth called the funding urgent and necessary.
  • So far, the war in Iran has cost $37.5 billion.
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