George Santos, a former congressman from New York who was convicted in 2024 of wire fraud and identity theft, will appear on a Fox reality TV show. He will compete in the fifth season of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” a show where celebrities face military-style challenges.
Key Facts
George Santos served as a representative from New York.
In 2024, he was convicted of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Santos confirmed his participation in a Fox reality TV show.
The show is called “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”
It is a competition where celebrities face military-style challenges.
This will be the show’s fifth season.
The show airs on the Fox network.
Santos’ involvement marks a move into entertainment after his political and legal troubles.
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Mike Collins, a Republican Senate candidate in Georgia supported by President Donald Trump, is linked to his son-in-law David Alan Scheer, a white nationalist influencer. Scheer has shared antisemitic and racist content online, and he is involved in Collins’s political activities and campaign events.
Key Facts
Mike Collins represents Georgia’s 10th congressional district and is running for Senate in the 2024 midterm elections.
Collins was endorsed by President Donald Trump and has expressed denial of the 2020 election results.
David Alan Scheer, Collins’s son-in-law, is known for promoting white nationalist views and antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media.
Scheer has over 1.5 million followers across multiple social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram.
Scheer shared Nazi imagery and content from the Patriot Front, a white supremacist hate group.
Scheer voted from a property owned by Collins and appeared in Collins’s campaign photos and events.
Scheer made public statements calling for racial purity and exclusion of non-white groups from America.
Scheer has spread false claims blaming Jews for major historical events and conspiracy theories involving political figures.
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Gabriel Perez, a teleprompter operator for President Donald Trump since 2016, is under federal investigation for allegedly using his access to Trump’s speeches to place bets on specific words or topics. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is negotiating a settlement requiring Perez to give back his profits and stop these bets. Perez has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.
Key Facts
Gabriel Perez has operated President Trump’s teleprompter since 2016.
He is accused of betting over $100,000 on whether certain words or topics would appear in Trump’s speeches.
Perez allegedly placed bets on more than a dozen speeches, including major events like the State of the Union.
Kalshi, the betting platform used, detected suspicious trades and alerted federal regulators.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is handling the investigation and negotiating a settlement.
Perez continues to cooperate with regulators and was placed on paid administrative leave by the White House.
His job involves real-time control of the teleprompter as President Trump often deviates from the script.
This situation raises questions about presidential speech security and ethics rules for White House staff.
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Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, said many Democrats in the House support an amendment to stop U.S. aid to Israel. He believes this shows that people’s views on this issue are changing.
Key Facts
Rep. Thomas Massie is the only Republican supporting the amendment to cut U.S. aid to Israel.
Many Democrats in the House of Representatives back the amendment.
The amendment would stop American tax dollars from being sent to Israel.
Massie spoke about this on the show MS NOW’s “Morning...”
He said the support for the amendment reflects shifting opinions on aid to Israel.
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President Donald Trump plans to give a primetime speech on July 16 focusing on the integrity of the 2020 election, which he lost. The speech may include information from newly declassified intelligence reports about foreign attempts to interfere in that election.
Key Facts
President Trump will address the nation on July 16 about election integrity.
The speech is expected to focus mainly on the 2020 presidential election.
White House officials have hinted the speech will discuss foreign interference in the 2020 election.
Trump has made claims about problems with mail-in voting that are unproven.
He supports the SAVE America Act, a bill aimed at tightening voter registration and ID rules.
The administration has not provided many details before the speech.
Trump said free and fair elections are essential for the country.
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At least one person has died in flooding caused by heavy rain in central Texas, in the same area hit by deadly floods last summer. Emergency officials are urging people to evacuate as the Guadalupe River continues to rise rapidly, causing dangerous conditions.
Key Facts
The flooding is happening along the Guadalupe River in central Texas.
Last summer, more than 130 people died in flash floods in this region.
Among those who died last year were 25 children and 2 counselors at Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp near Kerrville.
The Guadalupe River rose 32 feet in just four hours during the recent floods.
Emergency officials are actively rescuing people as floodwaters rise.
Residents are being told by the National Weather Service to move to higher ground immediately.
Camp Mystic, the site of last year's tragedy, has not reopened and filed for bankruptcy this summer.
The flooding affects multiple counties including Uvalde, Kerr, and Kendall in South Texas.
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The U.S. Mint will produce a new $1 coin with President Donald Trump's face to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Although the coin is legal tender, many people may avoid spending it because of political opinions, making it likely to become a collectible rather than regular currency.
Key Facts
The new $1 coin features President Donald Trump's face and the phrases "In God We Trust," "Liberty," and "1776-2026."
The coin has a gold color but is made from nonprecious metals.
It will be released for circulation in the fall of 2024.
U.S. law generally prohibits coins bearing the image of living presidents, which may lead to lawsuits and protests.
People who dislike President Trump may refuse to accept or quickly spend the coin to get rid of it.
Supporters of President Trump are likely to keep the coin as a collectible or gift it to others.
A similar situation occurred in 1926 with President Calvin Coolidge's image on a coin, which also became a collector’s item.
Despite political feelings, most people use money for transactions, so the coin’s value and use are expected to continue.
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Heavy rain caused flash flooding in central Texas, leading to dozens of rescues and at least one death. Authorities warned people near the Leona River in Uvalde to move to higher ground due to the risk of a large wall of water.
Key Facts
Over 40 people were rescued from homes, cars, and floodwaters by Texas Game Wardens and fire departments.
More than a foot of rain fell since Monday, sometimes at a rate of 3 inches per hour.
The Medina River, usually shallow, rose significantly because of the rain.
A tornado near San Antonio caused strong winds up to 100 mph, damaging buildings and causing power issues.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed at least one death related to the flooding.
Residents in Uvalde were warned about a possible 20-foot wall of water from the Leona River overflowing.
Flood conditions are the worst some areas have seen since 2015.
The storm system brought both heavy rain and a tornado to parts of Texas.
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A federal appeals court ordered the release of Raheem Fulton, a Jamaican man in U.S. immigration detention with serious kidney disease, because his health condition and ongoing legal issues justify bail. Fulton faces deportation after a burglary conviction but requires regular dialysis and adequate medical care that ICE had not fully provided.
Key Facts
Raheem Fulton is a Jamaican national detained by ICE and faces deportation due to a burglary conviction.
He has end-stage kidney disease, requiring regular dialysis treatment to survive.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit granted him bail pending his legal appeal.
The court found his medical condition and unresolved legal claims meet the high standard for bail.
Fulton argued ICE failed to provide proper medical discharge planning before deportation.
ICE did not facilitate his kidney transplant evaluation despite medical referrals.
The government did not claim Fulton was a risk to public safety or likely to flee.
The court concluded that deporting Fulton without dialysis would likely cause his death.
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The U.S. government has officially named the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras cartel as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation allows U.S. authorities to increase actions against these Mexican criminal groups, especially at the Texas border and in the western state of Michoacán.
Key Facts
The Juárez Cartel operates near the Texas border, mainly in Ciudad Juárez across from El Paso.
Los Viagras is a criminal cartel based in Michoacán, a western state in Mexico.
Both cartels were added to the list of foreign terrorist organizations published in the Federal Register.
This designation allows the U.S. to take stronger actions against these groups and those who support them.
President Trump started labeling Latin American cartels as terrorist groups in February 2025.
The Juárez Cartel has been linked to a deadly attack in 2019 that killed nine American women and children from a Mormon community.
Nicolás Sierra Santana, leader of Los Viagras, is wanted by the U.S. with a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
The move increases pressure on Mexico’s government, including on President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, amid indictments of officials suspected of cartel ties.
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Jennifer Bos spoke emotionally at the confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche, who is nominated to be U.S. attorney general. Her daughter Megan died in April 2025, and a man living illegally in the U.S. is connected to her death and was charged with hiding her body and obstructing justice.
Key Facts
Jennifer Bos made an opening statement at Todd Blanche’s attorney general confirmation hearing.
Her daughter, Megan, was found dead in April 2025 in the backyard of an undocumented Mexican citizen.
Megan was reported missing weeks before her body was found.
The initial autopsy suggested Megan may have died from a fentanyl overdose.
The final cause of her death has not been confirmed.
The man involved, Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, was charged with abuse of a corpse, hiding the death, and blocking justice.
Mendoza-Gonzalez was released without bail initially but was later detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in July 2025.
The case was discussed during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for Todd Blanche’s confirmation.
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Ava DuVernay is making a Netflix documentary about the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to people born in the United States. The film will explore the history and current debates around this amendment, especially after President Trump tried to limit birthright citizenship but was blocked by the Supreme Court.
Key Facts
The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868 and grants citizenship to anyone born or naturalized in the U.S.
The amendment overturned the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision, which denied citizenship to descendants of enslaved people.
President Trump signed an order on his first day in office to restrict birthright citizenship.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against Trump's order, upholding the amendment’s protections.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that citizenship guarantees the right to participate in the political community.
Ava DuVernay previously made the documentary "13th," about the 13th Amendment and slavery.
Her new film will include voices of politicians, historians, and cultural figures.
President Trump has said he will keep fighting against the Supreme Court’s decision on birthright citizenship.
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Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said he would leave the Democratic Party if it becomes against Israel, but he does not plan to leave right now. His statement comes as some Democrats show dissatisfaction with Israel and its leader, which could affect the party's chances in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman threatened to leave the Democratic Party if it officially becomes an anti-Israel party.
Fetterman said he remains committed to the Democrats for now, especially if they regain the Senate majority.
Many Democrats have criticized Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently.
Over 100 House Democrats voted for a measure to stop U.S. funding to Israel, though it failed.
Some Democrats have been upset with Fetterman’s votes that align with Republicans, such as supporting a Trump-nominated official.
A recent poll shows most Pennsylvania voters want Fetterman to leave the Democratic Party.
Fetterman could face a tough primary challenge in 2028.
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Federal regulators are investigating a White House teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, for allegedly using advance knowledge of President Trump's speeches to make trades on a prediction market called Kalshi. Perez reportedly won over $100,000 from these trades and is cooperating with the investigation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Key Facts
Gabriel Perez, a teleprompter operator at the White House, is under investigation for insider trading.
He allegedly used information from President Trump's planned speeches, including the State of the Union, to make trades on Kalshi.
Kalshi is a prediction market where people can bet on the likelihood of future events.
Perez reportedly won more than $100,000 from these trades.
Kalshi detected the suspicious trades and froze Perez's account to stop further profits.
The CFTC is investigating the case and has discussed a possible settlement with Perez.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan declined to open a criminal investigation.
The White House said Perez is cooperating fully and that staff must follow strict ethics guidelines.
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The Trump administration is bringing back a rule that could stop some immigrants from getting green cards if they use certain public benefits like food stamps, Medicaid, or housing help. This rule, called "public charge," was used before but reversed by President Biden and will take effect again starting September 18, 2026.
Key Facts
The "public charge" rule affects immigrants applying for green cards who use public benefits.
Benefits under this rule include food stamps, Medicaid, and housing vouchers.
The rule was first put in place in February 2020 under President Trump.
President Biden reversed the rule after taking office.
The Trump administration is reinstating the policy to encourage immigrants to be financially independent.
The rule will officially start again on September 18, 2026.
Critics say the rule causes fear among immigrant families and can lead to worse health outcomes.
Federal law already requires immigrants to show they will not depend on public assistance, but this rule expands the types of benefits considered.
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Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser, said that people working in the White House shared information with journalist Vaughn Hillyard about President Trump’s primetime speech. Bannon claimed these officials spoke off the record, meaning they did not want their names revealed. The leaked information was about what President Trump would say during his address.
Key Facts
Steve Bannon is a former adviser to President Trump.
Bannon accused White House staff of sharing information without permission.
The information was given to journalist Vaughn Hillyard.
The leaks concerned President Trump’s upcoming primetime speech.
The talks with Hillyard were off the record, meaning no names were to be revealed.
Bannon made these accusations on a Wednesday.
The leaks were related to the content of the president’s address to the nation.
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The Republican primary to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina is competitive, with several candidates including Representatives Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace considering running. A recent poll shows no clear favorite, but name recognition and support from President Trump might influence the outcome in the quickly approaching primary.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham passed away, leaving his Senate seat open in South Carolina.
The Republican Party must quickly hold a primary to pick a nominee for the November election.
A poll of 500 likely Republican voters shows Ralph Norman leading with 16% support.
Mark Lynch, who has confirmed he is running, has 13% support.
Nancy Mace and Lt. Governor Pamela Evette both have 10% support in the poll.
Other candidates include Russell Fry (9%), Governor Henry McMaster (8%), and Senator Darline Graham (6%).
18% of voters are undecided, which could impact the tight race.
Candidates with higher name recognition and President Trump’s support may have an advantage.
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Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who had questioned whether Senator Mitch McConnell was alive, now says he believes McConnell is alive and able to do his job. McConnell is recovering in a rehabilitation center after a fall caused his long hospital stay, and he has urged patience as he works to regain his strength.
Key Facts
Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman doubted McConnell’s status but now believes he is alive and working.
McConnell fell on June 14, leading to an extended hospital stay.
He was treated for a mild case of pneumonia and had tests to understand the cause of his fall.
McConnell moved from hospital care to a rehabilitation center to recover strength.
McConnell has not yet returned to voting in the Senate but continues to follow doctor’s advice.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear requested official updates about McConnell’s health.
McConnell released a public statement and photo with his wife to reassure constituents.
Speculation about McConnell’s health and status had grown due to limited information.
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President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff, the newly appointed top U.S. prosecutor in Seattle, less than an hour after his appointment by federal judges. Rogoff was sworn in early but was removed by the administration shortly after arriving at the office.
Key Facts
Roger Rogoff was unanimously appointed by federal judges as the top U.S. prosecutor in Seattle.
He was sworn in before 8 a.m. at the U.S. courthouse in Seattle.
Rogoff asked to meet the previous interim prosecutor whose term ended in February.
While waiting, Rogoff received an email from the Trump administration saying he was fired.
Rogoff is consulting lawyers about possibly suing over his removal.
The firing happened very quickly, highlighting a conflict between the courts and President Trump.
Charles Neil Floyd had been the interim U.S. attorney before Rogoff’s appointment.
The situation involves a powerful government position within the federal legal system.
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Washington state voters will choose in November whether to repeal a new tax on households that earn more than $1 million each year. The effort to repeal the tax, called Initiative 645, gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Key Facts
The issue will be decided by voters in Washington state this November.
The tax targets households earning over $1 million annually.
The tax is often called the "millionaire’s tax."
Initiative 645 aims to remove this new tax.
The initiative got enough signatures to be included on the election ballot.
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs confirmed the signature count.
The tax was recently put into effect before the repeal effort began.
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