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CNN Headlines: CENTCOM: U.S. Forces Complete Latest Strikes Against Iran; Judge Pauses Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger; Tate Brothers Appear In Court After U.K. Extradition Request. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired July 21, 2026 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[05:30:15]
BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It is half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories.
CENTCOM says that the U.S. has completed the tenth straight night of strikes on Iran. Iran state media reported explosions in the country's southern region along the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz. But the renewed conflict -- it comes at a cost. The Pentagon now confirms the nearly 100 U.S. service members have been injured in just the past two weeks.
And officials describe the man who they say threw an incendiary device at a federal building in New York City as an anti-American extremist. Andrew Arabaca is in police custody this morning after staging the attack on Monday. Now, investigators say that the had an anti-ICE sign on the cart that he used to carry weapons and other destructive items.
Also, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and chairman of the joint staff -- Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine -- they're going to be on Capitol Hill today testifying before a Senate committee on President Trump's $87 billion supplemental funding request that will, in part, help fund the war with Iran. Their testimony comes days after three U.S. service members were killed in Iranian strikes.
Efforts to de-escalate attacks between the U.S. and Iran are being one-upped, as U.S. officials are putting it -- at least one of them saying by President Trump's focus on "making Iran pay." This is all taking place on Monday. And the Pentagon confirmed that nearly 100 U.S. service members have been injured in just the past two weeks. The announcement comes after CNN reported the U.S. military has been slow to disclose injuries to troops in this war.
Mediators between the U.S. and Iran have floated a 10-day ceasefire in an effort to get the two countries back to the negotiating table. The White House wouldn't say if it would accept the pause in the fighting but acknowledged that diplomatic efforts are ongoing.
One of the biggest mergers in history is now on hold. A judge has paused Paramount's buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery, which is the parent company of CNN. So what happens next?
CNN's Brian Stelter has the details.
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BRIAN STELTER, CNN MEDIA CORRESPONDENT AND ANALYST: Paramount's pending takeover of CNN's parent company Warner Bros. Discovery is in limbo for a few weeks, and a federal judge will decide what happens next.
You might recall that Paramount prevailed in the bidding war for WBD last February and ever since then Paramount has been accumulating all of the regulatory approvals it needs all around the world. But last week, 12 Democratic state attorneys general stood in the way. Those attorneys general filed a lawsuit blocking the deal, charging that the merger would violate antitrust laws. These attorneys general say that the deal would harm Hollywood and ultimately hurt consumers. Paramount strongly disagrees, of course.
But on Monday, a judge pressed the pause button, issuing a temporary restraining order. Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin wrote that the states made a strong showing that the deal will lessen competition in the theatrical distribution market. So she granted this restraining order that will be in place for two weeks until both sides can prepare for what's known as a preliminary injunction hearing.
And that's really the whole ballgame when it comes to an antitrust battle because on August 3, the judge will hear the arguments from both sides. Paramount will present evidence saying that the states are defining the marketplace all wrong. The state will argue in favor of the lawsuit. And the judge will or will not put an injunction in place that could delay the deal -- delay the megamerger for many months.
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SMITH: Parts of the Gulf Coast are on high alert this morning. You're talking a look at the live radar of Tropical Storm Bertha. But that's not the only extreme weather that we're tracking this morning.
For much more, Derek Van Dam has your forecast.
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DEREK VAN DAM, AMS METEOROLOGIST: We're still monitoring our system in the Gulf. This could bring showers and gusty weather over the next day or so across portions of the coastline of Alabama into Mississippi -- even the Florida Panhandle, and next up into Louisiana as well. So we'll keep a close eye on that.
But across the northeast this is our more immediate threat. This is a cold front that's going to sweep through. It's also going to help trigger showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe. We've got roughly 100 million Americans under the threat of severe weather throughout the course of the day. And there will be several different waves of showers and thunderstorms that move through. Primarily a wind threat but we can't rule out the potential of an isolated tornado, especially across the interior of New England through the mid-Atlantic and the lower Ohio River Valley.
[05:35:00]
You can see as I advance this graphic just how the waves of showers and storms continue into the overnight hours and early Wednesday morning before the cold front finally departs.
The other thing we're monitoring too is the potential of localized flash flooding. Any of these slow-moving thunderstorms can produce several inches of rain in a short period of time, especially if we get multiple rounds of rain. So be on the lookout for that across the mid- Atlantic and throughout portions of southern New England as that cold front sweeps eastward.
It will be a hot day and a hot and humid day, especially across the south and the east. Look at these temperatures -- 104 in Dallas, 94 for New Orleans, 92 in Atlanta. You can see the temperature contrast between D.C. and New York.
That means though when you factor in the humidity levels, the maximum temperatures will be under an extreme category for health risks, especially when you factor in the 'how it feels on your skin.' We call this the 'feels like' temperatures, right? And that will easily exceed 110 degrees in places like Shreveport, Louisiana and also into Dallas the rest of the week. It is going to be hot, very sticky. Take care, drink plenty of water, and find shade when you can.
Back to you.
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SMITH: All right. Thank you, Derek.
Wildfires are still burning across Canada, but air quality is looking up across the northeast and mid-Atlantic, though parts of the Midwest are still dealing with poor air quality levels. The EPA is rating it as unhealthy or unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The White House is working to further secure President Trump's new Air Force One plane. The extent of the upgrades to the Qatari-donated jet is unclear, but Trump appeared to admit that the plane needs some security enhancements, telling reporters it would soon be "maxed out." He used the aircraft to fly to Turkey earlier this month but chose to take an older presidential plane when he returned home.
Well, Tampa International Airport plans to privatize most of its TSA operations. Airport officials say that they've opted into a new program called "TSA Gold Plus." It's a partnership of both the public and private sectors. A private company will hire employees and manage the equipment while TSA will still oversee security screening, and passengers will still have to follow their rules. This all starts in May of next year. Twenty airports have private companies handling security checkpoints right now.
Time now for Buzz Express and kicking off today's Buzz Express more than 100 elite women athletes gathered in Las Vegas over the weekend for "She Weekend." The woman all competed in this year's Winter Olympics and Paralympics. And the four-day event was the brainchild of hip-hop legend Flavor Flav. His commitment to celebrating these athletes also earned him a surprise honor.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: On behalf of the Clark County Commission, today is "Flavor Flav Day."
(Cheers)
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SMITH: The Clark County commissioner also presented the women with personalized keys to the Vegas Strip.
Flavor Flav is a proud girl dad and told CNN why he wanted to honor these athletes.
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FLAVOR FLAV, ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: These girls are out here busting their butts to make the United States look good. Why not give them the recognition and the remembrance of what they do for us? Women are playing their sport just as good as the men are playing their sports. You've got to remember that.
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SMITH: The weekend's festivities also included private dinners, concerts, and leadership panels.
It turns out Matt Damon's biggest flex in "The Odyssey" wasn't entirely his. The Oscar winner revealed in a podcast that some of the shots of his eye-catching biceps actually belong to his female stunt double. Devyn Dalton is her name, and she shared these images from her time on set in Scotland, saying she was incredibly grateful to be a part of some of the epic battle scenes. Her stunt resume also includes Marvel's "Thunderbolts" and "The Last of Us."
Damon says that her insane physique made his own workout routine look tame, and he gave her credit for helping bring "The Odyssey's" larger- than-life scenes to the screen. Excellent work there.
And here comes the doom. We're getting our first look at Robert Downey Jr. in the Doctor Doom mask.
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Clip from Marvel Entertainment's "Avengers: Doomsday."
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SMITH: Marvel releasing the first trailer to the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday." It racked up more than two million views in just two hours on YouTube alone. You can do the math. The "Doomsday" trailer shows a legion of superheroes from the Marvel multiverse like Thor, Fantastic Four, and even some X-Men set to take on Doctor Doom. It hits theaters on December 18.
[05:40:00]
And your favorite Hillman College alumni are returning in a highly anticipated sequel series on Netflix. "A Different World" will follow Deborah Wayne as she navigates life through her parents' old college. Mom and dad, Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, are set to make some appearances along with some other familiar faces. The new series premieres September 24, exactly 39 years after the original comedy made its debut. Excited for that one.
Next up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, an attorney for the Tate brothers wants the Trump administration to intervene in their case. More on their fight to avoid extradition coming up.
And meet these identical quadruplets. The mom and dad already had four kids at home. More on this rare pregnancy coming up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS.
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[05:45:15]
SMITH: Online influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate appeared in handcuffs in federal court on Monday. The brothers were arrested by U.S. Marshals on Saturday following an extradition request from the United Kingdom. They face multiple charges, including rape and sex trafficking. Attorneys for the pair say that they're innocent and are urging the Trump administration to intervene.
CNN's Carolina Peguero has the latest.
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CAROLINA PEGUERO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: From being known worldwide as social media influencers that travel the world and have very controversial stances, the Tate brothers were seen today in court in prisoner jumpsuits and shackles and surrounded by U.S. Marshal officials as they were facing several charges in court today. And those charges include sexual assault, rape, and also human trafficking.
And this, as well as a request from the U.K. of an extradition transfer to the country as their investigation has been ongoing, very complex and extensive, including seven victims that they are reporting abuse in England and in London during the years of 2010 and 2017.
Now, the Tate brothers were arrested over the weekend here in Miami as they were attending a boxing event. They were approached by U.S. Marshals and later seen in handcuffs. Their lawyers now say that this is a politically motivated arrest and that they are going to do everything in their power for them to be free, and if they need to take this up to the Supreme Court they will. JOSEPH MCBRIDE, ATTORNEY FOR TATE BROTHERS: It's garbage. It's a stitch-up job. They're after us to punish us with the process. The process is the punishment. When you drag somebody's name through the media, when you slander them, when you defame them, when you accuse them of heinous and terrible allegations, the process becomes the punishment until you can clear your name.
PEGUERO: Andrew Tate is facing 42 charges while his brother Tristan is facing 17 charges. And it's important to mention that they -- as they have two cases -- criminal cases that they're facing overseas, they're also involved in a civil defamation case here in Florida.
The judge now has decided that they will remain in federal custody until the next briefing for the lawyers, which is expected on July 27.
Carolina Peguero, CNN, Miami.
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SMITH: All right. Thank you, Carolina.
The Tate brothers have denied all allegations against them.
The former drug cartel boss known as "El Mayo" has been sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. He pleaded guilty last year to trafficking millions of kilos of cocaine over decades. His sentencing ends one of the most significant drug prosecutions since the trial of El Chapo. He was also sentenced to life in prison in 2019.
Let's go around the globe starting in Bolivia where crews are struggling to contain a fast-moving wildfire in the southern part of the country. A coordinated effort has been deployed in response to the blaze. Bolivia's defense minister says that helicopters will be needed to combat the flames in hard to reach areas. Strong winds, a lack of rain, and the beginning of the dry season have exacerbated fires in the country.
And emergency responders are searching for survivors after a ferry carrying more than 170 people capsized off the Guyana coast late Saturday. Now, 27 bodies have been recovered but dozens of people are still missing. Officials say that the exact number is unclear because the passenger manifest may have been inaccurate. Investigators are looking into whether drug use may have played a role in the disaster after the ferry's captain and a crew member tested positive for marijuana.
And Greece is dealing with days of extreme heat. Temperatures expected to climb well over 100 degrees in some areas. Meteorologists expect the soaring temperatures to persist at least through tomorrow.
And in Australia, a couple has supersized their family. The lucky parents just welcome a rare set of quadruplets -- four identical baby girls. Our affiliate Seven Network has the details.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) MICHAEL HAMMOND, REPORTER, SEVEN NETWORK: Too tiny for their parents' arms just yet, these four little girls are proof the rarest beginnings can have the brightest futures.
ALEXA BENDALL, OBSTETRICIAN, ROYAL BRISBANE WOMEN'S HOSPITAL: They have come from one fertilized egg that has split four times, which is incredible.
[05:50:00]
HAMMOND (voiceover): Occurring in just one in 15 million pregnancies, it's an Australian first and one of only a few cases worldwide.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: To share a placenta just means that splitting has happened relatively late in the embryo life, so exceptionally rare.
HAMMOND (voiceover): Parents Jenitar and Jortham already had four kids, rolling the dice one more time.
BENDALL: When they found out that they had four babies instead of one they were quite shocked.
HAMMOND (voiceover): The pregnancy extremely complex.
BENDALL: And there is a high risk of mortality and morbidity for these babies and for mom.
HAMMOND (voiceover): But thanks to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Emily, Harriet, Alexa, and Catherine were safely delivered by C-section at 28 weeks, each weighing just over a kilogram.
HAMMOND: For now the girls remain in the neonatal intensive care unit, growing stronger every day. In a few months, when they've reached full-term, they should be ready to go home.
HAMMOND (voiceover): From mom, "One little hand, one giant miracle. Every day our miracle babies grow stronger is another answered prayer. We love you more than words can ever say, my miracle babies!"
BENDALL: Long term, their outlook will be really good.
HAMMOND (voiceover): Michael Hammond, Seven News.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: All right. What a growing family there.
Still to come on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS there's this.
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Car crash.
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SMITH: Whoa! We've got the story behind what took place in Sandy Springs -- a seriously dangerous situation.
Plus, imagine waking up to find this on your house. That happened to one homeowner.
Those stories and more on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS.
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[05:56:05]
SMITH: In today's Money Express, General Mills is recalling some of their popular Pillsbury rolls because they may contain glass.
Maribel Aber joins us from the Nasdaq MarketSite with more details. First, it's lettuce; now it's Pillsbury with glass. Maribel, what's happening.
MARIBEL ABER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, MONEY MATTERS: I know, Brad. OK, thousands of cases of Pillsbury dough are being recalled over concerns they may contain bits of glass. The FDA says the batches were sold to Walmart and used to make rolls for its in-store bakeries. Parent company General Mills says rolls made with affected dough have been pulled from store shelves. The recalled dough was used to make hard rolls and kaiser rolls sold across 19 states. Full details can be found on the FDA's website.
Shares of theater chain AMC jumped 20 percent Monday after the company reported record quarter earnings. Revenue reached nearly $1.6 billion, the highest mark of any quarter in AMC's 106-year history. That's according to the CEO. The company credits a strong slate of movies for bringing fans back to theaters. AMC also pointed to its focus on the overall moviegoer experience and flexible pricing.
Roblox will soon let users create their own games from a phone using simply text prompts. Its new AI-powered tool called "Build" can generate game play, environments, characters' visuals and sound. Users can then customize, test, and share their creations. Testing begins in New Zealand next week with a broader rollout planned in the coming months.
Brad, instead of ABC-123 it's text and play.
SMITH: Straight up. We will see what people create and whether or not to opt into one of those games.
Maribel Aber, thank you so much.
Let's get a check in on some of the other stories making headlines across the country.
We start in Texas. That's where a couple was just laying in bed when they heard a loud boom. And they came outside to this -- a plane on their roof. Authorities say that the pilot was trying to land at a nearby airstrip when he hit the couple's home. That pilot went to the hospital with minor injuries. No one was inside -- well, no one inside the home, at least, was hurt, thankfully. Wow -- remarkable there. Plus, we've got to take you to Georgia. That's where a police chase went airborne. Take a look at this.
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Police chase of wanted drug suspect lands car on top of police cruiser.
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SMITH: A suspect's car lands on top of a police cruiser. Then the man jumps out of his vehicle and runs, but officers quickly caught up and they took him into custody. He's facing multiple drug charges. No one was injured during the incident.
And in Ohio a tragic situation. Five people died after several jumped in a river to save somebody who was struggling to swim. Those who tried to help soon found themselves in trouble as well. Police say that a child who had been with the group ran to a nearby road and flagged a driver down to get help. That driver called 911. The incident is still under investigation.
And Maryland's governor hosted a boat tour showing the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. It's been more than two years after a deadly container ship crash brought it down. Wes Moore called the bridge a vital economic engine not just for Maryland but for the country. The rebuild is expected to cost several billion dollars. Officials hope to reopen it by 2030.
And in California firefighters are battling a wildfire in Yolo County in the Rumsey Canyon. According to CAL FIRE, 450 acres have been burned, and the fire is 10 percent contained. Crews had to attack the fire by air with water and retardant drops until firefighters could get to the scene on the ground.
[06:00:00]
And in California several people were hurt in a multivehicle crash involving two tractor-trailers. Highway Patrol says a huge amount of diesel was leaked on the interstate. The cause of the incident and the accident here is under investigation. We'll continue to keep you updated with any of the details as they continue to come forward. Just crazy scenes that we're getting a glimpse of here from that accident.
Well, that does it for CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS. I'm Brad Smith. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.
