Ross Douthat, a well-known opinion writer for The New York Times, is joining CBS News. He will work as a correspondent on the television news program "60 Minutes."
Key Facts
Ross Douthat writes opinion columns for The New York Times.
He is joining CBS News as a correspondent.
Douthat will be part of the "60 Minutes" team.
"60 Minutes" is a long-running news magazine show on CBS.
This change is happening ahead of the new season of "60 Minutes."
Douthat is one of several new journalists joining CBS News.
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Americans' confidence in the U.S. economy dropped in July as gas prices rose due to increased conflict involving Iran. Higher gas and food prices have made people worried about inflation and their financial situation.
Key Facts
The consumer confidence index fell to 90.8 in July from 92.2 in June.
Gas prices climbed to $4.10 per gallon in July after earlier drops.
Conflict between the U.S. and Iran, including Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, raised oil prices worldwide.
Inflation-adjusted incomes of Americans have declined due to higher prices.
Food prices have increased 33% since 2019, with ground beef rising nearly 79%.
Americans are coping by using coupons, shopping carefully, and buying less expensive foods.
The job market showed slower hiring, with only 57,000 new jobs added in June.
The unemployment rate fell to 4.2%, partly because some people stopped looking for work and are no longer counted as unemployed.
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Seattle police recovered a modified machine gun and an untraceable “ghost gun” after a mass shooting at a food festival that killed three people, including one suspect, and injured at least five others. Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect, identified another suspect who died, and are searching for at least one more suspect believed to be connected to gang violence.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a three-day food festival at Seattle Center near the Space Needle.
Three people died: two uninvolved bystanders and one 19-year-old suspect.
Five or more people were injured, including a two-year-old child.
Police recovered a 9mm ghost gun made from parts, a Glock modified with an auto sear to fire automatically, and a .45-caliber pistol.
Washington state generally bans magazines holding more than 10 rounds, but the weapons found had extended magazines holding 33 and 40 rounds.
Ghost guns have no serial numbers and are hard to trace; machine guns fire rapidly but less accurately.
Authorities are investigating gang ties and continue to gather evidence and search for additional suspects.
Ghost guns were regulated as firearms in 2022, but 3D printing has made illegal ghost guns easier to produce.
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A Secret Service employee, Marquez Christopher Pinder, has been charged with attempted manslaughter in connection with a hazing incident involving a fraternity alumni group in Florida. The incident resulted in serious injuries to two victims, including a University of Miami law student and a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue worker.
Key Facts
Marquez Christopher Pinder, a 29-year-old Secret Service employee, was arrested for attempted manslaughter related to a hazing event in April 2026 in Sweetwater, Florida.
Two other men, Lamar James and Elijah Delano Dyous, were also arrested in the case.
The hazing involved beating with canes and paddles over four days at two locations.
One victim, a law student at the University of Miami, suffered kidney failure and underwent surgery.
The second victim is a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employee who needed critical medical care.
The charges include attempted manslaughter, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, causing great bodily harm, and hazing with a deadly weapon, all felonies.
The University of Miami stated that Pinder is not affiliated with the school or its fraternity chapter.
Pinder has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues, and the Secret Service is cooperating with local law enforcement.
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Howard University told over 500 new students that their places for the upcoming semester were no longer reserved because they missed deadlines for enrollment and payments. Other schools, including the University of the District of Columbia and some New York public universities, are helping these students by extending application deadlines and reviewing late admissions.
Key Facts
Howard University notified 502 first-time college students that their spots were canceled.
The reason was missed enrollment deadlines and financial obligations.
Howard said students could contact financial aid to review their cases individually.
Some students, like Keana Johnson, are seeking other colleges as their options become limited.
The University of the District of Columbia extended its application deadline to August 7 to help affected students.
The State University of New York and City University of New York are also reviewing late admission requests for New York residents.
New York schools will give an $800 credit to students to cover deposits paid to Howard that were not refunded.
Howard has not yet said how many students will have their spots reinstated.
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Nevada has a program that allows Native American students to attend college for free. The program started in 2021 and has grown to nearly 700 students, but it faces financial challenges and needs more state funding to keep running.
Key Facts
The program waives college costs for certain Native American students in Nevada.
It began in 2021 with about 170 students and grew to almost 700 by the 2024-25 school year.
The program covers virtual attendance and helps both younger and older students pursue degrees.
A lawmaker who sponsored the bill wants more money for the program and to help prevent tuition increases overall.
The program expanded in 2023 to cover more students and costs but increased its expenses to $3.9 million last year.
A nonprofit report warned the program’s finances are uncertain and suggested stable state funding.
The Nevada Higher Education Board plans to ask for $13.4 million in the next budget for the program.
The program was created partly to address low high school graduation rates among Native American students during the pandemic.
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A federal judge in Houston ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, who witnessed immigration officers fatally shooting Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. The judge said keeping Rojas Pliego detained violates his constitutional rights.
Key Facts
A federal judge named Keith P. Ellison made the order in Houston.
The man ordered to be released is Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego.
Rojas Pliego witnessed the federal immigration officers shooting Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.
The shooting happened earlier in the same month.
The judge described continued detention as an unconstitutional deprivation of liberty.
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for holding Rojas Pliego.
The case involves federal immigration officers and their actions.
The ruling concerns the rights of a witness in a legal matter related to immigration enforcement.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci will testify before a Senate committee after Senator Rand Paul released more than 1,000 pages of Fauci’s pandemic diary entries. A CBS News medical expert discussed possible origins of COVID-19 following the diary release.
Key Facts
Dr. Anthony Fauci is scheduled to appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Senator Rand Paul made public over 1,000 pages from Fauci’s pandemic diary.
The diary covers Fauci’s experiences and thoughts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder spoke about the potential origins of COVID-19 after the diary’s release.
The Senate hearing will take place on Wednesday.
Fauci’s diary provides insight into his actions and decisions during the pandemic.
The release of the diary has prompted public discussion about the handling and investigation of COVID-19.
This event is part of ongoing government oversight related to the pandemic response.
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A former aide to Governor Gavin Newsom has shared a detailed account of their affair from more than 20 years ago when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco. The aide, Ruby Rippey, also discusses her struggles with addiction and how the relationship affected her life, while Newsom has publicly acknowledged the affair but described it as brief.
Key Facts
Ruby Rippey worked as mayor Gavin Newsom’s appointments secretary and was married to his deputy chief of staff.
The affair happened over 20 years ago when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco and single.
Newsom admitted to the affair publicly in 2007 and described it as a brief relationship in his memoir.
Rippey’s new essay gives a more detailed and complex view of the affair and its impact on her life.
Rippey struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse, eventually going to rehab and leaving her job with the mayor’s office.
The affair became a major media story, and Rippey was urged by Kamala Harris, then district attorney, to wait before speaking publicly.
Rippey and her husband eventually divorced, but she is now 20 years sober, remarried, and has reconciled with her ex-husband.
The essay may renew public interest in Newsom’s past as he is expected to run for president in 2028.
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A 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder Williams rescued a 10-year-old boy from the ocean at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California. President Donald Trump invited Williams to the White House to receive a civilian honor for his brave actions.
Key Facts
Ryder Williams is a 16-year-old lifeguard and this was his first rescue.
The boy was swept about 15 yards away from shore.
The rescue took just over two minutes.
Several people on the beach helped during the rescue.
The event was recorded on video by a bystander.
The incident happened at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California.
President Donald Trump invited Williams to the White House.
Williams will receive a high civilian honor for his heroism.
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Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died unexpectedly on July 11. His funeral was attended by President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other world leaders.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham was a Republican Senator from South Carolina, first elected in 2002 and re-elected several times.
He previously served in the US House of Representatives starting in 1994.
Graham was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and served on several other Senate committees.
He supported the 2003 US invasion of Iraq and pushed for military action against Iran.
Graham strongly supported Israel and backed President Trump’s policies on Iran.
He supported Ukraine after Russia invaded it in 2022.
His funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
President Trump spoke at the funeral, praising Graham’s role in US politics and global affairs.
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A 16-year-old named Colt Gray was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing two students and two teachers in a September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. The judge rejected parole, citing Gray’s lack of remorse and the planned nature of his crimes.
Key Facts
Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 counts, including murder, related to the September 4, 2024, school shooting.
Four people were killed: two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and two teachers, Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie.
Eight others were wounded in the shooting, seven by gunfire.
Georgia law requires a life sentence for murder; the judge decided Gray would never be eligible for parole.
Prosecutors said Gray idolized mass shooters and sought fame in the “true crime community” online.
Gray showed excitement about the attention and fan art depicting him after the shooting.
The defense stated Gray struggled with stability at home and found acceptance online.
Victims’ families asked the court to deny parole, describing lasting grief and trauma.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York residents who were unenrolled from Howard University due to unpaid tuition can apply to City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) schools for the fall 2026 semester. Howard University withdrew over 500 first-year students after they missed tuition payments by the July 10 deadline.
Key Facts
Howard University disenrolled 502 first-year students for not paying tuition by July 10, 2026.
Some students said they never received payment reminders from Howard University.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul offered these students a chance to enroll quickly at CUNY and SUNY campuses.
SUNY campuses involved include Buffalo, Albany, Buffalo State, Binghamton, Oneonta, Stony Brook, and New Paltz.
Howard University previously faced similar issues in 2025 with student account updates due to switching their online system.
Howard said most overdue balances were known and should have been paid by students.
Students have been organizing for better financial aid support through a movement called "Whose Howard Is It."
The offer from New York aims to help students whose education plans were disrupted.
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Voters in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District are voting in a special election to fill the seat left open by the death of Representative David Scott, a Democrat. This district has been held by Democrats since 2002, and Scott’s daughter, Marcye Scott, is one of the candidates running.
Key Facts
The special election is happening in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.
It is held to replace Representative David Scott, who died in April at age 80.
David Scott was a Democrat and held the seat since 2002.
The district is considered a strong area for the Democratic Party.
Marcye Scott, the late representative’s daughter, is one of the candidates in the election.
The election decides who will serve the remainder of Scott’s term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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The article reports on a funeral for Senator Lindsey Graham held in Washington, D.C. It also mentions that President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Key Facts
A funeral for Senator Lindsey Graham took place in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump held meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Ukraine.
President Donald Trump also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from Israel.
The events were covered on CBS News on July 28.
The meetings and funeral occurred around the same time.
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South Dakota Republican voters are participating in a runoff election to choose their party’s candidate for governor. Governor Larry Rhoden faces businessman Toby Doeden after neither got more than half the votes in the first primary.
Key Facts
The runoff election is happening because no candidate earned over 50% of votes in the June 2 primary.
Governor Larry Rhoden is the current Republican governor of South Dakota.
Toby Doeden, a Republican businessman, is Rhoden’s opponent in the runoff.
The winner will become the GOP candidate for the state governor race.
This runoff vote is a second chance for Republican voters to decide their nominee.
South Dakota is known as the Mount Rushmore State.
The runoff is scheduled for Tuesday.
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US News released a ranking of all 50 states based on 71 different measures like crime rates, roads and bridges, and job chances. The list shows which states are doing best overall and which five states scored the lowest.
Key Facts
The ranking considers 71 different factors to judge each state.
These factors include crime levels, quality of infrastructure, and opportunities for jobs.
The ranking lists all 50 US states from best to worst.
Five states were identified as having the lowest overall scores.
The ranking aims to provide a broad look at how well states perform in multiple important areas.
This report helps people see where states are doing well and where they face challenges.
Infrastructure means things like roads, bridges, and public buildings that support daily life.
Economic opportunities refer to how easy it is for people to find good jobs and earn money.
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President Donald Trump announced that a teenage lifeguard who rescued a child from dangerous waves in Santa Cruz, California, will receive the highest civilian award. He plans to invite the lifeguard and his family to the White House for the honor ceremony.
Key Facts
A teen lifeguard saved a child from strong waves in Santa Cruz, California.
President Trump called the rescue heroic.
Trump said the lifeguard would get the highest civilian honor.
The lifeguard and his family will be invited to the White House.
The child who was saved may also attend the award event.
The announcement was made by President Trump on a Tuesday.
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The TV show "60 Minutes" is adding four new people—Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni, and Trevor Phillips—as correspondents or contributors. Norah O'Donnell will also take on a bigger role as a correspondent for the show.
Key Facts
Ross Douthat, a New York Times opinion writer, joins as a correspondent.
Sebastian Junger, author and documentary filmmaker, will contribute to the show.
Gianna Toboni, a journalist with experience at VICE News and CNN, will be a contributor.
Trevor Phillips, formerly with Sky News, will serve as a senior global affairs correspondent and contributor.
Norah O'Donnell, who was already a contributor, will become a full correspondent.
The current veteran correspondents include Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim.
Executive producer Nick Bilton described the new additions as bringing deep reporting and strong journalism skills.
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Colt Gray was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole. He pleaded guilty to killing four people in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School.
Key Facts
Colt Gray committed a shooting at Apalachee High School in 2024.
Four people were killed in the shooting.
Gray pleaded guilty to the murders.
A judge sentenced him to life in prison without parole on Tuesday.
Life without parole means Gray will spend the rest of his life in prison.
The case was covered by CBS News and reporter Skyler Henry.
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