The U.S. Department of Education is investigating whether Denver Public Schools and the Bethel School District in Washington violated federal law by requiring same-sex student kissing in class and displaying vials of testosterone during a Pride month exhibit. These probes focus on whether the schools respected parents' rights to opt out of certain lessons or activities involving sex and gender topics.
Key Facts
The Education Department is investigating Denver and Bethel school districts over alleged activities involving students and gender-related displays.
A high school teacher in Denver reportedly required students of the same sex to kiss in class.
Bethel School District displayed vials of testosterone during a Pride month exhibit; the display was not authorized and was removed.
Testosterone is used in gender-affirming medical care.
The Education Department is checking if the districts violated federal rules protecting parents' rights to opt out of lessons on sex behavior and attitudes.
Both districts are in states led by Democratic governors; President Donald Trump is a Republican.
The Trump administration has frequently investigated schools on LGBTQ+ issues, such as bathroom policies and confidentiality about students' gender identities.
Bethel district said it will cooperate fully with the investigation and review display oversight procedures.
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Colt Gray, a teenager who killed four people in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The judge made this decision after hearing from survivors, victims’ families, and experts during a three-day trial. Gray, who was 14 at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty to all charges, including four counts of malice murder.
Key Facts
Colt Gray admitted to killing two teachers and two students at Apalachee High School on September 4, 2024.
Eight other students and one teacher were injured in the shooting.
Because Gray was under 15 when the crime happened, the death penalty was not an option under Georgia law.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing Gray planned the attack for months, including notebooks and messages referencing past mass shooters.
Family members of the victims described the deep emotional pain and ongoing trauma caused by the shooting.
Gray’s jail phone calls revealed he sought fame and compared himself to other mass shooters, including the man who tried to kill then-candidate President Donald Trump.
The judge sentenced Gray to life in prison without any chance for parole.
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Personal items belonging to Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC, are being sold at an auction. These items include his black bow tie, a pressure cooker, and his former home.
Key Facts
Colonel Sanders founded the KFC fried chicken brand.
His personal belongings are now available for people to buy at an auction.
Items include his black bow tie and a pressure cooker.
His former home is also part of the auction.
The news was reported by ABC News.
The auction gives fans and collectors a chance to own a piece of KFC history.
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The U.S. Department of Education is investigating two school districts—one in Denver and one in Washington state—over claims involving a same-sex kissing exercise and an exhibit with testosterone vials. The probe will check if these districts broke a federal law that allows parents to opt their children out of school lessons about sexual behavior or attitudes.
Key Facts
The Department of Education is looking into Bethel School District in Washington and Denver Public Schools.
A Denver teacher allegedly required students of the same sex to kiss in front of the class.
The Bethel district showed vials of testosterone in a Pride month display, which were removed and given to local law enforcement.
Testosterone is typically used for gender-affirming medical treatment.
The investigation will check if these actions violated parents' rights to control their children’s education on sensitive topics.
Bethel School District says the testosterone display was not approved by administrators and they will cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Education Department linked these cases to National Parents’ Day and plans more actions on parental rights laws.
The Trump administration has increased investigations related to transgender and LGBTQ+ school policies.
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Corpus Christi, Texas, has delayed its water emergency from 2027 to fall 2028 due to recent floodwaters filling local reservoirs. This extra time helps the city improve its water system and manage water use for residents and industries.
Key Facts
Corpus Christi’s water emergency was postponed by one year, now expected in September 2028.
Floodwaters from recent storms increased water levels in key reservoirs, especially Choke Canyon, which rose from 7.9% to 24% capacity.
The city serves around 500,000 people, including a large petrochemical corridor and the Port of Corpus Christi, a major crude oil export port.
More than 95% of the city’s water comes from surface water sources like lakes and reservoirs.
The city currently faces Stage 3 drought restrictions, which prohibit outdoor watering, but may ease to Stage 2 soon.
Industrial water demand makes up over half of the region’s total water use.
City leaders have about $1 billion planned for new water supply projects to prevent future shortages.
Water officials continue to monitor reservoir inflows to adjust water emergency timelines if needed.
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A judge in Nevada allowed a police interview from 2008 to be used in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is accused of killing rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996. The trial is set to begin on August 10, 2025, and Davis has previously made public statements about his involvement in the case.
Key Facts
Duane “Keffe D” Davis, age 63, is charged with murder in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur.
A 2008 police interview with Davis will be used as evidence in his upcoming trial.
The interview was initially claimed to be confidential by Davis’s defense.
Prosecutors argued there was no reason to exclude the interview from the trial.
Tupac Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas and died six days later.
Shakur was shot while sitting in a car with Death Row Records founder Marion “Suge” Knight, who survived with minor injuries.
Davis made public statements and co-wrote a book admitting involvement in the shooting and providing the weapon.
The interview has been previously used in books and documentaries about the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.
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Fifteen elephants have died in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park and nearby areas over the past month, prompting an investigation by wildlife officials. Some elephants showed signs of partial paralysis before dying, and tests are being done to find out if toxins caused the deaths.
Key Facts
Fifteen elephants died recently in Amboseli National Park and surrounding areas in Kenya.
Ten elephants showed partial paralysis before dying within two days; the other five were found dead with scavenger damage.
Most of the dead were female elephants and their calves, with only one male elephant affected.
Previous deaths in Kenya have been linked to poisoning caused by poaching or conflicts between humans and wildlife.
Initial lab tests found a possible toxic substance, but government tests did not confirm it; more tests are ongoing.
Officials are also testing water and environmental sources to find common causes.
Authorities say there is no evidence the illness can spread to humans.
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Seattle police arrested a 15-year-old after a shooting at a food festival near the Space Needle. The teen had a "ghost gun," a homemade firearm without a serial number, and at least two other people were involved in the shooting.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a food festival near Seattle’s Space Needle.
Police arrested a 15-year-old carrying a 9 mm ghost gun with an extended magazine.
The ghost gun was made from parts by Polymer80, a company that no longer exists.
Investigators found two more guns and 14 bullet casings from at least two types of weapons.
Police believe at least three people took part in the shooting.
One suspected shooter was killed at the scene.
Ghost guns are guns made privately without serial numbers and usually bought without background checks.
Police say ghost guns are increasingly used in crimes across the U.S.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said there is almost no chance that Congress will pass President Donald Trump’s voter reform bill, known as the SAVE Act, before the August recess. DeSantis shared this opinion on the social media platform X.
Key Facts
The SAVE Act is a voter reform bill promoted by President Donald Trump.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed doubt about the bill passing soon.
DeSantis said the chance of passage before the August recess is “basically zero.”
He shared his view in a post on the social platform X (formerly Twitter).
The August recess is a scheduled break for Congress.
DeSantis said he would be happy to be proven wrong about the bill’s chances.
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A 25-year-old Utah woman, Lenita Moreno, is accused of starting a fire in the church where she was to be married the next day. Authorities say the fire caused $108,000 in damage and was started using unusual items like a tampon. Moreno was arrested on charges including arson and theft and is being held without bail.
Key Facts
Lenita Moreno reportedly set fire to a church in Kaysville, Utah, on July 10.
The fire damaged the building, causing losses estimated at $108,000.
The blaze started in a room used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Investigators say Moreno used items including a tampon to start the fire.
Moreno was caught on video stealing lighters from a hardware store the same day.
She faces charges of aggravated arson, retail theft, and giving false information to police.
Moreno did not have a marriage license for the wedding planned the day after the fire.
She was held without bail as of the latest report.
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A former aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom has written an essay in Vanity Fair describing their affair from many years ago. The aide, Ruby Rippey, worked for Newsom when he was mayor of San Francisco and is now sharing more details about their past relationship.
Key Facts
Ruby Rippey was Gavin Newsom’s appointments secretary when he was mayor of San Francisco.
Rippey’s essay about their affair was published in Vanity Fair on Tuesday.
The relationship took place decades ago and has had an impact on San Francisco politics.
Gavin Newsom is currently the Governor of California.
The essay revisits personal and political aspects of their past connection.
This is the first detailed public account from Rippey about their affair.
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Lindsey Graham’s niece, Emillie Boggs Roberts, gave a heartfelt speech at his funeral in Washington, D.C. The tribute honored Senator Lindsey Graham after his passing.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham was a U.S. senator.
Emillie Boggs Roberts is his niece.
She spoke at his funeral service.
The funeral took place in Washington, D.C.
The speech was emotional and honored Senator Graham.
The event was covered by CBS News.
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Fighting between Sudan's army and the paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has gone on for three years. The conflict has caused many deaths, displaced millions of people, and damaged basic services like health care and education.
Key Facts
The conflict in Sudan involves the national army and a group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
More than 13 million people have been forced to leave their homes.
Tens of thousands of civilians have died due to the fighting.
Over half of Sudan’s population now needs humanitarian help.
The health care system in Sudan is heavily damaged.
Millions of children are not attending school.
Both the army and the RSF have been accused of war crimes and abuses.
Recent fighting has focused on the city of el-Obeid, which is under siege by RSF forces.
The Sudanese army recently regained a key highway connecting el-Obeid to the capital, Khartoum, which may reduce RSF strength but many people in the city remain in danger.
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President Donald Trump gave a speech honoring the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. He praised Graham's work in the Senate and described him as a close friend and important American leader.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham was from South Carolina and belonged to the Republican Party.
President Trump spoke at a ceremony remembering Senator Graham.
Trump called Graham a "giant of the United States Senate."
He described Graham as a devoted brother, respected statesman, and a true American original.
The event was held to honor Graham's life and service.
President Trump expressed both gratitude and sorrow during his eulogy.
Graham was recognized for his friendship with President Trump and his work in government.
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First Lady Melania Trump did not attend Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral or the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner, events that President Donald Trump attended. Her office did not comment on her absence, which came amid reports of a security threat linked to an Iran-linked video targeting her.
Key Facts
Melania Trump missed two major Washington events: Lindsey Graham’s funeral and the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
President Donald Trump attended both events and spoke at Graham’s funeral.
Melania’s press office declined to explain why she was absent.
A White House spokesperson previously said Melania had a prior commitment for the Correspondents' Dinner.
Melania Trump released a statement mourning Senator Graham’s death and praising his public service.
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating an Iran-linked video seen as a possible threat to Melania Trump.
There is no public evidence connecting Melania’s absences to this security concern.
Officials have not confirmed a link between the threat and Melania’s decisions not to attend the events.
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A huge wildfire near Madrid, Spain, has burned an area five times the size of Barcelona and forced 25,000 people to leave their homes. Firefighters have changed their approach to focus mainly on evacuations and protecting property because the fire is too strong to control directly.
Key Facts
The fire near Madrid has burned 500 square kilometers (193 square miles).
About 25,000 people had to evacuate because of the fire in Ávila province.
Firefighters now prioritize saving lives and homes over fighting the fire in the forest.
This is Spain’s largest recorded wildfire and firefighters say it is unlike anything before.
Wildfires in Spain have increased due to climate change causing more heat waves and droughts.
The country experiences 30 to 40 days of extreme fire risk each year now, compared to 15 days before.
Fires have burned 1,530 square kilometers in Spain during 2026, six times more than the first half of 2025.
Similar large fires are also causing evacuations in neighboring France.
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Lindsay Clancy is going on trial for the death of her three young children. Reporters are discussing the events before the deaths, arguments expected in the trial, and how mental illness might affect the case.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is accused of killing her three young children.
The trial is about to start.
The case has received attention across the country.
Reporters Natalie Morales and Kristina Rex are covering the case.
They are reviewing the timeline of events leading to the deaths.
Different points of view will be presented at the trial.
Mental illness may be an important topic in the trial.
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The Medicare Trustees Report estimates that the monthly Medicare Part B premium will increase by about $6.60, or 3.25 percent, from $202.90 in 2026 to roughly $209.50 in 2027. This rise is smaller than last year’s nearly 10 percent jump and reflects ongoing growth in healthcare costs.
Key Facts
The standard Medicare Part B premium is projected to increase from $202.90 (2026) to about $209.50 (2027).
The increase of $6.60 represents a 3.25 percent rise, smaller than the 10 percent hike from 2025 to 2026.
Over 68 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare, with most premiums automatically deducted from Social Security benefits.
Medicare Part B covers doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical equipment, and preventive services.
Premiums cover about 25 percent of Medicare’s costs; the rest is paid by the government.
Rising healthcare use, higher medical costs, and more aging beneficiaries contribute to premium increases.
The trustees’ latest report lowered the previous estimate for 2027 premiums by about $9 compared to last year.
Higher premiums reduce the actual amount seniors receive from Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).
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A Palestinian-American who owns a quarry in the West Bank asked President Trump to help after Israeli settlers attacked his property. The settlers damaged machines and harmed security guards during the raid. This happened shortly after a period of violent attacks by settlers in the region.
Key Facts
The quarry owner holds both Palestinian and American citizenship.
Israeli settlers attacked his quarry in the occupied West Bank.
The settlers set some machinery on fire during the attack.
Guards at the quarry were physically attacked.
The incident occurred soon after several violent acts by settlers in the area.
The quarry owner is seeking help directly from President Donald Trump.
The West Bank is a territory under Israeli occupation.
Settler violence has been a recent problem in the region.
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The Arizona State Department of Education found that the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) broke federal disability law by limiting where blind and visually impaired students could attend school. This happened as ASDB planned to close its Tucson campus and move students 15 miles away, without giving families all placement options required by law.
Key Facts
ASDB is closing its west Tucson campus and moving services to Oro Valley for the 2026-27 school year.
ASDB told blind and low-vision students and those in dorms they must attend schools in their home districts starting in 2026-27.
The Arizona Department of Education said ASDB violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by deciding student placements ahead of time.
The Department appointed a special monitor to oversee ASDB's actions and corrective measures.
Families filed a lawsuit to delay the school closure, but a judge denied it.
The University of Arizona’s Education Advocacy Clinic helped families file the complaint and observed that parents were not given all legal placement options.
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which detail special services for students, were not handled with full transparency according to the state’s investigation.
ASDB is reviewing the findings with legal counsel and must respond to the state by August 28.
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