Trump signs executive order to cut childhood vaccines recommendations, drawing medical concern
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to reduce the number of vaccines recommended for children, sparking widespread concern among the medical community. The order, which calls for limiting vaccines for other diseases to high-risk populations, still recommends childhood vaccines for 11 diseases, including measles and polio. Trump claimed without evidence that childhood vaccines are linked to an increase in autism diagnoses. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was present for the signing, has maintained this stance as well. The order also advises breaking up the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella into three separate vaccines. Vaccine advocates and researchers have warned that reducing childhood vaccine recommendations will make children more vulnerable to disease.
Major U.S. medical associations and American doctors were quick to rebuke the executive order as a rejection of science at a time when the United States is experiencing its largest measles resurgence in more than three decades. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases said in a statement that the nation should be strengthening its ability to protect children, not putting that progress at risk. The American Medical Association criticized the executive order, stating that decisions about how and when vaccines are used should be driven by rigorous scientific evidence, patient safety and independent medical and public health expertise.
Where the accounts differ
UPI reports that the executive order still recommends vaccines for 11 diseases, including measles and polio, while FOX News states that the order recommends vaccines for 11 diseases, fewer than the 18 current CDC guidelines. The Daily Wire and The Guardian both mention that the order reduces the number of diseases from 18 to 11, but The Guardian specifies that only six of the 17 vaccines currently recommended for all children would continue to have full recommendations. CBS News and Axios do not specify the exact number of diseases but both mention the MMR vaccine being split into three separate shots. UPI and The Guardian note that the MMR vaccine is not deadly, while Trump claimed it could be "quite lethal." FOX News and The Daily Wire attribute the claim about the MMR vaccine being "quite lethal" to Trump, while UPI and The Guardian attribute it to Trump as well.
Progressive insurgents Francesca Hong and Abdul El-Sayed test Bernie Sanders-style populism in 2026 midterms
Progressive Democrats Francesca Hong and Abdul El-Sayed are running for statewide office in 2026, testing the viability of a leftward shift in the party’s platform. Hong, a state representative in Wisconsin, is leading in the Democratic primary for governor, while El-Sayed, a former public health official, is the Democratic nominee for Senate in Michigan. Both candidates are seen as potential 2028 presidential hopefuls, with their campaigns viewed as experiments in embracing a more radical form of populism. Hong has emphasized affordability and opposed data center construction, while El-Sayed has pushed for Medicare for All and other progressive policies. Their campaigns are closely watched by party leaders who are divided on whether such a leftward turn can succeed in a general election.
Hong’s campaign has faced scrutiny over past social media posts, including calls to “cancel Thanksgiving” and “defund then abolish” the police. She has since walked back these statements, claiming she has “evolved.” El-Sayed, meanwhile, has distanced himself from the “democratic socialist” label, though he has supported policies like abolishing ICE and expanding Medicare. Both candidates are navigating the challenge of balancing progressive ideals with the need to appeal to a broader electorate, particularly as Republicans are actively promoting their campaigns in the general election.
Where the accounts differ
Axios reports that Hong told Politico that a win in November could signal to candidates that working-class issues are a priority. Washington Examiner states that Hong has walked back her 2020 call to “cancel Thanksgiving” and her 2019 and 2021 calls to “defund then abolish” the police. New York Post notes that Hong disavowed her anti-law enforcement positions when confronted with her past statements. The Daily Wire and The Free Press both highlight Hong’s past calls to “defund then abolish” the police and her 2020 tweet about canceling Thanksgiving. Straight Arrow News mentions that Axelrod called Hong “a font of zany liberal, faculty lounge exotica,” while Axios describes her as a “self-described democratic socialist.”
Iran threat prompted secret Trump flight from Turkiye: Reports
President Donald Trump secretly switched planes during his departure from Turkey last month, using a catering truck to transfer to a smaller military aircraft, according to multiple U.S. media reports. The maneuver was reportedly triggered by a credible Iranian assassination threat. Trump initially stated he would depart on the older Air Force One, but he was instead moved to a C-32A military jet. The Washington Post and The New York Times reported that the older Air Force One served as a decoy, with journalists and some White House staff unaware of the switch. Trump later appeared on the older aircraft in the UK, though the exact method of his transfer from the C-32A to the Air Force One remains unclear. White House Communications Director Steve Cheung defended the new Air Force One, calling it a state-of-the-art aircraft with high-level security protocols.
Where the accounts differ
Al Jazeera and Newsweek both report that Trump was moved via a catering truck to a C-32A aircraft, with the older Air Force One serving as a decoy. However, Newsweek adds that Trump initially stated there was no security concern and that the Qatari-gifted jet had been sent ahead for American service members to tour. CBS News and BBC both mention that the Secret Service advised Trump to take the older plane for security reasons, a detail not included in Al Jazeera or Newsweek. FOX News and BBC note that Trump was seen boarding the older Air Force One in Ankara, but FOX News adds that the legacy jet initially appeared on radar without a call sign before taking the "AF1" call sign midflight, a detail not mentioned in other accounts. The Washington Examiner and CBS News both cite the Washington Post as the source of the report, while BBC and FOX News also reference the Post but add specific details about the operation, such as the involvement of War Secretary Pete Hegseth boarding the C-32A separately.
Timeline: Issues abound after Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovations
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool faced multiple issues following a multi-million dollar renovation. The project, initially promoted by President Donald Trump, led to disputes over the cause of damage to the pool’s surface. Federal prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, moved to dismiss a felony charge against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the pool. The motion cited evidence that the damage was the result of flawed installation by the contractor. Trump, however, continued to claim that the damage was caused by vandals, despite acknowledging there was "no video or proof" of such acts. The pool also experienced algae blooms and peeling of the new protective coating, prompting National Park Service crews to clean the area and apply hydrogen peroxide to the water.
The renovation, which included repainting the pool’s basin in "American flag blue," was initially estimated to cost $1.5 million to $2 million and take a week. However, the final cost reached $16 million, and the project took months to complete. A lawsuit was filed by the Cultural Landscape Foundation, arguing that the blue paint violated federal law by altering the design intent of the National Mall. The pool was eventually reopened after a series of repairs and adjustments, though issues persisted, including peeling and a tear in the sealant.
Where the accounts differ
Straight Arrow News and The Guardian both mention that the Cultural Landscape Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Interior Department, citing the blue paint as a violation of federal law. The Guardian adds that the pool was drained and repainted as part of a beautification push tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. ABC News and The Guardian note that the Justice Department moved to dismiss the case against Hearn, acknowledging the damage was due to a botched installation. FOX News and The Guardian both cite a National Park Service employee as a "highly credible witness" who allegedly saw Hearn "violently" rip and tug at the pool’s coating, though FOX News provides more specific details about the employee’s account and the court documents. Straight Arrow News and ABC News both mention that Hearn denied damaging the pool and claimed he was only checking the liner, but ABC News adds that Hearn’s lawyers described the case as "continued harassment."
Wildfires Spread Rapidly in Pacific Northwest and Western Canada
Wildfires are spreading rapidly in the Pacific Northwest and western Canada, with extreme fire behavior reported in several regions. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported 101 new fires on August 9, including nine large fires, with nearly 30,000 firefighters battling 98 uncontained large fires. The Northwest remains the most active fire region in the U.S., with 46 uncontained large fires burning in Washington and Oregon. In British Columbia, a state of emergency was declared as more than 100 wildfires burned, with the Bald Range fire being labeled "out of control." The fire forced thousands to evacuate, including 12,000 in Summerland and 8,000 in Peachland. A woman died while attempting to flee the fire, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In Oregon, the Wrights Spring Fire has burned 46,769 acres and remains 0% contained, with 555 firefighters assigned to the incident. The fire prompted evacuations and road closures, and a contract dozer operator, Jason Ensign, died while supporting suppression efforts. In Washington, the Little Giant Fire has burned 116,956 acres and destroyed 26 structures, with 1,813 personnel assigned to the incident. The fire is one of several major incidents in the region, with extreme fire behavior reported.
Where the accounts differ
Newsweek reports that the Wrights Spring Fire burned 46,769 acres and that Jason Ensign died while operating a bulldozer. NPR states that the Wrights Spring Fire burned 33,000 acres and that Jason Ensign died battling the fire. The Guardian and UPI mention the death of an 80-year-old woman during the Bald Range fire evacuation, while BBC and Straight Arrow News also report the woman's death. The Guardian and BBC note that the Bald Range fire burned 53 sq miles, while UPI states it was 13,618 hectares (approximately 53 sq miles). NPR and UPI both mention the Widemouth 2 fire in Utah, with NPR stating it burned 118,000 acres and UPI confirming the same figure. The Guardian and BBC report that the Bald Range fire was 0% contained, while UPI states it was labeled "out of control."
Max Miller locked in for reelection bid after Ohio ballot deadline passes
Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) will continue to run for reelection after the 4 p.m. Monday certification deadline passed, despite allegations of domestic violence made against him by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Miller is now locked in as the Republican nominee, as Ohio law required county party chairs to notice a nominating meeting at least two days in advance. He has denied the allegations, which include claims of scalding Moreno with hot water, holding a gun to her head, and fracturing their daughter’s collarbone. Democrats view the race as increasingly competitive, with Brian Poindexter, a union ironworker, as the likely Democratic candidate. Recent polls show Poindexter leading Miller by 8 points, though Trump won the district by 11 points in 2024. Miller has called for a House Ethics Committee investigation into himself.
Where the accounts differ
The Washington Examiner and ABC News both state that Miller was never criminally charged in connection with the dispute, while The Daily Caller and FOX News mention that Miller accused his ex-wife of fabricating the allegations due to her mental illness. The Washington Examiner and ABC News report that the Department of Children and Family Services did not find evidence to substantiate child abuse allegations, while The Daily Caller and FOX News include specific details about the alleged incidents, such as scalding Moreno with hot water from a skillet and breaking their daughter’s collarbone. The Daily Caller and ABC News note that Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, told police that her daughter received physical injuries while in Miller’s care, which is not mentioned in the Washington Examiner or FOX News accounts.
Scores dead in Colombia after powerful earthquake strikes west of country
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread damage and resulting in at least 111 deaths. The quake, which occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time, had its epicenter in the western department of Chocó. The US and Colombian geological surveys confirmed the magnitude and location. The president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, declared a national state of emergency, stating that 111 people had been killed and 87 injured, with 61 buildings collapsed. The hardest-hit cities included Cali, Pereira, and Manizales, where significant damage was reported. Authorities in Cali reported at least 20 buildings collapsed, while Pereira's mayor said 65 buildings had collapsed, with victims trapped in at least 15 of them. The earthquake was felt in neighboring countries including Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with reports of collapsed buildings, damaged hospitals, and disrupted transportation systems. Search-and-rescue operations were underway, with residents and emergency crews working to locate survivors. In Manizales, the mayor warned against returning to damaged buildings and urged people to stay outside due to the risk of aftershocks. Social media videos showed the aftermath, including collapsed buildings and people searching for victims in the rubble.
Where the accounts differ
The Guardian and BBC report different death tolls, with The Guardian stating 111 deaths and BBC reporting at least 132. The UPI and BBC also differ on the number of collapsed buildings, with UPI citing 86 buildings collapsed and BBC reporting 65 in Pereira. The Guardian and NPR both mention 111 deaths, while UPI and BBC report higher numbers. The Guardian and BBC attribute the death toll to different sources, with The Guardian citing the president's statement and BBC reporting from local authorities. The UPI mentions 132 deaths according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, which is not mentioned in other accounts. The Straight Arrow News reports 70 deaths, which is lower than the other outlets. The Associated Press reports 111 deaths, aligning with The Guardian and NPR, but also mentions over 2,700 people missing, which is not included in other accounts.
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Hotel staff's failure to secure room keys led to a woman's assault, exposing systemic vulnerabilities in hospitality safety protocols.
Woman assaulted after Travelodge staff gave room key to her abuser
A woman was assaulted by her domestic abuser after Travelodge staff gave him a key to her room. The woman, who remains anonymous, told the BBC she was staying at a London branch of the hotel in October 2025 to escape her abuser. She said the man, who she described as her abuser, entered the hotel and told reception staff he was the boyfriend of a woman staying there, asking for her room number and floor. He was given a key and directed to her room, where he kicked in the door, assaulted her, and tried to grab her phone. The woman ran downstairs, shaking and crying, and was offered another room in the hotel. Travelodge has acknowledged the incident, stating that their room access security policies were not correctly followed and that they have since made changes to strengthen these policies.
Another woman, Jo from Leeds, told BBC News she was attacked in her Travelodge room in July. She said an unknown man entered her room, and her friend heard him say, “I'm sorry, they gave me this key.” Jo criticized Travelodge’s assurances about safety, saying they were not accurate. Travelodge responded by stating that an investigation found their updated security policies were not followed and that they had retrained staff on current procedures.
Where the accounts differ
The Guardian reports that the woman was staying at the hotel in London in October 2025 and that the abuser told reception staff his girlfriend was having a seizure. The Guardian also mentions a previous case in Maidenhead in 2022 where a man was sentenced to more than seven years in jail after being given a key to a woman’s room and sexually assaulting her. The BBC does not mention this specific case but includes quotes from Jo, a woman from Leeds, and Andy Smith, a frequent Travelodge guest who claims he was given keys to other people’s rooms. The Guardian attributes the statement about the Maidenhead case to the Travelodge spokesperson, while the BBC attributes it to a BBC News report.