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Trump administration sought phone records of New York Times journalists and their relatives

Trump administration sought phone records of New York Times journalists and their relatives

July 21, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

The Trump administration sought phone records of several New York Times journalists and some of their relatives as part of an investigation into leaks about President Trump’s Air Force One jet. The Times is challenging these subpoenas, saying the requests go beyond the investigation’s scope and infringe on press freedom.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration requested phone records of New York Times reporters and some family members.
  • The subpoenas cover a time period starting in 2026, before the news events under investigation.
  • These subpoenas are in addition to grand jury subpoenas for testimony about the reporters’ sources.
  • The Times filed a legal motion to stop (quash) these subpoenas.
  • Some subpoenas targeted reporters’ relatives, including a mental health professional mother and a lawyer spouse.
  • The Justice Department said reporters are not targets; they are investigating leaks of classified information.
  • The Times says the government acted without proper notice and abused the legal process.
  • A judge is set to hear arguments on the matter, and enforcement of phone record subpoenas is paused until then.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Jewish politicians shouldn’t bash Israel to get to the White House

Jewish politicians shouldn’t bash Israel to get to the White House

July 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The article discusses how criticizing Israel has shifted from being a highly sensitive issue in American politics to becoming a test for some Democratic politicians, especially those who are Jewish, to advance their careers.

Key Facts

  • Criticizing Israel was once seen as a very risky or forbidden topic in U.S. politics.
  • Recently, some Democratic politicians use criticism of Israel as a way to gain support.
  • This trend is particularly noted among Jewish Democratic politicians.
  • The change signals a shift in political attitudes toward discussions about Israel within the Democratic Party.
  • The article focuses on the political strategies related to support or criticism of Israel.
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The Hill
Appeals court rejects Biden’s bid to block release of recordings of ghostwriter interviews

Appeals court rejects Biden’s bid to block release of recordings of ghostwriter interviews

July 21, 2026 • Us • AP News

Summary

A federal appeals court rejected President Biden’s attempt to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts from interviews he did with a ghostwriter before becoming president. The court said the public’s right to see these materials is more important than Biden’s privacy, though some personal parts will be redacted.

Key Facts

  • The recordings and transcripts come from interviews done in 2016 and 2017 for Biden’s memoirs.
  • Biden’s lawyers say the interviews were private and personal.
  • The recordings were obtained by special counsel Robert Hur during an investigation of Biden’s handling of classified documents.
  • Republicans in Congress want access to these materials after no charges were filed against Biden.
  • Biden sued to stop the Justice Department from releasing the recordings to Congress and a conservative group.
  • A court ruled earlier that public interest in the recordings outweighs Biden’s privacy rights.
  • The appeals court panel was made up of three judges with different political appointments, and one judge disagreed with the others.
  • The court gave Biden until August 3 to consider if he wants to try again to block the release.
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AP News The Hill
A Minnesota town now boasts the world’s tallest nutcracker

A Minnesota town now boasts the world’s tallest nutcracker

July 21, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

The town of Luverne, Minnesota, unveiled the world’s tallest nutcracker, named Verne the Patriot, standing nearly 66 feet tall and dressed like Uncle Sam. The nutcracker has a working jaw and is part of Luverne’s large nutcracker collection, which now exceeds the town’s population.

Key Facts

  • Verne the Patriot is a 65-foot 7 1/2 inch tall nutcracker with a 9-foot pedestal, making it taller than the previous world record holder in Germany.
  • The nutcracker is decorated like Uncle Sam in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
  • Luverne has a collection of 7,554 nutcrackers, which outnumber its roughly 5,000 residents.
  • The collection began with Betty Mann, who donated over 2,500 nutcrackers to the local historical society in 2016.
  • The nutcracker was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting event with local celebrations including red, white, and blue treats.
  • Since the nutcracker’s completion, local businesses have seen increased visitors and customer traffic.
  • Luverne hosts an annual Nutcracker Fest each summer to celebrate the town’s unique obsession.
  • The nutcracker is located outside a rock shop called Those Blasted Things in the center of Luverne.
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AP News
A gardener’s guide to 5 orchids that mimic animals, insects and even a naked man

A gardener’s guide to 5 orchids that mimic animals, insects and even a naked man

July 21, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

The article describes five types of orchids that look like animals, insects, or even a naked man. These orchids have natural shapes and colors that resemble creatures such as a naked man, a swaddled baby, a dove, a bumble bee, and a monkey, each thriving in specific climates.

Key Facts

  • The naked man orchid (Orchis italica) looks like a small naked man and grows in the Mediterranean region.
  • The swaddled baby orchid (Anguloa uniflora) resembles a newborn wrapped in a blanket and grows in the humid Andes mountains.
  • The dove orchid (Peristeria elata) looks like a dove and is the national flower of Panama.
  • The bumble bee orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora) tricks male solitary bees by looking and smelling like female bees to help pollination.
  • The monkey orchid (Dracula chimaera) has flowers that resemble a monkey’s face and grows in the Andes mountains.
  • These orchids require specific environments like partial shade, humidity, and certain temperatures for growth.
  • They can be grown at home only if their native climate conditions are carefully recreated, often needing greenhouses or humidifiers.
  • These flower shapes are natural and help the plants survive and reproduce.
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AP News
See Tropical Storm Bertha's projected path as it strengthens in Gulf

See Tropical Storm Bertha's projected path as it strengthens in Gulf

July 21, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Tropical Storm Bertha formed on Monday and grew stronger by early Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico. Meteorologists are tracking the storm's path to see where it might go next.

Key Facts

  • Tropical Storm Bertha formed on Monday.
  • The storm strengthened early Tuesday.
  • It is located in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Meteorologists are monitoring the storm’s projected path.
  • Updates are available from CBS News and their app.
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Nearly 100 U.S. service members injured in Iranian strikes this month, Pentagon says

Nearly 100 U.S. service members injured in Iranian strikes this month, Pentagon says

July 21, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Nearly 100 U.S. service members were hurt in Iranian attacks in the Middle East this month, according to the Pentagon. Most of the injured service members have returned to their duties.

Key Facts

  • Close to 100 U.S. service members were injured this month in strikes by Iran.
  • The injuries happened during ongoing conflict involving Iran in the Middle East.
  • Most of the service members who were hurt have gone back to their jobs.
  • The Pentagon’s main spokesperson, Sean Parnell, provided this information.
  • The news reflects a rising level of tension and violence in the region.
  • The report was shared by CBS News.
  • The Iran conflict is continuing to escalate with recent attacks.
  • The injured service members were part of the U.S. military presence in the area.
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CBS News
Study of 237 Countries Reveals Hidden Pattern Behind Falling Birth Rates

Study of 237 Countries Reveals Hidden Pattern Behind Falling Birth Rates

July 21, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

Researchers studied data from 237 countries over more than 200 years and found two common patterns in how birth rates fall as life expectancy rises. They discovered that these changes in population happen in similar ways worldwide, influenced by factors like education and the costs of raising children.

Key Facts

  • The study analyzed data from 1800 to 2020 across 237 countries.
  • Two main phases describe how birth rates fall as life expectancy increases.
  • Phase 1 (before mid-20th century) had high child mortality and steady population growth.
  • Phase 2 (after 1950) features low child mortality, longer lifespans, and falling birth rates.
  • Parents tend to have fewer children but invest more in each child’s education and resources.
  • Higher costs and pressure from education may reduce the number of children families have.
  • Policies in China and South Korea aim to reduce education costs and tutoring pressures to help raise birth rates.
  • The findings suggest global demographic changes follow universal patterns, not just country-specific reasons.
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Newsweek
WATCH: Dog reunited with family after 10 days

WATCH: Dog reunited with family after 10 days

July 21, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

A dog that had been missing for 10 days was reunited with its family. The article includes comments from the dog's owner and a police officer about the emotional meeting.

Key Facts

  • The dog was lost for 10 days before being found.
  • The dog owner shared their feelings about being reunited.
  • A police officer also spoke about the reunion.
  • The story highlights the strong bond between pets and their families.
  • The reunion was covered as a human interest story on ABC News.
  • The article was published on July 21, 2026.
  • The event took place in the United States.
  • The story emphasizes community involvement in finding lost pets.
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ABC News
Angela Rayner: Labour's working-class warrior bounces back

Angela Rayner: Labour's working-class warrior bounces back

July 21, 2026 • Us • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Angela Rayner, a Labour MP known for her working-class background, has returned to the UK cabinet as housing secretary under new leader Andy Burnham. She had previously resigned from the role due to a tax issue but has now resumed the position to help with housing and local government powers.

Key Facts

  • Angela Rayner grew up in a poor council estate in Greater Manchester and cared for her mother with bipolar disorder.
  • She left school without qualifications but later studied British sign language and social care while working as a care worker.
  • Rayner became a full-time union official and rose to a senior role in Unison before entering politics.
  • She was first elected as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015, a seat near her hometown.
  • Rayner resigned as housing secretary last year after underpaying tax on the purchase of a home.
  • After Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stepped down, Andy Burnham became leader with wide support, including from Rayner.
  • Burnham has appointed Rayner back to the cabinet as housing secretary.
  • In her new role, Rayner will support Burnham’s plan to shift power from the UK government to local councils and increase council house building.
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BBC Top Stories
Headaches for Silicon Valley as China chips away at the US’s lead in the AI race

Headaches for Silicon Valley as China chips away at the US’s lead in the AI race

July 21, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

China is closing the gap with the United States in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) by releasing free and open-source AI models that challenge top US companies like Google. Meanwhile, Google is delayed in launching its improved AI model, Gemini 3.5, while Chinese firms Moonshot and Alibaba introduce capable AI tools that attract strong user demand.

Key Facts

  • Google is behind schedule for launching Gemini 3.5, its new AI model designed to improve coding skills.
  • Chinese startup Moonshot released a free AI model called Kimi K3, which has strong coding abilities and high user demand.
  • Kimi K3 is open-weight, meaning anyone can download and use it on their own computers without cost.
  • Alibaba previewed its model Qwen3.8 Max, which has similar capabilities to Kimi K3 and plans to release it publicly.
  • Beijing supports Chinese AI startups by subsidizing computing resources, allowing them to offer free or low-cost AI models.
  • US companies face competition not only on AI ability but also on cost, as Chinese models are often cheaper or free.
  • US government officials, including those in the Trump administration, are working to limit American access to Chinese AI models.
  • OpenAI and other US AI firms have raised concerns about China’s open approach to AI, fearing government control over AI services.
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Guardian Tech
Eye Opener: Tropical Storm Bertha forms, taking aim at Gulf Coast

Eye Opener: Tropical Storm Bertha forms, taking aim at Gulf Coast

July 21, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

Tropical Storm Bertha has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to impact the Gulf Coast with severe weather. Meanwhile, a heavily armed Army veteran started a fire at a federal building in New York City.

Key Facts

  • Tropical Storm Bertha recently formed in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • The storm is heading towards the Gulf Coast.
  • Severe weather is affecting many parts of the United States.
  • An Army veteran, who was heavily armed, started a fire in a federal building.
  • This event occurred in New York City.
  • The news report covers multiple major incidents in the U.S. on the same day.
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CBS News
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Shock and anger after top Ghanaian politician sentenced to 20 years for illegal mining

Shock and anger after top Ghanaian politician sentenced to 20 years for illegal mining

July 21, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a senior politician in Ghana's main opposition party, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined for illegal mining activities. The court found he allowed mining without government approval, a decision that has caused strong reactions from both his party and environmental groups.

Key Facts

  • Bernard Antwi Boasiako is the chairman of Ghana’s Ashanti region for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
  • He was sentenced to 20 years in jail with hard labor and fined over $10,000 for illegal mining.
  • The charges were related to allowing unapproved mining through his company, Akonta Mining.
  • Illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey," has harmed Ghana’s environment including rivers and forests.
  • The NPP claims the conviction is politically motivated and has started legal challenges.
  • Prosecutors said Boasiako let two people mine without official permits on his company’s land.
  • Environmental groups welcomed the conviction as a warning to others who support illegal mining.
  • Ghana has been trying to reduce illegal mining since 2017, even using the military in enforcement.
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BBC World
UN says 144 migrants and refugees reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania

UN says 144 migrants and refugees reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

The United Nations reported that 144 migrants and refugees died or went missing after their boats sank off the coast of Mauritania. Rescue operations saved 387 people from several boats between July 14 and 18, but many others lost their lives trying to cross from West Africa to Europe.

Key Facts

  • 144 migrants and refugees were reported dead or missing after maritime accidents near Mauritania.
  • Three rescue operations brought 387 people safely ashore in Nouadhibou, Mauritania.
  • One boat from Gambia had 143 people dead or missing, with only 38 survivors, including two children who lost their families.
  • The journey was from West Africa towards Spain, considered very dangerous due to long distances and poor boat conditions.
  • So far in 2026, 2,147 people were rescued in 17 disembarkations in Mauritania.
  • The number of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands is down 61% compared to 2025, with 4,400 arrivals reported by mid-July.
  • The sea route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest for migrants.
  • UNHCR highlighted the ongoing human risks of these migration attempts.
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France24
Carney blasts new Trump tariffs: ‘Direct violation’ of trade deal

Carney blasts new Trump tariffs: ‘Direct violation’ of trade deal

July 21, 2026 • Business • The Hill

Summary

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Canadian exports. President Trump announced a 50 percent tax on several products from Canada, accusing it of unfair trade practices.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration introduced a 50 percent tariff on some Canadian exports.
  • President Trump signed three orders to enforce these new tariffs.
  • He accused Canada of having unfair or discriminatory trade policies.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly opposed the tariffs.
  • Carney described the tariffs as a continuation of previous actions against Canada.
  • The tariffs affect trade between the United States and Canada.
  • This move could impact businesses and consumers in both countries.
  • The new tariffs represent a significant change in U.S.-Canada trade relations.
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The Hill
Two in five Americans believe stock market only serves the top 1%

Two in five Americans believe stock market only serves the top 1%

July 21, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

A recent Harris Poll shows that 40% of Americans think the stock market only benefits the richest 1% and is not for ordinary people. Many people also confuse the stock market with the overall economy and are uncertain about their strengths and risks.

Key Facts

  • Two in five Americans believe the stock market mainly helps the top 1% of wealthiest people.
  • Almost 40% do not know the stock market and the economy are different things.
  • Two-thirds wrongly think a rising stock market means the economy is growing.
  • The stock market has grown this year, with the Dow Jones up 9% and Nasdaq up 12.5%.
  • Half of the stock market is owned by the wealthiest 1%, while the poorest half owns just 1%.
  • Inflation cooled slightly to 3.5% in June but is still above pre-war levels.
  • Many young adults are investing earlier, sometimes in riskier assets like AI startups, cryptocurrencies, or day trading.
  • About one-third of Americans would rather try to get higher returns from gambling than from the stock market, especially younger generations.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should run for president | Bhaskar Sunkara

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should run for president | Bhaskar Sunkara

July 21, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) surprised many by beating a long-time incumbent in 2018 and has since become a prominent voice for progressive ideas like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. Her support comes mainly from young and educated voters, and she has helped increase interest in socialism among younger Americans.

Key Facts

  • In 2018, AOC defeated Joe Crowley, a well-established Democratic leader.
  • Some Democratic leaders initially dismissed or criticized her.
  • AOC strongly supports progressive policies such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.
  • She has gained a large following, especially among young people and college-educated voters.
  • American socialism today draws support mostly from young, educated urbanites rather than traditional working-class groups.
  • The Democratic Socialists of America now has over 120,000 members.
  • AOC’s use of language sometimes clashes with broader public understanding, such as the debate over the terms "Latinx" and "Latine."
  • Her Green New Deal proposal aims to address environmental issues and help historically marginalized groups.
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Guardian US
Melinda French Gates on perimenopause: It took 3 doctors to diagnose me

Melinda French Gates on perimenopause: It took 3 doctors to diagnose me

July 21, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

Melinda French Gates said it took three doctors to diagnose her perimenopause even though she had access to good healthcare. She explained that many doctors are not well trained in menopause, which makes it hard for women to get proper treatment.

Key Facts

  • Melinda French Gates experienced perimenopause in her early 40s.
  • It took three doctors to diagnose and treat her perimenopause.
  • Only about one-third of OB-GYN doctors in the U.S. receive training in menopause.
  • A 2022 survey showed that 31.3% of OB-GYN residents had menopause education during their training.
  • Many menopausal women struggle with symptoms that affect their work.
  • One in ten women have left or are thinking about leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms.
  • French Gates discussed her experience and women’s health on the new podcast "Healthful".
  • The podcast episode is available on the Healthful YouTube channel and other podcast platforms.
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Melinda French Gates: "It took me three doctors to really diagnose" my perimenopause symptoms

Melinda French Gates: "It took me three doctors to really diagnose" my perimenopause symptoms

July 21, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Melinda French Gates shared that she began experiencing symptoms of perimenopause in her early 40s, shortly after having her last child in her late 30s. It took visits to three different doctors before she received the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Key Facts

  • Melinda French Gates started noticing perimenopause symptoms in her early 40s.
  • She had her last child in her late 30s.
  • She initially did not expect to have perimenopause symptoms so soon after childbirth.
  • Three doctors were consulted before she got the right diagnosis.
  • After the diagnosis, she received appropriate treatments for her symptoms.
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CBS News
What Trump didn’t say about election interference

What Trump didn’t say about election interference

July 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump gave a speech about the 2020 election but did not show any evidence of election interference. His statements did not agree with official reports from U.S. intelligence agencies.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke about the 2020 election.
  • He claimed there was election interference.
  • He did not provide proof to support his claims.
  • U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed there was no interference.
  • His speech conflicted with these official reports.
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The Hill
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