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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

US military launches strikes on Iran after Trump brings back naval blockade

US military launches strikes on Iran after Trump brings back naval blockade

Summary

The U.S. military carried out new air strikes against Iran following President Trump’s decision to bring back a naval blockade in a key shipping route called the Strait of Hormuz. This was the third day in a row that the U.S. attacked Iran.

Key Facts

  • President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to restart a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global oil shipments.
  • The military strikes began at 4:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
  • These strikes represent the third consecutive day of U.S. military action against Iran.
  • The naval blockade limits movement of ships to and from Iran.
  • President Trump made the decision to escalate military pressure on Iran.
  • The U.S. aims to control Iran’s ability to use the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The situation escalates tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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WATCH LIVE: Justices Kagan and Coney Barrett testify on Supreme Court budget in House hearing

WATCH LIVE: Justices Kagan and Coney Barrett testify on Supreme Court budget in House hearing

Summary

Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified before a House committee about the Court’s budget request for 2027. The hearing took place on July 14 to discuss funding and related issues.

Key Facts

  • Justices Kagan and Barrett appeared before a House Appropriations subcommittee.
  • The topic was the Supreme Court’s budget for the year 2027.
  • The hearing started at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on July 14.
  • A live video of the hearing was available for the public.
  • The article mentions some Supreme Court decisions that affected President Donald Trump.
  • President Trump did not get favorable outcomes in cases about tariffs, birthright citizenship, and a Federal Reserve governor.
  • Despite some losses, President Trump gained more influence from the Supreme Court’s recent term.
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How local innovations are fueling Native American graduation gains at federally funded schools

How local innovations are fueling Native American graduation gains at federally funded schools

Summary

Graduation rates at schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) have improved significantly, rising from just over 50% in 2015 to 79% in 2025. This improvement is partly due to better data tracking and local programs that focus on career training and technical education for Native American students.

Key Facts

  • The BIE oversees 183 schools serving over 40,000 Native American students.
  • In 2015, about half of BIE high school students graduated within four years; by 2025, that rate reached 79%.
  • Previous data on graduation rates was flawed because students who transferred were sometimes counted as dropouts.
  • Since 2018, the BIE has standardized how it tracks and reports graduation data for more accuracy.
  • Many BIE schools are run by tribes and receive federal funding, not directly by the agency.
  • Chief Leschi Schools shifted to career and technical training starting in 2020, which helped keep students engaged.
  • Hands-on job training programs in health sciences, education, and fisheries management have motivated students to stay in school.
  • The Trump administration states it supports these education improvements, including better teacher training for Native American students.
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Watch: Darline Graham Nordone appointed to fill late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat

Watch: Darline Graham Nordone appointed to fill late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat

Summary

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced that Darline Graham Nordone will take over the Senate seat left empty by her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, after his sudden death. She will serve as the new senator representing South Carolina.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham, a U.S. Senator from South Carolina, passed away suddenly over the weekend.
  • Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina named Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, as the replacement.
  • Darline Graham Nordone will fill the vacant Senate seat in the U.S. Senate.
  • The announcement was made on Monday by Gov. McMaster.
  • CBS News provided coverage and analysis of the appointment.
  • The appointment is temporary until a formal election or further decision is made (implied by usual procedure).
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Maine senators demand independent investigation after ICE shooting

Maine senators demand independent investigation after ICE shooting

Summary

Maine’s two senators want an independent investigation into the death of a Colombian man who was shot by immigration officers. The Department of Homeland Security says the man used his vehicle as a weapon, but the senators want a clear and unbiased review of the incident.

Key Facts

  • The shooting involved immigration authorities and a Colombian man.
  • The man died after being shot by these officers.
  • DHS claims the man used his vehicle as a weapon.
  • Maine Senators, including Angus King, are asking for an independent investigation.
  • Senator King talked with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the case.
  • The senators want an investigation separate from the agencies involved.
  • The focus is on ensuring the facts about the shooting are fully and fairly examined.
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HHS watchdog expects $5.56 billion in recoveries and savings

HHS watchdog expects $5.56 billion in recoveries and savings

Summary

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) watchdog reported it expects to recover $5.56 billion and save money over six months. The watchdog also barred more than 1,200 people and companies from federal programs during that time.

Key Facts

  • The HHS watchdog expects $5.56 billion in recoveries and savings over six months.
  • The report was issued on a Monday and sent to Congress.
  • More than 1,200 individuals and companies were barred from federal programs.
  • The Office of Inspector General oversees this work.
  • These actions help prevent fraud and recover funds for the government.
  • The recoveries and savings come from investigating improper spending and fraud.
  • The report covers a semiannual (six-month) period.
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No relief from the heat as many U.S. cities will see record overnight temperatures

No relief from the heat as many U.S. cities will see record overnight temperatures

Summary

Many U.S. cities will experience very high overnight temperatures this week, causing health concerns. The National Weather Service expects over 90 temperature records to be matched or broken, mostly for nighttime heat.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. will face another week of intense heat.
  • Overnight temperatures will stay very high, offering little cooling relief.
  • More than 90 temperature records may be tied or broken this week.
  • Most of these records are expected during the night.
  • The National Weather Service is the source of these predictions.
  • High nighttime heat increases health risks for people.
  • The forecast covers the period through Wednesday.
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Police arrest man at Capitol with firearm

Police arrest man at Capitol with firearm

Summary

A 67-year-old man from Mississippi was arrested near the U.S. Capitol after police saw him with a handgun on his lap. He is charged with carrying a pistol without a license or permit.

Key Facts

  • The man’s name is Wendell J. Royster.
  • He is from Columbia, Mississippi.
  • Police arrested him at the North Barricade of the U.S. Capitol.
  • The arrest happened around 11:22 a.m. on Monday.
  • He was carrying a handgun openly on his lap.
  • He is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and without a permit.
  • The arrest was made by U.S. Capitol Police.
  • No information was given about any other possible charges.
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Lindsey Graham’s legacy: Israel advocate, Trump ally, Iran war supporter

Lindsey Graham’s legacy: Israel advocate, Trump ally, Iran war supporter

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of military actions and Israel, died suddenly at age 71. Throughout his career, he backed wars in Iraq and supported President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, especially military solutions in the Middle East.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham appeared on Fox News discussing Hurricane Helene’s impact in South Carolina in 2024.
  • He criticized the Biden administration’s response to the hurricane.
  • Graham shifted focus to support Israel during its conflict in Gaza, calling for strong U.S. aid.
  • He was a longtime advocate for military interventions, including the 2003 Iraq War and support for military action against Iran.
  • Graham strongly supported President Donald Trump and urged military solutions during Trump’s presidency.
  • In 2021, he secured an extra $1 billion in U.S. military aid for Israel after violence in Gaza.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Graham’s efforts to increase U.S. support for Israel.
  • Graham died suddenly of an illness at age 71 in 2024.
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7/13: The Takeout with Major Garrett

7/13: The Takeout with Major Garrett

Summary

Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, has been appointed to take over his seat in the U.S. Senate. The United States has launched new military strikes against Iran.

Key Facts

  • Darline Graham, sister of Senator Lindsey Graham, was appointed to his Senate seat.
  • Lindsey Graham vacated his Senate seat, prompting this appointment.
  • The U.S. government initiated new military strikes targeting Iran.
  • The news was covered on CBS News’ program "The Takeout with Major Garrett."
  • The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers

Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers

Summary

President Donald Trump informed Congress that U.S. military action against Iran restarted on July 7 after a ceasefire ended. The president said the strikes targeted Iranian military sites to protect U.S. forces and shipping, following Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Facts

  • President Trump officially told Congress about the restart of military action against Iran on July 10.
  • The U.S.-Iran ceasefire ended after Iranian attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The U.S. strikes aimed to limit civilian casualties and focused on Iranian military targets posing threats.
  • The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of starting military actions.
  • The Trump administration argues the 60-day limit on military hostilities without Congress approval is unconstitutional.
  • Both the House and Senate passed resolutions to restrict the president’s ability to act against Iran without congressional authorization.
  • President Trump stated the U.S. is ready to take further action to prevent threats from Iran to the U.S. and its allies.
  • Iranian forces responded to U.S. strikes with missile and drone attacks on U.S.-allied Gulf countries.
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GOP Appointed Judge Rebukes Trump Voter Roll Demand–'Factual Deficiencies'

GOP Appointed Judge Rebukes Trump Voter Roll Demand–'Factual Deficiencies'

Summary

A federal judge appointed by a Republican president rejected the Justice Department’s request to get West Virginia’s complete voter registration list. The judge said the government’s demand lacked required factual reasons and did not meet laws governing voter data requests.

Key Facts

  • U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit against West Virginia’s Secretary of State.
  • The government wanted West Virginia’s unredacted voter list, including personal information like names and birthdates.
  • The judge ruled the request did not meet the Civil Rights Act requirement to show a clear factual basis for demanding the records.
  • The Justice Department wanted the records to check if West Virginia complied with federal election laws.
  • The judge found no evidence presented by the government that West Virginia violated these laws.
  • Eleven other federal courts and one appeals court have also dismissed similar government lawsuits demanding voter data.
  • The judge said courts must ensure the government’s claims have enough facts to justify requests like this.
  • The ruling blocks the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to collect voter data nationwide for its election integrity campaign.
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White House says Trump supports Graham’s Russia sanctions bill

White House says Trump supports Graham’s Russia sanctions bill

Summary

President Donald Trump supports a sanctions bill against Russia that was introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The White House confirmed this support as lawmakers work to pass the bill in honor of Senator Graham.

Key Facts

  • President Trump supports the Russia sanctions bill originally introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham.
  • Lindsey Graham was a Republican senator from South Carolina who recently passed away.
  • Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, is leading efforts to pass the bill.
  • The bill aims to impose sanctions on Russia, which are penalties like economic restrictions.
  • Lawmakers from both parties are working together to honor the late senator by passing the legislation.
  • The White House officially confirmed President Trump’s backing of the bill.
  • The legislation is being discussed and pushed on Capitol Hill, where Congress meets.
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Mitch McConnell Video or Interview Demanded by Governor of His Home State

Mitch McConnell Video or Interview Demanded by Governor of His Home State

Summary

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has asked Senator Mitch McConnell to provide more information about his health after McConnell was hospitalized following a fall. McConnell’s office said the senator is recovering in a rehabilitation center but cannot yet return to Senate votes.

Key Facts

  • Senator Mitch McConnell was hospitalized due to a fall on June 14.
  • He has also been treated for a mild case of pneumonia.
  • McConnell is currently in a rehabilitation center recovering and cannot vote on the Senate floor yet.
  • Governor Andy Beshear requested an update on McConnell’s health due to public concern.
  • McConnell released a statement and a photo to reassure the public.
  • Some politicians and observers had speculated about McConnell’s condition because of a lack of updates.
  • McConnell has had several health issues and falls in recent years.
  • His current Senate term ends in January.
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Trump formally informs Congress of Iran war resumption

Trump formally informs Congress of Iran war resumption

Summary

President Donald Trump informed Congress that the U.S. has restarted military strikes against Iran as of July 7. He gave the Pentagon an additional 60 days to carry out operations in the Central Command area without needing new permission from Congress.

Key Facts

  • President Trump sent a formal letter to Congress last week about military actions against Iran.
  • U.S. strikes against Iran began again on July 7.
  • The Pentagon now has 60 more days to use U.S. forces in the Central Command region.
  • This extension allows military action without needing new congressional approval during this period.
  • The letter to Congress was two pages long.
  • The focus is on U.S. military activity specifically related to Iran.
  • Central Command (Centcom) covers regions including the Middle East.
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Escaped prisoner Daniel Khalife assisted by two friends, jury told

Escaped prisoner Daniel Khalife assisted by two friends, jury told

Summary

Two men, Adeel Khan and Imran Chowdhury, are on trial for allegedly helping prisoner Daniel Khalife escape from Wandsworth prison in London in September 2023. The court heard that Khan gave instructions from inside the prison, while Chowdhury provided money and met Khalife after his escape.

Key Facts

  • Daniel Khalife escaped from Wandsworth prison by hiding under a delivery truck in September 2023.
  • Khalife was sentenced to over 14 years for spying for Iran after a 2024 trial.
  • Adeel Khan and Imran Chowdhury have pleaded not guilty to helping Khalife escape.
  • Khan allegedly acted as an instructor inside the prison, and Chowdhury assisted on the outside.
  • A red diary with Khan’s name and contact details was found on Khalife after he was caught.
  • Chowdhury withdrew £400, gave £200 to Khalife, and was paid £120 for this.
  • Khalife called Khan several times after escaping, using phones borrowed from the public.
  • CCTV footage showed Khalife and Chowdhury meeting in Richmond shortly after the escape.
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South Carolina governor picks Lindsey Graham's sister to finish his Senate term

South Carolina governor picks Lindsey Graham's sister to finish his Senate term

Summary

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Senator Lindsey Graham, to finish Lindsey Graham’s U.S. Senate term after his sudden death. President Donald Trump supported this choice and called it a fitting tribute to Senator Graham.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died at age 71 from an aortic dissection related to heart disease.
  • Governor McMaster named Darline Graham Nordone to complete Lindsey Graham’s Senate term.
  • Nordone is Lindsey Graham’s sister and was chosen with his and the Governor’s approval.
  • President Donald Trump recommended Nordone for the temporary Senate seat.
  • South Carolina will hold a special election on August 11 to choose the Republican nominee for the November general election.
  • Lindsey Graham had been a longtime senator from South Carolina and ally of President Trump.
  • Nordone has worked helping people with disabilities find jobs but has no clear political background.
  • Lindsey Graham took care of his sister after their parents died and they shared a close bond.
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US keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is ‘a massive force problem’

US keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is ‘a massive force problem’

Summary

An expert who used to work with NATO says President Trump’s idea to block Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and charge a 20% fee on cargo there would need a very large military effort. The expert also says Iran has special military advantages in this narrow waterway.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has proposed a naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • He also suggested applying a 20% tariff on cargo passing through the strait.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow shipping route important for global oil transport.
  • Patrick Bury, a former NATO analyst, says this plan would require a big military operation.
  • Iran holds asymmetric military advantages, meaning it can use unexpected or unconventional tactics in the strait.
  • The naval blockade idea is considered a major challenge due to these advantages.
  • This situation involves U.S. military and economic policies directed at Iran.
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Minnesota prosecutors obtain long withheld evidence in probe into fatal shootings of Good, Pretti

Minnesota prosecutors obtain long withheld evidence in probe into fatal shootings of Good, Pretti

Summary

Minnesota prosecutors received key evidence from the federal government to help investigate the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot during protests linked to an immigration enforcement operation. This comes amid related legal disputes over evidence in other shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Key Facts

  • Minnesota prosecutors got hard drives with statements, police body camera videos, and Good’s damaged SUV from federal investigators.
  • Renee Good was killed on January 7 while leaving an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Minneapolis.
  • Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was killed during a protest on January 24.
  • The immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota was called "Operation Metro Surge" and ended in February.
  • At least nine people have died since the Trump administration began this immigration enforcement campaign last year.
  • No charges have been made yet in connection with these deaths, and the federal government has questioned the state’s authority to investigate federal officers.
  • Separate legal disputes about sharing evidence involve an ICE agent charged with assault in another shooting case.
  • Minnesota sued the federal government to obtain evidence for their investigations into these shootings.
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Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan to Testify Before Congress in Rare Move

Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan to Testify Before Congress in Rare Move

Summary

Two Supreme Court Justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan, will testify before Congress to request more money for security. This rare appearance comes as threats to judges have increased in recent years, prompting the court to ask for more protective staff and better cybersecurity.

Key Facts

  • Justices Barrett and Kagan will testify before House and Senate appropriations committees about the judiciary’s 2027 budget.
  • The judiciary has seen a 57% increase in serious security incidents against judges in fiscal year 2025.
  • The budget requests $14.6 million more and 84 new full-time security positions to protect justices and their families.
  • The court also seeks $2 million for a security command post and $2.3 million for 12 new cybersecurity jobs.
  • The total Supreme Court budget request for 2027 is $207 million, a 7.2% increase over last year.
  • Increased threats to judges are linked to political tensions, with President Trump criticizing judges who rule against him.
  • Supreme Court justices rarely testify before Congress, making this a notable step to show the importance of judicial security.
  • The hearing aims to show the public that justices are government officials who need protection like other government workers.
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