A 16-year-old boy named Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder, for a school shooting in Georgia in 2024. His father, Colin Gray, was previously convicted for giving Colt the gun used in the attack, which killed four people and injured several others.
Key Facts
Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder, related to a school shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4, 2024.
Four people died in the shooting: two students aged 14 and two teachers aged 39 and 53.
Colin Gray, Colt’s father, was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for providing the gun.
Colt faces a minimum sentence of life in prison due to his guilty plea.
The judge confirmed Colt understood the consequences of his plea before accepting it.
Colt’s mother testified that she had asked Colin Gray to secure weapons to keep them away from Colt.
Investigators found a shrine to a previous mass shooter in Colt’s bedroom.
In the US, 64 school shootings have occurred in 2024, causing 24 deaths and 32 injuries, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.
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The United States has reported more measles cases in 2026 by July 23 than the total number reported in all of 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 2,318 measles cases so far this year, compared to 2,289 cases last year.
Key Facts
As of July 23, 2026, there are 2,318 confirmed measles cases in the U.S.
The total number of cases in 2026 has already exceeded the entire total from 2025 (2,289 cases).
Measles cases are spread across most parts of the country.
The CDC monitors and reports measles cases in the United States.
Measles is a contagious disease that can spread easily without vaccination.
The rising number of cases highlights ongoing public health concerns about measles outbreaks.
Timely vaccination is key to preventing the spread of measles.
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The U.S. and Saudi Arabia recently signed a nuclear energy deal that may allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, a step that raises concerns about nuclear weapons spread. President Donald Trump linked the deal’s approval to Saudi Arabia joining a peace agreement with Israel called the Abraham Accords, although this condition is not in the official agreement.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear energy deal that may permit uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia.
The deal does not currently require extra international monitoring for uranium enrichment activities.
President Trump said on social media that approval of the deal depends on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords with Israel.
The signed agreement does not explicitly mention Israel or include Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Abraham Accords.
A two-year U.S. study will determine if Saudi Arabia should enrich uranium or import nuclear fuel instead.
The study ends near the time President Trump’s term finishes in 2027, potentially affecting further negotiations.
U.S. officials see the agreement as a way to gain leverage over Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has not publicly responded yet to President Trump’s statement about linking the deal to the Abraham Accords.
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South Carolina is close to being the first state to hold the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee recommended this, and the full committee will vote on it next month.
Key Facts
South Carolina wants to keep its spot as the first state in the Democratic presidential primary for 2028.
The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to recommend South Carolina for this role.
The full Democratic National Committee will vote on the proposed calendar at its summer meeting in Austin, Texas.
Nevada was the other main state considered to be first in the primary calendar.
South Carolina argues its first-primary status is important because of the impact of a Supreme Court ruling on voting rights and Black voter representation in the South.
South Carolina held the first Democratic presidential primary in 2024 as well.
Some South Carolina Democratic leaders say removing its status would hurt the party’s Black voter base, which has been very loyal.
The debate involves choosing between states with consistent Democratic voters and those with fast-growing populations.
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The US has reached the highest number of measles cases in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases in 2026 so far. This rise is linked to lower vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy. Health officials may decide soon if the US loses its status of having eliminated measles after sustained spread of the virus.
Key Facts
The US reported 2,318 measles cases in the first seven months of 2026, surpassing last year's total of 2,289 cases.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems, including death and long-term complications.
The US might lose its measles elimination status due to continuous virus transmission.
45 states have reported measles cases, including recent outbreaks in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
Vaccine hesitancy has contributed to lower immunization rates, with some communities having vaccination rates as low as 20%.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for mixed messages about vaccines and changes to vaccine policies.
The US recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children, which is 97% effective at preventing measles.
Herd immunity requires about 95% of people to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.
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The Trump administration imposed new tariffs on many countries, saying they use forced labor to make goods. However, forced labor is also a problem within the United States, including forced prison labor, which the government allows under the Constitution. Critics note that the U.S. imports many products linked to forced labor and does not fully enforce its own rules against it.
Key Facts
The Trump administration reimposed tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, citing forced labor concerns.
These tariffs began after a previous 10% tariff expired, which was originally justified by financial concerns.
The U.S. imports about $170 billion worth of goods that may involve forced labor at some point in their supply chains.
Forced labor is common in U.S. industries like electronics, clothing, fish, and minerals sourced from abroad.
According to the Global Slavery Index, 1.1 million people in the U.S. lived in modern slavery in 2021, mostly in domestic work, agriculture, and construction.
The U.S. allows forced labor in its prison system, where about 800,000 prisoners work, often under threat of punishment.
Other countries with tariffs imposed by the U.S., like Canada, have lower rates of forced labor among their populations.
While the U.S. bans imports made with forced labor on paper, enforcement of these laws is weak or inconsistent.
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The Democratic National Committee’s special rules committee has voted to make South Carolina the first state to hold a Democratic presidential primary in 2028. This recommendation will soon be considered by the full Democratic National Committee in Austin, Texas.
Key Facts
South Carolina is poised to be the first state for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
The decision was made by the Democratic National Committee’s rules and bylaws committee.
This approval is a recommendation, not yet final.
The full Democratic National Committee will review the recommendation soon.
The review meeting is scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas.
The change affects the order of states holding primaries for the Democratic Party.
The move aims to set the early stages for the 2028 presidential candidate selection.
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President Donald Trump criticized the European Union for fining Google nearly $1 billion, calling the fine unfair. He announced that the U.S. will start an investigation into these actions as a possible trade issue.
Key Facts
The European Union fined Google about $1 billion for breaking its digital competition laws.
President Trump called the EU’s actions illegal and discriminatory.
Trump said the EU is targeting major American companies.
He announced a new trade investigation into the EU’s practices.
The issue centers on rules that aim to keep internet companies from harming competition.
Trump shared his views on the social media platform Truth Social.
This investigation could affect trade relations between the U.S. and the EU.
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A federal judge criticized the Department of Justice for trying to get phone records and grand jury testimony from New York Times reporters. The government then withdrew the subpoenas after the judge said such actions against journalists should be a last resort.
Key Facts
The Justice Department sought phone and text records from New York Times reporters and some of their family members.
The subpoenas also demanded reporters testify before a federal grand jury.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian said subpoenas against reporters should be used only as a last option.
The government agreed to cancel the subpoenas during a July 23, 2026, hearing.
The New York Times called the government's actions an attempt to intimidate the press.
The subpoenas were related to reporting on security issues involving Air Force One, donated to President Trump by Qatar.
The DOJ admitted errors, including failing to mention that the case involved journalists when seeking to block a phone company from releasing records.
Some subpoenas mistakenly included reporters’ relatives, which the DOJ said was an unintended error.
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A large outbreak of a parasite called cyclospora, linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, has spread to nine US states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 11,000 cases in 41 states since mid-May, with Michigan being the hardest hit.
Key Facts
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes an illness resulting in severe diarrhea.
The outbreak is connected to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced from central Mexico.
Nine states with reported cases include Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled all its iceberg lettuce from central Mexico on July 17 as a precaution.
The Food and Drug Administration initially reported testing positive for cyclospora on the lettuce but later said it was a false positive.
Symptoms of cyclospora can take weeks to appear, making it hard to trace the source quickly.
Michigan has reported more than 8,100 infected people, the highest number in any state.
Health experts say investigation will take a long time because of the delayed symptoms and difficulty tracking exactly what people ate.
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Alaska sent over 3,000 letters to voters asking them to confirm they are U.S. citizens because of a data mistake. This happened before the state’s primary election on August 18. Officials want to make sure only eligible voters are on the list.
Key Facts
More than 3,000 Alaska voters received letters to verify their citizenship.
The letters were sent ahead of the August 18 primary election.
A data error between state agencies may have added non-citizens to the voter rolls.
The Alaska Division of Elections is managing the process.
Officials held a hearing with state lawmakers about the issue.
The goal is to ensure that only U.S. citizens can vote in Alaska elections.
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President Donald Trump will give a speech from the White House to announce a major progress in increasing U.S. nuclear energy production. This milestone follows his executive orders from last year that aimed to sharply increase nuclear power and reduce certain health and environmental rules.
Key Facts
President Trump will speak at the White House on Friday afternoon.
The announcement celebrates a big step in growing nuclear energy production in the U.S.
Last year, President Trump signed four executive orders about nuclear power.
These orders aimed to increase U.S. nuclear power by four times.
The orders also included cutting back some health and environmental regulations.
The focus is on boosting domestic energy production using nuclear technology.
The announcement is part of President Trump’s broader energy policy efforts.
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President Donald Trump threatened to impose large tariffs on the European Union after the EU fined US tech companies. He said the US will start investigating the EU’s actions and will respond strongly to protect American businesses and taxpayers.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened “substantial” tariffs on the European Union.
The threat followed the EU fining US tech firms for breaking online competition laws.
Google was recently fined €890 million by the EU for its search and app store services.
Trump posted his response on his social media platform, Truth Social.
He called the EU’s actions “illegal” and “highly unethical.”
The US will begin an investigation into the EU’s treatment of American companies.
Trump said Europe will face a “very big price” for these penalties.
The situation involves protecting American taxpayers and businesses from what Trump described as unfair practices.
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Measles, a very contagious virus, has spread to 43 states in the U.S. This information was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday.
Key Facts
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses worldwide.
The virus has now been reported in 43 U.S. states.
The CDC provided this update on a Friday.
The U.S. is also facing another public health issue known as Cyclospora.
Measles cases have reached a concerning level across many states.
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President Donald Trump has reduced the size of two large national monuments in Utah, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, by about 90%. The White House says this will allow more land use for activities like mining and recreation, but tribes and conservation groups disagree and have criticized the decision. Similar protected areas in Arizona created under President Biden face political challenges over mining and land use.
Key Facts
President Trump cut Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by approximately 90% each.
The reductions shrink Grand Staircase-Escalante from about 1.87 million acres to 181,500 acres and Bears Ears from 1.36 million acres to 121,100 acres.
The White House claims the changes keep important protected features safe while opening other lands for grazing, hunting, mining, and recreation.
Tribal leaders, including members of the Navajo Nation, say the cuts ignore tribal consultation and are harmful to their heritage.
Other large monuments such as Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni near the Grand Canyon and Ironwood Forest in Arizona have also been targeted for possible reduction or mining development.
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni was created by President Biden in 2023 to protect sacred tribal sites and wildlife and bans new uranium mining.
Arizona Representative Paul Gosar has introduced bills to reduce or cancel monuments, citing mining restrictions.
Conservation groups warn that these moves threaten habitats of endangered animals and culturally significant lands.
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Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is leading Republican Mike Collins in the Georgia U.S. Senate race according to a recent AARP poll. However, Collins leads among older voters who are most motivated to vote, which could impact the election outcome since older voters tend to turn out more in midterms.
Key Facts
The AARP poll surveyed 1,060 likely Georgia voters from July 13-16, with a 3% margin of error.
Ossoff leads Collins 52% to 43% among likely voters, with 5% undecided.
Ossoff is ahead by 30 points among voters under 50 (61% to 31%).
Collins leads voters 50 and older by 8 points (53% to 45%) and widens this lead to 24 points among those 65+.
Older voters are more motivated, with 88% of those 50+ rating their likelihood to vote as very high, compared to 62% of younger voters.
President Donald Trump’s job approval is currently 16 points underwater in Georgia.
The poll shows Democrats leading Republicans 51% to 44% on a general congressional ballot in Georgia.
The age gap in voter motivation suggests the race could become closer if younger voters do not turn out in large numbers.
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South Carolina has been chosen by a Democratic committee to hold the first Democratic presidential primary in 2028, beating Nevada after a debate about race and party loyalty. The final decision still needs approval from the full Democratic National Committee.
Key Facts
South Carolina was picked over Nevada to have the first Democratic primary in 2028.
The decision was made by the Democratic National Committee’s Rules & Bylaws panel but requires final approval.
The debate highlighted disagreements among Democrats about race, region, and political views.
Black leaders supported South Carolina due to its large Black voter population and past loyalty to the party.
Latino leaders favored Nevada because of its many Latino and working-class voters.
South Carolina held the first primary in 2024 after President Biden’s support.
Reverend Al Sharpton and South Carolina Democrats publicly supported the state’s early primary status.
New Hampshire and Iowa may try to hold early contests despite party rules against it.
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A woman was detained by ICE at Denver airport on suspicion of staying in the country past her visa expiration. Witnesses initially thought ICE officers were questioning Latina women more broadly about their visa status.
Key Facts
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. agency that enforces immigration laws.
A woman was detained at Denver airport for allegedly overstaying her visa.
Witnesses saw ICE officers speaking to Latina women about visas at the airport.
People at the airport showed strong emotions after the detention.
It was not initially clear that ICE was targeting a specific individual.
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Eleven people were charged in a federal court for their involvement in the deaths of six migrants found inside a rail cargo container in Laredo, Texas. The migrants, including a 14-year-old boy, died from heatstroke while being smuggled on a freight train near the US-Mexico border.
Key Facts
Six migrants died inside a sealed rail cargo container in Laredo, Texas, in May.
The victims were from Honduras and Mexico, and included one 14-year-old boy and a 56-year-old adult.
Authorities believe the deaths were caused by hyperthermia, which means overheating or heatstroke.
The bodies were discovered by a Union Pacific rail employee.
Eleven people were federally indicted for their role in the human smuggling operation linked to these deaths.
Laredo is a busy land port on the US-Mexico border with heavy trade activity.
Trains often slow or stop in Mexico before crossing into the US, which creates chances for smuggling people or goods.
Experts note that harsh heat and climate conditions make survival in sealed, non-air-conditioned containers very difficult.
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made legal mistakes and decided to drop subpoenas for two New York Times journalists. These journalists had reported on security issues involving the Air Force One plane that President Trump received as a gift from Qatar. A judge pointed out the DOJ’s errors in handling the case.
Key Facts
The DOJ issued subpoenas to two New York Times journalists.
The subpoenas were related to a story about security concerns involving President Trump’s Air Force One.
The plane was a gift from Qatar to President Trump.
A judge criticized the DOJ for making legal mistakes in this case.
Due to these errors, the DOJ withdrew the subpoenas.
The journalists were reporting on sensitive security matters.
The case gained attention because it involved press freedom and government actions.
The incident highlights the balance between national security and journalists’ rights.
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