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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Air quality plummets in 20 states as smoke from Canadian wildfires spreads across the US

Air quality plummets in 20 states as smoke from Canadian wildfires spreads across the US

July 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Smoke from many wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is spreading across the US, causing poor air quality in over 20 states. Officials have issued air quality alerts and advised people to stay indoors or limit outdoor activities due to unhealthy and hazardous smoke conditions.

Key Facts

  • More than 180 wildfires are burning in northern Ontario, Canada.
  • Smoke from these fires has lowered air quality in over 20 US states, including New York, Michigan, and Illinois.
  • Detroit currently has the worst air quality in the world, followed by Toronto and Minneapolis.
  • Air quality levels range from "unhealthy" to "hazardous" in affected areas.
  • New York City extended its heat emergency plan and opened cooling centers to protect residents.
  • Over 100,000 N95 masks are being distributed in New York to help reduce smoke inhalation risks.
  • Officials recommend staying indoors, reducing outdoor activities, and using air conditioning.
  • Rain is expected to help improve air quality later this week.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump is expected to make election conspiracies a focus of his national address

Trump is expected to make election conspiracies a focus of his national address

July 16, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump plans to give a national speech about elections and voting machines. He is expected to repeat claims about election problems that have not been proven, especially related to the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden.

Key Facts

  • President Trump will speak on Thursday night about elections and voting machines.
  • He has previously made claims of unfair losses in elections, especially in 2020.
  • The 2020 election claims have been widely debunked and lack proof.
  • Trump mentioned he will share "really, really big news" during the speech.
  • He said the country needs to "shape up" and stressed the importance of free and fair elections.
  • The speech is set for 9 p.m. but details remain vague.
  • This address shows Trump focusing on old election grievances during his second term.
  • His approach marks a break from usual presidential speech topics by highlighting controversial election theories.
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PBS NewsHour
New clues, including GPS data, emerge from Nolan Wells' death investigation

New clues, including GPS data, emerge from Nolan Wells' death investigation

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

New GPS information from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources shows the path of the boat that Nolan Wells was on before he disappeared. Nolan Wells, a teenage boy from Mississippi, was found dead after a July 4th boat trip to Horn Island with friends. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances around his death.

Key Facts

  • Nolan Wells is a teenager from Mississippi.
  • He went missing during a boat trip on July 4th to Horn Island.
  • Friends were on the boat with him.
  • The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources provided new GPS data tracking the boat’s movements.
  • Nolan Wells was later found dead.
  • The investigation is ongoing to determine what happened.
  • CBS News is reporting updates on the investigation.
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CBS News
52 percent of Pennsylvania voters would like to see Fetterman leave Democratic Party: Poll

52 percent of Pennsylvania voters would like to see Fetterman leave Democratic Party: Poll

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A new poll shows that 52 percent of voters in Pennsylvania want Senator John Fetterman to leave the Democratic Party. Fetterman’s approval rating is 48 percent, but many voters would prefer if he joined the Republican Party instead.

Key Facts

  • 52 percent of Pennsylvania voters want Senator John Fetterman to leave the Democratic Party.
  • Senator Fetterman has a 48 percent approval rating according to Quinnipiac University.
  • There is speculation that Republicans have been trying to recruit Fetterman.
  • Fetterman is known as a centrist Democrat.
  • 57 percent of a subgroup of voters want Fetterman to change parties (specific subgroup details were not included).
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The Hill
Private schools offer 41% more tree shade than state schools in England

Private schools offer 41% more tree shade than state schools in England

July 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A study found that private schools in England have 41% more tree shade than state schools, helping cool outdoor areas during hot weather. Schools in poorer areas have much less tree cover, making classrooms hotter during heatwaves.

Key Facts

  • Private schools in England have 41% more tree cover than state schools.
  • Schools with many students eligible for free meals have 29% less tree cover than wealthier schools.
  • Tree cover helps reduce temperatures by 12°C to 18°C through shade and cooling effects.
  • Schools in rural areas have more trees than those in cities, but poorer rural schools still have less tree cover.
  • Some schools have lost mature trees, despite the cooling benefits they provide.
  • Cities like Blackpool, Bradford, and Luton have schools with very low tree cover, while wealthier areas like Wokingham and Richmond have more trees around schools.
  • During recent heatwaves, teachers used methods like wet towels and water trays to help students stay cool indoors.
  • The study used government data and mapping to analyze tree cover within 100 meters of school locations.
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Guardian World
Drained Reflecting Pool shows liner more grey than blue

Drained Reflecting Pool shows liner more grey than blue

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was recently renovated and refilled. After the work, people noticed that the bottom of the pool looks more gray than the bright blue color expected.

Key Facts

  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was recently renovated.
  • The pool was drained during the renovation.
  • The bottom of the pool was repainted to match a bright blue color representing the American flag.
  • After the renovation, the liner appears more gray than blue.
  • The color change surprised some observers.
  • A federal contract was involved in the repainting work.
  • The renovation finished last month.
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The Hill
How 5 States Gave Property Tax Relief in Their 2027 Budget

How 5 States Gave Property Tax Relief in Their 2027 Budget

July 16, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Five U.S. states have introduced property tax relief measures in their 2027 budgets to help homeowners facing rising costs. These measures include tax cuts, expanded exemptions, and proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes, amid concerns about housing affordability and increasing insurance and mortgage costs.

Key Facts

  • Property taxes rose by over 30% between 2019 and 2025, following a large increase in home values.
  • Home prices increased by 54% nationwide since 2020, driven by low borrowing costs and limited housing supply during the pandemic.
  • Homeowners are also seeing a 72% increase in average monthly insurance premiums due to more frequent natural disasters and higher construction costs.
  • Mortgage rates have climbed to 6-7%, nearly doubling since the pandemic lows, making homeownership more expensive.
  • Florida plans a property tax cut that would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, subject to voter approval.
  • Indiana is considering a bill to phase out property taxes by 2028, funded by a larger state sales tax, but the bill has limited support.
  • New Jersey’s $60.7 billion budget includes $4.1 billion for property tax relief targeting homeowners aged 65 and older.
  • Lawmakers are debating how to balance property tax relief with potential losses in revenue for local governments and public services.
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Newsweek
Blue Angels Under Investigation After Beach Flyover Video Goes Viral

Blue Angels Under Investigation After Beach Flyover Video Goes Viral

July 16, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot is being reviewed after flying lower than usual over Pensacola Beach, Florida, on July 15. The low pass caused umbrellas, chairs, and tents to fly around during a public event, and videos of the incident have gone viral online.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened during the "Breakfast with the Blues" event before the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
  • A Blue Angels pilot flew lower than the normal flight path during an arrival maneuver.
  • The low flyover caused a disturbance, moving beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents.
  • The Blue Angels team confirmed the incident and said safety is their top priority.
  • Officials are conducting a full review of the event to understand what happened.
  • Videos shared on social media showed the flyover and sparked discussions on aviation safety.
  • Witnesses said this low pass was unusual and surprising compared to previous years.
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Newsweek
Trump fires U.S. attorney in Washington on heels of court appointment

Trump fires U.S. attorney in Washington on heels of court appointment

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, shortly after federal judges appointed him to the role. This action continues a pattern of conflict between the Trump administration and federal courts over temporary appointments of U.S. attorneys.

Key Facts

  • President Trump fired Roger Rogoff as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington.
  • Federal judges had legally appointed Rogoff after the previous temporary appointee’s term ended.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized the judges for not consulting the administration before the appointment.
  • Senator Patty Murray opposed the firing, calling Rogoff qualified and accusing the administration of politicizing the office.
  • The Western District of Washington has lacked a Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney since mid-2023.
  • Trump previously fired another temporary U.S. attorney in Seattle after taking office in 2025.
  • Federal law allows courts to appoint interim U.S. attorneys after a 120-day term expires if no Senate-confirmed attorney is in place.
  • Similar disputes have occurred in other states, where judges appointed U.S. attorneys that Trump then fired.
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CBS News
Epstein linked to Israeli ‘deep state’, US intel, says Vance: What we know

Epstein linked to Israeli ‘deep state’, US intel, says Vance: What we know

July 16, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Jeffrey Epstein appeared connected to both Israeli intelligence and top U.S. intelligence agencies. Vance discussed these ties during a long interview and admitted the Trump administration made mistakes in handling information related to Epstein.

Key Facts

  • JD Vance stated Epstein had connections to Israeli intelligence, especially elements described as “left of centre” in Israel.
  • Vance also said Epstein had friendships across the U.S. political spectrum.
  • Epstein was known as a financier and socialite who was convicted of sex crimes and died in jail in 2019.
  • There are no official documents publicly confirming Epstein was an intelligence agent for the U.S. or Israel.
  • FBI files include a memo suggesting one source believed Epstein was a Mossad agent trained as a spy.
  • Epstein had email contact with Israeli politicians and funded some Israeli organizations.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied Epstein worked for Israel.
  • Vance admitted the Trump administration mishandled communications about Epstein.
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Al Jazeera
Navy's Blue Angels investigate after video shows low flyover at Florida beach

Navy's Blue Angels investigate after video shows low flyover at Florida beach

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Navy’s Blue Angels are reviewing why one of their jets flew very low over a crowd at Pensacola Beach in Florida, causing sand and items to fly. They say safety is their top concern and are checking that all rules were followed during the flight.

Key Facts

  • The Blue Angels jets performed a flyover at Pensacola Beach, Florida.
  • One jet flew lower than usual and banked sideways close to the crowd.
  • The low flight caused sand, chairs, and tents on the beach to move or fly up.
  • The Blue Angels are conducting a safety review to understand what happened.
  • They said their top priority is the safety of the public, pilots, and community.
  • Similar low-fly incidents recently happened with military helicopters in South Carolina and Tennessee.
  • In those past helicopter cases, pilots were briefly suspended, but suspensions were later lifted.
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CBS News
Watch: Pittsburgh bridge demolished in dramatic explosion

Watch: Pittsburgh bridge demolished in dramatic explosion

July 16, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

A bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, called the Commercial Street Bridge, was destroyed using an explosion. A new bridge, already built, will be slowly moved into place as a replacement.

Key Facts

  • The old Commercial Street Bridge in Pittsburgh was demolished by a controlled explosion.
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation built a new bridge to replace it.
  • The new bridge will be moved into place at a speed of 19 feet per hour.
  • This move is one of the largest lateral (sideways) bridge slide projects in Pennsylvania.
  • The demolition and replacement are part of an ongoing infrastructure update in the area.
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BBC US
US could get a new nickel under bill passed by the House

US could get a new nickel under bill passed by the House

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that could change the design of the nickel coin. This change comes as the penny is no longer being produced, which may make the nickel more important.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. House approved a bill about the nickel coin.
  • The bill could lead to a new design for the nickel.
  • The penny is no longer being made by the U.S. Mint.
  • Without the penny, the nickel may become more valuable or used more often.
  • Changes to coins are decided by the government and can affect everyday money.
  • The bill is part of efforts to update U.S. coins and currency.
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The Hill
Trump threatens survival of American democracy with election rigging efforts

Trump threatens survival of American democracy with election rigging efforts

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump has taken steps to affect election results by using policies and legal actions. Some people say winning Democratic candidates in the midterm elections is important to keep the balance of power in the U.S. government.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has tried to impact how elections are decided.
  • He uses both policies and legal challenges to do this.
  • These actions have raised concerns about election fairness.
  • Some people want Democrats to win in the midterm elections.
  • Democratic victories are seen as a way to maintain government checks and balances.
  • Checks and balances mean no single branch or party has too much power.
  • The midterm elections occur halfway through the presidential term.
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The Hill
Navy Blue Angels’ low-level flyover stuns Florida beachgoers

Navy Blue Angels’ low-level flyover stuns Florida beachgoers

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flew very low over Pensacola Beach in Florida during an air show, causing tents and umbrellas to blow away. The Navy is now reviewing the low-level flight to understand what happened.

Key Facts

  • The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration team.
  • The incident occurred at Pensacola Beach, Florida.
  • It happened during the “Breakfast with the Blues” flyover event.
  • The jets flew unusually low, which caused tents and umbrellas on the ground to be blown away.
  • The Navy is conducting a review of the low flyover flight.
  • The event is part of the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show Week.
  • The flyover attracted many beachgoers watching the show.
  • No injuries were reported from the incident.
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The Hill
WATCH LIVE: Epstein survivor, fired DOJ pardon attorney testify at Blanche confirmation hearing

WATCH LIVE: Epstein survivor, fired DOJ pardon attorney testify at Blanche confirmation hearing

July 16, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced tough questions during a Senate hearing about a canceled $1.776 billion fund meant to compensate President Donald Trump's allies and a tax immunity deal for the president. Blanche stated the fund is no longer being pursued, but some senators worried it might still be brought back since there is no written confirmation that it is dead.

Key Facts

  • The $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" was planned to compensate President Trump's allies.
  • The fund was canceled after criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fund is not moving forward.
  • Some senators, including Republican John Cornyn, are concerned the fund could be revived.
  • President Donald Trump has not signed any written agreement to end the fund permanently.
  • Blanche said Trump does not control the fund, which was supposed to be run by the Justice Department.
  • The fund never officially started or was administered.
  • The hearing also included discussions about a tax immunity deal for President Trump.
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PBS NewsHour
Vance: Reaction to Michelle Obama insult at White House UFC event ‘totally disproportionate’

Vance: Reaction to Michelle Obama insult at White House UFC event ‘totally disproportionate’

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Vice President Vance said the public's response to a rude comment about former first lady Michelle Obama at a UFC event held on the White House lawn was too strong. He made these remarks during a long interview where he also discussed UFC fighter Josh Hokit.

Key Facts

  • An offensive comment about Michelle Obama was made at the “Freedom 250 UFC” event on the White House South Lawn.
  • Vice President Vance described the reaction to this comment as "totally disproportionate."
  • Vance spoke about this during an interview on “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
  • The interview lasted almost three hours.
  • UFC fighter Josh Hokit was also a topic in the conversation.
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The Hill
Offer teenagers a meningitis B vaccine on NHS, advisers tell UK government

Offer teenagers a meningitis B vaccine on NHS, advisers tell UK government

July 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Government advisers have recommended that teenagers in the UK should be routinely offered a vaccine to protect against meningitis B on the NHS. This includes giving a booster to those vaccinated as babies and offering two doses to those who missed the vaccine when they were younger.

Key Facts

  • The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises offering meningitis B vaccine to teenagers around age 15.
  • A booster dose is suggested for those born on or after May 1, 2015, who had the vaccine as babies.
  • Teenagers who missed the vaccine as infants (born before April 31, 2015) should get two doses around age 15.
  • The recommendation aims to protect young people when they are most at risk of meningitis B.
  • Each UK nation will decide whether to fund and provide the vaccine program.
  • A separate summer program offers two doses of the meningitis B vaccine to Year 13 students and young people starting university this autumn.
  • The vaccine provides strong protection for at least five years after vaccination.
  • The recommendation follows recent meningitis B outbreaks in the UK, including one in Kent that caused two teenage deaths.
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Guardian World
DOGE Cuts Could Complicate Trump Accounts Rollout

DOGE Cuts Could Complicate Trump Accounts Rollout

July 16, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration launched Trump Accounts, special savings accounts for American children, on July 4 to encourage parents to save for their kids’ future. However, staffing and funding cuts to federal agencies may make it harder to support sign-ups and public awareness, despite official statements that sign-ups are simple and not affected by workforce issues.

Key Facts

  • Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for American children, allowing up to $5,000 in annual contributions.
  • Withdrawals from these accounts can begin after the child turns 18 and follow similar rules to retirement accounts.
  • Children born between 2025 and 2028 receive a one-time $1,000 government contribution.
  • The Social Security Administration is working on enrolling newborns automatically, and the government considers auto-enrollment for all children.
  • By early July, 6.5 million Trump Accounts had been opened within five days of the launch.
  • Several U.S. companies and donors, including Michael Dell, have pledged to contribute to these accounts.
  • The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was disbanded, and its budget and staffing cuts may reduce federal agencies’ ability to promote and support the accounts.
  • The White House disagrees that staffing cuts affect enrollment, saying parents can sign up online easily without needing government worker help.
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Newsweek
O’Leary, Fox News sued over data center opposition portrayal

O’Leary, Fox News sued over data center opposition portrayal

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A group called Alliance for a Better Utah and others have sued Fox News and businessman Kevin O’Leary. They say that Fox News and O’Leary made false statements about the group’s funding while opposing a data center in Utah.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit is against Fox News and Kevin O’Leary, a businessman and TV commentator.
  • The group suing is called Alliance for a Better Utah, along with Elevate Strategies and individuals Gabrielle Finlayson, Taylor Knuth, and Josh Kanter.
  • The lawsuit claims false statements were made about the group’s funding.
  • The issue involves opposition to building a data center in Utah.
  • Kevin O’Leary reportedly spoke on Fox News about the group and its funding.
  • The lawsuit accuses Fox News and O’Leary of misrepresenting facts to the public.
  • The data center project has drawn attention and some public opposition in Utah.
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The Hill