A committee organized by the FDA, influenced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voted to remove restrictions on making certain peptides for human use. This decision came despite little evidence about the safety and effectiveness of these peptides.
Key Facts
The FDA committee voted to recommend lifting limits on four peptides, with votes on three more pending.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. played a key role in shaping the committee and its decision.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, smaller than proteins, and can have various effects on the body.
Many peptides lack thorough safety and effectiveness testing, especially in humans.
The FDA had previously banned manufacture of these peptides by compounding pharmacies.
Kennedy added new members to the advisory group who have business interests in these peptides.
The former members of the advisory board mostly voted against removing the restrictions.
The FDA is not required to follow the committee’s recommendation and may choose to reject it.
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The United States has reported more measles cases in 2026 than in any year since 1991, surpassing last year’s record before the year ended. The rise in infections is linked to lower vaccination rates and large outbreaks in several states, raising concerns about losing the country’s measles-free status.
Key Facts
The US has recorded 2,318 measles cases in 2026, beating last year’s total of 2,289 cases with five months left to go.
2026 is the worst year for measles in the US since 1991.
Major outbreaks have occurred in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona, with several other states also affected.
The US eliminated local measles transmission in 2000 by keeping vaccination rates high, but rates have dropped below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.
True infection numbers may be higher since not everyone with measles seeks medical care.
Increasing vaccination rates nationwide is needed to stop the surge, but current health leadership has downplayed vaccine importance.
The American Academy of Pediatrics called the measles rise an avoidable crisis that harms children the most.
Cuts to US public health programs and staffing have weakened the country’s ability to manage disease outbreaks.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States will investigate the European Union over fines imposed on major American tech companies like Google. He also threatened to impose new tariffs on the EU as a response to these fines, saying the US will not allow Europe to unfairly target US businesses.
Key Facts
The European Commission fined Google €890 million (about $1 billion) for limiting competition.
President Trump plans to open a trade investigation into the EU’s treatment of US tech firms.
Trump threatened a "substantial tariff" against European imports in response to these fines.
He called on the EU to reverse these fines against companies including Apple, Meta, and Amazon.
Trump mentioned initiating a "301 investigation," a trade probe into unfair practices under US law.
The tariff threat follows recent US tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 countries, including the EU, UK, and China.
Google said it has tried to follow Europe’s digital laws but welcomed US government support.
Before his 2024 election, President Trump said Apple CEO Tim Cook contacted him about EU fines.
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Ex-federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann criticized House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan's suggestion that special counsel Jack Smith should face criminal charges. Weissmann said Jordan’s claim that Smith committed perjury is not supported by the letter Jordan referenced.
Key Facts
Andrew Weissmann is a former federal prosecutor.
Jim Jordan is the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and a Republican from Ohio.
Jordan recommended criminal charges against special counsel Jack Smith.
Weissmann called Jordan’s recommendation "preposterous," meaning completely unreasonable.
Weissmann said the letter Jordan used does not show that Smith committed perjury.
The discussion appeared in an interview on MSNOW with Jen Psaki.
Perjury means lying under oath, which Jordan accused Smith of doing.
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Federal health officials have identified a cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. The illness has spread to nine states, causing infections in thousands of people.
Key Facts
The outbreak involves cyclospora, a parasite that causes intestinal illness.
The source is iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico.
Nine states are affected: Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Thousands of people in the Midwest and nearby areas have become sick.
Cyclospora infection causes symptoms like diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Federal officials are tracking the outbreak to stop further illness.
This is the largest known cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. tied to lettuce.
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President Donald Trump urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to quickly address a budget plan passed by the House to fund the Iran war. Thune had previously said this plan would not pass in the Senate due to lack of support.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Senate Majority Leader John Thune to act on a House budget resolution.
The budget plan is meant to provide funding related to the Iran war.
John Thune said the resolution likely will not get enough votes in the Senate.
Despite this, Trump urged Thune to move forward without delay.
This pressure comes as political tensions increase between Senate leaders and the President.
The Senate is expected to take a recess in August, making timing important.
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Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, is considering exempting current care workers from tougher immigration rules to help the struggling social care sector. He plans to speed up reforms to create a National Care Service and is reviewing ways to support care workers, including possibly increasing funding for short-term care after hospital stays.
Key Facts
The UK government plans to strengthen immigration rules, making it harder for migrants to gain settled status.
Andy Burnham wants to exempt existing care workers from these tougher immigration rules.
Burnham is accelerating a review of the social care system originally set to finish in 2028.
He has personal experience with social care through his father, who has Alzheimer’s.
The government aims to create a National Care Service before the next general election.
Care providers are struggling financially due to low contract payments from local authorities.
There is concern that stricter immigration rules will reduce the number of migrant care workers.
Burnham may increase funds like the Better Care Fund to support short-term care after hospital discharges.
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President Donald Trump's net approval rating has reached its highest point in nearly five months, according to a recent poll, despite ongoing challenges with the economy and inflation. The poll shows some improvement in public opinion, but concerns about economic issues and the war with Iran remain significant.
Key Facts
President Trump's net approval rating is -6 percent, the best since early March.
His overall approval stands at 46 percent, with 52 percent disapproval in the RMG Research poll.
The economy and inflation remain major concerns for voters, and approval on these issues is low.
The war with Iran, ongoing for nearly five months, continues to affect public opinion and national security concerns.
Gas prices nationally have risen above $4 per gallon, increasing financial pressure on Americans.
The White House recently introduced new tariffs aimed at fighting forced labor and boosting U.S. trade policy.
Critics worry that tariffs might raise consumer prices further.
Poll results vary, with another survey showing 36 percent approval and 60 percent disapproval for President Trump.
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Many Americans are unhappy with both the Democratic and Republican parties, as recent polls show low approval ratings for both. Former Senator Joe Manchin is trying to give voters a new choice by supporting independent candidates through a group called the Independent Leadership Council ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Polls show both major parties have low favorability ratings: Democrats at -17 points and Republicans at -19 points.
Joe Manchin served as a Democrat senator for West Virginia from 2010 to 2025 and became an independent in 2024.
Manchin is launching the Independent Leadership Council to back independent candidates who want to serve without joining a new party.
Some independent candidates gaining attention in 2026 elections include Kevin Kiley, Seth Bodnar, Michael Bridgford, Dan Osborn, Todd Achilles, Rick Bennett, and Bill Hill.
Historically, independent candidates have a hard time winning in U.S. elections because of the first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the most votes wins even without a majority.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Angus King are examples of successful independents who caucus with Democrats.
Recent polls surveyed over 1,500 adults and show independents tend to favor Democrats slightly more than Republicans but still have low overall approval for both.
Political experts say that although voters like the idea of independents, they often choose major party candidates on election day due to the low chance of an independent winning.
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President Trump announced an immediate investigation into the European Union’s trade practices following large fines against major U.S. tech companies. He said the EU’s actions are unfair to American companies and taxpayers and indicated tariffs against the EU could follow.
Key Facts
President Trump is starting an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act targeting the EU’s treatment of U.S. tech firms.
The European Union fined Google €890 million ($1 billion) for breaking antitrust rules related to its app store and search engine.
Other U.S. tech companies fined by the EU include Apple, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and Amazon.
Section 301 allows the U.S. to impose tariffs or penalties if trade practices are found unfair or discriminatory.
President Trump threatened a "substantial tariff" on the EU in response to the fines.
The Trump administration used Section 301 before to investigate countries like Brazil, India, and Japan over trade issues.
Recently, tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% were applied to products from 60 trading partners accused of allowing forced labor.
Tariffs are a key part of President Trump’s economic policy, especially after the Supreme Court blocked broad tariffs based on emergency powers.
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Eleven people have been charged in connection with the deaths of seven migrants who were smuggled inside a hot, sealed rail cargo container in Texas. The migrants, including a 14-year-old boy, died of heat stroke while being transported from the border toward San Antonio.
Key Facts
Seven migrants died inside a rail cargo container in Texas in May, including a 14-year-old boy.
Six were found dead in a rail yard in Laredo, and one was left near train tracks in San Antonio.
The container had no ventilation or cooling and could not be opened from inside.
Temperatures on that day were between 88 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit (31-33 Celsius).
The migrants were from Honduras and Mexico and paid between $1,500 and $10,000 for the journey.
Eleven people were indicted for conspiracy and aiding the transport of migrants resulting in death, facing up to life in prison.
Arrests have been made in Texas, with some defendants being U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and others without legal status.
Smuggling on trains is a known risk because trains stop and slow near the border, allowing migrants and smugglers to hide or board.
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A 16-year-old boy named Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder, for a school shooting in Georgia in 2024. His father, Colin Gray, was previously convicted for giving Colt the gun used in the attack, which killed four people and injured several others.
Key Facts
Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder, related to a school shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4, 2024.
Four people died in the shooting: two students aged 14 and two teachers aged 39 and 53.
Colin Gray, Colt’s father, was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for providing the gun.
Colt faces a minimum sentence of life in prison due to his guilty plea.
The judge confirmed Colt understood the consequences of his plea before accepting it.
Colt’s mother testified that she had asked Colin Gray to secure weapons to keep them away from Colt.
Investigators found a shrine to a previous mass shooter in Colt’s bedroom.
In the US, 64 school shootings have occurred in 2024, causing 24 deaths and 32 injuries, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.
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The United States has reported more measles cases in 2026 by July 23 than the total number reported in all of 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 2,318 measles cases so far this year, compared to 2,289 cases last year.
Key Facts
As of July 23, 2026, there are 2,318 confirmed measles cases in the U.S.
The total number of cases in 2026 has already exceeded the entire total from 2025 (2,289 cases).
Measles cases are spread across most parts of the country.
The CDC monitors and reports measles cases in the United States.
Measles is a contagious disease that can spread easily without vaccination.
The rising number of cases highlights ongoing public health concerns about measles outbreaks.
Timely vaccination is key to preventing the spread of measles.
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The U.S. and Saudi Arabia recently signed a nuclear energy deal that may allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, a step that raises concerns about nuclear weapons spread. President Donald Trump linked the deal’s approval to Saudi Arabia joining a peace agreement with Israel called the Abraham Accords, although this condition is not in the official agreement.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear energy deal that may permit uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia.
The deal does not currently require extra international monitoring for uranium enrichment activities.
President Trump said on social media that approval of the deal depends on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords with Israel.
The signed agreement does not explicitly mention Israel or include Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Abraham Accords.
A two-year U.S. study will determine if Saudi Arabia should enrich uranium or import nuclear fuel instead.
The study ends near the time President Trump’s term finishes in 2027, potentially affecting further negotiations.
U.S. officials see the agreement as a way to gain leverage over Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has not publicly responded yet to President Trump’s statement about linking the deal to the Abraham Accords.
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South Carolina is close to being the first state to hold the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee recommended this, and the full committee will vote on it next month.
Key Facts
South Carolina wants to keep its spot as the first state in the Democratic presidential primary for 2028.
The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to recommend South Carolina for this role.
The full Democratic National Committee will vote on the proposed calendar at its summer meeting in Austin, Texas.
Nevada was the other main state considered to be first in the primary calendar.
South Carolina argues its first-primary status is important because of the impact of a Supreme Court ruling on voting rights and Black voter representation in the South.
South Carolina held the first Democratic presidential primary in 2024 as well.
Some South Carolina Democratic leaders say removing its status would hurt the party’s Black voter base, which has been very loyal.
The debate involves choosing between states with consistent Democratic voters and those with fast-growing populations.
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The US has reached the highest number of measles cases in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases in 2026 so far. This rise is linked to lower vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy. Health officials may decide soon if the US loses its status of having eliminated measles after sustained spread of the virus.
Key Facts
The US reported 2,318 measles cases in the first seven months of 2026, surpassing last year's total of 2,289 cases.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems, including death and long-term complications.
The US might lose its measles elimination status due to continuous virus transmission.
45 states have reported measles cases, including recent outbreaks in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
Vaccine hesitancy has contributed to lower immunization rates, with some communities having vaccination rates as low as 20%.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for mixed messages about vaccines and changes to vaccine policies.
The US recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children, which is 97% effective at preventing measles.
Herd immunity requires about 95% of people to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.
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The Trump administration imposed new tariffs on many countries, saying they use forced labor to make goods. However, forced labor is also a problem within the United States, including forced prison labor, which the government allows under the Constitution. Critics note that the U.S. imports many products linked to forced labor and does not fully enforce its own rules against it.
Key Facts
The Trump administration reimposed tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, citing forced labor concerns.
These tariffs began after a previous 10% tariff expired, which was originally justified by financial concerns.
The U.S. imports about $170 billion worth of goods that may involve forced labor at some point in their supply chains.
Forced labor is common in U.S. industries like electronics, clothing, fish, and minerals sourced from abroad.
According to the Global Slavery Index, 1.1 million people in the U.S. lived in modern slavery in 2021, mostly in domestic work, agriculture, and construction.
The U.S. allows forced labor in its prison system, where about 800,000 prisoners work, often under threat of punishment.
Other countries with tariffs imposed by the U.S., like Canada, have lower rates of forced labor among their populations.
While the U.S. bans imports made with forced labor on paper, enforcement of these laws is weak or inconsistent.
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The Democratic National Committee’s special rules committee has voted to make South Carolina the first state to hold a Democratic presidential primary in 2028. This recommendation will soon be considered by the full Democratic National Committee in Austin, Texas.
Key Facts
South Carolina is poised to be the first state for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
The decision was made by the Democratic National Committee’s rules and bylaws committee.
This approval is a recommendation, not yet final.
The full Democratic National Committee will review the recommendation soon.
The review meeting is scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas.
The change affects the order of states holding primaries for the Democratic Party.
The move aims to set the early stages for the 2028 presidential candidate selection.
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President Donald Trump criticized the European Union for fining Google nearly $1 billion, calling the fine unfair. He announced that the U.S. will start an investigation into these actions as a possible trade issue.
Key Facts
The European Union fined Google about $1 billion for breaking its digital competition laws.
President Trump called the EU’s actions illegal and discriminatory.
Trump said the EU is targeting major American companies.
He announced a new trade investigation into the EU’s practices.
The issue centers on rules that aim to keep internet companies from harming competition.
Trump shared his views on the social media platform Truth Social.
This investigation could affect trade relations between the U.S. and the EU.
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A federal judge criticized the Department of Justice for trying to get phone records and grand jury testimony from New York Times reporters. The government then withdrew the subpoenas after the judge said such actions against journalists should be a last resort.
Key Facts
The Justice Department sought phone and text records from New York Times reporters and some of their family members.
The subpoenas also demanded reporters testify before a federal grand jury.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian said subpoenas against reporters should be used only as a last option.
The government agreed to cancel the subpoenas during a July 23, 2026, hearing.
The New York Times called the government's actions an attempt to intimidate the press.
The subpoenas were related to reporting on security issues involving Air Force One, donated to President Trump by Qatar.
The DOJ admitted errors, including failing to mention that the case involved journalists when seeking to block a phone company from releasing records.
Some subpoenas mistakenly included reporters’ relatives, which the DOJ said was an unintended error.
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