Experts warn that student loan scams are rising as new rules take effect, causing confusion for borrowers. Scammers are taking advantage of fears about increased payments and changes to repayment plans.
Key Facts
Complaints about student loan scams have increased this year, according to the Education Department's Office of Inspector General.
Student loan scams include identity theft and fake debt relief offers.
The Trump administration's new student loan rules, effective July 1, changed repayment options and limits for new borrowers.
Borrowers on the SAVE plan have 90 days to switch plans or face higher payments or automatic changes starting July 1.
Some borrowers on other repayment plans will not see changes until 2028 unless they take out new loans or consolidate.
Scammers often charge borrowers fees for help that the Education Department provides for free.
Common scams involve companies collecting loan payments but not forwarding them, causing loan defaults.
Experts advise borrowers to watch for payment requests and to get free assistance from federal loan servicers.
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In Arizona's recent primary elections, candidates supported by President Donald Trump won most of the races. This outcome could influence the 2026 midterm elections in the state.
Key Facts
Arizona held primary elections on Tuesday.
Candidates endorsed by President Donald Trump won most contests.
The results may impact political dynamics in the 2026 midterm elections.
The primary wins show strong support for Trump-backed candidates in Arizona.
CBS News reported and analyzed these election results.
The article focuses on Arizona's political scene and its future effects.
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Four U.S. Army soldiers who died in the Middle East during fighting involving Iran were honored in a dignified transfer ceremony. President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and family members attended the event to pay respects.
Key Facts
Four U.S. soldiers were killed in the Middle East in recent days amid conflict with Iran.
A dignified transfer ceremony was held to honor these soldiers.
President Donald Trump attended the ceremony.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also participated in the event.
Family members of the fallen soldiers were present.
The ceremony took place on a Wednesday.
The incident is related to ongoing tensions and conflict involving Iran.
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Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, a 28-year-old Mexican man visiting the US on a tourist visa, was killed in Florida after running from federal immigration agents. He was hit by a semi-truck while fleeing a group that included Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Key Facts
Coronilla was visiting the US for a few weeks, initially to see family in Atlanta, then traveled to Florida.
He was approached by federal immigration agents at a gas station and ran away with four others.
Coronilla ran into traffic and was struck by a semi-truck, causing his death on July 14.
This death happened during a time when ICE-related incidents led to four deaths in less than a week.
Two people were shot and killed by ICE officers, and one died in ICE custody in the same period.
The deaths have prompted public and lawmakers’ calls for stricter controls on ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
Coronilla left behind a wife, a seven-year-old son, and a seven-month-old daughter.
There was confusion over which agency was involved; ICE and border patrol agents were reported to have taken part.
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced new online tools to help Americans who receive disability benefits track their claims, submit forms, and get updates more easily. These digital improvements aim to speed up the process and reduce the need for phone calls and paper mail.
Key Facts
About 10 million Americans receive Social Security disability benefits.
The SSA launched an online disability claim tracker that shows status updates and estimated processing times.
Claimants can now submit important forms, like medical treatment and work history, directly through their online accounts.
The SSA expanded the availability of disability-related notices online, including proffer letters, which allow claimants to respond to new evidence.
The tools notify users when key steps happen in their case, such as hearings or appeals.
SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano supports the digital-first approach to improve service.
The goal is to make managing benefits easier and the process faster.
Experts say the system still must be user-friendly to help the people depending on these services.
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President Donald Trump is continuing a war with Iran despite it being unpopular with most Americans and many Republican voters. The conflict has raised costs for the government and caused higher gas prices, but Trump says he is focused on doing what he thinks is right rather than election concerns.
Key Facts
Only 28% of Americans think the war with Iran is worth fighting; 68% disagree.
Just 29% believe America’s leadership has strengthened under President Trump; 52% say it has weakened.
Many voters report being worse off financially since Trump became president, with only 17% saying they are better off.
Even among Trump’s strong supporters, most blame the Iran war for rising gas prices.
Fox News commentators have warned Trump to end the war before the midterm elections to help Republicans’ chances.
The Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far, with a request for an additional $88 billion in funding.
Gas prices have increased from around $3 to over $4 per gallon since Trump took office.
President Trump says he is focused on doing “the right thing” rather than worrying about the upcoming elections.
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Labour MP Natalie Fleet has quit her role as safeguarding minister because the job was emotionally difficult for her, given her personal history of abuse. She said the role made her unwell and she wants to support her successor while continuing to help survivors in other ways.
Key Facts
Natalie Fleet was appointed safeguarding minister on May 12, 2024, after Jess Phillips resigned.
She stepped down because the job was "overwhelmingly triggering" due to hearing distressing stories related to abuse.
Fleet is a Labour MP for Bolsover, elected in July 2024.
She survived grooming and rape as a teenager and has spoken openly about her experiences.
Fleet said the role made her ill despite receiving support from the Home Office.
She described the minister position as "one of the most important jobs in government" and an honor to hold.
Fleet would like to continue serving in government but will step back if not given another role, focusing instead on advocacy for survivors.
The new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not announced all his ministerial appointments yet.
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The Republican Party controls the House, Senate, and the White House, but they are struggling to agree on key government funding bills. House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to pass a large $95 billion budget package quickly, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune prefers to handle government funding first and avoid risky budget tactics.
Key Facts
Republicans hold the majority in the House, Senate, and the presidency with President Donald Trump.
Government funding expires on September 30, and a temporary bill has passed the House to keep the government open until December 4.
Johnson proposes a $95 billion budget resolution that includes money for the military, farmers, and election-related grants tied to the SAVE America Act.
The SAVE America Act involves requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote.
Johnson wants to pass the budget resolution using a fast-track process called reconciliation, which needs only a simple majority.
Thune prefers to finalize government funding first with bipartisan support before moving on to other bills.
Thune worries the reconciliation approach is politically risky and could lead to many difficult votes before the midterm elections.
The disagreement reflects different priorities: Johnson wants quick action to keep the party united, while Thune wants a safer, step-by-step approach.
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Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan faces a tough Democratic primary challenge from Donavan McKinney, who is backed by progressive groups including the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Many House Democrats see this race as unique to Detroit and do not view it as a major political battle between the DSA and the mainstream Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Rep. Shri Thanedar represents a Detroit-based district with a large African American population.
Thanedar is challenged in the August 4 primary by Donavan McKinney, who is supported by the DSA, Senator Bernie Sanders, and other progressive groups.
Thanedar funds his campaigns largely himself and has endorsements from House Democratic leadership and some caucuses.
House Democrats generally view Thanedar as politically isolated and have mixed feelings about his efforts, including his push for President Trump’s impeachment.
Many Democrats do not consider this race a sign of larger trends between progressives and the Democratic establishment.
Leadership, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, has endorsed Thanedar despite the challenge.
Some Democrats say the race focuses on local cultural and representation issues in Detroit rather than national ideological battles.
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The U.S. government and seven states sharing the Colorado River are finalizing a plan to address water shortages and low reservoir levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said her state will not accept unfair cuts to its water supply as talks continue to protect the river and its reservoirs.
Key Facts
A federal plan to manage Colorado River water shortages is expected soon.
The Colorado River serves seven states: Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico (Upper Basin), and Arizona, California, Nevada (Lower Basin).
Current water-sharing rules for the river will expire this year.
Lakes Mead and Powell are at their lowest combined water levels ever recorded—27% and 22% full respectively.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met virtually with the seven governors to discuss the river’s future management.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs opposes “unreasonable” cuts to Arizona’s water share and demands fair conservation efforts from all states.
The states and 30 tribes depend on the Colorado River for water and economic needs for about 40 million people.
Proposed plans include short-term water conservation measures to keep reservoir levels above critical points.
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A recent survey shows that nearly 12 percent of Americans say they shoplift regularly, almost double the amount from two years ago. While fewer people blame financial struggles for shoplifting, more are doing it out of habit or as a reaction against large corporations.
Key Facts
Regular shoplifting rose from 6.1 percent in 2024 to 11.5 percent in 2026.
The increase was especially notable among men (8% to 15.6%) and parents with children under 18 (9.8% to 19.7%).
Fewer shoplifters say they steal because they cannot afford items; this reason dropped from 33.9% in 2024 to 19.1% in 2026.
Overall, 29.6% of people surveyed in 2026 said they have ever shoplifted, up from 22.9% in 2024.
Men are more likely than women to admit to shoplifting and to do so regularly.
Some experts suggest the rise reflects frustration with large corporations and the economy, not just economic hardship.
Inflation has decreased since 2022 but still affects people's financial pressures.
The survey was conducted online with 2,000 U.S. adults and aimed to represent the overall population.
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The U.S. Justice Department is suing two Chinese companies to force a recall of immersion water heaters that can overheat and catch fire soon after being turned on. These heaters, sold under the brand "Lakkzoom," have caused more than 230 fire-related incidents reported to U.S. safety officials.
Key Facts
The lawsuit targets two Chinese companies: Cixi Miaojie Electrical Appliance Co. and Changsha Jiayi Tianzhuo Trading Co.
The heaters are used in bathtubs and pools and can catch fire if not fully submerged in water.
The products lack safety features that would turn them off automatically if they get too hot or are not in contact with water.
Over 98,000 of these heaters were sold in the U.S. before the lawsuit.
Since September 2024, there have been over 137 reported fire incidents linked to these heaters.
Customers have reported heaters melting, sparking, and setting pools and bathtubs on fire.
The case was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., under the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the government wants to protect American families from dangerous imported products.
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Catina Rose Salarno, an 18-year-old college freshman in California in 1979, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Steven Burns, after she ended their relationship. Burns shot her in the head when she refused to rekindle their romance during a late-night meeting on campus. Her youngest sister later became a district attorney focused on domestic violence cases.
Key Facts
Catina Salarno started college at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, in September 1979.
She had recently broken up with her high school boyfriend, Steven Burns.
Burns asked to meet Catina one last time that evening, and she reluctantly agreed.
During their meeting, Burns shot Catina in the back of the head after she rejected his attempt to get back together.
Burns was convicted of second-degree murder in 1980.
Catina’s family had trusted Burns despite his aggressive behavior as their relationship ended.
Catina’s youngest sister, Nina Salarno, was 14 when the murder happened and later became a prosecutor specializing in domestic violence.
Nina Salarno has been serving as district attorney in Modoc County, California, since 2023.
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The House Judiciary Oversight Subcommittee will hold a hearing about conditions at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The hearing will also look at how protests outside the center have affected ICE’s immigration enforcement work.
Key Facts
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
The focus is the living conditions inside Delaney Hall ICE detention center.
Protesters have gathered outside the center since late May.
Protesters say they support detainees who report poor conditions.
Law enforcement and protesters have clashed at the site.
The hearing will examine how protests have disrupted ICE’s operations.
President Donald Trump defended the center’s operations during a Cabinet meeting on May 27.
President Trump described the protesters as "fake" and "paid for."
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is holding back more than $1 billion from California and Minnesota because he says there are fake claims involved. He believes efforts to stop Medicaid fraud should include all states, not just a few.
Key Facts
RFK Jr. is withholding over $1 billion in funds from California and Minnesota.
The reason given is allegations of fraud or fake claims in Medicaid.
Medicaid is a government program that helps pay medical costs for some people with limited income.
RFK Jr. says the fight against Medicaid fraud needs to cover all states equally.
He mentions Texas, Florida, and Ohio as other states that should be included.
The article suggests that fraud claims need careful scrutiny before payment.
No clear details are given about specific fraudulent claims or investigations.
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The article explains that privateering—using private ships to fight enemies with government approval—was common in early U.S. history but stopped after the War of 1812. Today, some lawmakers want to revive privateering for cyber warfare and fighting drug cartels, even though international law bans it.
Key Facts
Privateering involved private ships attacking enemy vessels with government permission through "letters of marque."
Presidents John Adams and James Madison used privateers in conflicts such as the Quasi-War with France and the War of 1812.
Privateering declined as the U.S. Navy grew stronger and more official naval forces took over defense roles.
The U.S. Constitution allows privateering, but it has been forbidden by international law since the 19th century.
Some Founding Fathers, like Benjamin Franklin and William Whipple, criticized privateering on moral and economic grounds.
Modern proposals by Senator Mike Lee and Representative Tim Burchett aim to use privateers in cyber warfare and against drug cartels.
These proposals suggest government-sanctioned "digital privateers" could attack cybercriminals and seize their assets.
The article compares current discussions on privateering to historical practices but notes the differences in modern law and technology.
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A college student was killed by her boyfriend who lived nearby. Her family is working hard to make sure he stays in prison. A CBS News report will share the full story.
Key Facts
The victim was a college student.
The boyfriend who killed her lived right across the street.
The family has been fighting to keep him in prison.
The story will be reported by Erin Moriarty.
The report will air on CBS on Saturday, July 25 at 10/9c.
It will also be available on the Paramount+ streaming service.
The program is part of the "48 Hours" series.
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Kyle Kulinski, a political commentator, admitted support for terrorist groups during a live stream. The article notes others were also involved in defending these groups during the same stream.
Key Facts
Kyle Kulinski is a known political commentator.
He expressed support for terrorist groups during a live broadcast.
The live stream included others who also defended these groups.
The article suggests Kulinski is not widely influential.
The focus is on the unusual support for terrorists shown during the stream.
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Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Washington, questioned U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about the effects of President Donald Trump's trade policies on farmers. Bennet disagreed with Greer's positive statements about the policies, highlighting concerns about how farmers were affected.
Key Facts
Senator Michael Bennet spoke against some claims made by the U.S. Trade Representative.
Jamieson Greer defended President Trump’s trade policies.
Bennet focused on the impact of these policies on American farmers.
Bennet expressed that the policies did not benefit farmers as claimed.
The discussion was part of a CBS News segment.
The trade policies in question were implemented during President Trump’s administration.
Senator Bennet is from the state of Washington.
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President Donald Trump attended a ceremony in Delaware where the bodies of four U.S. servicemembers killed in conflicts related to Iran were brought home. He said Iran would face consequences for the deaths of the soldiers.
Key Facts
Four U.S. servicemembers died in conflicts associated with Iran.
Their names are 1st Lt. Tyler J. Feehan, Sgt. Michael E. Swinton, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales.
President Trump was present at the transfer ceremony in Delaware.
The event is called a dignified transfer, a ceremony where fallen soldiers are returned to U.S. soil.
President Trump warned that Iran would “pay the price” for the casualties.
The troops were involved in military actions in Iraq and Jordan linked to tensions with Iran.
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