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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

US service member killed during detonation of Iranian drone in Iraq

US service member killed during detonation of Iranian drone in Iraq

Summary

A US service member died in northern Iraq while safely destroying an explosive device from an Iranian drone that had been shot down. This happened one day after two US soldiers were killed and one went missing following an Iranian attack in Jordan.

Key Facts

  • A US service member was killed in northern Iraq.
  • The death occurred during a controlled explosion of a device from a downed Iranian drone.
  • The drone was Iranian-made.
  • The incident happened after an Iranian attack in Jordan.
  • In Jordan, two US soldiers died and one is missing.
  • The events highlight ongoing tensions involving Iran and US forces in the region.
  • The US continues to face threats linked to Iranian military activities.
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The Hello Girls, America's first women soldiers, finally getting their recognition

The Hello Girls, America's first women soldiers, finally getting their recognition

Summary

During World War I, hundreds of American women known as the "Hello Girls" served as telephone operators in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, helping connect calls in France. It took many years before these women were officially recognized as U.S. military veterans.

Key Facts

  • The "Hello Girls" were women telephone operators in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I.
  • They helped connect telephone calls for the Army while stationed in France.
  • These women were among the first female soldiers in the United States military.
  • Despite their service, they were not immediately recognized as military veterans after the war.
  • Recognition for the Hello Girls as veterans came only after many years of delay.
  • Their role was vital for military communication during the war.
  • CBS News reported on this story, including a report by Noel Brennan.
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3rd person dies from Legionnaires' disease in New York City

3rd person dies from Legionnaires' disease in New York City

Summary

A third person has died from Legionnaires’ disease in New York City amid a cluster of cases on the Upper East Side. At least 74 people have been infected, and eight are still in the hospital, according to the New York City Health Department.

Key Facts

  • The third death occurred in the ongoing outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the Upper East Side neighborhoods of New York City.
  • At least 74 cases have been confirmed, with eight people currently hospitalized.
  • Health officials advise anyone in the affected zip codes (10028, 10075, 10128) who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical care.
  • Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling water droplets carrying Legionella bacteria, which typically grow in warm water sources like cooling towers and plumbing systems.
  • The bacteria do not usually spread from person to person.
  • The city believes it has likely eliminated the source of the bacteria and continues to inspect cooling towers that tested positive.
  • Symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear after exposure.
  • Legionnaires’ disease has been increasing in the US over the last decade, with a peak in 2018 and a rebound after a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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U.S. soldier killed in Iraq, Trump orders more strikes against Iran

U.S. soldier killed in Iraq, Trump orders more strikes against Iran

Summary

A U.S. soldier was killed in Iraq, according to CENTCOM. In response, President Donald Trump ordered additional strikes against Iran. Separately, unidentified remains were discovered in Jordan at a site related to an earlier Iranian attack where one U.S. service member went missing and two others were killed.

Key Facts

  • A U.S. service member died in Iraq on Saturday.
  • CENTCOM, the U.S. military command for the Middle East, announced the death.
  • President Donald Trump ordered more military strikes against Iran following the incident.
  • In Jordan, unidentified remains were found where a U.S. soldier had gone missing.
  • Two other U.S. service members were killed in an earlier Iranian attack linked to this location.
  • The situation involves ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the region.
  • The U.S. continues to have military operations in Iraq and neighboring countries.
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FBI shifts immigration agent cases to HSI after recent fatal shootings, sources say

FBI shifts immigration agent cases to HSI after recent fatal shootings, sources say

Summary

The FBI will stop investigating cases involving attacks on immigration agents and will pass those investigations to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), part of the agency that oversees immigration enforcement. This change follows recent fatal shootings involving immigration officers in Texas and Maine.

Key Facts

  • The FBI informed its offices on Thursday about no longer handling assault cases on immigration agents.
  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which is under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will take over these investigations.
  • ICE and HSI are both part of the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Two recent fatal shootings involved ICE officers in Houston, Texas, and Biddeford, Maine.
  • The FBI expanded efforts earlier this year in Minnesota to investigate attacks on immigration officers.
  • Some earlier assault cases in Minnesota were dropped after prosecutors reviewed the evidence.
  • There has been controversy over which agency should lead investigations into shootings involving immigration officers.
  • HSI typically does not handle officer-involved shootings and may lack resources needed for such investigations.
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Trump says World Cup made US a 'soccer country' as he presents trophy to Spain

Trump says World Cup made US a 'soccer country' as he presents trophy to Spain

Summary

President Donald Trump presented Spain with the 2026 World Cup trophy after their win against Argentina. He said the tournament showed that the United States had become a soccer country and expressed interest in hosting the World Cup again.

Key Facts

  • Spain won the 2026 World Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Argentina.
  • President Trump presented the trophy to the Spanish team during the final ceremony.
  • The tournament was co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, involving over a year of planning.
  • There were challenges related to US immigration policies that restricted some fans from entering the country.
  • Trump attended the final in a presidential helicopter and was joined by first lady Melania Trump.
  • The Trump administration considered another US bid to host a future World Cup.
  • The tournament faced criticism over high ticket prices and logistical issues like transit costs.
  • Despite concerns before the event, immigration enforcement raids near the games did not happen.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene criticizes Pete Hegseth’s tribute to killed U.S. servicemembers

Marjorie Taylor Greene criticizes Pete Hegseth’s tribute to killed U.S. servicemembers

Summary

Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for calling the deaths of two U.S. servicemembers in Jordan a "sacrifice." Hegseth had posted a tribute honoring the soldiers killed by Iranian strikes, expressing support for their service.

Key Facts

  • Two U.S. servicemembers were killed in Jordan due to Iranian strikes.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter) calling their deaths a "sacrifice."
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene, former Congresswoman from Georgia, disagreed with calling the deaths a "sacrifice."
  • Greene publicly criticized Hegseth's statement.
  • Hegseth’s post aimed to honor the fallen soldiers and show support.
  • The incident highlights differing opinions on how to discuss military deaths in the U.S.
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JD and Usha Vance welcome a baby boy, the first child born to a sitting VP in more than 150 years

JD and Usha Vance welcome a baby boy, the first child born to a sitting VP in more than 150 years

Summary

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, announced the birth of their son, Alec Neel Vance, the first child born to a sitting U.S. vice president in over 150 years. The couple already has three other children, and the vice president has spoken publicly about encouraging American families to have more children.

Key Facts

  • Alec Neel Vance was born on a Sunday, joining siblings aged 9, 6, and 4.
  • This is the first time a sitting U.S. vice president has had a child since the 1800s.
  • Vice President Vance and his wife thanked medical staff from Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House team.
  • Vance has highlighted concerns about declining birth rates in America.
  • The vice president's wife, Usha, is the daughter of Indian immigrants.
  • Both Vance and his family have appeared publicly, including on overseas trips.
  • A recent baby boom is occurring among officials in President Donald Trump’s administration.
  • Usha Vance hosted a video podcast during her pregnancy called "Storytime with the Second Lady."
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US Vice President JD Vance and his wife announce birth of fourth child

US Vice President JD Vance and his wife announce birth of fourth child

Summary

US Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, have welcomed their fourth child, a son named Alec Neel Vance, born at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Alec is the first baby born to a sitting vice president in more than 150 years.

Key Facts

  • JD Vance and his wife announced the birth of their son Alec Neel Vance on a Sunday.
  • The baby was born at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.
  • Alec is the couple’s fourth child; their other children are Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
  • Alec is the first child born to a vice president since 1870, when Schuyler Colfax Jr. was born.
  • JD Vance is originally from Ohio and graduated from Yale Law School with his wife in 2013.
  • Vance is a former US Marine and supports having more children in the US, citing concerns about low birth rates.
  • Other members of President Trump’s administration have also recently had children, including White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
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Usha Vance gives birth to a baby boy

Usha Vance gives birth to a baby boy

Summary

Second Lady Usha Vance gave birth to a baby boy on Sunday morning. This is the first time in 156 years that a sitting second lady in the United States has been pregnant and given birth.

Key Facts

  • Usha Vance is the current Second Lady of the United States.
  • She gave birth to a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance.
  • The birth happened on Sunday morning.
  • Both Usha Vance and the baby are healthy.
  • This event is historic as it is the first time in 156 years a sitting Second Lady has had a baby.
  • The family announced the birth with excitement.
  • The birth adds a new member to the Vice President’s family.
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Capturing the emotional journey of Healing Justice

Capturing the emotional journey of Healing Justice

Summary

The TV program 60 Minutes featured Healing Justice, a nonprofit that holds retreats for survivors of crimes, wrongfully convicted people, and their families. The retreats use group talks, writing, and art to help people heal from the harm caused by mistakes in the justice system. The story also shared the experience of Jennifer Thompson, a rape survivor who wrongly identified a man who was later proven innocent by DNA evidence.

Key Facts

  • Healing Justice organizes three-day retreats for people affected by crime and wrongful convictions.
  • Activities at the retreats include writing exercises, group discussions, and art therapy.
  • Jennifer Thompson is the founder of Healing Justice and a survivor of rape.
  • Thompson mistakenly identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker, leading to his wrongful conviction.
  • Cotton spent 11 years in prison before DNA testing proved his innocence.
  • The real attacker, Bobby Poole, was identified through DNA evidence.
  • Thompson later apologized to Cotton, who forgave her, helping her heal emotionally.
  • Eyewitness misidentification can happen when the real attacker is not shown in police lineups.
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Crime victims form unlikely bonds with wrongfully convicted men

Crime victims form unlikely bonds with wrongfully convicted men

Summary

Jennifer Thompson is a rape survivor who mistakenly identified an innocent man, Ronald Cotton, who was then wrongly imprisoned for over a decade. Now, she leads a program that brings crime victims and wrongfully convicted men together to help them heal from the shared pain caused by wrongful convictions.

Key Facts

  • Jennifer Thompson was raped in 1984 and identified Ronald Cotton, who was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for life.
  • DNA tests later proved Ronald Cotton's innocence after 11 years, revealing the real attacker was not identified.
  • Jennifer apologized to Cotton and has worked to prevent wrongful convictions by educating police and prosecutors.
  • She now runs "Healing Justice," a retreat where victims and wrongfully convicted men meet to repair emotional harm together.
  • The group includes victims of sexual assault and family members of murder victims, paired with men exonerated after decades in prison.
  • Jennifer says wrongful convictions hurt many people: the innocent person, the victims, families, and communities.
  • Over 3,800 people have been freed in recent years through new evidence like DNA tests.
  • This healing approach is a new effort to address the emotional damage on both sides.
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JD and Usha Vance welcome baby boy, first child born to sitting VP in 156 years

JD and Usha Vance welcome baby boy, first child born to sitting VP in 156 years

Summary

Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance announced the birth of their fourth child, Alec Neel Vance, the first baby born to a sitting U.S. vice-president in over 150 years. The family and medical staff are reported to be healthy, and the birth connects to Vance's public support for increasing birth rates in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • Alec Neel Vance was born on Sunday to Vice-President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.
  • He is their fourth child, joining siblings Ewan (9), Vivek (6), and Mirabel (4).
  • This is the first birth to a sitting U.S. vice-president since 1870.
  • Vice-President Vance has expressed concern about declining birth rates in the U.S.
  • The Vance family thanked the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and White House medical team for their care.
  • Usha Vance is the daughter of Indian immigrants.
  • Both Vance and his wife have brought their children on official trips, sometimes seen in pajamas on Air Force Two.
  • The article notes a recent mini baby boom among members of President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Exonerees, crime survivors come together for healing | 60 Minutes

Exonerees, crime survivors come together for healing | 60 Minutes

Summary

A rape survivor felt guilty after finding out an innocent man was wrongly sent to prison for her case. She brought together people who were wrongly convicted and crime victims to support each other and promote healing.

Key Facts

  • A rape survivor learned that an innocent man was jailed because of her case.
  • She felt guilt over the wrongful conviction.
  • She organized meetings between crime victims and people who were wrongly convicted.
  • The goal was to help everyone heal from the pain caused by the wrongful conviction.
  • This story was featured on the news program 60 Minutes.
  • The report highlights the emotional impact of wrongful convictions on both the exonerees and the victims.
  • Support and understanding between these groups can aid recovery and healing.
  • The story was shared by CBS News.
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Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance welcome 4th child

Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance welcome 4th child

Summary

Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance announced the birth of their fourth child, a son named Alec Neel Vance. Both the mother and baby are healthy, and the couple’s other children are happy to welcome their new brother.

Key Facts

  • Vice President J.D. Vance and Usha Vance had their fourth child on July 19, 2026.
  • The baby boy’s name is Alec Neel Vance.
  • Usha Vance and the baby are reported to be happy and healthy.
  • The couple’s other children are named Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
  • J.D. Vance was chosen as President Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election.
  • The Vances have spoken publicly about encouraging families to have more children.
  • Usha Vance gave an interview discussing her husband’s political future and meeting President Trump.
  • The Vances met at Yale Law School and were married in 2014.
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JD Vance announces birth of baby boy with wife Usha

JD Vance announces birth of baby boy with wife Usha

Summary

US Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha have welcomed their fourth child, a boy named Alec Neel Vance. The family is healthy and happy, and Vance thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Key Facts

  • JD Vance is the US Vice-President.
  • He and his wife Usha have four children now.
  • Their newest child, Alec Neel Vance, was born on Sunday morning.
  • Usha and the baby are reported to be healthy and happy.
  • Their other children are named Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
  • Vance thanked military doctors and staff who helped during the birth.
  • Usha grew up in San Diego with parents who worked in engineering and biology.
  • The couple met in 2010 at Yale Law School during a discussion group.
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Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha welcome their 4th child

Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha welcome their 4th child

Summary

Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha announced the birth of their fourth child, a son named Alec Neel Vance. The baby and Usha are healthy, and this is the first time in modern history that the U.S. second family has had a child while in office.

Key Facts

  • Alec Neel Vance was born on a Sunday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
  • Usha Vance and the baby are both healthy.
  • The Vance family now has four children: three older children named Ewan (9), Vivek (6), and Mirabel (4), plus the newborn.
  • The last time a U.S. vice president's family had a child while in office was in 1870, when Schuyler Colfax Jr. had a son.
  • JD Vance wrote in his book that Usha was initially against having another baby, partly because of their public life.
  • Their decision changed after the death of their friend Charlie Kirk, whose widow regretted not having more children.
  • Usha said Kirk's widow’s words were very moving and influenced her thinking.
  • The couple has been married since 2014.
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JD and Usha Vance Welcome Fourth Child

JD and Usha Vance Welcome Fourth Child

Summary

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, announced the birth of their fourth child, a boy named Alec Neel Vance. This is the first time in over 150 years that a sitting U.S. vice president has had a child born while in office.

Key Facts

  • Alec Neel Vance was born on a Sunday, and both mother and baby are healthy.
  • The last sitting vice president to have a child born in office was Schuyler Colfax in 1870.
  • JD and Usha Vance have three other children: Ewan (9), Vivek (6), and Mirabel (4).
  • The couple married in 2014 and often bring their children on official trips.
  • Vice President Vance has spoken publicly about the U.S. needing more babies and encouraged larger families.
  • The decision to have another child was influenced by conversations with other families and personal considerations.
  • Usha Vance, a former attorney, announced her pregnancy in January.
  • The family thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit for their care.
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Maine secretary of State drops out of Senate race

Maine secretary of State drops out of Senate race

Summary

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has ended her campaign for the U.S. Senate Democratic primary shortly after starting it. She cited concerns about increasing attacks on democracy linked to President Donald Trump as a reason for her decision.

Key Facts

  • Shenna Bellows is the Secretary of State of Maine.
  • She announced her run for the U.S. Senate Democratic primary but withdrew about a week later.
  • Bellows mentioned that attacks on democracy are increasing.
  • She connected these attacks to actions by President Donald Trump.
  • Her withdrawal was announced on a Sunday.
  • The Senate race is in Maine, known as the Pine Tree State.
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Top Pentagon official blasts OpenAI's Dean Ball

Top Pentagon official blasts OpenAI's Dean Ball

Summary

A senior official from President Trump's administration criticized Dean Ball, head of strategic futures at OpenAI, over his views on AI regulation. This disagreement may affect how OpenAI and the Trump administration work together, especially as concerns grow about Chinese AI technology.

Key Facts

  • Dean Ball, formerly part of the Trump administration's AI Action Plan, now leads strategic futures at OpenAI.
  • Ball suggested the Trump administration might create rules to manage risks from Chinese AI models.
  • David Sacks, a White House AI adviser, questioned if Ball’s position benefits OpenAI unfairly.
  • Ball clarified he does not support weak rules against Chinese AI without good reason.
  • Emil Michael, a Defense under secretary, criticized Ball publicly on social media for his intelligence and views.
  • Michael said government bans on Chinese AI use came from a democratic process, not secret plans.
  • The Pentagon has had tense relations with AI companies before, including a legal fight with Anthropic.
  • The situation could lead to more government oversight of OpenAI.
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