Townhall

A cyclosporiasis outbreak has been confirmed in 31 states with 800 CDC-verified cases since May and 1,500 additional cases under investigation. Fresh produce, particularly lettuce, is the suspected transmission vector. Taco Bell has removed select items from its menu while state and federal officials question the chain.

President Trump will deliver a primetime address at 9 p.m. on Thursday concerning voting machines, election integrity, and free and fair elections. The speech is expected to include newly declassified intelligence on foreign tampering in the 2020 election and will feature several intelligence and law enforcement officials. Trump lost the 2020 election to Joseph R. Biden after more than 60 lawsuits were filed and rejected by courts.

President Trump announced on Monday via Truth Social that he will deliver a national address on Thursday at 9 p.m. EDT. The announcement references ongoing developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple outlets reported the scheduling but differ on the status of related policy measures.

Graham Platner, a Maine Democratic Senate candidate, dropped out of the race last week after Politico published allegations on July 6. Jenny Racicot claimed Platner raped her in 2021 and was quoted by Politico and CNN. Supported claims confirm Platner's candidacy and withdrawal while coverage disparities remain unverified.

Two UAE-flagged tankers, Mombasa and Bahia, were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in Omani territorial waters of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one confirmed death and fires that were later controlled. Reports conflict on total casualties and nationalities of the injured. A third separate incident involving an unknown projectile near Qalhat, Oman, was also reported.

A 26-year-old Colombian national, Joan Sebastian Guerrero, was shot and killed by ICE officers in Maine on Monday after allegedly driving toward an agent during an operation. The victim was not the target of the arrest warrant. ICE subsequently directed agents nationwide to limit vehicle stops except for the most serious criminal cases and to obtain judicial warrants for residential entries.

Republican Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to the U.S. Senate following the vacancy created by her brother Lindsey Graham. Hosts Sunny Hostin and Joy Behar on ABC's 'The View' described the appointment as an example of DEI and nepotism. Darline Graham is a certified optician and South Carolina's first female U.S. senator.

President Trump stated on Fox & Friends that an 11-hour negotiating session with Iranian representatives occurred on Sunday, during which a deal was reached before revisions were requested. U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets took place the same day, confirmed by a CENTCOM statement. Trump referenced prior deals and long-term U.S. protection of the Strait of Hormuz.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers larger than 50 megawatts, making New York the first state to enact such a measure. The policy targets facilities projected to increase electricity demand and utility costs. Sources differ on whether the action occurred through executive order or legislation.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that increases in reported rape reflect an expanded legal definition and delayed reporting of prior incidents. NYPD data shows historic lows in murders and shootings alongside rises in rape and felony assault. The 2024 Rape is Rape Act, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, broadened the definition of rape.

Unverified reports from the New York Post state that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died suddenly of heart issues. Supported facts from New York Post and Townhall confirm his sister Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in as caretaker senator until January, with a special primary election scheduled. All available sources are right-leaning outlets.

Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett appeared before a House Appropriations subcommittee on July 13, 2026. Kagan referenced a 2010 confirmation hearing exchange with Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly on July 11, 2026. All details originate from Townhall reporting.

Graham Platner, who was running to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, faces a 2021 rape allegation reported by Townhall. Party rules require letters of intent by July 20 and a 601-delegate convention on July 25 to select a replacement. Multiple claims about Troy Jackson as the substitute candidate remain unverified and originate solely from the New York Post.

Graham Platner, the Maine Democratic candidate challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins, dropped out of the race after a sexual assault accusation. A Media Research Center report examined coverage of the candidate's controversies by Apple News and Google News. The report, covered by The Daily Wire and Townhall, found limited inclusion of stories from right-leaning outlets in top feeds.