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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Hunter Biden wins $1.7m in suit over Iran bribery claim by ex-CEO of Overstock.com

Hunter Biden wins $1.7m in suit over Iran bribery claim by ex-CEO of Overstock.com

July 11, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A federal judge ordered Patrick Byrne, former Overstock.com CEO, to pay Hunter Biden $1.7 million in a defamation lawsuit. Byrne falsely claimed Hunter Biden tried to get a bribe from Iran, which the judge found had no evidence and was knowingly untrue.

Key Facts

  • Hunter Biden sued Patrick Byrne for defamation over false bribery claims involving Iran.
  • Byrne alleged Hunter Biden offered Iran a bribe to influence U.S. policy during nuclear talks.
  • The judge found Byrne knew the claims were false and had no proof to support them.
  • Byrne failed to appear at the trial and was sanctioned for delaying the case.
  • Hunter Biden was awarded $1 in nominal damages plus $1.7 million in punitive damages.
  • Byrne must also pay about $35,000 in court sanctions.
  • Hunter Biden’s lawyers said Byrne’s claims amounted to accusing Biden of “treason.”
  • The case occurred while Hunter Biden is active on social media and publishing essays.
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Guardian World Guardian US
As lawmakers procrastinate on PFAS, mothers and newborns pay the price

As lawmakers procrastinate on PFAS, mothers and newborns pay the price

July 11, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Lawmakers have delayed actions to address PFAS, harmful chemicals in water. This delay affects the health of pregnant women and newborn babies in communities exposed to these chemicals.

Key Facts

  • PFAS are harmful chemicals found in water.
  • Exposure to PFAS affects pregnancy and children's health.
  • Lawmakers have postponed decisions on regulating PFAS.
  • Communities continue to face health risks from contaminated water.
  • Delays mean more people could suffer health problems linked to PFAS.
  • Mothers and newborns are especially vulnerable to these chemicals.
  • The article highlights a lack of timely government response to this issue.
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The Hill
Hundreds rescued amid historic flash flooding in Missouri

Hundreds rescued amid historic flash flooding in Missouri

July 11, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Heavy rain caused serious flash flooding in Missouri, leading to flooded roads and homes. Officials declared a state of emergency and rescued hundreds of people from the affected areas.

Key Facts

  • Missouri experienced historic flash flooding due to heavy rain.
  • Roads and homes were flooded across the state.
  • Hundreds of people needed rescue during the floods.
  • The state government declared a state of emergency.
  • Emergency responders took action to help those trapped by water.
  • Flooding disrupted normal life and created dangerous conditions.
  • Officials are monitoring the situation for further developments.
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CBS News
U.S. citizen working in Congo tests positive for Ebola, CDC says

U.S. citizen working in Congo tests positive for Ebola, CDC says

July 11, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian group in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is working with partners to prevent the disease from spreading and to trace people who were in close contact with the patient.

Key Facts

  • The Ebola outbreak in Congo is the fastest-growing ever recorded in Africa, with 1,830 confirmed cases and 648 deaths.
  • Cases of Ebola have also been found in neighboring Uganda.
  • An American doctor previously infected with Ebola in Congo was treated in Germany and recovered before returning to the U.S.
  • The Trump administration requested $1.4 billion from Congress to help respond to the Ebola outbreaks in Congo, Uganda, and other areas.
  • The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
  • Researchers recently started clinical trials to test potential treatments for the virus.
  • Conflict and violence in eastern Congo are making it harder to control the outbreak because people are fleeing and attacks on health centers continue.
  • Health workers often lack sufficient protective gear, increasing their risk of infection.
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CBS News
Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over new Air Force One reporting

Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over new Air Force One reporting

July 11, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Trump administration has issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists after the newspaper reported on security concerns about the president’s new Air Force One plane. The government is requiring the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury, raising concerns about press freedom.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration subpoenaed several New York Times journalists to testify before a grand jury in Manhattan.
  • The subpoenas relate to the Times' reporting on security issues with the new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar.
  • Some subpoenas were personally delivered to reporters at their homes.
  • The new Air Force One reportedly lacks some defensive features present on older models, according to anonymous sources cited by the Times.
  • President Donald Trump denied any security concerns about the new plane and said he regularly faces threats.
  • The White House called the plane “state-of-the-art” with strong security protections.
  • Press freedom groups, like the National Press Club, criticized the subpoenas as a threat to an independent press.
  • Similar subpoenas were previously issued to other news outlets but were later withdrawn after legal challenges.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Judge OKs DOJ request to toss remaining Proud Boys Jan. 6 convictions

Judge OKs DOJ request to toss remaining Proud Boys Jan. 6 convictions

July 11, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A federal judge approved the Justice Department’s request to dismiss the remaining charges against four Proud Boys leaders linked to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This decision ends the legal cases for those individuals who had already been convicted.

Key Facts

  • The judge involved is District Judge Timothy Kelly.
  • Four Proud Boys leaders had previously been convicted for their roles on January 6, 2021.
  • The DOJ filed a motion to dismiss the remaining charges against these leaders.
  • The judge agreed with the DOJ request and ordered the cases to be dropped.
  • The Proud Boys are a right-wing extremist group.
  • The events relate to the attack on the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021.
  • The dismissal means the convicted leaders will not face further prosecution in these cases.
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The Hill
‘A slap in the face’: small farmers say Trump is turning his back on them

‘A slap in the face’: small farmers say Trump is turning his back on them

July 11, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Small farmers in Iowa say President Donald Trump's administration is cutting important government support programs that helped them get established. A program run by a non-profit that aided new farmers lost its funding when the USDA canceled grants, causing difficulties for small producers.

Key Facts

  • Lawrencia Rogers, a small farmer in Iowa, grew her farm through a fellowship funded by the USDA and run by Iowa Valley RC&D.
  • This fellowship provided land, equipment, advisors, a living wage, health insurance, and paid time off to new farmers.
  • Shortly after the fellowship began, the USDA canceled a $2.5 million grant to the non-profit supporting the program, calling it wasteful and against the administration’s policy on diversity.
  • A federal judge ordered the USDA to restore $127 million in grants to Iowa Valley RC&D and other groups, but the program had already been paused.
  • Small-scale farmers say USDA policy changes under President Trump prioritize big corporate farms over small producers.
  • Farmers report financial losses, including lost buyers and reduced cash flow, due to canceled USDA programs that supported local agriculture.
  • The issue of support for small farms may influence upcoming elections in Iowa, where key political races are competitive.
  • Some farmers feel the current administration has not taken steps that benefit small producers and small businesses.
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Guardian US
Is the US trying to make scientists’ work so difficult that they simply give up? | Daniel Malinsky

Is the US trying to make scientists’ work so difficult that they simply give up? | Daniel Malinsky

July 11, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

The U.S. government, under President Trump, is proposing new rules and policies that could make it harder for scientists to get federal funding and collaborate internationally. These changes may reduce support for public scientific research and shift focus toward private companies and applied technology projects.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration is creating new rules that increase political oversight of federal research grants.
  • Proposals include reviewing grants to ensure they match the president’s policy goals.
  • The new rules may block scientific collaborations with certain foreign countries, such as China.
  • Scientific groups warn these changes could harm research institutions and communities.
  • The Open comment period for these proposed rules closes on July 14th.
  • Reduced funding and uncertainty especially hurt young scientists who need stable support to build careers.
  • The National Science Foundation is cutting budgets for basic science research and investing in applied tech projects called “X-Labs.”
  • The government appears to be favoring private tech companies over traditional academic research.
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Guardian US
The ticks you may find in your state, and the diseases they can carry

The ticks you may find in your state, and the diseases they can carry

July 11, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Different types of ticks live in different parts of the United States, and they can carry diseases that affect people. This year, there has been a notable increase in tick activity across the country.

Key Facts

  • Tick species vary by region in the U.S.
  • Ticks can carry diseases that may make humans sick.
  • This year has seen more tick activity than usual.
  • Knowing which ticks are common in your area helps with awareness.
  • Preventive measures can reduce the risk of tick bites.
  • Tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease and others.
  • Climate and environment affect tick populations.
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The Hill
DOJ subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One report

DOJ subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One report

July 11, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued subpoenas to four New York Times journalists after the newspaper published a report about security issues with President Donald Trump’s new Air Force One plane. The plane was given by Qatar and recently started service, but the article said it did not have some advanced safety features found in the older plane.

Key Facts

  • The DOJ subpoenaed four journalists from the New York Times.
  • The subpoenas are connected to a story about President Trump’s Qatar-donated Air Force One.
  • The article said the new plane may have security risks.
  • The plane recently began service as the presidential aircraft.
  • The older Air Force One had more advanced security features.
  • The Trump administration is responsible for the subpoenas.
  • The story led to government action to identify the sources of the information.
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The Hill
Live updates: Trump warns Iran over alleged assassination plot; Housing bill now law

Live updates: Trump warns Iran over alleged assassination plot; Housing bill now law

July 11, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump warned Iran after reports said Iran planned to assassinate him. He said the U.S. has many missiles ready to respond if Iran tries to carry out the threat. Additionally, a housing bill has recently become law.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump warned Iran about an alleged assassination plot against him.
  • Reports claim the Islamic Republic of Iran planned this assassination attempt.
  • Trump said 1,000 missiles are ready and aimed at Iran.
  • He mentioned more missiles would follow if Iran acts on the threat.
  • The warning was made late on a Friday.
  • A housing bill has been passed and is now law.
  • The housing bill is separate from the missile warning issue.
  • The situation highlights tense relations between the U.S. and Iran.
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The Hill
Probation hostels in England and Wales forced to shut after staffing crisis

Probation hostels in England and Wales forced to shut after staffing crisis

July 11, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Nearly one in ten probation hostels in England and Wales have been closed due to a staffing crisis. These hostels, which supervise some of the most dangerous people after prison, are facing shortages of trained staff, sometimes replaced by untrained security guards.

Key Facts

  • Nine out of 105 probation hostels, known as approved premises, are currently closed.
  • These hostels house about 2,000 high-risk offenders who need close supervision after prison.
  • Staff shortages are partly due to contract expirations with private companies that provided overnight staff.
  • Untrained security guards are sometimes filling in for trained probation staff.
  • Residents of these hostels often have drug, alcohol, or mental health issues and stay for 8 to 12 weeks.
  • If residents refuse drug tests or room searches, they can be sent back to prison.
  • The Ministry of Justice and senior officials acknowledge the staffing and safety challenges.
  • The probation officers’ union says the current system needs more funding and better management to ensure safety.
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Guardian World
Bipartisan housing bill becomes law after Trump’s signature snub

Bipartisan housing bill becomes law after Trump’s signature snub

July 11, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A housing bill designed to make homes more affordable became law without President Donald Trump's signature. Trump delayed signing the bill because he wanted the Senate to approve his voter ID rules first.

Key Facts

  • The housing bill is called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
  • It aims to increase the number of homes available and lower housing costs.
  • The bill passed with support from both political parties (bipartisan).
  • President Trump did not sign the bill but also did not block it.
  • The bill became law automatically after a certain time.
  • Trump delayed signing as a protest against the Senate not passing his voter ID legislation.
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The Hill
Houston Vows ICE Killing Investigation, But Says Feds Aren't Sharing Intel

Houston Vows ICE Killing Investigation, But Says Feds Aren't Sharing Intel

July 11, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Houston officials announced an independent investigation into the shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE officer, but federal agencies have not shared key evidence. There are conflicting accounts about the incident, and local authorities face challenges in accessing information controlled by the FBI.

Key Facts

  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national, was shot during an ICE immigration enforcement operation in Houston.
  • ICE says Salgado Araujo rammed an agent’s vehicle and the officer shot him in self-defense; he later died in the hospital.
  • Passengers in Salgado Araujo’s van claim no ICE agents were in front or behind the vehicle, challenging the federal version.
  • Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the FBI is tightly controlling the evidence and investigation scene.
  • Houston Police Chief will meet with the FBI to request sharing of information to allow a local investigation.
  • The Harris County District Attorney’s office also began an investigation but has limited access due to federal control.
  • U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia reported that Salgado Araujo was not the intended target of the ICE operation.
  • Salgado Araujo’s son first learned of the shooting by seeing a video posted on Facebook showing his father bleeding.
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Newsweek
US pays out $3m to victims of mysterious Havana Syndrome

US pays out $3m to victims of mysterious Havana Syndrome

July 11, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

The US government has paid nearly $3 million to staff affected by Havana Syndrome, a strange illness first reported by diplomats in Cuba in 2016. The payments come under the Havana Act, and the US Department of Defense will keep supporting affected personnel, though the cause of the syndrome remains unclear.

Key Facts

  • Havana Syndrome started with symptoms reported by US diplomats in Cuba in 2016.
  • Symptoms include hearing unusual noises, pressure in the head, dizziness, and nausea.
  • The US government has paid about $3 million in compensation to victims under a law passed in 2021.
  • Reports of similar symptoms have appeared among US staff in other countries, including China.
  • US intelligence agencies mostly believe a foreign attack is unlikely but accept the victims’ symptoms are real.
  • The cause of Havana Syndrome is still unknown, but some suspect a sonic or microwave weapon.
  • The US reduced embassy staff in Cuba after many reported symptoms from 2017 onward.
  • Canada also reduced its embassy staff in Havana due to similar health concerns.
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BBC World BBC US
Pregnant mom diagnosed with Stage IV cancer after symptoms were dismissed

Pregnant mom diagnosed with Stage IV cancer after symptoms were dismissed

July 11, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Jenney Bitner, who was 22 weeks pregnant, started feeling very sick on a family trip but was told her symptoms were likely pregnancy-related. After returning home, she was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma that had spread to her brain. She had surgery, delivered her baby early by C-section, underwent a second brain surgery to remove the tumor fully, and then began immunotherapy treatment.

Key Facts

  • Jenney Bitner was 22 weeks pregnant when she began feeling severe symptoms like headaches and nausea.
  • Multiple urgent care visits initially attributed her symptoms to pregnancy.
  • After falling twice, an MRI found a large brain tumor.
  • Tests showed Bitner had Stage IV melanoma, a serious skin cancer that spread to her brain and other parts of her body.
  • Because immunotherapy could harm her baby, doctors planned an early delivery at 34 weeks by C-section.
  • Bitner’s baby was born weighing 3 pounds 12 ounces and spent some time in the NICU.
  • She had a second brain surgery to remove the tumor completely, then started immunotherapy to help her immune system fight the cancer.
  • Bitner’s recovery was described as remarkable, with ongoing monitoring of other areas affected by cancer.
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CBS News
Trump warns Iran of ‘complete decimation’ if assassination threat carried out

Trump warns Iran of ‘complete decimation’ if assassination threat carried out

July 11, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump warned Iran that the United States is ready to respond strongly if Iran attempts to carry out an assassination plot against him. He said the U.S. military is prepared and that missiles are aimed at Iran in retaliation.

Key Facts

  • President Trump made the threat on a Friday.
  • He said Iran has a reported plan to assassinate him.
  • Trump warned that the U.S. will “decimate and destroy” Iran if the plot is carried out.
  • The president said he ordered the U.S. military to be ready to respond immediately.
  • He mentioned that 1,000 missiles are aimed at Iran with thousands more ready to follow.
  • The threat was made publicly by the president himself.
  • This situation involves direct tensions between the U.S. and Iran related to national security.
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The Hill
As Democrats pick up the pieces after Graham Platner, many wonder: how did this happen?

As Democrats pick up the pieces after Graham Platner, many wonder: how did this happen?

July 11, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Graham Platner, a political newcomer recruited by out-of-state activists, ran for the U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat but dropped out after a sexual assault allegation surfaced. The vetting process for his background was rushed and incomplete, which led to major controversy and damaged the Democratic Party’s hopes in the midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner had no prior political experience before running for the U.S. Senate.
  • Political activists Daniel Moraff and Leanne Fan recruited Platner and managed his campaign.
  • Moraff requested a fast and cheaper background check that skipped interviews and questionnaires.
  • Platner gained early support by appealing to independent and progressive voters with an anti-establishment message.
  • A woman he dated accused Platner of sexual assault, which he denied but she publicly confirmed.
  • The allegation caused his support to collapse, and he ended his campaign after growing pressure.
  • Democratic strategists criticized the poor vetting process as a major mistake.
  • Platner’s campaign did not respond to questions about their vetting methods.
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Guardian US
Slew of lawsuits over disability access frustrates US cafe and shop owners

Slew of lawsuits over disability access frustrates US cafe and shop owners

July 11, 2026 • Guardian Business

Summary

Many small U.S. businesses, especially cafes and shops, are being sued repeatedly for not following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These businesses often face high legal costs even when they do not know about the lawsuits or feel the claims are unfair.

Key Facts

  • Rodrigo Nogueira, owner of No More Cafe in Manhattan, was surprised to be sued for 35 supposed ADA violations.
  • The lawsuit claimed a problem with an outdoor table that the cafe does not have.
  • The plaintiff and lawyer involved have filed many similar lawsuits against small businesses.
  • Small business owners, many of them immigrants, often do not understand how to handle these court cases.
  • Legal fees can reach thousands of dollars, which is very hard for small businesses to pay.
  • The ADA requires places like restaurants and stores to be accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Businesses should fix problems if they can do so easily and affordably, but this can be confusing and costly.
  • The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce says these repeated lawsuits harm small businesses and can be expensive to fight.
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Guardian Business
Is Mitch McConnell secretly deceased? | Arwa Mahdawi

Is Mitch McConnell secretly deceased? | Arwa Mahdawi

July 11, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Senator Mitch McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after a possible heart attack, but his current health condition remains unclear. Some sources claim he is brain dead, while others, including Republican leaders, say they have recently talked with him, leading to confusion and speculation about his status.

Key Facts

  • Mitch McConnell, 84, was hospitalized after a medical event at his home.
  • Some claim McConnell is brain dead and on life support, but this is unconfirmed.
  • Several Republican leaders say they have had recent conversations with McConnell.
  • McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, has been abroad and said the senator’s health didn’t require her to return immediately.
  • Republican congressman Marlin Stutzman and President Donald Trump have expressed uncertainty about McConnell’s condition.
  • Kentucky’s governor has asked McConnell to be transparent about his health.
  • McConnell is retiring and his Senate seat will be decided in a November election.
  • There is speculation Republicans might avoid revealing McConnell’s condition to prevent a special election, which could be risky for their party.
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Guardian US