A BBC Panorama investigation highlights a parent's struggle who had to use food banks while their ex-partner owed them thousands in child maintenance payments. The report explores issues related to unpaid child support and financial difficulties faced by single parents in the U.S.
Key Facts
A parent relied on food banks despite being owed large sums in child maintenance.
The unpaid child maintenance caused significant financial hardship.
The investigation was conducted by BBC Panorama.
The report focuses on challenges faced by single parents in receiving child support.
Food banks are used as emergency support for families struggling to afford food.
Child maintenance refers to money paid regularly by one parent to support their child after separation.
The story sheds light on gaps in the child maintenance system.
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The USS Lincoln is currently deployed in the Middle East, and there are concerns about the ship’s condition during its nine-month mission. The head of U.S. Central Command recently visited the ship as families and lawmakers asked when the ship would return.
Key Facts
The USS Lincoln is on a deployment in the Middle East lasting nine months.
Some families of sailors and members of Congress are worried about the ship’s condition.
Questions have been raised about when the ship will come back to the U.S.
The head of U.S. Central Command visited the ship to assess the situation.
The visit took place over the past weekend.
The concerns focus on the living and working conditions aboard the ship during this long deployment.
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Alaska voters will choose candidates in a primary election for a U.S. Senate seat and other state offices. The Senate race is highly competitive, with incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan facing Democrat Mary Peltola and others. Alaska uses a ranked choice voting system where the top four primary candidates advance to a general election.
Key Facts
Alaska’s primary election includes races for U.S. Senate, governor, U.S. House, and state legislature.
Republican Senator Dan Sullivan seeks a third term against Democrat Mary Peltola and other candidates.
The primary is an all-party race; the top four vote-getters move on to the general election regardless of party.
Alaska uses ranked choice voting in general elections, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference.
Mary Peltola won a 2022 special election and previously unseated Republicans including Sarah Palin.
Peltola has raised about $18.5 million for her campaign; Sullivan has raised about $11.7 million.
Another candidate named Dan Sullivan is running, causing controversy and a legal challenge over ballot confusion.
Alaska has been a traditionally Republican state, but recent election cycles have seen tighter races affecting control of Congress.
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President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce military exercises with South Korea. He cited his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s refusal to support the U.S. in its conflict involving Iran as reasons for scaling back the drills.
Key Facts
These military drills, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, are annual exercises that focus on defending South Korea from North Korea.
The drills were scheduled to run for 11 days and involve about 18,000 South Korean and 28,500 U.S. soldiers.
President Trump called the exercises costly and said they send a hostile message to North Korea, which he describes as respectful during his presidency.
South Korea declined to join the U.S. in efforts to denuclearize Iran, which disappointed President Trump.
North Korea opposes the drills and often responds by testing ballistic missiles during the exercises.
Some groups in South Korea protest the drills, fearing they increase regional tensions and the risk of nuclear conflict.
North Korea views the U.S.-South Korea-Japan military partnership as a growing nuclear threat and has promised to respond.
President Trump said it was too late to cancel the drills completely but directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to scale them down.
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Four states led by Republicans—Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Wyoming—will have proposals on the November ballot to reduce or limit property taxes. These measures come after years of rising property taxes that have made it harder for many homeowners, especially seniors, to afford their bills.
Key Facts
Property taxes have increased sharply, with a 30% rise in average annual taxes for single-family homes since 2019.
The median property tax paid by homeowners is about $3,119 per year or $260 per month as of 2024.
In Florida, Amendment 3 could greatly increase exemptions on property taxes for primary homes starting in 2027.
Oklahoma voters will decide on tightening limits on how much property tax assessments can grow each year.
North Carolina’s proposal would require lawmakers to create limits on property tax increases but does not set the limits itself.
Wyoming’s proposal also focuses on direct tax cuts for homeowners.
Critics warn that cutting property taxes could reduce funds for local services like police and schools.
To pass, Florida’s constitutional amendment needs at least 60% voter approval.
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President Donald Trump said that vandals caused damage to the grass near the World War II Memorial, where a large July 4 celebration was held. He shared photos showing patches of dead grass on the lawn.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump made the statement on Sunday.
The damaged grass is near the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The site was used for a July 4 celebration with thousands of attendees.
Trump posted pictures of the lawn showing brown, damaged patches.
He blamed vandals for the damage to the grass.
The event was hosted in partnership with the White House.
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The Trump administration has canceled several National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants funding Alzheimer’s disease and brain health research at Emory University and the University of Pittsburgh. These cancellations appear to target studies examining the effects of racism on brain health and continue a pattern of cutting federal funding related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Key Facts
At least three NIH grants totaling $15 million were canceled, affecting research on how discrimination impacts long-term brain health.
The canceled grants were held by researchers at Emory University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Many of these studies focused on the higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia among Black Americans compared to white Americans.
The Trump administration previously canceled billions of dollars in federal grants linked to DEI, leading to lawsuits by research institutions.
A federal judge ruled earlier grant cancellations illegal, but the Supreme Court allowed the administration to cancel $783 million in NIH funding in a separate ruling.
These new cancellations are not part of the earlier court case and may be a legal test by the administration.
NIH grants are usually awarded for several years and reviewed regularly, but many Alzheimer’s research grants were delayed in 2025 and early 2026.
Researchers say the cancellations disrupt important Alzheimer’s disease research and reflect political interference in science.
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Patrick McCabe, a 16-year-old student with cerebral palsy, completed seven GCSE exams over five months using eye-gaze technology. He described the wait for his exam results as "terrifying" and was inspired by Rob Burrow, who used similar technology to communicate.
Key Facts
Patrick McCabe is 16 years old and has cerebral palsy.
He took seven GCSE exams spread over five months.
Patrick used eye-gaze technology, which allows him to control a computer with his eyes.
He said the exam process was hard but showed determination and resilience.
Patrick was inspired by Rob Burrow, who used eye-controlled technology for communication.
His friends and teachers celebrated his achievement.
Patrick described himself as "hard-working, resilient and a little bit cheeky".
The news appeared on BBC Breakfast before his exam results were announced.
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President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met three times between 2018 and 2019, including historic summits and a meeting at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. These meetings showed a personal connection between the two leaders, although they did not result in an agreement on North Korea’s nuclear program.
Key Facts
President Trump and Kim Jong Un first met in Singapore in June 2018, marking the first summit between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader.
At the Singapore summit, they signed a joint statement to work toward better relations and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Their second meeting took place in Hanoi, Vietnam, in February 2019 but ended early without an agreement.
The Hanoi talks failed due to disagreements over sanctions relief and nuclear disarmament steps.
In June 2019, Trump met Kim at the Korean Demilitarized Zone and became the first sitting U.S. president to step into North Korean territory.
Trump cited his personal relationship with Kim as a reason to oppose large joint military exercises with South Korea.
Despite no major breakthroughs, their meetings included several historic firsts in U.S.-North Korea diplomacy.
Photos from these events highlight the unusual and personal nature of their interactions.
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California’s 14th Congressional District will hold a special election to choose a replacement for Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned amid sexual assault allegations. Two Democrats, State Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART Board President Melissa Hernandez, are competing to serve the remainder of Swalwell’s term and for a full term starting in 2027.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress due to sexual assault allegations.
The special election guarantees the seat will remain with the Democratic Party.
Aisha Wahab and Melissa Hernandez advanced from the June 16 special primary to the special election.
Wahab led Hernandez by more than 20 percentage points in the primaries.
Hernandez has raised and spent more campaign money than Wahab but they have similar cash on hand.
Outside groups linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee have spent over $4 million mostly supporting Hernandez.
The 14th District’s boundaries will change in January 2027 due to Proposition 50, a voter-approved redistricting measure.
Both the current and new boundaries of the district lean strongly Democratic.
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A woman named Laura Docherty was sentenced to at least six years in jail for trying to kill a toddler by giving her adult medications not meant for children. The child suffered serious health problems, including seizures and needing life support, after receiving the drugs over nearly two years.
Key Facts
Laura Docherty, 35, was found guilty of attempting to murder a child by giving her antidepressants and painkillers not prescribed to the toddler.
The abuse happened between April 2021 and February 2023 in Edinburgh and at a children’s hospital.
The child had seizures, lost consciousness several times, and was resuscitated and put on a ventilator.
The judge ordered a lifelong restriction, meaning Docherty must serve at least six years before applying for parole.
During the trial, Docherty denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury.
A paramedic had to use emergency skills to save the child’s life while Docherty recorded the event on her phone.
Docherty was diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder.
The judge said the crime appeared motivated by a desire for attention and drama and noted Docherty showed no remorse.
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President Donald Trump announced he will reduce joint US-South Korea military drills, citing his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This decision comes despite warnings from military officials that North Korea is learning new tactics from the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, other US political and diplomatic issues include concerns about conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, Jared Kushner’s talks with Hamas and Israel, and debates over vaccine safety claims and Justice Department independence.
Key Facts
President Trump said he will “substantially reduce” US-South Korea military drills because of his positive relationship with Kim Jong-un.
Military leaders from the US and South Korea warned that North Korea is gaining new battlefield knowledge from the war in Ukraine.
The planned drills were costly and viewed by Trump as sending a hostile message to North Korea, which he described as "unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency.
Democrats have raised concerns about morale and conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, linking problems to the ongoing Iran conflict and leadership issues.
Jared Kushner met Hamas’s political chief in Egypt and will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss a US-backed Gaza ceasefire roadmap.
The ceasefire plan asks Hamas to give up weapons gradually while Israeli forces pull back; Netanyahu refuses to withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.
US Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to promise that the Justice Department will always act independently of President Trump but stated no illegal requests from the president have happened.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy criticized President Trump’s claims about the safety of the MMR vaccine, calling them “crazy” and harmful to public trust in vaccines.
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Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman, is on trial for killing her three children in 2023. Her defense argues she suffered from postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious mental illness after childbirth. The trial has attracted intense media attention and online conspiracy theories, which experts say may harm public understanding of postpartum mental health conditions.
Key Facts
Postpartum psychosis affects about 1 to 2 women in every 1,000 births and can cause hallucinations and delusions.
Lindsay Clancy has admitted to killing her three children and is charged with three counts of murder.
Clancy’s defense claims she was psychotic and not responsible for her actions due to her illness.
The trial is being live-streamed and has become popular on social media platforms like TikTok.
Some online followers claim Clancy’s ex-husband was the real killer and is framing her.
These conspiracy theories focus on minor inconsistencies in the ex-husband’s testimony.
Mental health advocates worry the sensational coverage and theories undermine efforts to educate people about postpartum illnesses.
Meghan Cliffel’s personal story of postpartum psychosis shows how difficult it can be to get diagnosis and treatment.
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The article argues against the idea that the Supreme Court simply follows the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) political agenda. It suggests that focusing on how many decisions align with MAGA is less important than the quality of those decisions.
Key Facts
Some people say the Supreme Court always supports the MAGA agenda.
The article calls this idea a misunderstanding.
It says quality of court decisions matters more than quantity.
The article refers to this idea as a “political Supreme Court” trope.
This topic relates to U.S. politics and how the court is seen publicly.
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The U.S. government will update two immigration forms, I-539 and I-765, starting September 15. These changes are part of new rules setting fixed time limits for certain visa holders, like students and exchange visitors, instead of allowing them to stay as long as they follow program rules.
Key Facts
USCIS will reject old versions of Forms I-539 and I-765 after September 15.
Form I-539 is used to extend or change nonimmigrant status for certain visa holders.
Form I-765 is used to apply for permission to work in the U.S.
The new rules replace the "Duration of Status" system with fixed admission periods for F, J, and I visa holders.
This change affects students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives.
The new system requires visa holders to apply for formal extensions before their fixed time expires.
DHS says the update will improve oversight and make it easier to check if visa holders follow rules.
Some groups worry the new rules will increase paperwork and costs for students and their families.
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The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed in the Middle East for nearly nine months, causing mental health problems and poor living conditions for its crew. Family members report food shortages and broken facilities, while President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth support continuing the blockade in the Gulf despite these issues.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed since November 21, 2025, with only one short stop in Guam.
The ship has over 5,000 crew members who are facing mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts.
Family members report food shortages, broken toilets, and showers on the ship affecting crew health.
President Trump said the deployment hasn’t been “nearly long enough” despite reports of burnout.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed mental health concerns as “completely misrepresented.”
Admiral Brad Cooper praised the crew but acknowledged the stress of long sea deployments.
The USS George Washington is being sent to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln soon.
The longest recent carrier deployment was the USS Gerald R Ford, lasting 326 days, supporting various military operations globally.
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A Florida man, Mario Fernandez Saldana, is going to trial for allegedly arranging the murder of Jared Bridegan, a Microsoft manager. Authorities say the murder was planned by Bridegan’s ex-wife and her husband to kill him during a drive with their child nearby.
Key Facts
Jared Bridegan was killed in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in 2022 outside his car while his 2-year-old child was in a car seat.
A tire was placed in the road to stop Bridegan’s car as part of the attack.
Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38, the husband of Bridegan’s ex-wife, is charged with first-degree murder.
Bridegan’s ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, 39, faces several charges including first-degree murder and child abuse; she pleaded not guilty and will have her trial in September 2024.
The alleged gunman, Henry Tenon, had initially pleaded guilty but later withdrew the plea and will have a separate trial in 2027.
Tenon was reportedly paid at least $10,000 by Gardner and Fernandez Saldana after the murder.
The murder happened after Bridegan returned his 9-year-old twins to Gardner following a scheduled "date night" with the children.
Bridegan worked at Microsoft and was previously chief technology officer at another company before his death.
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Simon Levy, who is serving a life sentence for murdering two women and raping a third, has denied attacking a prison guard at Belmarsh prison. He faces charges of assault and intentional suffocation related to an alleged attack on a guard in February.
Key Facts
Simon Levy is 41 years old and serving a whole life sentence for double murder and rape.
He allegedly attacked prison guard Paul Dunne on 18 February at Belmarsh prison.
The guard was stabbed multiple times with a pen and then grabbed around the throat.
Levy denies the charges of assault and intentional suffocation.
The case will be tried at Inner London Crown Court on 14 September.
Levy was convicted last week for the murders of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins.
The attacks occurred in 2025, with an earlier rape at the same location.
Levy had previous convictions for several sexual assaults before these crimes.
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The Australian opposition, led by Angus Taylor, says it will only support the government’s proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if a tax loophole called the “widow tax” is removed first. The government plans to tighten NDIS rules and reduce some funding to control costs, but faces criticism from both opposition and disability advocates.
Key Facts
Angus Taylor, a Coalition leader, wants the government to fix the “widow tax” loophole before agreeing to NDIS reforms.
The “widow tax” affects people who inherit a partner’s share of an investment property, leading to higher taxes.
The Albanese government proposes changes to NDIS eligibility and funding to save $37.8 billion over four years.
New rules include functional assessments for all NDIS participants starting in 2028.
The NDIS minister could reduce individual participant funding by up to 99%.
About 241,000 people may lose access to NDIS by 2031 under the new rules.
Those removed from NDIS will be directed to state and territory programs funded by the federal government.
Disability advocates and some politicians say the changes could harm disabled people and their families.
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Social Security payments for eligible Americans will be made this week based on the recipients’ birth dates. The amount of the monthly payment depends on factors like lifetime earnings and the age when benefits start, with a maximum estimated payment of $5,181 per month if claimed at age 70.
Key Facts
Over 75 million Americans receive benefits from Social Security, including retirement, disability, survivor, and spousal payments.
Payment dates are scheduled by birth date: 1st-10th on second Wednesday, 11th-20th on third Wednesday, and 21st-31st on fourth Wednesday each month.
For example, payments this week on August 19 are for those born between the 11th and 20th.
Some people who began benefits before May 1997 or who receive Supplemental Security Income get payments on fixed dates like the 1st or 3rd of the month.
Retirement benefits depend on earnings history and the age benefits start; the earliest age is 62 with reduced payments.
In 2026, the maximum monthly Social Security benefit at full retirement age is about $4,152; it can be as high as $5,181 at age 70.
The average monthly payment in 2024 is about $2,086.
Social Security benefits increase yearly based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA); a 3.6% increase is forecasted for 2027.
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