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House Republicans introduced a plan for a $95 billion budget package focused on defense, farm support, and helping states enforce voter ID rules in elections. This budget effort uses a special process called reconciliation to pass key Republican priorities.
Key Facts
The budget plan totals about $95 billion.
Funding will go to defense programs.
The package includes aid for farmers.
It provides money to help states enforce voter ID laws.
Republicans aim to use the budget reconciliation process to pass this plan.
This may be the last time Republicans use reconciliation to pass major legislation this way.
The plan was announced by House Republicans on Wednesday.
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President Donald Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should keep doing traffic stops, despite the deaths of two men during recent stops. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had ordered a temporary pause on these stops to review the situation and possibly retrain agents.
Key Facts
Two men were killed by ICE agents during traffic stops within one week.
Both men were unarmed and were not the target of the operations that led to their deaths.
The agents involved did not wear body cameras during the incidents.
DHS ordered a temporary stop to traffic stops by ICE to review procedures and ensure safety.
President Trump disagreed with the DHS pause and said the traffic stops are important for fighting crime.
Trump claimed 25 million people crossed the border unchecked under President Biden.
Civil rights groups called the shootings extrajudicial killings and want ICE’s funding reviewed.
DHS has not confirmed when or if traffic stops by ICE will fully resume.
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The article questions the effectiveness of imposing another blockade on Iran. It suggests that people supporting the blockade should explain why it would work this time.
Key Facts
The article discusses the idea of blockading Iran.
It highlights doubts about the success of such a blockade.
The author asks for reasons why a new blockade would succeed now.
The message implies past attempts may not have worked well.
The focus is on international actions involving Iran.
No specific plans or details about the blockade are given.
The article emphasizes the need for clear reasons before trying again.
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Several lawmakers, including Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative Tom Kean Jr., have been absent from Congress for extended periods due to health reasons. This has sparked a debate about whether members of Congress should be required to publicly explain long absences and provide updates on their health.
Key Facts
Senator Mitch McConnell was absent after a fall and pneumonia, and he shared a hospital photo after weeks of no public appearances.
Representative Tom Kean Jr. missed nearly four months of votes due to hospitalization for depression.
Currently, Congress does not require members to publicly explain long absences or provide health updates.
Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres plans to introduce a "Duty of Transparency Act" requiring public notice for extended absences.
The proposed law would ask lawmakers to inform constituents about how long they expect to be away and whether they can still perform their duties.
Some members, like Senator John Fetterman, have voluntarily shared updates about health issues during absences.
Both McConnell and Kean’s offices said the lawmakers stayed involved in congressional work during their absences.
Critics say constituents often learn about absences only after long periods through news or other indirect sources.
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Utah has banned the book Different Seasons by Stephen King from all public schools after several school districts removed it for containing sensitive content. The state's education board enforces this ban based on a law that prohibits instructional material deemed harmful or pornographic for minors.
Key Facts
Different Seasons is a 1982 collection of four novellas by Stephen King.
The book inspired movies like Stand by Me and The Shawshank Redemption.
Four Utah school districts removed the book from their libraries, triggering a statewide ban on July 6.
Utah law bans books with “objective sensitive material,” including pornographic or harmful content to minors.
The state board of education maintains a list of 35 banned books as of mid-July.
The banned books list includes titles like The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
The ACLU of Utah sued the state in January, claiming the bans violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments.
The lawsuit argues that banning books infringes on freedom of speech and equal protection under the law.
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Many people across the United States are worried about data centers that support artificial intelligence (AI) because they use a lot of electricity and water. In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has temporarily stopped new data center construction to review these concerns.
Key Facts
Data centers are facilities that store and process large amounts of data, essential for AI technologies.
These centers consume significant electricity and water resources.
There is increasing public concern about the environmental impact of data centers nationwide.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an order to pause the construction of new data centers.
The pause aims to give officials time to study and address resource usage issues.
This move reflects a growing trend of scrutinizing AI infrastructure for sustainability.
The pause affects the ongoing boom of building AI-related data centers in New York state.
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Sir Keir Starmer spoke at his final Prime Minister's Questions session before stepping down as UK Prime Minister. MPs from all parties paid tribute to him, and he will hand over power to Andy Burnham after the Labour leadership conference.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer described his last Prime Minister’s Questions as the end of his political journey.
MPs from different parties paused usual arguments to honor him during the 50-minute session.
Some Labour MPs, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, were visibly emotional.
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader after a special party conference on Friday.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised Starmer’s work on Ukraine but criticized future Labour leadership.
Starmer was thanked for his kindness after personal family tragedies.
The session included lighter moments, such as jokes about England’s World Cup chances.
Starmer paid tribute to former MP Ann Widdecombe and mentioned that three MPs had died during his time in Parliament.
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Officer Christian Yepes saved a woman’s life on the Brooklyn Bridge. This happened during his third day working with the New York Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit, which is a special team for difficult situations.
Key Facts
Officer Christian Yepes rescued a woman on the Brooklyn Bridge.
The rescue took place last week.
Yepes was in his third day with the NYPD Emergency Service Unit.
The Emergency Service Unit is a special police group trained for emergencies.
The news was reported by Anna Schecter on CBS News.
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President Donald Trump said that pipelines in Texas and Alaska might be used instead of the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. He also said the Strait of Hormuz is open despite Iranian officials blocking some ships in the area.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned Texas and Alaska pipelines as possible alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for shipping oil and gas between the Middle East and other countries.
Iranian officials have blocked some shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump stated the Strait of Hormuz remains open if ships want to use it.
The comments were made during an interview with Fox News.
Shipping tracking shows some disruptions in maritime traffic in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz situation affects global oil shipments.
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Health officials in the United States are investigating a rise in cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by a parasite that leads to diarrhea. They are working to find the source of the outbreak to help stop its spread.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora.
The illness mainly causes diarrhea and digestive problems.
Recently, the number of cyclosporiasis cases has increased in the U.S.
Federal and state health officials are searching for what is causing this outbreak.
Public health advice on how to avoid infection is being shared.
The parasite is often linked to contaminated food or water.
Washing fruits and vegetables well can help reduce the risk of infection.
Health officials are monitoring the situation closely to protect public health.
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Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, known for safely landing a passenger plane on the Hudson River in 2009 and saving 155 people, has announced he has Alzheimer's disease. This illness affects memory and thinking skills.
Key Facts
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger performed a successful emergency landing on the Hudson River in 2009.
He saved all 155 people on board that flight.
He has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's is a condition that causes memory loss and difficulties with thinking.
This news was shared in a CBS News report.
Sullenberger is widely recognized as a hero for his actions during the emergency landing.
The announcement raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.
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Keir Starmer gave his final speech as UK prime minister during the last prime minister’s questions before handing over power to Andy Burnham. He spoke emotionally about his time in office, defended his government’s record, and thanked those who supported him, including his family.
Key Facts
Starmer’s term as prime minister will end on Monday, when Andy Burnham takes over.
His final speech at prime minister’s questions was emotional and focused on reflections rather than political arguments.
Starmer said his government took action to stabilize the economy, improve public services, and reduce child poverty.
He acknowledged the fastest drop in NHS waiting lists in 17 years during his time in office.
Starmer thanked his family and others who supported him during difficult times, including attacks on his family home.
The session included questions about the World Cup and other lighter topics alongside serious political issues.
Opposing politicians, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Richard Tice, asked respectful or easy questions in this final session.
The UK Parliament chamber observed its usual rule against applause despite some cheering following his farewell.
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Parts of Texas are experiencing heavy rain that is causing dangerous flash flooding. The state has declared a state of emergency to prepare for the flooding. This comes just over a year after deadly floods affected the Texas Hill Country.
Key Facts
Heavy rain is falling in parts of Texas.
The rain increases the risk of sudden flash floods.
Texas officials declared a state of emergency.
Flash floods can happen quickly and be very dangerous.
About a year ago, floods in Texas Hill Country caused many deaths.
Authorities are warning people and preparing for the flooding impact.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would keep daylight saving time year-round and stop changing clocks twice a year. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Key Facts
The bill was passed by the House on Tuesday.
Lawmakers from both political parties supported the bill.
The bill aims to make daylight saving time permanent.
This would end the current practice of changing clocks twice yearly.
The Senate must approve the bill before it becomes law.
The change would affect timekeeping across the United States.
The bill is intended to provide more daylight in the evenings all year.
The House vote was part of a broader discussion on time change effects.
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Cuba experienced a third nationwide power blackout in ten days, causing the entire country to lose electricity. Officials said the blackouts are linked to problems in the power system worsened by the U.S. oil embargo.
Key Facts
Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) went down again on Tuesday, cutting power across the whole country.
This was the third blackout in just two weeks.
The blackouts are putting strain on Cuba’s electricity grid.
The U.S. oil embargo is making it harder for Cuba to get fuel, which affects its power supply.
Officials are working to slowly restore electricity after the blackout.
The situation highlights ongoing energy challenges for the island nation.
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Taco Bell is taking voluntary safety steps while health officials investigate reports of a stomach parasite that has made thousands of people sick since May. The exact cause of the illness has not yet been found.
Key Facts
Thousands of people have gotten sick since May with symptoms connected to a stomach parasite.
Health officials are investigating the cause but have not identified the source yet.
Taco Bell is responding by taking precautionary action on their own.
The investigation is happening across multiple states.
The company has publicly addressed the reports linked to the parasite.
No official confirmation yet if the parasite is connected directly to Taco Bell food.
The situation remains under active review by health authorities.
This news was reported on July 15, 2026.
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Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who once worked closely with Prince William and Prince Harry, said the British monarchy has always faced crises but adapts well to survive. Recent polls show younger people in Britain are less supportive of the monarchy, raising questions about its future.
Key Facts
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton was a private secretary to Prince William and Prince Harry.
He believes the monarchy is good at changing and adapting to survive over its 1,200-year history.
Past challenges to the monarchy included executions of kings, like Charles I.
Recent controversies have increased public debate about the royal family’s role and future.
Polls show younger British people tend to support the monarchy less than older generations.
Data suggests support for removing the monarchy may not reach a majority for many decades.
Lowther-Pinkerton left royal service in 2014 and did not comment on recent royal family conflicts.
Prince Harry praised Lowther-Pinkerton’s honesty in his book Spare.
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Thousands of people in over 30 states have gotten sick with cyclosporiasis, a parasite infection. Government officials have not yet identified the source of the outbreak.
Key Facts
The illness is caused by cyclosporiasis, a parasite.
The outbreak has affected more than 30 states in the U.S.
Thousands of people have become sick so far.
Federal health officials are still investigating to find the source.
CBS News medical expert Dr. Celine Gounder provided information on the illness and prevention.
The parasite often spreads through contaminated food or water.
People are advised to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce risk.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fatigue.
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A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton called "Gus" sold for $50.1 million at an auction in New York. This sale set a new record for the highest price paid for a dinosaur fossil at auction.
Key Facts
The skeleton is named "Gus."
It has 183 fossilized bones, making it one of the most complete T. rex skeletons found.
"Gus" was discovered in 2021 on a cattle ranch in South Dakota.
The auction took place at Sotheby's in New York.
Seven bidders competed for the skeleton, making the sale last about 10 minutes.
The $50.1 million price is the highest ever paid for a dinosaur fossil at auction.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. will strike Iran’s power plants and bridges if Iran does not agree to negotiations. He also canceled a plan to charge cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and instead wants to focus on trade and investment deals with Gulf countries.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to target Iran’s infrastructure if talks fail.
The targets mentioned include power plants and bridges in Iran.
He wants Iran to come to the negotiation table.
The U.S. had planned to charge fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
That plan was canceled in favor of focusing on trade and investments with Gulf nations.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for global oil shipments.
U.S. officials are pursuing a new strategy regarding Iran and the Gulf region.
Mohammed Sergie, Gulf editor from Semafor, discussed this U.S. approach on CBS Mornings News.
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