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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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 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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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 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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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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Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, has been appointed to finish his Senate term. She will serve until January 3, 2027, unless she decides to run and wins the Senate seat in the upcoming election.
Key Facts
Darline Graham Nordone is the sister of Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican, South Carolina).
Lindsey Graham passed away while running for re-election.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Nordone to complete Graham’s Senate term.
Nordone’s term will last until January 3, 2027, unless she runs for the Senate seat and wins.
South Carolina will hold a special election next month to pick the Republican candidate for the Senate seat.
President Donald Trump supported Nordone as the replacement over another candidate, Mace.
This is a developing story and may be updated with more information.
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South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to finish Lindsey Graham’s Senate term. She will serve until the term ends in January.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina recently passed away.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill his Senate seat.
Nordone will serve only the remaining months of Lindsey Graham’s current term.
The term ends in January.
This appointment helps keep the Senate seat filled without a long vacancy.
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Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina died suddenly on Saturday night. After his death, false claims appeared online, wrongly saying that other countries or foul play caused his death.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on Saturday night.
False rumors spread on social media about his death.
Some false claims accused countries like Russia, Iran, Ukraine, and Israel of involvement.
Other incorrect posts suggested his travel plans made his death impossible in Washington.
Some conspiracy theories said the FBI helping investigate proves wrongdoing.
There is no evidence supporting any of these claims.
Authorities have not found any suspicious activity related to his death.
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Senators gathered on the Senate floor on Monday to honor Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away over the weekend. Lawmakers shared memories and paid tribute to their colleague during the session.
Key Facts
The Senate met on Monday for the first time since Senator Lindsey Graham's death.
Senators used the session to remember and honor Senator Graham.
Senator Graham died over the past weekend.
CBS News reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns provided background information on the event.
The meeting included speeches and moments recognizing Senator Graham’s service.
The tribute took place in the Senate chamber, where lawmakers express official condolences.
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Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at age 71 from an aortic dissection, a serious condition affecting the heart's main artery. The chief medical examiner of Washington, D.C., reported that the cause of death was related to a tear in the aorta caused by arteriosclerosis, a type of heart disease.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham was a U.S. Senator from South Carolina.
He died suddenly at the age of 71.
The cause of death was an aortic dissection, a tear in the large artery carrying blood from the heart.
The condition is rare but can be fatal if untreated.
The medical examiner linked the dissection to arteriosclerosis, which means hardening or thickening of the arteries due to heart disease.
The findings are preliminary from the Washington, D.C. medical examiner’s office.
Aortic dissection requires emergency medical care because it can cause severe internal bleeding.
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Minnesota prosecutors have received previously withheld evidence from federal authorities about the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, which happened during protests against federal immigration enforcement. The new evidence includes videos, statements, and items from the crime scenes, helping local officials investigate these cases more thoroughly.
Key Facts
Renée Good, an unarmed U.S. citizen and mother, was shot and killed in her car by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7.
Alex Pretti, a nurse watching immigration officers, was fatally shot by Customs and Border Protection officials in Minneapolis on January 24.
Evidence such as police body-camera videos, statements, and Good’s car was previously withheld by federal officials.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the receipt of the evidence and said they have begun analyzing it.
The shootings occurred during protests against a federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
The FBI had earlier refused to share evidence with Minnesota authorities.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz asked for an impartial investigation into the shootings.
A federal officer was charged with assault and false reporting connected to the shooting of Venezuelan national Julio Sosa-Celis.
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FBI agents went to the Washington, D.C. home of Senator Lindsey Graham on Monday, shortly after he passed away from an aortic dissection. The visit included at least eight FBI personnel in official gear at his row house in the Capitol Hill area.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina died from an aortic dissection.
His death occurred less than 48 hours before the FBI visit.
The FBI sent at least six men and two women to his home in Washington, D.C.
The home is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The visit was recorded by a journalist from Nexstar named Vinay Simlot.
The agents wore official FBI clothing during the visit.
Lindsey Graham was serving as a U.S. senator at the time of his death.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune spoke emotionally on the Senate floor about his friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly from an aortic dissection on Saturday night. Thune described how Graham's friendship made their work easier and more meaningful.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) died suddenly on Saturday night.
The cause of death was an aortic dissection, which is a serious tear in a large blood vessel.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) spoke about Graham on the Senate floor Monday afternoon.
Thune became emotional while remembering his friend.
Thune said Graham’s friendship made the job better and less burdensome.
This statement happened during an official Senate session.
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A federal immigration officer shot and killed a Colombian man in Biddeford, Maine. This was the second time in one week that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents used deadly force.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Biddeford, a city in Maine with about 23,000 residents.
The man was being pursued by ICE agents for deportation.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the officer fired after the man tried to use his vehicle against the agents.
This is the second recent case of ICE using deadly force in a week.
Senator Angus King from Maine spoke about the situation and cited information from the Homeland Security Secretary.
ICE is part of the U.S. government agency responsible for immigration enforcement.
The event raises questions about ICE's use of force during deportation efforts.
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Senator Susan Collins of Maine has asked for a complete and fair investigation into a deadly shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Biddeford, Maine. Local police have secured the scene, and the FBI is involved in the investigation.
Key Facts
The shooting happened in Biddeford, Maine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved in the incident.
Senator Collins, a Republican from Maine, requested a thorough and unbiased investigation.
The Biddeford police have secured the area where the shooting took place.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is participating in investigating the case.
The details about what led to the shooting have not been fully disclosed yet.
The call for investigation reflects the seriousness of the incident.
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Hunter Biden said that his Secret Service protection was taken away after a right-wing influencer shared a photo of him with his family in South Africa. He spoke about this on a podcast called “Friends Keep Secrets” with Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky, and Kristin Batalucco.
Key Facts
Hunter Biden had Secret Service protection for his safety.
This protection was removed after a photo was shared online.
The photo showed Hunter Biden with his family in South Africa.
The photo was posted by right-wing influencer Laura Loomer.
Hunter Biden discussed this on the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast.
The podcast featured Benny Blanco, rapper Lil Dicky, and Kristin Batalucco.
The event took place around July 7.
Hunter Biden spoke directly about the impact of the photo on his security detail.
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The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, was partially drained and fenced off for repairs after damage to its liner, which officials say includes a large cut. The closure has affected visitors during the busy summer travel season, and the repair work is part of an ongoing renovation project with past problems and controversy.
Key Facts
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was partially drained and fenced off for maintenance.
Repairs are needed due to a large cut, called a "gash," in the pool’s new liner.
Authorities have arrested people suspected of damaging the pool, though some deny the allegations.
The pool renovations were meant to be finished before the Fourth of July 2026 celebrations.
The pool is a major attraction on the National Mall, which had about 27 million visitors in 2023.
Tourists and local visitors expressed disappointment over the pool being closed.
The renovation project has faced issues like vandalism, algae growth, and maintenance problems.
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President Donald Trump watched an IndyCar pit stop outside the White House, where a team quickly changed all four tires. This event was a preview for the DC Grand Prix, a real IndyCar race scheduled for August in Washington, DC.
Key Facts
An IndyCar stopped near the White House for a pit stop demonstration.
Crews changed all four tires in just a few seconds during the event.
President Donald Trump observed the pit stop outside the White House.
The event previewed the DC Grand Prix, an IndyCar race on DC streets.
The DC Grand Prix will take place in August.
The race is part of the Freedom 250 celebrations, marking the country’s birthday.
The event highlights a new sports competition in Washington, DC.
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President Donald Trump announced he will give a speech on Thursday night at 9 p.m. EDT. This comes during a time of rising tensions between the United States and Iran around the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
President Trump made the announcement on Truth Social.
The speech is scheduled for Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
The timing relates to increased conflict involving Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
Details about the speech’s content were not shared.
The announcement was made on a Monday.
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