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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Mullin reveals cause of latest death at New Jersey ICE facility

Mullin reveals cause of latest death at New Jersey ICE facility

Summary

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said that Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a 41-year-old immigrant detained at Delaney Hall in New Jersey, died from cardiac arrest. Lopez-Cornejo was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Key Facts

  • Edwin Lopez-Cornejo was 41 years old and from El Salvador.
  • He was held at Delaney Hall, a detention center for immigrants in New Jersey.
  • He died after suffering cardiac arrest (a sudden loss of heart function).
  • Medical staff at a local hospital declared him dead on Saturday.
  • Secretary Mullin reported this information on Tuesday.
  • The article refers to Lopez-Cornejo as having been repatriated, meaning returned to his home country.
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Mullin responds to MAGA blowback over remarks at governor’s meeting

Mullin responds to MAGA blowback over remarks at governor’s meeting

Summary

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin addressed criticism from supporters of President Trump after his comments during a meeting with state governors. Mullin spoke about the Department of Homeland Security at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City.

Key Facts

  • Markwayne Mullin is the current Secretary of Homeland Security.
  • He spoke at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City.
  • Mullin gave an interview to NewsNation’s Ali Bradley during the event.
  • Some supporters of President Trump’s MAGA movement criticized Mullin’s remarks.
  • Mullin publicly responded to this criticism on Tuesday.
  • The discussion focused on the role and actions of the Department of Homeland Security.
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Care company fined for running illegal children's homes in legal first

Care company fined for running illegal children's homes in legal first

Summary

A care company named Catalyst Care Limited was fined for running three illegal children's homes in England without registering them with Ofsted, the government body that oversees children’s services. The company’s directors admitted guilt, received fines, and were banned from managing children's homes.

Key Facts

  • Catalyst Care Limited operated three unregistered children’s homes in Kent from 2022 to 2025.
  • The homes housed up to nine children and received over £1.7 million from local authorities.
  • All children’s homes must be registered with Ofsted by law; running one unregistered is a crime.
  • The two directors pleaded guilty and were fined £92,400, plus additional costs and victim surcharges.
  • The directors were banned from managing or financially benefiting from any children’s homes in the future.
  • Ofsted estimates about 900 illegal children’s homes operate in England, often due to a lack of registered places.
  • Unregistered homes lack proper checks on staff and living conditions, creating safety risks for children.
  • New laws and funding aim to help Ofsted investigate and fine illegal care providers, and local councils commissioning these homes may face penalties.
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FEMA risks having ‘critically low’ staffing levels this hurricane season: GAO

FEMA risks having ‘critically low’ staffing levels this hurricane season: GAO

Summary

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that FEMA may not have enough workers to handle a big disaster this hurricane season. In 2025, over 4,300 FEMA employees left the agency, which is more than twice the usual number.

Key Facts

  • FEMA could have dangerously low staff levels if a major disaster happens soon.
  • The GAO is a nonpartisan group that checks government work and gave this warning.
  • More than 4,300 FEMA workers left in Fiscal Year 2025.
  • This number of departures is more than twice the normal rate for FEMA.
  • Low staffing could hurt FEMA’s ability to respond to hurricanes or other emergencies.
  • The report was released on a Tuesday by the GAO.
  • FEMA is responsible for helping people when disasters happen in the U.S.
  • The concern comes ahead of hurricane season, when strong storms are more likely.
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US efforts to deport Palestinian mosque leader rely on coerced confessions, witness testifies

US efforts to deport Palestinian mosque leader rely on coerced confessions, witness testifies

Summary

Salah Sarsour, leader of Wisconsin’s largest mosque and a legal U.S. resident, is fighting deportation by the U.S. government. His former lawyer testified that Israeli authorities tortured Sarsour and forced him to confess to crimes, but never linked him to a terrorist group.

Key Facts

  • Salah Sarsour was arrested in March by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • A judge released him in June, questioning why the government wants to deport him after decades in the U.S.
  • The U.S. government claims he is a foreign policy threat based on Israeli convictions from the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Sarsour has no criminal record in the United States.
  • His former Israeli lawyer testified that Sarsour was tortured and pressured to confess.
  • He was convicted for trying to possess a weapon but not for terrorism-related charges.
  • Sarsour’s brother described him as weak and in pain after Israeli detention.
  • Sarsour will attend the next immigration hearing remotely and will not testify himself.
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Trump's arch could disrupt the significance of many of Washington's historical sites, National Park Service says

Trump's arch could disrupt the significance of many of Washington's historical sites, National Park Service says

Summary

President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot memorial arch in Washington, D.C. could disturb the historical meaning of many nearby monuments and sites, according to the National Park Service. The arch would change important visual connections between landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, which were designed to symbolize unity.

Key Facts

  • The proposed arch would be 250 feet (76 meters) tall and have a gold color.
  • The National Park Service says the arch would disrupt the "integrity" and visual links of many historic places nearby.
  • These places include the Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Bridge, Arlington House, the National Mall, U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lady Bird Johnson Park.
  • The area affected is called the Memorial Avenue Corridor, a historic landscape connecting sites between Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia.
  • The original design of the Memorial Bridge area symbolized unity between the North and South after the Civil War.
  • Despite concerns, the arch has passed initial approval steps with support from commissions including Trump appointees.
  • The White House said it will follow all legal rules in building the arch.
  • Some groups, including veterans and historians, have filed a lawsuit opposing the project.
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US court deals blow to Trump’s bid to scrap climate grant programme

US court deals blow to Trump’s bid to scrap climate grant programme

Summary

A US federal appeals court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) likely broke the law by trying to cancel a $20 billion clean energy grant program created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The court stopped the EPA from freezing the grants but paused the release of funds while the EPA considers asking the Supreme Court to intervene.

Key Facts

  • The court ruled against the EPA’s attempt to cancel the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a $20 billion grant program for clean energy projects.
  • The fund was created by Congress in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to support nonprofit groups investing in energy projects and clean energy infrastructure.
  • EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin tried to stop the program, claiming it was wasteful and accused recipients of fraud.
  • The EPA froze billions of dollars that were held at Citibank for distribution to grantees.
  • The organizations receiving funds sued, saying the administration was wrongfully withholding money approved by Congress.
  • The full appeals court reversed an earlier panel decision that had sided with the EPA.
  • Judges said the EPA’s action was based on policy disagreements and likely violated the law.
  • The court’s decision restores an earlier judge’s order that blocked the EPA from canceling the grants without proper justification.
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Social Security Plan to Boost Benefits by $2,400 Floated by Bernie Sanders

Social Security Plan to Boost Benefits by $2,400 Floated by Bernie Sanders

Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders proposes increasing Social Security benefits by $2,400 annually while extending the program’s funding for 75 years. His plan would raise taxes on income above $250,000, including investment income, to help avoid a 22% benefit cut scheduled for 2032 without congressional action.

Key Facts

  • Social Security faces a funding shortfall that could cut benefits by 22% starting in 2032.
  • Sanders proposes raising Social Security payroll taxes on income and investments over $250,000.
  • Currently, payroll taxes apply only up to an income limit of $184,500.
  • The plan would not raise taxes for 91% of Americans earning less than $250,000 a year.
  • More than 70 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits.
  • Nearly half of seniors live on less than $30,000 annually, with over 20% living on less than $15,000.
  • Sanders opposes privatizing Social Security and wants to keep it government-run.
  • The proposal is based on Social Security Administration analysis showing solvency can be extended for 75 years with these changes.
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Blanche picks up key GOP support but some swing votes undecided

Blanche picks up key GOP support but some swing votes undecided

Summary

Two Republican senators, John Curtis and Jon Husted, decided to support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after their concerns were addressed. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Blanche’s nomination following several weeks of debate between committee members and the Department of Justice.

Key Facts

  • Senators John Curtis (Utah) and Jon Husted (Ohio) were previously undecided on supporting Todd Blanche.
  • Both senators decided to support Blanche after getting satisfactory answers to their concerns.
  • The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday morning.
  • There had been weeks of disagreement between two Republican senators on the committee and the Department of Justice.
  • Todd Blanche is nominated for the role of attorney general.
  • The nomination process involves evaluation and approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • The article focuses on political support and decision-making within the U.S. Senate.
  • The update improves the chances of Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general.
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Family demands answers following death of man in ICE custody

Family demands answers following death of man in ICE custody

Summary

A man named Edwin Lopez-Cornejo died while held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, New Jersey. His family questions the medical care he received before his death and wants answers, including the release of his medical records and the closure of the detention center.

Key Facts

  • Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a 39-year-old Salvadoran national, died on Saturday at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center.
  • ICE reports he had a "medical emergency," was seen by medical staff, and was transported to a hospital where he died.
  • The official cause of death has not yet been released.
  • Lopez-Cornejo had health problems including high blood pressure and diabetes.
  • Family members say he reported numbness in his face and arm a day before his death but was not immediately taken to a hospital.
  • The family demands full medical records from ICE and GEO Group, the private company managing the facility.
  • They also call for the facility’s closure and the release of detained individuals.
  • Local officials are pursuing legal action to inspect health conditions at the detention center.
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Jay Clayton sworn in as US director of national intelligence

Jay Clayton sworn in as US director of national intelligence

Summary

Jay Clayton has been sworn in as the US director of national intelligence, overseeing 18 intelligence agencies. His confirmation was marked by controversy because he would not say that President Biden won the 2020 election, a point criticized by Democrats and supported by Republicans.

Key Facts

  • Jay Clayton is the ninth director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard.
  • He was sworn in by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the Oval Office, with President Trump present.
  • Clayton previously served as US attorney for southern New York and chaired the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
  • He refused to affirm that President Biden won the 2020 election during his Senate confirmation hearing.
  • Clayton promised to protect the intelligence community from political interference.
  • Before Clayton’s appointment, Bill Pulte served briefly as acting director despite lacking national security experience.
  • Republicans confirmed Clayton along party lines; Democrats expressed concern over his stance on the 2020 election.
  • Clayton’s background includes overseeing major prosecutions related to terrorism and financial crimes, and holding senior roles in business and law.
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Southern California Edison equipment blamed for deadly 2025 Eaton Fire in Los Angeles

Southern California Edison equipment blamed for deadly 2025 Eaton Fire in Los Angeles

Summary

Los Angeles County fire officials reported that the 2025 Eaton Fire, which killed 19 people and destroyed over 9,400 homes and businesses, was caused by electrical sparks from an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower. The fire started during extreme weather and took nearly a month to put out.

Key Facts

  • The Eaton Fire burned 22 square miles in the Los Angeles area.
  • The fire caused 19 deaths and destroyed more than 9,400 structures.
  • The fire began because of electrical arcing (sparks) from an idle Southern California Edison tower.
  • The fire spread quickly due to high temperatures, dry brush, and strong winds.
  • Southern California Edison admitted its equipment was likely involved in starting the fire.
  • Fire officials and Cal Fire conducted a joint investigation that lasted 18 months.
  • Southern California Edison has filed lawsuits claiming local agencies delayed evacuation warnings and water supply was insufficient.
  • The fire affected areas including Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and La Cañada Flintridge.
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VA Benefits Update: Bill Would Help Millions Navigate Health Care Plans

VA Benefits Update: Bill Would Help Millions Navigate Health Care Plans

Summary

A new bill in the House of Representatives aims to help veterans understand how VA health care works with Medicare. It requires clearer information to prevent veterans from facing costly Medicare penalties due to confusion about their coverage and enrollment.

Key Facts

  • The Veterans Medicare Premium Transparency Act (H.R. 10012) was introduced on July 30 by Congressman Roger Williams.
  • Many veterans mistakenly think VA health care enrollment is the same as Medicare Part B enrollment.
  • VA health care does not count as creditable coverage for Medicare Part B, which can lead to permanent late-enrollment penalties if veterans delay signing up.
  • The bill requires the federal Medicare guide “Medicare & You” to explain how VA enrollment affects Medicare premiums and coverage.
  • Medicare.gov and other Health and Human Services websites must also include this information.
  • The bill instructs federal agencies to report data on veterans who face Medicare penalties linked to VA health care enrollment.
  • Millions of veterans receive VA health care and must make Medicare decisions when they turn 65, making this issue widespread.
  • The goal is to help veterans avoid unexpected financial penalties and make better health coverage choices.
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FACT FOCUS: No, you won’t need an ID to shop at city-owned grocery stores in New York City

FACT FOCUS: No, you won’t need an ID to shop at city-owned grocery stores in New York City

Summary

New York City is opening five city-run grocery stores offering discounted prices without requiring shoppers to show ID. A voluntary customer card may be available to help manage stock and prevent reselling, but it will not require identification or proof of residency.

Key Facts

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to open five grocery stores owned by New York City.
  • These stores will sell food at about 30% off to help with rising grocery prices.
  • No ID or proof of residency will be needed to shop at these stores.
  • There is a proposal for a voluntary customer card to manage supply and stop bulk buying for reselling.
  • The customer card will be free and available to anyone who wants one.
  • The card would not be required to enter or shop in the stores.
  • City officials and spokespeople have denied claims that ID would be needed.
  • The card’s final design will be decided by the private operator running the stores, not by the city government.
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New York deputy police commissioner fired after attempted murder arrest

New York deputy police commissioner fired after attempted murder arrest

Summary

Jennifer Lackard, a deputy police commissioner in Mount Vernon, New York, was fired after she and her son were arrested for allegedly being involved in an attempted murder case. The charges relate to a shooting outside Bronx criminal court, where her son was the suspected gunman and she reportedly acted as the getaway driver.

Key Facts

  • Jennifer Lackard was the deputy police commissioner of wellness in Mount Vernon.
  • Both Jennifer and her 20-year-old son Chase Lackard were arrested and charged with attempted murder and other crimes.
  • The incident involved shots fired near Bronx criminal court on June 29, with no injuries reported.
  • Chase Lackard was believed to be the shooter and his mother allegedly drove the getaway car.
  • Jennifer Lackard was fired immediately after the arrest.
  • Chase Lackard has a history of violence and multiple prior police encounters involving shootings.
  • Jennifer Lackard’s salary was $138,219 in 2025.
  • The Mount Vernon police and city officials said the alleged criminal acts are unrelated to her official duties.
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Mike Lindell stepping down as MyPillow CEO to focus on Minnesota governor's race

Mike Lindell stepping down as MyPillow CEO to focus on Minnesota governor's race

Summary

Mike Lindell is stepping down as the CEO of MyPillow to focus on his campaign for governor of Minnesota. He has also reduced his ownership in the company but will remain on the board. His Republican primary campaign faces challenges about his residency and campaign actions.

Key Facts

  • Mike Lindell founded MyPillow in 2004 and led the company for 22 years.
  • Lindell is stepping down as CEO and will reduce his ownership share to a minority.
  • James Furlong, previously a MyPillow director, will become the new CEO.
  • Lindell remains a member of MyPillow’s Board of Directors.
  • The Republican Party of Minnesota is questioning whether Lindell meets residency rules to run for governor.
  • Lindell denies residency concerns and claims they are politically motivated attacks.
  • Lindell faced accusations of breaking campaign laws by giving away pillows promoting his campaign at a parade.
  • President Trump endorsed Lindell for the Republican nomination, and early voting for the primary started.
  • Other Republican candidates include Kendall Qualls and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
  • The winner of the GOP primary will likely compete against Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar in November.
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Measles outbreak in 2025 cost almost $5.4M to contain: Research

Measles outbreak in 2025 cost almost $5.4M to contain: Research

Summary

A measles outbreak in 2025 cost nearly $5.4 million to control, according to a new study. The researchers reported that over $53,000 was spent for each case of measles, with about $1,800 spent on each person exposed to the disease.

Key Facts

  • The measles outbreak happened in 2025.
  • Containing the outbreak cost nearly $5.4 million.
  • The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
  • Researchers calculated $53,522 spent per measles case.
  • About $1,817 was spent for each person who was exposed to measles.
  • The numbers come from tracking cases and people in contact with the disease.
  • The study highlights the high cost of managing contagious diseases like measles.
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Epstein survivor calls Cornyn’s vote to advance Blanche nomination ‘really depressing’

Epstein survivor calls Cornyn’s vote to advance Blanche nomination ‘really depressing’

Summary

A victim of Jeffrey Epstein expressed disappointment over Senator John Cornyn’s vote to move forward the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. The survivor had hoped for a different decision but felt let down by the senator’s choice.

Key Facts

  • Dani Bensky is a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
  • Senator John Cornyn is a Republican from Texas.
  • Cornyn voted on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
  • Bensky spoke about her feelings on MS NOW with Mychael Schnell.
  • She described Cornyn’s vote as “really depressing.”
  • Bensky had hoped the senator would act differently in this matter.
  • The article focuses on the connection between political decisions and survivors of sexual abuse.
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DHS Secretary Mullin draws criticism from Trump's base over immigration comments

DHS Secretary Mullin draws criticism from Trump's base over immigration comments

Summary

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin made comments supporting more work visas in agriculture and changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. These statements upset some supporters of President Donald Trump who want stricter immigration enforcement.

Key Facts

  • Mullin said more work visas are needed for farm jobs because some industries lack enough workers.
  • He acknowledged that the idea that immigrants take American jobs is true in some fields, but not all.
  • Mullin clarified he opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants and supports detention and deportation.
  • He said ICE is focusing on arresting serious criminals, not doing raids at workplaces or public places.
  • Some Trump supporters, including former Border Patrol commanders and commentators, criticized Mullin’s immigration approach.
  • Mullin urged state governors to cooperate with DHS to improve public safety.
  • The Trump administration's immigration hardliners work closely with Mullin despite the criticism.
  • Some members of Trump’s base want more mass deportations and harsher immigration enforcement.
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FBI not conducting civil rights probe into ICE shooting in Maine, sources say

FBI not conducting civil rights probe into ICE shooting in Maine, sources say

Summary

The FBI is not conducting a civil rights investigation into the July shooting death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero by an ICE officer in Maine. Instead, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General and the Maine attorney general's office are leading the investigation.

Key Facts

  • Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero was shot and killed by a federal ICE officer in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13.
  • The shooting happened after Guerrero allegedly tried to flee in his vehicle from immigration officers.
  • The Department of Homeland Security said the officer fired because he feared for public safety.
  • Surveillance video captured the shooting, and a witness reported hearing Guerrero say, "I tried to stop."
  • The ICE officer involved may not have been properly vetted and has a history of violent behavior.
  • Legal experts say the FBI usually leads civil rights investigations into deadly shootings by federal agents.
  • The FBI initially responded to investigate possible assault on a federal officer but later deferred to DHS Inspector General and Maine authorities.
  • The Maine attorney general's office has interviewed Guerrero’s partner but has not confirmed any FBI involvement.
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