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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

WATCH:  David Muir shares elementary school students' surprise to teacher on wedding day

WATCH: David Muir shares elementary school students' surprise to teacher on wedding day

Summary

An elementary school teacher in Orlando, who was named "Teacher of the Year," received surprise audio messages from her students on her wedding day. The teacher showed strong emotions when she listened to the messages, which highlighted how much she means to her students.

Key Facts

  • The teacher works at an elementary school in Orlando.
  • She was recognized as "Teacher of the Year."
  • On her wedding day, her students prepared surprise audio messages for her.
  • The teacher was moved to tears by the messages.
  • The story was reported by David Muir.
  • The surprise showed a strong bond between the teacher and her students.
  • The event took place recently, as reported on July 21, 2026.
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Melinda French Gates: It Took Three Doctors to Diagnose My Perimenopause

Melinda French Gates: It Took Three Doctors to Diagnose My Perimenopause

Summary

Melinda French Gates shared that it took three doctors to diagnose her perimenopause, a stage before menopause. She is using her resources to improve women's healthcare in the United States.

Key Facts

  • Melinda French Gates experienced difficulty getting diagnosed with perimenopause.
  • It took consultations with three different doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis.
  • Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when a woman’s hormone levels change.
  • Melinda French Gates is focused on enhancing healthcare for women in America.
  • She shared three simple habits that help her stay healthy during this time.
  • The story was featured on CBS News with Norah O’Donnell.
  • Viewers are invited to suggest health topics via text to Norah O’Donnell.
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The Rise of Lung Cancer in Women and Never-Smokers

The Rise of Lung Cancer in Women and Never-Smokers

Summary

Lung cancer has become the top cause of cancer deaths among American women, overtaking breast cancer. More women who have never smoked are now being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Key Facts

  • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in American women, surpassing breast cancer.
  • A growing number of new lung cancer cases occur in women who have never smoked.
  • The article features a discussion with Anne Wojcicki, Dr. Kim Sandler, and Shira Kupperman Boehler about this rising health issue.
  • Shira Kupperman Boehler is a lifelong nonsmoker and runner who was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 44.
  • Dr. Kim Sandler directs the Vanderbilt Lung Screening Program.
  • Lung cancer in nonsmoking women is an urgent and little-understood health threat.
  • The topic was covered in a CBS News episode called HEALTHFUL hosted by Norah O'Donnell.
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Stick It Where the Sun Don’t Shine | Opinion

Stick It Where the Sun Don’t Shine | Opinion

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to keep daylight saving time (DST) year-round, which means clocks would not change twice a year. This proposal aims to give more daylight in the evening but would reduce morning daylight in winter, affecting many people’s schedules.

Key Facts

  • On July 14, the House voted 308-117 to keep most of America on daylight saving time all year.
  • Year-round DST means later sunsets but darker mornings during winter months.
  • Morning light is important for workers like medical staff and children waiting for school buses.
  • Evening light benefits leisure activities like golf and dining.
  • In 1974, President Nixon tried putting the U.S. on year-round DST, but problems like increased morning accidents and minimal energy savings caused Congress to cancel it by the end of the year.
  • Permanent DST does not create more daylight; it just changes the timing of when daylight occurs.
  • Some suggest permanent standard time or adjusted work and school schedules instead, but these ideas face challenges.
  • The debate about DST is ongoing and involves different political views and practical concerns.
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Mahmood and Streeting accused of making ‘cheap jokes’ about prisoner early release scheme

Mahmood and Streeting accused of making ‘cheap jokes’ about prisoner early release scheme

Summary

Two UK government ministers were caught on video making jokes about a new early release scheme for prisoners, which has upset victims of crime. The ministers apologized, but victims and officials warned the program could put abuse survivors at risk because it includes no exceptions for serious offenders.

Key Facts

  • Ministers Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood were overheard joking about early prisoner release.
  • Alex Norris, the new justice secretary, was referred to as “the enemy now” in the video.
  • Both Streeting and Mahmood apologized, saying the issue is very serious.
  • The early release scheme will start in September and affects hundreds of offenders.
  • The new law does not exclude serious crimes like domestic abuse, terrorism, or violent offenses.
  • Victims’ commissioners and abuse survivors have criticized the scheme and ministerial comments.
  • Victims say the scheme causes them distress and feel their pain is being treated lightly.
  • Officials have called for the government to review and prioritize changes to the early release law.
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Nolan Wells' family to announce independent autopsy findings

Nolan Wells' family to announce independent autopsy findings

Summary

Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Mississippi teenager and college football player, died after going missing during a boat trip on July 4, 2026. His family has arranged for an independent autopsy, and the results will be announced soon while the official autopsy report is still pending. Authorities suspect drowning but are continuing to investigate the incident.

Key Facts

  • Nolan Wells went missing on July 4, 2026, after a boat trip to Horn Island with friends.
  • His body was found on July 6, 2026.
  • Officials think Wells drowned, but no initial signs point to a crime.
  • The official autopsy from Mississippi’s Medical Examiner is not yet finished.
  • Wells’ family sent his body to Washington, D.C., for an independent autopsy.
  • The independent autopsy results will be announced by the family and attorney Ben Crump.
  • Jackson County Sheriff said they are working carefully to find out what happened.
  • Wells was a senior and football player at Ocean Springs High School in Mississippi.
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Trump ally pledges to ‘work with people’ he disagrees with after Arizona primary win – US politics live

Trump ally pledges to ‘work with people’ he disagrees with after Arizona primary win – US politics live

Summary

Andy Biggs, a Republican congressman endorsed by President Donald Trump, won the Arizona governor primary and said he will cooperate with people he disagrees with. The U.S. House passed a temporary government funding bill to avoid a shutdown before the November elections. A global survey also found that more Americans see politics as a personal safety risk than people in any other country.

Key Facts

  • Andy Biggs won the Republican nomination for Arizona governor and will face Democrat Katie Hobbs this fall.
  • Biggs was previously chair of the House Freedom Caucus and supported efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
  • The U.S. House approved a spending bill to keep the government funded until December 4, preventing a shutdown.
  • The spending bill passed mostly along party lines with a 220-205 vote and now goes to the Senate.
  • Republicans said passing the bill early avoids a government shutdown caused by Senate Democratic delays.
  • A global poll showed 10% of Americans view politics as the biggest daily threat to their personal safety.
  • This is the first time the U.S. has topped the global ranking for politics seen as a safety risk.
  • The spending bill includes a $95 billion package, mostly supported by Republicans.
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‘Our hearts are crushed’: Hannah Rapp’s violent death sparks outpouring of grief

‘Our hearts are crushed’: Hannah Rapp’s violent death sparks outpouring of grief

Summary

Hannah Rapp, a 26-year-old US boxer, died after being struck by a car while cycling in Navasota, Texas. The driver, Charles Medina, was charged with manslaughter and remains in jail as the investigation continues.

Key Facts

  • Hannah Rapp was a professional boxer who recently fought for a world title.
  • Rapp was cycling with her boyfriend on 18 July when a car driven by Charles Medina hit her.
  • Medina initially sped past them, then reversed his car and struck Rapp with enough force to break the rear windshield.
  • Police found Rapp unresponsive and she later died at the hospital.
  • Medina claimed he didn’t see Rapp before hitting her and thought the couple was signaling him, but this was contradicted by evidence like skid marks and vehicle damage.
  • Medina has a history of arrests related to dangerous behavior, including firearm misuse and reckless driving.
  • He is held on a $250,000 bond and faces 2 to 20 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter.
  • A petition called "Justice for Hannah Rapp" has over 3,300 signatures, asking Texas lawmakers to toughen bond rules for defendants with violent driving records.
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Has Trump dragged the US into a forever war in Iran? | Mohamad Bazzi

Has Trump dragged the US into a forever war in Iran? | Mohamad Bazzi

Summary

President Donald Trump started a military conflict with Iran about five months ago, promising a quick victory and regime change. Recent fighting and broken ceasefire agreements have increased violence, causing US and Iranian casualties and risking a long, ongoing war.

Key Facts

  • President Trump launched military action against Iran five months ago, expecting a fast win.
  • He promised to stop wars during his 2024 election campaign, but instead started this new conflict.
  • A ceasefire deal in April collapsed by mid-June, with disagreements over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route.
  • The US and Iran have attacked each other’s military targets, including airstrikes and missile strikes.
  • The US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ships, slowing trade and raising oil prices above $90 a barrel.
  • Nineteen US service members have died and about 430 have been wounded since the war started.
  • Iran has threatened to attack Gulf countries’ energy infrastructure in retaliation.
  • President Trump has threatened further strikes on Iran’s power plants and civilian infrastructure.
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The world is on fire, and who does Trump blame? The Canadians | Arwa Mahdawi

The world is on fire, and who does Trump blame? The Canadians | Arwa Mahdawi

Summary

Wildfires in Canada caused smoky air in over 20 US states, leading to health warnings and disruptions in daily life. President Donald Trump blamed Canada for the pollution and suggested Canada should pay damages or face tariffs, while Canadian leaders pointed to the climate crisis as the cause of the increasing wildfires.

Key Facts

  • Canadian wildfires caused poor air quality alerts in more than 20 US states.
  • In Philadelphia, the smoke was so bad people stayed indoors, schools canceled outdoor activities, and public services paused.
  • President Donald Trump called the air pollution "totally unacceptable" and blamed Canada for the smoke.
  • Trump said he spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, asking him to stop the fires and suggested Canada might pay damages or face tariffs.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Carney said the wildfires are linked to the climate crisis, which affects everyone.
  • US Republican Senator Bernie Moreno proposed a bill to sanction Canadian officials over wildfire smoke.
  • Fox News discussed Canada’s role but avoided talking about climate change.
  • Smoke from wildfires can cross borders, affecting both Canada and the US.
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Democrats claim Social Security email included "misleading information"

Democrats claim Social Security email included "misleading information"

Summary

Democratic senators say a July email from the Social Security Administration gave wrong information about a tax law's benefits for seniors. The email claimed that seniors got $7,500 in tax relief due to a Republican bill, but the senators say that figure is wrong and misleading.

Key Facts

  • The email was sent on July 2 by Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano.
  • It praised the Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for giving seniors tax relief.
  • The email said more than 35 million seniors received an average of $7,500 in relief this tax season.
  • Democratic senators argue the email exaggerated the tax benefits of the OBBBA.
  • The OBBBA did not eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits but created a $6,000 tax deduction for seniors.
  • Tax experts say the actual average tax benefit is around $1,100, not $7,500.
  • About half of seniors owe no federal income tax and cannot use the deduction.
  • Senators asked Commissioner Bisignano to respond to their concerns by August 11.
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ICE detentions hit highest monthly total in June since crackdown began

ICE detentions hit highest monthly total in June since crackdown began

Summary

In June, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained more than 43,000 people, the highest monthly number since President Trump returned to office. Arrests continue to rise amid White House pressure, despite recent deadly shootings involving ICE agents and calls for a pause on vehicle stops.

Key Facts

  • ICE detained over 43,000 people in June 2024, averaging 1,438 arrests per day.
  • Arrests increased further in early July, averaging 1,593 daily arrests in the first 11 days.
  • ICE agents were told to arrest 2,000 people per day, but a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson denies official arrest quotas.
  • After deadly shootings involving ICE agents, a pause on most vehicle stops was ordered but quickly reversed by President Trump.
  • The average number of people in ICE detention rose to about 59,400 in June and over 65,600 in early July.
  • Arrests include many people without criminal records, referred to as "collateral" arrests by DHS.
  • The detention population briefly declined after a crackdown operation ended in February but has since rebounded.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin aims to enforce immigration laws without excessive public attention but supports strong arrest numbers.
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States play defense amid Trump’s latest election fraud claims

States play defense amid Trump’s latest election fraud claims

Summary

State officials across the United States are responding to President Trump's recent claims of election fraud. President Trump pointed to problems in election systems, including a 2020 case in Michigan, as he prepares for the upcoming midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has made new claims about election fraud across the country.
  • He mentioned "shocking vulnerabilities" in how elections are run.
  • One example he gave was a voter registration case from Michigan in 2020.
  • California was also mentioned as having election issues by President Trump.
  • State officials are working to defend and explain their election processes.
  • These developments come ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
  • The focus is on maintaining trust and security in the election system.
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Republicans lean into anticommunism midterm argument

Republicans lean into anticommunism midterm argument

Summary

House Republicans are focusing on warning voters about a growing communist threat in their campaign for the midterm elections. They accuse some Democratic candidates of supporting ideas like democratic socialism and collective ownership of resources.

Key Facts

  • House Republicans are making concerns about communism a major part of their midterm election message.
  • They warn that the most left-wing Democrats promote collective ownership, which they link to communism.
  • The Republican leadership is emphasizing these fears to appeal to voters.
  • The term "democratic socialism" is used by some Democrats but is being equated with communism by Republicans.
  • Republicans aim to highlight the dangers they believe communism could bring to society.
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Trump rivalry with Ossoff looms over visit to Georgia

Trump rivalry with Ossoff looms over visit to Georgia

Summary

President Donald Trump is visiting Georgia and will talk about the cost of living. His growing rivalry with Senator Jon Ossoff is attracting attention as Trump focuses on election security before the midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • President Trump plans to visit Georgia on Wednesday.
  • He will discuss affordability and the cost of living during his visit.
  • Trump’s rivalry with Senator Jon Ossoff is becoming more noticeable.
  • Trump is emphasizing election security ahead of the midterm elections.
  • The visit is important for Republican supporters in Georgia.
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The Memo: Democrats confident about Senate despite Platner, left-wing drama

The Memo: Democrats confident about Senate despite Platner, left-wing drama

Summary

Democrats face internal challenges but remain hopeful about winning control of the Senate. The recent withdrawal of former Democratic nominee Graham Platner has influenced the election race.

Key Facts

  • Democrats are experiencing internal conflicts and disagreements.
  • Despite problems, party members think they still have a good chance to win the Senate.
  • Graham Platner, a former Democratic Senate candidate, has recently dropped out of the race.
  • Platner’s withdrawal has affected the political strategies and focus of the Democratic Party.
  • The Senate race remains competitive and important for control of the U.S. Senate.
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Pete Hegseth asks US Senate for 'urgent' Iran war funding increase

Pete Hegseth asks US Senate for 'urgent' Iran war funding increase

Summary

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate that the military campaign against Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far. He asked for an additional $67 billion in funding to continue the effort, which received criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.

Key Facts

  • The US military campaign against Iran has cost $37.5 billion to date.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the funding request during a Senate appearance.
  • He asked for an extra $67 billion to support the ongoing military operations.
  • Both Democratic and Republican senators criticized the request.
  • The issue involves ongoing conflict and military actions in the Middle East.
  • President Donald Trump has discussed targeting Iran’s nuclear sites recently.
  • The funding request is linked to the broader US strategy in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon.
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America’s decades-old bipartisan consensus on Israel has been shattered

America’s decades-old bipartisan consensus on Israel has been shattered

Summary

More than 100 House Democrats voted to cut military aid to Israel, showing that the long-standing bipartisan support for Israel in the U.S. Congress is changing. This shift grew stronger after the recent war in Gaza, with younger Democrats and progressive activists questioning the traditional support and demanding more accountability.

Key Facts

  • Over 100 House Democrats supported ending military aid to Israel, although the amendment failed.
  • For decades, both Democratic and Republican leaders strongly supported military aid to Israel as a key U.S. policy.
  • Representative Nancy Pelosi, a longtime supporter of Israel, voted to cut aid, reflecting changing views within the Democratic Party.
  • Many younger Democrats disagree with Israel's settlement expansions and alliances with far-right parties.
  • The war in Gaza and the resulting civilian suffering sparked a stronger call for change among Democrats.
  • Campus activism played a major role in challenging traditional views on Israel and pushed the issue into national politics.
  • Democratic leaders often responded harshly to student protests, which alienated younger voters.
  • In the 2024 elections, Democrats lost the presidency and control of the Senate, partly due to internal divisions over Israel.
  • Progressive candidates who oppose unconditional aid to Israel have recently won Democratic primary contests.
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Ossoff challenges Hegseth on cost and duration of Iran war

Ossoff challenges Hegseth on cost and duration of Iran war

Summary

Senator Jon Ossoff questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about statements that Iran’s military had been destroyed and could no longer fight. Ossoff raised concerns as U.S. forces continue military actions involving Iran, questioning how long the conflict might last and how much it could cost.

Key Facts

  • Senator Jon Ossoff challenged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s earlier claims about Iran’s military being destroyed.
  • Hegseth had said Iran’s forces were made combat ineffective.
  • Ossoff questioned if those claims were correct since U.S. military activity involving Iran is still ongoing.
  • The discussion includes concerns about the cost of a possible war with Iran.
  • Ossoff also questioned how long such a conflict with Iran might last.
  • The article focuses on U.S. government officials debating the Iran military situation.
  • This highlights ongoing U.S. military involvement and policy questions related to Iran.
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Can a democratic socialist win governor's race in battleground Wisconsin?

Can a democratic socialist win governor's race in battleground Wisconsin?

Summary

Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is running for governor in a key swing state. Her campaign highlights working-class issues as Democrats seek to win the state government and push back against Republican and MAGA-backed candidates.

Key Facts

  • Francesca Hong is a democratic socialist running for Wisconsin governor.
  • Wisconsin is a battleground state President Donald Trump won in 2024.
  • Democrats aim to gain control of the governor’s office, state legislature, and Supreme Court.
  • Hong leads slightly in recent polling against other Democratic primary candidates.
  • Governor Tony Evers endorsed David Crowley, who reentered the race shortly after suspending his campaign.
  • Some Democrats worry Hong may have trouble winning the general election in Wisconsin.
  • Hong focuses her campaign on working-class issues like local sports, infrastructure, and education.
  • The race reflects a larger debate in the Democratic Party over the appeal of democratic socialist candidates.
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