Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said that foreign enemies can access voting machines and change votes in U.S. elections. The department did not provide evidence to support this claim but urged states to protect against illegal voting.
Key Facts
Secretary Markwayne Mullin said foreign adversaries can access voting machines and alter votes.
He claimed these adversaries control important parts of voting machines.
Mullin stated changing voter registration and votes is possible and not up for debate.
The Department of Homeland Security did not give further proof when asked.
The department encourages states to prevent voting by noncitizens.
Noncitizen voting in federal elections is very rare.
The White House directed questions back to the Department of Homeland Security.
Mullin’s statements reflect claims made by President Donald Trump about election interference.
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President Donald Trump joked at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner that he plans to run for president a fourth time. He has made similar comments about staying in office beyond two terms several times before, despite the U.S. Constitution limiting presidents to two elected terms.
Key Facts
At the July 24 dinner, Trump said he wants to run for president a fourth time, calling it a "scoop."
His remark was made as a joke, directed at journalists present.
Trump has repeatedly brought up the idea of serving beyond two terms in previous speeches and events.
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two elected terms.
Supporters often see Trump’s comments as humor or provocation toward the media.
Legal experts say Trump cannot legally run for president again under current rules.
Trump referenced former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served four terms, during a 2024 speech.
Trump wore a "Trump 2028" hat during the dinner, signaling possible future campaigns.
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The Pentagon has not shared detailed information about US military casualties in the ongoing Iran war, leading to accusations of hiding the true impact of the conflict. Former defense secretary Leon Panetta called this a "shameful approach," and critics say the Pentagon’s reduced transparency may be a political move before the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
The Pentagon has not held a press briefing on the Iran war casualties for over two months.
Official reports show 18 US soldiers killed and around 430 injured in the Iran war so far.
The Pentagon initially did not disclose casualty numbers and later posted limited updates on social media.
The number of troop deaths was reportedly lowered from 18 to 14 on the Pentagon’s website, explained as a "temporary data disruption."
Critics believe the Pentagon is deliberately withholding information to avoid public backlash.
Since January 2025, the Pentagon has limited press access and replaced major news outlets with media more favorable to President Trump.
Many news organizations left the Pentagon after new rules restricted their reporting unless approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The ceasefire between the US and Iran recently broke down, and both sides have been conducting daily attacks.
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Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer close to President Trump, recently changed her views and expressed support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. She visited Kyiv, admitted she had believed Russian propaganda before, and met with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer has about 2 million social media followers and her posts can influence U.S. policy.
She previously shared Russian propaganda and held a pro-Russian stance on Ukraine.
Loomer spent several days in Kyiv and experienced an air raid there.
She apologized for underestimating the struggles Ukrainians faced during the conflict.
President Zelenskyy met with Loomer privately, showing he values her new stance.
Loomer’s shift comes after the death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine.
Loomer has had close access to President Trump since his 2024 election campaign.
President Trump initially reduced support to Ukraine early in his second term but may be shifting his views as Ukraine resists Russian advances.
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A vigilante known as NoMark has been damaging automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras made by the U.S. company Flock Safety, which are used by law enforcement to scan vehicle license plates. These cameras have raised privacy concerns because they record the locations of many people without warrants, leading some individuals across the U.S. to take action by disabling or vandalizing the devices.
Key Facts
NoMark is a masked vigilante who has damaged more than a dozen Flock ALPR cameras.
Flock Safety is a U.S.-based company whose cameras are used in around 6,000 communities in nearly every U.S. state.
The cameras take photos of license plates and check them against large databases to help law enforcement track vehicles.
Critics argue these cameras enable mass surveillance without proper legal oversight, raising privacy issues.
Flock claims its cameras are not meant for mass surveillance and cannot track individual people.
Vigilantes like NoMark use methods such as taping, cutting wires, paint bombing, and obstructing the cameras.
Some people leave messages or symbols after damaging the cameras to express their opposition.
The growing backlash against Flock cameras reflects wider public concern over privacy and police surveillance.
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Maine Democrats are holding a nominating convention to choose their candidate for the U.S. Senate race in November. Troy Jackson is expected to win the nomination after most other candidates dropped out, following the withdrawal of Graham Platner due to a sexual assault allegation.
Key Facts
Graham Platner dropped out of the Senate race after a sexual assault allegation.
The Maine Democratic Party is selecting a new Senate nominee through a nominating convention.
Troy Jackson, former state Senate president, is favored to win the nomination.
Most delegates supporting Jackson have been elected in county meetings.
Prominent candidates Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah withdrew and endorsed party unity against Republican Susan Collins.
Lesser-known candidates David Costello and Saundra Pelletier remain on the ballot.
Dan Kleban qualified but is endorsing Jackson and asked to withdraw.
The nominating convention voting deadline aligns with Maine election laws requiring the party to replace a candidate by late July.
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At a White House press conference, President Donald Trump was asked who he thinks is the best basketball player between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Trump said he prefers Jordan and called James "maybe a racist," adding that he only likes people who like him.
Key Facts
President Trump plays golf with Michael Jordan and called him a good person.
Trump suggested LeBron James might be a racist but was unsure.
Trump said he prefers Michael Jordan over LeBron James.
LeBron James has supported the candidates who ran against Trump in the last three elections.
James criticized Trump after the 2017 Warriors’ White House visit was withdrawn.
Michael Jordan won six NBA championships and was a five-time Most Valuable Player (MVP).
LeBron James has four NBA titles, four MVP awards, and is the NBA’s all-time leader in points and games played.
LeBron James plans to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team.
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President Donald Trump signed an order to put temporary exhibits and signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The signs will point out what his administration says are wrong facts inside the museum and offer information the White House calls accurate.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order related to the Smithsonian museum.
The order requires temporary exhibits and signs outside the National Museum of American History.
The signs will warn visitors about "inaccurate information" inside the museum.
The White House released a report criticizing how the Smithsonian presents American history.
The signs will guide visitors to what the administration calls "accurate information."
The Interior Department and National Park Service will carry out the order.
This action aims to influence how the public learns about U.S. history at the museum.
The story is still developing and may have updates later.
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President Donald Trump joked at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner about running for a fourth term as U.S. president, even though the Constitution does not allow more than two terms. The dinner celebrates the press and journalism and was held after being canceled last year due to a shooting.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump made a joke about running for a fourth presidential term.
The U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms in office.
The joke happened at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
This event celebrates the freedom of the press and honors journalists.
The dinner was postponed last year because of a shooting incident.
The event took place three months after the cancellation.
President Trump is currently serving his second term as president.
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President Donald Trump hosted a second White House Correspondents' Dinner after the first event was disrupted by a gunman firing near a security checkpoint. The suspect was charged with trying to kill the president, and the event was attended by many journalists.
Key Facts
The first White House Correspondents' Dinner in April was interrupted by gunfire near a security checkpoint.
A federal agent was shot but was protected by a bullet-proof vest.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, is 31 years old and charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
President Trump held a second dinner event after the first was disrupted.
Hundreds of journalists attended the rescheduled event.
The dinner is intended to celebrate the freedom of the press.
The BBC reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr attended and described the event.
Security measures were increased for the second dinner.
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Many parents struggle to manage work and childcare during the six-week summer school holiday. A survey found most parents take paid or unpaid leave for childcare and face high costs, while parents of children with special needs have extra difficulties.
Key Facts
89% of parents used paid leave to cover summer holiday childcare; one-third took unpaid leave.
Half of parents said childcare costs affected their ability to pay for basic needs.
Some parents work early mornings and late nights to manage both work and childcare.
Parents working from home still find it hard to juggle both responsibilities safely and effectively.
Many parents rely on grandparents for informal childcare during holidays.
One in three mothers reduce work hours, and 5% stop working entirely due to childcare needs.
Holiday clubs and childminding can cost hundreds of pounds a week.
There is pressure on parents to give children memorable summer experiences, which can increase spending.
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President Donald Trump gave a speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner, three months after the event was stopped by a suspected assassination attempt. During the speech, he criticized the news media, joked about running for a third and fourth presidential term (which is not allowed by the Constitution), and expressed respect for journalists.
Key Facts
The White House Correspondents' Dinner was rescheduled after being canceled due to a gun attack in April.
President Trump called the media "fake news" and mentioned "Trump derangement syndrome."
He joked about running for a third and even a fourth presidential term, though the Constitution only allows two terms.
Trump threw a "Trump 2028" hat as part of his joke about a future run.
He acknowledged giving the press unusual access by answering many questions and taking calls.
Trump said speaking to the press helps get better news coverage.
The event had high security after the April assassination attempt.
Cole Allen, 31, pleaded not guilty to charges related to attempting to kill President Trump.
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President Donald Trump attended the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where he joked about the press and praised free speech. The event marked a return after a shooting forced the earlier dinner to be canceled, and it honored reporters and security officers involved in that incident.
Key Facts
President Trump made jokes about the media and "fake news" during the dinner.
The event honored reporters from major news outlets like the New York Times, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal.
The dinner was smaller than usual, with about 700 attendees instead of over 2,000.
Strong security measures were in place due to the shooting at the previous dinner in April.
Officer Victor Gonzalez was awarded by President Trump for his role in stopping the gunman in April.
The shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, was charged with attempting to assassinate the president.
WHCA President Weijia Jiang announced the dinner would return to the same hotel next year.
Government officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and FBI Director Kash Patel attended the event.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner, criticizing the press, Democrats, and some celebrities. His speech received a mixed reaction, coming months after a reported attack attempt at the same event.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech at the WHCA dinner on Friday evening.
He criticized the news media, members of the Democratic Party, and some celebrity critics.
The speech was met with a lukewarm, or not very enthusiastic, response.
The WHCA dinner is an annual event involving journalists and political figures.
A gunman allegedly tried to attack President Trump at the WHCA dinner just a few months prior.
The event is known for speeches that often include political remarks and humor.
President Trump’s remarks targeted multiple groups, including the press and political opponents.
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President Donald Trump attended the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner three months after a gunman trying to attack him disrupted the original event. At the dinner, Trump spoke about the incident, praised his aides, and made remarks targeting political opponents.
Key Facts
The original White House Correspondents’ dinner in April was stopped because a gunman tried to attack President Trump.
The rescheduled dinner was held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel with about 700 guests, smaller than the first event.
The gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, shot a Secret Service officer and faces federal charges for attempting to kill the president.
President Trump praised aides who showed bravery during the attack.
Trump made jokes about running for a third presidential term, though the Constitution limits presidents to two terms.
Trump used the event to criticize several Democratic politicians with insulting nicknames.
This was Trump's second time attending the dinner; he previously refused to go during his first term.
The White House Correspondents’ Association said the message of the event was to not be intimidated by violence.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which was held at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. The event was rescheduled after an active shooter disrupted the original dinner in April.
Key Facts
President Trump attended and spoke at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner.
The event took place at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C.
The original April dinner was disrupted by an active shooter incident.
The rescheduling allowed the dinner to proceed safely.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner is a traditional event where the president and journalists come together.
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President Donald Trump attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner for the first time as president, condemning political violence that delayed the event. During his speech, he criticized some reporters and Democrats while also praising freedom of speech and democracy.
Key Facts
The dinner was rescheduled after a gunman opened fire outside the originally planned event in April, wounding a Secret Service agent.
President Trump emphasized that political differences should be settled through debate, not violence.
He humorously referenced building the Waldorf Astoria hotel and made jokes about security measures like bulletproof vests.
Trump criticized some reporters by name, including CNN’s Kaitlin Collins and Jake Tapper, calling the latter “Fake Tapper.”
CNN defended its reporters during the speech, citing the U.S. Constitution’s protection of press freedom.
Trump joked about a "gay dictator" running a toppled regime and mentioned journalist Bari Weiss joining CBS News.
The Wall Street Journal received an award for coverage of a letter Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump acknowledged with a chuckle.
The speech lasted about an hour, starting lightly but turning confrontational, ending with Trump wearing a “Trump 2028” hat and suggesting he will run for president again.
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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has recommended making South Carolina the first state to hold its presidential primary in 2028, replacing Nevada. This change could affect candidates from the progressive and democratic socialist wings of the party, as South Carolina's electorate may favor more established candidates.
Key Facts
The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to recommend South Carolina as the first primary state in 2028.
This recommendation still needs full DNC approval in August.
South Carolina was moved ahead of Nevada, which previously held the first primary spot.
South Carolina has a large Black voter population that historically favors establishment Democratic candidates.
Early primary wins help candidates gain media attention, fundraising, and voter support.
No incumbent Democratic president is expected to run in 2028, making the primary more open and competitive.
Some experts say this change could make it harder for democratic socialist candidates like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to gain early momentum.
The shift has led to speculation that Ocasio-Cortez might run for Senate instead of president in 2028.
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President Donald Trump has ordered the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to put up signs warning visitors that some exhibits contain "inaccurate" information. The order asks the Department of the Interior to guide people to what it calls "accurate information" about U.S. history.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order for warning signs at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
The order claims the museum does not properly honor America's founders on its 250th anniversary.
It accuses museum leaders of using history to push social justice ideas and political activism.
The White House says the museum promotes Marxism and divides Americans.
The Smithsonian is a large, federally funded museum group with 21 museums serving millions of visitors yearly.
The order follows earlier criticism and hearings by Republican lawmakers about "woke ideology" in the museum.
President Trump has taken other steps to remove diversity and inclusion programs from the federal government.
The Smithsonian has not responded publicly to the new order or accusations.
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Two sons of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a man killed by US immigration agents during a traffic stop in Texas, are asking for a clear and open investigation into his death. The family learned about the shooting from social media, and officials have not provided detailed information about what happened.
Key Facts
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican immigrant living in the US without legal status for over 30 years, was shot dead by ICE agents during a traffic stop in Houston.
The shooting was not directed at Salgado Araujo; he was not the intended target of the ICE operation.
His sons described learning about the shooting through Facebook videos showing their father calling for help.
The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for information or the identity of the officer who fired.
ICE agents involved were not wearing body cameras at the time of the incident, and witnesses have challenged ICE’s version of events.
The killing of Salgado Araujo led to protests in Houston demanding justice.
Other passengers, including Salgado Araujo’s brother, were detained during the stop.
Democratic lawmakers at a hearing expressed plans to investigate ICE and possibly change the agency if they win Congress in the upcoming elections.
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