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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump to deliver TV address amid speculation over elections announcement

Trump to deliver TV address amid speculation over elections announcement

July 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump will give a live televised speech on Thursday evening, with many expecting him to talk about election security and the ongoing conflict with Iran. The speech comes amid his continued claims about election fraud and recent military actions related to the Iran war.

Key Facts

  • The speech is scheduled for 9 pm Eastern Time on Thursday.
  • President Trump has promised "really big news" but did not specify the details.
  • Many expect the speech to focus on election security due to Trump's claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election.
  • Trump recently appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence; Pulte has no intelligence experience but is linked to efforts supporting Trump's election claims.
  • The Save America Act, which would require strict voter ID rules, is pending in Congress and is a key issue for Trump.
  • Trump ended a ceasefire deal with Iran last month and has resumed military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy costs.
  • White House officials say the speech will cover multiple topics, a "potpourri," including possibly the Iran conflict.
  • Trump has rarely delivered prepared, primetime White House speeches, which often involve reading from a teleprompter.
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Guardian World Guardian US
‘The pigeon came to them seeking help’: California firefighters give oxygen to suffering bird

‘The pigeon came to them seeking help’: California firefighters give oxygen to suffering bird

July 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Firefighters in Oakland, California, gave oxygen to a pigeon that was hurt by smoke from a car fire. The bird seemed to ask for help and flew away after treatment. Similar rescues of animals affected by fires have happened recently in California.

Key Facts

  • A pigeon appeared near firefighters in Oakland, California, after a vehicle caught fire.
  • The bird looked like it was suffering from smoke inhalation, a condition caused by breathing in smoke.
  • A firefighter put a small oxygen mask on the pigeon to help it breathe.
  • After receiving oxygen, the pigeon flew away safely.
  • The video of this rescue got over 1 million likes on Instagram.
  • Recently, firefighters in southern California saved four cats from a fire-damaged apartment.
  • Three of those cats were not breathing, but firefighters and a sheriff’s deputy used oxygen and CPR to save them.
  • All rescued cats from that incident survived.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Ilhan Omar renews push for US to join ICC amid Trump pressure

Ilhan Omar renews push for US to join ICC amid Trump pressure

July 16, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Representative Ilhan Omar introduced a resolution asking the United States to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) by approving the Rome Statute, the court's founding document. This move counters President Donald Trump’s administration efforts to weaken the ICC through sanctions and other measures aimed at stopping its investigations into alleged war crimes involving the US and Israel.

Key Facts

  • Ilhan Omar wants the US to join the ICC to support international justice and the rule of law.
  • The Trump administration is trying to “dismantle” the ICC by using sanctions and travel bans against court officials.
  • The ICC has investigated Israel for war crimes in Gaza and issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials.
  • The ICC has also investigated the US for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan and secret detention sites.
  • Neither the US nor Israel has joined or accepted the ICC’s authority.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a “whole-of-government response” to weaken the ICC.
  • Omar’s resolution urges lifting sanctions on ICC officials and supporting the court’s work.
  • Two US advocacy groups have sued the Trump administration over sanctions that stopped their support for ICC investigations.
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Al Jazeera
What to expect from Trump's primetime speech on election security

What to expect from Trump's primetime speech on election security

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump is scheduled to give a televised speech about election security on Thursday night. The broadcast aims to address concerns related to the integrity of elections.

Key Facts

  • President Trump will speak in a primetime television slot.
  • The speech focuses on election security issues.
  • It is scheduled for Thursday evening.
  • CBS News reporters Ed O’Keefe and David Becker provided information about the speech.
  • The event is being covered by CBS News across multiple platforms.
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CBS News
Rubio urges international counterterrorism crackdown on the far-left

Rubio urges international counterterrorism crackdown on the far-left

July 16, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a global meeting to address what he calls a growing threat of far-left political terrorism. The event brought together officials from 66 countries and highlighted the Trump administration’s focus on countering left-wing extremist violence.

Key Facts

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a ministerial meeting on far-left political terrorism at the State Department.
  • Rubio claimed far-left terrorism is a national security blind spot and is often dismissed due to ideological bias.
  • He alleged some left-wing groups collaborate with hostile countries like Cuba and Iran.
  • Over 80 countries were invited, and representatives from 66 attended the conference.
  • Several top U.S. officials joined Rubio, including White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and FBI Director Kash Patel.
  • President Donald Trump has prioritized fighting political violence and domestic terrorism in his second term.
  • Critics say the administration focuses too much on left-wing threats and ignores right-wing and other extremist violence.
  • The American Civil Liberties Union criticized the administration for targeting peaceful activists under terrorism pretenses.
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ABC News
Railroad, airline labor mediator fired by Trump drops legal fight

Railroad, airline labor mediator fired by Trump drops legal fight

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Deirdre Hamilton, a member of the National Mediation Board that helps resolve labor disputes in airlines and railroads, was fired by President Donald Trump. She had challenged her removal in court but has now dropped her legal case following a judge's order.

Key Facts

  • The National Mediation Board helps settle labor disputes in the airline and railroad industries.
  • Deirdre Hamilton was appointed to this board by Democrats.
  • President Donald Trump has the authority to fire members of certain government agencies.
  • Hamilton challenged her firing in court.
  • The Supreme Court made a decision that expanded the President’s power to remove agency members.
  • A judge ordered dismissal of Hamilton’s case.
  • Hamilton decided to drop her legal fight after the judge’s order.
  • This case shows how the Supreme Court decision affects government boards.
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The Hill
Trump administration tightens visa rules for foreign students

Trump administration tightens visa rules for foreign students

July 16, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

The Trump administration is introducing new rules that limit how long foreign students can stay in the U.S., setting a maximum of four years unless they get special permission. The rules also reduce the time graduates have to stay in the country after finishing their studies from 60 days to 30 days, and restrict the ability to change programs or transfer schools without government approval.

Key Facts

  • The new visa rules apply to foreign students on F-1 and J-1 visas.
  • Previously, students could stay in the U.S. as long as it took to finish their studies under "duration of status."
  • Now, students can only stay up to four years without extra permission from the federal government.
  • Changing programs or transferring between schools requires government approval, not just school permission as before.
  • After graduation, students have 30 days to leave or switch to another visa, down from 60 days.
  • The Department of Homeland Security says the changes improve security and stop visa abuse.
  • The Association of International Educators says the rules add unnecessary problems and fear to the system.
  • These changes are part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to limit immigration and reduce the number of foreign students.
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BBC US BBC Top Stories
Nicki Minaj defends Trump adviser in feud with House Republican

Nicki Minaj defends Trump adviser in feud with House Republican

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rapper Nicki Minaj publicly supported Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to President Donald Trump, after a Florida congressman, Randy Fine, urged President Trump to stop working with Bruesewitz. Minaj used the social media platform X to share her support for Bruesewitz.

Key Facts

  • Nicki Minaj is friends with Alex Bruesewitz.
  • Alex Bruesewitz is an outside adviser to President Donald Trump.
  • Representative Randy Fine from Florida wants President Trump to end his relationship with Bruesewitz.
  • Minaj responded on social media platform X to defend Bruesewitz.
  • The report about Fine’s request came from NOTUS news.
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The Hill
State Department considering $100,000 bonds on green card applicants

State Department considering $100,000 bonds on green card applicants

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Trump administration is thinking about requiring green card applicants to pay a $100,000 bond. The bond would show that immigrants can support themselves financially and help society.

Key Facts

  • The administration is considering a $100,000 bond for green card applicants.
  • This requirement aims to ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient.
  • The bond is meant to prove applicants will contribute more to society than they take.
  • The announcement came from State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
  • The bond idea is still being evaluated and has not yet been implemented.
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The Hill
JD Vance accuses Israel of 'manipulating' US public opinion to prolong Iran war

JD Vance accuses Israel of 'manipulating' US public opinion to prolong Iran war

July 16, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

US Vice-President JD Vance accused some Israeli government members of trying to influence American public opinion to keep the war with Iran going. Vance said this influence aims to stop negotiations and continue military conflict, while the US recently made an agreement with Iran to try to ease tensions.

Key Facts

  • JD Vance said some Israeli officials are "manipulating" US opinion to prolong the Iran war.
  • Vance trusts some in the Israeli government but criticized others for hurting US diplomacy.
  • The US and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last month to continue talks and pause fighting.
  • Tensions have risen again with attacks and military strikes in the region involving the US, Iran, and allies.
  • Vance has been directly involved in recent negotiations with Iran, including meetings in Pakistan and Switzerland.
  • White House Press Secretary acknowledged foreign countries try to influence US public opinion.
  • The US and Israel started joint strikes on Iran in February, leading to Iranian attacks on Israel and US allies.
  • The US House rejected a proposal to cut billions of dollars in aid to Israel, showing some divided opinions in Congress.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
GOP senator to introduce bill to sanction Canada over wildfire smoke

GOP senator to introduce bill to sanction Canada over wildfire smoke

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio plans to introduce a bill to punish Canada and its officials. The bill aims to respond to smoke and bad air quality in the U.S. caused by large wildfires in Canada.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bernie Moreno is from Ohio and a supporter of President Trump.
  • Moreno will introduce the bill next week.
  • The bill targets Canada and specific Canadian government officials.
  • It is a response to wildfires in Canada that caused smoke to spread into the U.S.
  • The smoke has led to unhealthy air quality in parts of the United States.
  • The bill proposes sanctions, which are penalties or restrictions, against Canada.
  • Wildfires in Canada have affected air safety across the U.S. border.
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The Hill
More Pennsylvania voters in new poll say they are worse off financially than a year ago

More Pennsylvania voters in new poll say they are worse off financially than a year ago

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A new poll shows that more voters in Pennsylvania feel their financial situation has gotten worse compared to last year. Pennsylvania is an important state that President Trump won in 2024, and this poll was conducted as the midterm elections approach.

Key Facts

  • The poll is from Quinnipiac University.
  • 44% of Pennsylvania voters say they are worse off financially than a year ago.
  • This percentage is higher than in previous months.
  • Pennsylvania is considered a key swing state.
  • President Trump won Pennsylvania in the 2024 presidential election.
  • The poll results come ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
  • The financial outlook of voters could influence their voting decisions.
  • The poll reflects voters’ personal economic experiences, not predictions.
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The Hill
White House teleprompter operator put on leave over alleged bets on Trump speeches

White House teleprompter operator put on leave over alleged bets on Trump speeches

July 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A White House teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, was placed on unpaid administrative leave after reports said he used early information about President Trump’s speeches to win over $100,000 betting on an online prediction market called Kalshi. The White House confirmed it follows strict ethical rules and is now having someone else operate the teleprompter during official speeches.

Key Facts

  • Gabriel Perez has operated President Trump’s teleprompter since 2016.
  • Perez allegedly used advance knowledge of speeches to place bets on Kalshi’s “mentions” market, where people bet on if certain words or topics will be said.
  • Kalshi detected unusual betting and reported it to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the federal agency overseeing such markets.
  • Perez earned about $175,000 a year as a White House technical adviser.
  • The White House placed Perez on unpaid administrative leave and informed President Trump about the situation.
  • Federal authorities have recently started investigating insider trading linked to prediction markets like Kalshi.
  • Kalshi and its competitor Polymarket made new rules recently after lawmakers proposed restrictions on prediction markets.
  • The CFTC, led by chair Michael Selig, supports Kalshi’s legal standing at the federal level, overriding state laws.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Democrats launch prebuttal to Trump address: 'He's scared to death' of the midterms

Democrats launch prebuttal to Trump address: 'He's scared to death' of the midterms

July 16, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Democrats responded before President Donald Trump's prime-time speech, expecting him to focus on claims about the 2020 election. Some Republicans say Trump should concentrate on the upcoming midterm elections instead of revisiting past election issues.

Key Facts

  • President Trump plans a speech about "protecting the integrity of our elections," expected to address the 2020 election.
  • Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, criticized Trump for questioning Georgia voters and election results.
  • Ossoff is up for re-election in November, with Republicans targeting his seat.
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the speech will focus on election security and transparency.
  • Some Republicans, including Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, think focusing on 2020 is unhelpful for the midterms.
  • Representative Thomas Massie said the White House is wrongly blaming election problems instead of other issues.
  • The midterm elections are upcoming, and attention is on whether Trump’s focus will impact voter attitudes.
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ABC News
Speaker Johnson's latest challenge: Funding Trump's war in Iran

Speaker Johnson's latest challenge: Funding Trump's war in Iran

July 16, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing a budget plan called Reconciliation 3.0 to fund President Donald Trump's military actions in Iran. The plan seeks about $95 billion for defense, intelligence, farm aid, and election changes but faces opposition from some Republican lawmakers because it does not include spending cuts or ways to pay for the new costs.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has restarted military operations in Iran, needing funding for a 138-day conflict.
  • Speaker Johnson aims to pass a budget through a process called budget reconciliation, which requires only a simple Senate majority.
  • The $95 billion package includes up to $60 billion for military costs and $13 billion for intelligence related to the Iran war.
  • The plan also includes $12 billion for farmers and parts of the SAVE America Act, which involves election reforms.
  • Budget reconciliation lets Republicans pass this bill without Democratic support since they control the House, Senate, and White House.
  • Some House Republicans oppose the plan because it does not have spending cuts or any offsets to cover the new expenses.
  • Losing more than three Republican votes could cause the plan to fail, as Johnson has a slim majority.
  • A vote on the budget resolution is expected soon before the five-week summer recess.
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ABC News
7/16: The Takeout with Major Garrett

7/16: The Takeout with Major Garrett

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump will deliver a primetime speech about election security. Todd Blanche is attending his second day of hearings to be confirmed as attorney general.

Key Facts

  • President Trump plans a primetime address focused on election security.
  • Todd Blanche is undergoing confirmation hearings for the role of attorney general.
  • The hearings for Blanche have reached their second day.
  • The information was shared on CBS News.
  • The events are part of U.S. political and government activities.
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CBS News
Gallego Dismisses 'Gossip' After Report on Sexual Relations With Staffers

Gallego Dismisses 'Gossip' After Report on Sexual Relations With Staffers

July 16, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego is reported to have had sexual relationships with two House staffers during his time in the House of Representatives. Gallego did not confirm or deny the claims and called the reports "gossip."

Key Facts

  • The New York Post reported that Senator Ruben Gallego had relationships with two Democratic House staffers while serving from 2015 to 2025.
  • Gallego is a married father of three and described as "very flirtatious."
  • He refused to comment on the accusations when asked and called them gossip.
  • One source said the relationships reflect a pattern of poor judgment by Gallego.
  • Allegations arose amid increased scrutiny after the resignation of Representative Eric Swalwell over sexual assault claims.
  • The Senate Ethics Committee dismissed an earlier complaint against Gallego involving campaign finance and sexual misconduct.
  • Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna publicly mentioned hearing reports of inappropriate behavior by Gallego toward multiple women.
  • Gallego denied rumors connecting him to a controversial video involving Swalwell.
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Newsweek
Senate Republicans block Dem attempt to end AI prior authorization in Medicare

Senate Republicans block Dem attempt to end AI prior authorization in Medicare

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senate Republicans stopped a Democratic effort to end a Medicare program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to approve or deny medical care ordered by doctors. The vote fell along party lines, with 50 senators against and 46 in favor of ending the program.

Key Facts

  • The program was started during President Donald Trump’s administration.
  • It uses AI to help decide if Medicare will approve or reject medical treatments suggested by doctors.
  • Democrats tried to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to stop the program.
  • The Senate voted 50 to 46 against ending the AI pilot program.
  • The vote was split by party, with Republicans supporting the program and Democrats opposing it.
  • CRA is a tool Congress can use to overturn federal rules or programs.
  • The AI pilot aims to make Medicare authorization faster and more efficient.
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The Hill
Leavitt claims Trump's primetime address "will shock you"

Leavitt claims Trump's primetime address "will shock you"

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump plans to accuse China of interfering in U.S. elections during his primetime speech on Thursday night. This information comes from sources cited by CBS News.

Key Facts

  • President Trump will give a primetime speech on Thursday night.
  • In the speech, he will claim that China tried to influence U.S. elections.
  • The report comes from sources mentioned by CBS News.
  • CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi provided the update.
  • The speech is expected to address election security and foreign interference.
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CBS News
Trump changes Reflecting Pool ‘gash’ size again, but offers no evidence

Trump changes Reflecting Pool ‘gash’ size again, but offers no evidence

July 16, 2026 • France24

Summary

President Trump has said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was vandalized and drained for repairs. He has repeatedly changed the reported size of the damage but has not shown any proof of vandalism. Observers at the site did not see clear signs of the large damage he described.

Key Facts

  • President Trump claimed the Reflecting Pool was damaged by vandals using a knife or box cutter.
  • He first said the damage was 250 feet, then 300 feet, later 350 feet, and recently said 300 yards (900 feet).
  • No photos or evidence have been made public to prove the vandalism claims.
  • Media and visitors who saw the drained pool reported no obvious cuts or gashes.
  • A long line seen in the pool is actually a drainage channel, not damage.
  • The pool was painted blue for the US 250th anniversary, but algae growth turned it green.
  • Chemicals to kill the algae caused the blue paint to chip and float on the water.
  • President Trump has denied that the renovation or contractors caused the problems and blamed vandals instead.
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France24