Heavy rain and thunderstorms caused flash flooding in parts of the north-eastern United States on Saturday, following smoky conditions from Canadian wildfires. In Texas, major rivers are rising after days of storms and rain, causing flooding, rescues, and infrastructure damage.
Key Facts
Smoke from Canadian wildfires returned to New York City and nearby areas, making air quality unhealthy.
Strong thunderstorms brought heavy rain and flash flood warnings in northern New Jersey and New York City.
Over 2.5 inches of rain fell in some areas, causing flooding in neighborhoods like Jamaica and Brooklyn Heights.
The National Weather Service warned of frequent severe storms with risks including flash flooding, wind damage, hail, and possible tornadoes.
In Texas, the Devils River and Rio Grande are expected to reach major flood stages after heavy rain over several days.
Flooding in Texas has led to rescues, two deaths, and damage to roads and bridges, including parts of Interstate 10.
Flood waters in Texas forced evacuation of communities and overwhelmed some local infrastructure and parks.
Cincinnati, Ohio, also experienced rapid flooding, highlighting widespread impacts across multiple states.
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CNN host Michael Smerconish criticized major TV networks for not showing President Donald Trump’s primetime speech about election fraud. He said viewers should be able to watch the speech and decide what to think on their own.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a primetime speech on election fraud.
Major networks like CNN, NBC, and ABC did not broadcast the speech live.
CNN host Michael Smerconish criticized these networks for their decision.
Smerconish called the networks’ choice “condescension,” meaning they acted like viewers couldn’t judge the speech themselves.
The speech took place on a Thursday night.
Smerconish expressed that viewers should be trusted to evaluate what the president says.
The networks’ choice not to air the speech was notable because of the speech's importance.
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The U.S. Interior Department ended a rule that automatically protected plants and animals listed as threatened with extinction. Now, each threatened species will need a separate protection plan, which could delay safeguards and allow industries to apply for exceptions.
Key Facts
The rule change was announced by the U.S. Interior Department on Friday.
It stops automatic protections for species considered threatened with extinction.
Species will now need individual protection plans instead of automatic ones.
This process may take a long time to complete.
Companies in oil, gas, mining, and other industries can ask for exemptions during this process.
The change was made during President Donald Trump’s administration.
The move affects rules under the Endangered Species Act, a major law to protect wildlife.
Critics warn this could lead to more species becoming extinct.
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David Crowley restarted his campaign for governor in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary after dropping out two weeks ago. He now has the support of outgoing Governor Tony Evers, who had previously stayed neutral.
Key Facts
David Crowley is running again for governor in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary.
He had stopped his campaign two weeks before reentering the race.
Governor Tony Evers, who had not endorsed anyone earlier, now supports Crowley.
Wisconsin is a key swing state where moderate and independent voters matter a lot.
The Democratic primary has been unstable, which could hurt the party’s chances in November.
Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez left the race amid a campaign finance issue.
The party aims to improve its chances in a state known for very close elections.
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Two U.S. service members died, and one is missing after Iran attacked two military bases in Jordan. Four other American soldiers were treated in hospitals and released, while others with minor injuries have returned to duty.
Key Facts
Iran attacked two military bases located in Jordan.
Two U.S. service members were killed in the attacks.
One U.S. service member remains missing after the attacks.
Four American soldiers were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals.
The four evacuated soldiers have been discharged from the hospitals.
Other U.S. troops with minor injuries were checked and returned to duty.
U.S. Central Command confirmed these details.
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Research from the University of Connecticut shows that fewer men are working partly because as children, they develop lower expectations about the benefits of working. This change in mindset over time is linked to the long-term drop in the number of men in the workforce.
Key Facts
The study focuses on why fewer men participate in the labor force.
It finds that childhood attitudes about work rewards affect men's decisions to work.
Men who expect fewer benefits from work are less likely to join or stay in the workforce.
This trend has been happening over a long period.
The research comes from the University of Connecticut.
The findings suggest psychological factors are important in understanding labor patterns.
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After deadly floods struck Texas' Hill Country in 2025, officials worked to improve flood warning systems and safety measures. When new storms hit in 2026, early warning alerts and sirens helped warn some residents, though challenges remained in reaching everyone in the rural area.
Key Facts
In July 2025, floods killed over 100 people in Texas Hill Country, including 28 at a girls' sleepaway camp.
Officials promised better flood warning systems, stricter safety rules for camps, and improved water infrastructure.
In 2026, new storms caused flash floods in some of the same areas, leading to at least two deaths and many rescues.
Newly installed flood sirens and emergency alerts were sent out early, unlike during the 2025 disaster.
Kerr County and the city of Kerrville issued multiple flood and evacuation alerts during the 2026 floods.
The National Weather Service sent 38 alerts over several days, warning of floods and tornadoes.
Some residents reported receiving many warnings from various sources, while others in certain areas may not have received local alerts.
Rural areas in Texas, known as Flash Flood Alley, face challenges in delivering timely and detailed flood warnings to all residents.
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Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin has publicly supported David Crowley’s campaign to become governor. This backing came one day after Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez suddenly left the race for governor.
Key Facts
Governor Tony Evers is a member of the Democratic Party.
David Crowley is the Milwaukee County Executive running for governor of Wisconsin.
Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, also a Democrat, recently withdrew from the governor’s race.
Evers announced his full support for Crowley’s campaign.
The support aims to ensure Wisconsin has a governor who represents the interests of the state’s residents.
Crowley’s campaign was previously paused or inactive before this renewed effort.
The race for Wisconsin governor includes multiple Democratic candidates.
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Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, opposes the SAVE Act, a bill supported by President Donald Trump that requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. She says the bill would make voting much harder for many Alaskans because the state’s large size and limited offices would force some to spend over $1,000 to travel and register in person.
Key Facts
The SAVE Act would require people to prove U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
Some people would need to show this proof in person to election officials.
Alaska has only six offices that can accept this documentation, despite its large size.
About 80% of Alaska’s communities are not connected by roads, making travel difficult.
Some Alaskans, especially in remote areas like Savoonga, could pay over $1,000 in travel and lodging just to register.
Alaska has a large Native population, who may have trouble providing birth certificates or other documents.
Murkowski is concerned the bill could cause voting problems and confusion before the November elections.
She supports election rules that stop non-citizens from voting but says this bill is not practical for Alaska.
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Rep. Ralph Norman from South Carolina announced he will run for the U.S. Senate seat left open after Senator Lindsey Graham passed away. Norman expressed support for President Donald Trump and indicated his intention to continue policies aligned with the President.
Key Facts
Rep. Ralph Norman is a Republican congressman from South Carolina.
Senator Lindsey Graham, also a Republican, recently passed away.
Norman announced his candidacy for Graham’s Senate seat on Saturday.
The Senate seat represents South Carolina, also known as the Palmetto State.
Norman stated he wants to support President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Lindsey Graham was known for fighting to defend South Carolina and the country.
The Senate seat opened unexpectedly due to Graham’s sudden death.
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Kirandeep Kaur, a 24-year-old mother, was stabbed and killed while asleep with her baby and husband in their home in Hayes, west London. A man has been charged with her murder, and her family in India is seeking justice and wants her body returned for a funeral in their hometown.
Key Facts
Kirandeep Kaur moved to London in September 2024 to study and work to support her family.
She completed her studies at Buckinghamshire New University and worked in a grocery store.
Kirandeep was killed in her home on Uxbridge Road, Hayes, west London, on Sunday 12 July.
Daniel Sean James, 46, was charged with her murder, attempted murder, and possession of a blade.
James broke both ankles after allegedly jumping out of a window following the attack.
Kirandeep leaves behind her husband, infant child, three siblings, and parents in India.
Vigils were held by the local Sikh community in London to honor Kirandeep.
Her family wants her body returned to India for a funeral and calls for justice.
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Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is rejoining the Democratic race for Wisconsin governor after Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez withdrew due to a campaign finance problem. The primary election is set for August 11, with the winner facing Republican Tom Tiffany in a competitive general election.
Key Facts
David Crowley had dropped out of the race but plans to announce his return at a campaign rally in Milwaukee.
Sara Rodriguez quit the race because of issues with missing campaign funds and fired her campaign manager.
Governor Tony Evers, who is not running for a third term, is expected to endorse Crowley.
Other Democratic candidates include Francesca Hong, Mandela Barnes, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan.
The Democratic primary winner will run against Republican Tom Tiffany, who faces little competition in his primary.
Prediction markets currently show Francesca Hong as the favorite, but Crowley’s chances have recently increased sharply.
Wisconsin is a key swing state, with President Donald Trump narrowly winning it in the 2024 presidential election.
The Cook Political Report rates the governor’s race in Wisconsin as a toss-up, indicating it could go to either party.
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One person died and three people are missing after a boat with about 20 people sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Rescue teams, including the San Francisco Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard, have been searching for the missing and helped bring others safely to shore.
Key Facts
The boat sank on Tuesday near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay.
About 20 people were on board the boat, named Volare, a 50-foot cabin cruiser from Stockton.
One person was found in the water in serious condition, given CPR, and later declared dead.
Thirteen people were safely brought to shore, and three were taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Three people remain missing, and rescue teams are continuing the search.
The boat reportedly started taking on water during rough seas and flipped over; no fire was found by rescuers.
Most people on board were adults and family members, reportedly attending a memorial service.
A family reunification center was set up at Fort Mason to support those affected.
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Two men in North Dakota found out they were switched at birth nearly 40 years ago after doing DNA tests. They and their families are suing the hospital, which denies responsibility but admits the babies were switched.
Key Facts
Kyle Bylin and Jeremy Morrison discovered they were switched as newborns after using home DNA tests.
Both babies were born at Unity Medical Center in North Dakota on January 28, 1988, just hours apart.
The lawsuit claims the hospital staff switched the babies without informing their parents.
Unity Medical Center denies causing the switch and says records and staff from that time are no longer available.
Bylin still has the hospital bracelet with the wrong name on it.
Both men have met their biological parents, describing the meetings as "welcoming but awkward."
Their families are trying to adjust to new relationships formed after the discovery.
About 18 babies each year in the U.S. might be accidentally switched at birth, but most are caught quickly.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy has dropped to record lows in two national polls conducted in early July 2026. Most Americans disapprove of how he is handling economic issues, with widespread concern about the cost of living and the country’s financial future.
Key Facts
Trump’s overall approval rating is 40% according to CNBC and 37% according to Washington Post–Ipsos polls.
Approval of Trump’s handling of the economy is lower, with 38% approval and 60% disapproval in CNBC, and 33% approval and 65% disapproval in Washington Post–Ipsos polls.
61% of people surveyed in the CNBC poll feel pessimistic about the current and future economy, the highest level since late 2023.
Nearly half of Americans (47%) report cutting back on essentials like food and medical care.
About two-thirds of Americans are reducing spending on non-essential items such as dining out and entertainment.
Despite negative economic views, Democrats only hold a small 4-point advantage for Congress, showing the electorate is closely divided.
Economic concerns are seen as likely to influence the 2026 midterm elections, with voters focusing on cost of living.
The White House emphasized that President Trump is working to create jobs, lower inflation, and make housing more affordable.
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A federal appeals court has allowed the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to continue with some changes to how it delivers mail-in ballots while legal challenges are still ongoing. However, a specific mail-in ballot rule from President Donald Trump’s administration is still blocked by another court order.
Key Facts
A three-judge panel from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals made the decision.
The USPS can move forward with proposed changes to mail-in ballot delivery.
Legal challenges against these changes are still happening.
The Trump administration’s mail-in ballot rule remains blocked by a separate court order.
The appeals court’s decision narrows but does not end the legal issues related to mail-in ballot procedures.
The case involves how the USPS handles election mail, which is important for voting by mail.
The ruling came on a Friday.
The lower court had previously stopped certain USPS changes related to mail-in ballots.
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The U.S. is experiencing a large increase in Cyclospora infections, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea, with more than 1,600 cases confirmed across 34 states. One major outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell in five states, leading to product recalls and ongoing federal investigations into other possible sources.
Key Facts
There are 1,645 confirmed Cyclospora cases in 34 states, with over 5,100 more under review as of mid-July 2026.
Cyclospora causes severe watery diarrhea and stomach problems.
141 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
One outbreak cluster is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Taco Bell and Taylor Farms have removed the contaminated lettuce from their supply chains.
The CDC and FDA are investigating other Cyclospora outbreaks to find additional contamination sources.
This surge follows several other foodborne illness outbreaks in 2026, including Salmonella linked to backyard poultry and moringa products, and infant botulism linked to powdered formula.
These outbreaks have involved multiple states and led to hospitalizations and regulatory actions to protect public health.
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Anti-abortion groups are increasing their efforts after a plan to stop Medicaid money from going to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood was not included in a recent Republican budget plan called reconciliation 3.0. This has caused more friction between Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists, who were already unhappy with President Donald Trump’s actions on the issue.
Key Facts
Anti-abortion groups want to block Medicaid funding for abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood.
The latest Republican reconciliation 3.0 budget plan did not include this funding restriction.
Anti-abortion activists are growing more active because of this exclusion.
There is existing tension between Republican leaders and anti-abortion activists.
Some activists were already upset with President Donald Trump for not using his executive power to restrict abortion funding.
Medicaid is a government program that helps low-income people pay for medical care.
Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health services, including abortions.
The debate is part of broader politics around abortion funding and access in the U.S.
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A recent poll shows that the Democratic Party has a small lead over the Republican Party in the race for the U.S. House of Representatives this November. The poll indicates that 48% of registered voters support Democrats, while 45% support Republicans.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by Washington Post and Ipsos.
It surveyed registered voters’ preferences for the U.S. House elections.
Democrats are ahead by 3 percentage points.
48% of respondents favor Democratic candidates.
45% of respondents favor Republican candidates.
The election is scheduled for November.
The lead for Democrats is described as slim.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded nearly $2.2 million in grants to eight schools and research groups across the U.S. These grants support student and teacher projects about veterans buried in national and VA cemeteries, aiming to educate young people about veterans' history and legacy.
Key Facts
The VA’s National Cemetery Administration gave out $2,199,686 in funding through the Veterans Legacy Program.
Eight institutions received grants to run local research and education projects about veterans.
Projects include studying veterans from different states such as Alaska, Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas, and more.
National History Day Inc. will help students research WWII Navy and Coast Guard veterans.
U.S. Korea Global Strategy Foundation will create webinars focused on Vietnam War veterans.
The University of Alaska Anchorage will involve students in research and build a memorial on campus.
Other universities will develop educational programs, create veteran biographies, and organize community events.
These initiatives aim to connect students with veterans’ stories and honor their sacrifices.
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