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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Millions of Social Security claimants are experiencing longer wait times to get appointments due to a loss of staff and agency changes. The Social Security Administration is shifting to more online services and centralized appointment scheduling, but this may create challenges for people who need in-person help.
Key Facts
Only 64.6% of initial Social Security claims were scheduled within 30 days as of July 6, down from 78.1% a year earlier.
The agency lost about 7,800 employees, or 14% of its workforce, due to government staffing cuts.
Social Security plans to reduce field office visits from 31.6 million in 2025 to 15 million in 2026 by encouraging online and phone service use.
Centralized scheduling is being tested in Tennessee and Nevada, replacing local office appointment booking.
SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano says new technology upgrades will save staff time equal to 2,500 full-time employees.
The agency has hired 1,000 new workers and increased automation for Medicare claims processing.
Staff shortages have caused some rural offices to close temporarily, increasing reliance on remote services.
Some beneficiaries have trouble using online identity verification, creating barriers to accessing benefits.
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Sen. Darline Graham, appointed to finish her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term, announced she will run for a full Senate term in South Carolina. President Donald Trump has endorsed her candidacy, but other Republicans have also announced they will run for the seat.
Key Facts
Darline Graham was appointed to the Senate to complete her brother Lindsey Graham’s term after his death in July.
Lindsey Graham had served as South Carolina’s senator for over 20 years and had won the GOP nomination for a fifth term before he passed away.
The Republican candidate for the full Senate term will be chosen in a special primary election on August 11.
Republicans may submit their candidacy between July 21 and July 28.
If no candidate wins more than half of the vote, a runoff election will be held on August 25.
Darline Graham does not have prior elected office experience but worked in disabilities services and was commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
President Donald Trump met with her and publicly endorsed her run for the Senate seat.
Other Republicans, including Representatives Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, have also announced their runs for the seat.
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Andy Burnham has become the new UK prime minister and is carefully managing the country's finances to avoid upsetting markets. His team wants to show he can make changes without causing financial instability, and his choice of an experienced chancellor reflects this cautious approach.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new UK prime minister, following Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Burnham’s team is cautious about making bold financial moves that could alarm investors.
There is concern about avoiding a repeat of past government financial mistakes, such as those by Liz Truss.
Burnham has chosen John Healey, a seasoned politician with Treasury experience, as chancellor.
The government plans to stick to existing fiscal rules but may use some flexibility to invest in infrastructure.
Burnham’s first big announcement focused on ending rough sleeping, not on risky economic policies.
Advisers like Jim O’Neill and Andy Haldane support Burnham’s goal of steady, experienced economic management.
Burnham aims to balance appearing bold with maintaining economic stability to gain public trust.
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Troy Jackson is expected to become the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine after Graham Platner withdrew. Jackson, a former state Senate president and logger, has gained strong support from county delegates and fellow Democrats.
Key Facts
Troy Jackson is a logger and served as president of Maine’s state Senate.
Jackson is likely to replace Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
Platner withdrew from the race following sexual assault allegations, which he denies.
Four other Democratic candidates dropped out and endorsed Jackson.
Jackson’s campaign reported that 481 out of 500 county delegates support him.
The Maine Democratic nominating convention is scheduled for July 25, 2026.
Jackson has a history of activism and being a state lawmaker in Maine.
Jackson recently ran for governor but lost before focusing on the Senate race.
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An explosion occurred outside a federal building in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Former FBI Special Agent Tim Gallagher explained what police will investigate following the blast.
Key Facts
The explosion took place near a federal building in Lower Manhattan.
New York City police are leading the investigation.
Tim Gallagher, a former FBI special agent, provided analysis on the incident.
Authorities will look for evidence to understand who caused the explosion and why.
The event happened on a Monday.
The federal building is a government location in New York City.
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John Healey has become Chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a few weeks after resigning as Defence Secretary. Healey criticized the government’s defence spending before leaving his previous role and is now in charge of funding for all government departments.
Key Facts
John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary about a month ago, expressing concerns over defence investment.
He criticized the Treasury for not committing enough money to national defence.
Healey replaced Rachel Reeves as Chancellor after Labour won the 2024 general election.
He has been a senior figure in the Labour Party for over 30 years.
Healey and Prime Minister Andy Burnham share similar views on economic growth, reindustrialization, and cost-of-living issues.
Born in 1960, Healey has served in various government roles since 1997.
He supported Ukraine during its war with Russia and met President Zelensky multiple times.
Healey’s appointment as Chancellor was not widely expected before the announcement.
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Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton and filmmaker Tyler Perry have offered a total $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. Wells died under unclear circumstances on Horn Island, Mississippi, and the family and advocates are calling for a full and fair investigation.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells, age 18, died after going to Horn Island, Mississippi.
Reverend Al Sharpton announced a $50,000 reward for information about Wells' death.
Tyler Perry matched that amount, raising the total reward to $100,000.
Wells’ family received threatening messages after his death.
The investigation is ongoing, and advocates want it to be guided by facts, not speculation.
Wells' funeral included speeches remembering his faith, kindness, and athletic talents.
Attorney Ben Crump is assisting the family alongside Sharpton.
There are concerns about whether all aspects of the case have been fully investigated.
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The Justice Department under President Donald Trump’s administration requested phone records from New York Times journalists and some of their family members. This was part of an effort to find out who leaked information about an Air Force One report involving a gift from Qatar.
Key Facts
The subpoenas sought phone records of several journalists and some relatives, including a reporter’s mother and spouses.
The requested records covered time before the news articles were published, starting as early as January 1, 2026.
The investigation focuses on people leaking classified information, not the reporters themselves, according to the Justice Department.
The reporter’s mother is a mental health professional with confidential client relationships.
One spouse is a law firm’s general counsel (a top lawyer).
The New York Times called the subpoenas an overreach and said they hurt press freedom.
The case highlights tension between the government and the press during President Trump’s term.
The Times lawyers claimed the Justice Department violated internal rules and First Amendment protections.
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At least 1,600 people have gotten sick in a food-related outbreak. The illness is linked to cyclosporiasis, a disease caused by a parasite. Officials are still investigating lettuce as the likely source.
Key Facts
More than 1,600 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported.
The actual number of sick people may be higher than reported.
The illness is caused by cyclosporiasis, an infection from a parasite.
Five states, including the latest one added, are connected to the outbreak.
Health officials are focusing their investigation on lettuce as the source of illness.
Cyclosporiasis can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and stomach pain.
The outbreak has led to warnings to avoid certain lettuces or to follow safety advice.
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Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, announced they will block sea routes to Saudi Arabia. This follows recent clashes between the two sides and could affect global trade.
Key Facts
The Houthi rebels are based in Yemen and receive support from Iran.
They declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.
This decision comes after the two sides exchanged fire for the first time in years.
The blockade means stopping ships from entering or leaving Saudi ports.
Experts say this move could disrupt worldwide shipping and trade.
The situation adds tension to the ongoing conflict in the region.
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A U.S. judge temporarily stopped the planned merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery after 12 states sued to block it. The judge said the merger could reduce competition in the movie business and break antitrust laws, and the decision will be reviewed at a hearing in two weeks.
Key Facts
A U.S. district judge issued a temporary restraining order to halt the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
The order will last 14 days, with a court hearing scheduled for August 3.
12 states, led by California, sued to block the merger, citing concerns about less competition in movie distribution.
The states argue the merger violates the Clayton Act, a 1914 law aimed at preventing monopolies.
The merger would combine two major media companies controlling about one-third of cable programs and blockbuster films.
Paramount says the merger will help compete with companies like Netflix and create more jobs for actors and writers.
The judge ruled the merged company would have a large market share, which likely breaks antitrust laws.
Paramount and Warner Bros. will continue operating separately during the legal process.
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Andy Burnham has formed his first cabinet as prime minister, choosing people from different parts of the Labour party. Some allies of former leader Keir Starmer lost their jobs, while loyal supporters and experienced members like John Healey, Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband received key roles.
Key Facts
John Healey, who resigned as defence secretary, is appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Healey has been a Labour MP since 1997 and served under several Labour leaders.
Shabana Mahmood continues as Home Secretary, known for her strict immigration policies and socially conservative views.
Mahmood grew up in Birmingham, studied law at Oxford, and worked as a barrister before becoming an MP.
Ed Miliband is the new Foreign Secretary and was once Labour leader before serving in Starmer’s shadow cabinet.
Burnham's cabinet includes members from various Labour factions, aiming for a more inclusive government.
The cabinet reshuffle saw many allies of Keir Starmer lose their government positions.
Burnham's appointments highlight a focus on experience, loyalty, and balancing different party wings.
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Dr. Chris Fall has resigned from his position as director of the Commerce Department’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) after three months. His departure happens during changes in the Trump administration’s policy on artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Dr. Chris Fall was appointed in April to lead CAISI.
CAISI focuses on safety and standards for artificial intelligence.
Fall’s resignation occurs after a short three-month tenure.
The Trump administration is currently adjusting its AI policy.
CAISI is part of the U.S. Commerce Department.
Staff members at CAISI are directly involved in AI safety efforts.
The reasons for Fall’s resignation were not detailed in the article.
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Andy Burnham has become the new Prime Minister of the UK after Sir Keir Starmer resigned. He is forming a new cabinet with key appointments, including John Healey as chancellor and Ed Miliband as foreign secretary, and plans to shift power from central government to local regions.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became UK Prime Minister after winning support from 379 out of 403 Labour MPs.
Sir Keir Starmer resigned nearly two years after leading Labour to power in July 2024.
Burnham wants to give more control of water and energy sectors to the public and build more council houses.
John Healey returned as chancellor less than two months after resigning as defence secretary, criticizing government defence spending plans.
Louise Haigh was appointed chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and first secretary of state; she will lead a new unit to redistribute power and support regional reforms.
Ed Miliband became foreign secretary, moving from his previous role managing energy and net zero policies.
Burnham has a political background as a health secretary and Greater Manchester mayor and has been an MP since 2001.
Some cabinet appointments signal a shift toward regional empowerment and continuing Labour’s green energy goals.
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President Donald Trump stated that Iran will face severe consequences for the killing of US soldiers amid ongoing military conflict. The US has carried out multiple air strikes on Iran, and both sides have suffered casualties as tensions rise toward a possible full-scale war.
Key Facts
President Trump said Iran will “pay many times over” for killing American soldiers.
The statement was made after several US service members were killed in recent attacks linked to Iran.
The US launched its ninth night of air strikes on Iran after a US soldier died in Iraq during a drone incident.
Two US soldiers were killed in Jordan defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Seventeen US troops have died since the start of the five-month conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Iran responded with attacks on US allies Kuwait and Bahrain, where the US Navy’s 5th Fleet is based.
About 430 US troops have been injured so far in the conflict.
President Trump is scheduled to attend ceremonies for the fallen soldiers at Dover Air Force Base.
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More than 900 wildfires are burning across Canada, causing evacuations and large-scale damage. President Donald Trump criticized Canada’s handling of the fires and suggested Canada should pay for the smoke affecting air quality in the US, which has increased tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
Over 900 wildfires are active in Canada, destroying homes and burning about 28,000 square kilometers of land.
Thousands of people, including 1,800 in Ontario, have been evacuated because of the fires.
President Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to control the wildfires, saying the smoke is "poisoning" US air.
Trump suggested Canada should pay damages for the smoke’s impact on US cities like Washington DC and New York City.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized Trump for threatening tariffs instead of offering help and noted Canada has helped the US during past disasters.
British Columbia’s city of Kimberley and about 9,000 people are under evacuation alert due to fires.
Canada has mobilized over 5,000 firefighters and nearly 300 aircraft to fight the fires.
Whitewater Lake First Nation in Ontario experienced destruction of seasonal camps and natural wildlife areas.
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A federal judge has ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to pause their $81 billion merger for at least two weeks. This pause gives twelve states, led by California, more time to challenge the merger in court, arguing it would reduce competition and hurt consumers.
Key Facts
Paramount is trying to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $81 billion.
Twelve states, led by California, sued to block this merger.
The states say the merger would reduce competition and limit options for consumers.
A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order to delay the merger for at least 14 days.
The merger would combine major studios, TV networks, streaming services, and news outlets under one company.
Paramount was bought by Skydance last year and plans to defend the merger strongly.
The companies want the deal to close by September 30 to avoid paying extra fees to shareholders.
A court hearing on the states' request to block the merger will take place around August 3.
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