A Texas family is advocating for a permanent ban on 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid sold as “enhanced kratom,” after their son, Sam, died from its effects. Federal regulators are planning to classify 7-OH and related substances as Schedule I opioids due to rising overdoses and increased availability in gas stations and vape stores.
Key Facts
Sam, a young man from Texas, died after using 7-OH, a strong opioid sold as kratom.
His family says Sam thought he was using regular kratom, not realizing 7-OH is addictive and dangerous.
7-OH is being sold in gas stations and vape shops often labeled as “enhanced kratom.”
Federal agencies are moving to classify 7-OH and similar products as Schedule I opioids, the most restricted category.
Sam was creative, artistic, and loved music, nature, and entertaining people.
His family only discovered he was using 7-OH after his death and learned it was sold cheaply and easily.
The family visited the stores where Sam bought 7-OH and confirmed it was sold as a stronger alternative to kratom.
Public health officials warn these products may be fueling a new wave of opioid addiction and overdoses.
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Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, said that the “woke 1” era and its effects are still ongoing. He linked this period to a rise in violent crimes until President Donald Trump took office.
Key Facts
Stephen Miller spoke on Wednesday about the "woke 1" era.
He said the impacts of this period have not ended.
Miller connected the “woke 1” era to a large increase in murders.
He mentioned that the increase in crime stopped when President Donald Trump began his term.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had recently made comments about the "woke 1" era.
Miller’s remarks were made in a political context regarding crime and policy.
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The U.S. Department of Justice said California did not do enough to stop sexual abuse and harassment of female prisoners. The DOJ focused on two women’s prisons run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice made the allegations public on a Thursday.
The accusations are against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
The two prisons involved are the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and another women’s prison.
The DOJ claims female prisoners were sexually abused and harassed by staff members.
The DOJ says California failed to protect inmates from these abuses.
The issue highlights problems in the prison system regarding prisoner safety.
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The Kennedy Center board voted to close the center for two years and put President Donald Trump’s name back on the building. This decision comes after a court ordered the removal of Trump’s name, leading to ongoing legal disputes and criticism from some board members.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center board decided to close the center for two years.
The board also voted to restore President Trump’s name to the building.
A court had previously ordered Trump’s name to be removed.
Representative Joyce Beatty, a board member, criticized the move and said it ignores Congress’s authority.
Last year, the center was renamed to include Trump’s name, causing controversy and legal battles.
A judge ruled only Congress can change the building’s name, not the board.
The closure was chosen over other options like partial or phased closures for repairs.
The Kennedy Center is involved in lawsuits, including one where a musician was awarded $250,000 after canceling a performance due to the renaming.
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Vice President J.D. Vance warned Republicans that they risk losing young voters if they fail to address their economic concerns. He said Republicans should not blame young people for supporting socialism but should focus on addressing the issues that lead to that support.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance spoke to Republicans about the rising popularity of socialism among young people.
He said ignoring economic problems is not a good way to respond to socialism’s appeal.
Vance suggested that young voters’ interest in socialism comes from real economic concerns.
He warned GOP members that they could lose young voters if they don’t address these issues.
The message aimed to urge Republicans to engage more effectively with younger generations on economic topics.
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A Texas federal judge's order has stopped certain federal rules on firearm suppressors (silencers) and specific guns, allowing people to buy them without registering or extra background checks. The U.S. Justice Department did not appeal the ruling within a seven-day deadline, so the order took effect, but it only applies in parts of Texas and is not a nationwide rule.
Key Facts
The court order affects suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and some other firearms.
It removes the requirement to register these items and removes an additional background check step.
The ruling came from U.S. District Judge James Hendrix in Lubbock, Texas.
Judge Hendrix said the regulations from a 1930s law are unconstitutional, especially after Congress and President Donald Trump removed a $200 tax on these devices.
The Justice Department did not file an appeal within seven days, which allowed the order to take effect.
The order benefits some gun dealers and owners in Texas but is not a national law.
Some states still have their own rules banning silencers.
Gun rights groups see this as a victory, while gun safety groups argue the regulations are still needed to protect public safety.
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Democrats in the Senate have asked the Department of Defense for details about the long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for over eight months during the war with Iran. There are reports of problems like supply shortages, water issues, and mental health concerns among sailors, but Navy officials say the situation is under control with no increase in suicide attempts.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for more than 250 days, with over 200 days without docking at a port.
Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao requesting more information.
Reported issues include shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing problems, mental health concerns, and delayed mail delivery.
A sailor reportedly went overboard in early August but was rescued; the event is under investigation.
Defense Secretary Hegseth denies reports of serious problems and says all needs for the crew are being met.
Navy officials report no increase in suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts on the ship.
The ship’s deployment was initially planned for six months but was extended to about nine months due to the war with Iran.
About 5,000 sailors aboard have access to mental health support and chaplains.
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The Shield of the Americas is a U.S.-led coalition of 19 countries in the Western Hemisphere working together to fight drug cartels and criminal groups. President Donald Trump's administration supports this alliance with military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and security assistance, including $1 billion pledged to Colombia.
Key Facts
Colombia recently joined the Shield of the Americas as the 19th member country.
The coalition focuses on fighting drug trafficking organizations labeled as terrorist groups.
It started with 12 countries in March and has expanded to nearly all countries in the Americas except Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, and Canada.
Countries cooperate through intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and mutual assistance requests.
The U.S. created a Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere to coordinate military actions within the alliance.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and special envoy Kristi Noem represent the Trump administration in this initiative.
The coalition held a recent meeting in Panama, highlighting the importance of the Panama Canal in U.S. policy.
The U.S. encourages coalition members to withdraw from the International Criminal Court over investigations into U.S. military actions against drug traffickers.
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A woman named Carolina Molina shared a video showing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent pointing a gun at her in Falls Church, Virginia. The Department of Homeland Security claims Molina tried to harm officers with her car, but Molina denies this.
Key Facts
Carolina Molina was delivering business cards when ICE agents surrounded her car.
She recorded and posted a video of an ICE agent pointing a gun at her.
The video has been viewed by millions on Instagram.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says Molina tried to use her vehicle as a weapon against officers.
Molina denies the claim that she tried to harm the agents.
BBC Verify reviewed the dashcam footage related to the incident.
The event took place in Falls Church, Virginia.
The situation is under public and media attention due to the video’s popularity.
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Conservative commentator Scott Jennings said that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is continuing the socialist movement in the Democratic Party started by Senator Bernie Sanders. He called her the main leader inspiring people in that group.
Key Facts
Scott Jennings is a conservative commentator.
He spoke about Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday.
Jennings described Ocasio-Cortez as the heir to the Democratic Party’s socialist movement.
He said Senator Bernie Sanders began this movement.
Jennings called Ocasio-Cortez the inspirational leader of this movement.
The movement represents a growing socialist energy within the Democratic Party.
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A federal appeals court decided not to rule on whether President Trump properly used the Alien Enemies Act to speed up deportations. The court said the main legal challenge was no longer relevant, so they did not address the larger questions in the case.
Key Facts
The appeals court avoided deciding on the legality of President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act.
This Act is rarely used and was invoked to speed up deportations during the early months of President Trump’s administration.
The case returned to the appeals court after being sent back from the Supreme Court.
The court ruled the key challenge in the case was moot, meaning it was no longer a live issue.
The case involved questions about immigration enforcement under President Trump’s policies.
The ruling means the court did not settle whether the deportations under this law were lawful.
The Alien Enemies Act allows the government to take actions against foreign nationals from countries the U.S. is at war with.
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President Donald Trump signed a memo that encourages private companies to help the U.S. fight international cyber crimes. This marks a major change in how the U.S. approaches cybersecurity, involving more cooperation between the government and private sector.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a memo expanding private sector involvement in U.S. cyber offense.
The focus is on fighting transnational cyber criminal groups, which operate across countries.
The National Coordination Center is tasked with creating a program to involve private firms.
This initiative could be one of the biggest changes in U.S. cyber policy so far.
Private companies may share their cyber tools and information to help government efforts.
The goal is to improve the United States’ ability to prevent and respond to cyber attacks.
The memo signals closer collaboration between the government and private technology firms.
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Lake Mead, the largest water reservoir in the United States, has dropped to its lowest water level on record. Millions of people in the western U.S. rely on water from the Colorado River for everyday uses such as drinking, electricity, and farming.
Key Facts
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States.
The water level in Lake Mead has reached a new record low.
The Colorado River provides water for millions of people.
People use this water for drinking, generating power, and farming.
The Western U.S. is facing challenges with its water supply.
The situation was reported by Bill Whitaker in 2021.
Water shortages affect homes and agriculture in the region.
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The Kennedy Center board approved adding President Donald Trump’s name to the performing arts building. They decided to place an inscription below the center’s name saying it was “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump,” after a judge had blocked an earlier attempt to rename the center after him.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center board voted to include President Trump’s name on the building.
The inscription will read: “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump.”
This decision came months after a judge stopped a previous renaming effort.
The inscription will be placed underneath the Kennedy Center’s main name.
The change recognizes President Trump’s role in renovating the center.
The board is aligned with President Trump’s interests.
The Kennedy Center is a major performing arts venue.
The judge’s earlier block prevented the building from being renamed entirely after President Trump.
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The World War II Memorial fountain in Washington, D.C. was vandalized with bright paint and bubble soap. Authorities closed the site and started investigating, while groups dedicated to preserving the memorial condemned the act.
Key Facts
The fountain at the World War II Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial was defaced with bright green and pink paint and bubbles from soap.
The memorial was closed to the public and media after the vandalism was discovered.
The Department of the Interior called the vandalism a disgrace and said the U.S. Park Police are investigating.
The World War II Memorial honors 16 million Americans who served and over 400,000 who died in World War II.
The memorial features 56 granite pillars for U.S. states and territories and two arches symbolizing the Atlantic and Pacific war theaters.
The nonprofit Friends of the National World War II Memorial condemned the vandalism as unacceptable.
The site is one of the most visited in Washington, D.C., hosting major remembrance ceremonies.
The Trump administration has been working on renovating Washington memorials, including a recent modernization project for the World War II Memorial’s infrastructure.
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Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's envoy and son-in-law, plans to visit Israel next week to discuss the situation in Gaza and the U.S. plan to disarm Hamas. The visit aims to coordinate with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, amid political tensions before Israel’s October election.
Key Facts
Kushner will visit Israel for talks about Gaza, focusing on disarming Hamas and Israeli military withdrawal.
This will be Kushner’s first trip to Israel since January.
President Trump’s Board of Peace announced an agreement with Hamas for disarmament and a new Palestinian government.
Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly rejected the plan but promised to try it and reduce attacks on Gaza.
Israel has since conducted fewer strikes and pulled back troops to agreed positions.
Kushner will be joined by Nickolay Mladenov, the Gaza Board of Peace “high representative.”
The White House wants to avoid election politics blocking progress on the Gaza plan.
Netanyahu faces pressure from coalition partners and opponents as the October election approaches.
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Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a state of emergency after heavy storms caused record rainfall and severe flooding in parts of the state on Wednesday. The floods have impacted communities and triggered emergency response efforts.
Key Facts
Indiana experienced record rainfall that caused severe flooding.
The flooding occurred on Wednesday.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a state of emergency.
The emergency declaration allows the government to provide extra support and resources.
Flooding affected several parts of the state.
Emergency crews are responding to the situation.
The declaration helps people and communities recover faster.
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Karoline Leavitt will resign as White House press secretary at the end of the month. Several people are considered possible replacements, including current White House staff and close allies of President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary to spend more time with her family.
Stephen Cheung, the White House communications director, is a possible candidate.
Alina Habba, a former personal lawyer for President Trump and vocal defender, is also seen as a frontrunner.
Anna Kelly, principal deputy press secretary and former spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 campaign, is another contender.
Katie Miller, wife of a top White House aide and former press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence, has media experience and is considered.
Taylor Budowich, a former White House deputy chief of staff who recently left the government, might also compete for the role.
The position is important because the press secretary talks to the media and represents the administration publicly.
This change comes during President Donald Trump’s second term in office.
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Senator Bill Cassidy expressed trust in the new CDC Director, Erica Schwartz, to support scientific evidence and not enforce President Donald Trump's executive order that aims to change the childhood vaccine schedule. Cassidy hopes Schwartz will make decisions based on science rather than politics.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is from Louisiana and is a Republican.
Erica Schwartz is the new Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
President Donald Trump issued an executive order seeking major changes to the childhood vaccine schedule.
Senator Cassidy believes Schwartz will protect science in making vaccine decisions.
Cassidy expects Schwartz not to carry out the changes demanded by the president’s order.
The childhood vaccine schedule is the recommended timeline for when children should receive vaccines.
Cassidy is the chair of a Senate committee relevant to health or science policy.
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The Kennedy Center board voted to add President Donald Trump's name to the front of the building, despite a judge ordering its removal. The decision followed a legal dispute over whether the center could rename itself to include President Trump's name and plans to close for renovations.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center board decided to add the words "Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump" to the center's formal name.
This move comes after a judge ruled in May that renaming the center after both John F. Kennedy and President Trump broke federal law.
The judge also blocked the center's plan to close until 2028 for renovations.
Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, a board member, filed the lawsuit and opposes the board’s decision.
The board is accused of trying to bypass the court’s ruling.
President Trump filled the center’s board with his supporters.
A spokesperson praised President Trump’s leadership of the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center has not yet commented publicly on the latest vote.
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