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Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster discussed recent U.S. military deaths from Iranian strikes and the transfer of the soldiers' remains. He also commented on Defense Secretary Hegseth's plans for funding a potential conflict with Iran and a location called Pickaxe Mountain that could be important in national security.
Key Facts
U.S. troops were killed in strikes by Iran.
The U.S. held a dignified transfer ceremony to honor the fallen soldiers.
Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster spoke about these events on CBS News.
Defense Secretary Hegseth is requesting funds related to a possible war with Iran.
Pickaxe Mountain is mentioned as a potential target in strategic military planning.
McMaster discussed national security readiness in light of recent events.
The discussion took place during a CBS News interview available on their app and website.
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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized President Donald Trump for a post about the number of American soldiers who died in different wars, calling his comment “stupid.” The post compared death totals from the Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and Korean wars.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Republican Representative from Georgia.
She publicly criticized President Trump’s social media post about U.S. war deaths.
President Trump listed death numbers from the Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and Korean wars.
Greene objected specifically to how Trump discussed the military death toll in the Iran-related conflict.
The wars mentioned span different time periods and numbers of U.S. casualties.
The Afghanistan War lasted about 20 years with around 2,000 U.S. deaths.
The Iraq War lasted about 9 years with about 4,600 U.S. deaths.
The Vietnam War lasted over 19 years with more than 58,000 U.S. deaths.
The Korean War lasted just over 3 years with about 36,500 U.S. deaths.
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Iran’s judiciary has carried out several executions tied to protests and unrest in recent months. Authorities accuse those executed of working with foreign enemies and causing divisions during the ongoing war with the United States and Israel.
Key Facts
Iran executed Mehdi Khanaki, who was arrested during January protests and accused of terrorism linked to foreign enemies.
Two more men were executed for their alleged role in deadly protests in Isfahan on January 8.
Protests began in late December over economic problems but grew into nationwide unrest against the government.
Iranian authorities say the protests were a US- and Israel-backed coup attempt.
International groups have reported mass killings by security forces during the protests, which Iran denies.
Thousands of people have been arrested since the protests and the start of the US-Israeli war on February 28.
Iran has increased penalties for security offenses after a 2025 law targeting espionage and actions against national security.
The Iranian government warns against sharing information with hostile media and punishes such acts with prison or bans from government jobs.
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Two Russian men were convicted in Angola for terrorism and spying related to efforts to interfere in the country’s upcoming presidential election. They were accused of spreading false information, stirring up protests, and trying to influence politics through a network linked to the Wagner mercenary group.
Key Facts
Igor Ratchin was sentenced to 11 years in prison and Lev Lakshtanov to 8 years.
They were arrested in Angola’s capital, Luanda, in August on charges of terrorism, spying, and political interference.
The court said they were part of Africa Politology, a Russian political influence operation linked to Wagner.
Prosecutors said the accused aimed to spread anti-Western messages and affect Angola’s 2025 presidential election.
Two Angolan citizens were also tried: Amor Carlos Tomé got a suspended sentence, and Francisco Oliveira was acquitted.
The Russians denied ties to Wagner and claimed they were planning a Russian cultural center in Angola.
Prosecutors alleged the Russians paid journalists to spread pro-Russian and anti-government content worth over $24,000.
The case involved claims of organizing protests and maintaining secret meetings with political figures from both ruling and opposition parties.
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Protesters called for justice at a Houston city council meeting after Lorenzo Salgado Araujo died in a July 7 shooting involving an ICE agent. They demanded answers and accountability for his death during the event.
Key Facts
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was 52 years old.
He died on July 7 in a shooting involving an ICE agent.
Protesters gathered at a Houston city council meeting on Tuesday.
They chanted “Justice for Lorenzo” during the meeting.
The protesters want explanations and action related to the shooting.
The incident and protests took place in Houston, Texas.
ICE stands for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency.
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The current administration fired USAID career employees by calling it a "reorganization." Officials knew it was illegal to fire workers based on their politics or false claims of wrongdoing.
Key Facts
USAID career employees were fired under the reason of a "reorganization."
The administration understood they could not legally fire employees for political reasons.
Some employees were accused of misconduct that was not true.
The firing was effectively a purge, or mass removal, of staff.
The action violated employment laws protecting career federal workers.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he cannot arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city because he lacks legal authority. Instead, Mamdani urged the U.S. federal government to act on an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.
Key Facts
Mayor Mamdani first promised to arrest Netanyahu but later said he cannot do so legally.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The U.S. is not a member of the ICC, so it does not have to enforce ICC arrest warrants.
President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not be arrested in the U.S. under any circumstances.
Mamdani called on the federal government to join the ICC and carry out the warrant.
Netanyahu is expected to visit New York City in September for the United Nations General Assembly.
Mamdani has publicly called Netanyahu a war criminal and said the Gaza war is genocide.
Support among Democratic voters for U.S. backing of Israel has decreased recently, according to a poll.
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President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attended a ceremony at Dover Air Force Base to honor four U.S. Army soldiers killed in recent attacks linked to the ongoing war with Iran. Two soldiers died in attacks at a base in Jordan, one is presumed dead after being missing, and another was killed in Iraq during a drone detonation.
Key Facts
The ceremony was a dignified transfer, a respectful process to bring fallen soldiers home.
The four soldiers killed are Lt. Tyler James Feehan (25), Pvt. Isabella Gonzales (19), Sgt. Angel Rampersad (28), and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton (30).
Feehan and Gonzales died during attacks on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
Rampersad was initially missing but is now believed to have died in that attack.
Swinton died at Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq while a drone was being controlled and detonated.
President Trump said the administration is investigating the attacks and will share the findings.
The president emphasized that the U.S. will not allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon.
Nearly 100 U.S. service members have been injured in Iranian strikes recently.
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A viral video shows a football stadium inside a tall skyscraper, claiming to be Saudi Arabia's design for the 2034 World Cup. However, the video is computer-generated using artificial intelligence (AI) and is not an official design by Saudi Arabia. The real stadium plan is part of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project but looks very different.
Key Facts
The viral video shows a stadium suspended inside a supertall skyscraper, said to be 350 meters high.
The video has almost 3 million views and was shared with a caption claiming it is Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup stadium.
The post on social media had a “Made with AI” label, indicating it was created or altered using artificial intelligence.
Official sources confirm Saudi Arabia plans a stadium in the NEOM smart city project for the 2034 World Cup, but it is integrated horizontally, not suspended inside a skyscraper.
The skyscraper stadium design is completely fabricated and does not appear in any official Saudi or NEOM plans.
AFP Fact Check found the video was created by a digital artist as a concept and not linked to Saudi Arabia’s project.
Saudi Arabia’s real stadium is designed to hold 46,000 people and is positioned on a cliff within the NEOM development.
The artist who made the video confirmed the design was 100% AI-generated and independent of Saudi Arabia’s plans.
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A new report shows U.S. states where building data centers could harm endangered species and the environment. It highlights concerns about electricity, water use, and land impacts as data centers grow quickly due to the AI boom.
Key Facts
The report was published by Outforia, an outdoor research group.
New York paused permits for new large data centers for one year, creating a moratorium.
The Trump administration supports faster data center builds to compete internationally.
Data centers require lots of electricity and water, often in drought areas or near major water sources.
Outforia’s analysis combined data on data center projects, endangered species, forest cover, and drought risk by state.
Virginia scored highest for environmental pressure, with 283 data center projects and 79 endangered species.
Other top states with high environmental pressure include Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida.
The report urges careful planning to balance tech growth with local environmental protection.
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The mayor of Alès, a town in southern France, was taken into police protection amid threats from a powerful drug gang called the DZ Mafia. This gang, originally from Marseille, is expanding its influence and has been linked to recent violence and attacks in the region.
Key Facts
Christophe Rivenq, mayor of Alès, was moved to a safe location by an elite police unit due to threats against him.
The threats came from the DZ Mafia, a drug gang that started in Marseille and is spreading to other areas.
Rivenq found 9mm bullets in his mailbox and threatening graffiti on his home earlier this month.
Police believe a suspicious vehicle near the mayor’s home might have contained explosives.
The DZ Mafia is trying to take control of the drug market in Alès and has been involved in recent shootings there.
Drug violence is increasing in French cities like Marseille and Alès, often involving young people.
Police have created a special unit, PNACO, to fight organized crime like the DZ Mafia.
Attacks on elected officials are rare but show a dangerous rise in violence linked to drug gangs in France.
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A large cyclospora outbreak has affected thousands in the United States this summer, mainly linked to recalled iceberg lettuce. Health officials recommend thorough washing of produce and cooking vegetables to reduce risk while continuing to investigate the cause.
Key Facts
The CDC confirmed 4,173 cases of cyclospora in the U.S. this year.
At least 1,644 cases are linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms.
Michigan state officials report over 7,000 cases not yet counted federally.
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that causes diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and fatigue.
The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated by human waste.
Cooking vegetables can help kill cyclospora and other germs.
Food safety experts advise washing fruits and vegetables well and using safe food handling.
Recipes with cooked summer vegetables, like roasted zucchini and mushrooms, offer safer meal options.
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Progressive Democrats held a hearing to discuss Medicare for All, a plan for universal healthcare in the U.S. They highlighted problems with the current healthcare system, including high costs and many uninsured people. Supporters believe Medicare for All would improve health outcomes and reduce spending.
Key Facts
The Congressional Progressive Caucus held a hearing on Medicare for All, led by Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Debbie Dingell.
Over half of House Democrats support Medicare for All legislation; Senator Andy Kim introduced a bill to cover children on Medicare until age 26.
Republicans recently passed a bill that cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and ends some Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Medicare for All would save about 68,000 lives a year and reduce healthcare spending by roughly 13%, or $450 billion, according to a 2020 Yale study.
Healthcare experts testified that a large part of healthcare costs wastes money on insurance administration and corporate profits instead of patient care.
Nurses say profit-driven healthcare leads to understaffed units and worse patient care.
Polls show mixed public support: many prefer their current insurance, but there is strong backing among Democrats for universal healthcare.
Progressive Democrats say Medicare for All should be their top healthcare priority going forward.
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Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, has resigned to join Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government as a minister and a member of the House of Lords. His decision has drawn criticism from political rivals who say he broke promises and misled voters.
Key Facts
Anas Sarwar resigned as Scottish Labour leader to join the UK government department headed by Andy Burnham.
Sarwar will be appointed to the House of Lords, the UK’s upper chamber of Parliament, and given a ministerial role in Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Sarwar was previously critical of the House of Lords and said he would never join it.
Political rivals, including the Scottish Green Party and SNP, called him a “chancer” and accused him of lying to voters.
Sarwar was the first senior Labour figure to suggest Prime Minister Starmer should step down.
His resignation surprised many in Scottish Labour, with calls for clearer communication and leadership planning.
Monica Lennon is expected to take Sarwar’s Scottish Parliament seat and is a possible candidate for next Scottish Labour leader.
Some believe Sarwar’s move to Westminster could help improve relations between Scotland and the UK government under Burnham.
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A recent poll shows that some voters who supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election think gas prices would have been lower if Vice President Kamala Harris had won. The poll also found that most Americans believe the war with Iran is a main reason for higher gas prices.
Key Facts
35% of Trump voters said gas prices increased the same amount or more under Trump compared to a Democratic president.
34% of Trump voters believe gas prices rose more under a Democratic administration.
The Iran war, which disrupted oil supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz, has contributed to higher gas prices worldwide.
63% of Americans say the Iran war is a key reason for rising gas prices.
Other factors blamed for high gas prices include tariffs (40%), economic management (38%), supply chain issues (23%), and low domestic oil production (21%).
Only 33% of Americans approve of President Trump’s handling of the economy.
Many Americans are not confident peace talks will lower gas prices; 59% lack confidence.
The poll was conducted online in July 2026 with over 2,000 adults surveyed.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there are over 11,000 suspected cases of cyclosporiasis in the United States. Two states have experienced a significant increase in these cases recently.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a parasite called Cyclospora.
The CDC tracks and investigates outbreaks of this disease.
More than 11,000 possible cases have been reported in the U.S.
Two states have had notably higher numbers of cases compared to others.
The CDC is monitoring the situation to understand and control the spread.
Cyclosporiasis usually spreads through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach pain, and fatigue.
Health officials recommend washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce risk.
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President Donald Trump is promoting Trump Accounts, which give $1,000 to children born during his second term to help them invest in the stock market. These accounts started on July 4, and the government says millions have signed up, but some parents say they have not yet received the money.
Key Facts
Trump Accounts were launched on July 4 to provide investment accounts for children under 18.
Each child born from 2025 to 2028 will receive $1,000 seed money in these accounts.
President Trump promoted the accounts at a Georgia high school.
The accounts were created by a law called the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Treasury Department reports 6.5 million accounts have been opened so far.
About 1.5 million children are eligible for the $1,000 seed money.
The accounts offer tax advantages, meaning some taxes on the investments are reduced or delayed.
Some parents say they have not yet received the $1,000 funds.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed General Oleksandr Syrskyi from his top military position. This decision came during a time of large protests and disagreements within the government.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy fired General Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Syrskyi was Ukraine's highest-ranking military officer.
The firing happened amid mass protests in Ukraine.
There was turmoil or conflict within Ukraine’s cabinet at the time.
The reasons for the firing relate to internal political and military issues.
The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Aidan Stretch.
The situation reflects ongoing challenges in Ukraine’s government and military leadership.
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France and other countries like Australia and Britain have created strict laws to keep children safe on social media by limiting their access. The United States recognizes the problem but has not passed a strong national law, leading to many different rules in states, courts, and schools instead.
Key Facts
France banned children under 15 from using social media, setting strict national limits.
Australia requires social media companies to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts.
Britain has new child-safety rules for online services, including better age checks and safer content.
The U.S. government agrees that social media can harm children but struggles to make a clear national law.
The Kids Online Safety Act is a major federal proposal but has not become law.
States like Utah, Texas, and Florida have passed various rules on parental consent and age verification for social media use.
Courts in the U.S. are hearing cases that challenge social media companies for harm caused to young people.
Changes in the U.S. are expected to come slowly through state laws, court decisions, and smaller actions instead of one big national rule.
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Canada and the U.S. had planned a joint ceremony to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor. The ceremony was canceled after President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on some Canadian goods like alcohol and dairy, citing unfair Canadian trade practices.
Key Facts
The Gordie Howe International Bridge connects Detroit, Michigan, in the U.S. with Windsor, Ontario, in Canada.
A joint opening ceremony for the bridge was scheduled for Friday but was canceled.
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of 50 percent on certain Canadian imports.
The tariffs target products such as alcohol and dairy.
The U.S. government said the tariffs respond to Canada’s trade policies, which it described as discriminatory.
The tariffs have caused tensions in trade relations between the U.S. and Canada.
The bridge is a major trade route expected to improve transport between the two countries.
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