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A bill to expand veterans benefits, called the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, stalled in the House of Representatives due to disagreement over how to pay for it. Some lawmakers and veterans' groups worry that new benefits could lead to cuts in future disability payments for certain veterans.
Key Facts
The bill, H.R. 9237, aims to improve benefits and healthcare for disabled veterans, survivors, caregivers, and families.
It was sponsored by House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, a Republican from Illinois.
The Major Richard Star Act, part of the bill, would allow about 50,000 combat-injured veterans to receive both military retirement pay and disability compensation without reductions.
Some veterans oppose the bill because it could reduce future disability payments for conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and sleep apnea.
The Love Lives On Act would expand benefits to military widows and widowers who remarry.
The bill also includes support for caregivers, mental health programs, and improvements in claims processing.
Lawmakers disagree on how to fund the expanded benefits, causing the bill to be highly controversial.
The vote was delayed as lawmakers and veterans’ groups discussed concerns about the bill’s financial impact.
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General Mills is recalling about 736,000 Pillsbury bread rolls because they might have glass pieces inside. The recall affects two types of frozen bread rolls distributed to many U.S. states, mainly sold to restaurants and food services.
Key Facts
The recall includes 554,400 Hard Roll Dough rolls and 181,440 Kaiser Roll Dough rolls.
The products may contain glass, which poses a safety risk to consumers.
The recalled items were sent to 18 states across the U.S.
The recall started on June 19, 2026, after FDA issued a notice.
These frozen dough rolls are mainly for commercial use, not individual shoppers.
Each Hard Roll Dough package contains 180 rolls, each weighing 2.25 ounces, with a use-by date of October 12, 2026.
Each Kaiser Roll Dough package contains 144 rolls, each weighing 2.5 ounces, with a use-by date of October 13, 2026.
Glass contamination in food products has led to other recalls earlier in the year, involving different products and brands.
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Prince Harry and six others lost a lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday. The court found no clear proof that journalists used illegal methods to gather information, which some say improved the reputation of the British media.
Key Facts
Prince Harry sued Associated Newspapers over alleged illegal phone hacking and wiretapping.
The case was dismissed on July 7 due to lack of clear evidence ("smoking gun").
Harry and others argued that journalists must have used unlawful methods since innocent explanations seemed insufficient.
Journalists provided detailed evidence explaining how they got information, including private messages with Harry.
Charlotte Griffiths, a Mail journalist, shared affectionate Facebook messages with Harry from 2011, which showed a friendly relationship before he knew she was a journalist.
Lord Edward Garnier said losing the case may have improved the British media’s reputation.
Harry criticized the court’s decision, calling it a "whitewash."
Harry and Meghan started suing British newspapers in 2019 and aim to reform UK media through legal action.
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The White House has suspended a teleprompter operator who was accused of betting on President Trump’s speeches. The operator is cooperating with an investigation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Key Facts
The teleprompter operator worked at the White House.
The operator was accused of placing bets related to President Trump’s speeches.
The White House press secretary confirmed the suspension.
The operator is on administrative leave, meaning temporarily removed from official duties.
The operator is cooperating with the CFTC, a government agency that regulates financial markets.
The announcement was made during a White House press briefing.
No further details on the investigation or outcome have been shared.
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Scientists observed helium gas escaping from the atmosphere of an exoplanet called LHS 1140b, which orbits a small, dim star about 50 light-years away. This observation helps researchers learn about the planet’s atmosphere and how it might be changing over time.
Key Facts
Most planets start with atmospheres made mostly of hydrogen and helium.
Over billions of years, hydrogen and helium can be lost to space or changed by chemical reactions.
The exoplanet LHS 1140b orbits a red dwarf star and is about 5.5 times the mass of Earth and 1.7 times its size.
LHS 1140b receives less than half the light Earth gets from the Sun and may be warm enough for liquid water.
Researchers used near-infrared imaging to watch helium escape from LHS 1140b’s atmosphere during its orbit transit.
Helium was detected around LHS 1140b but not around its closer-in neighbor planet LHS 1140c.
The star system is at least 3 billion years old, allowing atmospheric changes over a long time.
Red dwarf stars can emit strong radiation that affects nearby planets’ atmospheres.
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Senator Jon Ossoff criticized President Donald Trump before his planned speech, saying Trump will claim that China interfered in U.S. elections. Ossoff described Trump as someone who has not accepted the results of the 2020 election.
Key Facts
Senator Jon Ossoff represents Georgia.
President Trump is scheduled to give a prime-time speech.
Reports say Trump will accuse China of meddling in U.S. elections.
Ossoff called Trump "the world’s most famous sore loser."
The criticism relates to Trump’s ongoing grievances about the 2020 election results.
The speech is expected to focus on these past election issues.
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The House Budget Committee approved a plan to move forward with a third reconciliation bill. This is an important step for Republican leaders as they try to finalize the bill before their August break.
Key Facts
The House Budget Committee voted 20-14 to advance the budget resolution.
This bill is the third reconciliation measure being considered.
The committee's approval is necessary before the full House can vote on the bill.
Republican leaders want to pass the bill before leaving for a month-long recess in August.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) was involved in the discussions around the bill.
Reconciliation bills are special budget-related laws that can pass the Senate with a simple majority, avoiding a filibuster.
This process is key to advancing major policy changes with a slim Senate majority.
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The article discusses voter preferences in a political race involving Abdul El-Sayed. It suggests that Black voters are not supporting El-Sayed, who is described as a left-leaning socialist, and instead are backing his opponent.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is a political candidate.
He is described as a left-leaning socialist.
Black voters are not supporting El-Sayed.
These voters are supporting his opponent in the race.
Similar patterns were observed in races involving Graham Platner and Darializa Avila Chevalier.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with officials from over 60 countries to discuss a rise in far-left political violence around the world. He called for countries to work together to address this problem as part of a wider effort supported by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State.
He gathered officials from more than 60 countries for a summit.
The meeting focused on the increase in far-left political violence globally.
Rubio said there should be an international effort to respond to this violence.
This summit is part of a broader plan linked to President Donald Trump’s policies.
The discussion reflects concerns about political violence linked to far-left groups.
The goal is to encourage cooperation between countries to tackle the issue.
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Senator Peter Welch asked former Attorney General John Ashcroft about how a president and the attorney general work together during a confirmation hearing. The discussion focused on the relationship between these two roles in the government.
Key Facts
The event was a confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche.
Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat, led the questioning.
John Ashcroft, a former Attorney General, answered questions.
The main topic was the dynamic between the president and attorney general.
The hearing was covered by CBS News.
The discussion helps understand the balance of power and cooperation in U.S. government roles.
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Jobar, a neighborhood in East Damascus, Syria, was heavily damaged during the country’s 13-year war. Most buildings were destroyed, and many residents left, making it difficult to rebuild and return. The area faces challenges such as damaged infrastructure, tunnels from wartime, and lack of funds for reconstruction.
Key Facts
Jobar was a lively neighborhood before the Syrian war began in 2011.
The area was controlled by rebel groups between 2012 and 2018 and was bombed extensively.
About 95% of buildings in Jobar were destroyed due to shelling and air strikes.
Residents were evacuated in 2018 under an agreement, and civilians were banned from entering afterward.
After rebels took Damascus in December 2024 and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, some former residents tried returning.
The neighborhood has a complex tunnel system built during the war, which made it hard to navigate and caused safety concerns.
Reconstruction is difficult because the government has little money and the country is under international sanctions.
The World Bank estimates Syria’s rebuilding costs at around $216 billion, while nearly 90% of Syrians live in poverty.
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Representative Becca Balint criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to require testosterone tests for U.S. military members aged 30 and older. Secretary Hegseth said that all service members will get these tests and can choose treatment if needed.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced testosterone screenings for military members age 30 and above.
The tests will apply to all service members, regardless of gender.
Service members who need treatment after the test can decide whether to receive it.
Representative Becca Balint made a comment linking the screenings to “homoeroticism.”
The policy is a recent announcement from the Pentagon this week.
Testosterone is a hormone that affects physical traits and health.
The screenings are part of military health measures.
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Senator Thom Tillis said he will not support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general unless Blanche meets with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein. Tillis expressed a generally favorable view of Blanche but emphasized the importance of this step in the confirmation process.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is from North Carolina and a member of the Republican Party.
Todd Blanche is the acting attorney general nominee.
Blanche recently answered several hours of questions during his confirmation hearings.
Epstein survivors have contacted the Justice Department seeking meetings.
Tillis wants Blanche to meet with these survivors before advancing his nomination.
Tillis described this meeting as an important step toward approving Blanche.
This demand reflects attention to the handling of Epstein-related cases in the Justice Department.
The nomination vote depends partly on Blanche agreeing to this meeting.
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New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows big differences in how much money people typically have across different states. Hawaii has the highest median net worth, while Oklahoma has the lowest. The data also highlights wealth gaps based on race and education.
Key Facts
The median net worth in the U.S. in 2024 is $204,900.
Hawaii has the highest median net worth at $643,300.
Oklahoma has the lowest median net worth at $61,080.
Wealth includes home value, retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s.
10% of households have zero or negative net worth, while 10% have over $1.8 million.
White and Asian households are more likely to have over $1 million than Black or Hispanic households.
Nearly 25% of Black households have zero or negative net worth.
Higher education levels correspond with higher median net worth.
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A White House teleprompter operator reportedly earned almost $100,000 by betting on President Donald Trump’s speeches using a prediction market website called Kalshi. CBS News confirmed this information through its reporting.
Key Facts
The person involved worked as a teleprompter operator at the White House.
They made nearly $100,000 in bets related to President Trump's speeches.
The bets were placed on Kalshi, a prediction market platform.
Prediction markets let people bet on outcomes of future events.
CBS News verified this information through their reporting.
The story focuses on U.S. government employees and activities linked to President Trump.
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Senator Thom Tillis said he will not support Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination until Blanche meets with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. Tillis wants this meeting before the Senate Judiciary Committee votes on Blanche’s confirmation.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis wants Todd Blanche to meet Epstein survivors before voting to advance his nomination for attorney general.
Blanche is the acting attorney general and is up for confirmation by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Dani Bensky, an Epstein survivor, testified that her personal information was mistakenly made public by the Justice Department.
Blanche apologized for mistakes in releasing Epstein-related documents and said staff could meet survivors, but he must go through their lawyers.
The Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche’s nomination will happen in at least two weeks.
The committee is closely divided between Republicans and Democrats, making Tillis’s vote important.
Senator John Cornyn, another Republican whose support is needed, lost his primary.
Blanche faced questions about a $10 billion lawsuit settlement with President Trump related to IRS tax return leaks.
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George Santos, a former congressman from New York who was convicted in 2024 of wire fraud and identity theft, will appear on a Fox reality TV show. He will compete in the fifth season of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” a show where celebrities face military-style challenges.
Key Facts
George Santos served as a representative from New York.
In 2024, he was convicted of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Santos confirmed his participation in a Fox reality TV show.
The show is called “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”
It is a competition where celebrities face military-style challenges.
This will be the show’s fifth season.
The show airs on the Fox network.
Santos’ involvement marks a move into entertainment after his political and legal troubles.
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Jason Haley and other Southaven, Mississippi residents filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI and its subsidiary, MZX Tech, over constant noise and vibrations from a data center power plant near their homes. The noise has caused health problems and sleep loss, and local officials are aware but have not yet resolved the issue amid growing opposition to data center developments across the U.S.
Key Facts
Jason Haley, a Southaven resident, experiences constant noise and vibrations from a nearby power plant supporting xAI data centers.
Haley and two others filed a lawsuit against xAI and MZX Tech in June over health and sleep problems caused by the noise.
Similar complaints and lawsuits about data center noise are happening in Wisconsin and Massachusetts.
There are over 4,000 data centers in the U.S., requiring power plants that sometimes cause local disruptions.
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite is aware of the noise problem and is working with xAI officials for a solution.
The xAI data center called Colossus began operating in Memphis in September 2024, with plans for a second center soon after.
A dormant energy facility near Southaven was restarted to support the expanding xAI data centers, causing concerns among residents.
Haley has publicly raised awareness through city meetings, social media, and a grassroots group called Safe and Sound.
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Mike Collins, a Republican Senate candidate in Georgia supported by President Donald Trump, is linked to his son-in-law David Alan Scheer, a white nationalist influencer. Scheer has shared antisemitic and racist content online, and he is involved in Collins’s political activities and campaign events.
Key Facts
Mike Collins represents Georgia’s 10th congressional district and is running for Senate in the 2024 midterm elections.
Collins was endorsed by President Donald Trump and has expressed denial of the 2020 election results.
David Alan Scheer, Collins’s son-in-law, is known for promoting white nationalist views and antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media.
Scheer has over 1.5 million followers across multiple social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram.
Scheer shared Nazi imagery and content from the Patriot Front, a white supremacist hate group.
Scheer voted from a property owned by Collins and appeared in Collins’s campaign photos and events.
Scheer made public statements calling for racial purity and exclusion of non-white groups from America.
Scheer has spread false claims blaming Jews for major historical events and conspiracy theories involving political figures.
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Amnesty International UK admitted a mistake after publishing and then removing a report that labeled a sexual violence support center founded by JK Rowling as “anti-rights.” The charity has reported itself to the UK charity regulator, which is reviewing the situation but has not started an official investigation.
Key Facts
Amnesty International UK listed Beira’s Place, a support center for women founded by JK Rowling, as part of an “anti-rights” movement in a report.
Amnesty later apologized and took down the report, saying it bypassed their usual review process.
Beira’s Place and its lawyers say Amnesty’s report is defamatory and demand an apology, report withdrawal, and an external review.
JK Rowling offered legal cost help to organizations that want to take legal action against Amnesty.
The UK Charity Commission confirmed Amnesty reported itself and is assessing the report to decide on any regulatory steps.
Beira’s Place provides safe, women-only support for survivors of sexual violence in Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
Amnesty said it supports the rights of both women and transgender people and regrets singling out any group unfairly.
The original Amnesty report criticized a UK Supreme Court ruling that defined “woman” as a biological term for legal and service access purposes, stating it hurt LGBT+ rights.
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