Trump Jr.'s 'Nothing'; Iraqis Can Stay; Hotel Hack: Patch Morning Briefing

Good morning! It's Wednesday, which means we've made it halfway through the week. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

Donald Trump Jr.'s Big Gamble

Donald Trump Jr. is describing a recent controversy surrounding his emails as "a nothing," using the phrase multiple times when discussing the issue with Sean Hannity Tuesday night. But the emails he posted Tuesday morning in fact show for the first time that he and other top-level associates of his father were aware months before votes were cast in 2016 that the Russian government intended to sway the election. President Trump released a statement praising his son's character, but the he did not say approved of Trump Jr.'s actions. (Patch)

U.S. Iraqi Deportation On Hold Until Court Review: Detroit Judge

Around 1,400 Iraqis living in the United States, including many Christians fearing persecution, can remain in the country after a federal judge placed a hold on their deportations. "This Court concludes that to enforce the Congressional mandate that district courts lack jurisdiction — despite the compelling context of this case — would expose Petitioners to the substantiated risk of death, torture, or other grave persecution before their legal claims can be tested in a court," the judge wrote. (Patch)

Trump Hotels Contractor Hacked; Guests' Information Exposed

Trump Hotels is scrambling to contain the fallout after guests' information at more than a dozen different hotels were exposed due to a hack of Sabre Hospitality Solutions, the provider of the system the hotel group uses for reservations. The chain, owned by President Donald Trump, issued a statement on its website saying that the hack "did not affect Trump Hotels' systems," but because it takes guest information "very seriously" it is recommending guests take action to protect themselves. (Patch)

Quick Hits

Steve Scalise Remains In Serious Condition (Patch)

Iranian Cancer Researcher Detained At Logan Airport To Be Deported (Patch)

Man Called Cops 98 Times To Get Drug Money Back: Police (Patch)

Texas Teen Dies While Using Cellphone In Bathtub (Patch)

As Violent Riptide Roared, A Human Chain Saved Lives

When nearly a dozen Panama City Beach swimmers were pulled out to sea, a large group of "God's angels" joined together and refused to let them drown. (Patch)

Plague Emerges In New Mexico

The Department of Health recently confirmed two cases of plague, the devastating medieval disease that decimated Europe. (World Economic Forum)

Swimming Rattlesnake Panics Folsom Lake Boaters

The laughing quickly subsided and the screaming started when they realized the poisonous snake was trying to slither onto the boat. (Patch)

Seniors miss out on clinical trials

Despite the fact that they have the most health care needs of any age group, seniors are underrepresented in medical trials. (Salon)

GOP Senators To Release New Health Reform Bill

Congress will be staying in D.C. for the first two weeks of August recess as it works to pass health care reform, among other significant legislative items. (Patch)

In Case You Need A Break From The News

This Day In History

1543 — Catherine Parr marries King Henry VIII, becoming his last wife

1804 —Alexander Hamilton, the former Treasury secretary, dies from wounds sustained in a duel

Famous Birthdays

1944 — Simon Blackburn, an American popularizer of philosophy and scholar of pragmatism

1978 — Topher Grace, an American actor best known for his work in "That '70s Show"

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