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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

The impact of U.S. service member injuries in the Middle East

The impact of U.S. service member injuries in the Middle East

Summary

Nearly 100 U.S. service members were injured in the Middle East in the past month, according to a CBS News report. Retired Army Major and military analyst Mike Lyons discussed these injuries and their impact on CBS News 24/7 Mornings.

Key Facts

  • About 100 U.S. military personnel were hurt in the Middle East within the last month.
  • The injuries were reported in an exclusive CBS News story.
  • Retired U.S. Army Major Mike Lyons spoke about this situation on CBS News.
  • Mike Lyons is a military analyst with experience in the armed forces.
  • The discussion took place on the CBS News 24/7 Mornings program.
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Map Shows US States Pushing to Crack Down on Corporate Landlords

Map Shows US States Pushing to Crack Down on Corporate Landlords

Summary

Many U.S. states are proposing new laws to limit the power of big companies that buy many single-family homes. These companies, often backed by investors, make it harder for regular families to buy starter homes and increase rent prices.

Key Facts

  • Pennsylvania introduced House Bill 2704 to limit how many single-family homes investors can own and to require more information from corporate landlords.
  • Both Democrats and Republicans support measures against large investment firms buying multiple homes.
  • President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at stopping Wall Street firms from outbidding families for homes.
  • Big investors have increased their role in home buying since the 2007-2009 Great Recession.
  • States are considering rules to limit corporate-owned homes, regulate rent algorithms, and protect renters.
  • The laws aim to help first-time homebuyers by reducing competition from cash-rich institutional buyers.
  • California is also planning new regulations for large housing investors, though details are still being worked out.
  • Experts say the issue is mainly in local markets where investors concentrate and outbid people who want to live in the homes.
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Map Shows the States Fighting Potential Rent Hikes

Map Shows the States Fighting Potential Rent Hikes

Summary

Over 20 U.S. states have introduced or passed laws to limit the use of software that helps landlords set rent prices based on data and algorithms. These laws aim to stop the artificial increase of rental costs and protect renters from rapidly rising housing prices.

Key Facts

  • More than 20 states in the U.S. have acted to regulate algorithmic rent-setting software as of mid-2026.
  • New Jersey recently passed the FAIR Act to provide additional renter protections and control rent-setting algorithms.
  • New York was the first state to pass a law specifically targeting algorithmic rent price-fixing in residential housing.
  • Algorithmic rent-setting software uses data like occupancy and market trends to advise landlords on rent prices.
  • Some lawmakers believe this software causes rents to rise too high, making housing less affordable.
  • The National Apartment Association says these tools help landlords make better decisions and reduce vacancies.
  • Legislative efforts vary: some laws ban using these algorithms entirely, others focus on preventing unfair competition or price coordination.
  • Not all proposed bills have passed; some were vetoed or delayed in states like Colorado and Rhode Island.
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Full List of Republicans Who've Opposed Donald Trump's Iran War—Here's Why

Full List of Republicans Who've Opposed Donald Trump's Iran War—Here's Why

Summary

A small group of Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Congress are opposing President Donald Trump’s approach to the war with Iran. This disagreement comes as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran has recently escalated and may affect political battles ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Fighting between the U.S. and Iran increased after a ceasefire ended in July 2026.
  • Pakistan is trying to mediate peace talks, but no solution is visible yet.
  • The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil.
  • Most Americans oppose the war, which Democrats are using as a key issue for the 2026 elections.
  • Most Republicans support President Trump’s actions in the war, but a few, including some moderates and libertarians, have opposed it.
  • Seven Republican members of Congress voted for resolutions limiting the president’s military powers over Iran.
  • Representative Tom Barrett, a Republican in a competitive district, stated Congress should decide on the war’s rules and limits instead of the president alone.
  • The White House says it has been open with Congress and stresses the goal is preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
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Convicted killer denies murdering two friends whose remains were found near his Cornwall cabin

Convicted killer denies murdering two friends whose remains were found near his Cornwall cabin

Summary

James Desborough, a convicted killer, denies murdering two friends whose burned and cut-up bodies were found near his cabin in Cornwall. He says he found their bodies on his land and admitted to hiding them while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Desborough also admitted to killing a prison cellmate but denies killing his two friends.

Key Facts

  • James Desborough is on trial for the murders of Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman.
  • The bodies of Aquilino and Coleman were found burned and dismembered near Desborough’s cabin in Cornwall.
  • Desborough claims he found Aquilino hanging from a tree and Coleman’s body naked in a stream on his land.
  • He admits to disposing of their bodies while high on several drugs and alcohol.
  • Desborough also admitted to killing a cellmate while in prison, but said the cellmate’s snoring was not the reason for the killing.
  • He described himself as homeless, unemployed, and struggling with addiction.
  • Desborough said he took money from the deceased friends and likely spent it on beer and drugs.
  • He denied enjoying killing and called a note saying “I’m a killer” creative writing.
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Trump admin freezes over $1B in Medicaid funds for Minnesota, California

Trump admin freezes over $1B in Medicaid funds for Minnesota, California

Summary

The Trump administration has stopped more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota due to concerns about fraud. This is the second time the administration has taken action against the Democratic governors of these states regarding Medicaid fraud.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration paused over $1 billion in Medicaid funds.
  • The funds were meant for California and Minnesota.
  • The action is based on concerns about alleged Medicaid fraud.
  • California's governor is Gavin Newsom.
  • Minnesota's governor is Tim Walz.
  • Both governors are members of the Democratic Party.
  • This is the second time the Trump administration has targeted these two states with similar accusations.
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DOJ accuses UC San Diego medical school of bias in admissions

DOJ accuses UC San Diego medical school of bias in admissions

Summary

The U.S. Justice Department said that the University of California San Diego School of Medicine showed bias in how it accepted new students. The DOJ says the school favored Black and Hispanic applicants unfairly in its admissions process.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Justice made the claim on Monday.
  • The accusation is about racial discrimination in medical school admissions.
  • The medical school allegedly favored Black and Hispanic applicants.
  • The DOJ says the school used “race-neutral” methods to increase admissions for these groups.
  • The investigation was done by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
  • The school is part of the University of California system.
  • The DOJ’s action focuses on fairness in admissions and civil rights laws.
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MAGA’s War Chest Soars Ahead of Midterms: How It Compares to Democrats

MAGA’s War Chest Soars Ahead of Midterms: How It Compares to Democrats

Summary

Republican political groups, including MAGA Inc., have raised significantly more money than Democratic groups ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. MAGA Inc. alone raised over $400 million by mid-2026, contributing to a large financial lead for Republican fundraising compared to Democrats.

Key Facts

  • MAGA Inc., a pro-President Donald Trump political group, raised over $400 million by the end of June 2026.
  • Major donors to MAGA Inc. include the Winklevoss twins ($10 million in Bitcoin), Diane Hendricks ($25 million), and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman ($10 million).
  • Total pro-Republican PACs had about $677 million in cash by the end of June, while Democrats had around $136 million.
  • Other Republican groups like the RNC, National Republican Senatorial Committee, and National Republican Congressional Committee also hold large sums.
  • Democrats’ national committee had significantly less money, with the Democratic National Committee holding about $14.8 million and owing $18.3 million at the end of its reporting period.
  • MAGA Inc. has spent around $21 million in 2026, mainly supporting Republican election campaigns.
  • Republicans hold slim majorities in the House and Senate and hope to keep these in the midterms.
  • Election forecasts give Democrats a 71% chance to win the House and a narrow lead in the Senate.
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Hundreds of Noncitizens Voted in New Jersey Elections, Governor Reveals

Hundreds of Noncitizens Voted in New Jersey Elections, Governor Reveals

Summary

A technical mistake in New Jersey allowed some non-citizens to register to vote between June 2023 and June 2024. About 400 of these people voted in state elections before the error was fixed, according to Governor Mikie Sherrill.

Key Facts

  • The error happened in the Motor Vehicle Commission system.
  • It allowed people who said they were non-citizens to register to vote, which is not allowed.
  • The mistake lasted about one year and was corrected in June 2024.
  • Fewer than 400 newly registered non-citizens voted in various elections.
  • These voters were spread throughout New Jersey and included Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters.
  • Governor Sherrill learned about the problem only last week and has promised to remove those illegally registered.
  • Sherrill criticized the previous administration for not being open about the issue.
  • The announcement comes amid national discussions led by President Donald Trump about election security and voter eligibility.
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Warner urges Democrats to ‘talk less,’ ‘deliver more’ amid rise of democratic socialists

Warner urges Democrats to ‘talk less,’ ‘deliver more’ amid rise of democratic socialists

Summary

Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, said that the Democratic Party should focus more on action and less on talking due to voter frustration. He also mentioned the rise of democratic socialists gaining influence in national politics during a CNBC interview.

Key Facts

  • Senator Mark Warner represents Virginia and is a Democrat.
  • Warner suggested that Democrats need to deliver results instead of just talking.
  • Voters are feeling frustrated with the current political situation.
  • Democratic socialists have recently won some elections and gained attention nationally.
  • The comments were made during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
  • Warner’s remarks indicate concerns about the party’s future and strategy.
  • The discussion reflects tensions within the Democratic Party between its moderate and more progressive members.
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Calls for Judicial Visibility Signal a Shift in Court Engagement

Calls for Judicial Visibility Signal a Shift in Court Engagement

Summary

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced two bipartisan bills that would allow cameras in federal courtrooms, including the Supreme Court, under certain conditions. These efforts aim to increase public access to judicial proceedings while maintaining fairness and protecting due process.

Key Facts

  • The bills passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee would let cameras record in federal courts and the Supreme Court in specific situations.
  • Supporters believe wider access to court proceedings can help more Americans follow important legal cases from home.
  • Texans for Judicial Accountability is a nonprofit group working to improve transparency and trust in courtrooms at the state level.
  • Cellphones are usually collected before court starts, so official transcripts are the main record of what happens, but they don’t show nonverbal actions.
  • The nonprofit wants better transparency to create an objective record and build confidence in the justice system for everyone involved.
  • Some recent state laws ended private reprimands for judges and increased public reporting of disciplinary outcomes.
  • Filing complaints about judges can still be slow and requires mailing papers, which can limit participation.
  • Texas has added more investigators and improved processes to strengthen judicial oversight.
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WATCH: 'If you erase it, we will replace it,' Rep. Mfume says of Black history at Smithsonian museums

WATCH: 'If you erase it, we will replace it,' Rep. Mfume says of Black history at Smithsonian museums

Summary

Rep. Kweisi Mfume spoke during a House Oversight hearing about concerns that efforts are being made to reduce or eliminate Black history exhibits at the Smithsonian museums. He warned that if Black history is erased, it will be replaced, emphasizing the importance of remembering past lessons.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Kweisi Mfume represents Maryland and spoke at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing.
  • Mfume expressed outrage over attempts to remove or downplay the African American museum and Smithsonian exhibits.
  • He said, “If you erase it, we will replace it,” stressing the need to preserve Black history.
  • Mfume quoted former President Abraham Lincoln to underline the importance of learning from history.
  • The hearing looked at how the Smithsonian presents U.S. history amid criticisms related to President Trump.
  • Mfume’s comments highlight ongoing debates about representation of African American history in national museums.
  • The Smithsonian museums are a group of national museums and research centers in the United States.
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Hegseth set for Senate grilling as Iran war sours

Hegseth set for Senate grilling as Iran war sours

Summary

Nick Hegseth, a political figure, is preparing to face tough questions in the Senate about funding for the conflict involving Iran. The situation is urgent because money for the war efforts may soon run out, and there is also a recent meeting between Lebanon’s president and President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • Nick Hegseth is set to appear before the Senate for questioning.
  • He will address the need for more funding related to the conflict with Iran.
  • There are concerns that current funds for the Iran war may not last much longer.
  • The Lebanon president recently met with President Donald Trump.
  • The Boston Red Sox have a 14-game winning streak, mentioned as a side note.
  • The article highlights urgent political and military funding issues involving the U.S. and Iran.
  • This news was included in The Hill’s midday newsletter.
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What is the Missing Piece in America’s Higher Education Environment?

What is the Missing Piece in America’s Higher Education Environment?

Summary

Many college students face challenges like anxiety and money problems while studying. Experts say students need skills called executive functions—such as planning and managing emotions—to succeed in college and beyond.

Key Facts

  • A 2026 survey found 69% of college students had mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or ADHD in the past year.
  • Students from lower-income families often lack enough financial support despite rising college costs.
  • Executive function includes skills like memory, flexibility in thinking, and controlling impulses and emotions.
  • These skills help students plan, solve problems, and handle daily tasks needed for college success.
  • Executive function also affects long-term outcomes like job stability, career success, and health.
  • Students often struggle when they must manage their time and responsibilities more independently in college.
  • More universities are supporting neurodivergent students (those with brain differences) with special accommodations.
  • Academic knowledge alone may not be enough for students to do well without strong executive functioning skills.
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House Democrats not supportive of ‘bad’ continuing resolution

House Democrats not supportive of ‘bad’ continuing resolution

Summary

House Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the current continuing resolution (CR) proposed by House GOP leaders. They are concerned about funding decisions in the bill, especially related to the ongoing war.

Key Facts

  • House GOP leaders are working quickly to pass a new continuing resolution this week.
  • Many House Democrats attended their weekly meeting and shared negative views about the CR.
  • Democrats do not want additional funding included for the war.
  • The continuing resolution is a stopgap funding measure to keep the government operating.
  • The disagreement shows a clear divide between Democrats and Republicans in the House over funding priorities.
  • The outcome of the CR will affect government spending and priorities in the short term.
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Hegseth, Caine to testify before Senate panel amid escalating Iran war

Hegseth, Caine to testify before Senate panel amid escalating Iran war

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine will testify before a Senate committee about recent escalations in the war with Iran. They will discuss the Trump administration’s request for $67 billion in additional Pentagon funding to cover war costs after several U.S. soldiers were killed in Iranian attacks.

Key Facts

  • Hegseth and Caine will testify Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. before a Senate committee.
  • At least three U.S. service members have died recently due to Iranian attacks and related activities.
  • Since the war began in February, 17 U.S. service members have been killed and nearly 100 injured.
  • The U.S. has carried out 10 straight nights of strikes on Iranian military targets following the collapse of a ceasefire.
  • The Trump administration requested $67 billion for the Pentagon to cover war expenses and related costs.
  • The total requested supplemental funding last month was $88 billion, including money for munitions, operations, and classified programs.
  • Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins will also testify regarding related funding requests.
  • Some senators from both parties question or want limits on the war funding and Trump’s war powers.
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Speaker Johnson backs more restrictions on relationships between lawmakers and staff

Speaker Johnson backs more restrictions on relationships between lawmakers and staff

Summary

Speaker Mike Johnson said he supports making stricter rules to ban sexual relationships between members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff. Some top Republican women in the House have also asked for a complete ban on these kinds of relationships.

Key Facts

  • Speaker Mike Johnson is from Louisiana and belongs to the Republican Party.
  • He spoke about revising the House rules on sexual relationships between lawmakers and staff.
  • Some Republican women members of the House want a full ban on these relationships.
  • Johnson expressed his support for expanding the existing ban.
  • The current rules already prohibit some relationships but may not cover all situations.
  • This discussion happened during a press conference.
  • The goal is to promote a professional workplace environment in Congress.
  • No specific new rules or proposals have been officially announced yet.
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Trump administration investigating Harvard over international students’ financial aid

Trump administration investigating Harvard over international students’ financial aid

Summary

The Trump administration is investigating Harvard University. The Department of Justice will check if Harvard's financial aid programs for students with ties to China unfairly exclude U.S. citizen students.

Key Facts

  • The investigation started under President Donald Trump’s administration.
  • It focuses on Harvard’s financial aid programs connected to China.
  • The concern is that some American citizen students may have been left out.
  • The Department of Justice will conduct a compliance review at Harvard.
  • The review will determine if the university broke laws about fair financial aid.
  • The investigation aims to find if any U.S. students were unfairly denied aid.
  • It involves looking at Harvard’s practices related to international students and financial aid.
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Obama Ally Issues Warning to Democrats About Socialists — 'Hijacked'

Obama Ally Issues Warning to Democrats About Socialists — 'Hijacked'

Summary

Van Jones, a longtime ally of President Barack Obama, warned that the youth movement within the Democratic Party is being taken over by people with extreme and unrealistic ideas. This comes as more democratic socialists win primary elections, causing tension between moderate and progressive wings of the party ahead of the 2024 elections.

Key Facts

  • Van Jones expressed concern that the youth movement in the Democratic Party is being "hijacked" by people with extreme views.
  • Democratic socialist candidates have won more primary races for the 2026 midterms.
  • The Democratic Party is trying to solidify its policies to regain control of Congress in the November elections.
  • Some democratic socialists backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have won key primaries in places like New York City, Colorado, Missouri, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
  • The DSA says their ideas challenge billionaires and oppose injustices in healthcare, housing, and immigration.
  • The rise of democratic socialism grew after Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign.
  • This movement helped bring ideas like Medicare for All and free college tuition into mainstream political discussions.
  • The success of DSA-backed candidates is creating tensions between moderate Democrats and the party’s progressive wing.
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Trump admin. halts $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California, Minnesota

Trump admin. halts $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California, Minnesota

Summary

The Trump administration is pausing over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota to review claims flagged for potential fraud. The hold is temporary and states can provide more information to get the funds released.

Key Facts

  • The administration paused $867.5 million in Medicaid payments to California and $199 million to Minnesota.
  • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found spending patterns in California’s in-home care programs that grew faster than national trends.
  • Minnesota’s paused funds relate to 14 “high-risk” service areas needing more documentation.
  • The funds are not cut but delayed while officials verify the claims meet federal rules.
  • The administration launched an anti-fraud task force targeting abuses in federal healthcare programs.
  • Earlier, eight people were arrested in a healthcare fraud case involving over $50 million.
  • Over 700 hospices in Los Angeles County showed red flags for possible fraud, according to a CBS News analysis.
  • Fraud investigations in Minnesota estimate losses could exceed $1 billion.
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