Jewish institutions in the U.S. are spending over $1 billion each year on security to protect against antisemitic threats. This money is going to guards, security technology, and building upgrades, but it takes away from programs like education and community services.
Key Facts
Jewish institutions spend about $1.02 billion annually on security, a 33% increase from previous estimates.
Over 4,500 Jewish places like synagogues, schools, and community centers spend around $225,000 each on security.
Security staff such as guards and directors make up the largest part of these costs.
About $150 million is spent on security technology like cameras and reinforced doors.
More than 7,100 volunteers help protect over 500 synagogues and events weekly.
Antisemitic attacks hit a record high, leading to increased security efforts.
Federal grants for nonprofit security total $300 million, far less than what Jewish groups spend.
A new bill in Congress aims to provide $1 billion annually for nonprofit security grants starting in 2027.
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President Donald Trump has promised to send $5,000 checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans control both the House and Senate after the midterm elections. One proposed way to pay for these checks is by charging wealthy foreigners $5 million each to join a new visa program called the Trump Platinum Card, which would let them live in the U.S. for up to 270 days a year without paying U.S. tax on income earned outside the country.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to give $5,000 checks to all adult U.S. citizens if Republicans keep control of Congress.
The estimated cost for these payments is about $1.23 trillion.
The Trump administration proposes funding part of this by selling Trump Platinum Cards to wealthy foreign nationals.
Each Platinum Card would cost $15,000 in fees plus a $5 million payment to the U.S. government.
The card allows holders to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days per year and avoids U.S. tax on income earned outside the country.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said over 100,000 people are on the waiting list for the Platinum Card, which could raise $500 billion.
Raising the full amount from these cards alone would require about 246,000 wealthy foreigners to pay $5 million each.
The Platinum Card program has not yet launched and the waiting list does not guarantee revenue.
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Anthony Scaramucci recounts his brief time working in the White House under President Trump in 2017. He was appointed communications director but faced strong opposition from senior staff members Reince Priebus and Steve Bannon, which led to conflicts and his quick exit.
Key Facts
In January 2017, President Trump offered Scaramucci a job as director of the Office of Public Liaison, but Reince Priebus and Steve Bannon blocked this appointment.
Scaramucci had connections to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who led one faction in the administration.
The White House had several factions that were hostile to each other, including those led by Priebus, Bannon, and Kushner.
In July 2017, Trump called Scaramucci to offer him the communications director position after the previous director resigned.
Scaramucci was unsure about his lack of experience for the communications role but accepted because Trump said they would figure it out together.
Priebus and Bannon tried to stop Scaramucci from joining by offering him ambassadorships instead.
Scaramucci refused the ambassadorship offers and confronted Priebus and Bannon about their internal conflicts.
These conflicts contributed to a difficult work environment and Scaramucci’s short tenure at the White House.
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Despite knowing how to prevent silicosis, many workers including coal miners and countertop fabrication workers are still getting sick and dying from the disease. New safety rules to reduce silica dust exposure were introduced but faced legal challenges from industry groups, and regulators have not fully enforced these protections.
Key Facts
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny silica dust particles at work.
Coal miners in central Appalachia are developing black lung disease at younger ages than before.
Countertop workers who grind or cut stone are also getting silicosis.
New rules from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in 2024 lowered the allowed silica dust exposure limit.
Industry groups like the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association challenged these new safety rules in court.
The Trump administration did not defend the rules, leading to a pause in their implementation.
Some industry groups argue the rules are too strict and want more flexible ways to protect workers.
Public health experts say regular air testing and dust control are key to preventing silicosis.
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US states have seen an early rise in West Nile virus cases this year, prompting Delaware to use sentinel chickens as an early warning system. These chickens help officials monitor virus activity and improve efforts to control mosquitoes and protect public health.
Key Facts
West Nile virus transmission started unusually early in some US states, with the highest early summer cases since 2004.
Delaware uses sentinel chickens, which can show infection but do not spread the virus, to detect mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile and Eastern equine encephalitis.
Delaware keeps four sentinel chickens at 20 locations to monitor virus presence throughout the state.
Chickens provide precise information about localized virus activity because they stay in one place.
It takes about a week for chickens to develop antibodies after exposure to the virus.
Some states use mosquito pool testing as a faster method, but Delaware prefers chickens for better location accuracy.
Data from sentinel chickens helps researchers create models to predict the severity of virus outbreaks.
Sentinel chickens can be tested for emerging mosquito-borne illnesses if necessary.
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A South Carolina church allowed a registered sex offender named Jerry Sidell to take part in ministry activities for over 20 years, despite his past convictions for child molestation in Georgia. The church only recently banned him from participating and introduced new rules to manage registered sex offenders attending services.
Key Facts
Jerry Sidell was convicted in Georgia in the 1980s for molesting boys he met through religious youth work.
Sidell joined Brookwood Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, in 1999 and served in various ministry roles.
The church knew about his past but restricted him from working with children or student ministries.
Sidell had to inform ministry leaders about his criminal record for any adult-related church activities.
The senior pastor, Bryan Jones, said he only recently learned about Sidell’s offender status.
After this discovery, the church removed Sidell from adult music and prayer groups.
Brookwood created a policy requiring registered sex offenders to check in with security and sit with a guard during services.
The church’s new policies followed a case nearby where another registered sex offender was arrested for working with children in a southern Baptist church.
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Gene Folkes, a contestant on season 10 of The Apprentice in 2010, shares his experience working with President Donald Trump on the show. Folkes describes initial admiration turning into disappointment when he realized Trump lacked empathy and used coded language in the boardroom to criticize him unfairly.
Key Facts
Gene Folkes was a contestant on The Apprentice season 10, which aired in 2010.
Folkes was a former air force recruiter who later became an investment banker and entrepreneur.
He was fired by President Trump in episode 5 of the show.
Folkes initially admired Trump and wanted to emulate him.
He describes Trump as charismatic but lacking empathy.
An incident in the boardroom involved Trump criticizing Folkes’s ability to read, which Folkes felt was unfair and racially coded.
Folkes emphasizes the importance of empathy for anyone leading a nation.
After The Apprentice, Folkes now runs a technology consulting company and hosts a podcast.
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The article shares a personal story about Nick Dothée, who talks about the challenges after his husband Walker asked for a divorce. Nick explains how his mother’s understanding and support have been important, especially since he has ADHD and is gay.
Key Facts
Nick Dothée and his husband Walker decided to divorce around Christmas Eve 2025.
Nick told his mother about the divorce during a phone call while driving.
The couple still lives together for now, but Nick is looking for a new place to live.
Nick’s mother offered to help him once she visits.
Nick was diagnosed with ADHD in fourth grade and faced bullying at school.
Theater was a positive outlet that helped Nick and his mother connect.
Nick realized he was gay by age 15 and expected his mother already knew.
His mother reacted by grounding him the first time she really addressed his personal life.
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Labour leader Andy Burnham and Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch have brought back clear political differences between their parties. Labour and the Tories are focusing on distinct priorities like social welfare and national security, with recent debates highlighting these contrasting views while both sides work to engage voters.
Key Facts
Labour’s red and Conservative blue colors are appearing stronger in political materials, signaling clearer party identities.
Nigel Farage’s Reform party received a large £36 million donation, gaining headline attention.
Burnham said national security should not come at the cost of social welfare, a position Conservatives quickly emphasized.
Conservatives view Burnham’s stance as a clear dividing line, believing he favors welfare spending even over defense.
Labour supporters say Burnham wants to balance security with strong community support, not just cut welfare.
There is a sense within both parties that traditional political competition is returning after years of disruption.
Labour sees Burnham as a more effective leader who connects well with the public and shares their values.
The debate on issues like welfare and defense spending is expected to become more challenging for politicians.
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President Donald Trump held a Republican midterm convention event in Dallas, urging voters to treat the upcoming November congressional elections as a vote on him personally. The event showed strong support among Trump’s base but faced challenges, including low approval ratings and uncertain election forecasts.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to thousands of supporters in Dallas at the first-ever Republican midterm convention.
He asked voters to “pretend that I’m on the ballot” in the November congressional elections.
Trump promised $5,000 payments to every U.S. adult if Republicans keep control of both the House and Senate.
Many members of Congress and candidates did not attend the convention, leaving many seats empty.
Trump’s speech drew about 2.5 million viewers on Fox News, which is considered modest for such an event.
The convention was a two-day event with no official nominations or party business, focusing entirely on supporting Trump.
Polls and experts project Democrats are likely to retain control of the House, with the Senate race too close to call.
The event highlighted fears about a Democratic win and praised Trump with strong loyalty from supporters.
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President Donald Trump promised to give $5,000 checks to every U.S. adult if Republicans keep control of both the House and Senate after the midterm elections. This offer has raised questions about whether it is legal under current U.S. laws.
Key Facts
President Trump made the $5,000 payment promise during the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas.
The checks would go to all adults living in the United States.
The payments are called “Trump dividends.”
This promise depends on Republicans winning both chambers of Congress.
Legal experts are questioning if this plan might break laws about elections or government payments.
The plan has no clear details on how it would be funded or distributed.
Midterm elections will decide which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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President Donald Trump received strong support from his political base during the Republican midterm convention in Dallas. However, it is uncertain if the convention will help the Republican Party improve its chances in the upcoming midterm elections, which are less than eight weeks away.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump was a central figure at the Republican midterm convention held in Dallas.
The convention energized the MAGA (Make America Great Again) base of the Republican Party.
The convention took place just weeks before the midterm elections, which are key for control of the U.S. Congress.
Current data shows that the Republican Party faces challenges in the political landscape ahead of the elections.
The event aimed to unify and motivate Republican voters for Election Day.
The impact of the convention on voters outside the core Trump supporters remains uncertain.
Political analysts are watching whether the convention can help the GOP gain ground against the Democrats.
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Senator Mitch McConnell, who is 84 years old, plans to return to the U.S. Senate next week after being hospitalized this summer. His recent health issues, including a fall and pneumonia, have brought attention to the well-being of older lawmakers in Congress.
Key Facts
Mitch McConnell is a Republican senator from Kentucky.
He is 84 years old.
McConnell was hospitalized for nearly two months after a fall and pneumonia.
He has been recovering at home since leaving the hospital.
His planned return to the Senate is expected next week.
The situation highlights concerns about the health of older members of Congress.
Age and health of lawmakers are becoming a topic of discussion.
McConnell described his recovery process publicly.
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A woman shared her story of becoming pregnant after years of fertility treatments but was diagnosed with stage two triple negative breast cancer just five weeks into her pregnancy. She underwent chemotherapy and surgery during pregnancy, delivered her baby early at 34 weeks, and faced challenges being separated from her newborn in the hospital.
Key Facts
The woman and her husband spent four years trying to get pregnant with fertility treatments.
She found out she was pregnant at three weeks and then noticed unusual symptoms in her breast.
Tests showed the liquid from her breast was not cancerous, but the breast tissue was diagnosed with cancer.
She was diagnosed with stage two triple negative breast cancer at five weeks pregnant.
She started chemotherapy while pregnant, and her baby continued to grow well.
At 32 weeks pregnant, she had a mastectomy (breast removal surgery).
Her son was born early at 34 weeks and spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
She was separated from her baby after birth and was only allowed to see him the day after delivery.
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Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk was found not guilty in a federal trial that accused him of planning a murder in Los Angeles. He faces a separate trial on different charges later this year.
Key Facts
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was acquitted of murder-for-hire and conspiracy charges.
The case involved a 2022 shooting where the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo was killed.
The verdict followed three days of jury discussion after a three-week trial.
Two other defendants were convicted of stalking but not murder-for-hire.
Prosecutors said Lil Durk offered money to have the rival rapper killed.
Lil Durk remains in custody for a separate trial on racketeering and firearms charges scheduled for October 5.
Lil Durk has released multiple hit albums and won a Grammy in 2024.
Supporters celebrated outside the courthouse after the verdict was announced.
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President Donald Trump has asked the Smithsonian to replace a modern sculpture outside the National Museum of American History with a large 30-foot statue of George Washington. He also wants a smaller statue of Washington placed inside the museum before the new one is ready, as part of plans to better honor the first president before the 300th anniversary of his birth in 2032.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a 30-foot “Washington Colossus” statue to replace the current modern sculpture named “Infinity.”
He also suggested placing an existing 11-foot bronze statue of Washington inside the museum by Constitution Day, September 17.
The “Infinity” sculpture, a rotating abstract work, was installed in 1967 and was the first modern abstract sculpture commissioned by the U.S. government for a public building.
Trump made these requests via posts on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 to remove what his administration called “improper ideology” from Smithsonian exhibits.
The Smithsonian is overseen by a Board of Regents, including Vice President JD Vance and Chief Justice John Roberts, and is independent from the executive branch.
Trump considers George Washington America’s greatest hero and criticized the museum for not giving enough attention to Washington and other Founding Fathers during the 250th anniversary celebrations.
The smaller bronze statue was shown during an IndyCar race near the National Mall as part of the United States’ 250th birthday events.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the largest outbreak of a parasite called cyclospora, which caused severe diarrhoea and affected more than 12,000 people in the US, has ended. The outbreak was linked to lettuce from Mexico supplied by Taylor Farms, which recalled the product, and Taco Bell stopped using that lettuce.
Key Facts
Over 12,000 people in 21 US states got sick from cyclospora during the outbreak.
The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness with symptoms like explosive diarrhoea.
Two people died in Michigan; both had other serious health problems.
About 570 people were hospitalised during this outbreak.
The CDC said cases have dropped significantly, but the investigation is ongoing.
The outbreak was linked to lettuce imported from central Mexico by Taylor Farms.
Taylor Farms recalled the lettuce, and Taco Bell removed it from their menu.
Cyclospora spreads through contaminated food or water, and deaths are rare.
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A court case between the Zionist Federation of Australia and journalist Mary Kostakidis was ended by agreement, with no costs ordered. The case involved allegations that Kostakidis violated racial discrimination laws by sharing posts critical of Israel, but it was dropped after a public apology from Kostakidis.
Key Facts
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) filed a legal claim against Mary Kostakidis over posts on X about a speech by Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah.
ZFA accused Kostakidis of breaking the Racial Discrimination Act by sharing posts they said caused harm to Jewish Australians.
Kostakidis argued that the claim did not specify which racial group was offended and tried to have the case dismissed.
The case was first raised at the Australian Human Rights Commission before moving to federal court.
The legal proceedings ended with both sides agreeing to end the case and no payment of legal costs.
Kostakidis said the end of the case was a win for free political expression and press freedom.
ZFA’s chief said the lawsuit’s goal was met after Kostakidis gave a public apology in 2025 for any pain caused.
The issues raised in the case are also being investigated in a royal commission on antisemitism in Australia, with a report expected in December.
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Chicago rapper Lil Durk was found not guilty in a federal case involving a murder-for-hire plot linked to a 2022 shooting. The jury cleared him of all charges, but he will face another trial on racketeering and firearm charges later this year.
Key Facts
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was accused of ordering a hit on Atlanta rapper Tayquian Bowman.
The attack happened in West Hollywood in 2022, where Bowman's cousin was killed.
Prosecutors claimed Lil Durk’s group tracked Bowman and carried out the shooting as revenge for the 2020 death of Lil Durk’s friend King Von.
A witness who said he took part in the shooting testified about Lil Durk asking for details after the attack.
Lil Durk’s lawyers challenged the witness’s trustworthiness and suggested another person led the shooting.
Prosecutors said the case does not make sense without Lil Durk's leadership.
The jury found Lil Durk not guilty of the murder-for-hire charges.
Lil Durk has a second trial planned for October on racketeering and firearm charges connected to the case.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the media for reporting on the background of the single juror who disagreed in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial. DeSantis said Florida would offer asylum to this juror, who has a history involving domestic violence and a current restraining order.
Key Facts
Governor Ron DeSantis made the statements on a Friday.
A news report revealed the lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy case had an alleged past of domestic violence.
The juror also has an active restraining order against them.
DeSantis accused the media of trying to damage the juror’s reputation.
The governor pledged that Florida will provide asylum to this juror.
The case involves a murder trial related to Lindsay Clancy.
The holdout juror was the only one objecting during the trial verdict process.
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