Zach Lahn, a political newcomer, won the Republican primary for Iowa governor despite facing opposition from the party establishment and not being well-known. He focuses on bringing change to Iowa’s small towns, agriculture, and public health, but he faces challenges gaining support from traditional Republicans and voters concerned about the state’s economy.
Key Facts
Zach Lahn won the Iowa Republican primary for governor, defeating a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Lahn describes himself as a “change candidate” who opposes established politicians from both parties.
He is working to explain his ideas to Iowans, many of whom have not heard his message yet.
Lahn’s agricultural views differ from the traditional Republican stance, including support for regenerative farming.
Iowa voters face issues like high costs, health clinic closures, job losses in manufacturing, and struggles in farming.
His Democratic opponent is Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand.
Some Republican voters are skeptical of Lahn because he is new to politics and brings different ideas.
Lahn aims to improve public education and reduce cancer rates in Iowa.
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Injuries and deaths among children riding electric bikes (e-bikes) are increasing in the U.S., leading some prosecutors to charge parents for their children’s actions. Officials and advocates are debating whether local rules are enough or if a national law is needed to regulate e-bike use and improve safety.
Key Facts
A California prosecutor is charging some parents of children hurt or killed on e-bikes.
New York City sent warnings to online sellers for marketing illegal e-bikes after a teen died riding one.
New Jersey requires e-bike riders to be at least 15 years old with a license and vehicle registration.
Children are more likely to be seriously injured on e-bikes than on regular bikes, especially if they don’t wear helmets.
Experts say injuries happen more often because e-bikes go faster and are more powerful than traditional bicycles.
Families face confusing and different laws in each state or city about what e-bikes kids can ride.
Some parents want national safety rules to make e-bike laws clearer and protect children better.
Most e-bikes are treated like regular bicycles under federal law, so riders don’t need licenses or helmets.
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A New York City police officer, Omar Habib, was convicted for using a banned chokehold on a man during an arrest in 2023. The conviction is under a local law passed after George Floyd’s death that prohibits chokeholds and certain restraint methods. Habib faces up to seven years in prison and has been fired from the police department.
Key Facts
Omar Habib was convicted of misdemeanor chokehold use, felony strangulation, and misdemeanor assault.
The law banning chokeholds was passed in 2020 after George Floyd’s death.
Habib used the chokehold on a man who was resisting arrest at a Bronx event in 2023.
The chokehold caused the man to lose consciousness by blocking breathing and blood flow.
Habib was suspended without pay before being fired from the NYPD.
He has a history of complaints about excessive force and a prior chokehold use in 2017.
The law banning chokeholds was challenged but upheld by New York’s highest court in 2023.
Police unions argue officers face unfair prosecution and difficult trials under this law.
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U.S. intelligence agencies received a warning from Israel about a possible Iranian threat to President Donald Trump's airplane, but they questioned the credibility of the information. Despite doubts, the Secret Service took extra precautions by secretly moving President Trump to a different plane for his safety before his departure from Turkey.
Key Facts
Israeli intelligence shared information about a possible Iranian plot to attack Air Force One with the U.S. before President Trump's departure from Ankara, Turkey.
Israeli officials had not fully confirmed how credible the threat was when they passed the information to the U.S.
U.S. intelligence agencies doubted the seriousness of the threat and did not find evidence of an immediate danger.
The Secret Service recommended heightened security measures as a precaution.
President Trump was secretly moved from Air Force One to another military plane using a catering truck.
President Trump said he followed the Secret Service's instructions for his safety.
Iran has publicly expressed hostility toward President Trump since 2020.
U.S. and Turkish officials investigated the threat but found no proof of an active plot.
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Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, will not attend the vote counting at the Clacton byelection due to police warnings about a planned attempt to embarrass him. Farage claimed he would win the byelection with more votes than in the 2024 general election, while facing ongoing scrutiny over a large undeclared gift he received.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage will skip the Clacton byelection result announcement following a police warning about a plot to disrupt the event.
Farage claims he secured more votes than the 21,225 votes he won in Clacton during the 2024 general election.
The main political parties did not field candidates in this byelection, leaving Farage and novelty candidates like Count Binface to compete.
Farage resigned as Clacton's MP in July, triggering the byelection amid controversy over undisclosed gifts.
A parliamentary standards investigation is open into Farage’s acceptance of a £5 million personal gift from a Thailand-based billionaire.
Farage denies the gift was a political inducement and says it was for personal security and related to Brexit.
If found guilty of failing to declare the gift properly, Farage could be removed from Parliament and another byelection may be required.
The election result was expected between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on the morning of the report.
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A Fox News poll shows Republican Mike Rogers leading Democrat Abdul El-Sayed by 51% to 47% among Michigan registered voters in the Senate race. However, El-Sayed performs better with the most interested and motivated voters, and Democrats show higher enthusiasm than Republicans, which could impact the final outcome.
Key Facts
Mike Rogers, a Republican and former congressman, leads Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee, by 4 points in the poll.
The poll surveyed 1,006 registered Michigan voters from August 6 to 10, with a 4 to 4.5 percent margin of error.
El-Sayed leads among voters who are extremely interested, motivated, and certain to vote.
Democrats are 15 points more likely than Republicans to say they are extremely interested in the election.
Republicans currently hold a 53-45 majority in the U.S. Senate, and this race could affect which party controls the Senate.
El-Sayed has strong support from liberals, Black voters, urban residents, and voters under 30.
Rogers is favored by conservatives, white evangelical Christians, rural voters, and white men without college degrees.
Men support Rogers by 11 points, while women are nearly evenly split between the two candidates.
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A judge in Nevada dismissed criminal charges against six Republicans accused of falsely claiming President Trump won the 2020 presidential election in that state. The judge said there was not enough proof to continue the case about these so-called "fake electors."
Key Facts
Six Republicans in Nevada faced charges for falsely declaring President Trump won the 2020 election in the state.
The case involved allegations about "fake electors," people who claimed to be valid electors when they were not.
Clark County District Judge Mary Kay Holthus dismissed the criminal case.
The judge said there was insufficient evidence to prove the accusations.
This decision limits the state's ability to prosecute those involved in the fake electors scheme.
The charges related to events following the 2020 presidential election.
The ruling is significant for ongoing legal challenges linked to that election.
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President Donald Trump signed two proclamations: one places tariffs on drones and drone parts, and the other orders changes to Navy aircraft carriers and shipbuilding rules. The tariffs will start soon, and the Navy will bring back older launch systems and allow some warships to be built in foreign shipyards.
Key Facts
President Trump signed proclamations on August 13, 2026, about drones and Navy shipbuilding.
New tariffs on drones and parts will begin 21 days after signing; less sensitive parts face tariffs starting 180 days later.
Sensitive drones face a 100% tariff; smaller drones face a 25% tariff.
Drones and parts from the EU, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan face a 15% tariff; some from the UK face a 10% tariff.
The Navy will replace advanced electric launch and elevator systems on aircraft carriers with traditional steam and hydraulic systems.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is directed to create a fifth Naval shipyard.
Some American warships will be allowed to be built abroad temporarily to speed up delivery.
Foreign shipbuilders investing in U.S. shipyards will train American workers and build future ships domestically.
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The U.S. Interior Department is looking into vandalism at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Brightly colored graffiti and soap bubbles were found in the memorial's fountain, and the U.S. Park Police are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
The vandalism happened at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Bright neon orange, pink, and green graffiti was sprayed on the memorial.
Soap bubbles were found filling the memorial’s fountain.
The U.S. Interior Department is leading the investigation.
The U.S. Park Police are on site investigating the vandalism.
Officials identified the damage as caused by vandals.
The memorial honors people who served in World War II.
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Federal agents conducted a secret surveillance operation in Minneapolis targeting progressive groups, labor unions, and protesters against an immigration crackdown. The investigation, known as Operation Puppet Master, involved undercover agents attending meetings and monitoring activists, with some people later charged with obstructing federal actions.
Key Facts
Operation Puppet Master was a federal undercover surveillance program in Minneapolis earlier in 2024.
The operation focused on progressive organizations, labor unions, and protesters opposing immigration enforcement.
Federal agents infiltrated meetings in places like churches, schools, and parks.
The investigation followed reports of actions such as blockades and throwing ice chunks during protests.
The Department of Homeland Security collected information from activists, including financial records and attendance at events.
A later related operation was called Project Whipple Shield.
Defense lawyers argue these investigations were politically motivated and targeted peaceful protests.
Government officials have not publicly commented on the existence or details of the investigations.
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President Donald Trump has mentioned the law that prevents a president from serving more than two terms. He continues to hint at the possibility of running for a third term, despite this legal limit. The rule comes from a constitutional amendment that sets the two-term limit for U.S. presidents.
Key Facts
U.S. presidents are limited to two terms in office by law.
This limit is set by the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
President Trump has talked about the two-term limit being "very strong."
He still suggests he might run for president a third time.
No president in U.S. history has served more than two elected terms since this amendment.
The 22nd Amendment was created after President Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms.
The law aims to keep power from staying too long with one person.
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Body camera video shows lightning striking very close to South Dakota Highway Patrol officers while they were chasing someone on foot. The police department confirmed that none of the officers were hurt.
Key Facts
The incident happened in South Dakota during a foot pursuit.
Lightning struck just meters away from the officers.
The moment was recorded on the officers' body cameras.
No officers were injured by the lightning strike.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol shared the video publicly.
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President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to redesign a new US aircraft carrier to use steam-powered catapults instead of the modern electromagnetic system. This change affects the USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class carrier, and Pentagon leaders have 60 days to create a plan for the redesign.
Key Facts
President Trump prefers steam-powered catapults over the current electromagnetic launch system used on modern carriers.
He signed a national security memo directing the Defense Secretary and acting Navy Secretary to plan this change within 60 days.
The change concerns the USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class carrier currently two years behind schedule.
Trump has publicly criticized the electromagnetic system since 2017, calling it complicated and expensive.
Officials and military leaders have resisted the change due to high costs and complexity.
The electromagnetic launch system is integral to Ford-class carrier design and made by General Atomics.
The company producing the modern system urged careful review of Trump’s order.
Trump believes the older steam system is more reliable and easier to fix than the electromagnetic one.
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Curtis Sliwa, who ran against Mayor Zohran Mamdani in last year’s New York City mayoral race, defended Mamdani amid calls from some Republicans to keep him from attending the 9/11 memorial. Some critics oppose Mamdani’s attendance because of his political views, but Mamdani plans to attend and honor the victims of the attacks.
Key Facts
Curtis Sliwa, a Republican and former political rival of Mamdani, said Mamdani should be allowed to attend the 9/11 memorial and criticized those opposing him.
Over 85,000 people signed a petition asking the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to exclude Mayor Mamdani due to his stance on Israel.
Several Republican senators openly criticized Mamdani and suggested he should not attend the 9/11 ceremony.
Mamdani confirmed he will attend the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks to honor victims, survivors, and first responders.
Some 9/11 family members support Mamdani’s attendance, emphasizing the ceremony’s focus should be on remembering loved ones.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum tries to keep the event free from political disputes.
Mamdani faced prior criticism for missing a memorial for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and instead meeting President Donald Trump on a housing issue.
Despite being political opponents during the mayoral race, Sliwa defended Mamdani’s right to attend the memorial ceremony.
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The Congressional Black Caucus has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to review the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who disappeared on July 4 and was later found dead. Local officials are still investigating, and the case will be reviewed by a grand jury to determine if a crime occurred.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells, a teenager from Mississippi, went missing during a July 4 boat trip and was found dead days later.
The Congressional Black Caucus wants the Justice Department to conduct an independent federal review of Wells' case.
Wells’ family, lawyer Ben Crump, and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton support the call for a federal investigation.
The Jackson County Sheriff said there was no clear sign of a crime but investigators continue working to find out what happened.
The local grand jury will decide if Wells’ death involved any criminal activity after reviewing evidence and the autopsy report.
The state medical examiner’s autopsy findings have not been made public yet.
Wells’ family commissioned a private autopsy, which said the cause of death is "undetermined pending investigation."
The Department of Justice confirmed it received the request and is reviewing the case carefully.
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Senate Democrats are asking questions about the living conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier in the Middle East. The carrier has been deployed for 250 days and has not docked at a port for over 200 days, which is a new record. The Defense Secretary denied claims that conditions on the ship are bad.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln is an aircraft carrier located in the Middle East.
It has been deployed for 250 days straight.
The ship has not come ashore (docked) for more than 200 days.
This is the longest such period for this ship.
Senate Democrats, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal, want explanations about conditions on the ship.
Defense Secretary disagrees with reports about poor living conditions.
The topic is under public and media attention through CBS News.
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The White House says China has been sending goods through over 40 other countries to avoid paying U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump in 2018. This practice has led to billions of dollars in lost money for the U.S. government.
Key Facts
The U.S. government released a report called “The Great Transshipment Scam.”
The report says China routes goods through other countries to avoid tariffs.
More than 40 countries are involved, including Mexico and Israel.
This scheme has caused the U.S. to lose billions of dollars in tariff revenue.
The tariffs were put in place by President Trump starting in 2018.
The White House is highlighting this issue as a serious problem for U.S. trade.
Transshipment means sending goods through a third country before reaching the final destination.
The report aims to pressure countries and China to stop these avoidance tactics.
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A legal dispute has arisen between a California couple and their surrogate from Alaska over care for a newborn with a serious heart defect. The surrogate gave birth in Texas, where officials and courts have ordered hospitals to provide life-saving treatment for the baby, despite the couple’s wish to terminate the pregnancy earlier.
Key Facts
The surrogate, McKenna West, gave birth to a baby boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (a severe heart condition) in Texas.
The California couple, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, say West breached their surrogacy contract and have a restraining order keeping her from contacting the baby.
The couple wanted to end the pregnancy at 20 weeks after the heart defect diagnosis, but West changed her mind.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened to ensure the baby receives life-sustaining care at Texas hospitals.
West and her supporters, including anti-abortion groups, moved the birth to Texas, a state with strict abortion laws.
The baby’s medical care will begin in Texas despite the couple’s preference for treatment in California.
The surrogate’s legal team includes the conservative Christian group Alliance Defending Freedom.
The case highlights conflicts over surrogacy agreements, medical decisions, and the influence of state abortion laws.
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Luigi Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare, in New York. Mangione's lawyers are talking with federal prosecutors about a possible plea deal, while he faces both federal and state charges and has pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare.
The incident happened in New York.
Mangione faces two federal charges of stalking that resulted in death.
Each federal charge could carry a life sentence.
It is not clear which charges are being discussed in the plea talks.
Mangione also faces a separate state trial related to Thompson’s death.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges so far.
His lawyers are preparing to meet federal prosecutors for a possible plea agreement.
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The University of Michigan will use a pass/fail grading system for students in their first semester of college. This change is meant to help new students adjust to college without the pressure of regular letter grades.
Key Facts
The pass/fail system applies only to first-semester freshmen.
Students will not receive letter grades, only a pass or fail mark.
This policy aims to ease the transition from high school to college.
It may reduce stress and encourage learning without grade pressure.
The change is part of the university’s effort to support student success early on.
Detailed plans and guidelines about the system were recently shared by the university.
This grading system is new and different from the traditional point-based grading approach.
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