Two people who were not vaccinated against measles, including a baby, have died in Pennsylvania. Health officials report that cases of measles are increasing across the United States.
Key Facts
Two unvaccinated individuals died from measles in Pennsylvania.
One of the deceased was an infant who tested positive for measles.
Measles cases are rising in multiple parts of the United States.
Pennsylvania health officials made the announcement on a Tuesday.
Dr. William Schaffner, a medical expert, was interviewed about the situation.
Measles is a contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination.
Health authorities encourage vaccination to stop the spread of measles.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario, which is shared by the US and Canada, as "Lake America." He made this decision amid ongoing trade tensions with Canada and said the name change is immediate.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the order in the Oval Office during a trade conflict with Canada.
The new name, "Lake America," replaces "Lake Ontario," a lake that borders both countries.
Trump criticized Canada’s trade practices, calling Canadian officials "nasty people."
This is not the first time Trump renamed a geographical feature; he previously renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
Lake Ontario’s name comes from the Huron Indigenous word meaning “lake of shining waters.”
The Canadian province of Ontario is named after Lake Ontario.
Trump suggested he might rename other bodies of water, including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Cartographers and governments have used the name “Gulf of Mexico” for nearly 500 years, long before the US was founded.
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Republican campaign committees want the Supreme Court to require TV stations to offer political parties and fundraising groups the lowest ad prices before elections, like individual candidates currently get. A federal appeals court ruled against this, and now the Republicans plan to ask the Supreme Court to reverse that decision quickly before the upcoming election ad discount period.
Key Facts
US law requires TV broadcasters to give individual candidates their lowest ad prices during the 60 days before an election.
The Trump administration’s FCC ordered stations to extend these discounted prices to political parties and fundraising committees as well.
Four Democratic candidates challenged this FCC order, and a federal appeals court said the FCC’s rule conflicts with the existing law.
Republican committees intervened to support the FCC and are now appealing to the Supreme Court.
The Republicans asked for an emergency court decision to allow a prompt Supreme Court appeal before the September 4 discount period.
The court denied the emergency motion but allowed the case to be appealed to the Supreme Court.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez warned that forcing deep ad discounts on broadcasters could worsen their financial problems.
The FCC recently removed a rule limiting how many TV households a single broadcast owner can reach, aiming to support local news through bigger mergers.
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President Donald Trump has imposed new 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods. Canada is responding with its own tariffs, which could threaten about 90,000 jobs in Canada and cause costs for Americans as well.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced new tariffs of 50% on some Canadian products.
Canada is retaliating by applying tariffs on U.S. goods.
These trade actions could put nearly 90,000 jobs in Canada at risk.
The tariffs may also cause higher prices or other costs for American consumers and businesses.
Both the U.S. and Canada may feel economic effects because of this trade conflict.
The situation involves a dispute between two neighboring countries over trade rules.
Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods to protect local industries or respond to unfair trade.
This trade war could harm business relationships between the U.S. and Canada.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Josh Hawley have criticized the use of automated license-plate readers operated by Flock Safety. These cameras capture car details and build large databases, raising concerns about privacy and government surveillance among some conservatives who traditionally supported strong law enforcement tools.
Key Facts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke out against automated license-plate readers, saying their use is "out of control."
Senator Josh Hawley has started a Senate investigation into Flock Safety's data collection and sharing practices.
Flock Safety operates more than 120,000 cameras across 49 states, recording license plates, locations, and times cars pass by.
These cameras create a searchable database for police investigations but also raise privacy concerns about tracking ordinary citizens.
Courts have not ruled these cameras unconstitutional, as they record information from public roads.
Conservatives are reconsidering their usual support for police tools due to worries about government overreach and privacy.
The debate highlights a shift in traditional political divides between law enforcement support and civil liberties protection.
Police say the cameras help solve crimes faster and improve investigations.
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President Trump’s tariffs have caused different effects on states across the U.S., with California paying the most overall and Michigan the highest cost per household. These tariffs mostly affect industries important to each state, such as cars in Michigan and toys in Minnesota.
Key Facts
California faces the largest total tariff burden at $62.8 billion.
Michigan’s tariffs total $23.2 billion, which equals about $5,619 per household—the highest per household cost.
Different states feel tariff effects based on their main industries, like auto manufacturing in Michigan and Indiana.
Minnesota’s tariffs mainly target toys and games, reflecting local businesses like Target.
Florida’s biggest tariff costs come from food imports, especially winter produce.
The Supreme Court removed some of President Trump’s tariff powers in February, and importers are seeking refunds for some paid duties.
The tariff data include amounts through June 2026 and consider possible refunds from legal changes.
The study used data from Trade Partnership Worldwide and the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, with household cost estimates based on U.S. Census data.
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The U.S. Justice Department charged over 80 people linked to a violent Puerto Rican gang called "Los Baja Deo." The gang trafficked large amounts of fentanyl and other drugs and committed violent crimes in Puerto Rico.
Key Facts
More than 80 people were charged in a federal operation against a Puerto Rican gang.
The gang is named "Los Baja Deo" and operated mainly in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.
They sold fentanyl, cocaine, and other illegal drugs, making nearly $50 million.
The group was involved in shootings, killings, kidnappings, and assaults.
They distributed at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs.
The U.S. Justice Department under Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges during a visit to Puerto Rico.
This action is part of efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to reduce violent crime.
Homeland Security Task Forces work nationwide to stop criminal gangs and cartels in the U.S.
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Data centers have become a major issue in the U.S. midterm elections due to concerns about their environmental impact, especially water use in drought-prone rural areas. While many politicians and communities oppose or regulate data centers, President Donald Trump supports them for their job creation and role in advancing artificial intelligence technology.
Key Facts
Demand for data centers grew rapidly after the 2022 launch of AI tools like ChatGPT, which need large computing power.
Major tech companies including Oracle, Meta, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft plan to invest over $700 billion in U.S. data centers this year.
Data centers require large land areas, leading to projects expanding into rural farming and ranching communities.
Environmental groups and rural residents are concerned about data centers using too much water and harming farmland.
In New Mexico, an environmental group challenged a state permit for water use by a $165 billion data center complex project called Project Jupiter.
President Trump supports data centers, citing their economic benefits and importance in competition with China on AI.
Some state governors, including Texas’ Gov. Greg Abbott, are adopting tougher rules or removing tax breaks for data centers due to concerns about electricity costs and environmental impacts.
Efforts are increasing to make data centers pay their own utility costs, limit water use, and involve community approval before projects proceed.
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As the midterm elections approach, most Republican candidates continue to support President Donald Trump because he has a strong base of loyal voters. However, some candidates have quietly changed their campaign messages to sound less connected to Trump in order to appeal to a wider group of voters. Republicans say this shift is small and mainly a strategy for the general election.
Key Facts
Many Republicans still openly back President Trump despite his low approval ratings.
Some Republican candidates have subtly removed or changed pro-Trump language on their campaign websites.
These changes are often just small wording updates or different pictures.
Candidates want to attract not only Trump supporters but also more moderate voters.
Republican officials say distancing from Trump is mostly a made-up story and that candidates remain loyal.
Trump’s ability to motivate Republican voters is seen as critical for winning elections.
Democrats plan to label all Republicans as Trump supporters to gain an advantage.
The midterm elections are a key test for how well Republicans can win with or without strong ties to Trump.
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Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said that election monitors sent by the U.S. Department of Justice acted in a way he described as aggressive and unusual during the state's primary election. He raised concerns about their behavior at a meeting where election results were being reviewed.
Key Facts
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is a Republican.
The Department of Justice sent election monitors to Wyoming for the primary election.
Governor Gordon said these monitors acted aggressively and irregularly.
He made these comments during a state meeting about election results.
The concerns were about how the DOJ election observers behaved while monitoring the vote.
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A Florida grand jury found that $10 million from a Medicaid settlement was wrongly used by Governor DeSantis’s administration. The money went from a charity linked to the governor’s wife to political groups, but no criminal charges were filed due to lack of evidence.
Key Facts
The $10 million came from a Medicaid settlement with Centene, a government health insurance contractor.
The funds were sent to the Hope Florida Foundation, connected to First Lady Casey DeSantis.
The money was then quickly moved to two political action committees (groups that raise money for political causes).
These political groups used the money to fight a ballot measure to legalize marijuana in Florida and gave funds to the Republican Party of Florida.
The grand jury report says no one took responsibility for deciding to send the money to Hope Florida.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, formerly DeSantis’s chief of staff, was linked to directing some of the funds.
Officials including Uthmeier and Attorney General Ashley Moody denied any wrongdoing.
Governor DeSantis said no Medicaid funds were diverted and that the settlement was legal and proper.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick proposed a new idea to include President Trump’s name in recognition of his role in planned renovations at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This suggestion came during a hearing where Lutnick spoke to reporters about honoring the president’s contribution.
Key Facts
Howard Lutnick is the U.S. Commerce Secretary.
Lutnick suggested adding President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center.
The proposal is related to renovations planned for the center.
The Kennedy Center is a major performing arts venue in the U.S.
The Trump administration recently discussed these renovation plans.
The idea aims to formally acknowledge President Trump’s role.
This suggestion was made during a Thursday hearing.
Lutnick spoke to reporters outside the hearing.
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President Donald Trump said the Supreme Court's recent decision on mail-in voting is a positive outcome for the Republican Party. The ruling allows the Trump administration to move forward with an order that has the U.S. Postal Service decide who should get mail-in ballots and directs Homeland Security to create a voter database.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court issued an emergency order about mail-in voting.
This order lets the Trump administration continue an executive order about mail ballots.
The order instructs the Postal Service to determine which voters receive mail-in ballots.
The Department of Homeland Security must build a database of eligible voters.
President Trump said the ruling helps the Republican Party.
North Carolina is one example of a state affected by the ruling, where mail ballots will soon be sent.
President Trump has criticized mail-in voting but has voted by mail in Florida before.
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Karoline Leavitt stepped down as White House press secretary after nearly 20 months in the role to focus on raising her two young children. She said being a mother and managing the demanding job became too difficult to balance, and President Donald Trump supported her decision.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt resigned as White House press secretary on her last day showing a photo with her two children.
She started as press secretary at age 27 on January 20, 2025, making her the youngest in U.S. history.
Leavitt served 585 days, the second-longest tenure among Trump’s press secretaries.
She became a mother to her second child in May 2026, which influenced her decision to step down.
Leavitt described motherhood as requiring full attention that conflicted with her work demands.
President Trump called Leavitt both a “boss and a friend” and supported her choice to leave.
Her exit creates a vacancy during a busy media and political period for the Trump administration.
Potential successors for her role have been discussed by President Trump but no replacement is named yet.
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A new Texas poll shows Governor Greg Abbott is leading Democrat Gina Hinojosa by 7 points, while Attorney General Ken Paxton is trailing Democrat James Talarico by 6 points. Abbott's support has increased recently, whereas Paxton faces challenges including low favorability and a tougher election race.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 1,000 likely Texas voters in late August 2026 with a ±3.3% margin of error.
Abbott leads Hinojosa 49% to 42%, with 7% undecided.
Paxton trails Talarico 42% to 48%, with 7% undecided.
Abbott's lead has grown since earlier polls this year, showing his strongest position since June.
Paxton’s support is weaker than Abbott’s among Republicans, with 80% backing Paxton versus 90% for Abbott.
Paxton's difficulties include controversies, high unfavorable ratings, a tough primary, and trouble winning independent voters.
Texas voted for President Donald Trump by a large margin in 2024 and has not elected a Democrat statewide since the 1990s.
Democrats see the 2026 midterms in Texas as a critical chance to increase their influence, especially in suburbs and among Hispanic voters.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" within the United States. This change affects U.S. government records but does not require Canada to change the name on their side.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" in the U.S.
The order directs the Interior Department to update the lake's name in U.S. geographic records.
The name change applies only within the United States.
Canada will continue to use the name Lake Ontario since the U.S. cannot force this change there.
The move is part of President Trump's actions related to trade tensions with Canada.
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A US congressional committee led by Democrats has started investigating a venture capital firm, 1789 Capital, after a sharp increase in its assets following Donald Trump Jr’s joining as a partner. The investigation focuses on possible insider political influence and financial ties involving foreign investors and companies receiving government support.
Key Facts
Donald Trump Jr joined 1789 Capital shortly after President Trump won a second term in November 2024.
The firm’s assets grew from $150 million in 2024 to $3.5 billion by May 2026, according to filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
About 40% of the firm's investments come from foreign investors.
The House Judiciary Committee’s ranking Democrat, Jamie Raskin, has requested detailed records from Trump Jr and the firm's founders by September 9, 2026.
1789 Capital invested millions in Vulcan Elements, a rare earth company that received over $670 million in government support, including contracts and loans.
There are concerns that 1789 Capital benefits from advance knowledge of government policies due to Trump Jr’s family connections.
Trump Jr said he rarely speaks with President Trump and does not discuss business with him.
Anduril Industries, linked to a Trump ally and a 1789 Capital investment, has seen significant government contracts and doubled revenue during President Trump’s first year.
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President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are declining during the summer, reaching low levels in recent polls. This drop worries Republican leaders about their chances of keeping control of Congress in the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating is at 33 percent according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.
His rating has hit record low points in several surveys this summer.
Republican leaders are concerned that these low approval numbers could lead to losing majorities in the House and Senate.
The decline in Trump’s popularity is being closely watched as the fall elections approach.
Polls from sources like The Economist/YouGov also show similar trends in approval.
A lower approval rating for the president can affect how voters choose representatives in Congress.
The political climate is tense as both parties prepare for important elections later this year.
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Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff criticized racist social media posts linked to a former staff member of his Republican opponent, Mike Collins. The posts included white nationalist symbols and language, leading to calls for Collins to explain his connections to these individuals.
Key Facts
Jon Ossoff is a Democratic senator from Georgia.
His Republican opponent is Mike Collins, supported by President Donald Trump.
A former Collins staffer, Preston Parra, shared images of swastikas and Ku Klux Klan robes on social media.
Parra used racist language and has described himself with extremist terms.
Parra worked briefly for Collins’s campaign and political action committee.
Collins denies any knowledge or connection to Parra's posts and condemns them.
Collins’s son-in-law, David Alan Scheer II, has also been linked to white nationalist activity and appeared at Collins’s campaign events.
The controversy is significant because it may affect the Georgia Senate race, which is important for control of the Senate.
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North Carolina Representative Chuck Edwards denied sexual harassment allegations made against him, responding to an Ethics Committee report that described his behavior toward two younger female staffers as unprofessional and inappropriate. He sent a letter to other lawmakers defending himself and questioning the interpretation of his actions.
Key Facts
Chuck Edwards is a Republican representative from North Carolina.
An Ethics Committee report criticized him for “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct.”
The report focused on his behavior toward two younger female staff members.
Edwards wrote a letter to fellow members of Congress addressing the report.
He argued that some actions described as potentially romantic were being misinterpreted.
The controversy involves sexual harassment allegations.
Edwards formally denied the accusations against him.
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