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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Hegseth to testify on Capitol Hill as Democrats press for more Iran war updates

Hegseth to testify on Capitol Hill as Democrats press for more Iran war updates

Summary

Nearly 100 U.S. military members were injured by recent strikes from Iran. Lawmakers in Congress are asking for more information about the conflict with Iran.

Key Facts

  • About 100 U.S. service members were hurt in attacks by Iran in the past month.
  • These injuries occurred as part of strikes launched by Iran.
  • The situation with Iran is gaining more attention from U.S. lawmakers.
  • Democrats in Congress are seeking additional updates on the war involving Iran.
  • The testimony of Hegseth is scheduled on Capitol Hill related to this issue.
  • The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Aaron Navarro.
  • The focus is on understanding the recent military actions and their impact on U.S. forces.
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Watch live: House Democrats push back on Trump agenda as midterms inch closer

Watch live: House Democrats push back on Trump agenda as midterms inch closer

Summary

House Democratic leaders will meet with reporters to discuss their political plans as the 2026 midterm elections approach. They are expected to criticize President Donald Trump’s policies, including increased U.S. military actions in Iran and ongoing support for Israel.

Key Facts

  • House Democrats are preparing their message for the 2026 midterm elections.
  • Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar will speak to the press.
  • Democrats plan to oppose President Trump’s expanded military strikes in Iran.
  • They also plan to criticize continued U.S. aid to Israel.
  • The discussion is happening amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
  • Democrats want to highlight their political stance before voters in 2026.
  • The meeting took place on a Tuesday morning.
  • The goal is to sharpen their position against President Trump’s agenda.
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Black lands, Mexican bands: how a southern rural family built a Latino cultural hub

Black lands, Mexican bands: how a southern rural family built a Latino cultural hub

Summary

Donal Gooch owns a family property in Eagle Rock, North Carolina, where he hosts concerts featuring Mexican bands and cultural events. His daughter Caitlin focuses on preserving local horse-riding traditions and teaching children, making the land an important cultural place for both the Latino and Black communities.

Key Facts

  • The Gooch family owns 12 acres in Eagle Rock, a rural area near Raleigh, North Carolina.
  • Donal Gooch runs the Gooch Sports Arena, which hosts Mexican music concerts and bull-riding festivals.
  • Concert attendance varies; around 1,500 to 2,000 tickets are sold for smaller events, with more than 5,500 possible for larger ones.
  • The Latino population in North Carolina grew from 76,000 in 1990 to over 1.1 million in 2020.
  • Caitlin Gooch grew up on the land and preserves the local horseback-riding culture.
  • Caitlin runs educational programs like summer camps and a reading program with a miniature horse.
  • The area is changing rapidly due to suburban growth and new developments.
  • The property is a cultural hub for the Hispanic community and maintains historic ties to the Black rural population.
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Don’t listen to Democrats whining about election interference

Don’t listen to Democrats whining about election interference

Summary

The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) does not run elections, count votes, declare winners, or oversee local and state election officials. Its role is separate from the direct management of election processes.

Key Facts

  • The EAC is not responsible for conducting elections.
  • The EAC does not count ballots during elections.
  • It does not certify or officially declare election winners.
  • The EAC does not supervise election officials at the state or local level.
  • State and local authorities handle most election duties.
  • The EAC provides support and guidance but does not control election outcomes.
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Father, son charged in US Forest Service workers’ kidnapping

Father, son charged in US Forest Service workers’ kidnapping

Summary

A father and son were arrested for kidnapping two workers from the U.S. Forest Service in Northern California. The incident led to a 15-hour standoff before their arrest.

Key Facts

  • The kidnapping took place in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California.
  • The suspects are Joseph Charles Henrichsen, aged 49, and his son Phoenix Henrichsen, aged 23.
  • Both were charged with kidnapping federal employees.
  • The U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of California announced the charges.
  • The standoff with law enforcement lasted 15 hours before the suspects were taken into custody.
  • The victims were employees of the U.S. Forest Service, a government agency that manages national forests.
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U.S. soldier killed in Iraq identified as 30-year-old from North Carolina

U.S. soldier killed in Iraq identified as 30-year-old from North Carolina

Summary

A U.S. soldier from North Carolina, Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, was killed in Iraq during a controlled explosion of a downed attack drone. The incident is being investigated, and nearly 100 American troops have been injured in recent Iranian attacks in the Middle East.

Key Facts

  • Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, age 30, died during a controlled detonation of an attack drone at Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq.
  • The drone was identified as an Iranian one-way attack drone by U.S. Central Command.
  • Another U.S. service member was wounded with minor injuries during the same event.
  • Swinton joined the Army in 2017 and was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant; he will receive several military honors.
  • Two other U.S. soldiers were killed in an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan, with a third soldier missing.
  • Nearly 100 U.S. service members have been injured in multiple Iranian attacks on bases across the Middle East since early July 2026.
  • Most injuries were minor concussions, and 96% of injured personnel have returned to duty.
  • The violence follows the collapse of a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, with ongoing military strikes by both sides.
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Fourth person dies in New York City legionnaires’ disease outbreak

Fourth person dies in New York City legionnaires’ disease outbreak

Summary

A legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City has caused four deaths and infected 76 people. Officials believe the source, linked to cooling towers in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, has been removed, and no new cases have been reported for over a week.

Key Facts

  • Four people have died and 76 have become sick from the outbreak.
  • The disease source was cooling towers on buildings in the Upper East Side neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville.
  • Of the 76 sick, 53 were hospitalized and have since been discharged, and 12 are recovering at home.
  • 76 buildings tested positive for the Legionella bacteria, including museums, schools, and apartments.
  • Building owners were ordered to drain and clean their cooling towers.
  • The disease spreads by breathing in tiny droplets of water contaminated with bacteria, not from person to person.
  • No new cases have been reported since July 15, and health officials believe the exposure source is gone.
  • Officials continue to inspect cooling towers and enforce public health laws strictly.
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Watch live: RFK Jr., Oz outline federal efforts to combat healthcare fraud

Watch live: RFK Jr., Oz outline federal efforts to combat healthcare fraud

Summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of Medicare and Medicaid Services, spoke about the Trump administration’s work to stop fraud in federal healthcare programs. Their remarks focused on efforts to reduce cheating and waste in programs like Medicare.

Key Facts

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
  • Dr. Mehmet Oz is the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • They spoke about actions taken during President Trump’s administration.
  • The main goal is to fight fraud in federal healthcare programs.
  • Programs targeted include Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Preventing fraud helps save money and improve healthcare services.
  • The event took place on a Tuesday morning.
  • Combating healthcare fraud is a priority for the current administration.
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Appeals court rejects Biden bid to block release of ghostwriter interview recordings

Appeals court rejects Biden bid to block release of ghostwriter interview recordings

Summary

A federal appeals court rejected President Biden’s request to stop the release of audio recordings and transcripts of interviews he gave to a memoir ghostwriter before he became president. The court said the public’s right to see the material is more important than Biden’s privacy, though some parts will be redacted to protect personal details.

Key Facts

  • The recordings are from interviews Biden gave at home in 2016 and 2017 while working on two memoirs.
  • Biden’s lawyers said the interviews were personal and meant to stay private.
  • Special Counsel Robert Hur got the recordings during an investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents.
  • Republicans pushed for the release after no charges were filed against Biden.
  • Biden sued to block the Justice Department from releasing the recordings to Congress and a conservative group.
  • A lower court ruled the public interest outweighed Biden’s privacy rights.
  • The appeals court majority agreed, allowing release with some redactions to protect privacy.
  • One judge appointed by Biden disagreed, arguing Biden’s privacy should be protected since no charges were filed.
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Handing agency oversight to Trump is a fatal blow to public trust

Handing agency oversight to Trump is a fatal blow to public trust

Summary

Public trust in the U.S. government has been going down for many years. The recent case called Trump v. Slaughter is expected to make this problem worse.

Key Facts

  • Trust in government has been decreasing over a long period.
  • The case named Trump v. Slaughter relates to government oversight.
  • The article suggests this case will further reduce public confidence in government.
  • The focus is on how government actions affect citizens' trust.
  • The issue involves President Donald Trump and agency oversight.
  • The article discusses the impact of political decisions on public opinion.
  • The concern is about transparency and accountability in government.
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Fox News pundits urge Trump to get out of Iran war

Fox News pundits urge Trump to get out of Iran war

Summary

Several commentators on Fox News are advising President Trump to reduce military tensions with Iran. They say the ongoing conflict might hurt Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Fox News pundits want President Trump to lower conflict with Iran.
  • They are concerned about how the conflict affects Republican election chances.
  • The midterm elections are a bit over 100 days away.
  • The commentators suggest ending the war before voters go to the polls.
  • The warning is about the conflict being a political problem for Republicans.
  • The focus is on the impact of the Iran situation on American politics.
  • The advice comes from media figures rather than government officials.
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Trump’s new 50 percent Canada tariffs: What products are affected and why?

Trump’s new 50 percent Canada tariffs: What products are affected and why?

Summary

President Donald Trump has announced new 50 percent tariffs on many Canadian products, including wine, hockey sticks, and cement. These tariffs aim to address what the U.S. government calls unfair treatment of American goods by Canada and will take effect in 30 days.

Key Facts

  • The tariffs cover nearly $20 billion of Canadian imports, about 5.2% of total U.S. imports from Canada in 2025.
  • Products affected include wine, cement, hockey gear, dairy products, furniture, swimming pools, fishing rods, clothing, and wigs.
  • President Trump used a rarely applied law, Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, to impose these tariffs.
  • The U.S. claims Canada discriminates against American alcohol, automobiles, and dairy products.
  • These new tariffs are separate from existing tariffs on Canadian copper, aluminum, steel, and auto parts.
  • The White House said Canada retaliated by restricting U.S. alcohol and limiting U.S. vehicle exports.
  • The tariffs do not apply to oil, gas, critical minerals, potash, or goods already covered by other tariffs.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the tariffs as violating the USMCA trade agreement.
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Ann Widdecombe was hit on head repeatedly with hammer, prosecutors say

Ann Widdecombe was hit on head repeatedly with hammer, prosecutors say

Summary

Ann Widdecombe died after being hit 21 times on the head with a hammer at her home in Devon. Joshua Kerry, aged 28, is accused of the murder and has been charged and sent to custody to appear in court.

Key Facts

  • Ann Widdecombe was attacked with a hammer at her home on July 8.
  • She was hit on the head 21 times, according to prosecutors.
  • The accused, Joshua Kerry, arrived in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered the house.
  • Kerry allegedly attacked Widdecombe while she was eating lunch.
  • He reportedly stayed less than two minutes at the property.
  • Kerry then took her wallet and left by car.
  • He is 28 years old and from South Yorkshire.
  • Kerry has been charged with murder and will appear at the Old Bailey court.
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Graham funeral details released by sister’s office

Graham funeral details released by sister’s office

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina will have funeral services in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina next week. His sister’s office shared details about these services on Tuesday.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham has passed away.
  • Funeral services will take place in two locations: Washington, D.C., and South Carolina.
  • The services are scheduled for July 28.
  • The information was shared by a spokesperson from Graham’s sister’s office.
  • The announcement giving full details came on a Tuesday morning.
  • Senator Graham was a Republican from South Carolina.
  • These events will honor his life and career.
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Apps targeted at US troops contain Chinese and Russian code

Apps targeted at US troops contain Chinese and Russian code

Summary

A study found that over one in eight mobile apps aimed at US military personnel contain software from companies in China, Russia, or other foreign countries. These apps collect location and personal data, potentially exposing sensitive military information to foreign governments. US officials have confirmed that adversaries may be using such commercial data to track or surveil troops in active conflict zones.

Key Facts

  • Researchers reviewed more than 220 apps made for US military members, covering many uses like uniform guides and banking.
  • About 64% of these apps included third-party software components that can track user behavior and share data with outside companies.
  • 40% of the apps shared or collected more data than they publicly disclosed.
  • Code from 76 different sources was found, including companies from China, Russia, Israel, India, and Germany.
  • Roughly 7% of apps contained code from countries the Pentagon sees as adversaries.
  • Twelve apps included Huawei software, a Chinese company flagged by US regulators for national security risks.
  • Some apps were built for state National Guard use but appeared to send no data directly to Huawei.
  • The Pentagon confirmed that enemy forces may use location data from commercial apps to monitor US troops, especially in conflict areas like the Middle East.
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O’Reilly: Trump has ‘shrinking options’ in Iran war

O’Reilly: Trump has ‘shrinking options’ in Iran war

Summary

Conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly said that President Trump has fewer choices for U.S. military actions in Iran as the conflict continues. The situation in Tehran remains uncertain, and the options for the president are becoming limited.

Key Facts

  • Bill O’Reilly spoke on NewsNation’s show “On Balance.”
  • He discussed the ongoing U.S. military conflict involving Iran.
  • O’Reilly said President Trump’s options are shrinking.
  • The conflict has lasted for several months.
  • The future of U.S. actions in Iran is uncertain.
  • O’Reilly did not predict a specific outcome.
  • The comments focus on U.S. military and political strategy.
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What we know about the Army veteran accused of setting off fireworks outside NYC federal building

What we know about the Army veteran accused of setting off fireworks outside NYC federal building

Summary

A U.S. Army veteran was arrested for setting off fireworks and starting a fire outside a federal building in Manhattan. The building includes offices for federal agencies like ICE.

Key Facts

  • The person arrested is a U.S. Army veteran.
  • He set off fireworks outside a federal building in New York City.
  • The fireworks caused a fire near the building.
  • The building houses several federal agencies, including ICE.
  • The FBI announced the arrest.
  • The incident took place in Manhattan.
  • The case is under investigation by federal authorities.
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Prosecutors to present evidence at hearing for musician D4vd

Prosecutors to present evidence at hearing for musician D4vd

Summary

Musician D4vd will attend a court hearing in Los Angeles about a murder case. Prosecutors will show evidence saying he is linked to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Key Facts

  • The hearing will take place on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
  • Musician D4vd is the accused in this case.
  • Prosecutors plan to present evidence against him.
  • The case involves the death of a 14-year-old girl named Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
  • This is a preliminary hearing, an early court meeting to review evidence.
  • The news report is from CBS News, with journalist Lilia Luciano covering the story.
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Darline Graham says she'll run for full Senate term after death of her brother, Lindsey Graham

Darline Graham says she'll run for full Senate term after death of her brother, Lindsey Graham

Summary

South Carolina Senator Darline Graham announced she will run for the full Senate term following the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. She aims to win the Republican nomination in the upcoming special election next month.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Senator, has passed away.
  • His sister, Darline Graham, is running for his Senate seat.
  • She plans to seek the full term in the Senate.
  • Darline Graham intends to secure the Republican nomination.
  • The special election is scheduled for next month.
  • Darline Graham’s candidacy was announced publicly.
  • The seat is currently vacant due to Lindsey Graham’s death.
  • This election will determine who fills the Senate seat for South Carolina.
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Darline Graham joins race for Lindsey Graham's South Carolina Senate seat with backing of Trump

Darline Graham joins race for Lindsey Graham's South Carolina Senate seat with backing of Trump

Summary

After the death of Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, his sister, Darline Graham, took over his seat temporarily. She announced that she plans to run for the full Senate term and has the support of President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina passed away.
  • Darline Graham, his sister, was appointed to fill his seat temporarily.
  • Darline Graham plans to run for a full Senate term in South Carolina.
  • President Donald Trump supports Darline Graham’s candidacy.
  • The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Fin Gómez.
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