The U.S. budget deficit increased in July 2026, reaching the highest monthly level since 2021, due to high government spending and tariff refunds. The total deficit for the first 10 months of the fiscal year rose to $1.8 trillion, surpassing last year’s total, while the government’s past cost-cutting agency, DOGE, is criticized for overstating its savings.
Key Facts
In July 2026, the U.S. government spent $766 billion but collected only $334 billion, causing a $432 billion deficit for the month.
The July deficit is the highest recorded for that month and the biggest since March 2021.
The budget deficit for the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2026 is $1.8 trillion, up from $1.6 trillion the previous year.
July is usually a deficit month because of fewer tax payments and shifted spending, including $99 billion paid early due to a nonbusiness day on August 1.
DOGE, President Trump’s government cost-cutting agency, claimed large savings but was quietly closed last year.
A Government Accountability Office report found that DOGE overstated savings by billions and lacked evidence for many claims.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized DOGE for failing to save money and blamed Congress for not making its actions official law.
Despite DOGE’s closure, the White House says President Trump will keep working to reduce government waste and fraud.
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People held in a crowded ICE detention center in Mississippi were exposed to a gas leak and did not receive medical care when they complained of symptoms. A power outage caused the facility to lose air conditioning for two days, forcing detainees to stay in very hot conditions with limited access to food and communication.
Key Facts
A gas leak occurred at the Adams County ICE detention center in Mississippi, making detainees sick with headaches and other symptoms.
Detainees were forced to stay outside in nearly 100°F heat without shade or inside cramped cells without air conditioning during a two-day power outage.
The facility is run by CoreCivic, a private company that manages many detention centers under contract with ICE.
The detention center was downgraded from a "superior" to an "acceptable/adequate" rating after inspectors found 23 violations related to use of force and restraints in May 2025.
Some detainees were placed three to a cell designed for two due to overcrowding.
Authorities limited detainees’ communication by withholding tablet devices and threatened solitary confinement for those trying to share information about conditions.
The facility holds over 2,000 detainees; only 9% have a criminal record.
A third person recently died in ICE custody at a different detention center run by another private contractor, the GEO Group.
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The Trump administration investigated progressive groups protesting against its immigration deportation policies instead of investigating the violence used by federal agents. These groups were accused of criminal conspiracy and domestic terrorism financing, though protected by the First Amendment to protest lawfully.
Key Facts
In January, the Trump administration sent about 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota to enforce immigration deportations.
Protesters, including progressive and mainstream groups, opposed these deportations and sometimes recorded the agents’ actions.
Instead of investigating violence by federal agents, the administration launched “Operation Puppet Master” targeting protest groups.
Federal officials claimed these groups helped “violent opportunists” and funded “domestic terrorism,” citing an expanded definition from Trump’s directive.
Criminal conspiracy law requires proof that groups agreed to commit a crime and intended to obstruct federal officers by force; this claim is highly questionable here.
Peaceful protest and monitoring of government actions are protected under the First Amendment.
The Trump administration bypassed usual justice channels like the Department of Justice and FBI in this investigation.
The article compares this crackdown to historical government surveillance programs on political activists.
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Federal authorities arrested Rigoberto Brown, a fugitive accused of helping run a price-fixing and market-control scheme involving used car shipments from the U.S. through Mexico to Central America. The scheme centered around a group of South Texas businessmen, including Carlos Martinez, who controlled forwarding agencies near the Texas-Mexico border, fixing fees and forcing other businesses to follow their rules.
Key Facts
Transmigrantes are drivers who transport used cars bought in the U.S. through Mexico to sell in Central America.
Carlos Martinez, a Texas businessman, led a network that fixed prices and pooled revenues among forwarding agencies near the Los Indios border crossing.
Martinez is the son-in-law of a former Gulf Cartel leader and pleaded guilty to federal charges, receiving a prison sentence.
Rigoberto Brown was charged in 2022 with conspiring to fix prices and monopolize the transmigrante forwarding business and then fled to Mexico.
Brown was captured near McAllen, Texas, after living as a fugitive for nearly four years and will be arraigned in federal court.
The scheme involved forwarding agencies agreeing to inflate prices and share the market instead of competing.
Participants used charts and spreadsheets to track prices and revenues and communicated through calls, texts, and social media.
The group controlled relationships with Mexican customs brokers, forcing outside agencies to comply with their pricing and revenue-sharing rules.
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President Donald Trump visited the Nassau County Police Academy in New York to highlight a decrease in violent crime, using new FBI statistics. His visit aims to support Republican candidates in important local elections ahead of the November midterms.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the Nassau County Police Academy in Long Island, New York.
The White House announced new FBI crime data showing a drop in violent crime for 2025.
Trump’s visit is part of efforts to help Republicans in close races in New York ahead of the midterm elections.
Nassau County, where Trump narrowly won in 2024, has two Democratic House seats Republicans want to win.
Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican backed by Trump, is running against Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel joined Trump during the visit.
Crime is a major issue in the New York governor’s race, with both candidates claiming they improve safety.
Republicans believe focusing on crime helps their chances with voters concerned about law and order.
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Luigi Mangione announced plans to plead guilty in a federal case related to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. United States Attorney Jamie McDonald and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch spoke to the media after the court hearing.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is involved in a federal legal case.
He plans to plead guilty in the case.
The case concerns the death of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
The announcement was made during a court hearing.
United States Attorney Jamie McDonald addressed reporters about the case.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch also spoke to the media.
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A progressive group is supporting Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old substitute teacher and former homeless youth, in his effort to defeat longtime Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Florida’s 20th congressional district primary. The race highlights a battle between a young progressive and an established Democratic leader, with debates over district representation and party politics.
Key Facts
Elijah Manley is a 27-year-old substitute teacher who grew up homeless in Fort Lauderdale.
He is running against Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a 59-year-old 11-term congresswoman and former Democrats National Committee chair.
Wasserman Schultz is running in the 20th district, a majority-minority district where she is the only white candidate and not a resident.
Florida Republicans redrew congressional maps, dividing Wasserman Schultz’s former district into five parts.
Some Black leaders criticized Wasserman Schultz for running in a historically Black congressional district.
Manley supports universal healthcare, a federal jobs guarantee, and higher taxes on the wealthy.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee endorsed Manley and sees him as a fresh alternative to the Democratic establishment.
Polls show Manley gaining support after voters learned more about him, narrowing the gap with Wasserman Schultz.
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Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePena was arrested for allegedly misusing a $1.5 million COVID-19 pandemic loan. He is accused of using the money to pay off personal debts and fund his election campaign instead of his tire business.
Key Facts
Mayor Brian DePena was charged with wire fraud and money laundering.
He obtained a $1.5 million COVID-19 small-business loan for his tire sales business.
Instead of using the loan for the business, he spent over $880,000 paying off mortgages on his properties.
He also put $90,000 into his mayoral campaign fund before the 2021 election.
DePena became mayor in 2021 and was previously on the city council.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and 10 years for money laundering.
The FBI criticized DePena for misusing government funds meant to help businesses during the pandemic.
DePena and his team did not respond to requests for comment.
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A federal judge has denied a request to stop Mississippi’s creation of majority-Black voting districts for judgeships shortly before an upcoming election. The lawsuit claims these districts violate voting rights laws, but the judge said it is too close to the election for changes to the district lines.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed by Robert Foster, a DeSoto County supervisor and former Republican candidate for governor.
Foster and others argue the new majority-Black judicial subdistricts violate the Voting Rights Act.
The lawsuit follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that limited protections for minority voters in district drawing.
U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock ruled that changing district lines close to the election would be improper.
Mississippi’s Legislature added judicial seats that must be elected from majority-Black subdistricts within larger districts.
The lawsuit targets the State Board of Election Commissioners, including Governor Tate Reeves and other Republican officials.
The judge allowed the case to continue, meaning further evidence and arguments can be presented before a final decision.
The judge’s order only delays action to change the districts but does not stop the lawsuit itself.
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The Justice Department has issued a legal opinion that allows the U.S. military to detain migrants who trespass in areas near the southern border called National Defense Areas. These areas are controlled by the Department of Defense and part of President Trump's efforts to reduce illegal immigration.
Key Facts
The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel gave the military broader powers to arrest migrants in National Defense Areas near the U.S.-Mexico border.
National Defense Areas are large zones declared by the Trump administration to stop illegal border crossings.
The Posse Comitatus Act usually stops the military from enforcing laws on U.S. soil, but exceptions are allowed in these zones.
The military can arrest migrants outside these zones if they try to leave before enforcement officials arrive.
Six National Defense Areas exist in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, with more planned.
Since April 2025, hundreds of migrants have been charged with trespassing in these military zones.
The military started a major deployment to the border early in President Trump's second term with over 20,000 service members participating.
Illegal border crossings have dropped significantly, with fewer than 240,000 apprehensions in fiscal year 2025 and just 81,000 so far in fiscal year 2026.
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Eman Abdelhadi, the sister of Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, has come under attention for her past comments and legal issues, which may be used by Republicans in the upcoming Senate race. Abdelhadi is a University of Chicago professor and activist who has faced criticism for her views on the Israel-Hamas conflict and was involved in a protest arrest.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary and will compete against Republican Mike Rogers in the November Senate election in Michigan.
Eman Abdelhadi is a writer, academic, and associate professor at the University of Chicago.
Abdelhadi is half-Egyptian, half-Palestinian, identifies as queer, is Muslim, and uses she/they pronouns.
She has spoken publicly on political topics including Islamophobia and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Abdelhadi was arrested last year at an anti-ICE protest and accused of spitting on a state trooper.
Her past remarks on the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel have drawn criticism and are being reviewed by the university.
Abdelhadi has received threats and was placed on a conservative group’s “Professor Watchlist.”
Abdul El-Sayed has not publicly responded to the scrutiny of his sister’s statements.
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A new bill called the Love Lives On Act is moving through Congress to help surviving spouses of military members keep their veterans benefits if they remarry. Currently, many spouses lose these benefits if they remarry before age 55, but the bill would allow about 50,000 spouses to keep or regain these payments.
Key Facts
The Love Lives On Act is part of a larger veterans bill called the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA).
Current law causes many surviving spouses to lose veterans benefits if they remarry before age 55.
About 50,000 surviving spouses could keep their benefits if the new bill passes.
Around 4,750 spouses who lost benefits after remarrying could have their payments restored.
Benefits affected include the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which pays about $1,700 per month.
The bill would also restore Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments lost due to remarriage.
Supporters say the bill removes a penalty that forces spouses to choose between love and financial security.
The average age of military widows and widowers is 59, making remarriage a realistic option for many.
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Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to charges related to the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson, a healthcare executive. The court hearing was attended by BBC's North America correspondent, Nada Tawfik.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione admitted guilt to federal charges.
The charges are connected to the death of Brian Thompson.
Brian Thompson was a leader in the healthcare industry.
The guilty plea was made in a U.S. federal court.
BBC's correspondent Nada Tawfik reported from inside the courtroom.
The event took place recently, as the news was published 16 minutes ago.
The incident involves a serious crime: a shooting resulting in a fatality.
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Luigi Mangione's lawyer said outside a New York federal court that Mangione plans to plead guilty in a federal case. The announcement was made during a court appearance in New York City.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is involved in a federal legal case.
His lawyer spoke to reporters outside the federal court in New York City.
Mangione plans to enter a guilty plea.
The statement happened during a court session.
CBS News reporters Tom Hanson and Katrina Kaufman covered the event.
The lawyer's name is Karen Friedman Agnifilo.
The news was shared through CBS News platforms.
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Gardeners working in London's Royal Parks plan to strike because they are unhappy with their proposed pay raise. Their union says the raise of 70p per hour is too low, and the workers want a better pay deal.
Key Facts
The gardeners work for a company called Idverde, which is a sub-contractor managing the parks' workforce.
There are eight Royal Parks in London, including Hyde Park and Regent's Park.
Skilled gardeners and team leaders currently earn 55p more per hour than the London Living Wage (£14.80 per hour).
The union, GMB, says the new offer of a 70p raise per hour is insulting and too low.
The union believes Idverde does not value the workers' skills and treats the Living Wage as the highest pay instead of the lowest.
75% of union members voted, and 95% of those voted to strike.
Royal Parks said pay decisions are up to Idverde and hope the issue is resolved soon.
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The Army identified two Fort Hood helicopter pilots who died in an Apache helicopter crash during a maintenance test flight in central Texas. The crash occurred near Salado, about 30 miles from Fort Hood, and an investigation is underway.
Key Facts
Two pilots, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey (34) and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead (25), died in the crash.
The crash happened on Wednesday in a grassy field near Salado, Texas.
Both pilots were the only people on board the Apache helicopter.
The cause of the crash has not been released yet.
An Army safety investigation team from Fort Rucker, Alabama, is leading the investigation.
Huey joined the Army in 2014, and Olmstead in 2023; both served in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment.
Fort Hood is a large military base used for training heavy forces and has had previous deadly helicopter accidents.
The Apache helicopter has been used by the U.S. military since 1984 and seats two crew members, one behind the other.
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A US aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, is heading to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for nine months. Sailors on the Lincoln have experienced food shortages and poor living conditions, causing concern among their families and some lawmakers.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed at sea since December 11, originally scheduled to return in May.
Thousands of sailors on the Lincoln have faced food shortages, poor sanitation, broken plumbing, and exhaustion.
Some sailors reportedly attempted to jump overboard because of the difficult conditions.
The USS George Washington left Japan in May and is expected to reach the Middle East in about nine days to replace the Lincoln.
The US Navy acknowledges supply issues caused by combat actions during the conflict with Iran but denies a mental health crisis.
Families of affected sailors have expressed concern about their loved ones’ physical and mental health.
Senator Richard Blumenthal called for immediate attention to the conditions and questioned the Navy’s ability to maintain its current operational demands.
Defense officials say media reports are misrepresented and that efforts are underway to support all crews effectively.
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A legal dispute has arisen involving surrogate McKenna West from Alaska, a California couple who hired her, and a baby born in Texas with a serious heart condition. The conflict centers on decisions about the pregnancy after the diagnosis, parental rights, and custody, with Texas courts now involved alongside those in Alaska and California.
Key Facts
The baby was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe heart defect, after a 20-week scan.
The surrogate, McKenna West, and the intended parents disagreed on whether to continue the pregnancy; West alleges the parents wanted to end it.
West traveled from Alaska to Texas, which has strict abortion laws, and sought specialized medical care there.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened to ensure the baby receives medical treatment and stays in Texas during the dispute.
The baby was born in Dallas and is currently receiving medical care.
The intended parents and their lawyer say the surrogate and Texas officials are politicizing the case.
Surrogacy laws vary by state; California is friendly to surrogacy contracts, while Texas and Alaska do not have identical rules.
A legal hearing is scheduled for August 25 to address custody and parental rights.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in an interview that he saw many boxes of McDonald’s food on Air Force One while traveling with President Trump. Kennedy explained that President Trump chooses fast food because he worries about getting sick from other foods.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Health and Human Services Secretary.
He gave an interview about his experience traveling on Air Force One with President Trump.
Kennedy saw many boxes of McDonald’s food on the plane.
President Trump eats fast food during flights.
The reason given is that President Trump fears food poisoning from other meals.
Air Force One is the official plane used by the President of the United States.
The information focuses on the President’s food choices while traveling.
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Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges that led to the death of United Healthcare boss Brian Thompson. He faces life in prison federally and still has a state trial for murder starting in September.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges related to Thompson’s death.
The federal charges involve traveling across state lines and using surveillance.
Mangione could get up to life in prison without parole from the federal case.
A federal judge dismissed some charges earlier, including those related to firearms and the death penalty.
Mangione faces a separate state trial in New York with eight felony charges, including second degree murder.
His state trial begins on September 8, and Mangione denies the state charges.
Defense lawyers may argue that the guilty plea federally prevents the state trial due to double jeopardy protections.
If convicted in state court, he could face 25 years to life in prison.
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