President Donald Trump has decided not to impose a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He said leaders from Gulf countries offered large investment and trade deals with the U.S. instead.
Key Facts
President Trump planned a 20% fee on goods moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global shipping.
He has now dropped the plan to charge this fee.
Gulf leaders proposed investing billions of dollars in the U.S. as an alternative.
The decision affects trade and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Gulf countries.
Cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for energy exports.
The change may impact U.S. economic and security interests in the region.
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A bill is being proposed to require members of Congress to provide more information when they miss votes for a long time. The bill aims to increase transparency about lawmakers’ absences without forcing them to share private medical details.
Key Facts
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. missed nearly four months of House votes due to hospitalization for depression.
Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized for weeks after a fall and pneumonia but gave limited public details.
Both faced criticism for not being transparent about their health-related absences.
Rep. Ritchie Torres is drafting the "Duty of Transparency Act" to make lawmakers file a disclosure when absent for three weeks.
The disclosure would include if they can work remotely, expected absence length, and a contact person, but not medical details.
Disclosures must be filed within five days after knowing about the absence or after three weeks of missed votes.
If a member is unable to file, their chief of staff or a designated person can do it.
The disclosures would be posted online within 48 hours and updated every 30 days.
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Writer E. Jean Carroll has received over $5.6 million following a jury verdict in her sexual abuse and defamation case against President Donald Trump. The payment was held in a special account since the 2023 verdict and was released recently.
Key Facts
A jury awarded E. Jean Carroll $5 million in her lawsuit against President Trump.
The lawsuit involved claims of sexual abuse and defamation.
The court added interest to the $5 million, raising the total payment to over $5.6 million.
The money was held in an escrow account, which is a special account to hold funds safely during legal processes.
The payment was released and received by Carroll in June 2024.
Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, confirmed the payment was made.
The original verdict occurred in 2023.
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Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at age 71 from a tear in his aorta. His death and the recent hospitalization of Senator Mitch McConnell have raised questions about the health of older U.S. politicians and how openly they share medical information with the public.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at age 71 from a torn aorta.
Senator Mitch McConnell, age 84, was hospitalized in June after a fall and was treated for mild pneumonia.
McConnell released a photo to show he was recovering, but some people still doubted his condition.
There is ongoing debate about how much health information aging politicians should share.
Some politicians and their teams have been private about health issues, causing speculation and conspiracy theories.
Senator John Cornyn called for more transparency about politicians’ health.
President Donald Trump, currently 77, has released limited health information, often giving an optimistic view of his condition.
Concerns over politician health transparency intensified after the 2020 presidential debate involving President Joe Biden.
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A report found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers used crowd control weapons improperly 412 times during immigration protests within one year. The report was created by Physicians for Human Rights and the Human Rights Center at the University of California, Berkeley.
Key Facts
ICE officers misused crowd control weapons 412 times in one year.
The weapons were used during protests related to immigration.
The report was written by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and the Human Rights Center (HRC).
The report focuses on the use of force by ICE at public demonstrations.
The analysis covers a full year of protests and ICE actions.
The report suggests these actions could be examples of excessive force.
The misuse involved tools meant to control crowds but used improperly against protesters.
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The Pentagon plans to keep the National Guard in Washington, D.C., until the next presidential inauguration on January 20, 2029. This decision is awaiting final approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Key Facts
The National Guard will remain in Washington, D.C. through January 20, 2029.
This extended deployment covers the time until the next presidential inauguration.
The plan was first reported in March.
Final approval is needed from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The National Guard is on a federal mission in the nation's capital.
The deployment continuation depends on approval and any changes in plans.
The current president is President Donald Trump, with the next inauguration set for 2029.
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Representative Byron Donalds is leading the race for the Republican nomination for Florida governor, with strong support in recent polls. He has been endorsed by President Donald Trump but not by current Governor Ron DeSantis. Donalds has raised large campaign funds and is considered the favorite to win the primary.
Key Facts
Byron Donalds leads the Republican primary for Florida governor with around 48-54% support in recent polls.
No other Republican candidate in the race has more than 10% support.
President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds in February 2025 and has reiterated his support multiple times.
Governor Ron DeSantis, the current Republican governor, has not endorsed Donalds.
Donalds raised over $22 million in the first three months of 2026, with a total of about $67 million reported in May.
Florida’s governor race is rated as “Solid Republican” and no Democrat has won this role since 1994.
Early voting for the Republican primary will start in about two months.
Other candidates in the Republican race include Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, investor James Fishback, and former House Speaker Paul Renner.
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Federal authorities have used the term "weaponized vehicle" to describe cars used as weapons, especially during immigration enforcement under President Trump. While courts often treat vehicles as weapons after harm occurs, police use-of-force rules generally caution officers to avoid shooting at moving cars unless there is a clear and serious threat.
Key Facts
The term "weaponized vehicle" became common during the Trump administration’s immigration actions.
Federal officials used this term when describing incidents where drivers were shot by immigration officers.
Courts often agree cars can be weapons if used to cause harm, mostly in cases of assault or manslaughter.
Legal cases usually deal with negligence or intentional harm by a vehicle after injuries or deaths happen.
Police and federal training often advise officers to avoid shooting at moving vehicles to prevent unintended harm.
Most police policies say fleeing suspects alone do not justify deadly force; another clear threat is needed.
Exceptions exist, such as when a vehicle is deliberately driven into crowds to cause harm.
Experts say factors like vehicle speed, nearby crowds, and context of the stop should guide if a car is considered weaponized.
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Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, known for safely landing a plane on the Hudson River in 2009, announced he has early-stage Alzheimer's disease. He shared his diagnosis to raise awareness and encourage others with the condition to speak up.
Key Facts
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger is the pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009.
The emergency landing saved 155 people after both plane engines failed due to a bird strike.
Alzheimer's disease is a brain illness that causes memory loss and other mental problems over time; there is no cure.
Sullenberger's diagnosis is in the early stage, with symptoms like difficulty remembering names and stories.
He shared his diagnosis on social media and with People magazine.
More than 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.
Sullenberger hopes his openness will help others with Alzheimer’s speak out.
He previously worked as an aviation safety expert on CBS News and advocates for aviation safety.
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Five New York Times reporters have been subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury about their reporting on security issues involving the new Air Force One plane given by Qatar. The subpoenas were issued by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney and were coordinated with White House and Justice Department officials.
Key Facts
Five New York Times journalists received subpoenas to testify in a federal grand jury in Manhattan.
The subpoenas relate to reporting on security questions about the new Air Force One jet gifted by Qatar.
The new plane entered service recently, but President Trump used an older plane for leaving a NATO summit.
Reports said the older plane had better security features, including antimissile capabilities.
The subpoenas were delivered partly to reporters at their homes.
FBI Director Kash Patel and other Justice Department officials discussed the case at the White House for about eight hours.
The Justice Department said reporters are not targets; they are investigating leaks of classified information.
Media advocates and press freedom groups expressed concern that the subpoenas may intimidate journalists.
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Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and Palestinian rights activist, filed a federal lawsuit accusing senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration, the Heritage Foundation, and two online groups of working together to target him. He says the groups conspired to silence pro-Palestinian supporters by doxing, arresting, and trying to deport them.
Key Facts
Mahmoud Khalil is suing the federal government and private groups for a conspiracy against him.
The lawsuit names senior officials from President Trump’s administration, the Heritage Foundation, Canary Mission, and Betar.
Khalil accuses them of trying to suppress criticism of Israel through harassment, jail time, and deportation efforts.
The lawsuit argues this may violate the Ku Klux Klan Act, a law against government coordination with vigilante groups.
Khalil was arrested in March 2025 by immigration agents and spent over three months in immigration jail.
He was released by a federal judge and his deportation case is ongoing, possibly heading to the Supreme Court.
Khalil is a legal permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen and has publicly denied being antisemitic.
Khalil gained attention as a student leader protesting Israeli policies in Gaza.
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A helicopter pilot named Nicholas Dale died after crashing while fighting a wildfire in Colorado. Authorities are investigating the crash, and local leaders have expressed their condolences and support for firefighters and Dale’s family.
Key Facts
Nicholas Dale, 56, from British Columbia, died in a helicopter crash in Colorado while fighting the Gold Mountain fire.
The helicopter crashed into the Silver Jack reservoir and Dale’s body was recovered by divers.
The fire covers about 57 square miles and is 11% contained.
The helicopter, a Kaman Aerospace K-1200, flipped upside down for reasons still unknown.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash.
Colorado officials, including Governor Jared Polis and Representative Jeff Hurd, honored Dale and firefighting crews.
Dale leaves behind a wife and two children.
Wildfires are ongoing across many western U.S. states, worsened by dry and hot weather with less winter snowfall than usual.
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Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett expressed different opinions about creating an independent group to enforce the court’s ethics rules. During a discussion, Representative Rosa DeLauro asked Justice Kagan if she still supports the idea of having such a panel.
Key Facts
Justices Kagan and Barrett disagreed on the need for an independent ethics enforcement panel for the Supreme Court.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro questioned Justice Kagan about her current position on this idea.
The discussion took place during a hearing with members of Congress.
The proposed panel would oversee the courts to make sure all justices follow ethics rules.
The idea was first suggested a few years ago to increase accountability.
Justices currently follow a code of ethics but enforcement is handled internally without outside review.
This debate highlights ongoing concerns about judicial ethics and transparency.
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Social Security benefits are expected to increase by about 3.6% to 3.8% in 2027, which would be one of the largest raises in recent years. This increase is based on inflation data but may change when official figures are released in October.
Key Facts
The 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security is estimated between 3.6% and 3.8%.
A 3.6% to 3.8% COLA would raise the average monthly benefit from $2,071 to around $2,149.
The COLA is calculated using inflation data from July to September, so the final number may differ.
The official 2027 COLA will be announced on October 14, after the September inflation report.
Inflation has been unstable, with June showing a slower rise of 3.5% compared to May's 4.2%.
Some seniors say Social Security benefits have lost about 14% of buying power in the past decade.
Current inflation measures used to calculate COLA do not fully reflect the costs that affect older Americans, like healthcare.
Many seniors (89%) felt the 2026 COLA increase of 2.8% was too low to keep up with their expenses.
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Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Senator Lindsey Graham who recently passed away, will officially take his Senate seat. She was appointed by South Carolina’s governor and supported by President Donald Trump to finish the rest of her brother’s term.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died at age 71 from an aortic dissection.
Darline Graham Nordone, his sister, was appointed to fill his Senate seat.
The appointment was made by Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina.
President Donald Trump supported Nordone’s appointment.
Nordone will be sworn in on Tuesday afternoon to complete the term.
The announcement came two days after Senator Graham’s death.
This change affects representation for South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
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Justice Elena Kagan told Congress that threats against Supreme Court justices are expected to rise by nearly 40% this year. The court is asking for almost $19 million to improve security for justices, including more protection officers and better technology.
Key Facts
Threats against Supreme Court justices are expected to increase by 38% this year.
Threats against members of Congress have also risen by 50% this year.
After a leaked decision, one justice was given a bulletproof vest due to a specific threat.
The Supreme Court asked for $18.9 million to improve security measures.
The request includes hiring six extra agents per justice and 25 more security officers.
Funds will also be used to build a security command center and improve cybersecurity.
Justices want to continue their work without fear, despite the threats.
Kagan and Barrett will provide more testimony to the Senate committee soon.
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An NHS ambulance trust is investigating claims that staff looked at the medical records of victims from the July 2024 Southport attack without permission. Families of the injured victims are upset and want a full review of how patient data is protected in the NHS.
Key Facts
The Southport attack in July 2024 injured 10 children and killed 3 young girls.
Staff at North West Ambulance Service may have accessed victims' medical records without a valid reason.
Earlier, nearly 50 staff at Aintree Hospital were found to have improperly viewed records of the injured.
Families only learned about ambulance staff access after reviewing documents two years later.
The victims’ families demand a full NHS England review of data protection rules and staff discipline.
NHS trusts have not confirmed if photos of injuries were seen by unauthorized staff.
The ambulance trust said it is investigating and has improved its procedures but is not formally punishing staff.
Victims and their families feel deeply hurt and betrayed by the possible breaches of privacy.
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President Donald Trump announced he will give a primetime speech on Thursday. He said the speech will focus on voting machines and the integrity of elections.
Key Facts
President Trump called his upcoming speech "big news."
The speech is scheduled for Thursday evening.
It will primarily address voting machines and election integrity.
Trump mentioned there will be some other topics included as well.
He made these comments during a press event on Tuesday.
The speech is aimed at American viewers.
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Justice Elena Kagan spoke about Senator Lindsey Graham’s important role in her confirmation to the Supreme Court. Senator Graham passed away at age 71 due to a sudden illness called an aortic dissection.
Key Facts
Justice Elena Kagan praised Senator Lindsey Graham’s help during her Supreme Court confirmation.
Lindsey Graham was a Republican senator from South Carolina.
He died suddenly on Saturday night after a brief illness.
The cause of death was an aortic dissection, a serious condition involving the aorta, the main artery from the heart.
Senator Graham was 71 years old when he passed away.
Kagan described Graham as having a strong and memorable personality.
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Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett asked Congress to provide $228 million to improve security for the Supreme Court. They made the request because there have been more threats against the court.
Key Facts
Justices Kagan and Barrett testified before Congress about Supreme Court security.
They requested $228 million in additional funding.
The money is meant to protect the Supreme Court from increasing security threats.
The request reflects concerns about the safety of justices and court staff.
This topic came up in a hearing on Capitol Hill.
The Supreme Court is seeking better security measures to respond to new risks.
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