CBS News presents a special program called "The Uplift: The American Dream" to celebrate the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary. The show features American stories, including one about the founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics who became a Catholic priest.
Key Facts
CBS News is airing a special called "The Uplift: The American Dream."
The program celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States.
It highlights stories about American heroes and common pastimes.
One story features the founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics.
The founder made a big life change to become a Catholic priest.
The special aims to showcase inspiring American stories.
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A 15-year-old teenager in Florida has dropped his lawsuit against Meta, which claimed social media platforms like Instagram caused addiction and mental harm. He had already settled similar lawsuits against TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, all accusing these companies of creating addictive features that hurt children.
Key Facts
The teenager, known as R.K.C., claimed features like infinite scroll and autoplay caused addiction, anxiety, and sleep problems.
R.K.C. had also filed lawsuits against TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube but settled those recently.
Meta said the claims had no basis and that it would keep defending itself in court.
A previous trial found Meta and YouTube liable for harming a young woman’s mental health, awarding her $6 million.
Both Meta and YouTube have appealed that verdict.
Hundreds of similar lawsuits are ongoing in Los Angeles Superior Court, with some cases going to trial.
Meta settled a separate $60 million lawsuit with a school district over the impact of social media on student welfare.
In New Mexico, Meta was ordered to pay $375 million for misleading users about platform safety for children.
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President Donald Trump warned Iran that if it attacks ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. will respond by bombing one Iranian bridge or power plant for each attack. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for about one-fifth of the world's oil supply, making any conflict there highly risky.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened Iran with military strikes on bridges or power plants if Iran fires on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
He stated this policy as a one-for-one retaliation, meaning one U.S. strike per Iranian attack.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway where about 20 million barrels of oil pass daily, around 20% of global oil consumption.
Iran has attacked over 30 commercial vessels near the strait in recent months, raising safety and navigation concerns.
Trump’s one-for-one policy is meant to clearly show the cost Iran would pay for attacks.
There is uncertainty if this approach will prevent further conflict or if it could lead to escalating violence.
The policy echoes past Trump strategies linking retaliation to specific symbolic numbers, like the 52 targets after the killing of General Soleimani.
Experts warn that controlling escalation after strikes could be difficult, as the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global oil trade.
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Daniel Siad, a model scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead in his home near Paris while under investigation by French prosecutors for trafficking and sexual crime allegations. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of his death and are conducting a post-mortem examination.
Key Facts
Daniel Siad, 69, was a model scout suspected of recruiting young women for Jeffrey Epstein.
He was found dead on July 20, 2026, at his home in Colombes, near Paris.
French prosecutors were investigating him for human trafficking and sexual crimes related to Epstein’s case.
Siad’s name appeared frequently in U.S. Department of Justice records released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
His messages with Epstein discussed recruiting young women from several countries including Sweden and Eastern Europe.
Siad denied wrongdoing and claimed he believed he was recruiting for legitimate modeling jobs.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a U.S. jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
French authorities started a new investigation into crimes linked to Epstein after the DOJ files became public.
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The Federal Reserve will meet soon, and many homebuyers and homeowners are deciding whether to lock in current mortgage rates or wait for potentially better rates later. Mortgage rates have risen recently due to global conflicts and inflation, and rate changes after the Fed meeting could affect borrowing costs.
Key Facts
The Fed meeting begins on July 28 and is expected to keep federal funds rates unchanged for now.
Mortgage rates recently increased, with average 30-year purchase rates at about 6.75% and refinance rates at 7.20%.
Rates were lower earlier in 2026, with some under 6%, but those options are no longer widely available.
Locking a mortgage rate now gives borrowers payment certainty but may mean paying more than in the past.
Waiting could risk higher rates later, as there is a 75% chance the Fed will raise interest rates in September.
Refinancing later to a better rate is possible but usually involves additional costs.
Borrowers must weigh the pros and cons of locking rates now versus waiting for potentially better conditions.
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Scientists have found that changes in how amino acids interact in the blood can show if colon cancer is likely to return before symptoms appear. A new blood test analyzing these patterns may help doctors better predict cancer progression and personalize treatment.
Key Facts
Researchers studied 18 amino acids in the blood of colorectal cancer patients before surgery.
They looked at how these amino acids interact, forming a metabolic "network," rather than just measuring each amino acid alone.
As colorectal cancer progresses, the network of amino acids changes significantly, reflecting the disease’s impact on the body's metabolism.
Some amino acids like valine and leucine decrease in prominence, while others like glycine and serine increase with cancer growth.
Glycine levels in the blood rise even though cancer cells use it rapidly, indicating complex metabolic changes.
Machine learning models using amino acid interaction data predicted cancer recurrence or spread better than current tests based on a marker called CEA.
Combining amino acid data with CEA markers gave the most accurate results for predicting cancer outcomes.
Experts say more studies are needed to confirm these findings before this test can be used widely in patient care.
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Khalil al-Hayya has become the new leader of Hamas and delivered a televised speech promising to rebuild Gaza and support its people. He emphasized the goal of creating a united Palestinian state including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, and called for an end to Israeli attacks in Gaza.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya was selected by Hamas’s General Shura Council as the new head of the political bureau.
He replaced Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli army in 2024.
Al-Hayya pledged to rebuild Gaza and help its residents who are living in difficult conditions.
He called for freeing Palestinian political prisoners held in Israel.
His speech stressed Hamas’s aim for a single Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He spoke directly to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.
Al-Hayya thanked countries working to stop the Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Before his appointment, Hamas was led by a five-man council including al-Hayya.
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A gas explosion caused a tunnel collapse at a hydroelectric project in Sikkim, India, killing at least 20 people. Rescue efforts have been slow due to water in the tunnel and leaking methane gas, making it hard to recover all the bodies.
Key Facts
At least 20 people died after a gas explosion caused a tunnel collapse in a hydroelectric project in Sikkim, northeastern India.
Out of 25 trapped workers, 13 bodies have been recovered so far; rescuers have seen 7-8 more bodies but cannot retrieve them yet.
Rescue operations are difficult because the tunnel is flooded and methane gas is leaking from underground rocks.
The hydroelectric project has a capacity of 500 megawatts and is managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
The explosion was likely caused by the sudden release of methane gas trapped in rock formations inside the tunnel.
Recent heavy monsoon rains have made rescue and recovery efforts more challenging.
Infrastructure accidents are common in India, and experts warn that rapid development in the fragile Himalayan region increases disaster risks due to seismic activity and unstable rock.
In 2023, 41 workers were rescued after being trapped for 17 days in a tunnel collapse in northern India’s Uttarakhand state.
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted 2-1 to end the rule requiring companies to report yearly data on the race and gender of their workers. This change, proposed by the Republican majority, will now enter a 30-day comment period before a final decision in August.
Key Facts
The EEOC is a U.S. federal agency created in 1965 to enforce workplace anti-discrimination laws.
The agency collects demographic data (including race and gender) from employers covering around 50 million workers.
The data helps track workforce diversity and identify discrimination trends.
The reporting rule is called the EEO-1 report and does not name individual employees.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas supports ending the reporting requirement, citing concerns about law interpretation and costs.
Lucas argues the data collection conflicts with a law that requires "colorblind" employment practices.
Critics say the data is important for government and researchers to understand workplace diversity.
If finalized, companies would still provide demographic data during discrimination investigations.
Estimated costs for employers to compile reports are $275 million yearly; the EEOC spends about $4 million on administering it.
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The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a bill called the Ratepayer Protection Act. This law would make large data centers, which use a lot of electricity, pay more for their energy to avoid higher bills for regular customers.
Key Facts
The Ratepayer Protection Act is a bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Gabe Evans from Colorado.
It targets customers with electricity use of 100 megawatts or more, including large AI data centers.
The bill requires these large users to pay for the electricity infrastructure they need, so current ratepayers don’t carry the cost.
Utilities would charge these big electricity customers for extra grid upgrade costs through special rates or agreements.
Supporters say the bill protects families from rising electric bills without stopping AI and data center growth.
Some data center industry leaders say the bill unfairly singles out their industry, while they claim to invest heavily and create jobs.
Environmental groups oppose the fast growth of data centers and do not fully support the bill either.
The bill passed the committee unanimously and has support from both Republicans and Democrats.
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A new study of 95 older female Rottweiler dogs found that those who had puppies stayed healthier in later life than those who never had offspring. This challenges the idea that having children speeds up aging, at least in dogs, and suggests motherhood might help maintain health as they age.
Key Facts
Scientists studied 95 elderly female Rottweilers to see how having puppies affected their aging.
They measured "late-life robustness," meaning how well the dogs stayed healthy as they got older.
Dogs that had given birth were over three times more likely to remain healthy in old age than dogs that had not.
Dogs with more litters showed the highest levels of health late in life.
The study rules out that healthier dogs simply have more puppies; early health differences did not explain the results.
Researchers say dogs are good models for this study because they share environments with humans but avoid some human social complexities.
Experts caution the findings may not apply directly to humans because dogs have shorter pregnancies and less time raising offspring.
The study suggests future research on the genetic reasons why having offspring might protect against aging.
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A 70-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of Karen Carter, a British-South African woman found dead last year in Trémolat, France. Carter died from severe bleeding after being stabbed multiple times, and the suspect had been arrested previously but only formally charged on July 2, 2025.
Key Facts
Karen Carter was found dead in southwestern France on April 29, 2025.
Carter was 65 years old and ran two holiday rental homes in the village of Trémolat.
She died from severe blood loss caused by multiple stab wounds to her chest, abdomen, and arms.
The suspect is a 70-year-old local woman from Trémolat who was arrested shortly after the murder but released without charge at first.
She was formally charged with murder on July 2, 2025, and placed under judicial supervision.
Carter was last seen at a wine-tasting party with about 15 other guests, including the village mayor.
A 75-year-old businessman discovered Carter’s body; their relationship was described in the media but the victim’s husband said he believed the man was just a friend.
Carter’s husband was in South Africa at the time of the murder and was surprised by reports about her relationship with the businessman.
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Senator Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, blocked a request by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. The request aimed to stop President Trump from spending taxpayer money to make expensive upgrades to a Boeing 747 plane given to him by Qatar.
Key Facts
Senator Deb Fischer opposed a Senate vote led by Chuck Schumer.
Schumer wanted to pass the Presidential Airlift Security Act.
The law would prevent President Trump from using taxpayer funds to upgrade a gifted Boeing 747.
The Boeing 747 was given to President Trump by Qatar.
The upgrades being funded are described as luxury or expensive modifications.
The vote was blocked by Senator Fischer’s objection.
The issue involves spending of government money on presidential airplane improvements.
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The Conservative Party has asked the UK tax authority, HMRC, to check if Nigel Farage should have paid tax on a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne. The gift's tax status is questioned because it might be linked to Farage running for Parliament, which would affect how it should be treated for tax purposes.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.
The Conservative Party chair, Kevin Hollinrake, requested HMRC investigate if the gift was taxable income.
Farage says the money was a personal gift given with no expectations.
Reports claim Farage sought £1 million yearly to compensate for lost earnings if he ran for office.
Harborne’s lawyers say the gift was truly personal with no expectation of Farage returning to politics.
Tax experts suggest the payment might be taxable under rules about income from political work.
Farage faces a parliamentary standards investigation over this gift and other undeclared funding.
Rules require MPs to declare political gifts received in the year before entering Parliament.
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Hyundai says its plan to use humanoid robots in the U.S. starting in 2028 is not part of current talks with striking South Korean workers. The workers’ strike is about pay and retirement issues, not about robots working in factories.
Key Facts
Hyundai plans to start using Atlas humanoid robots at a U.S. electric vehicle factory by 2028.
Hyundai denies that robot deployment is part of talks with striking South Korean autoworkers.
The Hyundai union is striking over wages, bonuses, and retirement age, not robots.
The Atlas robot was developed by Boston Dynamics, now owned by Hyundai.
The union demands job protections during the rise of robots and AI in factories.
Hyundai and the union are discussing wage reforms to provide income stability amid robot use.
South Korea passed a new labor law in 2026 that strengthens workers’ rights regarding automation.
This law requires companies to negotiate with workers before introducing significant changes like robot labor.
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Prosecutors say singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, had money reasons to kill Celeste Rivas Hernandez. They are holding a hearing to decide if he should go to trial for her murder and sexual abuse.
Key Facts
D4vd had a multimillion-dollar contract with Interscope Records.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14 years old when she died.
Her body was found last year in a car registered to D4vd.
Prosecutors say Burke stabbed her to stop her from revealing their sexual relationship.
Burke is charged with first-degree murder, sexual acts with a child under 14, and mutilation of a body.
The prosecution showed pictures of the damaged and decomposing body.
They say Burke bought chainsaws, a body bag, and a shovel using his credit cards.
Burke has pleaded not guilty and has been in custody without bail since April.
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Tucker Carlson questioned how President Donald Trump has handled the investigation into the July 2024 assassination attempt against him. Carlson said Trump changed after the shooting and criticized the limited public information about the investigation, suggesting the investigation was shut down without a clear reason.
Key Facts
The assassination attempt occurred in July 2024 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
One person was killed and President Trump and others were injured during the shooting.
Carlson claimed Trump changed significantly after the shooting but did not explain why.
Carlson said he asked the FBI for more details about the gunman, Thomas Crooks, including his background and online activity.
Carlson alleged Trump told officials to stop releasing more information, though this claim is not verified.
Federal investigators say Thomas Crooks acted alone in the shooting.
Carlson said he once opposed Trump but became a supporter after the shooting.
Carlson criticized Senator Ted Cruz, calling him extreme and accusing him of supporting harmful policies.
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A recent poll shows that 60% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance. Only 36% of people surveyed said they approve of how he is doing his job.
Key Facts
60% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s work as president.
36% of Americans approve of how President Trump is handling his job.
The poll was conducted by The Economist and YouGov.
The poll was released on a Tuesday.
4% of respondents had no opinion or were undecided about President Trump’s performance.
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President Donald Trump will speak in Georgia about his administration’s economic plans, focusing on issues of affordability. He will promote new child investment funds called “Trump accounts” during his visit.
Key Facts
President Trump is visiting Georgia on Wednesday afternoon.
He will talk about his administration’s economic agenda.
The visit comes as concerns about affordability grow before the midterm elections.
He will promote “Trump accounts,” which are new child investment funds.
Representative Mike [last name not provided] is expected to join the president during the trip.
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Rep. Jeff Crank, a Republican from Colorado, introduced a bill that would require House lawmakers to report any romantic relationships they have with staff members from other offices or committees. The bill supports the current rule that prohibits lawmakers from dating their own staff or staff on committees they serve on, and it would make disclosure mandatory.
Key Facts
Rep. Jeff Crank represents Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives.
He introduced a resolution on Wednesday about relationships between lawmakers and staff.
The bill would require lawmakers to disclose any romantic relationships with staffers from other offices or committees.
It supports the existing ban on lawmakers dating their own staff or committee staff.
The disclosures would go to the House Committee on Ethics.
The goal is to increase transparency and maintain ethical standards in Congress.
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