Green card applicants in the U.S. may face stricter checks to see if they rely too much on government help. This includes looking at whether their family members have used health or social services.
Key Facts
A "public charge" is someone who depends mainly on government support.
Immigration officials use the public charge rule to decide if a green card applicant might be a burden.
The new guidance would increase the scrutiny on applicants by considering family members’ use of public services.
Health and social service program use by U.S. citizen children or relatives can be taken into account.
The changes affect how green card applications are reviewed for dependence on government aid.
The goal is to identify whether applicants or their families rely heavily on public benefits.
This policy applies to people seeking permanent residence (green cards) in the United States.
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USAA opened The National Military Monument in Washington, D.C., to honor over 41 million U.S. veterans. The monument is a special tribute created for America's 250th birthday and will remain open until November 12.
Key Facts
The National Military Monument is located in Washington, D.C.
It honors more than 41 million U.S. veterans who have served the country.
The monument was unveiled to celebrate America's 250th birthday.
USAA, a financial services company for military members, sponsored the monument.
The monument will be open to the public through November 12.
Rob Braggs is a Senior Vice President at USAA and spoke about the monument.
More details can be found at usaa.com/monument250.
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The Trump administration plans to allow oil and gas drilling near Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, a protected U.S. world heritage site. This move removes a drilling-free buffer zone and has raised concerns from UNESCO, conservationists, tribal leaders, and others about potential environmental and cultural damage.
Key Facts
The plan removes a 10-mile (16 km) drilling-free buffer zone around Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Chaco Culture site is a U.S. world heritage site with great cultural and historical importance.
UNESCO says extractive activities like drilling threaten world heritage sites and must be assessed carefully.
The U.S. has 27 world heritage sites, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Statue of Liberty.
President Trump supports expanding fossil fuel drilling and has called the U.S. the largest oil and gas holder worldwide.
The Everglades is currently listed as a world heritage site “in danger” from pollution and development.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed the policy change to allow drilling near Chaco.
The plan received around 100,000 mostly critical public comments in a 14-day period.
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland opposed removing the buffer zone, citing potential irreversible damage.
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In 2024, Constance Soule, a disabled tenant in California, faced eviction because she could not pay extra utility fees charged by her landlord on top of her rent. This situation reflects a growing problem where tenants owe additional utility costs called Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBs), which can cause eviction even if regular rent is paid.
Key Facts
Constance Soule received a 10-day eviction notice due to unpaid utility fees, despite paying her rent.
RUBs are extra utility charges billed by landlords or third parties, not directly by utility companies.
These fees are often not clearly listed in lease agreements or apartment ads.
Many eviction cases for nonpayment involve tenants unable to pay RUBs.
Some cities in California and other states have banned or regulated RUBs to protect tenants.
Tenant groups in cities like Los Angeles and Seattle have protested by refusing to pay these fees.
A Colorado study found RUBs were the most common extra charge for over 1,100 tenants facing eviction.
Apartment industry defends RUBs as a way to fairly divide utility costs in buildings without individual meters.
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The equalities minister in Britain said racism and sexism are now common in the country, worsened by social media and some politicians' statements. She also criticized the police for not doing enough to stop violence against women and girls and highlighted plans to limit social media use for children under 16.
Key Facts
Racism and sexism have become normal in Britain, according to the equalities minister Bridget Phillipson.
Online interactions and some political statements are making misogyny and racism more common.
Phillipson accused senior MPs from Reform and the Conservative parties of making racist remarks.
She said the police have not properly addressed violence against women and girls.
Plans are underway to ban social media use for children under 16 by next spring.
The minister supports tougher immigration policies to maintain public trust in the system.
Phillipson's comments reflect ongoing political tensions between Labour and Conservative politicians.
Some critics worry that releasing prisoners early could increase risks for victims of domestic abuse.
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President Trump can adjust how immigration rules are enforced to lower conflict and reduce legal complaints. These changes would not make immigration enforcement weaker.
Key Facts
President Trump controls immigration enforcement policies.
There is current hostility related to how immigration laws are enforced.
Legal challenges have been filed against immigration enforcement actions.
Adjusting enforcement methods can reduce tensions.
Changes can be made without weakening immigration laws or their enforcement.
The goal is to make enforcement more effective and less controversial.
These adjustments involve how the rules are applied, not changing the rules themselves.
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Alina Habba, who was previously President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, said she will not be the next White House press secretary. This statement came amid rumors about who will replace Karoline Leavitt in that role.
Key Facts
Alina Habba used to work as President Trump’s personal attorney.
She was considered a possible candidate for White House press secretary.
Habba clarified on social media that she is not seeking the job.
The press secretary position is open because Karoline Leavitt will be leaving.
The White House has not yet announced who will replace Leavitt.
Habba mentioned “Kalshi odds,” referring to betting predictions, but dismissed them.
The discussion focuses on staff changes within President Trump’s administration.
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Kyle Spitze, a member of the online extremist group "764," was sentenced to 77 years in prison for producing and sharing illegal videos involving child sexual abuse and animal cruelty. The FBI investigated Spitze and the group HarmNation, part of "764," for targeting vulnerable children to commit crimes online.
Key Facts
Kyle Spitze is 27 years old and from Friendsville, Tennessee.
He pleaded guilty to producing and distributing child sexual abuse material and animal cruelty videos.
Spitze also admitted having a terrorist motive behind his crimes.
The FBI investigation found disturbing videos on his phone, including one with a girl marked with the word "crim" in blood.
Spitze was linked to aliases like "Crimhn" and "Criminaloli."
The extremist group "764" aims to radicalize children and push them toward violent and harmful acts.
Spitze was sentenced to 77 years, the longest federal sentence given to a nihilistic violent extremist.
After release, he will be under lifelong supervision and must register as a sex offender.
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Reform UK, led by spokeswoman Suella Braverman, proposes that the government help pay apprentice wages by giving businesses a 30% tax rebate. The plan also includes a £2,000 bonus to keep apprentices employed for two years and aims to increase apprenticeship starts to 600,000 per year by 2034.
Key Facts
Reform UK suggests taxpayers help pay part of apprentices’ wages through a 30% rebate for small and medium businesses hiring apprentices aged 16 to 18.
The plan includes a £2,000 tax-free bonus for apprentices who stay with their employer for at least two years after training.
Reform UK wants to encourage learning trades instead of university degrees they consider less valuable.
They plan to stop foreign students from getting taxpayer loans and end funding for so-called "Mickey Mouse degrees" to pay for the program.
The policy could cost between £1.48 billion and nearly £2 billion over five years.
Apprenticeships usually pay lower wages but offer on-the-job training and practical experience.
Some sectors, like golf course management, have criticized the proposal to cut certain degree programs, saying those jobs need qualified graduates.
Reform UK aims to increase apprenticeship starts to 600,000 per year by the end of the next Parliament, likely 2034.
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President Donald Trump gave reporters a detailed look at several construction projects at the White House. He highlighted features like a new helipad and the ballroom, emphasizing their quality.
Key Facts
President Trump led a 30-minute tour showing new works at the White House.
The tour included a new helipad for Marine One, the presidential helicopter.
The helipad will be 100 feet wide and made of granite.
The ballroom is also part of the ongoing construction projects.
President Trump emphasized that the White House gets the best materials and features.
The event took place on Wednesday.
The construction is still in progress at the time of the tour.
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A 10-month-old dog named Rio was reunited with his owner in Greensboro, North Carolina, nearly three weeks after escaping from their home in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Rio traveled about 1,000 miles before being found and returned to his family.
Key Facts
Rio is a 10-month-old Australian shepherd dog.
He ran away from his home in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.
The dog was missing for almost three weeks.
Rio was found and taken to Greensboro, North Carolina.
The distance Rio traveled was around 1,000 miles.
His owner and Rio were reunited after this long journey.
The story was reported on August 20, 2026.
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President Donald Trump has expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again and reducing U.S.-South Korea military exercises, calling them hostile to North Korea. Trump aims to use renewed talks with North Korea to achieve a historic diplomatic success and improve his foreign policy record, which has faced several stalled efforts.
Key Facts
President Trump announced plans to cut back annual U.S.-South Korea military exercises due to cost and tensions with North Korea.
He stated the exercises sent a "hostile signal" to North Korea based on his relationship with Kim Jong Un.
Trump wants to arrange a summit with Kim, possibly during an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in China later this year.
Past diplomatic efforts by Trump on issues in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran have largely stalled or failed.
North Korea has about 57 nuclear weapons, which Trump opposes but acknowledges exist.
Trump was the first sitting U.S. president to meet a North Korean leader and to step into North Korean territory during his first term.
Negotiations with North Korea face long-standing challenges, including Pyongyang’s demand to be recognized as a nuclear state.
Renewed talks with North Korea could help Trump highlight his diplomatic skills amid recent foreign policy difficulties.
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The US national debt has gone over $40 trillion for the first time, according to government data. This increase in debt happens partly because of tariffs linked to President Donald Trump's policies and challenges his promise to reduce government spending.
Key Facts
The US national debt exceeded $40 trillion for the first time.
The rise in debt was faster than earlier predictions.
Part of the increase is due to tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump that were later invalidated.
President Trump had promised to reduce public spending during his 2024 campaign.
The growing debt has caused concern among politicians from different parties.
Debt data was reported by government sources on August 20, 2026.
The issue is seen as a setback for President Trump’s fiscal goals.
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President Donald Trump announced a strong new economic plan targeting Iran to pressure it over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Americans are facing higher prices for everyday items, and experts say the conflict with Iran is increasing borrowing costs in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump promised the "most crushing economic operation ever" against Iran.
The U.S. national debt recently reached $40 trillion.
Consumer prices in the U.S. rose 3.5% in June compared to a year ago.
Gasoline prices increased by 26.7% over the past year.
The University of Michigan reported a sharp drop in consumer confidence from July to August.
The Iran conflict has raised long-term interest rates, increasing borrowing costs for households, businesses, and the government.
Inflation is higher worldwide, with Iran experiencing severe price increases.
The U.S. dollar’s role in global finance allows America to apply economic pressure while continuing to spend heavily.
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James Baird, the White House legislative director, is leaving his job, as announced by Vice President Vance. This change happens before the November midterm elections and during a time of tension between President Trump and Senate Republicans.
Key Facts
James Baird was the White House legislative director.
Vice President Vance announced Baird’s departure on Thursday.
Baird worked previously as Vice President Vance’s legislative director in the Senate.
The departure occurs ahead of the November midterm elections.
President Trump’s relationship with Senate Republicans has become tense recently.
Baird is leaving while Vice President Vance is still in office.
The legislative director role involves managing relations with lawmakers.
No replacement for Baird has been reported yet.
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The United States sent 20 deportees to Liberia as part of a plan to send 1,200 migrants there under a new agreement. Most of the deportees violated migration rules, and some can try to apply for asylum in Liberia.
Key Facts
The 20 deportees arrived at Roberts International Airport near Monrovia, Liberia.
Liberia will receive 1,200 migrants from the U.S. under a recent deal.
These deportees include people from Africa, North America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Most deportees faced migration-related violations or offenses.
Deportees in Liberia can apply for asylum if they want protection there.
The U.S. has used agreements with multiple countries to deport people to nations that are not their original homes.
This policy is part of President Trump’s effort to reduce immigration by sending people to third countries.
Some migrants are sent to places they never lived in, often leaving them with no safe options but to return to their home countries.
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Tulsi Gabbard left her job as director of national intelligence earlier this year after her husband was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. She said he is recovering but needs ongoing checkups and therapy. President Trump chose a new director after her resignation, and the intelligence office underwent major staff and structure changes during her time there.
Key Facts
Tulsi Gabbard resigned as director of national intelligence due to her husband's cancer diagnosis.
Her husband, Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with sacral chordoma, a rare tumor on the tailbone.
He underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove the tumor and is now in physical therapy.
Gabbard said he needs frequent MRIs to monitor any cancer return.
President Trump first named Bill Pulte to replace Gabbard, but after controversy, Jay Clayton was nominated and confirmed.
During Gabbard’s leadership, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) cut about 40% of staff and reorganized offices.
The changes were meant to reduce excess but raised concerns about weakening the agency’s overall capacity.
Critics say the changes shifted power back to independent agencies like the CIA.
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The United States’ total debt has passed $40 trillion for the first time. Debt has grown quickly in recent years due to government spending on crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and lower tax revenues, raising concerns about the country’s financial future.
Key Facts
US debt exceeded $40 trillion in 2024, according to the Treasury Department.
Debt has more than doubled since President Trump’s first term began in 2017, growing from about $20 trillion.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a major factor, linked to about one-third of debt added since 2017.
Debt increased by $7.8 trillion during Trump’s first term and by $3.8 trillion since he returned to office in 2025.
Under the Biden administration, debt rose by $8.4 trillion between 2021 and 2025.
The Congressional Budget Office predicts US debt will grow to 120% of the country’s total economic output by 2036.
High debt growth is caused by crisis spending and tax revenue not keeping pace with government spending.
A significant portion of spending goes to Social Security and healthcare for an ageing population.
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Senator Darline Graham from South Carolina explained her mistake answering a question about Taiwan during a recent debate. She said her answer showed she is honest about not having much political experience.
Key Facts
Darline Graham is a Republican Senator from South Carolina.
She made a mistake answering a national security question about Taiwan in a primary runoff debate.
Graham described her mistake as a result of being honest about her limited political experience.
The incident happened earlier in the week during a televised debate.
She talked about this issue in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday.
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Maricopa County in Arizona has seen more than twice as many deaths related to heat compared to last year. A reporter visited a cooling center in Phoenix to show how people are staying safe from the extreme heat.
Key Facts
Heat-related deaths in Maricopa County have more than doubled since last year.
Phoenix has special cooling centers to help people escape dangerous heat.
These centers provide a safe, cool place for residents during heat waves.
The increase in heat deaths indicates rising health risks from hotter weather.
Community efforts focus on helping vulnerable people stay safe.
Extreme heat events are becoming more common in Arizona.
The cooling center visit helps raise awareness of the heat’s serious effects.
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