The U.S. Navy has decided to stop sharing detailed information about sailors’ service history with the press. This change aims to reduce security risks and harassment but limits background details that were freely available for many years.
Key Facts
The Navy will no longer release details about any sailor’s service history, such as units served in or awards earned.
Information confirming someone is a sailor will only be shared if the request is of "high public interest."
The policy was widened after initially limiting information about commanding officers only.
Officials say these changes respond to increased security threats and concerns about harassment.
The Navy still considers some exceptions for public figures or special cases but defines these terms narrowly.
The policy makes it harder for journalists to report on military personnel involved in news events.
The move comes amid increased military restrictions on press access driven by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Congress is also considering laws to allow the military to withhold certain unclassified records from the public.
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A top Republican lawmaker, Rep. Jim Jordan, accused special counsel Jack Smith of lying to Congress about his investigation into President Donald Trump. Jordan referred Smith to the Justice Department for possible prosecution, claiming Smith falsely said he did not obtain the content of lawmakers’ text messages. Smith’s lawyers deny this, saying his testimony was truthful and specific to toll records, not text message contents.
Key Facts
Rep. Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, accused special counsel Jack Smith of lying during testimony.
The accusation centers on whether Smith obtained content from lawmakers’ phone or text records in the Trump investigation.
Smith said he did not get content from toll records or text messages during questioning.
Newly released records show Smith received contents of 44 lawmakers’ text messages via a separate subpoena.
Jordan says Smith’s answers were misleading because they gave the impression he did not access message content.
Smith’s lawyers say his answers were truthful, referring only to toll records, which do not include message content.
The referral to the Justice Department does not require prosecutors to take action.
The Justice Department under President Trump has shown willingness to investigate opponents of Trump.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a video expressing his wish to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal, based on an International Criminal Court warrant. However, he admitted he lacks the legal power and city authority to do this and asked the federal government for help.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.
He refers to an expected 2024 warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Mamdani admitted he does not have the legal jurisdiction to arrest Netanyahu.
The video highlights Mamdani’s frustration but acknowledges his political limitations.
Mamdani’s views align with a segment of the American left critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The conflict referenced involved Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s military response.
Mamdani labels Netanyahu a war criminal and accuses Israel of genocide, despite no U.N. genocide declaration.
President Donald Trump publicly stated that Netanyahu will not be arrested in the U.S.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating has stayed near a record low for three months, with 39 percent of voters approving his job as president. The latest Fox News poll also shows that many voters disapprove of his handling of key issues like the economy, inflation, and immigration, while Democrats lead in support ahead of the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating is 39 percent, unchanged for three months.
His approval on the economy is low, with only 33 percent approving and 67 percent disapproving.
Inflation ratings are even lower, with 27 percent approval and 73 percent disapproval.
Immigration approval is 42 percent, down from previous years, with 57 percent disapproval.
On Iran policy, 34 percent approve of Trump’s handling and 66 percent disapprove.
Democrats lead Republicans 53 percent to 46 percent in voting preference for the House if elections were held now.
Voter motivation is higher among Democrats (68%) than Republicans (57%). Among Republicans, MAGA supporters are more motivated (66%) than non-MAGA Republicans (41%).
Many voters want big changes in government and believe the system favors the wealthy.
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Amish Shah won the Democratic primary for Arizona’s 1st congressional district, defeating the candidate backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). Shah will face Republican Jay Feely, who was endorsed by President Trump, in the general election this fall.
Key Facts
Amish Shah is an emergency doctor and won the Arizona Democratic primary for the 1st congressional district.
The DCCC supported Marlene Galán-Woods, a former Republican who switched parties, but she lost to Shah.
Shah will face Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker and Trump-endorsed candidate, in the November election.
The 1st district covers areas like north-east Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, and it is important for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The seat is open because current Republican David Schweikert ran unsuccessfully for governor.
Both Shah and Galán-Woods are moderate Democrats, and the race was not seen as a fight between progressives and centrists.
The DCCC’s choice to back Galán-Woods surprised local Democrats since Shah and she had similar political views.
Republicans are attacking Shah as a socialist in their campaign ads, while Shah calls himself a political outsider focused on results.
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Many Republican voters are increasingly concerned about the influence of money in politics. This issue, once thought to be mostly important to Democrats, is now a major worry for people in the Republican party.
Key Facts
Money in politics means the role of donations and financial influence in political decisions.
Republican voters now see this as a key problem.
This concern was previously seen more among Democrats and liberals.
The shift shows a change in priorities within the Republican base.
Fighting the influence of money in politics could affect future elections and laws.
Both sides of politics are paying attention to this issue now.
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The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a report called “Science: A New Golden Age” that highlights problems in how the U.S. government supports science and suggests major changes. The report praises past achievements and aims to simplify research funding, but it does not address many current policies by the Trump administration that critics say hurt scientific progress.
Key Facts
The OSTP report is titled “Science: A New Golden Age” and was released under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The report compares itself to "Science, the Endless Frontier," a key post-WWII science policy document.
It argues that the U.S. science funding system has structural problems needing big changes.
The report promises to reduce the time researchers spend on grant paperwork by simplifying rules.
It does not specify which regulations should change, leaving its plan vague.
The Trump administration has proposed budget cuts and delayed funding for science, which the report doesn’t fully address.
The report praises the Human Genome Project but overlooks that it was an international effort.
It supports open data sharing but also complains about other countries benefiting from U.S. research.
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Heavy rain caused flash floods across West Virginia, flooding homes and businesses and washing out bridges. The governor declared a state of emergency, deployed the National Guard, and reported multiple water rescues while search efforts continue for missing residents.
Key Facts
Torrential rains led to flash flooding in West Virginia, especially in the northern part of the state.
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties.
Hundreds of National Guard members were sent to the hardest-hit areas.
The state Division of Natural Resources assisted in 85 water rescues.
Nineteen helicopters from the National Guard and state police were used for rescues or on standby.
Three shelters opened, housing over 100 people displaced by flooding.
Up to 7 inches of rain fell, with some areas receiving 4.5 inches in just 37 minutes.
Officials are concerned about possible fatalities, though exact numbers are not yet confirmed.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran will keep facing consequences because it did not follow agreements. He described President Donald Trump’s policy toward Iran as "a head for an eye," meaning a strong and direct response to Iran’s actions.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the US Secretary of State.
He said Iran is not sticking to agreements made with the US.
Because of that, Iran will continue to face consequences from the US.
Rubio described President Trump’s approach as "a head for an eye."
This phrase means responding to actions with a similar or stronger reaction.
The statement was made during a talk with reporters.
The focus is on US policy toward Iran’s behavior.
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Bronx Lacrosse is a nonprofit organization started in 2018 that uses lacrosse to help middle and high school students in the South Bronx stay motivated in school and life. The program combines sports with academic support, mentorship, and life skills coaching to help kids improve attendance, grades, and confidence.
Key Facts
Bronx Lacrosse was founded by Dan Leventhal, a former college lacrosse player and Teach for America member.
The program is free, runs year-round, and serves middle and high school students in the South Bronx.
Students must attend class regularly and keep good grades to join the lacrosse activities.
The staff includes college lacrosse players and coaches who work with students continuously, not just in sports season.
In addition to lacrosse, the program offers tutoring, mentorship, emotional skill development, and help with high school and college applications.
Since the pandemic, the program has focused heavily on reducing absenteeism, even helping by personally ensuring students get to school.
The program started with boys but expanded to include girls’ lacrosse two years later.
Participants gain important skills like leadership, teamwork, accountability, and build confidence that helps them beyond sports.
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The House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense bill called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a narrow vote of 216-212. The bill includes a large increase in military spending and contains a proposal supported by President Donald Trump to restrict voting methods. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Key Facts
The NDAA passed in the House with most Democrats opposing and a few Republicans breaking ranks to vote against it.
The bill authorizes $1.15 trillion for defense, a nearly 30% increase from last year.
Some Democrats criticize the bill for funding a war with Iran and increasing military spending while many Americans face financial difficulties.
The bill includes the Save America Act, a Trump-backed plan to ban mail-in ballots and add voter ID rules.
This voting restriction measure caused controversy and opposition from Democrats.
Certain Republicans opposed the bill due to Section 219, which involves US-Israel defense technology cooperation.
The Senate will now consider the bill, but there is ongoing debate about the war, spending, and voting laws included.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated $37.5 billion has already been spent related to the conflict with Iran.
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A federal judge in New Jersey ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release a Colombian man detained despite having permission to leave the U.S. voluntarily by a set deadline. The judge found ICE violated his legal rights by stopping him from leaving, then using his failure to depart on time as a reason to keep him detained.
Key Facts
Marlon Andres Torres Gomez was allowed by a judge to leave the U.S. voluntarily by June 11.
Torres Gomez tried to coordinate his departure with ICE and bought a flight ticket for June 10.
ICE kept Torres Gomez detained and did not let him board his flight.
After June 11, ICE claimed Torres Gomez was subject to mandatory detention for not leaving on time.
The judge ruled this detention violated Torres Gomez’s constitutional due process rights.
The court rejected ICE’s arguments that legal injunctions or extensions justified the detention.
This case challenges the Trump administration’s enforcement of voluntary departure orders.
The ruling adds to several recent court decisions criticizing ICE’s treatment of detainees.
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New Jersey found 6,600 noncitizens registered to vote because of a software mistake, with fewer than 400 actually voting. Although some political figures have used this to claim widespread election fraud, experts say the numbers are very small compared to the total voters and do not prove fraud.
Key Facts
New Jersey has automatic voter registration when people interact with motor vehicle offices.
A software error led to 6,600 noncitizens being registered to vote in New Jersey.
Fewer than 400 of these noncitizens cast a ballot in elections.
These noncitizen registrations are a very small part of the state’s 6.6 million registered voters.
Both Democrats and Republicans were among those incorrectly registered; most were unaffiliated with any party.
Experts say such administrative errors are rare and do not indicate widespread fraud.
The Department of Homeland Security’s reported numbers on noncitizen registrations are uncertain and have not been fully explained.
Claims of large-scale noncitizen voting have been challenged by election officials and researchers as misleading.
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Since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was passed in July 2025, more than 1 million children across 19 states have lost SNAP benefits. Overall, SNAP participation dropped by about 5 million people nationwide, with large declines in several states, especially Texas, Arizona, California, and Louisiana.
Key Facts
SNAP is a federal program that gives food assistance to low-income households.
SNAP participation fell from 42 million people in early 2025 to about 37 million by April 2026.
Over 1.06 million children lost SNAP benefits in 19 states after the OBBBA became law.
Total SNAP enrollment dropped by 2.44 million people (12%) in these 19 states.
Texas had the largest decline in both overall and child SNAP recipients, losing over 317,000 children.
Arizona saw a 48% overall drop in SNAP participation and a 49% drop for children.
The OBBBA expanded work requirements to adults up to age 64 and ended some previous exemptions.
States such as New Jersey, South Dakota, and New Mexico had the highest shares of children in their overall SNAP enrollment declines.
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The overall murder rate in the United States kept going down in the first half of 2026, continuing a long-term decline. However, some cities like San Francisco and Dallas saw increases in homicides compared to last year, according to a new study by the Council on Criminal Justice.
Key Facts
The national homicide rate in the U.S. declined from January to June 2026.
21 out of 30 cities surveyed showed an average 18% drop in homicides during this time.
Eight cities, including San Francisco, Dallas, and Norfolk, saw increases in homicide rates compared to 2025.
San Francisco’s homicide rate reportedly rose by 55%, but police reported only a small increase from 13 to 16 homicides.
Dallas experienced a reported 30% rise in homicides in the study, but local police data do not fully agree with this figure.
Other cities like Austin saw smaller increases, while cities including Denver, Chicago, and Charlotte saw single-digit rises.
The study found nine types of crimes decreased overall, with the biggest drop in carjackings.
Researchers noted no single reason explains the drop in murders but mentioned factors like technology changes and less alcohol abuse.
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Greater Manchester police apologized for missing important information on the phones of Jihad al-Shamie before he attacked a synagogue in October 2025. The police chief said the data on the phones could have led to further investigation and possibly prevented the attack.
Key Facts
Jihad al-Shamie attacked a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, October 2, 2025.
Police had seized Shamie’s phones during two arrests earlier in 2025 but did not review the data before the attack.
The data likely showed evidence of extremist views.
Mohammad Bashir, a friend of Shamie, was jailed for life with a minimum of 17 years for planning a terrorist act with Shamie two months before the attack.
Both men traveled to the UK Defence Academy in August 2025 to conduct a hostile reconnaissance mission.
Shamie was shot dead by police during the synagogue attack.
Greater Manchester Police’s chief constable expressed regret and apologized for the missed opportunity.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is reviewing the police’s handling of Shamie’s case.
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A recent poll shows that President Donald Trump's approval rating is at its lowest point. Only 30 percent of Americans said they approve of how he is doing his job, while 67 percent disapprove.
Key Facts
The poll was done by the American Research Group from July 16 to July 20.
30% of Americans approved of President Trump's job performance.
67% of Americans disapproved of his job performance.
The net approval rating is -37%, meaning more people disapprove than approve by a large margin.
In June, a similar poll showed 30% approval and 66% disapproval.
This is the lowest approval rating President Trump has had so far.
The story is still developing and may have updates later.
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President Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, said ICE is setting records with the highest numbers of arrests in its history, continuing a strong immigration enforcement push. ICE detention numbers and removals have also increased, while the agency faces criticism over enforcement tactics and recent fatal shootings during operations.
Key Facts
ICE had its highest monthly arrest total ever in June 2024, with July exceeding that number.
The agency is fully funded and is maximizing deportations.
ICE detained about 65,765 people as of July 11, 2024, up from 60,300 in April and nearing the year's record of 70,700.
Arrests in early July averaged 1,474 per day, more than June's 1,300 per day.
The largest group in ICE detention currently has no criminal history and are held solely for immigration violations.
Immigration judges ordered thousands of detainees released, with over 2,000 released in May 2024 alone.
Two fatal shootings during ICE traffic stops in July (Houston and Maine) raised concerns, as body cameras were not activated in either incident.
ICE will require officers in future traffic stops to wear body cameras and has begun training for their use.
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The Pentagon identified three U.S. service members killed and a fourth likely killed in the Middle East amid rising attacks involving U.S. and Iranian forces. These deaths increase the total U.S. military fatalities since February to 18, with hundreds of troops also injured in the conflict.
Key Facts
Three U.S. service members were confirmed killed and a fourth believed killed this week in the Middle East.
The total U.S. military deaths since late February, linked to U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, have reached 18.
Nearly 100 U.S. troops have been injured since early July; 96% of them have returned to duty.
Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, was killed disposing of a downed Iranian drone at Erbil airbase in Iraq.
Swinton enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2017 and was part of the 55th air defense artillery regiment based at Fort Bragg.
President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of the fallen service members at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Swinton is survived by his wife and two young children; he will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
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Democratic lawmakers in the US have proposed a bill to create a new bank funded by tariffs on imports from China. This bank would provide up to $15 billion a year to support American manufacturers, especially in areas where industry has declined.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Industrial Bank for American Manufacturing Act.
It would use up to 50% of the tariffs collected on goods from China, capped at $15 billion annually.
The bank would offer grants, loans, and investments to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
Loan amounts above $100 million would need congressional approval; loans are capped at $500 million.
The funds would target regions hit hard by manufacturing job losses, like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.
Tariffs on China began under President Trump in 2018 and continued with adjustments during his second term.
US manufacturing jobs have dropped from nearly 20 million in 1979 to about 12.6 million in 2026.
The bill aims to help businesses that struggle to get capital to produce goods domestically instead of importing them.
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