Bev Craig from the Labour Party has been elected as the new Mayor of Greater Manchester, replacing Andy Burnham. Craig won after second-preference votes were counted, securing a large lead over her closest rival, Sian Astley from Reform UK.
Key Facts
Bev Craig will succeed Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester’s Mayor.
Andy Burnham stepped down to become a Member of Parliament and then Prime Minister.
Craig is the first female metro mayor in the UK.
She was previously deputy mayor for economy, business, and inclusive growth.
In the first round, Craig got 46.5% of votes; Astley got 22.2%.
Craig won after adding second-preference votes, with 309,525 votes to Astley’s 157,178.
Turnout was under 25% of more than two million eligible voters.
Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell congratulated Craig on her election win.
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Police in Arizona have shared two ransom notes related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of U.S. TV presenter Savannah Guthrie. Nancy was taken from her home near Tucson six months ago, and investigators are asking the public for help identifying the note writer.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, disappeared from her home near Tucson on January 31.
Two ransom notes were sent shortly after her abduction; one demanded $4 million in Bitcoin.
The first note promised Nancy’s safe return if ransom was paid within seven days.
The second note claimed Nancy died shortly after being taken, possibly from heart-related issues.
Police have not confirmed Nancy’s death and the case is still open.
The notes were addressed to Savannah Guthrie and her family and sent to a local TV station.
Investigators hope someone will recognize the unique language style in the notes to help find the kidnapper.
Savannah Guthrie publicly asked the kidnappers to return her mother safely.
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U.S. economic growth slowed to 1.5% in the second quarter, below earlier forecasts of 4%. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said this headline number does not show the full picture because strong domestic demand and capital investment balanced out slower growth in other areas.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy grew at a 1.5% annual rate in the second quarter, down from 2.1% in the first quarter.
Earlier forecasts expected about 4% growth in the second half of the year.
Domestic demand, including consumer spending and private investment, grew nearly 4%.
Imports increased significantly, which lowered the overall GDP growth number because they subtract from GDP calculations.
Manufacturing construction spending dropped by 22% compared to the prior year.
Manufacturing employment has stayed steady at around 12.6 million workers.
Inflation measures showed mixed results, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at 3.5% and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rising by 5.1% annually in the second quarter.
Hassett said strong investment and consumer spending suggest the economy is operating well despite slower headline GDP growth.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to record lows in recent polls, mainly due to voter concerns about the economy and inflation. Political experts say his future popularity and how history will remember his presidency depend on factors like economic performance and the ongoing Iran conflict.
Key Facts
Recent polls show President Trump’s approval rating around 32-34 percent, the lowest recorded during his terms.
Voters are frustrated with inflation and economic issues, with only 34 percent approving of Trump’s handling of the economy.
Support for U.S. military action against Iran has also declined, with 34 percent approval in one poll.
Gas prices have risen due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil.
Trump remains popular with many conservative voters but has lost support among Democrats and independents.
His approval rating is closely linked to the Republican Party’s success, especially in upcoming midterm elections.
Historians note that some presidents’ popularity improves after leaving office, while others do not, depending on their legacy and events during their tenure.
Trump reshaped the Republican Party and continues to be a key figure in it.
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The Justice Department dropped a criminal case against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New evidence showed the damage was caused by poor construction work and a rushed project, not vandalism by Hearn.
Key Facts
David Hearn was charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The Justice Department decided to dismiss the criminal case against him.
New information revealed the damage was due to contractor mistakes and rushed work before a 2026 celebration.
Hearn was arrested after touching a damaged part of the pool during a bike ride but claims he did nothing wrong.
He faced one felony count of property destruction, which could have led to 10 years in prison.
Hearn is a former Olympian who competed in three Summer Olympics.
Hearn’s lawyers say the case should never have been started and called for an apology.
A trial was scheduled for late September but will no longer proceed after the dismissal.
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Federal prosecutors dropped the vandalism charge against Olympian David "Davey" Hearn after new evidence showed that damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was caused by a poor installation, not intentional harm. Hearn was originally accused of damaging the pool's liner, but investigators found the liner started peeling soon after renovation work was completed.
Key Facts
David "Davey" Hearn is a three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist charged with felony destruction of government property.
The charge was linked to damage on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s new blue liner.
Prosecutors dismissed the case after learning the damage was due to installation defects, not vandalism.
The Reflecting Pool had recently undergone a major renovation before reopening.
Hearn said he only touched loose sections of the liner that were already peeling and denied causing damage.
Evidence showed the liner had started peeling almost immediately after installation.
The case ended with the focus shifting from Hearn to problems with the renovation work quality.
The case attracted attention because it involved a famous U.S. memorial and a well-known athlete.
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A federal contract providing legal help to thousands of unaccompanied migrant children is ending. The contract was held by the non-profit Acacia Center for Justice, which has supported these children for five years.
Key Facts
Many unaccompanied migrant children rely on legal representation.
The federal contract funding this legal aid is about to expire.
The contract was with the Acacia Center for Justice, a non-profit organization.
Acacia has provided legal services to migrant children for five years.
Without the contract renewal, many children may lose access to lawyers.
The issue was discussed by Ali Rogin and Shaina Aber, Acacia’s executive director.
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Senator John Fetterman said that President Trump does not have much power over some Republican senators who are leaving office. Three Republican senators — Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and John Cornyn — are doubtful about confirming Todd Blanche as the permanent head of the Justice Department.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman is a Democrat from Pennsylvania.
President Donald Trump is trying to make Todd Blanche the permanent Attorney General.
Todd Blanche is currently the acting head of the Justice Department.
Senators Thom Tillis (North Carolina), Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), and John Cornyn (Texas) are Republican and soon leaving office.
These three senators have expressed doubts about confirming Todd Blanche’s nomination.
Fetterman said this shows President Trump has little control over some GOP senators during this "lame-duck" period (when senators are finishing their terms).
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David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart spoke about recent political events on a news show. They discussed Todd Blanche’s delayed approval as attorney general, President Trump’s plan called the “anti-weaponization fund,” problems within the Democratic National Committee, and dropped charges related to vandalism in the Reflection Poll case.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche’s confirmation to be attorney general has been delayed or stalled.
President Trump has introduced an “anti-weaponization fund.”
There is ongoing turmoil or conflict within the Democratic National Committee.
Charges for vandalism connected to the Reflection Poll have been dropped.
David Brooks is a commentator from The Atlantic.
Jonathan Capehart is a commentator from MS NOW.
Geoff Bennett hosted the discussion on the political week.
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The Justice Department dropped the criminal case against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New information showed that the damage was due to poor construction and rushed work, not vandalism.
Key Facts
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The damage was initially blamed on Hearn causing at least $1,000 in harm, a felony with up to 10 years in prison.
The government later found that poor installation by contractors and fast work before America 250 events caused the damage.
Lawyers for Hearn said the case should never have been started and called for an apology.
Hearn pleaded not guilty and was scheduled for trial on September 28, 2026.
He was detained for five hours by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police after touching the pool’s coating during a bike ride.
Hearn competed in three Summer Olympics, with his best finish being ninth place in 1996.
The prosecution was seen by Hearn and supporters as politically motivated by the Trump administration.
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Federal prosecutors asked a judge to drop charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New information shows the damage came from a contractor's poor installation, not vandalism.
Key Facts
David Hearn was charged with felony destruction of government property.
The charge involved damaging more than $1,000 worth of sealant at the bottom of the Reflecting Pool.
The Reflecting Pool project was supported by President Donald Trump.
Prosecutors now say a contractor’s "botched installation" caused the damage.
The U.S. Attorney's Office requested the case be dismissed based on this new evidence.
Hearn denied the vandalism accusations.
The U.S. Attorney's Office and Justice Department have not commented further.
This is a developing news story and may be updated later.
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A recent survey shows that nearly one in four Americans want company CEOs to understand how hard it is to afford everyday life and to stop being greedy. Many people are concerned about the high cost of living and believe CEOs should make products cheaper, pay workers more, and treat employees better.
Key Facts
About 25% of Americans surveyed want CEOs to recognize the high cost of living and make products more affordable.
Another 23% say CEOs should share their wealth, earn less, and stop being greedy.
Affordability was the top concern for 41% of those surveyed.
The survey included 1,001 registered voters and was done in June.
In 2025, the average CEO of big U.S. companies earned $17.7 million, a 6% increase from the previous year.
The typical full-time U.S. worker earned about $64,220 in early 2026, a 3.4% increase from the year before.
Other messages Americans have for CEOs include paying workers fairly (13%) and avoiding outsourcing or replacing people with AI (7%).
A separate study found that 71% of Americans feel their income is not keeping up with the rising cost of living, especially with food prices up more than 20% since 2022.
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed near Miramar air base in San Diego, California. The pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Key Facts
The crash happened on a Friday near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
The pilot ejected just before the jet hit the ground and was transported to a local hospital.
The pilot's injuries are not life-threatening, and medical evaluation is ongoing.
Firefighters responded to a small vegetation fire caused by the crash near the site.
The F-35B is a version of the F-35 jet with a special engine for short takeoffs and vertical landings.
The crash was classified as a "Class A mishap," meaning the damage was severe, costing over $2 million or destroying the aircraft.
Since 2015, F-35 jets have had fewer crashes compared to other fighter jets when they were new, and pilot ejections are rare but have happened safely before.
The Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force operate more than 630 F-35 jets, which are expensive and advanced fighter aircraft.
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The US Senate held a hearing focused on the origins of COVID-19 and the government’s pandemic response, with Republicans, led by Senator Rand Paul, criticizing Dr. Anthony Fauci. The hearing repeated claims that COVID-19 came from a Wuhan lab but did not provide new evidence, continuing political divides on the topic.
Key Facts
The hearing was held by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Republicans questioned whether COVID-19 came from a lab in Wuhan, China, rather than naturally from animals.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the US pandemic response, faced ongoing criticism.
A 2024 Republican report suggested the virus likely started at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Experts have said claims about the virus having unnatural traits and a single origin in humans are false.
Studies show the virus likely entered humans through at least two different ways.
President Trump and Senator Rand Paul support the lab leak theory.
President Trump criticized Fauci’s ideas publicly on social media.
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A recent CBS News poll found that 75% of Americans feel their income is not enough to keep up with rising prices caused by inflation. Many people also believe that President Donald Trump is not doing enough to reduce these higher costs.
Key Facts
75% of Americans say their income isn't keeping up with inflation.
Inflation means prices for goods and services are rising.
Many people feel the cost of living is becoming harder to manage.
The poll asks about opinions on President Donald Trump’s actions on inflation.
A significant number believe President Trump is not doing enough to lower prices.
The poll results reflect concerns about the economy among U.S. citizens.
Political strategists analyzed the poll findings.
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The Justice Department is dropping the criminal case against Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Officials said the damage happened because the contractor installed the pool incorrectly.
Key Facts
David Hearn, an Olympian, faced a criminal charge for damaging the Reflecting Pool.
The Justice Department is dismissing the case against him.
The damage to the pool was caused by a poor installation by the contractor.
The DOJ acknowledges the contractor’s flawed work led to the problems.
The incident involves a well-known monument, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The decision to dismiss the case came after reviewing the cause of the damage.
This is a recent development and the story may be updated.
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Labour's Bev Craig won the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection, taking 47% of the vote and securing the position after second preferences were counted. This win marks a return of key areas to Labour, who had lost ground to Reform UK and the Green party in recent local elections.
Key Facts
Bev Craig, Labour candidate and Manchester city council leader, won the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection.
Labour received 47% of the first vote, increasing to 66.3% after second preferences were counted under the supplementary voting system.
Reform UK came second with 21% initially, rising to 33.7% after second preferences.
The byelection followed Andy Burnham’s resignation after winning a parliamentary seat.
Labour regained areas previously lost to Reform UK and Greens in local elections earlier in the year.
Nigel Farage’s decision to step down as MP affected Reform UK’s campaign.
Labour's win signals possible recovery of voters lost under earlier party leadership.
The Green party’s slight drop in support contrasted with previous gains under new leadership.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked President Donald Trump to help get permission from Elon Musk to use Starlink satellites for targeting strikes inside Russia. Musk currently allows Starlink use only within Ukraine, not inside Russia, and Trump did not give a clear answer to Zelenskyy’s request.
Key Facts
Zelenskyy met President Trump in the Oval Office and requested help to get Elon Musk’s approval for expanded Starlink use.
Starlink is a satellite communication system owned by SpaceX, Elon Musk’s company.
Ukrainians use Starlink satellites in their own territory, including areas occupied by Russia, but not inside Russia.
Zelenskyy wants to use Starlink to guide military strikes inside Russian territory.
The U.S. is limiting Patriot missile production for Ukraine due to ongoing conflicts involving Israel and Iran.
Trump appeared to back away from a commitment to give Ukraine a license to make Patriot missile interceptors.
Two NATO intelligence agencies suspect Russia is developing anti-satellite weapons that could target Starlink satellites.
Elon Musk and SpaceX have not publicly commented on Zelenskyy’s request or expanded Starlink use.
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A federal appeals court has allowed about 450,000 student loan borrowers to have their debt canceled due to a class-action lawsuit against schools that misled students. This ruling could erase roughly $23 billion in loans for those affected.
Key Facts
The court blocked the government’s request to delay debt cancellation for nearly 200,000 borrowers, adding to a total of about 450,000 eligible people.
The lawsuit started in 2019, accusing schools of lying about accreditation, job prospects, and earnings.
The case has gone through different presidents’ administrations and changes in Education Secretaries but continued processing claims.
Borrower Defense rules let students get loans forgiven if their school committed serious misconduct.
Many affected schools were for-profit colleges that have now closed.
People currently in the settlement or with pending claims linked to specific schools qualify; new applicants cannot join.
The Department of Education said it tried to meet court deadlines but disagreed with the ruling rejecting their delay request.
This effort responds to demands for relief after years of delays and litigation involving multiple government administrations.
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WNBA player Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife Cherelle Griner after eight years of marriage. The couple has a son, and Brittney is seeking joint custody and a fair division of their shared property and debts.
Key Facts
Brittney Griner filed for divorce in Fulton County, Georgia, in July 2026.
The couple married in June 2018 and separated on July 24, 2026.
They have a son named Bash, born in 2024.
Brittney is asking for joint physical custody of their son.
She wants an equitable (fair) split of their debts and assets, including both physical and non-physical property.
Cherelle Griner is an attorney and was a strong supporter when Brittney was detained in Russia in 2022.
Brittney was detained in Russia for 10 months before being released in a prisoner swap in December 2022.
Both Brittney and Cherelle have kept their personal matters private, with limited public statements.
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