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Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago, a document that said all men are equal. However, many people were still enslaved at that time. A reporter visited Jefferson’s home in Virginia to explore his life and how his contradictions mirrored America's history.
Key Facts
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson 250 years ago.
It states that all men are equal.
Despite this, slavery was still widespread then.
Jefferson was the third president of the United States.
His life included contradictions, such as owning slaves while advocating equality.
The story is part of a series called Crossroads: America at 250.
The reporter visited Jefferson’s home, Monticello, in Virginia.
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Six Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives joined most Republicans to pass the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, a defense policy bill worth nearly $1.15 trillion. These Democrats are known for voting independently and some are seeking reelection.
Key Facts
Six Democrats voted with Republicans to approve the 2027 defense policy bill.
The bill is called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The NDAA for 2027 has a budget of about $1.15 trillion.
These Democrats often vote differently from their party on important issues.
Many of these lawmakers are currently running for reelection.
The vote took place on a Wednesday.
The bill sets policies and funding for the U.S. military for the upcoming year.
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A court in New York has set the trial date for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, for June 1, 2027. Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism and drug and weapons offenses, which he denies.
Key Facts
Nicolás Maduro is the president of Venezuela.
Maduro and his wife will stand trial starting June 1, 2027.
The trial is taking place in New York, USA.
Charges include narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses.
Maduro denies all the charges against him.
The court hearing was recently held to discuss the trial.
The case is receiving international attention.
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Samsung held a big event in London to show new devices and services centered around its Gemini AI platform. The company is building a close network of products like foldable phones, watches, smart glasses, and financial tools that work together using Google’s AI, aiming to create an integrated user experience similar to Apple’s ecosystem.
Key Facts
Samsung introduced three new foldable phones, two watches, a credit card, a financial platform, and Gemini-powered smart glasses.
The Galaxy Ring device may become the first over-the-counter ring approved by the FDA to detect sleep apnea risk.
Samsung uses Google’s Gemini AI to connect its devices instead of developing its own AI system.
The company aims to have 800 million Galaxy devices with AI capabilities by the end of 2026.
Samsung’s new foldables include the Z Fold 8, designed to be easier for first-time users.
Gemini AI can understand screens, perform complex tasks across different apps, and work in the background.
Smart glasses will launch this fall and connect calls, audio, and photos through the Galaxy phone system.
Galaxy Watch 9 uses Gemini AI that activates with just a wrist raise, without needing voice commands.
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Tens of thousands of young protesters in Delhi marched against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over exam scandals. Police used tear gas and batons to break up the protest, but many demonstrators responded by posting videos and memes online that mixed humor with the serious moments of the event.
Key Facts
The protest in Delhi was led by the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth movement originally started over exam irregularities.
Protesters demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign due to leaked exam papers and recruitment scandals.
Police fired tear gas and used batons to control the crowd, and some protesters and officers were injured.
Authorities temporarily suspended mobile internet near the protest to limit communication.
Despite the violence, many protesters recorded and shared videos showing both the tension and their humorous reactions.
Posting humorous content during protests reflects a new way young people combine daily life and political activism.
Experts say younger generations are used to mixing politics with online culture like memes and videos.
Protesters saw filming and making jokes as a way to cope with fear during the violent encounter.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia are working on a deal related to nuclear energy. The agreement focuses on peaceful uses of nuclear technology and aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Key Facts
The US and Saudi Arabia are negotiating a nuclear deal.
The deal involves peaceful nuclear energy, not weapons.
It is meant to improve cooperation and energy development.
This agreement comes amid concerns about nuclear security in the region.
President Donald Trump’s administration is involved in these talks.
Saudi Arabia is seeking to build nuclear power plants for energy needs.
The deal could affect relationships and security dynamics in the Middle East.
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The United States has signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. The deal aims to boost US nuclear technology exports, create jobs, and improve energy and national security, but it will be reviewed by Congress and may face opposition.
Key Facts
The US Department of Energy signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia.
The deal includes a bilateral safeguards agreement to ensure safety and monitoring.
The agreement could let Saudi Arabia enrich uranium, which has raised concerns.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the deal supports US-Saudi commercial ties and security.
The deal is expected to create high-paying American jobs and expand nuclear technology exports.
Westinghouse Electric Company, a US nuclear firm, supports the agreement as an economic opportunity.
Congress will review the deal, and some lawmakers worry about how monitoring will work.
The deal comes amid ongoing US tensions and conflict with Iran over nuclear weapons development.
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United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a Southeast Asian meeting to discuss how to handle tensions between the US and China. They talked about managing their differences ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, especially regarding disagreements over the South China Sea and other issues.
Key Facts
Rubio and Wang met at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila.
They discussed managing differences between the US and China to ensure a positive visit by Xi Jinping to the US in September.
Tensions include disputes over the South China Sea and US-Iran conflict.
A recent confrontation at the Second Thomas Shoal injured a Philippine sailor.
The US is committed to defending the Philippines under a defense treaty.
China claims most of the South China Sea, which overlaps with other countries’ waters.
The US increased military funding to the Philippines to $100 million for 2026 and is improving coastal defenses.
Rubio said the US’s security and prosperity are closely linked with Southeast Asia’s future.
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Tropical Storm Bertha reached southern Louisiana on Wednesday, bringing strong winds and prompting beach closures from the Florida Panhandle to Mississippi. The storm made landfall in St. Bernard Parish, near New Orleans, with winds around 45 miles per hour.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha moved into southern Louisiana on Wednesday.
The storm made landfall in St. Bernard Parish, about 40 miles east of New Orleans.
Maximum sustained winds at landfall were approximately 45 mph (72 kph).
Beaches from the Florida Panhandle to Mississippi were closed due to the storm.
Bertha’s strong winds extended far from the storm’s center.
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A Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into Milestone School in Dhaka one year ago, killing 36 people, mostly children, and injuring over 160. Families and survivors are still seeking answers about the cause and safety measures, while the full investigation report has not been made public.
Key Facts
The crash occurred on 21 July 2025 near the Uttara neighborhood in Dhaka.
The jet was a training aircraft from the Bangladesh Air Force that crashed shortly after takeoff.
36 people died, mostly schoolchildren; over 160 were injured.
The crash damaged Milestone School, which did not meet building safety codes and had only one door for up to 900 students.
The investigation found the pilot lacked adequate training and supervision; the jet had no mechanical defects.
More than 600 buildings near Dhaka's airport violated height restrictions, including schools and hospitals.
Families and survivors have protested, demanding government accountability and better support.
The full investigative committee report submitted last November remains unreleased to the public.
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Videos showing boys in China mistreating a stray dog and her puppies caused public anger online. Chinese authorities limited discussion about the incident to protect the boys, but animal rights supporters have continued their campaign both inside China and internationally, calling for laws against animal cruelty.
Key Facts
The incident involved four boys under age 14 harming three puppies with sticks and setting their mother dog on fire in Jieyang, Guangdong province.
Videos and images of the abuse sparked strong reactions on Chinese social media starting in June.
Chinese authorities blocked posts and urged the public to avoid spreading information to protect the boys and prevent cyberbullying.
The boys will not face criminal charges but were sent to a special school, according to officials.
China currently has no laws that criminalize animal cruelty.
Some posts and celebrity statements supporting animal protection were removed or limited on social media.
Animal rights activists have taken their campaign offline and overseas, including putting up billboards in New York.
Discussions about the incident and calls for stronger animal protection continue, despite censorship efforts.
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An Iranian missile attack on a U.S. military site in Jordan killed three U.S. soldiers, marking the first U.S. deaths from Iranian strikes since the war between the U.S.-Israel coalition and Iran began five months ago. Despite ongoing U.S. air strikes, Iran’s missile and drone capabilities remain strong and continue to pose a threat to U.S. forces in the region.
Key Facts
Three U.S. soldiers were killed in an Iranian attack on a military site in Jordan.
This is the first time since March 1 that U.S. soldiers died due to Iranian strikes during the current war.
Iran uses advanced missiles and drones that can bypass U.S. air defense systems like Patriot and THAAD.
About 50,000 U.S. troops are stationed at bases in the Middle East that are vulnerable to Iranian attacks.
Many U.S. facilities are designed for protection against smaller attacks, not against precise ballistic missiles.
A total of 18 U.S. military deaths have been reported since the war started, including past Iranian strikes and other accidents.
Around 500 U.S. soldiers have been wounded and over 220 U.S. military buildings or equipment have been damaged or destroyed.
Experts say Iran’s military is adapting and becoming more precise, aided by possible Russian and Chinese intelligence support.
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The European Union approved Paramount's $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery with some conditions to keep competition fair, especially in movie theater distribution. The deal still faces challenges in the U.S., where several states have sued to block the merger over concerns it would reduce competition.
Key Facts
The EU’s antitrust authority approved Paramount's takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery for $81 billion.
The EU required Paramount to end a film distribution partnership with Universal in Europe within 13 months of completing the deal.
Paramount cannot make new distribution agreements with Universal in Europe for 10 years.
Warner films in Europe must be distributed through Paramount’s existing channels.
The merger combines major studios and streaming services like HBO Max, Paramount+, and popular franchises such as Harry Potter and Top Gun.
U.S. states including California have sued to stop the merger, fearing it will reduce competition in movies and cable TV.
A U.S. judge ordered a pause on the merger at least until a hearing on August 3.
Paramount argues the EU approval shows the merger will still allow enough competition.
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A new poll shows Republican Marco Rubio gaining support while Vice President JD Vance’s lead is shrinking in the 2028 presidential primary race. On the Democratic side, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pete Buttigieg are the top contenders, though no one has officially declared a run yet.
Key Facts
JD Vance leads Republican voters in New Hampshire with 36%, down from over 50% in earlier polls.
Marco Rubio has risen to 26% support among Republicans, closing the gap with Vance.
Other Republican candidates like Rand Paul, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Tulsi Gabbard, and John Kennedy have smaller shares.
No candidate has formally announced a 2028 presidential bid yet.
Among Democrats, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leads with 22%, followed closely by Pete Buttigieg at 21%.
Democratic candidates Mark Kelly, Gavin Newsom, Bernie Sanders, and Kamala Harris have between 5% and 9% support.
The poll surveyed around 600 likely Democratic and Republican primary voters in New Hampshire with a margin of error of about 3.8%.
Political experts say Rubio’s rising popularity may come from his role in the Trump administration and his moderate tone compared to other candidates.
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The United States Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the current threat environment is the most difficult he has seen in his 24-year career. This year, the Secret Service has handled 10,000 threat cases related to their protectees, including President Donald Trump, which is a 40% increase from last year.
Key Facts
The threat environment is described as very volatile and large, affecting protectees and local officials.
This year, the Secret Service handled 10,000 threat-related cases, a 40% rise compared to last year.
Many threats are linked to people experiencing mental illness, with a tenfold increase in mental health committals.
The Secret Service is reviewing security measures for the rescheduled White House correspondents’ dinner after a previous shooting.
A man named Cole Allen is accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump and has pleaded not guilty.
The Service is boosting its anti-drone defenses due to concerns over drones being used in attacks.
Deputy Director Matt Quinn noted Iran has publicly stated threats against President Trump, adding to the threat complexity.
The Secret Service leads in technology to detect and prevent drone threats within the United States.
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Many U.S. workers stay in jobs they do not like to keep their health insurance, a situation called "job lock." This affects nearly 23 million adults, especially women and people with chronic health problems, who face high medical costs and stress.
Key Facts
About 23 million U.S. workers remain in unwanted jobs to keep health insurance.
Nearly half (48%) of workers who see healthcare as a big financial burden stay in their jobs because of insurance.
Over half (53%) of workers with high stress from healthcare costs also stay in unwanted jobs.
Workers with chronic health conditions are more likely to experience job lock (29%) than those without (17%).
Women face this issue more than men: 30% of women vs. 20% of men stay in jobs due to insurance needs.
Health insurance costs are rising, with some employers increasing premiums by up to 10%.
About 5 million Americans lost health insurance in 2026 after President Trump’s administration did not extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The study is based on a Gallup survey of more than 5,600 adults conducted from October to December 2025.
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A minor named R.K.C. has dropped a lawsuit against Meta. The lawsuit accused Meta and other social media companies of causing mental health problems for young users. The case was about to start a trial in California.
Key Facts
The plaintiff is a minor identified only as “R.K.C.”
R.K.C. sued Meta and other social media companies, including YouTube and Snap.
The lawsuit claimed these companies harmed young users’ mental health.
The case was scheduled for trial in California.
R.K.C. decided to withdraw the lawsuit just days before the trial.
The lawsuit focused on negative impacts of social media on youth mental health.
Meta is the parent company of platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
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The Trump administration announced a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia focused on economic benefits. Some experts and critics worry that the agreement may not have enough protections to stop Saudi Arabia from building nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear partnership agreement.
The deal is described as promoting peaceful nuclear energy use.
The agreement is seen by the U.S. government as an economic success.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince participated in the announcement.
Critics and nuclear experts express concern about weak safeguards against weapon development.
The agreement aims to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation but faces skepticism.
The partnership focuses on cooperation in nuclear energy, not weaponry.
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The Trump administration announced a new pilot program that allows people applying for U.S. tourist visas in Mexico to get faster interview appointments by paying an extra fee. The program will run until the end of 2026 and aims to speed up visa processing while keeping security checks strict.
Key Facts
Mexico is the first country included in the expedited tourist visa appointment program.
The program offers faster appointments within 10 days for a $750 fee, in addition to the regular $185 visa application cost.
It applies to B visas, which are for temporary visits like tourism or business.
The program is a pilot running from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Only a limited number of expedited appointments are available daily at Mexico's U.S. embassy and consulates.
Visa screening and eligibility checks will remain thorough and unchanged.
Mexico issues nearly 1.94 million B-category travel documents yearly, mostly Border Crossing Cards for short visits.
The program aims to manage visa demand better while maintaining high security standards.
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A federal advisory council, mostly appointed by President Trump, plans to reduce the federal review of projects affecting historic sites, including cutting public input and state and tribal roles. The proposed changes could speed up construction projects but raise concerns about the protection of historic and sacred places.
Key Facts
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation has 20 out of 24 members appointed by President Trump.
The council is voting on a proposal to lessen the review process under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider effects on historic sites before approving projects.
The proposal would make state and tribal reviews optional and eliminate the need for public comments.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and tribal groups oppose the changes, fearing loss of protection for historic and sacred sites.
President Trump has several construction projects underway that could be affected by the review process changes.
The proposal would redefine what counts as a historic property, potentially reducing protections.
Critics say the changes could increase federal power to build on historic lands with less oversight and fewer voices heard.
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