We start with a judge’s scathing opinion in a controversial lawsuit related to President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. We have new details about ICE shootings in Maine and Houston. A media mega-merger is facing a new legal challenge. Journalists from CNN and other outlets were attacked on the one-year anniversary of a deadly West Bank beating. Plus, we’ll tell you how an annual trip for a man and his grandson ended up in a hospital.

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President Donald Trump says the US will restart the blockade of Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as US strikes increase and expand beyond coastal areas. For the second time in less than a week, ICE is involved in a deadly shooting. French authorities are taking water from the River Seine to fight a raging wildfire south of Paris. British counter-terror police are now leading the investigation into the suspected murder of a former UK lawmaker. And we look back on the life of one of the stars of “Jurassic Park.”

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President Trump orders flags at half-staff in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.  The US Military says it hit Iran with strikes after a weekend of attacks.  Senator Mitch McConnell posted a hospital photo and explained why he’s been under care for the last month.  At least 27 people have been killed in a Bangkok pub fire.  Plus, a summer camp teaches skilled trades to teens. 

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Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has been hospitalized for nearly a month, but it remains unclear why or what his condition is. His prolonged absence comes just after Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) disappeared for over 100 days, for what he later revealed was treatment for depression. These incidents are reigniting a prickly debate over what information lawmakers owe voters, the limits of medical privacy, and if Congress is just too old. 

Note: This episode was recorded before McConnell's statement revealing that his hospitalization was due to a fall. Read more here.

It was also recorded before the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham.

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Guest: Casey Burgat, The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Photo: Tom Brenner/Reuters

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No one has carried their partner to more world championship wins than this Finnish man. Meet one of this year’s CNN Heroes who offers more than a roof over the heads of people experiencing homelessness in Syracuse, New York. Kelsey Pfendler completed a record-breaking row from California to Hawaii. These furry airport employees in West Virginia have helped solve a costly problem that's plagued aviation for decades. Plus, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take this neuroscientist’s advice. 

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Bryce Urbany, Christie O'Reilly, Meg Dunn, Kareem El Damanhoury 

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We start with President Donald Trump’s comments on an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate him and the security measures he’s taking. A bipartisan bill is set to become law without Trump’s signature. A 1-in-1000-year rainfall prompted dozens of rescues in Missouri. We’ll tell you how one company is equipping trains in Europe to beat the heat. Plus, the flight that had one passenger fearing for his life.

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President Donald Trump says talks with Iran are back on but reiterated that the ceasefire is over. Witnesses are casting doubt on ICE’s story in the killing of a Houston father. The parents of a Black teenager found dead on July 4th in Mississippi are begging for answers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly reiterating his crackdown on facial hair in the military. And the exits of World Cup host nations have lowered ticket prices (sort of). 

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Sources tell CNN that Israel shared intelligence with the US about a new Iranian plot to assassinate President Trump.  The former roommate of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, says Robinson told him he “wished he hadn’t done it.”  A shoe factory fire in China kills 28 and the owner and others have been arrested.  New video and eyewitness accounts fuel questions about Senator Mitch McConnell’s health. Plus,  the UK's "Trash Can" candidate shakes up the Parliamentary race.

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Mediators are working to get US-Iran talks back on track amid both sides’ dueling strikes. We’re hearing from Utah prosecutors’ key witness in the Charlie Kirk shooting case. A former Olympian accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool appeared in court today. President Donald Trump turns to his latest White House construction project. Plus, NASA is offering a taste of life on the Moon and Mars.

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CNN gets a firsthand view of Iran war tensions onboard a US aircraft carrier. The field to replace Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race is growing. Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse are casting doubt on his longtime assistant’s congressional testimony. Concerns are mounting in several states about a parasite that can cause several weeks of diarrhea. And the beloved musician behind “Total Eclipse of the Heart” has died at the age of 75.

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Graham Platner ends his Senate campaign, and Democrats set to pick a new nominee. President Trump warns Iran that attacks will "get much worse.” A probe has started after an ICE office killed a man during a traffic stop.  The President wants the Supreme Court to rehear his birthright citizenship case.  Plus, “The Pitt” and “Hacks” lead the pack in the Primetime Emmy nominations.

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