Kathryn Ruemmler, a former White House lawyer and Goldman Sachs top lawyer, testified to Congress that working with Jeffrey Epstein was a mistake, but she denied seeing any criminal acts. She spoke to the House Oversight Committee as part of their investigation into Epstein's connections with powerful people.
Key Facts
Kathryn Ruemmler was White House counsel under President Obama and later a top lawyer at Goldman Sachs.
She told Congress it was a mistake to have dealt with Jeffrey Epstein.
Ruemmler said she never saw any illegal behavior by Epstein.
She was questioned by the House Oversight Committee investigating Epstein’s network.
Other witnesses in the investigation include Bill Gates and former President Bill Clinton.
Lawmakers want to understand how Epstein’s wealth and power may have protected him.
Ruemmler admitted Epstein used her and others to appear more respectable.
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In one week, two men were fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Maine and Texas. These deaths led to protests and calls for investigations, while President Donald Trump defended the ICE officers’ actions on social media.
Key Facts
Two men died after being shot by ICE agents—one in Maine and one in Texas.
Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian with permission to work in the U.S., was one of the men killed.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican worker in the U.S. for 30 years as a builder, was the other man.
Neither man was reportedly the primary target of the ICE agents involved.
Protests have taken place demanding investigations into the shootings.
President Trump praised ICE agents on Truth Social, urging that their methods not be changed.
The incidents bring attention to past ICE shootings of U.S. citizens and ongoing questions about investigations.
These events may influence immigration policy debates ahead of the November midterm elections.
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A 45-year-old Venezuelan man named Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva died while being moved between ICE detention centers in Georgia. His death is the 22nd reported among people in ICE custody this year and adds to concerns about the treatment of detainees and recent deaths during immigration enforcement actions.
Key Facts
Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva was detained after being arrested last week during an ICE operation in Georgia.
He died on Monday while being transferred from Irwin County Detention Center to Folkston ICE Processing Center.
ICE says the likely cause of death was cardiac arrest.
This is the 22nd death in ICE custody in 2026.
The Irwin facility had past issues, including allegations of medical abuse and invasive procedures on detainees.
Several other people have recently died or been killed during ICE enforcement actions.
The number of deaths in ICE custody reached 33 in 2025, the highest in over 20 years.
The United Nations human rights chief has called for thorough and independent investigations into these deaths.
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Kaitlyn Tracey, a Canadian woman, is in U.S. immigration detention after being accused of slapping a teenage girl wearing Trump and ICE clothing in New Jersey. She faces charges including assault and endangering a child, and her husband is seeking help to get her released.
Key Facts
Kaitlyn Tracey, 33, was arrested in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, during July 4 weekend.
She is accused of hitting a teenage girl wearing clothing with “Trump” and “ICE” on it.
Tracey faces charges of assault, harassment, endangering the welfare of a child, and obstruction.
She is currently held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Delaney Hall, a detention facility in Newark, NJ.
Tracey entered the U.S. legally with a Canadian passport earlier in 2024.
Her husband, Matthew Geroni, is an American citizen and is raising awareness and support for her release.
A GoFundMe fundraiser for Tracey was removed after being mass reported online.
Delaney Hall has been criticized for detention conditions and limited local oversight.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before a Senate committee for his confirmation hearing to become the official Attorney General. Senators asked him about many topics, including files related to Jeffrey Epstein and a fund aimed at preventing misuse of government power.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is currently the Acting Attorney General.
He is undergoing a Senate confirmation hearing to become the permanent Attorney General.
Senators asked questions about the Jeffrey Epstein case files.
They also discussed a proposed fund called the "anti-weaponization" fund.
The hearing focused on issues related to leading the Justice Department.
The session was covered by CBS News reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns.
The confirmation process involves scrutiny of the nominee’s plans and past actions.
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Senator Martin Heinrich questioned Jay Clayton, a nominee chosen by President Donald Trump for national intelligence director, during a Senate hearing. Heinrich asked Clayton about the release of private information related to victims of Jeffrey Epstein while Clayton was a U.S. Attorney in New York.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton was nominated by President Donald Trump to be the director of national intelligence.
Senator Martin Heinrich, a Democrat from New Mexico, asked Clayton questions during his Senate confirmation hearing.
The questions focused on the release of personal details about victims of Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender whose cases involved multiple victims.
Clayton was a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York when the information was released.
The hearing is part of the process to confirm Clayton’s nomination for the intelligence position.
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The Department of Defense will start testing soldiers aged 30 and older for low testosterone levels to help keep them physically and mentally ready for combat. Soldiers under 30 can choose to take the test, and treatment will be voluntary and focused on improving health and performance.
Key Facts
The Defense Department announced a new testosterone screening program for soldiers aged 30 and above.
Soldiers 30 and older will be tested yearly as part of their health checkups.
Soldiers younger than 30 can opt in if they want to be tested.
Treatment like testosterone replacement therapy will be voluntary.
The goal is to help soldiers stay strong and ready for combat throughout their lives.
The program aims to provide top-level medical care and ensure mental and physical preparedness.
Testosterone issues have been publicly discussed by officials in the current Trump administration.
Research shows many young men are influenced online to get hormone treatments even when doctors often say testing is not needed for most young people.
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Senator Bill Cassidy questioned President Trump’s nominee, Sean Kaufman, during a Senate hearing about a misleading social media post related to the hepatitis B vaccine. Cassidy challenged Kaufman’s accuracy while considering his confirmation to lead the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
Key Facts
Sen. Bill Cassidy is the chair of the Senate Health Committee.
Sean Kaufman was nominated by President Trump to lead ASPR.
ASPR is responsible for strategic health preparedness and response.
Kaufman posted misleading information about the hepatitis B vaccine on social media.
Cassidy confronted Kaufman about repeating false claims during the confirmation hearing.
The hearing was part of the Senate’s process to approve Kaufman’s nomination.
The exchange focused on vaccine information and public health communication.
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Andy Burnham, who will soon become the UK's prime minister, did not rule out introducing a wealth tax in the future to address public spending needs. He stated that while difficult decisions about taxes lie ahead, he wants to focus first on uniting people and will review the country’s financial situation before making any moves.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is set to become the UK Prime Minister on Monday.
He did not rule out a future wealth tax but said no changes would be made immediately.
Burnham wants to focus on fairness and bringing people together.
He plans to review public finances before deciding on any new taxes.
Burnham intends to honor Labour's manifesto promises not to raise VAT, income tax, or national insurance.
Some Labour members and campaign groups support a wealth tax on assets over £10 million.
Burnham suggested possible increases to business rates on warehouses to help fund tax cuts for pubs and local shops.
In an interview, Burnham said he would deal directly with US President Donald Trump, meeting him “where he’s at.”
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During a Senate hearing, Jay Clayton, President Donald Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, was questioned about the 2020 presidential election and Tulsi Gabbard’s involvement in a Georgia election investigation. Senators Jon Ossoff and Mark Warner criticized Clayton for not being prepared to discuss Gabbard’s role.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is nominated by President Donald Trump to become director of national intelligence.
Senator Jon Ossoff asked Clayton who he thinks won the 2020 presidential election.
Tulsi Gabbard was involved in an FBI raid at an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia.
Senators questioned Clayton about Gabbard’s actions during the Georgia election investigation.
Senator Mark Warner reprimanded Clayton for being unprepared during the hearing.
The hearing took place before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
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President Joe Biden announced a new memoir called "Promise Me, America," which will be released a few weeks after the 2024 midterm elections. The book will share his personal experiences and key events from his time as president.
Key Facts
President Biden plans to publish a memoir titled "Promise Me, America."
The book will come out shortly after the 2024 midterm elections.
It will cover important moments during Biden’s presidency.
The memoir is Biden’s first to reflect on his presidential term.
The book will discuss accomplishments and major foreign policy events.
The announcement was made on Wednesday.
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Jay Clayton, nominated by President Donald Trump to be the director of national intelligence, answered tough questions from Democratic senators during his confirmation hearing. His approval is important to renew U.S. foreign surveillance powers that expired recently.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is President Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence (DNI).
He faced critical questions from Democratic senators about Trump's efforts to reopen investigations into the 2020 election.
The U.S. foreign surveillance authority, known as Section 702, expired over a month ago.
Reauthorizing Section 702 is necessary for continued foreign intelligence operations.
Democratic lawmakers are currently unwilling to approve the reauthorization without addressing their concerns.
Clayton’s confirmation hearing was tense and closely watched by both parties.
The director of national intelligence oversees the United States intelligence community.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new rule that all service members aged 30 and older will get annual tests for their testosterone levels. If their levels are low, they can receive testosterone replacement therapy to help maintain their health and combat readiness.
Key Facts
The new screening is part of the regular health check for service members.
It applies to military members who are 30 years old or older.
Testosterone replacement therapy will be offered to those with low testosterone.
The goal is to keep troops healthy and effective in their duties.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement on a Wednesday.
The effort is described as helping troops stay at the “leading edge of lethality.”
This policy targets the physical readiness of military personnel.
The screening is annual, happening once every year.
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Liverpool's mayor praised the families of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster victims for their long fight for justice, which led to the approval of the Hillsborough Law. This new law requires public officials to tell the truth during official investigations. The law aims to prevent cover-ups like those that followed the disaster where 97 football fans died.
Key Facts
The Hillsborough disaster happened in 1989, killing 97 Liverpool football fans in a crowd crush.
It took 27 years for a court to rule the deaths as unlawful and clear the fans of blame.
The Hillsborough Law, officially the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, was recently passed by UK MPs.
The law creates a legal duty for public officials to be honest during inquiries and official investigations.
Liverpool’s Mayor Steve Rotheram and MP Andy Burnham helped negotiate with UK security agencies to get the bill approved.
The bill faced delays after concerns about how far intelligence agencies had to comply with the new rules.
The law is expected to become official by autumn and honors the decades-long campaign of families and supporters.
The mayor and MPs emphasized that the credit belongs to the families and survivors who never gave up fighting for truth.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee is questioning Todd Blanche as he seeks to become the official Attorney General. Senators are focusing on whether Blanche will stay independent or favor President Donald Trump, especially given his past work as Trump’s personal lawyer and involvement in cases related to Trump’s opponents.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the current acting Attorney General and wants Senate approval to lead the Justice Department officially.
Blanche was President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer before joining the Justice Department.
He helped defend Trump in a New York trial where Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Blanche has overseen prosecutions of some of Trump’s political rivals and critics, including former FBI Director James Comey.
Blanche managed a settlement protecting Trump and his family from future IRS tax investigations in 2025.
The Justice Department under Blanche released files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s investigation, which raised questions about possible excessive editing to protect powerful people.
Blanche says he is restoring trust in the Justice Department and claims it was previously used politically against Trump and his allies.
The Senate hearing is especially focused on Blanche’s loyalty to Trump and the department’s independence during Trump’s presidency.
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Jay Clayton, chosen by President Donald Trump to be director of national intelligence, was questioned about subpoenas given to journalists in a national security investigation. Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon asked Clayton for more information about how these subpoenas were decided.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is President Trump's pick for director of national intelligence.
Subpoenas were issued to journalists in connection with a national security probe.
Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, questioned Clayton about the subpoenas.
Wyden wanted more details about the process used before issuing the subpoenas.
The questioning took place during a public hearing.
The investigation is related to national security matters.
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Rep. Ted Lieu, a Democrat from California, said he is worried about how fast artificial intelligence (AI) is improving. He believes Congress needs to think carefully about how to handle AI as it develops.
Key Facts
Rep. Ted Lieu is a Democratic representative from California.
He spoke at the second-annual Hill Nation Summit.
Lieu said AI is evolving faster than he expected.
He described his feelings about AI’s speed of change as “freaked out.”
He called for Congress to consider policies regarding AI’s development.
The article reports on Lieu’s comments and concerns about AI.
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Several British MPs discussed how people with strong regional accents often face unfair treatment and discrimination. They said many feel pressure to change their accents to succeed at work or in life, which can hold back those from working-class backgrounds.
Key Facts
MP Ian Lavery said mocking regional accents is one of the last forms of acceptable discrimination.
MPs held a debate focused on how regional accents affect social mobility and job opportunities.
Many people feel they must change or soften their accent to be seen as professional or credible.
Labour MP Jo Platt shared her experience of feeling pressure to tone down her accent from Salford.
Conservative MP Mims Davies mentioned how accent correction through education has affected how people speak today.
MPs highlighted that regional accents show cultural identity and should not be considered a weakness.
Some MPs recounted personal stories of being mocked or discouraged for their accents in school or work.
The discussion took place as Andy Burnham, from Manchester, plans to increase regional power with a new government office called No 10 North.
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Congress passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to improve housing affordability in the United States. The law aims to update financing options and reduce rules that make it harder to build or finance affordable homes.
Key Facts
The law is called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
It was approved with support from both political parties (bipartisan).
The goal is to modernize how housing projects get funded.
The law removes some regulations that slow down housing development.
It addresses the nationwide problem of housing being too expensive for many people.
Congress is encouraging action to implement these changes quickly.
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A New York Police Department officer saved a woman on the Brooklyn Bridge on his third day with the elite Emergency Service Unit. After an hour of talking to her nearly 200 feet above the East River, Officer Cristian Yepes safely brought her down.
Key Facts
The rescue happened on July 8 on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
Officer Cristian Yepes had just joined the Emergency Service Unit three days before the rescue.
The Emergency Service Unit handles dangerous rescue missions.
Yepes spent about an hour negotiating with the woman to calm her down.
He physically carried the woman to safety after gaining her trust.
Officer Yepes previously worked as a patrol officer for seven years.
The unit completed three rescues in one week, including this one.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the officers for their care and courage during the rescue.
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