A man named Thomas Fahmy was hit by lightning while walking to the dentist in Staten Island, New York. He described the experience as very painful but did not have serious injuries after being taken to the hospital.
Key Facts
The incident happened on August 27 in Staten Island, United States.
Thomas Fahmy was walking to the dentist when lightning struck him.
He saw a bright white flash before falling to the ground.
Fahmy described the sensation as unlike anything he had felt before.
A local resident helped by calling 911 for emergency assistance.
Fahmy was taken to the hospital for treatment.
He did not suffer serious injuries from the lightning strike.
The story was reported by CBS News, a US media partner of BBC News.
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Hundreds of children who came to the United States without parents have been kept in government care for about six months on average. More than 50 legal groups are now working together to use courts to demand that these children either be released to family members or properly justified for continued detention.
Key Facts
About 1,900 unaccompanied children are held by the federal government as of August.
These children have stayed in shelters or foster care for an average of 183 days.
Many children have family members in the US waiting to care for them.
Over 50 legal organizations have formed the Children’s Due Process Project to help these children.
Lawyers are filing habeas corpus petitions, a legal way to challenge unlawful detention.
The project started quietly in the summer and has grown over time.
The administration cut funding for attorneys representing these children last month.
The Department of Health and Human Services says they follow care standards similar to the US foster care system.
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President Donald Trump called himself the greatest U.S. president ever, placing himself above leaders like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. However, many presidential experts and scholars rank Trump among the worst presidents in American history.
Key Facts
President Trump shared a social media post ranking himself the greatest U.S. president.
The ranking placed Trump above famous presidents like Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Washington.
Historians and experts generally disagree with Trump's self-assessment.
The Presidential Greatness Project survey ranked Trump last out of 45 presidents with a score of 10.92.
Lincoln was ranked highest with a score of 93.87 in the same survey.
Another study by Siena University also ranked Trump near the bottom in areas like integrity and intelligence.
Both Republican and Democratic scholars rated Trump poorly in surveys.
A White House spokesperson said Trump aims to create a strong and prosperous country and believes he will be remembered as very successful.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is facing a challenge after two centrist Democrats, Jared Golden and Marie, left the party. Some Democrats want Jeffries to punish them, while others advise careful handling to avoid divisions before upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Two centrist Democratic representatives, Jared Golden and Marie, recently left the Democratic Party.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is dealing with reactions inside the party about this defection.
Some Democrats on the left want Jeffries to take strong action against the defectors.
Other party members suggest being cautious to keep the party united ahead of midterm elections.
The situation highlights differing views within the Democratic Party between progressives and centrists.
Jeffries must manage these disagreements while leading the party in the House of Representatives.
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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing growing concerns from Republican senators. Lawmakers are worried about frequent staff changes, no clear plan to end the war in Iran, and the administration not working with Democrats on funding decisions.
Key Facts
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is experiencing disagreements with GOP senators.
Senators are concerned about high turnover in senior Defense Department staff.
There is no clear plan from the administration on how to end the war in Iran.
Lawmakers say the administration has not reached out to Democrats for support on funding.
These issues have caused tension between Hegseth and key Republican senators.
The situation reflects frustrations with how the Defense Department is handling priorities now.
President Donald Trump’s administration is involved in these defense and funding challenges.
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Democratic state auditor Rob Sand is ahead of Republican Zach Lahn in the race for Iowa governor, according to a new poll. In the U.S. Senate race in Iowa, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson is leading Democrat Josh Turek.
Key Facts
Rob Sand, a Democrat and Iowa state auditor, leads Zach Lahn, a Republican businessman, in the governor’s race.
Sand has 49% of the voter support in the poll.
Zach Lahn is the Republican candidate running for governor.
In the Iowa Senate race, Republican Ashley Hinson leads Democrat Josh Turek.
Ashley Hinson is a current U.S. Representative from Iowa.
Josh Turek is the Democratic candidate for Senate.
The poll was conducted by Emerson College Polling and Nexstar Media Iowa.
The races in Iowa for governor and Senate are competitive and closely watched.
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Four Democratic senators wrote to Education Secretary Linda McMahon asking for information about how her department spent $1 billion meant for managing student loans. They want to understand where the money went and how it was used.
Key Facts
The letter was sent by Senators Cory Booker, Jeff Merkley, Chris Van Hollen, and Elizabeth Warren.
The letter was sent on a Wednesday (exact date not specified).
The senators asked for details on spending related to student loan administration.
The total amount in question is $1 billion.
The senators are seeking transparency on the use of these funds within the Education Department.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon leads the U.S. Department of Education.
Student loan administration involves managing and servicing loans given to students for college costs.
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Judge William F. Sullivan is overseeing the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her three children while possibly experiencing severe psychosis. The jury is struggling to reach a unanimous decision, and Sullivan has instructed them to keep discussing before potentially declaring a mistrial.
Key Facts
Judge William F. Sullivan is presiding over Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial in Plymouth County Superior Court, Massachusetts.
Clancy’s defense centers on whether she was criminally responsible while having severe psychosis.
The jury has twice said they are stuck and cannot agree on a verdict.
Sullivan gave a “dynamite charge” asking jurors to keep discussing but be honest about their views.
Sullivan was once a criminal defense attorney and handled many cases, including one using a psychosis defense.
In 2013, Sullivan defended Nathaniel Fujita, who claimed psychosis after killing his ex-girlfriend but was convicted despite the defense.
Sullivan also judged a similar case involving Latarsha Sanders, who killed her two sons and claimed mental illness but was convicted before that decision was overturned.
If the jury cannot reach a verdict, Sullivan may declare a mistrial, which means the trial would end without a decision and possibly restart later.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing criticism from members of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Some Republicans are unhappy with how he is managing the war in Iran and recent changes in Pentagon leadership.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Both Republicans and Democrats are criticizing Hegseth’s handling of the war in Iran.
There is disapproval over recent leadership changes at the Pentagon.
Some Republican senators have publicly called Hegseth “inept.”
The criticism shows a rare bipartisan disagreement over defense matters.
This debate comes amid ongoing conflicts and tensions involving Iran.
Hegseth’s performance is being closely watched by lawmakers on both sides.
The Pentagon is the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for military operations.
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The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial has not reached a decision after 30 hours of discussion over five days. The judge asked the jury to keep trying, but if they stay deadlocked, a mistrial may be declared, meaning the case could be retried or negotiated.
Key Facts
The jury has been deliberating for 30 hours across five days without reaching a verdict.
The case involves Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of strangling her children and attempting suicide in January 2023.
The key issue is whether Clancy was experiencing postpartum psychosis, a severe mental health condition, at the time.
Judge William Sullivan gave the jury a Tuey-Rodriguez instruction, encouraging them to try to reach a decision.
If the jury remains deadlocked, the judge can declare a mistrial, meaning the trial ends without a verdict.
After a mistrial, the defense may ask for Clancy’s release while the prosecution decides whether to retry the case.
The prosecution might also choose to drop the charges or offer a plea deal for a lesser charge.
Experts say a mistrial is likely to lead to a new trial rather than dropping the case.
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Two months before the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are low nationwide and in every important swing state. He has stronger support in Republican states but has lost ground compared to when he started his second term in January 2025.
Key Facts
Nationally, Trump’s approval rating is 35% and disapproval is 59%, a net approval of -24.
Trump is trailing in all major battleground states like Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Republican-leaning states such as Wyoming and North Dakota still show positive approval but with much smaller margins than in early 2025.
Tennessee and Utah have moved to roughly equal approval and disapproval, while Indiana has a negative net rating.
Strongest support comes from older voters, men, and non-college graduates; younger voters, women, independents, and postgraduates rate him poorly.
Approval in Wyoming dropped from +47 to +22 net since January 2025, showing declining enthusiasm even in Trump strongholds.
Democratic-leaning states like Hawaii, Vermont, and Maryland show very low approval ratings, below -50 net.
Swing states like Florida and Ohio have moved sharply from positive or even ratings to negative ones for Trump.
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Two months before the U.S. midterm elections, polls and prediction markets show Democrats have a better chance of winning the House of Representatives, while control of the Senate is uncertain and could go either way. Polls show Democrats have higher voter enthusiasm and President Donald Trump’s approval remains steady at 33%.
Key Facts
An Emerson College poll showed Democrats leading Republicans by 8 points nationally for Congress (51% to 43%).
Prediction markets suggest Democrats have about an 89% chance to win the House but the Senate race is close, with almost equal chances for both parties.
Different markets like Polymarket and Kalshi give varying odds on who will control the Senate.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating stands at 33% in recent polls.
Democratic voters are more enthusiastic about voting than Republicans (46% vs. 31%).
Independents favor Democrats over Republicans in congressional races by 36% to 22%.
Decision Desk HQ’s model gives Democrats a 67% chance to win the House.
The Cook Political Report lists more competitive House seats currently held by Republicans, giving Democrats a clearer path to gain seats.
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A toddler named Olive from Arizona had two febrile seizure episodes in 2023 but was told by doctors that she was likely fine. Tragically, Olive died unexpectedly at 18 months old, with an autopsy unable to explain her death, which may be linked to a rare condition called Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).
Key Facts
Olive Tenney, 18-and-a-half months old, died unexpectedly on November 1, 2023.
She had two seizure episodes earlier in the year—one in July and another in September—both related to fever or possible dehydration.
Doctors told the family febrile seizures are common in young children and no further testing was done.
Febrile seizures happen because of a rapid rise in body temperature and usually are not dangerous.
Olive’s autopsy was inconclusive, meaning there was no clear medical reason found for her death.
Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a rare condition studied as possibly linked to children who had febrile seizures.
Olive’s mother is raising awareness about febrile seizures and SUDC through social media.
Olive is remembered as a lively and friendly child who brought joy to her family.
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House Democratic leaders are upset because two members voted with Republicans on an important rule without warning. Party leaders want new rules to keep members in line, but some Democrats, especially progressives, strongly oppose these changes.
Key Facts
Representatives Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez voted with Republicans on a procedural rule, angering House Democrats.
The vote allowed for measures like a GOP resolution against socialism and a bipartisan bill protecting lobstermen.
Democratic leaders called this a "breach of trust" and are considering consequences like removing members from committees.
A proposed rule would require Democrats to attend key votes, follow party leadership on rules, and pay campaign dues to stay in good standing.
Progressive Democrats oppose this rule change, fearing it could be used unfairly against them.
Some centrists say punishing these two members would unfairly target moderates, as similar actions by progressives in the past went without penalty.
House Democratic Caucus chair Pete Aguilar said the caucus will decide if they want to change the rules.
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President Donald Trump has added a new helipad to the White House. This is the first dedicated helicopter landing pad at the site, and it comes after the Supreme Court allowed him to continue the $400 million ballroom construction project.
Key Facts
President Trump has installed a helipad at the White House.
This is the first time the White House has had a dedicated helipad.
The helipad project is connected to larger renovation efforts at the White House.
The Supreme Court allowed the continuation of a $400 million ballroom construction project.
The helipad was completed after this court decision.
The news was reported recently and includes video coverage.
The helipad aims to improve helicopter access to the White House.
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A U.S. Coast Guard plane carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin made an emergency landing after losing an engine. No one was hurt, and the pilot successfully landed the plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Key Facts
The plane was a C-37A, a military version of the Gulfstream V.
It lost an engine before the emergency landing.
There were 14 people on board during the flight.
No injuries resulted from the emergency landing.
Secretary Mullin praised the pilots for their professionalism during the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security had raised concerns last year about this Coast Guard plane being 22 years old.
DHS noted that the plane had outdated avionics and communication systems.
The emergency landing happened at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
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A federal judge blocked parts of the Department of Health and Human Services’ changes to the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program after finding that some studies cited by the department did not exist or did not support the claims made. The changes, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had shifted the focus toward abstinence education and a concept called "body literacy," moving away from evidence-based programs.
Key Facts
A federal judge, Christopher R. Cooper, issued a preliminary injunction stopping parts of the new Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program rules.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., cited studies in their funding notice that appeared fake or misattributed.
Five out of seven cited articles in the HHS notice could not be found or were incorrectly referenced.
The new program focuses on abstinence education ("sexual risk avoidance") and "body literacy," including fertility awareness and reproductive health topics.
The changes ended many existing grants because previous programs did not align with the new focus.
Plaintiffs (including local governments and health organizations) argue the policy is unfair and not based on evidence.
The judge said that while abstinence education might work for some groups, it should not be mandatory for all.
The case is ongoing, and HHS declined to comment on the lawsuit.
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A Georgia police officer shot and killed a donkey named HeeHaw during a search for a missing girl. According to the officer’s report, the donkey charged at the officers despite efforts to stop it with a Taser, leading the officer to shoot the animal.
Key Facts
The incident happened on August 30 at Elsberry Riding and Farm in Georgia.
Officers were searching for a missing 12-year-old girl when they entered the donkey’s pasture.
K-9 Handler Thomasson tried to stop the donkey with a Taser, but it did not work.
Officer Trenton Garner fired one shot at the donkey after it charged toward the team.
The donkey was killed after it turned away and fell over.
HeeHaw’s owner said the police entered the pasture without permission or warning.
The owner described HeeHaw as a baby donkey raised by bottle feeding and said the donkey was reacting to a stranger.
Officer Garner has been placed on leave during an investigation by the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s law enforcement division.
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A former UK veterans minister, Tobias Ellwood, said the Ministry of Defence (MoD) purposely hid medical information about veterans involved in Cold War nuclear tests. Veterans want their medical records released because they believe exposure to nuclear tests caused serious health problems.
Key Facts
Tobias Ellwood served as a UK junior defence minister from 2017 to 2019.
Ellwood claimed the MoD deliberately withheld medical records of nuclear test veterans.
Around 25,000 UK military personnel, scientists, and civilians took part in nuclear tests from 1952 to 1967.
Veterans report health issues like cancers, heart disease, stillbirths, and birth defects tied to nuclear exposure.
The MoD said it conducted a large review of records and released five reports on the topic.
The MoD cited secret Cold War policies and poor record-keeping as reasons for incomplete information.
Ellwood said ministers were told to claim they had no helpful evidence, possibly to delay claims until veterans died.
The MoD thanked veterans for their service and said it regularly communicated with veterans and community groups while publishing findings.
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The police chief of Senatobia, Mississippi, Harold Vanderford, was fired after reports showed he sent racist text messages. This city is where a police officer fatally shot 1-year-old Kohen Wiley in June outside a Walmart during a shoplifting incident.
Key Facts
Harold Vanderford, Senatobia police chief, was fired after racist texts were reported.
The Senatobia Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to fire him and rejected his resignation.
The firing followed news reports revealing Vanderford’s use of racist language in private texts.
Kohen Wiley, 1 year old, was fatally shot by a police officer on June 14, 2026, outside a Walmart.
Police responded to a shoplifting call involving stolen diapers and attempted to stop the vehicle carrying Wiley.
One officer fired when the driver allegedly tried to hit police, killing Wiley and critically injuring a family friend.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe but has not released body or surveillance footage.
Kohen Wiley’s family and their attorney, Ben Crump, are calling for more information about the shooting.
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