Happening Today: Border Separation, US Embassy, Salmonella, Alzheimer's, Conor McGregor, Demi Lovato

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Clock Ticks Toward Reuniting Families Separated at Border

The Trump administration faced a court-imposed deadline to reunite thousands of children and parents who were forcibly separated at the U.S.-Mexico border, an enormous logistical task brought on by its "zero tolerance" policy on illegal entry. Authorities have identified 2,551 children 5 and older who may be covered by the order to be reunited with their parents by the court-imposed deadline. That effort was expected to fall short, partly because hundreds of parents may have already been deported without their children. But, by focusing only those deemed by the government to be "eligible" for reunification, authorities expected claim success. As of Tuesday, there were 1,012 parents reunified with their children in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Hundreds more had been cleared and were just waiting on transportation.

Man Detonates Explosive Outside U.S. Embassy in Beijing

A man exploded a small homemade bomb outside the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, injuring only himself, according to police and an embassy spokesperson. Photos on social media showed a large amount of smoke and police vehicles surrounding the embassy shortly after the incident. Apart from a heightened security presence, the scene outside appeared to be normal by early afternoon. The Beijing Police Department posted a statement on its website identifying the suspect only by his surname, Jiang, and said he was 26 years old and a native of Tongliao city in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia. He was injured on the hand by the explosive device, which was made from fireworks and was detonated at about 1 p.m., police said. There was no word on a motive and the statement said the investigation was continuing.

GOP Lawmakers Introduce Articles of Impeachment Against Rod Rosenstein

A group of 11 House conservatives introduced articles of impeachment against Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department official who oversees special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. The move comes after months of criticism aimed at the department — and the Russia investigation in particular — from Trump and his Republican allies in Congress. Trump has fumed about Mueller's probe and repeatedly called it a "witch hunt," a refrain echoed by some of the lawmakers. The impeachment effort is led by North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, who talks to Trump frequently and often defends him to his colleagues. It is unclear whether there will be enough support in the party to pass the impeachment resolution, as Republican leaders have not signed on to the effort and are unlikely to back it.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Chickens, CDC Says

A salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 200 people in 44 states is linked to backyard chickens, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. As of July 13, 2018, 212 cases of salmonella infections have been linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks, according to the agency. A quarter of the reported cases are children under the age of 5. More than 70 percent of those sickened in this outbreak, which includes several strains of salmonella, reported coming into contact with chicks or ducklings in the week before their illness started, the CDC said. The live poultry was obtained from several sources, including feed supply stores, hatcheries, relatives and from online merchants. The illnesses began between Feb. 15 and June 21, and at least 34 people have been hospitalized. The CDC said no deaths have been reported.

Lowering Blood Pressure Helps Prevent Mental Decline, Study Finds

Lowering blood pressure more than usually recommended not only helps prevent heart problems, it also cuts the risk of mental decline that often leads to Alzheimer's disease, a major study finds. It's the first time a single step has been clearly shown to help prevent a dreaded condition that has had people trying crossword puzzles, diet supplements and a host of other things in hope of keeping their mind sharp. In the study, people treated to a top blood pressure reading of 120 instead of 140 were 19 percent less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment. They also had fewer signs of damage on brain scans, and there was a possible trend toward fewer cases of dementia.

MMA Star Conor McGregor Back in NYC Court Amid Melee Plea Talks

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is due in court amid plea negotiations to resolve charges stemming from a backstage melee at Brooklyn's Barclays Center in April. The 30-year-old Irish fighter is expected to be joined in Brooklyn by his 25-year-old friend and co-defendant Cian Cowley. Both are charged with assault and criminal mischief. Video showed what appeared to be McGregor hurling a hand truck at a bus full of fighters after a news conference for the UFC 223 event at Brooklyn's Barclays Center in April. Two fighters hurt by broken glass were unable to compete in one of UFC's biggest cards of the year. The judge ordered McGregor and Cowley to stay away from the men they allegedly assaulted, including fellow fighters Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg.

Pop Star Demi Lovato Awake and Recovering With Family, Rep Says

A representative for Demi Lovato says she is awake and recovering with her family after the pop singer was reportedly hospitalized for an overdose. "Demi is awake and with her family who want to express thanks to everyone for the love, prayers and support," Lovato's representative said in a statement Tuesday evening. "Some of the information being reported is incorrect and they respectfully ask for privacy and not speculation as her health and recovery is the most important thing right now." The statement did not provide any details on what led to the singer's hospitalization. Emergency officials confirmed they transported a 25-year-old woman who lives on Demi Lovato's block to the hospital after receiving a call. Lovato indicated in a new song released last month that she relapsed after six years of sobriety.