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With less than four months until the November midterm elections, the Republican Party has raised significantly more money than the Democratic Party. Political experts Kurt Bardella and Erin Maguire discuss what this fundraising gap means for the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
The November midterm elections are happening in under four months.
Republicans have raised more money than Democrats so far.
Fundraising can impact how parties campaign and reach voters.
Kurt Bardella and Erin Maguire are political strategists providing analysis.
The fundraising difference is seen as important for election tactics.
CBS News covered this topic in a recent report.
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Lebanon’s president recently visited President Donald Trump at the White House, marking the first visit by a Lebanese leader in almost 20 years. Lebanon and Israel have restarted diplomatic relations with a new agreement aimed at stopping long-standing conflicts, but many people in southern Lebanon remain doubtful and violence continues.
Key Facts
Lebanon's president met with President Donald Trump at the White House.
This was the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the U.S. in nearly 20 years.
Lebanon and Israel resumed diplomatic relations under President Trump’s administration.
A new deal was signed to try to end decades of war between Lebanon and Israel.
Many people in southern Lebanon are skeptical about the new agreement.
Violence in the region continues despite the deal.
The special correspondent reporting on this is Simona Foltyn.
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The U.S. Justice Department is watching polling places in three counties in Arizona during the state's primary elections. They want to make sure the voting process is fair and runs smoothly.
Key Facts
The Justice Department announced it will monitor polling sites in three Arizona counties.
This monitoring is happening during Arizona’s primary elections.
The goal is to oversee that voting is fair and lawful.
CBS News reporter Taurean Small is covering the election races.
The announcement was made on a Tuesday.
The monitoring involves observing how votes are cast at the polling locations.
Arizona is holding its primary elections to select candidates for upcoming general elections.
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The US war with Iran has cost about $37.5 billion so far, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He is asking Congress for $87 billion to fund military operations, with $67 billion targeted for the Middle East, warning that military training and operations could be cut without this money.
Key Facts
The war with Iran has cost the US $37.5 billion to date, an increase of nearly $8 billion since May.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee seeking $87 billion in funding.
Of the requested funds, $67 billion would go to operations in the Middle East.
The hearing was interrupted by anti-war protesters opposing US military actions in Iran and Palestine.
Hegseth said the military needs urgent funding to pay troops, replace equipment, and sustain operations.
Senate Republicans and Democrats debated the funding request, with some opposing the size and process of the request.
The US and Iran resumed hostilities after a ceasefire ended, with ongoing strikes reported.
The White House has requested a record $1.5 trillion budget for the Pentagon for the next fiscal year.
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Millions of people along the U.S. Gulf Coast are getting ready for Tropical Storm Bertha. In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy removed the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces. In New Jersey, officials reported that over 6,000 noncitizens registered to vote recently, but fewer than 400 actually voted.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to affect millions along the Gulf Coast.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy fired the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.
This firing is part of changes in Ukraine’s top military leadership.
New Jersey’s governor said more than 6,000 noncitizens registered to vote in 2023 and 2024.
Fewer than 400 of those registered noncitizens cast a ballot.
The voter registration and turnout numbers were reported by New Jersey’s governor.
The situations reported involve weather, military leadership, and voting registration.
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Voto Latino and many other advocacy groups sent a letter to Congress asking for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to be impeached. They want a full investigation into how Mullin managed deaths that happened in detention centers.
Key Facts
Voto Latino is one of the main groups calling for Mullin’s impeachment.
The letter was sent to members of the U.S. Congress.
The request is for immediate articles of impeachment against Mullin.
The groups want a full congressional investigation.
The investigation would focus on Mullin’s handling of deaths in detention facilities.
Markwayne Mullin is the current Secretary of Homeland Security.
The issue involves concerns about how detainees are treated and monitored.
Multiple advocacy organizations are involved in this call for action.
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Members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet have created TikTok accounts, showing a change from their earlier stance of banning the app over security issues. This move follows a new U.S. deal that gives TikTok a mostly American ownership and increased security checks.
Key Facts
President Trump’s Cabinet members launched official TikTok accounts.
The TikTok move contrasts with their past efforts to ban the app due to concerns about China.
The White House promoted the Cabinet’s TikTok arrival with a post featuring a popular song by The White Stripes.
The Justice Department recently said TikTok is safe for federal employees after changing to a U.S.-approved ownership.
New TikTok accounts were created for multiple departments including Energy, Veterans Affairs, Education, Justice, Homeland Security, Interior, and Health and Human Services.
Individual accounts were made for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Congress passed a law requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban.
A new U.S.-based joint venture now owns most of TikTok, with ByteDance’s ownership reduced and stronger security rules in place.
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A new Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) model called Kimi K3 has been launched. This development is increasing pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration to review and update its AI policies because of growing competition between the US and China in technology.
Key Facts
Kimi K3 is an AI model developed in China.
The release of Kimi K3 highlights strong tech competition between China and the US.
President Trump’s administration is facing questions about how to control or limit China’s tech progress.
The situation is causing concern in Washington and Silicon Valley (the US tech hub).
AI policies may need changes to address the challenge posed by China’s advancements.
Kimi K3’s arrival shows China’s ongoing efforts to build powerful technology.
The issue reflects wider US-China tensions over technology leadership.
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A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from deporting Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a witness in a fatal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting in Houston. The court is reviewing his case while he remains in the Southern District of Texas.
Key Facts
Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego was in the vehicle during the ICE shooting on July 7, 2026, in Houston.
Pliego has no criminal record and has lived in the U.S. since 1998.
He is common-law married to a U.S. citizen and has children and stepchildren who are U.S. citizens.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was fatally shot by an ICE officer during a traffic stop.
ICE says Salgado Araujo tried to run over an officer, leading to the shooting; local leaders say he was not the target of the ICE operation.
Two other men in the vehicle, including Daniel Tirado Pantoja, are also detained by federal agents.
No charges have been filed yet, and the incident is under investigation.
Salgado Araujo’s death has led to protests and calls for reduced ICE enforcement in Texas.
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A top federal prosecutor in Seattle named Roger Rogoff was fired by President Donald Trump less than an hour after starting his job. Rogoff is now suing to challenge his quick removal in court. This legal case could decide who has the authority to fire court-appointed U.S. attorneys.
Key Facts
Roger Rogoff was appointed as the top federal prosecutor in Seattle.
President Donald Trump fired Rogoff shortly after he began working.
Rogoff was on the job for less than one hour before being removed.
Rogoff is suing in court to question the legality of his firing.
The case may clarify who has the power to dismiss court-appointed U.S. attorneys.
This situation is unusual and may lead to new legal precedents.
The dispute centers on the limits of the president’s authority over federal prosecutors.
The lawsuit was filed by a government official, which is a rare event.
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President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of 50 percent on certain Canadian imports. These tariffs target products like autos, dairy, alcohol, cement, and hockey sticks, due to claims that Canada is treating American products unfairly.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is adding 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods.
The tariffs cover about $20 billion worth of products.
Targeted products include autos, dairy, alcohol, cement, and hockey sticks.
The tariffs come from accusations that Canada is unfairly discriminating against American products.
The announcement was discussed by Geoff Bennett and Natasha Sarin from the Yale Budget Lab.
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A humanitarian worker was flown from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to a London hospital for monitoring after possible exposure to Ebola. The worker shows no symptoms and is being kept in isolation as a safety precaution during the virus's incubation period.
Key Facts
The worker was treating Ebola patients in the DRC before evacuation.
The UK Health Security Agency arranged a special flight to bring the person to London.
The individual currently shows no signs of Ebola and remains healthy.
Ebola’s incubation period is between 2 and 21 days; the person will be isolated and monitored during this time.
No confirmed Ebola cases exist in the UK, and the risk to the public is low.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated items.
Symptoms include fever, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and organ problems.
In May, WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a global health emergency.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving economic growth and new construction in the U.S. However, some communities are debating the value and impact of building AI data centers. The article examines these debates in Janesville, a city in the Midwest.
Key Facts
AI is contributing to rising stock markets and economic growth.
Many new buildings, especially data centers, are being constructed to support AI technology.
Data centers are large facilities that store and process data needed for AI.
Some local communities, including Janesville, are concerned about the costs and effects of these data centers.
Debates focus on whether the benefits of data centers outweigh their downsides for residents.
Janesville was notably affected by the Great Recession, making its economic recovery important.
The article looks at how economic growth from AI is sparking local disagreements over development.
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The Senate is considering President Donald Trump’s choice of Todd Blanche to lead the Department of Justice. Todd Blanche recently met privately with some survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, but one survivor, Liz Stein, has criticized the meeting as being more for show than real action.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump nominated Todd Blanche to head the Department of Justice.
The Senate is currently reviewing this nomination.
Questions remain about the administration’s handling of investigations related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Todd Blanche met privately with several survivors of Epstein’s abuse.
Liz Stein, a survivor, spoke with a reporter and called the meeting a “performative move,” meaning she thought it was mostly for appearances.
The topic relates to ongoing concerns about justice for Epstein’s victims.
The article focuses on the nomination and the reaction from abuse survivors.
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Severe storms caused flash flooding in parts of the Northeast, creating dangerous conditions for people there. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by a parasite, is now under control.
Key Facts
Heavy storms hit the Northeastern United States.
These storms caused flash floods, which can happen suddenly and are very dangerous.
Authorities described the flooding as life-threatening.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a public figure, spoke about the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a tiny parasite that affects the intestines.
Kennedy said the outbreak is under control, meaning it is no longer spreading widely.
The news was reported on CBS Evening News on July 21.
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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government encourages office workers to wear shorts and casual clothes during hot summer months to stay cool and save energy. While some people welcome the change, some women say the policy is unfair because they must still wear tights and feel uncomfortable seeing men’s leg hair at work.
Key Facts
Tokyo’s government started promoting "Tokyo Cool Biz," allowing shorts and casual wear in offices to help people cope with summer heat.
The initiative builds on a previous campaign called "Cool Biz," started in 2005 to save energy by loosening office dress codes.
A survey showed 53.5% of people opposed wearing shorts at work, mainly due to concerns about body shape and body hair.
Women are more likely than men to feel uncomfortable seeing men’s bare legs and leg hair, calling it "leg hair harassment" or "sunehara."
Some men have started removing leg hair with laser treatments to avoid offending female coworkers.
Japan is experiencing record summer heat, with warnings about "brutally hot days" over 40°C (104°F).
Heatstroke cases have increased, with several deaths and thousands hospitalized recently.
People are also using cooling products like clothes with fans, wet towels, and portable fans to manage the heat.
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Anna Deavere Smith, an actress and playwright, has created a new play called "Basil Biggs" that explores her family history. She spoke about this project during an interview in Philadelphia for the arts and culture series CANVAS.
Key Facts
Anna Deavere Smith is known for her acting roles in TV shows like “The West Wing” and “Nurse Jackie.”
She is also recognized as a playwright, creating unique theatrical dramas about American life.
Her newest work, "Basil Biggs," focuses on her own family's past.
Jeffrey Brown interviewed her in Philadelphia about this project.
The interview is part of an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
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Senator Gary Peters and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had a strong argument on the Senate floor about the war in Iran. Senator Peters called Hegseth a "failure" as the Pentagon requested more money for the conflict.
Key Facts
The disagreement took place during a Senate session.
Senator Gary Peters criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over the handling of the Iran war.
Peters used the word "failure" to describe Hegseth's role.
The Pentagon is asking for billions of dollars in extra funding related to the Iran war.
The exchange was heated and drew attention during the discussion.
This conversation is part of ongoing debates about U.S. military actions and budgets.
The event was covered and video was available on CBS News platforms.
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Thousands of dead fish were found in a canal in Sint Maarten, marking the largest fish kill in the area. Officials are working to clean up the fish but face challenges due to limited local equipment.
Key Facts
The fish kill happened in a floodgate canal near Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten.
Thousands of invasive tilapia fish died, likely due to a severe drop in oxygen levels in the water.
Cleanup efforts include using backhoes, and officials are considering small boats and nets to remove the fish.
The strong smell from the dead fish has affected the nearby area.
Local authorities say equipment for this large cleanup is not available on the island.
Fish kills in this region often happen between May and October, the hottest and driest months.
The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten collected water samples and advised people not to eat the dead fish.
The foundation confirmed that photos and videos of the fish kill are real and not computer-generated images.
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Five adults, including two married couples from Honduras, drowned in Ohio’s Scioto River after trying to help one person who was struggling to swim. The two women’s bodies were recovered Sunday, and the three men’s bodies were found on Monday. Honduran authorities are working with U.S. officials to repatriate the bodies and care for the victims’ children.
Key Facts
Five adults drowned in the Scioto River in Ohio after entering the water to help someone having trouble swimming.
Two of the couples were from Honduras; four of the five adults have been confirmed as Honduran citizens.
The two women’s bodies were recovered on Sunday, and the three men’s bodies on Monday.
The victims’ children, aged 8 and 10, are currently under the care of the state of Ohio.
Honduran officials are coordinating with U.S. authorities to bring the bodies back to Honduras; this process may take at least a month.
One child escaped the riverbank during the incident and cried out for his mother while running near a busy road.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with funeral, transportation, and childcare expenses.
The river was running high and fast despite appearing calm on the surface at the time of the tragedy.
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