Senator Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, has been appointed to complete his current term in the Senate. His term ends in January, and a special election will take place in August to choose who will be on the ballot in November.
Key Facts
Darline Graham Nordone is Lindsey Graham's sister.
She has been appointed to finish Lindsey Graham's Senate term.
The current term ends in January.
A special election will be held in August.
The winner of the special election will appear on the November ballot to serve the next full term.
Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat is currently vacant or recently vacated.
This appointment is a temporary measure until voters choose a replacement.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. inflation dropped sharply in June, mainly because energy and gasoline prices fell a lot. Overall consumer prices went down 0.4 percent in June, marking the biggest monthly decline since April 2020, and inflation slowed to 3.5 percent over the past year.
Key Facts
Consumer prices fell 0.4 percent in June after rising 0.5 percent in May.
This was the largest one-month drop in inflation since April 2020.
Annual inflation slowed to 3.5 percent from 4.2 percent the previous month.
Energy prices fell 5.7 percent, with gasoline prices dropping 9.7 percent in June.
Despite the drop, gasoline costs remain 26.7 percent higher than June 2025.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, stayed flat in June and rose 2.6 percent yearly.
Food prices increased 3.0 percent over the past year; shelter costs rose 3.3 percent.
Lower inflation may ease worries about higher interest rates by the Federal Reserve.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Covid inquiry report explains why NHS workers did not have enough protective gear when the pandemic began. It found that the UK government spent nearly £10 billion poorly on personal protective equipment (PPE), leading to wasted money, unfair contract processes, and risks to health workers.
Key Facts
The UK wasted about £10 billion on PPE that was not well planned or used.
Two-thirds of the total £14.9 billion spent by the UK and devolved governments on PPE was wasted.
The UK’s stockpile of masks, gowns, and gloves was in poor condition with many expired items before the pandemic.
Only one-third of the masks in England’s stockpile were usable, and Scotland had no supplies of top-level FFP3 masks.
Some NHS workers had to use bin bags or reuse PPE due to lack of supplies.
A special “VIP lane” for PPE suppliers with government connections gave unfair priority to some companies.
There was no proof of corruption, but the VIP lane system was biased and seen as unfair.
A criminal investigation is ongoing into a PPE supplier linked to a Conservative peer, so some parts of the report remain unpublished.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Michael Thompson was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 33 years for the rape and murder of his estranged wife, Kimberley Thompson, in Northampton. He staged her death to look like a suicide but was found guilty after a six-week trial revealed he had subjected her to years of abuse and killed her in August 2025.
Key Facts
Michael Thompson, 56, killed his estranged wife Kimberley Thompson, 43, in their home in August 2025.
He suffocated her and then staged the scene to appear as a suicide.
The couple had been separated and were in the process of divorcing; they had two children.
Thompson was found guilty of rape, murder, and two counts of trying to cover up the crime.
Kimberley had suffered years of domestic abuse, including controlling and physical violence.
Thompson refused to attend his sentencing hearing in court.
The judge sentenced him to a minimum of 33 years in prison.
Kimberley’s daughter spoke about the pain caused and condemned her father’s actions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Inflation in the U.S. slowed to 3.5% in June, partly due to a brief peace deal between the U.S. and Iran that lowered energy prices. However, recent tensions between the two countries have caused oil prices and gas prices to rise again, keeping inflation concerns alive.
Key Facts
Inflation fell to 3.5% annually in June, down from 4.2% in May.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, slightly decreased to 2.6%.
The U.S.-Iran ceasefire briefly lowered energy costs but ended, causing prices to rise again.
Brent crude oil prices rose to $80 per barrel in July after dropping to $67 earlier.
The national average gas price increased to $3.87 per gallon, 70 cents higher than last year.
Higher energy costs have caused price increases in other areas, like air travel.
The job market added an average of 111,000 jobs per month from April to June.
The Federal Reserve will meet in late July to consider inflation and job market data before deciding on interest rates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses the idea of using legal action against President Donald Trump as a way to achieve justice. It suggests that suing him could hold him accountable for his actions.
Key Facts
The article focuses on legal actions, called civil remedies, against President Donald Trump.
Civil remedies are legal ways to get justice outside of criminal court.
The goal is to hold President Trump responsible for certain behaviors or decisions.
Suing is presented as a practical method to ensure accountability.
The article implies justice can be served through the court system.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Colombian immigrant was fatally shot by ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine. Officials said the man was not the main target of the ICE operation, and the local community is asking for more information about the incident.
Key Facts
The shooting happened in Biddeford, Maine.
The man who was killed was a Colombian immigrant.
ICE agents were involved in the shooting.
Officials said the man was not the operation's target.
The local community is demanding answers about the shooting.
The incident raised concerns and questions about ICE’s actions.
CBS News covered the story and reported on community reactions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large heat dome is causing very hot and humid weather across many parts of the United States. Millions of people are urged to stay indoors as temperatures reach dangerous levels, with some areas expecting heat index values over 105 degrees.
Key Facts
The heat dome covers regions from the Plains to the Northeast and stretches to parts of the Southwest and California.
Temperatures could feel between 105 and 115 degrees in the Plains and Great Lakes due to heat and humidity.
Major cities like New York City may reach the upper 90s and Philadelphia could hit 100 degrees with high humidity.
Extreme heat warnings are in effect for states including California, Arizona, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and others.
The heat dome formed when high pressure trapped hot air near the ground.
Warm nights are expected, giving little relief from the heat and increasing health risks.
The heat dome could worsen drought conditions by reducing rainfall in parts of the central U.S.
Severe thunderstorms may develop around the north edge of the heat dome later in the week.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained for repairs after damage occurred. The National Park Service said the damage was caused by a sharp knife, and several people have been arrested for vandalizing the pool.
Key Facts
The Reflecting Pool was drained to fix damage caused about two weeks ago.
The damage included cuts and rips in the pool's surface.
President Trump blamed vandals and said those responsible should face consequences.
The National Park Service reported the damage was made by a sharp knife.
Multiple arrests have been made in connection with the vandalism.
U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn was charged with ripping out sealant but pleaded not guilty, saying he only touched the material briefly.
The pool renovation started in April as part of preparations for the U.S. 250th birthday.
Earlier issues included algae turning the water green and problems with the pool's surface before the vandalism.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
People in Maine have protested after a man was fatally shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). President Donald Trump also announced that the U.S. will charge a 20% fee for using the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping route.
Key Facts
A man was fatally shot by ICE in Maine.
Protests took place in Maine to demand answers about the shooting.
ICE is a U.S. government agency that enforces immigration laws.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will charge a 20% fee for using the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway used for oil shipments.
The news was covered in the CBS News Eye Opener segment.
Protests reflect public concern over the ICE shooting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Konstantin Sokolov, a Chicago-based investor and donor to President Trump’s ballroom project, will chair a new U.S. State Department fund managing over $200 million for trade and infrastructure projects in Central Asia, including Armenia. The fund aims to promote private business development in the region, and Sokolov has contributed millions to Republican campaigns during President Trump’s second term.
Key Facts
Konstantin Sokolov is a Russian-born private equity investor living in Chicago.
He will lead a new U.S. State Department enterprise fund with more than $200 million for trade and infrastructure projects in Central Asia.
The fund supports investments in transportation, energy infrastructure, and critical minerals in countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and others in the south Caucasus and Central Asia.
Sokolov was one of 36 donors to President Trump’s ballroom project, which raised over $350 million from individuals and corporations.
Many donors to the ballroom project have received government contracts, advisory roles, or political appointments.
Sokolov has given over $12 million to Republican political groups and campaigns, including $11 million to President Trump’s Super PAC Maga Inc during his second term.
The fund is named TRIPP+, representing a 27-mile trade corridor between southern Armenia and Azerbaijan meant to boost regional trade and prosperity.
The U.S. government says the fund will follow rules for transparency and conflict of interest protections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently passed away, was known for his strong support of aggressive U.S. foreign policies and close alliance with Israel. Throughout his career, he pushed for military actions in the Middle East and supported key decisions like moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham was a four-term Republican senator from South Carolina.
President Donald Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff to honor Graham.
Both Republicans and Democrats expressed respect for Graham after his death.
Graham strongly supported the U.S. going to war in Iraq and maintained support even after problems emerged.
He advocated for strong military action against Iran and opposed the Iran nuclear deal.
Graham backed moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem in 2017.
He was a major recipient of donations from the pro-Israel group Aipac.
Graham supported giving Israel military aid and defended Israel’s actions in conflicts like the 2023 Gaza war.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration has paused all meetings of the US Preventive Services Task Force since March 2025, delaying important health recommendations related to children quitting tobacco and other medical screenings. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s changes to the group and the firing of leaders have caused further disruption at this federal advisory panel.
Key Facts
The US Preventive Services Task Force has not met since March 2025, stopping updates on 14 health topics.
The stalled topics include tobacco cessation for children, cervical cancer screening, perinatal depression, and autism screening.
The taskforce's recommendations link to insurance coverage for preventive services under the Affordable Care Act.
Dr. Michael Silverstein, a former task force member, said new evidence could help children stop using tobacco.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr removed two taskforce leaders and criticized members for past negligence.
The Trump administration has cut several anti-smoking programs, including the CDC’s office on smoking and a major anti-smoking ad campaign.
FDA leadership related to tobacco regulation was changed, and new policies now allow sale of flavored vapes.
The Supreme Court ruled Kennedy has the authority to appoint and fire taskforce members after a dispute involving HIV prevention drug coverage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump and his family have earned $2.2 billion from financial deals since he took office. Meanwhile, many investors have lost millions and some have filed lawsuits claiming fraud and broken contracts.
Key Facts
President Trump and his family made $2.2 billion from financial schemes while he has been president.
Investors who put money into these deals lost millions of dollars.
Some investors are suing for fraud, which means they accuse the Trumps of lying or cheating.
Other lawsuits claim breach of contract, meaning the agreements were not kept.
These issues suggest risks for anyone investing in Trump-related securities.
The financial losses affected many individual investors.
The article implies a pattern of earnings for the Trump family alongside investor losses.
Lawsuits highlight legal disputes over these financial activities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses candidates from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who recently won Democratic primaries and whose views challenge traditional American values. It compares their strategies and rhetoric to those used by President Donald Trump to gain influence within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Some DSA candidates promote ending capitalism and replacing it with social ownership.
The DSA supports reducing the U.S. military budget, closing overseas bases, and withdrawing from NATO.
The group calls for defunding the police and reducing incarceration.
The DSA’s leadership openly criticizes the U.S. as an imperialist power.
DSA uses the Democratic Party’s ballot line while aiming to form an independent political party in the future.
Their tactics are compared to President Trump’s use of racial and political issues to gain control of the Republican Party.
One DSA nominee, Darializa Avila Chevalier, has publicly supported abolishing police and prisons and expressed admiration for controversial historical figures.
The DSA’s political positions and candidate statements have sparked concern about extremism within the Democratic Party.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Conservative Lord Gavin Barwell lost the party whip after criticizing Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's stance on centrist policies like net zero targets. The Conservative Party says Barwell was removed for conduct reasons, not because of political beliefs.
Key Facts
Lord Gavin Barwell, a former MP and chief of staff to Theresa May, lost the Conservative party whip.
Barwell criticized Kemi Badenoch for rejecting supporters of net zero climate targets and Europe-related human rights rules.
Badenoch wants to move the Conservative Party more to the right on policy.
Barwell learned about losing the whip from a news article, not directly from the party.
Conservative officials said Barwell’s removal was due to his conduct and lack of compliance with party rules, not just politics.
Barwell was asked to meet the Conservative chief whip in the House of Lords but did not do so.
He had made public statements against the opposition leader and his own party, which the party said undermined discipline.
Party members say debate is allowed, but actions that damage respect and order are not tolerated.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been drained again for repairs after a recent renovation faced problems like peeling coating and algae growth. Photos show tracks on the pool's bottom, but it is unclear what caused them or if they relate to President Donald Trump's motorcade driving across the drained pool during an inspection.
Key Facts
The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial was recently renovated and declared finished.
Issues like algae blooms and peeling blue coating appeared soon after reopening.
The pool was drained again to fix these problems.
Photos show parallel marks that look like tire tracks on the pool floor.
It is unknown when or how these marks were made or if they are connected to the repairs.
President Trump drove his motorcade across the drained pool during a site visit on May 7.
Trump claims vandals cut the pool's liner, causing damage that requires repair.
National Park Service officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the pool's damage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
On July 4, abortion providers started receiving federal tax money again. This change is related to a political bill called reconciliation 3.0, which Republicans are being pressured to support.
Key Facts
Abortion businesses are now getting money from taxpayers starting July 4.
The change happened because of a new government action or law.
Republicans face political consequences if they do not pass the reconciliation 3.0 bill.
The reconciliation 3.0 bill is a political measure involving government spending or policies.
The situation indicates ongoing debates about abortion funding in U.S. politics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A UK Covid inquiry found that the government spent nearly £15 billion on personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, but wasted almost £10 billion due to poor planning and shortages. The UK was unprepared, relying too much on China for supplies, which left healthcare workers at risk and damaged public trust.
Key Facts
The UK and devolved governments spent about £14.9 billion on PPE from January 2020 to June 2022.
Nearly two thirds of this money—around £10 billion—was wasted due to inadequate stock and procurement problems.
The UK started the pandemic with a PPE stockpile that was mostly unusable and ran out quickly as demand rose.
Care homes, GP surgeries, and pharmacies had to find their own PPE, causing major failures in planning.
A "VIP lane" system prioritized some suppliers for PPE contracts based on political connections, which hurt trust.
The inquiry found no clear evidence of corruption but said the VIP lane was unfair and should not be used again.
Including other medical supplies like ventilators, the total government spending exceeded £42 billion.
The report criticized the government for not testing emergency plans and making procurement more costly and slower.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Michigan’s health department has warned about a rise in Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes severe diarrhea. They recommend cooking certain foods like leafy greens and raspberries or thoroughly washing them to help prevent the illness, which has seen a big increase in cases this year.
Key Facts
Michigan reported 2,640 cases of Cyclosporiasis as of July 13, up from an average of 50 cases per year.
The parasite causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue.
The Michigan Department of Health advises cooking leafy greens, cilantro, basil, green onions, snow peas, and raspberries or washing them very well.
Raspberries are hard to clean because the parasite can hide in their bumpy surface; cooking into pies or jams is suggested.
Lettuce should be bought whole and outer leaves removed before washing the inner leaves.
The CDC has confirmed 843 cases nationally since May 1, with more than 1,500 additional cases awaiting confirmation.
Other states reporting cases include New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, and Texas.
Health experts recommend washing produce thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
