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 young mother named Maya Millete disappeared. Investigators say her husband asked spellcasters to put a hex on her to stop her from leaving him. This case will be featured on the TV program "48 Hours" on July 18.
Key Facts
Maya Millete, a young mother, went missing.
Her husband is suspected of trying to stop her from leaving.
Investigators say he contacted people who perform spells, known as spellcasters.
The husband allegedly asked for a hex, which is a type of curse or spell.
The story will be reported by Jonathan Vigliotti on "48 Hours."
The program airs on CBS and Paramount+ on July 18 at 10/9c.
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President Donald Trump posted photos showing renovated monuments and public areas in Washington, D.C., highlighting restoration efforts under his "Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful" initiative. The images compare older, sometimes vandalized or deteriorated conditions with recent improvements like cleaned stonework, repaired fountains, and reopened spaces.
Key Facts
Photos posted by President Trump showed before-and-after views of Columbus Circle and Meridian Hill Park.
The Columbus Circle restoration included graffiti removal, structural repairs, stone cleaning, accessibility improvements, and fountain restoration.
Graffiti on the Columbus Circle monument appeared after protests in July 2024 and earlier in April 2021.
The Meridian Hill Park fountain had been dry and deteriorated for about seven years before recent repairs.
Restoration work at these sites began before and continued during President Trump’s current term.
The White House uses such projects to promote the "Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful" federal initiative.
The initiative aims to improve public spaces and prepare Washington, D.C., for major events including the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Some photos omit details about the timing of damage or previous repair efforts, simplifying the restoration story.
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The US Treasury announced that the US Mint has begun making a new $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump for the 250th anniversary of the United States. The coin is set to be released this fall and shows President Trump’s image on one side and a bald eagle on the other.
Key Facts
The coin features President Trump and is part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Its design was approved earlier this year by the US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were chosen by President Trump.
The coin has a gold finish but is not made of solid gold.
The front of the coin shows President Trump wearing a suit and tie, with the word “LIBERTY” and the dates 1776-2026.
The back shows the bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the eagle’s shield.
Federal law usually does not allow living presidents to appear on US currency, but the treasury secretary has the power to approve coins in special cases.
President Trump has supported placing his name and image on several institutions and projects.
Recently, it was announced that President Trump’s signature will appear on US paper money while removing the treasurer’s signature for the first time since 1861.
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France’s parliament has passed a new law allowing assisted dying, marking an important change in how the country deals with end-of-life care. Experts say that good palliative care, which helps relieve pain for seriously ill patients, is very important alongside this law to provide compassionate support.
Key Facts
France adopted a new right-to-die law in its lower house of parliament.
The law changes France’s approach to end-of-life care.
Anne Reynaud from the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity spoke about the law’s impact.
The law is more limited than what France’s Citizens’ Convention had recommended.
It balances personal choice, medical safety, and legal rules.
Assisted dying is seen as part of a wider care system, not a replacement for other healthcare.
Some legal and medical questions about the law will be decided in future cases.
Good palliative care is considered essential to make assisted dying laws work well.
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President Trump took part in a roundtable at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit on Wednesday. The event happened as the U.S. military increased operations against Iran following the end of a temporary ceasefire.
Key Facts
President Trump attended a defense and innovation summit in Pennsylvania.
The summit included discussions on military and defense topics.
The Pentagon recently increased military action against Iran.
A temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran ended before these operations.
There were recent military strikes exchanged near the Strait of Hormuz.
The event focused on U.S. defense strategies and innovations.
President Trump’s participation highlights his involvement in defense issues.
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New research shows that popular diabetes and weight loss drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists may slightly raise the risk of a rare eye problem called ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), which can cause sudden vision loss. Although the risk is small, patients should watch for sudden changes in vision and get medical help right away if symptoms appear.
Key Facts
GLP-1 drugs include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound).
The study found a small increase in ION risk for Type 2 diabetes patients starting GLP-1 drugs compared to other diabetes medicines.
ION happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, possibly causing sudden, painless vision loss.
The increase in risk was about three to four extra cases per 10,000 patients over 18 months.
Researchers used U.S. insurance data from adults aged 18 to 65 between 2017-2022.
Experts advise patients not to stop GLP-1 medications but to immediately report any sudden vision changes.
The study found an association but did not prove GLP-1 drugs cause ION.
GLP-1 drugs are known for benefits in diabetes, obesity, heart, and kidney health.
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Rep. Ayanna Pressley criticized Russ Vought, the head of the Office of Management and Budget, for the budget cuts proposed by President Donald Trump’s administration. She questioned the morality of the cuts during a House hearing where Vought was explaining the budget plan.
Key Facts
Rep. Ayanna Pressley is a Democratic representative from Massachusetts.
Russ Vought is the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The hearing took place in the House Committee on Financial Services.
The discussion focused on budget cuts proposed by President Trump’s administration.
Pressley used references to faith and Vought’s past writings to challenge the budget plan.
She described the policies behind the budget cuts as reckless.
The hearing aimed to review details of the federal budget and its impact.
The criticisms highlight political disagreement over government spending priorities.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asked the media to be careful when covering President Donald Trump’s upcoming speech about election integrity. She warned against spreading false information about the election.
Key Facts
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez represents New York as a Democrat.
She spoke about President Trump’s planned speech on election integrity, which was set for Thursday.
Ocasio-Cortez urged news outlets not to give attention to what she called false claims about the election.
Her remarks were made during an interview with journalist Pablo Manríquez.
The interview clip was shared on the social media platform X.
The focus of her message was to prevent the spread of misinformation in the media.
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The campaign group for House Republicans added seven new candidates to their program focused on winning close House races this fall. This brings the total number of candidates in their "MAGA Majority" program to 24.
Key Facts
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) runs the "MAGA Majority" program.
The program supports Republicans trying to win House seats in competitive districts.
Seven new candidates were added on Tuesday.
This increase brings the total number of candidates in the program to 24.
The candidates are chosen because they have a chance to flip seats from Democrats.
The efforts aim to gain more Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives this fall.
The program focuses on districts considered highly competitive.
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Jonathan Carr says rules that stop companies from owning many TV stations are hurting local news. He believes these limits make it hard for local TV news to compete and survive.
Key Facts
A rule limits how many TV stations one company can own.
Jonathan Carr says this ownership rule affects local journalism.
The rule makes it hard for local TV news to have enough power.
Without more control, local stations struggle to compete with big networks.
Carr suggests changing the rule could help local news survive.
The discussion focuses on improving the business side of local TV news.
The issue involves the relationship between local stations and national networks.
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The US military carried out a series of daytime air strikes on Iran, targeting coastal defense and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran attacked US military targets in Gulf countries and threatened to stop energy exports from the region.
Key Facts
The US launched a 90-minute wave of strikes on Iranian coastal defense systems and missile sites.
These strikes are part of a naval blockade reimposed on Iranian ports.
The US said the attacks aimed to weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded by hitting US military targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Iran threatened to close more energy export routes that benefit the US and its allies.
An interim ceasefire from last month, meant to lead to peace talks, is currently stalled.
The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February and has disrupted global energy supplies.
Oil prices dropped slightly after reaching a one-month high amid ongoing tensions.
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Jay Clayton appeared before the Senate for a hearing to become the director of national intelligence. During the hearing, senators asked him many questions and criticized his views and experience.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is nominated to be the director of national intelligence.
He attended a Senate confirmation hearing.
Senators asked him tough questions about his qualifications.
Some senators expressed concerns about his experience for the role.
The hearing was covered by CBS News.
The director of national intelligence oversees U.S. intelligence agencies.
The hearing is part of the process to approve his appointment.
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More than 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, have been reported in 34 U.S. states since May 1, with over 3,000 cases in Michigan and Ohio alone. Officials are investigating contaminated food sources, possibly lettuce or salad greens, while warning consumers to be cautious as the outbreak continues into August. Experts also highlight other parasites that can be found in produce, water, and undercooked meat.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis causes severe diarrhea and spreads through contaminated food or water, not person-to-person.
The current outbreak mainly affects Midwest states such as Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
The CDC has confirmed or is investigating over 7,000 cases across 34 states since early May.
Lettuce or leafy greens are suspected sources, but investigations are ongoing.
Contamination often happens on farms or during food processing through contact with fecal matter.
Washing produce can remove about 80% of Cyclospora, but cooking kills it completely.
Other parasites of concern include Cryptosporidium, found in contaminated water or produce washed with dirty water, which can be dangerous for people with weak immune systems.
Symptoms might appear a week after exposure, making it hard to identify the exact source of illness.
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Syrian authorities arrested Ahmed Habib Ali, a former officer responsible for sarin gas storage and chemical weapons manufacturing under President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He is accused of supervising the production of sarin bombs used in attacks on Syrian cities between 2013 and 2017.
Key Facts
Ahmed Habib Ali is a former colonel and chemical weapons expert in Syria.
He managed sarin gas storage and made chemical weapons at a site near Damascus called Unit 417.
Ali supervised the manufacture of about 20 sarin-loaded bombs, each weighing 250 kg (550 lbs).
These bombs were used in attacks on Syrian towns in 2013 and 2017.
Syria was recently reinstated into the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The OPCW had stripped Syria’s rights in 2021 after finding its air force used sarin and chlorine gas.
The deadliest sarin gas attack happened in August 2013, killing over 1,400 people.
Since President al-Assad’s fall in December 2024, Syria has arrested dozens of people for war crimes during the civil war.
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Civil rights groups plan a march in Washington next month to mark the anniversary of the original 1963 march led by Martin Luther King Jr. The event responds to recent court decisions that these groups say have reduced voter protections for minorities.
Key Facts
The march is organized by a coalition of civil rights leaders.
Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network is leading the coalition.
Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, descendants of Dr. King, are participating.
The NAACP is also part of the coalition.
The march will take place on the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington.
The purpose is to respond to court rulings affecting minority voting rights.
The groups want to bring attention to voting rights protections that they believe have been weakened.
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Shabana Mahmood is likely to become chancellor in Andy Burnham's upcoming government after debates about Ed Miliband taking the role. Burnham has not made a final decision yet but may assign Miliband to the Foreign Office instead.
Key Facts
Shabana Mahmood is expected to be named chancellor by Andy Burnham.
There was a disagreement over whether Ed Miliband or Mahmood should get the chancellor job.
Some party members and big businesses worry Miliband could face heavy criticism and harm market confidence.
Miliband might instead be appointed to the Foreign Office with a high-ranking title.
Wes Streeting could replace Mahmood as home secretary.
The appointment of the chancellor is seen as crucial because it shapes government economic policies.
Investors reacted positively to news about Mahmood becoming chancellor, with UK government borrowing costs dropping slightly.
Burnham’s cabinet choices are not finalized and he is keeping details limited until he officially takes office.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to repeal a rule that limits TV station owners from reaching more than 39% of U.S. TV households. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr wants to replace this limit with a case-by-case review, a move that supporters say will boost local news but critics argue benefits large companies friendly to President Trump and could face legal challenges.
Key Facts
The FCC’s National Television Ownership Rule limits owners from reaching over 39% of U.S. TV households.
Chairman Brendan Carr proposes repealing the 39% ownership cap.
The repeal would replace the cap with individual reviews of TV station mergers.
Carr’s proposal aims to encourage local news by allowing larger station groups.
Critics say only Congress can change this limit, so the repeal may face court battles.
Commissioner Anna Gomez argues the plan benefits wealthy allies of President Trump and harms local news.
Carr has previously taken actions seen as supporting news outlets favorable to President Trump.
The FCC vote on this proposal is scheduled for August 6.
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Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration made mistakes in how it shared the Epstein files last year. He admitted the communication about the release was poorly handled and caused mistrust. Vance also said the documents showed Epstein had strong ties to both U.S. and Israeli intelligence.
Key Facts
JD Vance spoke about the Epstein files release on "The Joe Rogan Experience."
He said the administration "mishandled" the release, especially in how they talked about it.
Then-Attorney General Pam Bondi exaggerated what documents they had, causing people to mistrust the process.
Investigators collected about 6 million documents related to Epstein, with 3 million tied to his estate.
Vance claimed Epstein had connections to senior U.S. and Israeli intelligence officials.
The files' release caused major political problems for President Trump’s administration last year.
The issue led to criticism from some Republican Congress members and discussions on social media.
Vance believes the documents should have been released faster, though some redactions were needed for victims’ privacy.
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