President Donald Trump secretly left Turkey after the NATO summit on a different military plane due to a threat from Iran. The White House made it seem like he was flying on Air Force One, but he actually used a smaller plane to return to the UK before heading back to the U.S.
Key Facts
The secret operation was done because of a reported assassination threat from Iran.
Journalists and some White House staff thought Trump was on the usual Air Force One plane.
Trump initially flew to the NATO summit in a new, refurbished jet gifted by Qatar.
Before leaving Turkey, Trump said he would fly on an older Air Force One plane partway home.
After boarding the older Air Force One jet publicly, he was moved secretly to a smaller Air Force C-32A plane.
The transfer to the smaller plane was done using a catering truck to avoid detection.
Trump’s smaller plane flew first to a U.S. Air Force base in the United Kingdom before going back to Washington.
The White House did not confirm or deny the report about this secret travel plan.
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US prosecutors want Andrew and Tristan Tate to stay in federal jail while they fight being sent to the UK. The brothers face serious charges of rape and sex trafficking in the UK, and prosecutors say they might try to escape or are a danger to the community.
Key Facts
Andrew and Tristan Tate are social media influencers currently held in a Miami federal detention center.
They are accused in the UK of rape, sex trafficking, and violent assaults involving multiple victims.
US prosecutors argue the brothers are a flight risk because they have multiple passports, wealth, and influence in many countries.
The defense claims the Tates’ public profile and regular social media updates make it unlikely they will flee.
Prosecutors say the brothers tried to intimidate witnesses in Romania, where they face related allegations.
A Miami federal court will hold a hearing to decide if the Tates stay in custody or get released during the extradition process.
Extradition proceedings could take months, with the UK needing to provide evidence to the US by mid-September.
The brothers deny wrongdoing and say their controversial social media posts are jokes or taken out of context.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order that reduces the number of vaccines recommended for children and suggests giving some vaccines in separate doctor visits. Doctors advised parents to talk with their children's pediatricians to decide what is best for their health.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order on vaccines for children.
The order lowers the number of vaccines recommended for kids.
It encourages giving some vaccines during separate doctor visits instead of all at once.
Doctors responded to the order by giving advice to parents.
Doctors recommend parents consult with pediatricians about vaccine schedules.
The executive order came as children prepare to return to school.
The goal is to help parents make informed decisions about their children's vaccines.
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In early 2021 text messages released by two Senate Republicans, Dr. Anthony Fauci and other health officials discussed balancing the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women. At the time, limited data was available, but later studies found no increased risk from vaccination during pregnancy, leading the CDC to recommend vaccines for pregnant women.
Key Facts
The texts were from January 2021, shortly after vaccines began public rollout.
Dr. Fauci, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Dr. Rochelle Walensky discussed whether pregnant women should get vaccinated early or later in pregnancy.
Fauci said there was no data showing a preference for timing of vaccination during pregnancy.
Fauci noted possible side effects like fever or cytokine storm after the second dose, which could theoretically increase miscarriage risk in the first trimester.
At that time, more than 10,000 pregnant women had been vaccinated with no issues reported.
The CDC used a monitoring system called "V-safe" to track vaccine side effects in groups not included in initial trials, including pregnant women.
Seven months later, the CDC officially recommended COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women, citing studies that showed no increased risk of miscarriage or other complications.
Senate Republicans Rand Paul and Ron Johnson released the texts amid ongoing criticism of Fauci's pandemic handling.
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A judge in Staten Island temporarily stopped New York City’s plan to tax second homes worth over $5 million. The judge also ordered the city to remove a public list of more than 900,000 property owners.
Key Facts
The judge, Wayne Ozzi, serves on New York State’s Supreme Court.
He temporarily blocked a new tax proposed by Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat city official.
The tax focused on second homes valued at more than $5 million.
The city had posted a public list containing over 900,000 property owners.
The judge’s ruling required the city to remove this public list.
The decision pauses the tax plan until further legal review.
Zohran Mamdani is a member of New York City government.
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President Donald Trump left Turkey on a secret military flight after a credible threat from Iran. To hide his true location, he was moved in an airport catering cart to a smaller plane, while the public and some staff believed he was on the older Air Force One.
Key Facts
The secret flight happened in July when President Trump was at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Trump initially boarded the old Air Force One jumbo jet in view of cameras.
He was then secretly taken to an Air Force C-32A plane hidden inside an airport catering truck.
This secrecy was due to a credible assassination threat from Iran.
Some White House staff and journalists were unaware of Trump's actual location during the flight.
The operation was similar to a 2000 event when President Bill Clinton used a decoy plane.
Trump later arrived in Britain on the smaller plane and transferred back to the old Air Force One.
The new Air Force One, donated by Qatar, was also involved in the trip and has advanced security features.
White House confirmed they use all security measures to protect the president against threats.
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North Carolina Republicans chose Jennifer Balkcom to replace Chuck Edwards as their candidate for the 11th congressional district after Edwards ended his re-election bid following a sexual harassment investigation. Balkcom will compete against Democrat Jamie Ager in the November midterm election to represent the district.
Key Facts
Chuck Edwards dropped out of the race after a US House investigation found he likely sexually harassed two female staffers.
The House ethics committee said Edwards created a hostile work environment and recommended he be censured.
Jennifer Balkcom was selected by North Carolina Republicans to replace Edwards as their candidate.
Balkcom will run against Democrat Jamie Ager in the November election for the 11th district.
President Trump won this district by 10 points in 2022, but Democrats see a chance due to low approval ratings and local issues.
Edwards first won his seat in 2022 by defeating Madison Cawthorn in the Republican primary.
No Democrat has won this seat since 2010, making it a key target for both parties in the midterms.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added this district to their list of important races to help win back the House majority.
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President Donald Trump issued an executive order to reduce the number of routine childhood vaccinations. The order includes a plan to give the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) as separate shots instead of a combined vaccine.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order about childhood vaccinations.
The order calls for fewer routine vaccines for children.
It specifically asks to split the MMR vaccine into separate doses.
MMR vaccine currently combines protection against measles, mumps, and rubella in one shot.
The president claimed the combined MMR vaccine could be harmful.
This executive order changes how childhood vaccines are given in the US.
The order is focused on policies for children's health and vaccination schedules.
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North Carolina Republicans chose state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom as their new candidate for the 11th Congressional District. This happened after Rep. Chuck Edwards withdrew from the race about three months before the election.
Key Facts
Jennifer Balkcom is a state representative from North Carolina.
She was picked by the Republican Party’s executive committee for the 11th Congressional District.
This selection came after Rep. Chuck Edwards dropped out of the race.
The decision was made 85 days before the November election.
Balkcom will now represent the Republican Party in the 11th District's congressional race.
The 11th Congressional District is in North Carolina.
The change was managed internally by local Republican leaders.
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Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said he will sue the Trump administration to get back his security clearance after it was revoked. The administration said Kendall revealed sensitive information about a jet gifted by Qatar that is now used as Air Force One.
Key Facts
Frank Kendall, who led the Air Force under President Biden, had his security clearance taken away by the Trump administration.
The reason given was that Kendall disclosed secret information about a Qatar-gifted jet used as Air Force One.
Kendall denies sharing any classified information and plans to sue to restore his clearance.
Mark Zaid, a lawyer experienced in security clearance cases, is representing Kendall.
President Trump has revoked many security clearances of people he sees as critics or political opponents.
In 2025, Trump said certain officials, including President Biden and others, were “no longer in the national interest” to keep their clearances.
Trump has also moved to stop reports about issues with the Qatar jet, including sending subpoenas to reporters at the New York Times.
The jet lacks some advanced safety features compared to the previous Air Force One.
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Victoria's government plans to ban suppression orders that protect convicted rapists from having their identities revealed in court. This move follows cases where accused men used mental health reasons to keep their identities private during trials. The government also introduced new laws to address family violence and remove 'good character' references during sentencing.
Key Facts
Victoria will ban suppression orders for convicted rapists to stop hiding their identities.
Suppression orders were originally meant to protect survivors, not offenders.
Two cases, involving Ralph Carr and Tom Silvagni, used mental health grounds to delay revealing their identities.
A review of suppression order rules is underway to improve court transparency while ensuring fair trials.
The government introduced laws making coercive control a crime and removing 'good character' references at sentencing.
The laws also strengthen protections against family violence, including making it illegal to discriminate against victims.
The opposition party supports ending misuse of suppression orders and promises to fix related problems if elected.
The changes respond to public concern about fairness and openness in court proceedings involving sexual assault.
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President Donald Trump has been seen with his eyes closed several times during public events, leading some people to say he was falling asleep. The White House says he was not asleep but resting his eyes or bored. Critics and political opponents have used these moments to make nicknames and jokes about him.
Key Facts
Critics called President Trump "Dozy Don" after he appeared to close his eyes during Oval Office events.
Trump has denied falling asleep, saying he sometimes closes his eyes to relax.
In November 2025, Trump appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open during a meeting on weight-loss drug prices.
In December 2025, Trump was seen with his eyes closed at a long Cabinet meeting; the White House said he was paying attention.
Trump called the December meeting boring and said he did not sleep, just closed his eyes.
In April 2026, Trump closed his eyes during an event announcing a drug-pricing deal; some images claiming he was asleep were altered.
During a June 4, 2026, coal investment announcement, Trump appeared to nod off five times; the White House disagreed that he slept.
Trump was also seen with eyes closed during other events like the July 4 fireworks, an NBA Finals game, and Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral.
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A judge has temporarily stopped New York City from enforcing a new tax on expensive second homes, called the pied-à-terre tax, after homeowners sued. The tax was meant to charge extra fees on owners of high-value properties they do not live in full-time.
Key Facts
The pied-à-terre tax targets second homes worth over $5 million and condos or co-ops worth at least $1 million.
Homeowners sued, claiming the city wrongly labeled some primary residences as second homes.
The judge's pause stops the city from sending more tax notices or publishing related property lists.
About 960,000 property owners might be affected, with 17,000 addresses already notified.
The tax was announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, expecting to raise $500 million yearly.
Supporters see the tax as a way to get more revenue from wealthy owners during high living costs.
Critics worry the tax could drive rich people away from New York City.
Mayor Mamdani's office plans to appeal the judge’s ruling to continue implementing the tax.
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A lorry hit an overpass in New York, tipped over, and skidded on its side. The trailer then crashed into a parked Toyota, injuring its driver, who was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive.
Key Facts
Dashcam video captured the moment the lorry struck the overpass.
The impact caused debris to fly and made the lorry tip over.
After tipping, the trailer slid on its side before hitting a parked Toyota.
The Toyota driver was injured and taken to the hospital but is likely to recover.
The lorry driver was not hurt in the accident.
The lorry driver received a ticket for operating a vehicle that was taller than allowed.
The accident happened in New York.
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Dr. Amanda Cole, who has Tourette's syndrome, kept her condition hidden throughout her academic career but recently decided to speak openly about it. She is now an assistant professor at Cambridge University and wants to raise awareness and acceptance of Tourette's and tics.
Key Facts
Dr. Amanda Cole first noticed her vocal tic at age 15 during a school class.
She was diagnosed with Tourette's in her 20s and initially feared it would ruin her life.
Cole is now a mother and assistant professor in sociolinguistics at Cambridge University.
She hid her Tourette's for years because she feared being judged or ridiculed.
Cole’s vocal tics include random phrases and names of family members.
Only about 70 out of 245,000 UK academic staff have disclosed developmental conditions like Tourette's.
Many people with Tourette's hide their condition due to stigma and fear of consequences.
Cole wants society to better understand Tourette's as a neurological condition beyond stereotypes.
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A recent poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading among potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election. She has 37% support, ahead of California Governor Gavin Newsom at 14% and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 9%.
Key Facts
The Rasmussen Reports poll surveyed 504 likely Democratic primary voters from August 2 to August 4, 2026.
Kamala Harris leads with 37% support, up from 34% in May 2026.
Gavin Newsom is second with 14%, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is third with 9%.
Ocasio-Cortez’s support declined from 11% in May to 9% in this poll.
Younger voters under 40 strongly favor Harris, with 53% support.
Harris has strong backing from Black and other minority voters, who are likely to vote in the primary.
Older voters (65 and older) tend to prefer Senator Mark Kelly, who has 9% support.
No candidate has officially announced a run for the 2028 Democratic nomination yet.
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Voters in five states—Connecticut, Vermont, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Carolina—are preparing to vote in primary elections on Tuesday. These elections will choose candidates for state and federal offices, including a special primary in South Carolina for the Senate seat left open by late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Key Facts
Five states are holding primary elections on Tuesday.
The states are Connecticut, Vermont, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Carolina.
The elections will select candidates for different state and federal government positions.
South Carolina is holding a special primary for the Senate seat after Senator Lindsey Graham passed away.
These primaries help decide who will run in the general elections later this year.
Primaries allow political parties to pick their official candidates.
Voter turnout in primaries can influence the political choices on the November ballot.
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A large truck hit an overpass in Rockland County, New York, causing serious damage to the vehicle. The tractor trailer nearly had its top torn off, then it flipped onto its side.
Key Facts
The accident occurred in Rockland County, New York.
The vehicle involved was an 18-wheeler tractor trailer (semi truck).
The truck hit the overpass, causing the top to be almost sheared off.
After the collision, the truck overturned and landed on its side.
The event was captured on video.
The incident happened on August 10, 2026.
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Republican Representative Max Miller will remain on the ballot for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District despite domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife and calls within his party to step down. The deadline has passed for the Republican Party to replace him, making the race more competitive against Democrat Brian Poindexter.
Key Facts
Max Miller, a Republican congressman from Ohio, faces domestic abuse claims from his ex-wife.
The last day to replace Miller on the general election ballot passed, so he remains the candidate.
Some Republicans, including Ohio senators, asked Miller to drop out, but President Donald Trump supported him.
Miller won his seat with 51% of the vote two years ago in a three-way race.
The district usually leans Republican, about 55%-44%, according to recent maps.
Democrat Brian Poindexter is challenging Miller and is gaining attention from Democratic groups.
Republican leaders have not clearly committed money to support Miller’s campaign.
Miller worked as a senior aide to President Trump during Trump’s first term.
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President Donald Trump said he has not discussed prosecuting Dr. Anthony Fauci with Attorney General Todd Blanche or U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. He made these remarks during an interview in the Oval Office.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to Semafor’s Shelby Talcott on Monday.
He denied talking to Attorney General Todd Blanche about prosecuting Dr. Fauci.
He also said he has not spoken to Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., on this matter.
The topic of prosecuting Dr. Fauci was brought up in connection with recent Republican Senate discussions.
The interview took place in the Oval Office.
The information relates to ongoing political debates about Dr. Fauci’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
No new legal actions against Dr. Fauci were reported at the time of this statement.
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