President Donald Trump's choice for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, has moved forward in the Senate confirmation process. The Senate will also vote soon on Trump's pick for attorney general, Todd Blanche, who faces opposition from some groups.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence.
Clayton has passed the first stage and will continue in the Senate confirmation process.
Todd Blanche is President Trump's nominee for attorney general.
The Senate committee plans to vote on Blanche's nomination soon.
Some victims of Jeffrey Epstein have asked senators to reject Todd Blanche.
The Senate must approve these nominees before they can take office.
Confirmation hearings and votes are part of a process to check the qualifications of nominees.
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President Donald Trump attended a ceremony at Dover Air Force Base to honor four US service members who were killed in the Middle East. Three died when an Iranian missile hit their living quarters in Jordan, and one died during the controlled explosion of an Iranian drone in Iraq.
Key Facts
The ceremony is called a dignified transfer, where fallen soldiers are respectfully honored.
The three service members killed in Jordan were First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan (25), Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad (28), and Private Isabella Gonzales (19).
Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton (30) died in Erbil, Iraq, during the detonation of an Iranian drone.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also attended the ceremony.
Since July 7, 100 US service members have been injured in related incidents.
Of those injured, 96% have returned to active duty.
The events relate to ongoing conflict involving Iran and US forces in the Middle East.
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An independent autopsy on Nolan Wells, a Black teenager found dead on a Mississippi island, could not determine how he died and called for more investigation. The autopsy, done by Dr. Roger Mitchell on July 10, found unclear injuries and missing body parts, which limited conclusions about the cause of death.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells went missing on July 4 during a trip to a Mississippi island and was later found dead.
Dr. Roger Mitchell performed an independent autopsy on July 10 but did not determine the cause or manner of death.
The autopsy showed red discoloration on the back of Wells’ head, but the reason is unknown and needs more study.
Neck tissues were missing from the body, which prevented ruling out injury to the neck as a cause of death.
The initial autopsy removed and examined Wells’ organs, making some testing during the second autopsy impossible.
Seven key questions remain unanswered, including why Wells entered the water and whether he had water in his airway or a brain bleed.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, called for transparency and shared hopes that the local medical examiner will cooperate.
The independent autopsy was funded by civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick.
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The Defense Department chose the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Virginia Tech to host a new fellowship program for senior military officers. This comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended partnerships with several top universities, including Ivy League schools.
Key Facts
The program is called the Senior Service College Fellowship.
It lasts 10 months and is designed for senior military officers.
Secretary Pete Hegseth decided to stop working with Ivy League universities.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Virginia Tech are the first schools approved for the new program.
The program aims to provide education and experience to senior military leaders.
The change represents a shift in the Defense Department’s university partnerships.
The new program replaces earlier fellowships connected to Ivy League institutions.
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The United States has recorded the highest number of measles cases in over 35 years. This year, there have been 2,295 reported cases, slightly more than last year's total.
Key Facts
The current year has 2,295 measles cases in the U.S.
This number is higher than last year's total of 2,289 cases.
It is the highest number of cases recorded in more than 35 years.
The data comes from the Johns Hopkins University measles tracker.
Measles is a contagious viral disease preventable by vaccination.
The increase suggests that measles outbreaks are becoming more frequent.
Public health efforts may need to focus more on vaccination and prevention.
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted 2-1 to end the rule requiring companies to report yearly data on the race and gender of their workers. This change, proposed by the Republican majority, will now enter a 30-day comment period before a final decision in August.
Key Facts
The EEOC is a U.S. federal agency created in 1965 to enforce workplace anti-discrimination laws.
The agency collects demographic data (including race and gender) from employers covering around 50 million workers.
The data helps track workforce diversity and identify discrimination trends.
The reporting rule is called the EEO-1 report and does not name individual employees.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas supports ending the reporting requirement, citing concerns about law interpretation and costs.
Lucas argues the data collection conflicts with a law that requires "colorblind" employment practices.
Critics say the data is important for government and researchers to understand workplace diversity.
If finalized, companies would still provide demographic data during discrimination investigations.
Estimated costs for employers to compile reports are $275 million yearly; the EEOC spends about $4 million on administering it.
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Senator Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, blocked a request by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. The request aimed to stop President Trump from spending taxpayer money to make expensive upgrades to a Boeing 747 plane given to him by Qatar.
Key Facts
Senator Deb Fischer opposed a Senate vote led by Chuck Schumer.
Schumer wanted to pass the Presidential Airlift Security Act.
The law would prevent President Trump from using taxpayer funds to upgrade a gifted Boeing 747.
The Boeing 747 was given to President Trump by Qatar.
The upgrades being funded are described as luxury or expensive modifications.
The vote was blocked by Senator Fischer’s objection.
The issue involves spending of government money on presidential airplane improvements.
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The Conservative Party has asked the UK tax authority, HMRC, to check if Nigel Farage should have paid tax on a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne. The gift's tax status is questioned because it might be linked to Farage running for Parliament, which would affect how it should be treated for tax purposes.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.
The Conservative Party chair, Kevin Hollinrake, requested HMRC investigate if the gift was taxable income.
Farage says the money was a personal gift given with no expectations.
Reports claim Farage sought £1 million yearly to compensate for lost earnings if he ran for office.
Harborne’s lawyers say the gift was truly personal with no expectation of Farage returning to politics.
Tax experts suggest the payment might be taxable under rules about income from political work.
Farage faces a parliamentary standards investigation over this gift and other undeclared funding.
Rules require MPs to declare political gifts received in the year before entering Parliament.
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Prosecutors say singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, had money reasons to kill Celeste Rivas Hernandez. They are holding a hearing to decide if he should go to trial for her murder and sexual abuse.
Key Facts
D4vd had a multimillion-dollar contract with Interscope Records.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14 years old when she died.
Her body was found last year in a car registered to D4vd.
Prosecutors say Burke stabbed her to stop her from revealing their sexual relationship.
Burke is charged with first-degree murder, sexual acts with a child under 14, and mutilation of a body.
The prosecution showed pictures of the damaged and decomposing body.
They say Burke bought chainsaws, a body bag, and a shovel using his credit cards.
Burke has pleaded not guilty and has been in custody without bail since April.
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Tucker Carlson questioned how President Donald Trump has handled the investigation into the July 2024 assassination attempt against him. Carlson said Trump changed after the shooting and criticized the limited public information about the investigation, suggesting the investigation was shut down without a clear reason.
Key Facts
The assassination attempt occurred in July 2024 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
One person was killed and President Trump and others were injured during the shooting.
Carlson claimed Trump changed significantly after the shooting but did not explain why.
Carlson said he asked the FBI for more details about the gunman, Thomas Crooks, including his background and online activity.
Carlson alleged Trump told officials to stop releasing more information, though this claim is not verified.
Federal investigators say Thomas Crooks acted alone in the shooting.
Carlson said he once opposed Trump but became a supporter after the shooting.
Carlson criticized Senator Ted Cruz, calling him extreme and accusing him of supporting harmful policies.
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A recent poll shows that 60% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance. Only 36% of people surveyed said they approve of how he is doing his job.
Key Facts
60% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s work as president.
36% of Americans approve of how President Trump is handling his job.
The poll was conducted by The Economist and YouGov.
The poll was released on a Tuesday.
4% of respondents had no opinion or were undecided about President Trump’s performance.
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President Donald Trump will speak in Georgia about his administration’s economic plans, focusing on issues of affordability. He will promote new child investment funds called “Trump accounts” during his visit.
Key Facts
President Trump is visiting Georgia on Wednesday afternoon.
He will talk about his administration’s economic agenda.
The visit comes as concerns about affordability grow before the midterm elections.
He will promote “Trump accounts,” which are new child investment funds.
Representative Mike [last name not provided] is expected to join the president during the trip.
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Rep. Jeff Crank, a Republican from Colorado, introduced a bill that would require House lawmakers to report any romantic relationships they have with staff members from other offices or committees. The bill supports the current rule that prohibits lawmakers from dating their own staff or staff on committees they serve on, and it would make disclosure mandatory.
Key Facts
Rep. Jeff Crank represents Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives.
He introduced a resolution on Wednesday about relationships between lawmakers and staff.
The bill would require lawmakers to disclose any romantic relationships with staffers from other offices or committees.
It supports the existing ban on lawmakers dating their own staff or committee staff.
The disclosures would go to the House Committee on Ethics.
The goal is to increase transparency and maintain ethical standards in Congress.
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Experts warn that student loan scams are rising as new rules take effect, causing confusion for borrowers. Scammers are taking advantage of fears about increased payments and changes to repayment plans.
Key Facts
Complaints about student loan scams have increased this year, according to the Education Department's Office of Inspector General.
Student loan scams include identity theft and fake debt relief offers.
The Trump administration's new student loan rules, effective July 1, changed repayment options and limits for new borrowers.
Borrowers on the SAVE plan have 90 days to switch plans or face higher payments or automatic changes starting July 1.
Some borrowers on other repayment plans will not see changes until 2028 unless they take out new loans or consolidate.
Scammers often charge borrowers fees for help that the Education Department provides for free.
Common scams involve companies collecting loan payments but not forwarding them, causing loan defaults.
Experts advise borrowers to watch for payment requests and to get free assistance from federal loan servicers.
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In Arizona's recent primary elections, candidates supported by President Donald Trump won most of the races. This outcome could influence the 2026 midterm elections in the state.
Key Facts
Arizona held primary elections on Tuesday.
Candidates endorsed by President Donald Trump won most contests.
The results may impact political dynamics in the 2026 midterm elections.
The primary wins show strong support for Trump-backed candidates in Arizona.
CBS News reported and analyzed these election results.
The article focuses on Arizona's political scene and its future effects.
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Four U.S. Army soldiers who died in the Middle East during fighting involving Iran were honored in a dignified transfer ceremony. President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and family members attended the event to pay respects.
Key Facts
Four U.S. soldiers were killed in the Middle East in recent days amid conflict with Iran.
A dignified transfer ceremony was held to honor these soldiers.
President Donald Trump attended the ceremony.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also participated in the event.
Family members of the fallen soldiers were present.
The ceremony took place on a Wednesday.
The incident is related to ongoing tensions and conflict involving Iran.
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Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, a 28-year-old Mexican man visiting the US on a tourist visa, was killed in Florida after running from federal immigration agents. He was hit by a semi-truck while fleeing a group that included Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Key Facts
Coronilla was visiting the US for a few weeks, initially to see family in Atlanta, then traveled to Florida.
He was approached by federal immigration agents at a gas station and ran away with four others.
Coronilla ran into traffic and was struck by a semi-truck, causing his death on July 14.
This death happened during a time when ICE-related incidents led to four deaths in less than a week.
Two people were shot and killed by ICE officers, and one died in ICE custody in the same period.
The deaths have prompted public and lawmakers’ calls for stricter controls on ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
Coronilla left behind a wife, a seven-year-old son, and a seven-month-old daughter.
There was confusion over which agency was involved; ICE and border patrol agents were reported to have taken part.
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced new online tools to help Americans who receive disability benefits track their claims, submit forms, and get updates more easily. These digital improvements aim to speed up the process and reduce the need for phone calls and paper mail.
Key Facts
About 10 million Americans receive Social Security disability benefits.
The SSA launched an online disability claim tracker that shows status updates and estimated processing times.
Claimants can now submit important forms, like medical treatment and work history, directly through their online accounts.
The SSA expanded the availability of disability-related notices online, including proffer letters, which allow claimants to respond to new evidence.
The tools notify users when key steps happen in their case, such as hearings or appeals.
SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano supports the digital-first approach to improve service.
The goal is to make managing benefits easier and the process faster.
Experts say the system still must be user-friendly to help the people depending on these services.
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President Donald Trump is continuing a war with Iran despite it being unpopular with most Americans and many Republican voters. The conflict has raised costs for the government and caused higher gas prices, but Trump says he is focused on doing what he thinks is right rather than election concerns.
Key Facts
Only 28% of Americans think the war with Iran is worth fighting; 68% disagree.
Just 29% believe America’s leadership has strengthened under President Trump; 52% say it has weakened.
Many voters report being worse off financially since Trump became president, with only 17% saying they are better off.
Even among Trump’s strong supporters, most blame the Iran war for rising gas prices.
Fox News commentators have warned Trump to end the war before the midterm elections to help Republicans’ chances.
The Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far, with a request for an additional $88 billion in funding.
Gas prices have increased from around $3 to over $4 per gallon since Trump took office.
President Trump says he is focused on doing “the right thing” rather than worrying about the upcoming elections.
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Labour MP Natalie Fleet has quit her role as safeguarding minister because the job was emotionally difficult for her, given her personal history of abuse. She said the role made her unwell and she wants to support her successor while continuing to help survivors in other ways.
Key Facts
Natalie Fleet was appointed safeguarding minister on May 12, 2024, after Jess Phillips resigned.
She stepped down because the job was "overwhelmingly triggering" due to hearing distressing stories related to abuse.
Fleet is a Labour MP for Bolsover, elected in July 2024.
She survived grooming and rape as a teenager and has spoken openly about her experiences.
Fleet said the role made her ill despite receiving support from the Home Office.
She described the minister position as "one of the most important jobs in government" and an honor to hold.
Fleet would like to continue serving in government but will step back if not given another role, focusing instead on advocacy for survivors.
The new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not announced all his ministerial appointments yet.
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