Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte said on Sunday that his office finished a fourth round of job cuts since he began leading the agency on June 19. These layoffs are part of an effort to reduce the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and focus its work.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte is the Acting Director of National Intelligence.
He took over the position on June 19.
Since then, the office has completed four rounds of layoffs.
The goal is to reduce the size of the ODNI staff.
The changes aim to help the ODNI focus better on its priorities.
Pulte described the reductions as smart and careful.
The ODNI oversees the United States intelligence community.
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Several people were shot near the Seattle Space Needle on Sunday night, according to the Seattle Police Department. The police asked people to avoid the area while they investigated but did not share details about the victims or suspects.
Key Facts
The shooting happened near the Seattle Center, a popular area with the Space Needle and Climate Pledge Arena.
The Bite of Seattle food festival was taking place nearby when the shots were fired.
Police reported multiple shooting victims but did not give exact numbers or injury details.
Witnesses heard many shots and initially thought they were fireworks.
One person was seen receiving CPR at the scene.
People nearby ran away quickly to escape the dangerous situation.
The police have not announced if any suspects are in custody.
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Multiple people were shot at the Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle festival on Sunday night. Police responded to the scene and asked people to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Seattle Center, a public event space.
It took place during the Bite of Seattle, an annual food festival with vendors and live music.
Several people were shot, though exact numbers and conditions have not been confirmed.
Police alerted the public to stay away from the area for safety reasons.
The Seattle Police Department is actively investigating the incident.
The story is still developing, and more updates are expected.
No information on suspects or motives has been released yet.
The shooting raises concerns about public safety at large events.
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Multiple people were injured in a shooting near Seattle’s Space Needle on Sunday night. Police are investigating and have asked people to stay away from the area.
Key Facts
The shooting happened close to the Space Needle in Seattle.
Several people were hurt in the incident.
The Seattle Center, where the shooting occurred, was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival.
Bite of Seattle is an annual event that started in 1982.
The festival usually attracts around 350,000 people over three days.
Police have not released more details about the shooting yet.
Authorities are actively investigating the case.
Police advised the public to avoid the area near the shooting.
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Newly revealed documentary footage shows Senator Lindsey Graham strongly supporting military action in Iran. In the footage, Graham compares President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to World War II leaders Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
Key Facts
The footage was recorded by filmmaker Alex Holder over many hours with Senator Lindsey Graham.
Graham expresses firm support for war in Iran.
He compares President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to Roosevelt and Churchill, leaders during World War II.
Lindsey Graham was a U.S. Senator from South Carolina.
The documentary footage is newly released to the public.
The comparison suggests Graham views Trump and Netanyahu as wartime leaders.
The remarks highlight Graham’s strong stance on U.S. foreign policy concerning Iran.
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The two largest reservoirs in the U.S., Lake Mead and Lake Powell, which rely on the Colorado River, have reached their lowest water levels ever. Seven Western states are struggling to agree on how to share limited water, and the federal government, led by President Donald Trump’s administration, is considering large water use cuts.
Key Facts
Lake Mead and Lake Powell are at record low water levels.
The Colorado River supplies water to seven Western states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico (upper basin) and California, Arizona, Nevada (lower basin).
Lower basin states have reduced water use by almost 20% since 2015, while upper basin states have increased their use.
California, Arizona, and Nevada have proposed to cut water use by 1.6 million acre-feet per year for two years.
Federal officials are thinking about cutting nearly double that amount of water use.
The cuts would increase water costs, reduce outdoor water use, and affect farmers who use most of the water.
Climate change is reducing snowfall in the Rocky Mountains, which means less water flows into the Colorado River.
If Lake Powell’s water drops 33 feet more, it will stop generating hydroelectric power, affecting water flow downstream.
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House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Democratic Party plans to focus on lowering the cost of living if it wins back control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. He highlighted reducing prices for groceries, gas, and housing as key goals.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Democratic Leader from New York.
He made his statement at the start of the 100-day period before the midterm elections.
Jeffries said the Democrats want to make America more affordable.
The key areas he mentioned are groceries, gas, and housing costs.
The goal is to lower these living expenses if Democrats regain Congress.
The midterm elections will decide control of Congress.
Jeffries used the phrase "100 days" to emphasize urgency.
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The New York City Police Department (NYPD) released new aerial video showing a dangerous activity called subway surfing. This trend involves people riding on top of moving subway trains, which has led to serious injuries and deaths.
Key Facts
The NYPD shared new video footage from the air capturing subway surfing in New York City.
Subway surfing means riding on the outside of moving subway trains.
This activity is very risky and has caused multiple deaths.
The video aims to raise public awareness about the dangers involved.
Authorities continue to work to stop this dangerous behavior in the subway system.
The footage was released over a recent weekend.
Subway surfing is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences.
Police hope the video will discourage people from attempting this stunt.
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The Colorado River provides water to seven Western U.S. states, but its water levels have dropped to record lows. After years of unsuccessful discussions among the states, the federal government is ready to enforce large reductions in water use.
Key Facts
The Colorado River supplies water to seven states in the western U.S.
Water levels in the river's reservoirs have reached historic low points.
The seven states have failed to agree on how to share the limited water supply.
The federal government plans to step in and require major water use cuts.
These cuts are meant to address ongoing water shortages and preserve the river.
The Colorado River is a critical water source for agriculture, cities, and communities in the region.
The situation highlights tensions over water rights during a prolonged drought and changing climate.
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A recent CBS News poll shows many Americans are unhappy with how President Donald Trump is managing the economy, inflation, and the situation in Iran. Most people disapprove of his performance in these areas.
Key Facts
65% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the economy.
71% disapprove of his handling of inflation.
63% believe the war in Iran is going badly for the United States.
The poll was conducted by CBS News.
The results reflect public opinion on key issues under President Trump’s administration.
The poll highlights concerns about economic and international matters.
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices and fall in purchasing power.
The war in Iran involves U.S. military and diplomatic efforts in the region.
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The Pentagon website lists four U.S. service members killed in Jordan and Iraq in July as "Overseas Operations Casualties," separate from 14 killed in the war with Iran. The Defense Department said the website had errors causing confusion in casualty numbers and is working to fix them.
Key Facts
Four service members died in July in Jordan and Iraq and are listed separately from those killed in the war with Iran.
Four names briefly appeared under the Iran war casualties but were later removed from that list.
The 14 other service members are recorded as killed in Operation Epic Fury, the name for the war with Iran.
The four who died are 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton.
The Pentagon blamed "site errors" and a "temporary data disruption" for the casualty listing problems.
Nearly 100 service members have been injured since July 7; most injuries are minor concussions.
The Pentagon has not briefed reporters about the Iran war casualties or injury details since May.
The Pentagon continues to update its casualty database and promises more updates in the future.
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A strong heatwave has caused more than 40 million people across the central and southern United States to face extreme heat warnings. Temperatures have reached dangerously high levels, causing health risks and disrupting activities, while authorities advise people to stay cool and hydrated.
Key Facts
Over 40 million people in central and southern U.S. are under extreme heat warnings.
Heat indexes reached above 100°F (38°C) from Minnesota to Mississippi, and parts of the southwest saw highs around 120°F (49°C).
The heat is caused by a weather pattern called a heat dome, which traps hot air in one area.
Rapid City, South Dakota, recorded a record high of 112°F on Saturday.
Some events, like a horse race in Minnesota, were canceled due to the heat.
Severe storms, flash flooding, and hail were also a risk near the Great Lakes because of moist air around the heat dome.
Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with health conditions are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
Experts say the climate crisis, caused by burning fuels, is making extreme heat events more frequent and intense.
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The Pentagon changed how it counts U.S. casualties in the Iran war by replacing the previous category "Operation Epic Fury" with a new one called "Overseas Operations." This change reduced the reported number of U.S. soldiers killed and wounded, and it is unclear exactly what the new category includes. The update follows a debate in Congress about authorizing continued military action in Iran.
Key Facts
The Pentagon lowered the reported U.S. deaths in Operation Epic Fury from 18 to 14.
Dozens of wounded soldiers previously counted were removed from the tally.
The Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) now uses “Overseas Operations” to track casualties instead of Operation Epic Fury.
It is unclear if “Overseas Operations” counts only Iran war casualties or other events as well.
Since the war began, at least 624 U.S. troops have been wounded.
The Pentagon has not clearly explained the changes or responded to media requests.
The Trump administration considers Operation Epic Fury ended in May, treating new fighting as a separate conflict.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution requiring congressional approval for further military involvement in Iran, but the Senate blocked it.
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The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) helps Americans get money if they are injured by certain vaccines through a simplified legal process without having to prove fault. COVID-19 vaccines are not included in this program but are instead covered by a different, more limited program for emergency medical treatments called the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP).
Key Facts
Vaccines have saved over 150 million lives in the last 50 years but can rarely cause side effects.
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program started in the 1980s after lawsuits threatened vaccine production.
VICP protects vaccine makers from most lawsuits while compensating injured people without needing to prove negligence.
The program covers 16 vaccines, including flu and HPV vaccines, but not COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccines fall under the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), created for emergencies under the PREP Act.
CICP is more restrictive, with a shorter time to file claims and limited compensation options compared to VICP.
VICP uses special judges and allows compensation for pain and suffering; CICP is an administrative program with fewer benefits.
Funding for VICP comes from a small tax added to each dose of recommended childhood vaccines.
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Vaccines have saved many lives but can sometimes cause rare injuries. Americans who believe they have been harmed by a vaccine can seek help through a special court designed for vaccine injury claims.
Key Facts
Vaccines have helped prevent many diseases and saved millions of lives.
Some people experience very rare injuries after getting vaccinated.
The U.S. has a special vaccine court to handle injury claims related to vaccines.
This court was created to help people who think they were hurt by vaccines.
The vaccine court provides a legal way to seek compensation for injuries.
This process is separate from regular courts and has specific rules.
The system aims to balance supporting public health and helping individuals who suffer rare side effects.
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The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, often called the vaccine court, helps people who claim they were hurt by vaccines. It was started in the 1980s after legal cases caused vaccine makers to leave the market, which put vaccine supplies at risk. The court pays money to those with rare vaccine injuries while supporting vaccine safety and public health.
Key Facts
The vaccine court is located near the White House and has paid billions to people who say vaccines harmed them.
It was created in the 1980s after lawsuits against vaccine makers led to a shortage of vaccines.
The court balances helping injured individuals and encouraging vaccine production for public safety.
Vaccine injuries are very rare, with risks similar to lightning strikes or winning the lottery.
Jacob Thompson, a child who developed severe epilepsy, is an example of someone whose family claims vaccine injury.
Most people who seek help from the vaccine court are not against vaccines but want recognition and compensation for injuries.
The program keeps vaccine makers partly protected from lawsuits to ensure the availability of vaccines.
Vaccines save millions of lives worldwide every year, preventing many serious diseases.
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The CBS News program on July 26, 2026, featured three stories: an update on the U.S. vaccine court, an introduction to the sport called chess boxing that combines mental and physical challenges, and an interview with artist Amy Sherald.
Key Facts
The U.S. vaccine court handles claims related to vaccine injuries.
Chess boxing is a sport that mixes playing chess with boxing rounds.
Amy Sherald is a well-known artist featured in an interview.
The program aired on CBS News on July 26, 2026.
CBS News provided coverage through their app and website.
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The new UK government plans to tighten youth benefit rules, requiring young people to do training or voluntary work to continue receiving payments. Other topics include government discussions on changing property taxes, cabinet reshuffles with new promises on defense funding, and various public issues like a water outage at Gatwick airport and rising fuel thefts.
Key Facts
The UK government may stop youth benefits unless recipients do training or volunteer work to reduce welfare costs.
Over 87,000 young people aged 16-17 are claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which the government says needs reform.
More than 100 Labour MPs support replacing council tax and stamp duty with new property or land value taxes.
Ed Miliband, the new foreign secretary, aims to strengthen the UK’s leadership on climate issues at the World Bank.
New defense secretary Wes Streeting promises to quit if defense spending plans do not meet targets, but the prime minister rejects a 3% funding increase by 2030.
Major defense companies Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems are investing in tech start-ups to modernize military technology.
Gatwick airport experienced a water outage that caused problems with toilets and drinking fountains, impacting thousands of travelers.
Nearly 800 drivers per day are reported stealing petrol from gas stations in the UK.
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The Pentagon updated its war casualty records to add over 140 wounded soldiers and created a new category for injuries and deaths after July 7 in the US-Iran conflict. The update separates casualties from the renewed fighting starting in July from the earlier phase called Operation Epic Fury, following a ceasefire that ended in July.
Key Facts
The Pentagon added more than 140 wounded service members to its casualty database.
A new casualty category called "Overseas Operations" was created for those killed or wounded starting July 7.
Operation Epic Fury, the earlier phase, now records 14 killed and over 400 wounded.
The Pentagon reduced previous totals from 18 killed and 482 wounded to these updated numbers.
Fighting resumed near daily airstrikes after a ceasefire collapsed on July 6.
The Trump administration treats the renewed fighting as a separate campaign to comply with the War Powers Act.
The War Powers Act requires the president to end military operations within 60 days unless Congress approves continuation.
Some lawmakers argue the administration’s split of the conflict violates the War Powers Act and breaks the law.
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