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The White House says that President Donald Trump gave $45,000 cash gifts to three White House employees for the holidays, including Natalie Harp, and that these gifts follow federal law and ethics rules. Some experts have raised concerns that such large cash gifts may violate rules against supplementing federal salaries, but others say it depends on the reasons behind the payments.
Key Facts
President Trump gave $45,000 cash holiday gifts to Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris, who work in the White House.
Each recipient also earns a government salary of about $150,000 a year.
Walt Nauta, another White House employee, received a $20,000 gift from Trump.
The White House said these gifts are a long-standing practice and do not relate to official duties.
Some ethics experts worry the gifts could break laws that forbid private payments adding to federal salaries.
Others say it’s unclear if the gifts violate any laws without knowing the exact reasons for giving the money.
Large payments like these could cause legal or ethics investigations if they are seen as bonus pay for government work.
Natalie Harp’s role close to President Trump has recently drawn public attention and scrutiny.
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The jury in the Lindsay Clancy trial could not agree on a verdict, leading to a mistrial. Most jurors believed Clancy was not guilty by reason of insanity due to postpartum psychosis, but one juror disagreed, causing a deadlock.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy was on trial for the murder of her three children.
Clancy admitted to the killings, but her defense said she suffered from postpartum psychosis, a serious mental illness after childbirth.
Prosecutors argued Clancy made a clear, planned decision to kill her children.
The jury had 12 members: nine women and three men.
Three female jurors, including the jury foreperson, spoke publicly after the trial ended.
Most jurors wanted to find Clancy not guilty by reason of insanity, but one male juror held out, creating reasonable doubt but rejecting that verdict.
The jury's deliberations involved emotional moments, disagreements, and even yelling.
Massachusetts law requires the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Clancy was responsible for her actions, not the defense to prove insanity.
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Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic primary in New Hampshire for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Chris Pappas. She narrowly defeated Maura Sullivan, the state Democratic Party Vice Chair, with most votes counted.
Key Facts
Stefany Shaheen is a health technology entrepreneur.
She is the daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire.
The primary was closely contested against Maura Sullivan.
Maura Sullivan is the state Democratic Party Vice Chair and a former senior official.
The seat is open because Representative Chris Pappas is leaving.
About 90% of precincts had reported results at the time.
The source reporting the results is Decision Desk HQ.
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A Singaporean man, Malone Lam, pleaded guilty in the US to leading a group that stole $245 million in bitcoin. The group used the stolen money to buy luxury goods and spent large amounts at nightclubs. Lam faces up to 20 years in prison.
Key Facts
Malone Lam, 22, admitted to running a criminal group stealing cryptocurrency.
The theft involved $245 million in bitcoin.
The group laundered the stolen money, meaning they tried to hide its illegal origin.
Money was spent on expensive cars, watches, clothes, handbags, private jets, and parties.
The group included people from various US states and outside the US who met online through gaming platforms.
They tricked victims into giving private information and sometimes broke into homes to get access to cryptocurrency wallets.
Lam used online nicknames like Anne Hathaway, $$$, and King Greavy.
US authorities say the conspiracy lasted from late 2023 until at least May 2025.
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President Donald Trump gave large holiday cash gifts to four White House aides, as shown in newly released financial disclosures. The gifts ranged from $20,000 to $45,000 and were separate from their government salaries.
Key Facts
President Trump gave $45,000 each to Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris, and $20,000 to Walt Nauta as holiday gifts.
Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris each earn $150,000 per year; Walt Nauta earns $175,000 annually.
These cash gifts were listed in the aides’ annual financial disclosures published by the White House.
A White House official said Trump often gives Christmas gifts to people close to him, both in government and private work.
The gifts are not related to the aides’ official government duties and are allowed under legal and ethical rules.
Natalie Harp is regularly with President Trump and helps by printing media coverage and social media posts.
Margo Martin worked with Trump during his first term, followed him to Florida after 2020, and returned to the White House after his 2024 win.
Walt Nauta was previously charged alongside Trump in a case about classified documents but the charges were dismissed in 2024.
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North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced that a large food bank in Charlotte received 270,000 eggs donated through a legal settlement with three big egg producers. This donation is part of an ongoing effort to help food banks in multiple cities across the state.
Key Facts
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is a Democrat.
The donation comes from an antitrust settlement with three major egg producers.
The Charlotte food bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, received 270,000 eggs.
Food banks in Raleigh and Winston-Salem have already received egg donations.
The settlement aims to provide food support through these egg donations to several food banks.
This action is part of the state’s efforts to address food insecurity using legal settlements.
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating an Amazon cargo plane crash in Miami that killed five people on the ground. Investigators plan to interview the two pilots, review flight data, and gather evidence to find out why the plane overshot the runway during landing.
Key Facts
The cargo plane crashed on Sunday after overshooting a runway at Miami International Airport.
Five people on the ground died in the accident.
The two pilots, a 55-year-old captain and a 37-year-old first officer, were released from the hospital and will be interviewed by the NTSB.
Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were recovered and contain detailed information about the flight.
The plane was a Boeing 767-33, carrying about 32,000 pounds of cargo, mostly contact lenses.
Investigators found no signs that speed brakes or thrust reversers were used during landing.
The plane stopped about 1,300 feet beyond the runway, hitting vehicles before catching fire.
The NTSB team is also talking to air traffic controllers and others present at the time of the crash.
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Tung Chee-hwa, the first leader of Hong Kong after it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, has died at 89. He served as chief executive during difficult times, including economic crisis, health outbreaks, and major protests, and resigned in 2005.
Key Facts
Tung Chee-hwa became Hong Kong’s first chief executive in July 1997 after Britain handed the city back to China.
He was born in Shanghai in 1937 and studied mechanical engineering in the UK.
Before politics, he led his family’s shipping company, Orient Overseas.
His time as leader included the Asian Financial Crisis and two health epidemics: bird flu and SARS.
In 2003, half a million people protested a proposed national security law that many feared would reduce their freedoms.
Tung resigned in 2005, with health reasons cited, though some said he faced pressure from Beijing.
Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, which officials say keeps order but critics say limits freedoms.
Tung died surrounded by family, and his office praised his character and dedication.
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Missouri House candidate Bekki Brewer deleted a photo showing her next to an “8647” sign after it sparked claims that it promoted violence against President Donald Trump. Brewer said the sign referred to the 25th Amendment, which deals with removing a president unable to serve, and stated she does not support political violence.
Key Facts
Bekki Brewer is running for Missouri House District 44 as a Democrat.
A photo of Brewer standing beside a man holding an “8647” sign went viral online.
The “8647” phrase combines “86” (slang for getting rid of) and “47,” Trump’s number as the 47th president.
Some people say the sign calls for violence against President Trump, but Brewer says it refers to the 25th Amendment.
The 25th Amendment allows the removal of a president who cannot do their job.
Brewer deleted the photo and said she does not support political violence.
The “8647” slogan has attracted federal investigation, including incidents at the National Mall and the Texas State Fair.
Brewer plans to speak at a community event and wants to focus on local issues rather than the controversy.
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The National Park Service expects to restore the Grand Canyon’s water supply within weeks after a flash flood damaged the main water pipeline. The damage did not affect most of a new pipeline project, and temporary water intake construction will begin soon to provide water while repairs continue.
Key Facts
A flash flood on August 29 caused two deaths, left one person missing, and led to about 80 rescues at the Grand Canyon.
The main water pipeline, the 12.5-mile Transcanyon Waterline, was damaged but most of a near-complete upgrade project was not affected.
The pipeline supplies water to millions of visitors and about 1,600 residents of the Grand Canyon Village.
Officials plan to build a temporary water intake this week to provide water at pre-flood levels.
The ongoing repair and upgrade project costs more than $200 million and will secure water supply for over 50 years.
Water conservation is currently encouraged for residents and tourists due to limited stored water.
Overnight stays at the park have paused three times since August 2024 because of pipeline failures.
Residents are adapting by conserving water in daily activities like limiting showers and reusing water.
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A corruption inquiry (ICAC) is investigating claims that a political operative, Jeremy Greenwood, and others received payments from a fugitive property developer, Jean Nassif, in exchange for fast-tracking development projects. Greenwood denied inventing a colorful paper note said to be proof of their agreement, and key figures related to the case have denied wrongdoing or are yet to give evidence.
Key Facts
Jeremy Greenwood is a political operative who told ICAC about an agreement with developer Jean Nassif involving payments for fast-tracking projects.
The agreement allegedly involved $1 million per project for up to five projects, totaling up to $5 million.
Greenwood described a pink or fuchsia folded note as the only written proof of this deal.
Greenwood, Charles Perrottet, and Christian Ellis are accused of sharing about $2 million in payments from Nassif between 2020 and 2023.
Charles Perrottet and Greenwood deny accepting illegal donations; Ellis is overseas and not participating in hearings.
Dominic Perrottet, former premier and brother of Charles, is not involved in the investigation.
Greenwood said a lawyer friend, Sharangan Maheswaran, acted for him and had a verbal payment agreement, raising possible conflict of interest issues.
Jean Nassif, the developer, is a fugitive and was expected to appear by video, but delayed with a medical certificate.
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A recent poll shows Democrat Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya are close in the race for Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat, with Flanagan slightly ahead. The contest is competitive as both candidates prepare for the November midterm election to replace Democratic Senator Tina Smith.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted from August 31 to September 2 with 1,201 likely voters and has a 3 percent margin of error.
Flanagan leads Tafoya 44% to 42%, with 4% supporting other candidates and 8% undecided.
The Senate seat is open because Democratic Senator Tina Smith is leaving.
Flanagan is Minnesota’s current lieutenant governor and won the Democratic nomination by defeating Representative Angie Craig.
Tafoya is a former NFL sideline reporter and the Republican nominee.
The race is considered competitive and is rated as likely Democratic by The Cook Political Report.
The poll was done by TIPP/League of American Workers, a conservative group led by a former Trump adviser.
Both candidates' campaigns criticized each other, highlighting their different political positions and records.
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Rep. Chris Pappas, a Democrat, and former Sen. John E. Sununu, a Republican, will compete in November for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat. Both candidates won their primary elections, making this race important as Republicans try to gain more seats in the Senate.
Key Facts
Chris Pappas is a Democratic member of the House of Representatives.
John E. Sununu is a former Republican senator.
They each won their party’s primary races in New Hampshire.
The Senate seat is currently open, meaning no incumbent is running.
Republicans see this race as a good chance to gain a Senate seat.
New Hampshire has not elected a Republican senator since 2010.
The election will take place in November 2024.
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A driveway collapsed at actor Nicolas Cage’s coastal mansion in Malibu, creating a large hole and causing a gas leak early Tuesday morning. Authorities managed the leak and shut off gas to part of the street as a safety measure because of coastal erosion risks.
Key Facts
The driveway of Nicolas Cage’s Malibu mansion collapsed on Tuesday morning.
The collapse caused a gas leak just before 6 a.m. which was later controlled.
Gas services were temporarily cut off to an 85-foot section of the street as a safety step.
The collapse happened after coastal flooding and rough conditions caused by Tropical Storm Marie.
Malibu officials banned entry to five homes on the street, including Cage’s, due to safety concerns.
The mansion was sold to Nicolas Cage in 2024 according to property records.
The neighborhood is near the ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway.
Nicolas Cage is an actor known for many films and recent TV work, including playing John Madden in a new movie.
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The trial of Lindsay Clancy, accused of killing her three children, ended in a mistrial because the jury could not agree on a verdict. One juror had doubts about her guilt but refused to find her not guilty by reason of insanity.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is accused of murdering her three children in January 2023.
She admitted to killing them but claimed she had a mental illness at the time.
The jury could not decide on a verdict after deliberating.
One juror expressed reasonable doubt but would not agree to acquit Clancy based on insanity.
The jury foreperson said evidence showed Clancy loved her children and may have had a mental break.
The judge declared a mistrial due to the deadlocked jury.
Clancy is currently held in a psychiatric hospital.
A new court hearing is scheduled for 29 September, with no decision yet on a retrial.
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ABC will not renew Jimmy Kimmel’s contract after 2027, which means the current 24th season of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will be the show’s last. Jimmy Kimmel has hosted the late-night talk show on ABC since 2003.
Key Facts
ABC will end Jimmy Kimmel’s contract in 2027.
The 24th season of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is expected to be the final season.
Jimmy Kimmel has been hosting the show since 2003.
This information was reported by Page Six, citing a source close to the situation.
ABC has confirmed it will not extend the contract beyond 2027.
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Australia is planning more sanctions against Israel but will not ban trade with Israeli settlements like the UK has. Several countries, including the UK, Canada, France, and nine European nations, are taking steps to punish Israel for its actions in the West Bank and support a two-state solution.
Key Facts
The UK government will ban goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, stop arms exports, and impose sanctions on individuals.
The UK foreign secretary described actions in the West Bank as unlawful and called some settlers "terrorists."
Australia will introduce targeted sanctions but will not join the blanket ban on goods from settlements, citing concerns about impacts on businesses and peace efforts.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Israeli government’s expansion of settlements and violence is harming the chance for a two-state solution.
Twelve countries, including Canada, France, and several European nations, are considering or planning trade restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements illegal under international law.
Australia's sanctions already include financial penalties and travel bans on certain Israeli officials linked to settler violence.
The measures come after tensions following Hamas attacks, the Israel-Gaza war, and an attack in Australia linked to these conflicts.
Some Australian politicians urge stronger action against Israel's settlements to support Palestinian statehood, while others criticize Australia’s approach toward Israel.
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Veterans and families have raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. They argue the project could disturb the sacred burial ground and block important views, while the Trump administration says the arch honors veterans and will start construction soon.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to build a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery.
The arch is intended to honor veterans and includes an observation deck.
Veterans groups and Gold Star families oppose the project, worried it will disrupt the cemetery and overlooks funeral services.
Retired Army Major General Paul Eaton said the arch’s placement disrupts the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.
Excavation work was announced to begin within two weeks by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
A lawsuit was filed by Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian to stop construction, citing lack of congressional approval.
Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree asked House Speaker Mike Johnson to file a lawsuit to block the project, saying Congress has not approved or funded it.
President Trump claims the arch was approved 100 years ago and says it honors veterans.
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The Mont Blanc mountain and its glaciers are melting quickly due to rising temperatures caused by climate change. This has led to more rock falls and dangerous conditions for climbers in the region. Scientists link these changes to similar climate-related disasters, such as the recent floods in Nepal.
Key Facts
Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Western Europe, located on the border between France and Italy.
Record heat waves in Europe have warmed permafrost that acts like glue, causing cliffs to break and rocks to fall.
Rock falls on Mont Blanc have increased since mid-July, making some areas hard to access or climb.
The average July temperature on the nearby Aiguille du Midi peak rose from 1.6°C in 1994 to 3.3°C in 2026.
Tarpaulins are used to cover parts of the Mer de Glace glacier to help reduce melting.
The recent floods in Nepal and China, caused by glaciers and bedrock collapsing, were worsened by climate change.
Experts see a connection between mountain changes in the Alps and extreme weather events in distant regions like the Himalayas.
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Comedian Alan Carr received the Special Recognition award at the 31st National Television Awards, celebrating his work and recent popularity. Other winners included Sir David Attenborough, who was honored as Best Presenter on his 100th birthday, and Jeremy Clarkson’s show Clarkson’s Farm, which won a Celebrity-Led Reality Docuseries award for the second year.
Key Facts
Alan Carr was surprised with the Special Recognition prize at the National Television Awards.
Carr’s show The Celebrity Traitors won the Reality Competition prize, attracting 15 million viewers in a week.
Sir David Attenborough won Best Presenter during his 100th year, breaking the winning streak of Ant and Dec.
Attenborough’s collaborator accepted the award, sharing a message about protecting the planet.
Clarkson’s Farm won the newly created Celebrity-Led Reality Docuseries award for the second year in a row.
The documentary Our Girls: The Southport Families, about children killed at a dance class, won the Authored Documentary category.
Guests, including Kelly Osbourne, expressed honor and emotional ties to nominated documentaries about personal and tragic stories.
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