Harold Hamm, a successful US oil businessman and longtime friend of President Donald Trump, has influenced US energy and foreign policy, especially regarding Israel and Iran. Hamm’s group, the Council for a Secure America (CSA), has worked to strengthen US-Israel ties, warn about Iran, and promote US energy production as a matter of national security.
Key Facts
Harold Hamm is a wealthy oilman who helped pioneer fracking and reversed US oil production decline in 2008.
President Trump calls Hamm his “original oil guy” and he has donated over $2 million to Trump’s campaigns.
Hamm influenced the lifting of the US crude oil export ban in 2015, benefiting his company.
Hamm warns Iran is a threat to Israel and the US and supports strong US oil production to reduce foreign energy dependence.
Hamm co-founded the Council for a Secure America (CSA), a nonprofit promoting US energy dominance and security cooperation with Israel.
Between October 2023 and early 2024, CSA held 300 briefings with US lawmakers and many meetings with US and Israeli security officials.
CSA includes former Israeli officials, oil executives, and ex-White House staff; it focuses on educating about energy’s role in national security without direct lobbying.
CSA members met multiple times with current or former US government officials, including Trump’s interior secretary and a former energy secretary.
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Some Democratic members of Congress are very left-wing, and their actions may draw more attention than the Trump administration. This could affect how voters see the Democratic Party in future elections, including those through 2028.
Key Facts
The article discusses Democrats in Congress who hold very left-wing political views.
These members might overshadow President Trump's administration in public attention.
The situation could influence voter opinions about the Democratic Party.
This dynamic may play a role in upcoming elections up to the year 2028.
The focus is on internal party politics and how it could affect electoral outcomes.
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President Donald Trump will give a primetime speech focused on election security and voting system vulnerabilities, especially related to the 2020 election. He plans to share new intelligence about election interference and voting machine flaws, aiming to push for stronger election safeguards.
Key Facts
President Trump will speak at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday about elections and voting security.
The speech is expected to cover intelligence linked to the 2020 election and voting machines.
Trump has repeatedly claimed the 2020 election was "rigged" and questioned its security.
Officials have reviewed election intelligence and voting systems for over a year.
Voting machine security and potential foreign hacking risks will be a main focus.
Previous court cases and audits found no proof of widespread 2020 election fraud.
Trump may present new claims about China accessing American voter data.
Earlier intelligence said China did not interfere in vote counting or election infrastructure.
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The Biden administration is reviewing a proposed rule that might limit some immigrants’ access to federal tax credits. The rule would apply a 1996 law to reduce refundable tax benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit for certain immigrants.
Key Facts
The Treasury Department sent the proposal to a regulatory office on July 14 for review before public comment.
The proposal aims to apply the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to some refundable tax credits.
Affected tax credits may include the Earned Income Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit, and Saver’s Match Credit.
The rule could exclude immigrants who are not “qualified aliens” under federal law from receiving these tax credits.
Lawful permanent residents and some immigrants with legal status may still be eligible if they meet IRS rules.
Immigrants without Social Security numbers valid for work generally cannot claim certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Undocumented immigrants pay billions in federal, state, and local taxes annually but may lose access to some tax benefits if the rule advances.
The final impact depends on the exact wording and which immigrant groups are included in the rule.
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The Trump administration has decided to add a 25 percent tax on some products coming into the U.S. from Brazil. This happened after a one-year review found that Brazil used unfair trade actions.
Key Facts
The tariffs will be 25 percent on certain Brazilian imports.
The decision follows a yearlong investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
The probe found issues with Brazil’s digital trade rules.
It also noted weak enforcement of anti-corruption measures in Brazil.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the decision.
The tariff aims to address Brazil’s unfair trade practices.
This action is part of the Trump administration’s trade policy efforts.
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President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts have involved not just ICE but also federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, creating a large force focused on deportations. This expansion has blurred the lines between local policing and federal immigration duties, making it harder for people to understand who is stopping them and raising civil rights concerns.
Key Facts
About 50,000 law enforcement officers across federal, state, and local levels have been involved in immigration enforcement under President Trump’s deportation campaign.
More than 25,000 federal officers outside of ICE, including around 9,161 FBI agents, took part in immigration enforcement during 2025.
Congress allocated $240 billion for immigration enforcement since July 2025, leading to the hiring of 12,000 new ICE agents.
The ACLU reviewed 1,213 immigration enforcement cases across multiple states in 2025 and found 375 incidents involving force or threats of force.
ICE has used various tactics such as physical force, chemical irritants, stun guns, and damage to vehicles during enforcement actions.
ICE pays state and local police through "287(g)" agreements to participate in immigration enforcement, with payments sometimes exceeding $40,000 per officer.
Local agencies like Florida Highway Patrol and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries conduct immigration sweeps routinely.
The use of unmarked police gear and masked agents has caused confusion and reduced trust in genuine local police work.
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule change that would reduce certain regulations. While this might make some processes easier, experts warn it could create risks to national security.
Key Facts
The EPA wants to change a rule to reduce regulatory requirements.
This change aims to make some regulations less strict or easier to follow.
Critics say this could lead to national security issues.
National security refers to protecting the country from threats such as terrorism or attacks.
The specific risks linked to the rule change have not been detailed in the article.
The rule change reflects a decision by the current administration under President Donald Trump.
The EPA is responsible for protecting the environment and public health.
Changes in EPA rules can affect industries and government policies.
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New Yorkers are being told to stay inside and limit outdoor activities as extreme heat and smoke from Canadian wildfires cause unhealthy air quality across the state. The city has opened cooling centers, distributed free masks, and adjusted public activities to help people cope with the situation.
Key Facts
Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires is causing air pollution problems in New York.
A heat wave is raising temperatures near 100°F, with heat index values above 100 in parts of New York City.
Air quality levels are unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups, and some upstate areas have more severe pollution.
The Air Quality Index in New York City could reach around 200, which can harm everyone's health.
Health officials warn that wildfire smoke can cause coughing, dizziness, and worsen asthma or heart disease.
New Yorkers are advised to stay indoors, use air conditioning or purifiers, and wear N95/KN95 masks if outside.
The city opened hundreds of cooling centers to provide relief from the heat.
Free KN95 masks are available at public libraries and transit stations in the city.
Schools and public programs have shifted activities indoors or rescheduled to protect residents.
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The Trump administration replaced an exhibit at George Washington’s former Philadelphia home that focused on enslaved people’s lives with new panels it says give a fuller picture of history. This change followed legal battles with the city of Philadelphia and criticism that the new exhibit downplays the harsh realities of slavery.
Key Facts
The National Park Service removed the original slavery exhibit panels on January 22, 2026, to follow President Trump’s 2025 executive order on American history.
The original panels told the story of nine enslaved people who lived at Washington’s Philadelphia home in the 1790s.
Philadelphia sued to keep the original panels, and a federal judge initially ordered their reinstatement.
A higher court ruled in mid-June that the Trump administration could replace the exhibit.
The new panels emphasize Washington’s discomfort with slavery and suggest slaves had some freedoms not common in the South.
Critics say the change whitewashes history and sanitizes the realities of slavery.
The Department of Interior says the new panels acknowledge the evils of slavery and encourage people to learn about US history.
Philadelphia’s mayor and others say the overnight removal under the “cover of darkness” was a disrespectful move that breaks community trust.
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The Trump administration delayed the opening of the Gordie Howe international bridge between Detroit and Windsor for several months amid disputes linked to a donor who owns a nearby bridge. The new $4.7 billion bridge is now set to open on July 27 after the U.S. and Canada reached an agreement.
Key Facts
The Gordie Howe bridge connects Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, and cost $4.7 billion.
The opening was delayed for months and a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June was canceled.
Critics say the delay favored Matthew Moroun, owner of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, who donated $1 million to a Trump political action committee in January.
The Ambassador Bridge is North America’s busiest international crossing but is old, congested, and has safety issues.
Canada funded the construction of the Gordie Howe bridge, and Michigan and Canada will jointly own and operate it.
The new agreement gives the U.S. government a say in toll prices if they drop below regional averages—previously Canada set tolls.
Democrats have accused the Trump administration of blocking the bridge’s opening as a favor to Moroun and called for an investigation.
U.S. officials say they are ready to staff the U.S. entry plaza needed for the bridge to operate.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new program to screen soldiers aged 30 and older for testosterone levels and offer replacement therapy if needed. The policy's details are unclear, including whether it applies to women, but it comes amid tensions with Iran and ongoing military priorities.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary, introduced a testosterone screening program for military personnel over 30 years old.
The goal is to help keep soldiers physically effective by maintaining "the right testosterone levels."
It is uncertain if the program applies to women, as testosterone treatments for women are not FDA-approved.
Hegseth has a history of opposing women in combat roles but changed his position during his nomination process.
He recently blocked the promotion of several senior navy officers, mostly women or people of color, to two-star admirals.
The Department of Defense spends significantly more on erectile dysfunction drugs than on healthcare for transgender troops.
The announcement comes during heightened tensions with Iran, which threatened to halt energy exports amid U.S. actions.
Critics question the timing and importance of a testosterone policy given more urgent military challenges.
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Six Los Angeles city council candidates played a Dungeons & Dragons game to raise money for their election campaigns. The event, led by comedian and dungeon master Brennan Lee Mulligan, raised $30,000 to support progressive candidates and is part of a larger movement where tabletop role-playing games help political activism and community building.
Key Facts
Six LA city council candidates played Dungeons & Dragons at a fundraising event before election day.
Comedian Brennan Lee Mulligan led the game, guiding players to defeat corporate villains and a dragon.
The event raised $30,000 for the city’s primary election campaigns.
Five of the candidates involved either won re-election or moved to the general election in November.
Many Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) players use the games to express political views and raise money for causes.
These games create a community and safe space for marginalized groups, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and neurodivergent people.
The parent company of D&D, Wizards of the Coast, banned the use of artificial intelligence to create game art in 2023.
The games encourage creativity and storytelling, which some players see as a way to resist political challenges and promote social change.
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Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was killed by an ICE agent in Houston on July 7 after living in the United States for 35 years. His sons, Ronaldo Salgado and Lorenzo Salgado Jr., spoke about their father and disagreed with ICE's claim that he used his van as a weapon during a traffic stop.
Key Facts
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Houston.
The incident happened on July 7.
Salgado had lived in the U.S. for 35 years.
ICE said Salgado "weaponized" his van during a traffic stop.
Salgado’s family disputes the ICE's claim.
His sons, Ronaldo and Lorenzo Jr., shared their memories of their father in an interview.
The case has drawn public attention and news coverage.
The interview was aired by CBS News.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is changing rules to allow immigration officers to consider if green card applicants used government benefits like Medicaid, food stamps, or housing help. This rule, under President Trump’s administration, expands how officials decide if applicants can support themselves and may affect hundreds of thousands of people applying for permanent residency.
Key Facts
DHS will remove a 2022 rule that limited use of the "public charge" test for immigrants.
The "public charge" test checks if immigrants might rely on government support in the future.
Officers can now review factors like age, health, family, money, education, skills, and use of benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps, and housing help.
About 588,000 people applying to adjust their status to green cards inside the U.S. will be affected every year.
Some immigrant groups, like refugees and victims of crime, are exempt from this test.
There is concern the rule might cause immigrant families to avoid public benefits even if they qualify.
The rule is expected to be published soon and go into effect early next week.
Benefits used by family members won’t count as the applicant’s own but may be considered when looking at the household’s financial situation.
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A U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet flew very low over a crowded beach in Pensacola, Florida, during an air show. The jet’s low flight caused beach chairs and umbrellas to blow around, but no one was hurt, and the Navy is reviewing the incident.
Key Facts
The Blue Angels are an elite U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.
The low flyover happened on a crowded beach during an air show in Pensacola Beach, Florida.
The jet flew lower than the usual height for such shows, causing a disturbance.
Beach umbrellas and chairs were blown by the jet’s strong air blast.
No injuries were reported from the incident.
People on the beach cheered and said the experience was amazing.
The Navy is conducting a review of the flight because it did not follow standard safety profiles.
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U.S. health officials are investigating a rise in cyclospora infections across the country this year. Cyclospora is a parasite that causes intestinal illness and spreads through contaminated food or water, often fresh produce. The CDC has confirmed over 1,600 cases since May and expects more infections through August.
Key Facts
The CDC has confirmed 1,645 cyclospora cases in the U.S. since May 1, 2024.
Over 5,100 additional reports are under review to check if they are related to the outbreak.
Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and causes prolonged diarrhea and stomach problems.
The parasite spreads when food or water becomes contaminated by human waste, not usually directly person to person.
Common foods linked to cyclospora outbreaks include lettuce, cilantro, berries, and other raw fruits and vegetables.
The FDA is investigating sources of contamination and interviewing sick people to trace the food supply chain.
Taco Bell has removed some fresh produce items as a precaution during the investigation.
Symptoms usually start about a week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and tiredness.
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President Donald Trump announced plans to speed up truck driver licenses for U.S. military veterans and reduce the number of immigrant truck drivers on U.S. roads. The administration has recently tightened rules restricting some immigrant truck drivers from getting licenses, citing safety concerns.
Key Facts
President Trump said veterans who drove heavy trucks in the military would be quickly eligible for commercial driver’s licenses.
The White House has not yet given details on how the program will work or if veterans must take tests.
Federal rules already allow some states to waive certain license tests for military vets with driving experience.
About 10% of current U.S. truck drivers are veterans, and immigrants make up about 18% of truck drivers.
The Trump administration introduced new restrictions earlier this year limiting licenses for some immigrant workers, including asylum seekers and DACA recipients.
The Transportation Department noted that fatal crashes involving immigrant drivers motivated stricter licensing rules.
Immigrant truck drivers in the U.S. increased from about 316,000 in 2000 to over 720,000 in 2021.
An executive order requires English-language proficiency for commercial truck drivers and reviews licenses issued to foreign nationals.
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Sarah Alday, a 24-year-old woman with autism, has become popular on social media for sharing her love of gardening. Her videos have attracted millions of followers who enjoy seeing her gardening activities.
Key Facts
Sarah Alday is 24 years old and has autism.
She shares videos about gardening on social media platforms.
Her content has gained millions of fans.
The coverage was provided by ABC News reporter Danny New.
The story highlights everyday interests and achievements of people with autism.
Gardening is the main focus of Sarah's social media content.
The article was published on July 16, 2026.
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President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Darline Graham, who was recently appointed to temporarily fill the Senate seat of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. The meeting will take place in the White House shortly after Lindsey Graham’s death, and Darline Graham has pledged to continue her brother’s work in the Senate.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator, died suddenly at age 71 from an aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease.
Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, was appointed by South Carolina’s governor to serve the rest of Lindsey’s Senate term.
President Trump will meet Darline Graham in the Oval Office at 9:30 a.m. local time.
Lindsey Graham was seeking a fifth Senate term and had recently won the Republican nomination.
A special election will be held in August to choose the new Senate nominee for South Carolina.
President Trump is also scheduled to meet El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele on the same day.
Additional news mentioned includes House Democrats voting to reduce military aid to Israel and political developments involving Trump’s nominees.
The US Mint has begun producing a commemorative $1 coin featuring Donald Trump for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
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The Trump administration has proposed new security measures around the White House, including a fence around Lafayette Park and an underground screening center for visitors. These plans are being reviewed by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which oversees construction design on federal land in Washington, to improve safety in response to recent threats against President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The proposal includes a fence around Lafayette Park to control public access when needed.
The park fence would have gates at the north and south entrances and may include or exclude four corner monuments.
Security concerns increased after multiple assassination attempts on President Trump and a shooting near the White House in 2026.
The new fence aims to replace temporary barriers like bicycle rack-style barriers currently used.
An underground screening center is planned to improve visitor and worker security at the White House.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose seven members were appointed by President Trump, is reviewing these plans.
The plan includes similar fencing along Pennsylvania Avenue, north of the White House, between 15th and 17th Streets.
The Secret Service expects fence construction to begin sometime in 2027.
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