Heavy rains caused flash floods in West Virginia, leading to the deaths of two people. The floods damaged homes, vehicles, and businesses, with rescue operations ongoing in the hardest-hit northern areas of the state.
Key Facts
Two people died due to flash floods in West Virginia.
Up to 7 inches (18 cm) of rain fell in some places during the storm.
Some locations received 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) of rain in just 37 minutes.
Floodwaters caused extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and a Walmart store in Weston.
The National Guard has been deployed to assist in the northern part of the state.
Many people were rescued from submerged vehicles across the region.
Roads and access to some areas were initially cut off due to floodwaters.
The identities and exact locations related to the fatalities have not been released.
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A recent survey shows that most Americans are unhappy with President Donald Trump’s renovation projects in Washington, D.C. These projects include changes to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, building a new ballroom by the White House, and other construction efforts.
Key Facts
The survey found that nearly two-thirds of Americans feel dissatisfied or upset with the renovations.
President Trump has focused on updating landmarks and building new structures in the nation's capital.
One major project involves replacing the East Wing of the White House with an expensive ballroom.
Another project updates the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a well-known landmark.
These changes have sparked controversy and debate among the public.
The renovations are part of a broader effort by President Trump to refresh Washington, D.C.’s appearance.
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A federal judge asked the Pentagon to explain how its new testosterone screening and hormone therapy policies affect the ban on transgender soldiers. The judge wants to understand why transgender servicemembers are treated differently from others receiving hormone treatments.
Key Facts
Judge Ana Reyes oversees a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender military service.
The Pentagon introduced a testosterone screening program and hormone replacement therapy for soldiers.
The judge requested details on how these policies affect transgender soldiers and the reasons for different treatment.
Testosterone deficiency is a medical condition treated with hormone therapy, used by some non-transgender soldiers.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the hormone therapy plan as a way to keep soldiers mentally and physically ready.
Judge Reyes ruled last year that the transgender ban was unlawful and questioned its justification.
The Supreme Court currently allows the transgender ban to remain while lawsuits continue.
The court may expand protections to more transgender servicemembers in the future.
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The US government has canceled subpoenas that demanded three New York Times reporters reveal their sources about a story on an Air Force One jet given to President Donald Trump by Qatar. A judge criticized the government’s legal approach, and the issue raised concerns about press freedom as the government investigates leaks of classified information.
Key Facts
The government withdrew subpoenas for three New York Times reporters to testify about their sources.
The story involved an Air Force One jet given to President Trump by Qatar.
Judge Arun Subramanian criticized the government’s handling and called their work sloppy.
The government wanted to keep the subpoena proceedings secret.
Similar subpoenas for reporters from the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal were also recently withdrawn.
The government claims it is targeting leakers of classified information, not the reporters.
The Secret Service noted that the upgraded jet, costing $400 million, lacks some security features.
Efforts to force reporters to reveal sources are seen as challenges to press freedom in national security reporting.
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Chantal Alejandra Morales Rojas, an Ecuadoran woman living in California, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the jetway of a flight in Denver. She had entered the U.S. on a temporary visa, applied for asylum, and overstayed her visa. A fundraiser to support her legal fight quickly raised over $100,000.
Key Facts
Morales Rojas entered the U.S. in 2023 on a J-1 visa to work as an au pair.
After her visa expired, she applied for asylum and was granted a work permit.
ICE detained her on the jetway at Denver International Airport while she was traveling.
ICE said she overstayed her visa and is now in custody pending removal proceedings.
The Department of Homeland Security said she could leave the country voluntarily without detention.
A fundraiser raised over $100,000 in less than 48 hours to help cover her legal costs.
Denver International Airport was not informed by ICE about the detention.
Asylum applicants can be detained while their cases are being reviewed under U.S. immigration law.
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A man named Vance Boelter was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years in prison for killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. The sentencing happened more than a year after the deadly shooting.
Key Facts
Vance Boelter is 59 years old.
He pleaded guilty to killing Melissa Hortman and her husband.
Melissa Hortman was a former Minnesota House Speaker.
Boelter received two life sentences to be served one after the other.
He was also sentenced to an additional 40 years in prison.
The crime involved a fatal shooting.
The sentencing took place over a year after the murders.
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A measles outbreak is slowing in Utah, but the number of cases across the U.S. is higher than last year. A baby named Kasey is too young to get the vaccine, so her parents must keep her away from others to protect her from the disease.
Key Facts
Utah's measles cases have dropped sharply since a March peak, leading to a return to the usual vaccination schedule at 12 months old.
Nationally, measles cases in 2026 have already exceeded the full total for 2025, with 2,295 confirmed cases as of July 21.
Kasey, the baby in Mill Creek, Utah, is too young to be vaccinated; she must wait until she is at least six months or more likely a year old.
Until babies can be vaccinated, they rely on "herd immunity," or protection from people around them being vaccinated.
Herd immunity is weakening because fewer children are being vaccinated on time; national kindergarten MMR coverage dropped from 95.2% five years ago to 92.5% last year.
Measles can cause "immune amnesia," which weakens the immune system’s memory for past infections for up to two years.
Because of lower overall immunity, vulnerable groups like newborns and people with weak immune systems face higher risks from the disease.
Parents like Abby and Liam are limiting their social and travel activities to protect their young child from measles despite being vaccinated themselves.
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Melinda French Gates spoke about three easy ways women can take charge of their health. She shared this advice on the first episode of a show called "Healthful."
Key Facts
Melinda French Gates is the host of the show "Healthful."
The show aims to help people learn about health topics.
On the first episode, she focused on women's health.
She gave three simple tips for women to better look after their health.
The advice was meant to help women speak up about their health needs.
The episode was featured on CBS News.
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Two Jewish men were stabbed near Central Park in New York City and taken to the hospital. Police have a person of interest in custody and are investigating the attack as antisemitic.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened on Manhattan's Upper West Side near West 84th Street and Central Park West.
Victims are two men, aged 57 and 50, who were visibly Jewish; one wore a kippah (a Jewish head covering).
Both men were stabbed in the torso and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital.
The attack occurred on Tisha B'Av, a Jewish day of fasting and mourning.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin called it an antisemitic stabbing.
Police have arrested a suspect, described as possibly using a screwdriver and yelling "Allahu Akbar."
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation called for a thorough investigation and more protection for Jewish communities.
Officials expressed concern about safety and emphasized the need to condemn antisemitism.
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Tampa, Charleston, and Des Moines airports will join a new TSA program called Gold+ that uses private companies for airport security screening while the TSA keeps oversight. The program aims to improve security and speed through private investment and new technology, but it has raised concerns from the union representing TSA workers about public safety and job losses.
Key Facts
The TSA Gold+ program expands the current Screening Partnership Program by allowing private contractors to handle more security tasks, including using screening technology.
Gold+ will launch at Des Moines airport in January 2027, Charleston in February 2027, and Tampa in May 2027.
TSA remains responsible for security standards and overall supervision under Gold+.
The Gold+ program currently operates at 20 airports, including San Francisco International and Kansas City International.
The union representing TSA officers (AFGE) warns the program could harm public safety and lead to fewer government TSA jobs.
The union is concerned that the TSA is both setting security rules and checking its own work, which they believe is a conflict of interest.
The administration’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposes cutting about 8,400 TSA workers, with roughly half replaced by private screeners.
The Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 established TSA responsibility for airport security after the 9/11 attacks.
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The U.S. Education Department has changed its rules and will no longer consider policies that unintentionally harm certain student groups as discriminatory. This ends the use of a legal standard called "disparate impact" in cases like school discipline that affected students based on race or national origin unless the discrimination is intentional.
Key Facts
The Education Department removed parts of its rules tied to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which protects against race or national origin discrimination.
Disparate impact means rules that harm one group more than others, even if not on purpose.
It has been used to challenge school discipline policies that result in Black students being punished more harshly, like suspensions or expulsions.
The Trump administration opposed policies aimed at reducing racial disparities in schools and directed this rule change.
Civil rights groups say discrimination is not always obvious and losing this standard weakens protections for students.
The new rule took effect immediately without public input, which is unusual for big changes.
Critics warn that without this rule, schools might continue unfair policies without fear of investigation.
Other federal agencies have also moved away from using disparate impact to enforce civil rights laws.
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Democratic members of Congress asked a federal appeals court to keep the current rules for prescribing the abortion pill mifepristone. They want to stop the court from bringing back a rule that would require patients to pick up the pill in person.
Key Facts
All Democratic members of Congress signed a legal paper called an amicus brief.
The brief was sent to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.
The Democrats want the court to keep the FDA’s current rules on mifepristone.
The court is considering whether to bring back an old rule that requires patients to get the pill in person.
Mifepristone is a pill used to help end early pregnancies.
The Democrats argue that keeping the current rules helps easier and safer access to abortion pills.
This case involves federal medical regulations and abortion access.
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Senator Tommy Tuberville criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani by saying the mayor might do something reckless that could lead to serious consequences, like being sent to Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. military prison in Cuba. Tuberville made these remarks during a public statement on Thursday.
Key Facts
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama and is a Republican.
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York City and a Democrat.
Tuberville said Mamdani might do something “stupid” enough to get sent to Guantanamo Bay.
Guantanamo Bay is a U.S. military prison in Cuba, often called “Gitmo.”
The comments were made publicly on a Thursday.
Tuberville’s remarks express concern about Mamdani’s behavior or decisions.
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A recent Pew Research Center survey found that more Americans believe China is more advanced than the U.S. in artificial intelligence (AI). This comes amid accusations from officials in the Trump administration that a Chinese startup has stolen intellectual property related to AI.
Key Facts
36% of Americans surveyed think China is ahead of the U.S. in AI development.
Only 12% of respondents believe the U.S. leads in AI.
The survey reflects public opinion during the Trump administration.
Officials from President Trump's administration have accused a Chinese company of stealing AI-related intellectual property.
Intellectual property means creations like designs or ideas that are legally owned and protected.
The topic highlights growing concerns about competition between the U.S. and China in technology.
The survey was conducted by the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan organization that studies public opinion.
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Axel Rudakubana, who killed three children and hurt others in a Southport dance class attack in 2024, has been moved from prison to a high-security psychiatric hospital. He was sentenced to 52 years in prison, but due to his age at the time of the crime, he will likely never be released.
Key Facts
Axel Rudakubana murdered three children and injured ten people during a dance class in Southport in July 2024.
He was sentenced in January 2025 to 52 years in prison but cannot receive a whole life sentence because he was 17 during the attack.
Rudakubana has been transferred from HMP Belmarsh prison to Broadmoor, a secure psychiatric hospital in Berkshire.
The transfer followed an independent clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act.
His sentence remains unchanged; he will serve every day of the 52 years.
Broadmoor is one of three high-security psychiatric hospitals in England and Wales, specializing in care for men with severe mental health issues.
Keeping him in Broadmoor is more expensive than keeping him in prison, with costs around £270,000 per year compared to £97,740 at Belmarsh.
Rudakubana has shown mental health issues, including lack of empathy and fascination with violence, according to medical experts.
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The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits dropped to 187,000 last week, the lowest weekly total since 1969. This shows that job cuts remain very low despite economic uncertainty worldwide.
Key Facts
Jobless benefit applications fell by 22,000 in the week ending July 18.
The total of 187,000 applications is the lowest since September 1969.
Analysts had expected about 215,000 new applications.
The data comes from the U.S. Labor Department.
Low layoffs suggest a strong job market despite global economic worries.
The report was released on a Thursday.
This decrease may influence views on the U.S. economy and employment.
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President Donald Trump welcomed Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won the World Series twice in a row, to the White House for a celebration event. The team was honored in the Rose Garden, continuing a tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.
Key Facts
The Dodgers won back-to-back World Series titles, with the latest victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
The White House event took place in the Rose Garden and began at 4:30 p.m. EDT.
Dodgers star Mookie Betts did not attend, choosing to spend the day off with family.
The Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, said the visit is about celebrating winning, not politics.
Championship teams have been visiting the White House since 1869.
President Trump praised Shohei Ohtani as one of the best hitters and pitchers in baseball.
Trump has a history as a baseball fan and association with New York baseball teams.
Trump commented on baseball team payrolls and performance during a recent rally.
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A group of U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and celebrity Paris Hilton, support a bill called the DEFIANCE Act. This law aims to help victims of fake sexual images or videos made with AI, by allowing them to sue those who create or share these images without permission.
Key Facts
The DEFIANCE Act was introduced in May 2025 by Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
It targets AI-made fake sexual images or videos that show someone without their consent.
Victims can sue creators or distributors of these images and seek up to $250,000 in damages for cases related to sexual assault, stalking, or harassment.
The bill has bipartisan support with 57 cosponsors from both parties.
The Senate passed a similar version of this law unanimously in January 2025, but the House has made little progress since.
Paris Hilton supports the law, sharing her experience as a victim of nonconsensual explicit content.
The law aims to protect victims who suffer emotional and reputational harm, even if people know images are fake.
President Donald Trump signed a related law last year, called the Take It Down Act, which penalizes sharing nonconsensual intimate images, including fake ones.
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The U.S. Justice Department has decided to cancel subpoenas it had issued to some New York Times reporters. These subpoenas were related to the reporters’ articles about security problems with the new Air Force One plane donated by Qatar.
Key Facts
The subpoenas targeted several journalists from the New York Times.
The reporting involved security concerns about the new Air Force One aircraft.
The new Air Force One was gifted to the U.S. by Qatar.
The decision to withdraw the subpoenas happened during a court hearing in Manhattan.
Judge Arun Subramanian was involved in the hearing when the DOJ announced the withdrawal.
The Justice Department originally sought information from reporters because of their Air Force One coverage.
Withdrawing the subpoenas means the journalists no longer have to provide the requested information.
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President Donald Trump announced that nearly 200 companies and organizations have signed a voluntary pledge to prevent American consumers from paying higher electricity bills caused by building AI datacenters. The pledge covers companies providing 80% of power to U.S. homes and businesses and includes Republican governors and major utilities.
Key Facts
About 200 entities have signed the “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” to keep electricity costs down for Americans.
The pledge aims to prevent passing datacenter development costs onto consumers.
The initiative was announced at the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters.
It includes big tech firms like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI, and Amazon.
Major utilities like NextEra and Duke Energy, plus 23 Republican governors, support the pledge.
Electricity prices have risen by about 4% over the past year, causing concern ahead of the midterm elections.
Some states, including New York and Texas, have introduced or considered bans or moratoriums on datacenters due to environmental and social concerns.
Environmental groups criticize the pledge as weak and say it lacks real measures to lower energy bills.
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