The Senate approved Jay Clayton to be the director of national intelligence by a 51-47 vote. He replaces Bill Pulte and his confirmation may help restart a key government surveillance law that expired over six weeks ago.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton was confirmed by the Senate as director of national intelligence.
The vote was along party lines, 51 in favor and 47 against.
Clayton replaces Bill Pulte, who temporarily held the job without intelligence experience.
The confirmation could help revive Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a law that expired more than six weeks ago.
Clayton is a former U.S. attorney from Manhattan.
During his confirmation hearing, Clayton avoided directly saying President Biden won the 2020 election, using the word "certified" instead.
Some Democrats expressed doubt about Clayton’s ability to resist political pressure.
The full renewal of the surveillance law may still be delayed because both the Senate and House are on recess until late August or mid-September.
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A 16-year-old boy named Colt Gray received a life prison sentence for a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. The shooting in 2024 resulted in the deaths of four people.
Key Facts
Colt Gray is 16 years old.
He was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday.
The crime was a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.
Four people were killed in the shooting.
The event took place in 2024.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned humanoid robots from China because they believe these robots pose serious national security risks. The ban includes advanced robots and power inverters that connect renewable energy to power grids. This action is part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to protect U.S. technology and encourage domestic manufacturing.
Key Facts
The FCC banned humanoid robots and animal-like robots from China, calling them "advanced robotic devices."
These robots could be used to spy on Americans or help foreign intelligence services.
Power inverters from China, which connect renewable energy sources to power grids, are also banned.
The ban applies only to new robot and inverter models that are not yet sold in the U.S., but the FCC can revoke approval for existing models.
The U.S. wants to have reliable and secure supply chains for important technologies like robots and power inverters.
China is the largest producer of power inverters, with companies like Sungrow and Huawei, which face other U.S. sanctions.
This move fits into a broader plan by the Trump administration to strengthen American technology industries.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.
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Edward Gene Smith, a former managing director at Citigroup, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex crimes committed over ten years. He pleaded guilty to offenses including drugging and sexually assaulting women, as well as possessing child pornography.
Key Facts
Edward Gene Smith worked at Citigroup from 2021 until his arrest in 2024.
He was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to 30 years in prison.
Smith pleaded guilty to sex crimes, receiving child pornography, and obstructing justice.
Prosecutors said he drugged women to sexually assault them and kept thousands of child abuse images.
Smith used promises of financial help to lure vulnerable women to his New York residence.
His lawyers claimed autism influenced his behavior, but prosecutors rejected this claim.
Smith expressed remorse in a letter, saying he no longer wants to be the person he was.
Citigroup terminated Smith immediately after learning of the investigation and cooperated with authorities.
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The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the new director of national intelligence with a 51-47 vote mostly along party lines. Clayton, previously the US attorney for southern New York and former SEC chairman under President Trump, replaces Bill Pulte who served temporarily.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton was confirmed as director of national intelligence by the Senate on a 51-47 vote.
The vote was mostly divided along party lines.
Clayton was the US attorney for southern New York before this appointment.
He served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission during President Trump’s first term.
Clayton replaced Bill Pulte, who had been acting director since June.
Clayton avoided confirming whether President Trump lost the 2020 election during his confirmation hearing.
He expressed concerns about voting integrity and ballot counting delays in California on CNBC.
Clayton’s office withdrew subpoenas to New York Times journalists after a judge challenged errors in them.
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The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the director of national intelligence with a 51-47 vote along party lines. Clayton was previously a U.S. attorney and led the Securities and Exchange Commission during President Trump’s first term.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton was confirmed as director of national intelligence on Tuesday.
The Senate vote was 51 in favor and 47 against, mostly along party lines.
Clayton is currently a U.S. attorney.
He led the Securities and Exchange Commission during President Trump’s first administration.
His appointment may restart discussions on renewing government surveillance powers without warrants.
The director of national intelligence oversees U.S. intelligence agencies.
The confirmation ended a delay in filling this key national security position.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest point since he began his current term last year, according to a poll by The Economist/YouGov. Only 34% of people surveyed supported his job performance, while 62% did not.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by The Economist in partnership with YouGov.
President Trump’s approval rating is currently at 34%.
Sixty-two percent of respondents disapproved of his job performance.
This is the lowest approval rating Trump has had since returning to office last year.
The poll measures how people feel about President Trump’s work as president.
The terms “somewhat” and “strongly” were used to gauge levels of support or disapproval.
The results show a significant gap between supporters and opponents of President Trump’s leadership.
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House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said that President Biden’s pardon for Dr. Anthony Fauci does not protect him from having to testify before the Senate this week. Dr. Fauci will appear at a Senate hearing despite the pardon.
Key Facts
James Comer is the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
Comer told Dr. Fauci the presidential pardon does not cover his upcoming testimony.
President Biden granted Dr. Fauci a pardon before this testimony.
Dr. Fauci used to lead the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Fauci will testify before a Senate panel on Wednesday.
Senator Rand Paul released something related to this issue before the hearing.
The hearing is taking place at Capitol Hill, where the U.S. Congress meets.
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American Airlines stopped all flights on the ground across the country on Tuesday evening because of a computer system problem. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an alert about this situation. The story is still developing.
Key Facts
American Airlines flights not already in the air were grounded nationwide.
The cause was a problem with the airline’s information technology (IT) system.
The FAA issued a ground stop advisory.
This happened on the evening of July 28, 2026.
The situation is ongoing and more updates are expected.
The grounding affected flights at multiple airports.
The FAA is monitoring the issue to ensure safety.
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Documentary filmmaker Alex Holder has shared behind-the-scenes videos of his time filming Senator Lindsey Graham. Holder spent several years recording Graham before the senator passed away.
Key Facts
Alex Holder is a documentary filmmaker.
Holder followed Senator Lindsey Graham for several years.
The footage shared shows behind-the-scenes moments.
Lindsey Graham was a U.S. senator from South Carolina.
Graham has passed away.
Holder discussed his experience on the show "The Takeout."
The footage was shared through CBS News.
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Senator Lindsey Graham was honored at a memorial service in Washington for his work representing South Carolina and his role in international matters. President Donald Trump spoke at the event and met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham was remembered for his dedication to South Carolina and global issues.
A memorial service was held for Senator Graham in Washington.
President Donald Trump gave a eulogy at the service.
After the service, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Trump also met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
The meetings likely focused on international relations and cooperation.
Lindsey Graham was known for his influence on foreign affairs.
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Recent clashes with Iran have used up many of the U.S. military’s advanced missile defense supplies, like Patriot and THAAD interceptors. This reduction may increase risks for American troops if fighting continues. The Pentagon says it still has enough weapons to protect U.S. forces, while also asking Congress for more funding to replace used munitions.
Key Facts
U.S. missile defense supplies have decreased due to recent fighting with Iran.
Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors are the main weapons running low.
Lower supplies might force U.S. forces to use fewer interceptors and accept higher risks.
The U.S. intercepted multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in a surprise attack.
The conflict has resulted in 18 U.S. military deaths so far.
Defense Secretary estimates the war has cost $37.5 billion.
The Pentagon requests $67 billion from Congress to replenish military supplies.
The war and weapons use are politically controversial in the U.S. ahead of midterm elections.
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Florida executed two men in one day, the first time this has happened in nearly 10 years. One was an 80-year-old man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend’s parents, and the other was a former police officer convicted of raping and killing an 11-year-old girl.
Key Facts
Florida carried out two executions on the same day, a rare event last seen in 2017.
Dominick Anthony Occhicone, aged 80, was the second-oldest person executed by lethal injection in the U.S. in modern times.
Occhicone was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 1986.
James Aren Duckett, a former police officer, was convicted of raping and drowning 11-year-old Teresa McAbee in 1987.
Duckett was the 11th person executed by Florida in 2026; the state has carried out 12 executions this year, more than any other state combined.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has overseen a record number of executions during his term, with 19 executions last year.
Both executions were carried out at Florida State Prison using lethal injection.
Victims' families expressed relief and sorrow after the executions, highlighting the long wait for justice.
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Senator Lindsey Graham was honored at a memorial visited by presidents, prime ministers, and other leaders. He served South Carolina in Congress and the Senate for 30 years and was known for his work in foreign policy and on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was also a close supporter of President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham served 30 years as a congressman and senator from South Carolina.
He was recognized for his strong interest in foreign policy.
Graham played an important role on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
He was a close ally of President Donald Trump.
The memorial included attendance from presidents, prime ministers, and senators.
The events began at the U.S. Capitol, where Graham worked for many years.
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A new YouTube series called "Long Play: Winning the South" looks at the changing politics in six Southern U.S. states. Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu discusses the series and the role people have played in shaping the region's political landscape.
Key Facts
The series is named "Long Play: Winning the South."
It focuses on six states in the American South.
The series explores political changes and issues in these states.
Mitch Landrieu, the former mayor of New Orleans, co-hosts the show.
The series reveals the stories of people important to Southern politics.
It aims to explain the complex political situation in the South.
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Evan Barker, a former Democratic political worker, wrote a book called "Nothing Left: Confessions of a Democratic Operative." In the book, she explains why she stopped supporting the Democratic Party and became an independent voter.
Key Facts
Evan Barker used to work for the Democratic Party.
She published a new book titled "Nothing Left: Confessions of a Democratic Operative."
The book shares her reasons for leaving the Democratic Party.
Barker now identifies as an independent, meaning she does not officially support any major party.
She appeared on a CBS News program called "The Takeout" to discuss her views.
Barker criticizes changes she sees in the Democratic Party's direction.
The story was highlighted by CBS News and available through their app.
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A new report shows that funding cuts to USAID and the PEPFAR program have led to over 1,700 HIV treatment sites closing. PEPFAR has helped save over 26 million lives since 2003, and the report highlights the impact of these budget reductions.
Key Facts
The report focuses on the effects of funding cuts to USAID and PEPFAR.
PEPFAR has saved more than 26 million lives since it started in 2003.
Over 1,700 treatment sites for HIV have shut down due to less funding.
The study was released by the HIV/AIDS non-profit organization amfAR.
William Brangham spoke with Dr. Atul Gawande from USAID under President Biden.
The funding cuts took place during the Trump administration.
USAID is a U.S. government agency that provides international development assistance.
The report highlights challenges in continuing HIV treatment services after budget changes.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, is running for a fourth term against Democrat Gina Hinojosa in a close race. A recent poll shows Abbott with a small lead, but the race is tight and could change before the midterm election in about 100 days.
Key Facts
Greg Abbott is the current governor of Texas and a strong conservative allied with President Donald Trump.
Gina Hinojosa is a Democratic challenger and lawyer who has served in the Texas House since 2017.
A new poll shows Abbott leading with 45% and Hinojosa at 42%, with 10% undecided.
Hinojosa is popular among independent, moderate, Black, and Latino voters.
Abbott leads among college-educated and white voters.
Abbott seeks a fourth term, which would make him the longest-serving Texas governor.
Democrats have not won the Texas governorship since 1990.
Election experts say Abbott is still the favorite, but the race has tightened compared to his previous win in 2022.
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A new study shows that state abortion bans are making medical care worse for women who have miscarriages. These bans cause delays in treatment, which can harm women's health, affect their ability to have children later, and lengthen their emotional pain.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court's Dobbs decision four years ago allowed states to ban abortion.
New research shows these bans affect women who have miscarriages, even if they don’t want an abortion.
Delays in miscarriage treatment caused by abortion laws raise health risks for women.
Delayed care can also reduce a woman’s chances of future fertility.
The extra wait time prolongs emotional suffering from losing a pregnancy.
The study highlights unintended consequences of abortion bans on miscarriage care.
Medical experts are concerned about the impact on women’s health and well-being.
The research was reported by special correspondent Sarah Varney.
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Before giving a speech at Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral, President Donald Trump met separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These meetings took place on the same day as the funeral.
Key Facts
President Trump attended Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral.
He delivered the eulogy at the funeral.
On the same day, President Trump met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.
He also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.
Both meetings were held separately before the funeral service.
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