Natalie Harp is a trusted aide to President Donald Trump. She handles important duties, including managing his posts on Truth Social, and has worked closely with him for a long time. Recently, Senator Jon Ossoff mentioned her in a widely shared speech.
Key Facts
Natalie Harp is one of President Trump's closest and longest-serving aides.
She is responsible for typing President Trump's posts on Truth Social, his own social media platform.
Harp holds a significant role in the president’s inner circle.
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, mentioned Harp during a widely viewed speech.
Harp’s role has attracted public attention due to her prominence and loyalty.
The BBC provided an explanation about her background and role.
Truth Social is a social media platform linked to President Trump.
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President Donald Trump has chosen Dr. Heidi Overton, a top health policy advisor in the White House, to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Overton supports the president’s health plans, including changes to childhood vaccine schedules that some medical experts oppose.
Key Facts
President Trump selected Dr. Heidi Overton to be the head of the FDA.
Dr. Overton works as a senior health policy aide in the White House.
She supports President Trump’s health policies.
One policy involves changing the schedule for childhood vaccines.
These vaccine changes have received criticism from medical experts.
The decision and details were discussed by Geoff Bennett with Lauren Gardner from Politico.
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President Donald Trump said the United States might resume talks with Iran "at some point." He also said he is generally satisfied with how the war situation is currently going.
Key Facts
President Trump made his comments on Wednesday.
He suggested that negotiations with Iran could happen again in the future.
The talks with Iran are related to ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Trump expressed general satisfaction with the current state of the war.
The information was shared through a CBS News report.
CBS News correspondents Nancy Cordes and Aaron MacLean covered the story.
No specific timeline was given for when talks might resume.
The situation reflects ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic and security issues.
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The idea of stopping the twice-a-year clock changes for daylight saving time is being discussed. People and lawmakers in the United States have different opinions about making daylight saving time permanent.
Key Facts
Currently, clocks are changed twice a year in the U.S. for daylight saving time.
There is an ongoing debate about whether to keep changing clocks or make daylight saving time permanent.
Lawmakers and American citizens have mixed views on this issue.
Making daylight saving time permanent would mean not changing clocks in spring and fall anymore.
The discussion reflects concerns about health, energy savings, and convenience.
No final decision has been made yet on changing the current system.
This topic is part of a broader conversation about how time changes affect daily life.
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President Donald Trump said he has a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He also expressed frustration with U.S. military exercises with South Korea, which he has ordered to be reduced. Rebeccah Heinrichs from the Hudson Institute talked about how Trump treats U.S. allies.
Key Facts
President Trump praised his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump is unhappy with joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea.
He has ordered these military exercises to be scaled back.
The discussion about Trump's treatment of allies involved Rebeccah Heinrichs from the Hudson Institute.
Amna Nawaz led the conversation about the president’s relationships with allies.
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Historian Beverly Gage traveled across the United States for her new book, exploring important people and events from America's 250-year history. Journalist Judy Woodruff joined her for part of the trip, starting in Chicago, as part of a series called Crossroads: America at 250.
Key Facts
Beverly Gage is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian.
She took a road trip across the United States for her latest book.
The trip focused on key people, places, and moments in American history.
Judy Woodruff, a journalist, joined Gage for part of the journey.
Their trip began in Chicago.
This project is part of a series called Crossroads: America at 250.
The book examines connections between past and present in America.
The series marks America's 250 years of history.
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James Percival, the top lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is facing an ethics complaint from the Florida Bar. This complaint came after he created a public list called the “Worst of the Worst” to criticize federal judges for their rulings.
Key Facts
James Percival is the general counsel (top lawyer) for DHS.
He made a list called the “Worst of the Worst” targeting certain federal judges.
The list publicly criticized judges for decisions that Percival disagreed with.
The Florida Bar filed an ethics complaint against Percival because of this list.
The complaint focuses on whether Percival’s actions were appropriate for a lawyer.
Percival shared these criticisms on social media platform X.
Federal judges are officials who interpret and apply law in court cases.
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The United States national debt has passed $40 trillion for the first time, exceeding previous predictions. This increase is due to higher borrowing, interest payments, and long-term expenses like social security and health care.
Key Facts
The US national debt reached $40.05 trillion on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
This amount is higher than the Congressional Budget Office’s forecast of $39.4 trillion by the end of fiscal year 2026.
Borrowing has increased partly because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, higher government spending, and tax cuts.
Interest costs on the debt have gone up due to rising inflation and increased interest rates.
Long-term obligations such as social security and health costs are adding to the debt growth.
The federal government runs a budget deficit, meaning it spends more than it collects in revenue, causing it to borrow money.
Experts warn that current deficits are around 6-7% of GDP, which is higher than the 3-4% levels that previously concerned markets.
Rising debt may lead to higher borrowing costs for the government, consumers, and businesses, potentially slowing economic growth.
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A U.S. Army battalion in Georgia is giving soldiers a special four-day leave to play the new video game Grand Theft Auto VI when it launches in the fall. This time off is a reward for soldiers who decide to reenlist in the Army.
Key Facts
The 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion in Georgia is offering the incentive.
Eligible soldiers who reenlist will get a four-day pass to play GTA 6.
The four-day pass allows soldiers time off after the game's release.
GTA 6 is a highly anticipated video game coming out this fall.
The offer is designed to encourage soldiers to sign up again for military service.
This is an example of the Army using popular culture to boost reenlistment.
The battalion is part of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team.
The incentive is a special leave given outside normal military benefits.
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Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health Committee, expressed serious concerns about President Donald Trump’s choice of Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He said her role in the recent vaccine order makes her almost unfit for the position.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is a Republican from Louisiana.
Cassidy leads the Senate Health Committee.
He criticized President Trump’s nominee for FDA head, Dr. Heidi Overton.
Cassidy respects Overton’s medical experience but worries about her role in a vaccine order.
He said her involvement in that vaccine order is "almost disqualifying."
The vaccine order refers to a recent decision by the administration.
The FDA is the government agency that oversees food and drug safety in the U.S.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, talked about how President Donald Trump’s administration has promoted lower prescription drug prices. He also shared information about a new vaccine trial that shows promise in treating skin cancer.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz is the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
He discussed efforts by President Trump’s administration to reduce prescription drug costs.
The administration is promoting these lower drug prices as a key achievement.
Dr. Oz mentioned a vaccine trial that may help treat skin cancer.
The vaccine trial is currently showing encouraging results.
The discussion took place on CBS News during an interview segment called "The Takeout."
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is a government agency that handles health programs for many Americans.
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Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia criticized President Donald Trump’s relationship with a personal aide named Natalie Harp. This comment upset President Trump and his team, while many Democrats reacted positively to Ossoff’s remarks.
Key Facts
Jon Ossoff is a Democratic senator representing Georgia.
Ossoff questioned President Trump’s connection with Natalie Harp, who works as a personal aide.
President Trump and his White House staff were annoyed by Ossoff’s comments.
Some Democrats expressed satisfaction with Ossoff’s challenge to the president.
The issue has remained a topic of discussion since Ossoff’s remarks earlier this week.
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Tens of thousands of people in northwest Indiana are still without power more than a week after severe storms damaged power lines and trees. The local power company and outside crews are working to restore electricity, but many residents continue to face hardships like spoiled food, medical concerns, and extended outages.
Key Facts
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has restored power to 285,000 customers since August 11, but 85,000 remain without power.
Gary, Indiana, has over 22,000 people still without electricity, with residents depending on community centers for meals and phone charging.
Some residents, like Jeremy Spurrier, use generators that consume expensive fuel and still face food spoilage and medical supply challenges, such as keeping insulin cold.
The storms have caused seven deaths, including a 4-year-old boy and six adults.
More than 600 line repair workers are focusing on restoring power in Gary and the surrounding area.
NIPSCO described the storm damage as “unprecedented and widespread” and brought in crews from across the country to help fix electrical infrastructure.
A NIPSCO repair vehicle was shot at during work in Gary, leading to increased security for workers.
Repeated power outages and communication difficulties with the utility company continue to frustrate residents like Myra Carden, who relies on a generator to keep some food cold.
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A Missouri court has stopped a proposed constitutional amendment from going on the November ballot. The amendment aimed to give stronger protections to laws and constitutional changes passed by voter initiatives, but the court ruled it violated the state constitution by covering too many different topics.
Key Facts
The amendment was designed to protect laws passed by citizen initiative, which allows voters to propose laws by collecting signatures.
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked the amendment from the ballot, saying it violated the constitution.
The court agreed the amendment combined multiple issues and limited the state’s republican form of government.
The decision came from Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green and is likely to be appealed.
Missouri has experienced political battles over voter initiatives, including the repeal of a voter-approved paid sick leave law and challenges to abortion-related amendments.
About half of U.S. states allow citizens to propose laws or constitutional changes through initiatives.
The group Respect Missouri Voters led the petition drive for the amendment.
The amendment would have made it harder for lawmakers to change or repeal voter-approved laws by requiring an 80% legislative vote.
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The U.S. national debt has reached a record $40 trillion, driven by high spending on defense, social programs, and interest payments. Experts warn that the growing debt is increasing costs for Americans and may cause economic problems in the future.
Key Facts
The U.S. national debt hit $40 trillion, a new high.
The debt grew rapidly, reaching $39 trillion just five months earlier.
Major spending includes defense, Social Security, Medicare, and interest on the debt.
President Donald Trump's administration is focusing on reducing waste and boosting economic growth.
Rising debt leads to higher borrowing costs for things like mortgages and cars.
Experts say the debt could hurt wages and raise prices for goods and services.
Congress sets the legal limit on how much the U.S. can borrow, currently at $41.1 trillion.
The debt limit may be reached between late winter and mid-summer 2027, requiring congressional action.
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In the trial of Lindsay Clancy, a forensic psychologist testified that Clancy was not responsible for the deaths of her three children due to a mental illness called postpartum psychosis. The judge rejected a defense witness who was a TikTok creator and ended the court session early due to an unexpected issue.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the deaths of her three children in Massachusetts.
A forensic psychologist testified that Clancy had bipolar disorder with postpartum psychosis, which affected her ability to understand right and wrong.
Clancy reportedly heard a male voice telling her to kill her children and herself.
Prosecutors argued Clancy showed normal behavior on certain dates and had not heard voices since the incident.
The judge disallowed a TikTok creator and former hospital worker from testifying for the defense.
Court was cut short unexpectedly on Wednesday, but the schedule remains on track.
Clancy has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
The children who died were between 8 months and 5 years old.
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Angie Nixon won the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate in Florida, defeating Alex Vindman. This result was considered unexpected by some observers.
Key Facts
Angie Nixon competed in the Democratic Senate primary in Florida.
She won against Alex Vindman.
The primary election took place on a Tuesday.
Alex Vindman is a public figure who also ran in the same race.
The victory by Nixon was seen as an upset.
CBS News analyst Major Garrett commented on the surprise of the result.
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Lindsay Clancy is on trial in Massachusetts for killing her three children in 2023. Her defense says she had severe postpartum mental illness called postpartum psychosis, while prosecutors say she acted on purpose. This mental illness is a central issue in the case.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is accused of killing her three children in 2023 in Massachusetts.
Her defense claims she was suffering from postpartum psychosis, a severe mental illness after childbirth.
Prosecutors argue that Clancy intentionally caused harm.
Postpartum psychosis can cause confusion, hallucinations, and loss of contact with reality.
The court case is focusing on whether her mental illness affected her actions.
Postpartum psychosis is rare and serious compared to more common postnatal depression.
Support organizations exist for people facing distress or mental health challenges after childbirth.
The trial highlights the need to understand mental health issues linked to childbirth.
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The Trump administration plans to build more than 100 miles of border wall through the Big Bend region, including parts inside Big Bend National Park in Texas. This plan has faced opposition from local community members, environmental groups, and law enforcement officials.
Key Facts
The federal government wants to build over 100 miles of border wall in the Big Bend area.
The wall would go through Big Bend National Park, a protected natural area.
Local residents and environmental activists are opposing the construction.
County sheriffs have also expressed resistance to the plan.
The controversy highlights concerns about environmental impact and community effects.
The border wall project is part of broader efforts to control immigration.
Big Bend National Park is known for its natural beauty and wildlife.
The opposition includes a mix of different local groups and officials.
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Mike Lindell, a supporter of President Donald Trump and founder of MyPillow, lost the Republican primary for Minnesota governor but is offering to pay for a full recount of all paper ballots. He claims Minnesota law allows candidates to request a hand count even if the vote difference is large. Lindell refuses to accept the election results and questions the vote counting process.
Key Facts
Mike Lindell finished second in the Minnesota Republican primary for governor, losing by about 11 percentage points to Lisa Demuth.
Lindell says Minnesota law lets candidates request a full hand recount of paper ballots regardless of the vote margin.
The state automatically funds a recount only if the vote difference is less than 0.25%; Lindell’s loss is much bigger, so he must pay for it himself.
Lindell announced he will fund the recount and audit to challenge the primary results.
Minnesota officials estimate the recount of both governor and lieutenant governor races would cost about $825,000.
Lindell’s campaign claims there were problems with the electronic reporting of votes on election night.
Lindell has a history of claiming the 2020 U.S. election was stolen, a claim courts have rejected.
Last month, Lindell settled a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit related to false election claims involving voting technology companies.
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