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Dani Bensky, who survived abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, spoke at a Senate hearing about the nomination of Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General. She asked senators to remember the survivors and consider their experiences when deciding on Blanche’s confirmation.
Key Facts
Dani Bensky is a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse.
She testified during Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing for acting Attorney General.
Bensky asked other survivors to stand and held up photos of themselves as children.
She urged senators to think about the girls in those photos before voting.
The hearing took place before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Blanche is being considered for the position of acting Attorney General.
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Heavy rain has caused serious flash flooding in central Texas, especially in counties like Kerr and Uvalde. Emergency officials warned people to seek higher ground and stay home due to dangerous rising rivers and flooded roads.
Key Facts
Up to 20 inches of rain fell in some parts of south-central Texas over two days.
Flash flood emergencies were issued for Kerr, Uvalde, and other counties near the Guadalupe and Pedernales Rivers.
Emergency crews conducted water rescues, but no injuries or deaths were reported immediately.
The Guadalupe River at Comfort, Texas, rose more than 30 feet overnight.
Shelter-in-place orders were given in Kerrville and Uvalde to keep residents safe.
Flood watches and warnings remain in effect until Thursday evening.
This flooding occurs one year after a deadly flood in the same region killed over 100 people.
Many highways and city streets are closed because of water over the roads, and people are urged not to travel unless necessary.
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The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. This program had protected about 1.3 million immigrants from being deported.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled in the case Mullin v. Doe.
The ruling permits the end of the TPS program.
About 1.3 million immigrants currently have TPS.
TPS protects immigrants from deportation due to unsafe conditions in their home countries.
Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García spoke out against the decision.
The administration led by President Donald Trump supports ending TPS.
Ending TPS affects many immigrants living and working in the U.S. under this status.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a press briefing ahead of President Donald Trump’s primetime speech. President Trump has suggested he will talk about voting machines and the integrity of elections.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary.
She will speak to reporters on Thursday afternoon.
President Donald Trump plans a primetime address soon.
Trump has mentioned voting machines as a possible topic.
Election integrity is another topic Trump may discuss.
The briefing occurs as tensions with Iran have increased recently.
The exact details of President Trump’s speech have not been fully shared.
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Andy Burnham will tour the UK in August as he begins his time as prime minister. He plans to visit places affected by industrial changes, like the steel town of Port Talbot, to listen to local communities before setting out his government plans.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham will start a UK-wide summer tour in August during Parliament's break.
The tour aims to hear from people in areas facing industrial changes, such as Port Talbot in south Wales.
Port Talbot lost its last steel blast furnace in September 2024, causing around 2,800 job losses.
Burnham becomes prime minister on Monday and Labour leader on Friday, replacing Sir Keir Starmer.
His message includes shifting power from central government in Westminster to local regions.
Some Welsh politicians worry this could reduce the powers of the Welsh government.
Burnham may also visit Aberdeen, a city important to the UK's energy future.
Parliament may be recalled early for MPs to question Burnham, but hearings were postponed to discuss the Middle East crisis.
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Epstein survivor Dani Bensky told senators that the Department of Justice (DOJ) repeatedly exposed her personal information in public releases of Epstein case files. Bensky criticized Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell but refusing to meet with survivors, which has affected his chances of permanent appointment.
Key Facts
Dani Bensky said her name and personal details appeared in multiple public releases of Epstein case files by the DOJ.
The DOJ did not remove her information until months after Blanche claimed the data had been fixed immediately.
Survivors reported receiving threats, job losses, and privacy violations after their information was exposed.
Todd Blanche met with Ghislaine Maxwell for about nine hours but did not meet with any survivors.
Survivors found out about Maxwell’s transfer to a low-security prison only through news reports, with no explanation or outreach.
Blanche said he was prohibited from meeting survivors with lawyers, but senators disputed this claim.
Senator Thom Tillis said he will not support Blanche’s nomination unless Blanche meets with survivors.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin also said Blanche should not get a vote without meeting the survivors first.
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Two human rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop sanctions placed on the International Criminal Court (ICC). They say the sanctions make it harder for them to do their work on issues involving Palestine.
Key Facts
Two human rights advocacy groups are suing the Trump administration.
The lawsuit challenges sanctions imposed on the ICC last year.
The sanctions come from an executive order issued by President Trump.
The groups say the sanctions create a "chilling effect," meaning they reduce or discourage their activities.
Their work focuses on human rights related to Palestine.
The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York.
The case aims to block or remove the ICC sanctions.
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Officials in President Donald Trump’s administration want to make it easier for men to get prescriptions for testosterone, a hormone that affects mood, sex drive, and overall health. The military will start screening troops for low testosterone and offer hormone therapy, following new research that supports its benefits and shows fewer heart risks than previously thought.
Key Facts
President Trump’s officials aim to simplify access to testosterone prescriptions.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports this change.
Military leaders plan to test troops for low testosterone levels.
Testosterone is believed to help with muscle, energy, mood, and sex drive.
Some health experts and influencers claim it boosts vitality and strength.
New studies support testosterone’s benefits for sexual health.
The FDA removed a strong heart risk warning about testosterone treatments last year.
Doctors are becoming more comfortable prescribing testosterone after past concerns.
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At least five Palestinians were killed in air and tank attacks in Gaza despite an October ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire has been violated frequently, with ongoing strikes and restrictions on aid worsening the humanitarian situation.
Key Facts
Five Palestinians died in multiple Israeli attacks across Gaza, including air strikes and tank fire.
The October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been broken almost every day since it started.
Over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began.
Aid deliveries to Gaza remain limited due to Israeli restrictions, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blocked rebuilding efforts in Gaza before Israel’s October 27 elections.
Netanyahu risks losing power and may increase attacks on Gaza to gain voter support.
The conflict has damaged Israel's international reputation and caused global economic problems.
Reconstruction of Gaza is expected to take at least 10 years and cost over $70 billion but is unlikely to start soon.
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Neville Roy Singham, husband of Code Pink’s founder, is under a federal criminal investigation in New York. Authorities are looking into whether he broke laws about foreign agents and taxes related to nonprofits he supports, including possible illegal money transfers and false tax filings.
Key Facts
Neville Roy Singham is married to Jodie Evans, co-founder of the anti-war group Code Pink.
Singham is being investigated by a grand jury in the Southern District of New York.
The probe started as a possible violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires people working for foreign governments to register.
The investigation expanded to examine if money was illegally moved through nonprofits controlled by Singham.
Singham founded Thoughtworks, an IT company he sold for $785 million in 2017 and then moved operations to Shanghai.
He has funded many nonprofits promoting leftist politics and pro-Beijing views.
Code Pink reportedly changed its stance on China after receiving funding linked to Singham.
Republican lawmakers have questioned if Singham’s nonprofits coordinate with the Chinese government.
No charges have been filed against Singham so far, and he has not commented publicly.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after six months in the role. This decision led to public protests and criticism in Kyiv.
Key Facts
President Zelensky fired Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Fedorov had been defense minister for six months.
Before this role, Fedorov was Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation.
Fedorov had experience in military technology.
The firing caused public protests in Kyiv.
People reacted strongly against the decision.
Fedorov shared his thoughts about his time as minister on Telegram.
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The UK government plans to change wedding laws to let couples marry almost anywhere, like at home, pubs, or even on cruise ships, instead of only approved venues. These changes aim to make weddings cheaper and give people more choices while keeping the ceremonies respectful.
Key Facts
Current law requires weddings to happen at approved venues to be legal.
Proposed changes would allow legal weddings in many places, including beaches, pubs, castles, or cruise ships.
"Gimmicky" wedding activities like skydiving or rollercoasters would not be allowed to keep the ceremony dignified.
Food and alcohol should not be casually consumed during the ceremony.
Civil ceremonies could include more religious elements, like Bible readings.
Non-religious groups such as Humanists could conduct legal weddings.
The government is consulting on these changes, with a decision expected after 24 September.
New laws would probably start in 2025 after passing legislation.
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Elizabeth Oyer, a former Justice Department pardon lawyer, criticized Todd Blanche during his confirmation hearing for attorney general. She accused him of promoting unfair actions to protect powerful men, including mishandling legal files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Oyer is a former pardon attorney at the Justice Department.
She spoke out during Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing for attorney general.
Oyer described Blanche’s behavior as unethical and overly loyal to powerful people.
She stated the current Justice Department focuses on protecting powerful men.
Oyer mentioned problems with how Blanche handled files connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
She called for the justice system to be respected and not further harmed by his promotion.
Oyer emphasized that these issues are not about politics but about fairness and justice.
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Energy companies are raising large amounts of money through stock market offerings faster than any time this century. This surge is driven by investors wanting to support the growing demand for electricity needed by AI data centers.
Key Facts
Energy firms raised $12.6 billion in initial public offerings (IPOs) in the first half of 2026, the highest level since 1999.
This amount is much higher than the total $4.3 billion raised in all of 2025.
AI data centers use a large amount of power, similar to the electricity use of cities like Glasgow or Salt Lake City.
US electricity demand is expected to grow by 39% between 2026 and 2035, mainly because of data center growth.
Investors who benefited from AI chip companies are now interested in energy companies that provide power infrastructure.
New investment funds have launched to focus on power generation and grid infrastructure related to AI.
Several energy companies with technologies like nuclear, geothermal, and on-site power generation are going public.
Some firms are developing next-generation geothermal energy by using oil and gas drilling methods to access underground heat.
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A Texas district attorney disagrees with the FBI’s statement that drugs were found in the vehicle of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was fatally shot by a federal officer in Houston. The district attorney reviewed the evidence and expressed doubts about the FBI’s claim.
Key Facts
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52 years old, was fatally shot by a federal officer in Houston last week.
The FBI said drugs were found in Araujo’s vehicle.
A local district attorney in Texas disputes the FBI’s claim about the drugs.
The district attorney reviewed the evidence collected from the vehicle.
The district attorney questioned the accuracy of the FBI’s assessment based on the evidence.
The case involves law enforcement agencies at the local and federal levels.
The shooting and investigation have drawn public and official attention.
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Ann Widdecombe, a former British MP, was found dead at her home after being attacked on July 8. A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder and possible terrorism-related acts, with police calling it a "targeted attack" and investigating the motive.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9 after an attack.
She was 78 years old and had served as a Conservative MP and as a minister in the 1990s.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder and terrorism-related crimes.
Police believe Widdecombe’s killing was a planned, targeted attack.
The suspect’s uncle described him as a quiet, gentle boy and was shocked by the arrest.
The suspect had been living with his father until his father’s recent death.
Neighbors noted the suspect rarely left his home after his father died.
The murder investigation has raised public concern about the safety of political figures.
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Hamas will hold a run-off vote next week to choose its new political leader after recent assassinations of top figures. The final two candidates are Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya, and the new leader will serve until 2027.
Key Facts
Hamas is selecting a new political bureau chief after the death of key leaders due to Israeli attacks.
The leadership race has narrowed to Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya.
A run-off vote is needed because no candidate received over 50% in earlier rounds.
The winner will replace the current transitional council and lead until 2027.
Only a small, select group is voting this time because of security issues caused by the ongoing war.
The leadership position must include representation from Gaza, where al-Hayya is from.
Hamas plans a full grassroots election across Gaza, the West Bank, and the diaspora in 2025 if security allows.
Analysts say Hamas’s leadership change is now important for wider Middle East politics.
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Large wildfires in Canada are creating thick smoke that is spreading into the United States, causing very poor air quality in many cities, including New York and Chicago. Authorities are warning people to stay indoors and are providing masks and cooling centers to help those affected.
Key Facts
Canadian wildfires are sending hazardous smoke into US states near the Canadian border and the Northeast.
Chicago and Detroit were among the most polluted cities worldwide on July 16, 2026, due to the smoke.
New York City’s air quality was declared unhealthy, with some areas experiencing worse conditions.
Officials advised people, especially in New York, to minimize outdoor activities and used emergency measures like free masks and cooling centers.
Midwest cities like Chicago and Toledo recorded air quality levels in the "hazardous" category, above 700 on the air quality index.
A Major League Soccer game in Chicago was postponed because of the smoke.
Over 130 active fires are burning in northwestern Ontario, Canada, with around 60 out of control.
Canadian authorities have requested extra help to fight the fires, expecting poor air quality to last for several days.
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Smoke from many Canadian wildfires has caused very bad air pollution in several large U.S. cities, including Chicago, Detroit, and New York. Officials have warned people to stay indoors, wear masks, and the situation is expected to last for several days.
Key Facts
Over 130 wildfires are active in northwestern Ontario, Canada, with at least 60 out of control.
Smoke from these fires has spread to U.S. cities near the Canadian border and the Northeast.
Chicago and Detroit were among the most polluted cities globally on July 16, 2026.
New York’s air quality reached levels harmful to everyone, prompting health warnings.
Masks and cooling centers were offered to help people cope with unhealthy air and heat.
The air quality index in parts of the Midwest exceeded 700, which is considered "hazardous."
Outdoor events, including a Major League Soccer game in Chicago, were postponed due to the pollution.
Authorities expect the smoke to remain a problem for at least two more days and possibly longer.
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Senior defense officials in the Trump administration are examining possible military options related to Cuba. This information was reported by CBS News.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is reviewing military choices involving Cuba.
Senior defense officials are the ones looking into these options.
CBS News provided the report on this matter.
The article does not specify what the potential military actions might be.
No details are given about timelines or specific plans for action.
The focus is on U.S. government and defense strategy regarding Cuba.
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