Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, spoke about concerns over a new Saudi civil nuclear deal and U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran during an interview on July 26, 2026. He expressed caution about approving the Saudi deal now due to global tensions and discussed the need for clearer communication about the ongoing Iran conflict and related U.S. military actions.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy is concerned about a Saudi civil nuclear deal because it could lead to nuclear weapons development and increase global tensions.
He opposes approving the Saudi deal at this time, citing the unstable global situation, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
President Trump has made the Saudi deal conditional on Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel, which Kennedy doubts will happen soon.
Kennedy questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over a $67 billion funding request related to the Iran conflict and emphasized the need for more detailed, classified briefings.
He supports the President’s policy in Iran but notes the importance of better messaging and communication about the reasons for U.S. involvement.
Kennedy suggested tightening sanctions on Iranian oil sales and maintaining a blockade to pressure Iran.
He raised questions about ending the blockade and withdrawing troops from Iran but is not advocating for that action.
Kennedy criticized some Democrats’ calls for an immediate end to the Iran conflict as a mistake.
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Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, discussed a big outbreak of a foodborne illness called cyclospora linked mostly to farms in central Mexico. He said the FDA has done well to find the source but the outbreak is not fully controlled yet, and communication from the FDA to the public could be clearer.
Key Facts
Cyclospora outbreaks are happening in nine U.S. states and linked mainly to central Mexico farms.
The parasite mainly spreads through human fecal contamination, possibly sewage on crops.
The FDA quickly isolated the likely source, helping reduce risk by cutting supplies from affected farms.
There is no good test to detect cyclospora in food.
Consumers can reduce risk by buying whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-cut bags and buying locally grown produce.
Mexican health officials deny responsibility for the contamination.
Many Americans lack confidence in the FDA’s handling of the outbreak, with 47% expressing doubt.
Taylor Farms, a company involved in the outbreak, contacted the White House to delay a recall announcement, which is unusual.
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A strong heat wave is affecting central and southern parts of the United States for the second day in a row, with temperatures and humidity at dangerous levels. The hot weather is caused by a heat dome, which traps heat in the area, and is expected to stay for most of the week.
Key Facts
Tens of millions of people are under extreme heat warnings in central and southern U.S. regions.
Heat indexes (how hot it feels when humidity is included) are over 105°F (40.5°C) from Memphis to Montana to Las Vegas.
Some areas in the Southwest could see temperatures near 120°F (49°C).
A heat dome is causing the high temperatures by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
The heat wave is expected to remain mostly in place throughout the week.
Children, older adults, and people with medical issues are at higher risk of serious heat-related illness.
Experts suggest using air conditioning, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding direct sunlight.
The first half of 2026 was the second-hottest on record in the continental United States.
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The CBS News show "Face the Nation" featured U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, Senator John Kennedy, and former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. They joined the program to discuss current topics and answer questions.
Key Facts
Mike Waltz is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
John Kennedy is a U.S. Senator.
Scott Gottlieb served as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
All three appeared on the CBS News show "Face the Nation."
The discussion took place during the second half of the program.
Viewers were invited to watch the show on the CBS News app or via web browsers like Chrome and Safari.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune is under increasing pressure, including from President Trump, as the Senate approaches a busy period with important bills to pass. These include funding the government and passing a tax or budget bill using a special process called reconciliation.
Key Facts
John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader and represents South Dakota.
Thune is facing pressure from multiple sources, especially President Trump.
The Senate has about two weeks left before a long break.
Lawmakers need to pass a government funding bill to avoid a shutdown.
Another major item is the third reconciliation bill, which typically deals with budget or tax matters.
Reconciliation bills allow passing certain laws with a simple majority, avoiding a Senate filibuster.
The next few weeks are critical for completing these tasks before the recess.
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Mental health experts say adults should keep making new friends because new relationships can improve emotional health and help people handle stress. New friendships introduce fresh ideas and experiences, which can help people grow and feel less lonely.
Key Facts
A 2023 survey found 53% of adults have 1 to 4 close friends, while 8% have no close friends.
Loneliness affects many Americans, with 58% reporting regular feelings of loneliness.
Loneliness increases risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and early death.
New friendships help the brain by introducing different views and breaking routine habits.
Making new friends can boost personal growth and mental flexibility.
Diverse friendships help people learn to handle uncomfortable feelings and adapt to new situations.
Emotional connections from friendships act like a health protection, reducing stress and isolation.
Expanding social circles can open up new opportunities and ideas for the future.
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Tom Homan, a White House border official, said an ICE agent involved in the deadly shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine might not have passed the agency’s background check if allegations of domestic violence against him are true. The shooting happened during an ICE operation, and questions have arisen about ICE’s vetting process and use of force.
Key Facts
Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian national legally allowed to work in the U.S., was fatally shot in Maine on July 13 during an ICE vehicle stop.
Durán Guerrero was not the target of the ICE operation, which was originally intended to find someone else.
The ICE officer who fired the shots was identified as David Brouillette, an Army veteran and former VA police officer.
Allegations against Brouillette include domestic violence, mental health issues, and court-ordered restrictions on his firearms. He denies these accusations.
Tom Homan said if the allegations were true, the agent should not have passed ICE’s vetting process.
The shooting raised concerns about ICE’s use of force and lack of body cameras on agents during such operations.
This incident happened shortly after another fatal ICE shooting in Houston, which also faced questions.
Democrats have questioned how the agent was hired given these allegations and ICE’s rapid growth under President Donald Trump’s policies.
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Scott Gottlieb, former head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that the current U.S. government has done well in identifying the cyclospora outbreak but that the spread is not controlled yet. He also said federal officials need to do a better job informing the public and talked about the rise in measles cases.
Key Facts
Scott Gottlieb was the head of the FDA before.
He praised the current government for finding and tracking the cyclospora outbreak.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause food poisoning.
The outbreak is still spreading and not fully controlled.
Gottlieb says there needs to be better communication to Americans about the outbreak.
He also mentioned an increase in measles cases in the United States.
Measles is a contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination.
The discussion took place on the show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
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Senator John Kennedy said the U.S. should continue its current approach in Iran and supports President Donald Trump's goals in the region. He also wants officials to provide more information about the situation in Iran to the American people. Additionally, he expressed caution about a nuclear power deal with Saudi Arabia and supports a new elections bill backed by President Trump.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy spoke about U.S. policy toward Iran on the program "Face the Nation."
He supports President Donald Trump's goals concerning Iran.
Kennedy said the U.S. should "stay the course" in the Iran conflict.
He believes officials need to be more open with the public about the conflict.
Kennedy does not yet support a civil nuclear power agreement with Saudi Arabia.
He called for the passage of the SAVE America Act, an elections-related bill backed by President Trump.
The SAVE America Act is described as a contentious or controversial bill.
The comments were covered by CBS News.
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A CBS News poll found that many Americans are unhappy with how the war with Iran is going. People are concerned about how long the war is lasting, how the government communicates about it, and how the war affects the economy.
Key Facts
CBS News conducted a poll about Americans' opinions on the Iran war and the economy.
Many Americans feel the Iran war is not progressing well.
Concerns relate to the war’s length and unclear communication from officials.
The war is seen as having a negative effect on the U.S. economy.
Anthony Salvanto, CBS News executive director of elections and surveys, shared these findings.
The poll results were discussed on the program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
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Senator Bill Cassidy said it is unlikely that President Trump will end the conflict with Iran soon. He suggested the president should work with Congress to create a plan for peace and called for a national conversation about the next steps.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is from Louisiana and a member of the Republican Party.
Cassidy said ending the war with Iran soon “seems unlikely.”
He recommended that President Trump involve Congress to find a way toward peace.
Cassidy believes there should be a bigger national discussion on how to move forward with Iran.
The comments were made during an interview on Sunday.
The article focuses on U.S. politics and the discussion about Iran policy.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse says many Americans who supported President Donald Trump feel his promise to avoid unnecessary wars, especially against Iran, has been broken. Whitehouse criticizes how the situation with Iran is handled and says other countries view the U.S. badly, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not acting as a good ally.
Key Facts
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is a Democrat.
He claims President Trump broke his promise to avoid unnecessary wars.
Whitehouse focuses on the conflict risk between the U.S. and Iran.
He says the handling of this issue has been very poor and dishonest.
Whitehouse believes other countries see the U.S. as acting like a badly behaved nation.
He mentions problems like bribes, secret deals, and personal favors influencing U.S. actions.
Whitehouse calls Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “walking provocation” and says he is not a good friend to the U.S.
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Senator Bernie Sanders spoke about the 2026 midterm elections and expressed hope for progressive candidates' success. He also called for negotiations to end the war involving Iran.
Key Facts
Senator Bernie Sanders appeared on the show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
He discussed the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Sanders spoke about the chances of progressive candidates in those elections.
He urged for a negotiated end to the war in Iran.
The discussion was shared by CBS News.
Sanders is an independent senator known for progressive views.
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President Donald Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House this Tuesday. The meeting follows recent discussions in Turkey and happens as Russia increases missile attacks while Ukraine responds with drone strikes.
Key Facts
President Trump will host Ukrainian President Zelensky at the White House on Tuesday.
Zelensky recently met Trump at the NATO summit in Turkey to talk about Ukraine's air defenses and efforts to end the war.
Zelensky's visit also coincides with the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine.
Russia has increased its missile attacks, including strikes on Kyiv.
Ukraine has intensified the use of long-range drones against Russian targets.
Two notable supporters of former MAGA views, Laura Loomer and Tim Pool, have recently shifted to support Ukraine.
Loomer met Zelensky in Kyiv and admitted being misled by Russian propaganda.
President Trump shared Loomer's positive remarks about Zelensky on his social media platform, Truth Social.
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On the July 26, 2026 episode of "Face the Nation," Senators Bernie Sanders and John Kennedy talked about the ongoing conflict with Iran and the 2026 midterm elections. Other guests included U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, and CBS News election expert Anthony Salvanto with a new poll update.
Key Facts
The show aired on July 26, 2026.
Senators Bernie Sanders and John Kennedy discussed the war with Iran.
They also talked about the 2026 midterm elections.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz appeared on the show.
Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb was a guest.
CBS News director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto shared the latest poll results.
The program focused on U.S. politics and current events.
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New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill signed a new law that stops businesses from using shoppers’ personal information to charge different prices for the same products. The law aims to protect consumers from "surveillance pricing," where companies use data like online activity and purchase history to change prices unfairly.
Key Facts
The law is called the Fair Price Protection Act.
It prohibits businesses from using personal data to set individual prices on groceries and essential items.
The law does not affect loyalty programs or other types of discounts.
New Jersey is the third state to ban surveillance pricing, after Maryland and Connecticut.
New York is considering a similar law, waiting for the governor’s approval.
The law pauses the introduction of new electronic shelf labels for one year so their effects can be studied.
Existing electronic shelf labels can still be used, repaired, or replaced.
A labor union leader said the law helps protect shoppers and workers from harmful pricing based on artificial intelligence.
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Tom Homan, who works on border issues for the White House, said he does not know the current situation of two ICE officers involved in recent deadly shootings in Texas and Maine. He mentioned this in an interview on CNN’s show "State of the Union."
Key Facts
Tom Homan is the White House border czar.
Two ICE officers were involved in fatal shootings, one in Texas and one in Maine.
Homan spoke about the cases in a CNN interview with Dana Bash.
He said he does not have specific information on the officers’ status.
Homan has not been involved in the investigations of these incidents.
The interviews took place on a Sunday on the program "State of the Union."
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. government agency.
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A former New South Wales Liberal Party powerbroker, Christian Ellis, who is at the center of an anti-corruption investigation, has moved to the UK and is not expected to appear in upcoming hearings by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). ICAC is investigating allegations of illegal donations and branch stacking involving Ellis and others between 2020 and 2023.
Key Facts
Christian Ellis, linked to the NSW Liberal Party, has moved to the UK and likely will not attend ICAC hearings.
ICAC’s Operation Rosny hearings will run for eight weeks and investigate multiple individuals.
The inquiry looks into possible breaches of the Electoral Funding Act related to undeclared or excessive donations to the Liberal Party.
Allegations include taking illegal donations and branch stacking, which means recruiting or renewing party members for political advantage.
Property developer Jean Nassif and his company Toplace are accused of making banned donations in exchange for political favors.
Ellis was involved with a lobbying firm that had Toplace as a client and served on the NSW Liberal party executive from 2019.
Federal Liberal leader Angus Taylor once endorsed Ellis for a party position but is not implicated in wrongdoing.
Ellis did not appear at a 2023 parliamentary inquiry because he could not be served with a summons.
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Three Israeli siblings living in Australia have been allowed to reapply for protection visas after a tribunal found they fear being forced to break international law if conscripted into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The tribunal ruled that the siblings face persecution if sent back to Israel because they refuse to take part in military actions in Gaza that may violate humanitarian laws.
Key Facts
Three Israeli siblings in Australia are facing compulsory military service in Israel.
They believe they would be forced to break international humanitarian law in Gaza during their service.
The Australian Administrative Review Tribunal found this fear genuine and granted the siblings the right to reapply for protection visas.
The tribunal stated that refusal to serve could lead to imprisonment of up to two years in Israel.
The tribunal referenced international reports alleging Israel’s military actions in Gaza breach humanitarian law.
The family initially came to Australia a decade ago on a working visa, which later expired.
Their initial protection visa application was denied, but the decision was overturned on appeal.
The tribunal distinguished between general risks from conflict (like Hamas rocket attacks) and persecution targeting these individuals due to their beliefs.
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With 100 days left until the 2026 midterm elections, Democrats have a chance to take control of the U.S. Senate by winning at least four Republican seats. Key battleground states include Alaska, Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio, with mixed polling and betting markets showing competitive races.
Key Facts
Republicans currently hold a 55-45 majority in the Senate.
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to control the Senate outright.
Alaska, Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio are key states where Democrats could flip seats.
Alaska, Maine, and Ohio are rated as Toss Ups, meaning both parties have a good chance.
North Carolina is rated Lean Democrat, giving Democrats a slight edge.
Prediction markets show Democrats favored in Alaska, Maine, and North Carolina but see Ohio as a tie.
Polls in Alaska and Maine show close races between Democratic and Republican candidates.
North Carolina polling shows Democrat Roy Cooper leading Republican Michael Whatley.
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