President Donald Trump responded to reports about difficult conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, saying families of the crew are not worried. He also said the ship’s deployment has not been long enough and confirmed that another aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, is on its way to replace it in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed in the Middle East for over 200 days, a record length.
There have been reports of mental health and supply problems on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Families of sailors on the USS Lincoln raised concerns about conditions on the ship.
Navy leaders held a town hall with families to address these concerns.
President Trump said family members are not actually worried about the ship’s conditions.
The USS George Washington, based in Japan, is traveling to the Middle East to replace the USS Lincoln.
The replacement is part of a planned rotation of aircraft carriers.
President Trump stated the USS Abraham Lincoln has not been deployed for “nearly long enough.”
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In 2021, Washington state passed a law to strengthen the state's power to remove police officers’ certifications to keep those with serious misconduct off the force. However, many officers accused of misconduct remain employed because local agencies do not always report issues or the state commission does not quickly investigate.
Key Facts
The 2021 law requires police agencies in Washington to quickly report officer separations and misconduct to the state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission.
The law aimed to prevent officers with serious misconduct from working in law enforcement again.
Despite the law, some officers accused of serious wrongdoing have avoided state investigations and stayed on the job or even been promoted.
One officer accused multiple times became a police chief and was later accused of defrauding taxpayers.
Another officer charged with DUI and fleeing a crash was never investigated by the state commission.
An officer with a felony conviction in another state remained certified in Washington.
The commission must revoke certification for felony convictions, some misdemeanors, and serious excessive force but can delay action due to a backlog of over 1,500 cases.
Local police agencies hold primary responsibility for accountability but sometimes fail to report misconduct accurately or on time.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democratic Representative James Talarico’s U.S. Senate campaign received an endorsement from Joe Joplin, an attorney who accused Talarico’s Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, of taking a pen from a courthouse over ten years ago. The Senate race between Talarico and Paxton is very close and could influence which party controls the Senate after the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
James Talarico is running for U.S. Senate in Texas against incumbent Ken Paxton.
Joe Joplin, an attorney, accused Paxton of taking a Montblanc pen from a courthouse in Collin County more than a decade ago.
Paxton’s spokesperson said the pen was taken by mistake and later returned after review of courthouse security footage.
The pen incident has been used in past political campaigns to raise questions about Paxton’s ethics.
Paxton faced a 2015 securities fraud indictment that was dismissed in 2025 after he completed a diversion agreement involving restitution and ethics training.
Recent polls show a tight race, with some surveys placing Talarico slightly ahead and others showing Paxton narrowly leading.
The race is important as it may affect which political party controls the U.S. Senate after 2026.
Both campaigns are using the pen story to contrast their candidates’ character and trustworthiness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said that the nearly nine-month deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which supports US military actions against Iran, was “not nearly long enough.” Concerns have been raised about the impact of this long deployment on the sailors’ mental health and ship conditions, but the Pentagon denies these reports and says the ship is being replaced soon.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed for almost nine months, supporting US operations against Iran.
President Trump said the deployment was too short and will soon be replaced by another similar aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington.
Some sailors aboard have reported mental health struggles, prompting concern from lawmakers.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the conditions on the ship were “completely misrepresented.”
The US Navy has not reported any rise in suicidal thoughts or attempts on the ship but has not shared detailed data.
The US Navy has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict.
The Trump administration has not provided a clear plan for ending the conflict with Iran.
A sailor recently went overboard but was rescued and treated by the ship’s medical team.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump signed an order to separate combination vaccines like the MMR shot into individual injections and space out vaccination appointments. Experts say this would create large costs and delays, as drugmakers must rebuild old vaccine production and parents would need many more doctor visits.
Key Facts
The order requires separating the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into separate shots.
Vaccination appointments would need to be spaced out more than they are now.
Drug companies would have to restart production of individual vaccines not used in the U.S. for decades.
Building new manufacturing plants for these vaccines could take about five years and cost tens of millions of dollars.
Parents would need to bring children to many more appointments, increasing time and expense.
Pediatricians might face strain administering more separate vaccine visits.
Current combination vaccines help ensure children get full protection before school and are supported by scientific studies.
Vaccine makers like Merck and GSK confirm their combination shots are safe and effective but have no plans to unbundle.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The acting Navy Secretary, Hung Cao, announced that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier will return to the U.S. soon. This decision comes after reports about difficult conditions faced by the sailors during the ship’s long deployment.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln is an aircraft carrier currently deployed overseas.
The ship has been on a long deployment, longer than usual.
Sailors on the ship reported harsh work and living conditions.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao made the announcement about the ship’s return.
The return is part of a planned rotation schedule for Navy ships.
The Navy has been under scrutiny because of the sailors’ reports.
The USS Abraham Lincoln will come back to the U.S. shortly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The BBC is seeking subpoenas to require President Donald Trump’s family members—Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner—to provide testimony and documents in Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster. The case revolves around a BBC documentary that edited parts of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech, which Trump says falsely portrayed him calling for violence.
Key Facts
President Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC in December 2025.
The lawsuit concerns a 2024 BBC documentary that edited Trump's January 6 speech to suggest he encouraged violence.
The BBC apologized for the editing but denies it committed defamation.
BBC wants to subpoena Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner because they may have firsthand knowledge about Trump’s intentions during the speech.
Jared Kushner reportedly helped prepare a statement condemning the violence on January 6.
A federal judge allowed the BBC to pursue testimony from Trump’s inner circle.
Attempts to serve subpoenas to the family members have faced obstacles, including police preventing service and the Secret Service refusing to accept papers.
The BBC has asked the court to allow alternative ways to serve the subpoenas, such as by mail or through President Trump’s lawyers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the recall of 1.6 million egg cartons due to possible salmonella contamination to its highest risk level. These eggs were sold in several states and may cause serious illness or death if consumed.
Key Facts
The FDA changed the recall status to "Class 1," meaning there is a real chance the eggs could cause serious health problems or death.
The recall started on July 22 and involves eggs from Midwest Poultry Services in Indiana.
Over 19 million eggs from Texas farms linked to the company were also recalled earlier this summer.
The recalled eggs have "Sell By" or "Best By" dates between July 20 and August 17.
Eggs were sold in multiple states including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Retailers involved include Brookshire Grocery stores and Kroger, among others.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain; it can be serious for some people.
The FDA confirmed no other products from this poultry company are part of this latest recall.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A legal dispute is happening in Texas about who has the parental rights to a baby born through a surrogacy arrangement. Experts are discussing the complexities involved in the case.
Key Facts
The dispute concerns a baby born via surrogacy in Texas.
The main issue is deciding who holds the legal parental rights.
The case is currently ongoing in Texas courts.
Rachel Rebouché, a law professor at the University of Texas, is providing expert insight.
Surrogacy involves a woman carrying a baby for another person or couple.
Texas law and contracts related to surrogacy play a key role in the case.
The situation has drawn media coverage and public attention.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot kidnapped in Niger since October, has been safely returned to U.S. custody. The president shared the news on his social media platform Truth Social and expressed pride in Rideout’s release.
Key Facts
Kevin Rideout is an American missionary pilot.
He was kidnapped in Niger in October.
Rideout was held captive for several months.
President Trump announced Rideout’s release on Truth Social.
Rideout is described as a Christian missionary.
The release happened in early February 2024.
The U.S. government confirmed his return to custody.
The news was celebrated by President Trump publicly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bulldozers have started clearing land in Big Bend National Park, Texas, as part of President Trump’s expanded border security construction. The work is focused on building roads and barriers along the US-Mexico border in a scenic and protected area, despite opposition from local groups and officials.
Key Facts
Bulldozers began work at Santa Elena Canyon, a popular spot in Big Bend National Park.
The construction is part of a new “smart wall” initiative funded by a $46.5 billion border security bill signed by President Trump in 2023.
Big Bend National Park covers 800,000 acres and has seen very few illegal border crossings in recent years.
Border patrol agents made about 100-125 arrests annually in the park area before President Trump’s immigration crackdown started in 2025.
The original plan to build a 30-foot steel wall was changed to more limited barriers and patrol roads after public backlash.
The Department of Homeland Security waived many environmental and cultural protection laws to speed up the construction.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initially denied and then confirmed bulldozer activity linked to soil assessment and construction preparation.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said the barriers and roads are needed to reduce cartel-related fear in the park area.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed for over 200 days without stopping at a port, which is an unusually long time. A Marine Corps veteran and Military Times editor spoke about the difficult conditions the crew faced during this deployment.
Key Facts
The USS Lincoln has spent more than 200 days continuously at sea without a port stop.
Such a long deployment without a break is rare and considered abnormal.
Reports have emerged about poor living and working conditions on the ship.
Jonathan Simkins, a Marine Corps veteran, commented on these conditions during a CBS News interview.
Extended deployments can affect the physical and mental well-being of service members.
The USS Lincoln’s lengthy mission broke previous records for time spent at sea without a port call.
The interview was broadcast on the CBS News 24/7 channel.
The discussion highlights challenges faced by military personnel during long deployments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
California lawmakers stopped a bill that would explore bringing grizzly bears back to the state. The bill asked the state to study if reintroducing grizzly bears is possible and safe, but concerns about conflicts with people and livestock led to its rejection.
Key Facts
The bill, Senate Bill 1305, was proposed by Senator Laura Richardson.
It aimed to have the California Department of Fish and Wildlife make a plan to consider reintroducing grizzly bears.
The Assembly Appropriations Committee killed the bill without discussion or public input.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks said the state needs to find better ways for people and wildlife to live together before bringing back grizzlies.
Grizzly bears once lived all over California but were wiped out by the 1920s.
The grizzly bear appears on the California state flag as a symbol.
Supporters included two Native American tribes and environmental groups who want to restore the ecosystem.
Opponents included ranchers and rural communities worried about more conflicts with predators and livestock.
The bill did not include funding for the study but allowed future lawmakers or groups to fund it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge in South Carolina moved Alex Murdaugh’s murder retrial from a small rural county to a different location due to heavy publicity and conflicts of interest. The judge postponed ruling on the defense’s request to dismiss the case, which questions the integrity of investigators involved in the original indictment.
Key Facts
Alex Murdaugh’s previous murder conviction and life sentence were overturned by South Carolina’s Supreme Court.
Murdaugh is accused of killing his wife and son.
The retrial was moved out of Colleton County because of intense media attention and the Murdaugh family’s deep community ties.
A court clerk was found to have possibly influenced the first jury, leading to the overturn.
Defense lawyers claim a chief state investigator lied to the grand jury, and another investigator was fired for misconduct.
Murdaugh appeared in court wearing a coat and tie and was not required to wear a prison jumpsuit in this hearing.
The judge will decide on the new trial location after reviewing logistics and availability.
Arguments to dismiss the case have been delayed and not yet heard by the judge.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 in Manhattan. Mangione admitted planning the attack in advance and faces a life sentence; state charges are still pending.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione, 28, admitted to fatally shooting Brian Thompson, 50, in Manhattan in December 2024.
The shooting happened as Thompson was entering a hotel in midtown Manhattan.
Mangione used a 3-D-printed gun equipped with a silencer and magazine.
He planned the attack after experiencing pain related to the healthcare system.
Mangione traveled across state lines to New York for a UnitedHealthcare investor conference.
He pleaded guilty to federal charges of interstate stalking resulting in death.
Mangione’s attorneys argue that his federal plea means state charges should be dismissed due to double jeopardy rules.
The Manhattan District Attorney says they will continue with the state prosecution despite the federal plea.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said that the USS Abraham Lincoln’s deployment, which lasted nearly nine months, was still "not nearly long enough." The aircraft carrier has been involved in U.S. operations against Iran, and concerns have been raised about the mental health of sailors and supply problems during this long deployment.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed for over 260 days, supporting U.S. military actions against Iran.
President Trump said the deployment was not too long and mentioned the ship is being replaced soon by another aircraft carrier.
Some Democratic lawmakers have asked the Pentagon to explain conditions on the ship amid reports of mental health and supply issues.
The Navy said it has not seen an increase in suicide attempts or thoughts on the Lincoln but did not provide detailed data.
A sailor went overboard in early August but was rescued and given medical care; it’s unclear if this was a suicide attempt.
The USS George Washington recently left Vietnam to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.
The U.S. military continues to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz and may maintain the blockade indefinitely.
Some lawmakers and veterans criticized President Trump’s comments, saying they show disregard for the well-being of service members and their families.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, son of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, said the U.S. government took away his visa. He accused officials working under President Donald Trump of targeting him for political reasons and wrote a letter to President Trump about the issue.
Key Facts
Andrés Manuel López Beltrán is the son of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The U.S. government revoked López Beltrán’s visa.
He claims top U.S. diplomats under President Trump targeted him politically.
He addressed a letter directly to President Donald Trump regarding the visa revocation.
The letter was released publicly on a Thursday.
Marco Rubio is mentioned as the U.S. Secretary of State in the article.
The issue involves U.S.-Mexico political tensions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s administration has asked the US Supreme Court to allow construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House to continue. A lower court had stopped the project, saying Congress must approve changes to the White House’s appearance, but the government argues the ballroom is needed for national security.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice asked the Supreme Court to pause a lower court’s order halting the ballroom construction.
The project costs $400 million and involves building a large ballroom at the White House’s East Wing.
A US appeals court ruled that Congress must approve such above-ground changes to the White House before construction can proceed.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop the project after construction started.
President Trump says the ballroom is needed for secure events and includes bomb shelters and protection from drones and missiles.
The project cost has grown and is no longer fully funded by outside donations, despite earlier claims.
Construction was ordered halted by August 21, but the DOJ has 14 days to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Critics say this ballroom is part of a wider plan by President Trump to reshape Washington, including other large construction projects.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticizing the federal response to a large outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness linked to contaminated lettuce. Warren expressed concerns about mistakes in handling the outbreak and raised questions about possible political influence delaying warnings to the public.
Key Facts
At least 24,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in 47 states, with two deaths and over 740 hospitalizations.
This outbreak is much larger than the usual 3,000 cases per year.
The outbreak has been traced mainly to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, linked to about 10,000 cases in 17 states.
Senator Warren said Taco Bell provided clearer safety guidance than federal agencies like the FDA and CDC.
Taylor Farms made a $1 million donation in 2025 to a political action committee aligned with President Trump.
Warren’s letter suggests the White House may have helped Taylor Farms delay public warnings about the tainted lettuce.
Federal agencies tried to contact Taylor Farms for quick action, but the company missed the FDA’s 24-hour response deadline.
Taylor Farms says it prioritizes science and consumer health and denies any improper political influence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Michael Boren, a top agriculture official who oversees the US Forest Service, contacted staff to ask why more planes were not used to fight a small wildfire near his Idaho ranch. The fire started from an unattended campfire, burned about 7 acres, and was fully contained within a few days. Officials said the firefighting effort was larger than usual for a fire of this size, but a USDA spokesperson said Boren did not pressure staff to send more resources.
Key Facts
Michael Boren is the US undersecretary of agriculture overseeing the US Forest Service.
A fire near Boren’s 480-acre ranch in Idaho started around July 12 from an unattended campfire.
The Cabin Creek fire burned about 7 acres and was 100% contained by July 15.
Boren contacted forest service officials multiple times about the fire response.
Approximately nine aircraft, including helicopters and air tankers, fought the fire.
Some aircraft were diverted from other fires in Idaho to fight this blaze.
Six current and former forest service officials said the response was bigger than normal for such a small fire.
A USDA spokesperson said Boren’s contacts were normal and he did not order or pressure more resources to fight the fire.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
