President Donald Trump signed an order to reduce the number of childhood vaccinations in the U.S. The new rule limits the vaccine schedule to 11 shots for children.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 11, 2026.
The order reduces the number of recommended childhood vaccines.
The vaccine schedule is limited to 11 immunizations.
The goal is to provide fewer vaccines to children in the U.S.
The announcement was reported by FRANCE 24 and analyzed by Philip Turle.
The article mentions this change as a recent development in U.S. health policy.
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South Carolina is holding a special Republican primary election to choose the replacement for the late Senator Lindsey Graham. His sister, Darline Graham, who currently serves as interim senator, is one of 10 candidates competing, with a runoff likely if no one wins a majority. The winner will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham died on July 11, creating a vacancy in the US Senate seat for South Carolina.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, as interim senator.
South Carolina’s Republican Party is holding a special primary election on Tuesday with 10 candidates.
If no candidate wins more than 50% of the votes, the top two will compete in a runoff on August 25.
Darline Graham has the endorsement of President Donald Trump and has experience as a public administrator and disability advocate.
Other strong Republican candidates include Ralph Norman, a US representative and real estate developer, and Russell Fry, a US representative from Myrtle Beach.
South Carolina voters value local, personal campaigning and often decide after meeting candidates multiple times.
The compressed election timeline makes it hard for voters to get to know the candidates well before voting.
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Minnesota voters are choosing candidates in important primary races for governor and US Senate that could change the state's political direction. On the Democratic side, Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig compete for Senate, while Republicans have a three-way race for governor, including Mike Lindell, who has President Trump's support.
Key Facts
Peggy Flanagan is the current Minnesota lieutenant governor and a progressive candidate for US Senate.
Angie Craig, a US representative, is Flanagan’s Democratic opponent in the Senate primary.
The Senate race involves debates over immigration policies, including Craig’s past support for a federal immigration detention law.
Mike Lindell, known for denying 2020 election results and selling pillows, runs for governor with President Trump’s endorsement.
Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, decided not to run for a third term amid fraud scandals in state programs.
Tina Smith, the current Democratic US senator, is retiring and has endorsed Flanagan.
Minnesota has not elected a Republican statewide since 2006 and has favored Democrats in recent presidential elections.
Republicans want to focus on fraud issues in state programs to try to win in November.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to change childhood vaccine rules, including giving the MMR vaccine as three separate shots. Experts say there is no scientific proof this change is safer, and the decision removes some vaccine protections for children.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered the MMR vaccine to be split into three separate shots instead of one combined injection.
The order directs that, when possible, all childhood vaccines be given at separate doctor visits.
Studies in Denmark and the U.S. found no link between vaccines and autism.
The number of diseases that children are recommended to be vaccinated against is reduced from 18 to 11.
Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, Covid-19, meningococcal disease, and RSV are removed or moved to decisions based on individual cases.
Hepatitis B vaccine at birth prevents a high chance of chronic infection in infants if infected during delivery.
RSV vaccinations, started in 2023, cut hospitalizations for infants under eight months old by about 43%.
The current vaccine schedule was changed by President Trump without medical training, relying on personal feeling instead of scientific evidence.
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Wisconsin voters will choose their Democratic nominee for governor in a primary that highlights a shift toward more progressive candidates. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist lawmaker, leads the race and will face Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election.
Key Facts
Francesca Hong is a democratic socialist and state lawmaker running for governor in Wisconsin.
The current governor, Tony Evers, is not seeking re-election and supports David Crowley.
David Crowley briefly left the race but reentered and focuses his campaign on electability in a swing state.
The Democratic primary includes four candidates: Hong, Crowley, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan.
Hong has faced criticism for past comments about canceling Thanksgiving and defunding the police.
Republican Tom Tiffany, a supporter of President Donald Trump, won his primary unopposed and will run against the Democratic nominee.
Democrats want to win the governor’s race and state legislature to control Wisconsin’s government.
The primary reflects a broader trend of progressive and democratic socialist candidates gaining ground in the Midwest.
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Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is set to appear in a New York court ahead of his trial starting September 8. The case has drawn wide attention due to its connection to the U.S. healthcare system and Mangione’s social media following.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024.
Mangione was arrested a few days later at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
He denies the charges and also faces a federal trial on stalking related to this case.
The trial will start on September 8, 2025.
The case has gained international interest because it highlights issues with America’s for-profit healthcare system.
Mangione has developed a following on social media, which has increased public attention.
Concerns exist that the trial might become chaotic due to high media interest.
The court has not arranged extra space for the press and public, causing disputes over media access and seating assignments.
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Six U.S. states held primary elections on Tuesday, including key Democratic races in Wisconsin and Minnesota and a Republican special primary in South Carolina. In South Carolina, Republicans are selecting a candidate to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, while in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Democrats are competing for governor and Senate nominations.
Key Facts
Six states held primary elections on Tuesday.
Wisconsin’s Democratic governor race features Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, and David Crowley, a moderate candidate.
President Trump’s ally, Representative Tom Tiffany, is expected to win the Republican nomination in Wisconsin.
Minnesota’s open Senate race has Democratic contenders Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig competing for the nomination.
Senator Amy Klobuchar is running for governor in Minnesota and faces little opposition.
South Carolina is holding a special Republican primary with ten candidates to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey Graham’s sister, Senator Darline Graham, was appointed to fill his seat and is also running.
If no candidate wins a majority in South Carolina, a runoff election may occur.
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Senate Republicans are showing support for Senate Majority Leader John Thune after President Donald Trump did not back him for another term. Some Republican senators say they will support Thune even if President Trump supports someone else because Thune did not agree to eliminate the filibuster rule.
Key Facts
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is a Republican senator from South Dakota.
President Donald Trump did not support Thune’s bid to continue as Senate Majority Leader after the midterm elections.
Some Republican senators remain loyal to Thune despite President Trump’s lack of support.
The disagreement partly stems from Thune’s refusal to remove the filibuster rule.
The filibuster is a Senate rule that requires a supermajority to pass some laws.
President Trump has criticized Thune publicly.
Thune’s supporters see him as a key leader in the Senate Republican caucus.
This show of support may affect Republican party unity moving forward.
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Progressive candidates Francesca Hong in Wisconsin and Mary Kunesh in Minnesota are competing in important Democratic primary races. These primaries are part of broader discussions within the Democratic Party about its direction ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is running in the Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor.
Voters in Wisconsin and Minnesota are participating in key Democratic primaries this week.
The Democratic Party is debating how far left its candidates should be.
The midterm elections are seen as critical for control of government.
Some Democrats worry that very left-wing candidates might hurt the party’s chances.
Candidates like Hong represent the progressive, or "far-left," wing of the party.
These primaries will influence the party’s strategy and messaging for the midterms.
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President Donald Trump is dealing with rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran's control over a key waterway called the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is increasing its demands and aggressive language, creating challenges for Trump's administration.
Key Facts
President Trump is facing difficulties related to the Middle East region.
Iran is asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil shipments.
Iran has increased its demands and strong statements regarding its strategic position.
The situation creates pressure for the Trump administration to respond.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
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A 2-year-old boy in Thomasville, Georgia, was stung by fire ants while playing outside, causing his face to swell severely. His parents quickly took him to the emergency room where he received treatment and has now recovered fully.
Key Facts
The boy’s name is Rolin; he is 2 years old and was playing with his brothers in the backyard.
He stepped into a new fire ant mound, causing multiple stings.
Fire ants are common in the southern U.S. and can cause serious allergic reactions.
Rolin’s face swelled quickly after the stings, prompting a fast trip to the hospital.
At the hospital, he was given epinephrine, steroids, and antihistamines to treat the allergic reaction.
Rolin was previously stung by ants without an allergic reaction, making this incident unexpected.
The family shares their experience to raise awareness and advises parents to act quickly if their child shows allergy signs.
Rolin has recovered and returned to normal activities, including playing outside.
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A charity warns that Andy Burnham’s plan to stop people sleeping rough in England is at risk because many ex-prisoners cannot find housing after release. Nearly one in six people leaving prison last year had no place to live, which makes it harder to reduce homelessness and crime.
Key Facts
Around 15,155 people released from prison in England and Wales between April 2025 and March 2026 were homeless.
This number equals about 300 people per week and is an 18% rise from the previous year.
The percentage of prisoners released without housing has increased yearly for five years, from 10.6% in 2021-22 to 15.9% in 2025-26.
Safe housing after release helps reduce the chance of reoffending; 75% of rough sleepers reoffend, compared to just over 33% of those with homes.
South-central England has the highest rate of prison leavers released homeless at 20.7%.
Challenges include prisoners being released directly from court without support, short sentences that complicate housing plans, and poor training of housing staff.
The government is reviewing whether to block the early release of two convicted manslaughterers linked to the death of a police officer.
Burnham pledged £340 million extra funding over three years to end rough sleeping in England.
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Darline Graham was appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat in South Carolina and is now running in the Republican primary to keep the seat. She has President Donald Trump's endorsement but faces questions from some Republicans about her experience and her role as a preferred candidate.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham passed away in July 2026, leaving a vacant Senate seat in South Carolina.
Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, was appointed to finish his term the day after his death.
Darline Graham is running in the Republican primary to win a full Senate term.
President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Darline Graham.
Some Republican voters are uncertain because they feel Darline has been chosen by party leaders rather than voters.
Darline Graham has worked in several South Carolina state roles and with local organizations before becoming senator.
She supports President Trump's policies and plans to focus more on domestic issues like affordability.
Political experts say Trump's endorsement helps Darline Graham’s campaign since many voters are not familiar with her.
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A child therapist explains that parents who quickly solve their children's problems can unintentionally weaken the children's confidence. Allowing kids to face challenges and learn from their mistakes helps them build self-trust and resilience.
Key Facts
Many parents find parenting harder than expected, with 62% saying so in a Pew Research report.
About 40% of U.S. parents are very worried their kids might have anxiety or depression.
Child therapist Jill Hartrich says jumping in too soon to fix a child's problem can harm their confidence.
When children solve problems on their own, they learn to trust themselves and feel proud.
Parents should let kids experience natural consequences, like forgetting homework, instead of intervening immediately.
Offering empathy and encouragement, rather than fixing problems, helps children develop coping skills.
Praising children specifically for their effort after facing difficulty boosts their self-confidence.
Building the ability to handle distress is important for a child's emotional strength and independence.
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The Democratic Party in Wisconsin is holding a competitive primary race to replace Governor Tony Evers, who is not seeking reelection. Francesca Hong, a progressive candidate and state representative, leads the Democratic primary, facing criticism from some party members and challenges from Republican candidate Tom Tiffany.
Key Facts
Governor Tony Evers announced he would not run for reelection, leaving an open seat for the first time since 2010.
Francesca Hong, a state representative and former restaurant owner, is leading the Democratic primary polls.
Hong is identified as a democratic socialist and has faced scrutiny over past statements, which she has since clarified or retracted.
Some Democrats worry Hong might have difficulty attracting independent voters and could hurt other Democrats in Wisconsin elections.
David Crowley, endorsed by Evers, briefly ended his campaign but later re-entered and raised more campaign funds than Hong.
Republican Tom Tiffany, supported by President Donald Trump, is the likely GOP nominee for governor.
Absentee ballots have been cast for some Democratic candidates who withdrew but remain on the ballot.
The outcome in Wisconsin is viewed as an important test for the future direction of the Democratic Party and progressive candidates.
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A trial started this week for a man accused of planning the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur. The trial comes nearly 30 years after Tupac was shot near the Las Vegas Strip.
Key Facts
Tupac Shakur was killed almost 30 years ago.
The murder took place near the Las Vegas Strip.
A man is on trial accused of organizing Tupac’s killing.
The trial began with jury selection this week.
Tupac Shakur was a famous rapper and cultural figure.
The case has remained open for nearly three decades before this trial.
The news was reported by FRANCE 24 and journalist Wassim Cornet.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shared a video about freezing her eggs, sparking a political debate about fertility and family choices. Some conservatives criticized her decision, while others, including people in President Trump’s White House, expressed concern that this backlash could hurt Republican support among women voters.
Key Facts
AOC posted a video of herself preparing to freeze her eggs, raising discussion about fertility and family planning.
Some conservatives criticized her for delaying having children and questioned the success of egg freezing.
Others, including conservative women and White House officials, said criticizing AOC is not a good message for Republicans.
President Trump supports fertility treatments like in-vitro fertilization and encourages families to have more children.
The debate highlights a split among conservatives on how to address birthrates and women’s reproductive choices.
Republican advisers warned their party not to engage too much in this discussion ahead of midterm elections.
AOC’s announcement united Democrats and divided Republicans on this issue.
Some conservatives emphasized traditional family approaches, while others defended women’s right to choose their timing.
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Minnesota Democrats are choosing their nominee to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith in a primary race between progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and moderate Rep. Angie Craig. The candidates have strong support from different wings of the party and differ on key issues like immigration enforcement and support for Israel.
Key Facts
Peggy Flanagan is a progressive candidate supported by Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Angie Craig is a moderate backed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Both candidates emphasize holding federal immigration agents accountable for recent shootings in Minnesota.
Flanagan criticizes Craig’s past vote for a Trump-backed immigration bill, which Craig now regrets.
The race also involves differing views on Israel: Craig has ties to a pro-Israel group, while Flanagan opposes weapon sales to Israel and calls Gaza actions "genocide."
Issues of fraud investigations in Minnesota’s social services programs have been part of the campaign debate.
Republican Michele Tafoya is contesting the Senate seat, but no Republican has won a Minnesota Senate race since 2002.
Governor Tim Walz, who is not seeking reelection, has not endorsed either Democratic candidate.
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President Donald Trump ordered a large and ongoing deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., starting in August 2025. This deployment, called “Make DC Safe and Beautiful,” involves thousands of soldiers and is expected to continue through the end of his term, costing about $1.4 billion.
Key Facts
The deployment began after an assault and attempted carjacking in D.C. in August 2025.
Roughly 4,000 National Guard troops are currently stationed in the capital, down from a peak of about 5,000.
The mission aims to address safety and security in Washington, despite violent crime being at a 30-year low.
The deployment is unprecedented in length and size for domestic National Guard use.
The total cost of the deployment is expected to reach $1.4 billion by the end of President Trump’s term.
Two soldiers were killed last year near the White House during this mission.
National Guard troops are also serving overseas, including in the Middle East amid conflict with Iran.
The National Guard usually responds briefly to emergencies like riots, natural disasters, or major events, making this long-term deployment unusual.
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Violent crimes, including homicides, dropped significantly in many large U.S. cities in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. This decline in crime began in 2022 and has continued under President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Homicides fell by 17.2% in 66 major U.S. cities in early 2026 compared to early 2025.
Other violent crimes also decreased: robberies by 16.6%, rapes by 6.2%, and aggravated assaults by 5.7%.
Some cities saw especially large drops in homicides: Washington D.C. (43.9%), Memphis (43.7%), Houston (38.3%), and Philadelphia (27.2%).
Aurora, Colorado, saw a 58.8% drop in homicides despite being falsely highlighted during the 2024 election.
Some smaller cities had big percentage drops but started from low numbers, such as Newark and Raleigh.
A few cities, like Honolulu and San Diego, experienced increases in homicides.
The Council on Criminal Justice also reported an 18% homicide decline in 30 cities starting in the second half of 2022.
The decline in violent crime happened across cities with different political leaders and policies.
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