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| Ronald Reagan called Africans "monkeys" on tape. North Korea fired ballistic missiles. And an ex-"American Idol" could face life in jail. Here's the news everyone's talking about today. |
| But first, part-human, part-animal? Scientists in Japan plan to grow human organs in rats. 👯♀️ |
'Those African countries – damn them' |
| Racist remarks made by Ronald Reagan about a Tanzanian delegation to the United Nations can be heard in a newly released recording of a phone call in 1971 between Reagan and then-President Richard Nixon . Reagan, then California's governor, was furious over the Tanzanians' decorum, telling Nixon the U.S. should "get the hell out" of the U.N. "To see those monkeys from those African countries – damn them, they're still uncomfortable wearing shoes," Reagan said. Nixon burst into laughter on the recording, which you can hear here. According to The Atlantic, the National Archives had cut the racist comments from the recording to " protect Reagan's privacy." |
Missile shots fired |
| North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles Wednesday, according to South Korea's military, another warning sign that the Trump administration's push for denuclearization is in jeopardy. It was the second North Korean weapons test in less than a week. On July 24, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles in what the regime said was a "solemn warning" to South Korea over plans to conduct joint military exercises with the U.S. and its weapons development. |
Not an 'American Idol' |
| Former "American Idol" star Antonella Barba will probably spend at least a decade behind bars after pleading guilty to possession of at least 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute Tuesday. The guilty plea carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison – and possibly life – and up to $10 million in fines. The 32-year-old singer, who grew up on the Jersey Shore, was one of the top 16 contestants on the singing competition's sixth season in 2007 before she was eliminated. She appeared on "Fear Factor" in 2012. |
 | | Former "American Idol" contestant Antonella Barba was arrested for allegedly trying to distribute drugs, according to the Norfolk Sheriff's Office. | | Norfolk Sheriff's Office | |
What everyone's talking about |
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The Fed's first cut in a decade will affect our wallets and savings |
| The Federal Reserve gave the U.S. economy a rare immunization shot Wednesday by cutting its short-term interest rate in a bid to ward off a possible recession. The goal of the cut – the first in more than a decade – is to make borrowing less costly to encourage spending and bolster the economy. More cuts may be on the way. Here's what that means for your credit cards, home equity lines and savings. |
What you missed in Tuesday's Democratic debate |
| It was round two of the Democratic presidential debates Tuesday, and those vying for the White House came out swinging – mostly at front-runners on stage. The 10 Dems in Detroit hoped for a needed breakout moment, but not everyone had one: Here are the moments that stood out, including Bernie Sanders reminding us he "wrote the damn" Medicare for All plan and Pete Buttigieg avoiding the "crazy socialist" label. But wait, there's more! Wednesday, 10 more Dems will state their case for the White House. |
 | | Candidates await their chance to spar before the start of the first night of the Democratic presidential debates at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on July 30. | | Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press | |
Real quick |
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California aims to trip up Trump |
| Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Tuesday that will require presidential candidates to provide five years of tax returns in order to appear on California primary ballots in March. (He's looking at you, President Donald Trump.) The law could force Trump, who has not released his tax returns, off the ballot in the Golden State, where one out of nine of the country's voters resides. The bill's enactment is the latest of the frequent high-profile battles that have pitted Trump against California. |
| This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this snappy news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for "The Short List" newsletter here. |
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