Pop singer Katy Perry criticized the Trump White House for using her song "Firework" in a TikTok video showing U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets without her permission. She said her song is meant to inspire hope and strength, not support violence. Perry is one of several artists who have objected to the Trump administration’s unauthorized use of their music in government videos.
Key Facts
The White House used Katy Perry’s song "Firework" in a TikTok video of U.S. missile strikes on Iran.
Katy Perry said she did not approve or condone the use of her song in this context.
Perry described her song as an anthem of hope and healing, not to promote violence.
Other artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Kesha, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, and Jess Glynne have also criticized the Trump administration for similar unauthorized uses of their music.
The White House TikTok account was started in August 2025, during President Trump’s second term.
The U.S.-Iran conflict saw 14 U.S. service member deaths and 420 wounded, but casualty numbers are disputed.
The Trump administration is treating recent airstrikes on Iran as part of a new campaign, separate from the previous one named Operation Epic Fury.
Katy Perry is in a relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has had conflicts with President Trump.
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Senator Bernie Sanders dismissed a warning from Rahm Emanuel, who said that Sanders' supporters, called "Bernie Bros," could harm the Democratic Party's chances in the upcoming midterm elections. Sanders acknowledged there are divisions within the Democratic Party but did not agree with Emanuel’s prediction.
Key Facts
Senator Bernie Sanders spoke on CBS News' "Face the Nation."
Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, wrote an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal.
Emanuel warned that "Bernie Bros" might hurt the Democratic Party's success in midterms.
Sanders dismissed Emanuel’s warning and said the Democratic Party has strong divisions.
The discussion focused on internal disagreements in the Democratic Party before the midterm elections.
Sanders is an Independent senator from Vermont who often works with Democrats.
The term "Bernie Bros" refers to some vocal supporters of Sanders.
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Life expectancy in England has reached a record high, but the gap between the north and south of the country has grown. People in northern regions have seen little or no improvement in how long they live, compared to those in the south who have gained more years on average.
Key Facts
Life expectancy in England in 2025 is around 80 years for men and nearly 84 years for women.
People in London live about three years longer than those in the north-east of England.
The north of England, including regions like the north-west and Yorkshire, showed little or no life expectancy increase in the past decade.
Northern regions have higher rates of diseases like heart disease and cancer, as well as suicides and deaths from alcohol and drug misuse.
Life expectancy in deprived areas has fallen or stayed the same, while it improved slightly in less deprived areas.
Healthy life expectancy (years lived in good health) has fallen in all regions, with people spending roughly 2.5 more years in poor health than before.
The government aims to reduce health inequalities and increase healthy life expectancy but faces challenges due to wider social issues like housing, jobs, and pollution.
Health experts say more focus on public health and prevention is needed rather than just treating sickness and reducing hospital waiting times.
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Gas prices in 28 U.S. states have risen above $4 per gallon, due in part to conflicts involving the U.S. and Iran. This increase presents a challenge for President Donald Trump as the midterm elections approach in about 100 days.
Key Facts
Gasoline costs more than $4 per gallon in 28 states, including important election battlegrounds like Michigan, Maine, and New Hampshire.
The national average gas price is about $4.11 per gallon.
Michigan’s gas price is $4.23, Maine’s is $4.10, and New Hampshire’s is $4.06.
Key Senate races are open in Michigan, Maine, and New Hampshire, where gas prices are notably high.
Prices in Georgia and Ohio remain just below $4 per gallon but are close.
California has the highest average gas price at $5.64 per gallon; Indiana has the lowest at $3.51.
U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Iran’s blockade of oil shipping routes have caused oil prices to rise sharply.
The U.S. military is working to stop attacks on oil shipping routes to try to lower gas prices again.
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A federal appeals court has kept in place a ruling that stops President Donald Trump’s order to create a federal list of eligible voters and restrict mail ballot delivery only to people on that list. The court ruling affects 23 states and the District of Columbia that sued to block the order before the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an executive order to create a “state citizenship list” of voters using federal agencies.
The order also instructed the U.S. Postal Service to send mail ballots only to people on that list.
The goal was to prevent non-U.S. citizens from voting, according to the Trump administration.
Officials from 23 states and D.C. challenged the order, calling it unconstitutional because election rules belong to states and Congress, not the president.
A federal judge blocked the order before the midterm elections, but only in the suing states.
The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that block, keeping the order from going forward in those states.
The White House and Justice Department did not comment immediately after the court’s decision.
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Admiral Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, advised stopping the bombing campaign near the Strait of Hormuz because it had reached its limit. President Donald Trump paused air strikes against Iran in that area after meeting with advisers and military officials.
Key Facts
Admiral Brad Cooper commands U.S. Military Central Command (CENTCOM) in the Middle East.
Cooper recommended ending the bombing around the Strait of Hormuz since the targets had mostly been hit.
President Trump paused U.S. strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz after receiving advice from military leaders.
The bombing campaign had lasted about two weeks and significantly reduced Iran’s ability to attack ships.
General Dan Caine warned that a shortage of air defense interceptors might limit protection for U.S. forces and allies.
Iran and Oman are negotiating a deal to reopen the strait safely for ship transit.
The U.S. and U.K. plan to hold an international conference to form a coalition to protect and clear mines from the strait.
President Trump is keeping all options open but is also allowing space for talks with Iran.
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Senator Bernie Sanders spoke about the ongoing war in Iran, calling it illegal and urging for negotiations to end it quickly. He also discussed his support for progressive candidates in upcoming midterm elections, highlighting challenges they face from well-funded establishment opponents.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested $67 billion for emergency war funding, including troop pay and munitions.
Senator Sanders opposes the war in Iran, calling it unconstitutional and illegal.
Sanders supports negotiating to end the war quickly to stop economic harm like rising gas prices.
Polling shows low approval ratings for President Trump and Democrats on their handling of Iran.
Sanders campaigns for progressive candidates like Troy Jackson in Maine, Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota.
Jackson replaced scandal-plagued Graham Platner in Maine’s primary.
Sanders notes opposition from billionaire-funded super PACs spending large sums to support establishment candidates.
Sanders says the wealthy elite are increasing economic inequality while many people struggle with basic needs.
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President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attended the dignified transfer ceremony for four U.S. soldiers who died in the Middle East. These soldiers were killed last week as tensions with Iran increased.
Key Facts
Four U.S. soldiers were killed in the Middle East last week.
Their deaths occurred during rising conflict with Iran.
President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer ceremony.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also took part in the ceremony.
The dignified transfer honors fallen military members by respectfully returning their remains.
The event was reported by CBS News.
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Senator Bernie Sanders said he does not regret supporting Graham Platner, a former Maine Senate candidate, despite accusations of sexual assault against Platner. These accusations caused Platner to end his campaign.
Key Facts
Bernie Sanders is a Senator from Vermont.
Sanders supported Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race.
Platner is a Democrat and former candidate for the Senate.
Platner faced accusations of sexual assault from a former girlfriend.
The accusations led Platner to stop running for the Senate.
Sanders confirmed his support for Platner during an interview on "Face the Nation."
The interview was with CBS News’s Margaret Brennan.
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Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, spoke about concerns over a new Saudi civil nuclear deal and U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran during an interview on July 26, 2026. He expressed caution about approving the Saudi deal now due to global tensions and discussed the need for clearer communication about the ongoing Iran conflict and related U.S. military actions.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy is concerned about a Saudi civil nuclear deal because it could lead to nuclear weapons development and increase global tensions.
He opposes approving the Saudi deal at this time, citing the unstable global situation, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
President Trump has made the Saudi deal conditional on Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel, which Kennedy doubts will happen soon.
Kennedy questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over a $67 billion funding request related to the Iran conflict and emphasized the need for more detailed, classified briefings.
He supports the President’s policy in Iran but notes the importance of better messaging and communication about the reasons for U.S. involvement.
Kennedy suggested tightening sanctions on Iranian oil sales and maintaining a blockade to pressure Iran.
He raised questions about ending the blockade and withdrawing troops from Iran but is not advocating for that action.
Kennedy criticized some Democrats’ calls for an immediate end to the Iran conflict as a mistake.
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Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, discussed a big outbreak of a foodborne illness called cyclospora linked mostly to farms in central Mexico. He said the FDA has done well to find the source but the outbreak is not fully controlled yet, and communication from the FDA to the public could be clearer.
Key Facts
Cyclospora outbreaks are happening in nine U.S. states and linked mainly to central Mexico farms.
The parasite mainly spreads through human fecal contamination, possibly sewage on crops.
The FDA quickly isolated the likely source, helping reduce risk by cutting supplies from affected farms.
There is no good test to detect cyclospora in food.
Consumers can reduce risk by buying whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-cut bags and buying locally grown produce.
Mexican health officials deny responsibility for the contamination.
Many Americans lack confidence in the FDA’s handling of the outbreak, with 47% expressing doubt.
Taylor Farms, a company involved in the outbreak, contacted the White House to delay a recall announcement, which is unusual.
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A strong heat wave is affecting central and southern parts of the United States for the second day in a row, with temperatures and humidity at dangerous levels. The hot weather is caused by a heat dome, which traps heat in the area, and is expected to stay for most of the week.
Key Facts
Tens of millions of people are under extreme heat warnings in central and southern U.S. regions.
Heat indexes (how hot it feels when humidity is included) are over 105°F (40.5°C) from Memphis to Montana to Las Vegas.
Some areas in the Southwest could see temperatures near 120°F (49°C).
A heat dome is causing the high temperatures by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
The heat wave is expected to remain mostly in place throughout the week.
Children, older adults, and people with medical issues are at higher risk of serious heat-related illness.
Experts suggest using air conditioning, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding direct sunlight.
The first half of 2026 was the second-hottest on record in the continental United States.
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The CBS News show "Face the Nation" featured U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, Senator John Kennedy, and former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. They joined the program to discuss current topics and answer questions.
Key Facts
Mike Waltz is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
John Kennedy is a U.S. Senator.
Scott Gottlieb served as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
All three appeared on the CBS News show "Face the Nation."
The discussion took place during the second half of the program.
Viewers were invited to watch the show on the CBS News app or via web browsers like Chrome and Safari.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune is under increasing pressure, including from President Trump, as the Senate approaches a busy period with important bills to pass. These include funding the government and passing a tax or budget bill using a special process called reconciliation.
Key Facts
John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader and represents South Dakota.
Thune is facing pressure from multiple sources, especially President Trump.
The Senate has about two weeks left before a long break.
Lawmakers need to pass a government funding bill to avoid a shutdown.
Another major item is the third reconciliation bill, which typically deals with budget or tax matters.
Reconciliation bills allow passing certain laws with a simple majority, avoiding a Senate filibuster.
The next few weeks are critical for completing these tasks before the recess.
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Mental health experts say adults should keep making new friends because new relationships can improve emotional health and help people handle stress. New friendships introduce fresh ideas and experiences, which can help people grow and feel less lonely.
Key Facts
A 2023 survey found 53% of adults have 1 to 4 close friends, while 8% have no close friends.
Loneliness affects many Americans, with 58% reporting regular feelings of loneliness.
Loneliness increases risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and early death.
New friendships help the brain by introducing different views and breaking routine habits.
Making new friends can boost personal growth and mental flexibility.
Diverse friendships help people learn to handle uncomfortable feelings and adapt to new situations.
Emotional connections from friendships act like a health protection, reducing stress and isolation.
Expanding social circles can open up new opportunities and ideas for the future.
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Tom Homan, a White House border official, said an ICE agent involved in the deadly shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine might not have passed the agency’s background check if allegations of domestic violence against him are true. The shooting happened during an ICE operation, and questions have arisen about ICE’s vetting process and use of force.
Key Facts
Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian national legally allowed to work in the U.S., was fatally shot in Maine on July 13 during an ICE vehicle stop.
Durán Guerrero was not the target of the ICE operation, which was originally intended to find someone else.
The ICE officer who fired the shots was identified as David Brouillette, an Army veteran and former VA police officer.
Allegations against Brouillette include domestic violence, mental health issues, and court-ordered restrictions on his firearms. He denies these accusations.
Tom Homan said if the allegations were true, the agent should not have passed ICE’s vetting process.
The shooting raised concerns about ICE’s use of force and lack of body cameras on agents during such operations.
This incident happened shortly after another fatal ICE shooting in Houston, which also faced questions.
Democrats have questioned how the agent was hired given these allegations and ICE’s rapid growth under President Donald Trump’s policies.
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Scott Gottlieb, former head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that the current U.S. government has done well in identifying the cyclospora outbreak but that the spread is not controlled yet. He also said federal officials need to do a better job informing the public and talked about the rise in measles cases.
Key Facts
Scott Gottlieb was the head of the FDA before.
He praised the current government for finding and tracking the cyclospora outbreak.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause food poisoning.
The outbreak is still spreading and not fully controlled.
Gottlieb says there needs to be better communication to Americans about the outbreak.
He also mentioned an increase in measles cases in the United States.
Measles is a contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination.
The discussion took place on the show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
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Senator John Kennedy said the U.S. should continue its current approach in Iran and supports President Donald Trump's goals in the region. He also wants officials to provide more information about the situation in Iran to the American people. Additionally, he expressed caution about a nuclear power deal with Saudi Arabia and supports a new elections bill backed by President Trump.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy spoke about U.S. policy toward Iran on the program "Face the Nation."
He supports President Donald Trump's goals concerning Iran.
Kennedy said the U.S. should "stay the course" in the Iran conflict.
He believes officials need to be more open with the public about the conflict.
Kennedy does not yet support a civil nuclear power agreement with Saudi Arabia.
He called for the passage of the SAVE America Act, an elections-related bill backed by President Trump.
The SAVE America Act is described as a contentious or controversial bill.
The comments were covered by CBS News.
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A CBS News poll found that many Americans are unhappy with how the war with Iran is going. People are concerned about how long the war is lasting, how the government communicates about it, and how the war affects the economy.
Key Facts
CBS News conducted a poll about Americans' opinions on the Iran war and the economy.
Many Americans feel the Iran war is not progressing well.
Concerns relate to the war’s length and unclear communication from officials.
The war is seen as having a negative effect on the U.S. economy.
Anthony Salvanto, CBS News executive director of elections and surveys, shared these findings.
The poll results were discussed on the program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
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Senator Bill Cassidy said it is unlikely that President Trump will end the conflict with Iran soon. He suggested the president should work with Congress to create a plan for peace and called for a national conversation about the next steps.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is from Louisiana and a member of the Republican Party.
Cassidy said ending the war with Iran soon “seems unlikely.”
He recommended that President Trump involve Congress to find a way toward peace.
Cassidy believes there should be a bigger national discussion on how to move forward with Iran.
The comments were made during an interview on Sunday.
The article focuses on U.S. politics and the discussion about Iran policy.
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