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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Addiction community responds to Trump homelessness order

Summary

President Trump signed an order to help states and cities get more people into mental health or addiction treatment. This could include placing people into treatment even if they don't agree.

Key Facts

  • President Trump issued an executive order about homelessness.
  • The order is focused on mental health and addiction treatment.
  • It aims to make it easier for states and cities to act.
  • The order allows for involuntary civil commitment, which means people can be placed into treatment even if they do not want it.
  • The goal is to help reduce the number of homeless people by addressing mental health and addiction issues.

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How a woman in the registrar's office made a music teacher feel less alone

Summary

In 2009, Kim Perlak taught music at three colleges and held several other jobs, feeling isolated. A woman working in one of the college registrar's offices helped her feel more connected and less alone.

Key Facts

  • Kim Perlak was a music teacher in 2009.
  • She taught at three different colleges at that time.
  • Besides teaching, she also had multiple other jobs.
  • Perlak felt isolated due to her busy schedule.
  • A woman in the registrar's office provided support and helped her feel less alone.

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US judge blocks Trump’s effort to defund reproductive health organisation

US judge blocks Trump’s effort to defund reproductive health organisation

Summary

A U.S. federal judge decided that Planned Parenthood, a reproductive health organization, can continue receiving Medicaid funds. This ruling blocks an effort by President Donald Trump to stop these payments as part of a new law targeting abortion providers.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge ruled against an attempt to cut Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood.
  • Judge Indira Talwani stated the cuts could harm patients' health by limiting access to care.
  • Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit against a bill that aimed to stop Medicaid payments to abortion providers.
  • The bill could have led to about 200 clinic closures, affecting over one million patients.
  • Medicaid is a government program that provides health coverage for people with low income.
  • The U.S. does not allow federal money to be used for abortion services.
  • Planned Parenthood offers services like contraception, pregnancy tests, and STD testing.
  • The ruling ensures that these health centers can continue to serve patients through Medicaid.

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Trump moves to lift visa restrictions for Argentina in boost to right-wing ally

Trump moves to lift visa restrictions for Argentina in boost to right-wing ally

Summary

The United States and Argentina announced that they are developing a plan to let Argentine tourists visit the U.S. without needing a visa. This process is expected to take about two to three years to implement.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. and Argentina are planning visa-free travel for Argentine tourists.
  • It may take two to three years before this visa-free travel starts.
  • This initiative shows support for Argentina's President Javier Milei.
  • President Milei is known as a strong ally of the U.S. in South America.
  • The plan was initiated during the Trump administration.

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Immigrants sue over Trump's mandatory detention, no-bail policy

Summary

A group of immigrants is suing because the Trump administration has stopped letting them stay out of detention on bond while they fight deportation. Now, these immigrants must stay in detention until their cases are resolved.

Key Facts

  • Immigrants used to be able to stay free on bond while fighting deportation.
  • The Trump administration changed this practice.
  • The new rule requires immigrants to stay in detention.
  • Immigrants are suing over this change.
  • The case is gaining attention in the media.

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The White House is shifting the 'housing first' approach to combating homelessness

Summary

The White House is changing its approach to dealing with homelessness. An executive order from President Trump suggests cities and states should close homeless camps and provide treatment to those in need, even if it means admitting them to treatment facilities against their will.

Key Facts

  • The White House is changing its strategy on homelessness.
  • The new plan encourages closing homeless encampments.
  • The plan includes getting homeless people into treatment programs.
  • Treatment could involve "involuntary civil commitment," which means people can be admitted to treatment without their consent.
  • The executive order outlines how cities and states should handle homelessness.

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Ghislaine Maxwell files Supreme Court brief appealing Epstein conviction

Ghislaine Maxwell files Supreme Court brief appealing Epstein conviction

Summary

Ghislaine Maxwell has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn her conviction for sex trafficking minors with Jeffrey Epstein. Her appeal argues that a previous plea agreement involving Epstein protects her as an unnamed co-conspirator. The Justice Department disagrees, stating that the deal doesn't cover her case.

Key Facts

  • Ghislaine Maxwell is appealing her conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • She was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022.
  • Maxwell argues a 2007 plea agreement for Jeffrey Epstein should protect her.
  • The plea deal mentioned protection for Epstein's "co-conspirators" but did not list Maxwell.
  • Her lawyers claim the deal applies to anyone involved, not just named individuals.
  • The Justice Department argues the plea deal doesn't apply because it was limited to specific districts.
  • Federal appeals courts have differing views on the plea deal's scope.
  • Former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta, linked to the plea deal, resigned during Trump's presidency after criticism.

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Trump says he turned down visit to Epstein's island

Trump says he turned down visit to Epstein's island

Summary

President Trump stated that he never visited Jeffrey Epstein's island and emphasized that he rejected an invitation to go. He explained that he severed ties with Epstein after a personal disagreement, and he described claims against him in the Epstein case as exaggerated.

Key Facts

  • Trump said he never traveled to Jeffrey Epstein's island and turned down an invitation.
  • He claimed he stopped interacting with Epstein after a disagreement over employees.
  • Trump called the ongoing discussions about his links to Epstein a "hoax."
  • Trump's name appears in Epstein's flight logs, but he said most flights were within Florida and New Jersey.
  • Attention has shifted to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate, who is currently imprisoned.
  • Trump noted he has not been asked to consider a pardon for Maxwell but didn’t rule it out.
  • The White House claimed Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for inappropriate behavior.

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Martin Lewis on how to maximise your interest

Martin Lewis on how to maximise your interest

Summary

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What to know about the attack on a Congolese church that killed nearly 40 worshippers

What to know about the attack on a Congolese church that killed nearly 40 worshippers

Summary

In eastern Congo's Ituri province, nearly 40 people died when the Allied Democratic Force, a rebel group linked to the Islamic State, attacked a Catholic church during a vigil. The attack, which took place in Komanda town, killed worshipers, including men, women, and children, and is part of ongoing violence in the region.

Key Facts

  • Nearly 40 people were killed in an attack on a Catholic church in eastern Congo's Ituri province.
  • The attack happened during a vigil and targeted worshipers, including women and children.
  • The Allied Democratic Force (ADF), a rebel group with ties to the Islamic State, carried out the attack.
  • In addition to the church attack, five more people were killed in a nearby village.
  • The ADF group began in Uganda in the 1990s and now operates in the Congo-Uganda border area.
  • Eastern Congo suffers from many conflicts, with over 100 armed groups involved, according to the UN.
  • The Congolese and Ugandan armies have targeted the ADF, but the group's attacks on civilians continue.
  • The attack increases the complex security situation in the region, drawing criticism of the Congolese government.

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The U.S. is destroying $9.7 million in contraceptives. Is there another option?

The U.S. is destroying $9.7 million in contraceptives. Is there another option?

Summary

The United States plans to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives that were meant for women in low-income countries. These products are stuck in Belgium and will be burned in Europe, even though other organizations wanted to buy them. The decision has faced criticism from various groups and some lawmakers who hope to find a different solution.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. plans to destroy $9.7 million in contraceptives meant for low-income countries.
  • These contraceptives are currently stored in a warehouse in Belgium.
  • The products have expiration dates ranging from 2027 to 2031.
  • The U.S. will spend $167,000 to destroy the contraceptives at a French facility.
  • Organizations like Doctors Without Borders and UNFPA offered to purchase the contraceptives but were turned down.
  • Critics, including some U.S. lawmakers, are pushing for the U.S. to reverse its decision.
  • The contraceptives could have helped prevent up to 950,000 unintended pregnancies.
  • The U.S. government is a major donor to global family planning, which typically prevents millions of unintended pregnancies and thousands of maternal deaths annually.

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Five things that could get more expensive for Americans under Trump tariffs

Five things that could get more expensive for Americans under Trump tariffs

Summary

The United States and the European Union have agreed on a trade deal that sets a 15% tariff on most goods imported from the EU into the US. Some items, like semiconductor equipment and certain agricultural products, are exempt. This change could make products like cars more expensive for American consumers.

Key Facts

  • The new trade deal puts a 15% tariff on most EU goods imported to the US.
  • Originally, US President Donald Trump had threatened a 30% tariff.
  • Some goods are exempt from these tariffs, such as semiconductor equipment and some agricultural products.
  • European cars imported to the US will have a reduced tariff from 27.5% to 15%.
  • The German car industry expects to pass on these increased costs to consumers.
  • The US imports a large portion of its cars, which could lead to higher prices in car showrooms.
  • Alcohol, a major export from Europe to the US, is not yet confirmed as exempt from the tariffs.
  • The US will increase its energy exports to the EU to replace Russian supplies, but tariffs on Canadian oil remain lower due to supply needs.

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Trump seeks quick Murdoch deposition in lawsuit over Epstein story

Trump seeks quick Murdoch deposition in lawsuit over Epstein story

Summary

President Donald Trump has asked a federal court in Florida to require Rupert Murdoch to provide a deposition within 15 days. This is part of a lawsuit Trump filed against The Wall Street Journal, owned by Murdoch, over a story about Trump's connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Key Facts

  • Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal on July 18.
  • The lawsuit relates to a story about Trump's links to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Trump wants Rupert Murdoch to give a deposition quickly due to Murdoch's age and health.
  • Rupert Murdoch is 94 years old and reportedly has had health issues.
  • Trump's legal request claims Murdoch may not be able to testify in person due to these factors.
  • Murdoch's lawyer plans to oppose Trump's request.
  • The lawsuit is being handled in a U.S. District Court in southern Florida.

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Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper announces run for Senate in North Carolina

Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper announces run for Senate in North Carolina

Summary

Roy Cooper, a former Democratic governor of North Carolina, announced he will run for the U.S. Senate in the 2026 election. He enters the race as a strong candidate to replace retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Cooper has a long political history in North Carolina and hopes to win a seat in a state where Republicans have often been successful in federal elections.

Key Facts

  • Roy Cooper was the governor of North Carolina for two terms.
  • He announced his run for the U.S. Senate through a video on social media and his campaign website.
  • The Senate seat is open due to the retirement of Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
  • Michael Whatley, a Republican, plans to run and has been endorsed by Donald Trump.
  • Democrats view Cooper as a strong contender to win the seat, which they need to help regain a Senate majority.
  • Cooper's video focused on issues like the middle class and criticized current policies in Washington, D.C.
  • Cooper has been a political figure in North Carolina since the 1980s, having also served as the state's attorney general.
  • North Carolina’s political races are expensive due to multiple television markets and are often decided in favor of Republicans at the federal level.

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Judge blocks Trump’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood

Judge blocks Trump’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood

Summary

A federal judge ruled that Planned Parenthood clinics must keep receiving Medicaid funding while the organization challenges efforts to cut their funding in court. The ruling temporarily prevents the government from stopping Medicaid payments to clinics that provide non-abortion-related healthcare.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge decided that Planned Parenthood should continue to receive Medicaid payments during a legal fight.
  • The Trump administration's tax legislation aims to defund clinics like Planned Parenthood by cutting Medicaid payments.
  • Medicaid is a health care program for low-income and disabled Americans, and many Planned Parenthood patients rely on it.
  • Planned Parenthood provides various health services, including birth control and STD testing, not just abortions.
  • The judge's order stops the federal government from barring clinics like Planned Parenthood from Medicaid payments.
  • Planned Parenthood warned that cutting off Medicaid funds could force nearly 200 clinics to close, affecting over a million patients.
  • A lawsuit was filed by Planned Parenthood against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in response to the funding cuts.

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Pete Buttigieg warns democrats can't go back to pre-Trump status quo

Summary

Pete Buttigieg spoke with NPR's Steve Inskeep about why Democrats should not return to how things were before Donald Trump. Buttigieg discussed mistakes Democrats made, how to win back public trust, and reasons for public skepticism about government communication.

Key Facts

  • Pete Buttigieg is the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
  • He warned Democrats against returning to pre-Trump ways.
  • Buttigieg discussed mistakes the Democratic Party made.
  • A focus was on how Democrats can regain the public's trust.
  • He mentioned that many people don't believe what the government says about certain topics, like the Epstein files.
  • The conversation was part of an NPR show called "Up First."
  • Steve Inskeep, an NPR host, conducted the interview with Buttigieg.

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States sue USDA over efforts to gather food stamp data on tens of millions of people

States sue USDA over efforts to gather food stamp data on tens of millions of people

Summary

A group of 20 states and Washington, D.C. is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stop it from collecting personal information about people who receive food assistance. The states argue that the USDA's demand for detailed data, which includes names, Social Security numbers, and other personal details, violates privacy laws.

Key Facts

  • A coalition of 20 states and Washington, D.C. filed a lawsuit against the USDA.
  • The USDA asked states to provide data on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants from the last five years.
  • The data requested includes names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and additional information like immigration status.
  • The states claim that this request violates federal privacy laws and the Constitution.
  • More than 40 million people receive SNAP benefits each month in the United States.
  • The USDA argues that collecting this data helps ensure the integrity of the SNAP program.
  • Some states have indicated they need more time to comply with the data request, with responses varying on whether they can meet the July 30 deadline.

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Why GLP-1s could become the "everything drug"

Why GLP-1s could become the "everything drug"

Summary

GLP-1 drugs, originally approved for diabetes and weight loss, are being studied for their potential benefits in reducing risks of various health conditions like Alzheimer's and infections. However, due to high costs and limited insurance coverage, their use is mainly off-label, leading to concerns about availability and affordability. Despite their promise, these drugs can cause significant side effects and their benefits may decrease if discontinued.

Key Facts

  • GLP-1 drugs are typically used for diabetes and weight loss but might help in other conditions.
  • These drugs could potentially lower risks for conditions like Alzheimer’s and infections.
  • A recent study showed GLP-1s reduced health risks by 10% to 20%.
  • The drugs are expensive, costing over $1,000 per month without insurance.
  • Many uses of GLP-1s are off-label, affecting insurance payments.
  • Side effects can include gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, and low blood pressure.
  • More than a third of patients stop using GLP-1s within a year, often due to cost or side effects.
  • Research is ongoing to fully understand the effects and workings of GLP-1s.

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Exclusive: Despite tariff uncertainty, consumers ready to buy cars, survey finds

Exclusive: Despite tariff uncertainty, consumers ready to buy cars, survey finds

Summary

New research shows that middle-income Americans are buying cars sooner than planned due to worries about rising prices. Many people see this as the right time to buy despite concerns about costs, as they focus on securing vehicle access that fits their budgets.

Key Facts

  • Middle-income Americans are buying cars sooner because they worry about prices going up.
  • The latest survey from Santander Holdings USA highlights how economic conditions affect household decisions.
  • Three-quarters of those surveyed believe they are financially on the right track despite worries about costs.
  • 55% of people are considering buying a vehicle within the year, up from 47% earlier in the year.
  • Half of the potential buyers are more likely to take out a loan to buy a car, with 48% preferring used cars.
  • Higher prices have encouraged, rather than deterred, some buyers.
  • The survey found that 42% are more likely to buy a car in the next three months.
  • Tesla's CEO has urged U.S. buyers to purchase cars now, ahead of ending tax credits and potential delivery issues.

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More than 40 killed in DR Congo attack linked to Islamic State

More than 40 killed in DR Congo attack linked to Islamic State

Summary

More than 40 people died in an attack by an armed group linked to the Islamic State in north-eastern DR Congo. The attack happened during a nighttime church vigil in the town of Komanda, and children were among the victims. Shops were also looted and burned during the incident.

Key Facts

  • More than 40 people died in an attack by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters in Komanda, DR Congo.
  • The United Nations reported that nine of the victims were children.
  • The ADF is an armed group that started in Uganda and is now based in DR Congo.
  • The group carried out the attack as revenge and to spread fear.
  • Shops and businesses in the area were looted and burned during the attack.
  • The ADF is part of the Islamic State's Central African Province.
  • DR Congo's military and Ugandan forces are conducting joint operations against the ADF.
  • Komanda is located in Ituri province, known for its mineral resources and conflict.

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