A new debate has surfaced over the Smithsonian Institution’s portrayal of American history, with CBS Mornings host Tony Dokoupil surprisingly aligning himself with Donald Trump’s desire to minimize the nation’s focus on past sins. The conversation underscores a broader cultural divide over how to interpret and present U.S. history in public museums.
A U.S. Navy pilot ejected from an F/A-18E Super Hornet during a routine training flight off Virginia’s coast. Rescued by the Coast Guard, the pilot is safe as authorities investigate the crash’s cause.
Warmer weather is on the way, according to meteorologist Jacqueline Thomas, but Hurricane Erin may stir up the coast. While inland temperatures rise, coastal communities are urged to stay alert for potential storm effects.
Hurricane Erin is amplifying in strength as it edges along the mid-Atlantic coast. Churning waves have already resulted in beach shutdowns from the Carolinas to New York City, and forecasters warn of the possibility it will become a major hurricane.
Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 could carry a higher price tag than previous consoles, according to one analyst. Tariffs, they say, might be the main factor driving this possible increase, affecting both production and distribution.
Business
The White House has confirmed that it is in talks to acquire up to a 10% stake in Intel, one of the world’s leading chipmakers. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the move reflects the Trump administration’s focus on putting national security and economic interests at the forefront.
Lowe’s delivered higher-than-expected second-quarter results, driven by robust performance in both Pro and DIY segments. This momentum, combined with the company’s recent ADG acquisition, positions the home-improvement giant for further expansion in new home construction markets.
The Boston Celtics recently encountered harsh criticism for their offseason roster decisions, even as the franchise sealed a $6.1 billion deal transferring ownership. Al Horford’s role and potential impact on the team remain central to ongoing discussions.
Virtune AB (Publ), a Swedish regulated digital asset manager, is introducing the Virtune Staked NEAR ETP on Nasdaq Stockholm. This move showcases a fresh approach to cryptocurrency investment through one of the largest trading platforms in Northern Europe.
Japan’s overseas shipments fell 2.6 % in July, the worst reading since 2021 and a bigger slide than analysts foresaw. The drop marked a third straight monthly decline and left the nation with a ¥117.5 billion trade deficit amid intensifying U.S. tariff pressure.
Climate
China’s coal consumption plummeted by 2.6% in the first half of 2025 while its electricity demand grew about 5%. Meanwhile, the United States recorded a 14% spike in coal-fired electricity. This divergence highlights two vastly different approaches to meeting power needs in the face of climate change.
Household electricity bills in the United States have jumped by 10% since Donald Trump re-entered the White House, according to a new report. Researchers point to the president’s active support for data centers and a curtailment of clean energy projects as drivers of these rising costs.
Millions of residents across the Southwest are on high alert as a massive heat wave threatens triple-digit temperatures through the weekend. Officials are opening cooling centers and urging caution, while tragic heat-related deaths underscore the urgency of the warnings.
Historic floods along Milwaukee’s Kinnickinnic River destroyed a homeless encampment on Aug. 9, and outreach workers say several residents have yet to be found. Nearly two weeks later, the search continues as families and advocates voice a single plea: “We just want to find him.”
Environment
A Montana man has been sentenced to six months in prison for illegally cloning and breeding giant sheep. His operation spanned Texas and Minnesota, where hybrid sheep were used in captive trophy hunts.
Insider’s latest bedding roundup names eight bamboo sheet sets the top performers of 2025. Tested for softness, cooling power, and eco-friendly production, the list includes offerings from Quince, Cozy Earth, Cariloha, and others.
Allbirds says its latest collection gives discarded manufacturing scraps a stylish encore, thanks to a new partnership with Blumaka and Circ. The collaboration, announced Aug. 19, is billed as a “pioneering” effort to breathe new life into what was once factory trash.
A five-member Recreation Ranger Corps has completed its inaugural season patrolling western Maine’s High Peaks. Coordinated by High Peaks Alliance, the pilot effort marks an early victory for the broader High Peaks Initiative, a coalition working to protect and enhance one of the state’s signature mountain regions.
Finland is importing Copenhagen’s CopenPay model, offering perks to visitors who opt for low-impact ways to explore the country. The initiative, billed as “a win for tourists and the environment,” aims to nudge travelers toward conscious, sustainable choices while delivering benefits to local communities.
History
Poultney’s historic Welsh Presbyterian Church requires urgent roof repairs. With its listing on the National Register of Historic Places and strong ties to Welsh heritage, community members hope to safeguard this cultural landmark for future generations. Donations and support will help preserve its storied past.
In the months following the end of World War II, the American public learned only fragments of what truly happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Despite large casualty figures being shared, the severe human suffering and destruction were largely suppressed by official policies.
In September 1940, as war clouds gathered over Europe, 806 passengers boarded the RMS Scythia in hopes of reaching safer shores. Their journey reflected the tension and resilience of a nation at its breaking point, with every individual drawn from a different corner of Great Britain to share one uncertain path.
Sweden is preparing an unusual rescue mission: shifting an entire church out of harm’s way as the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine pushes closer to its foundations. The relocation underscores an escalating struggle to protect cultural landmarks amid expanding industrial frontiers.
In a recent decision, Sacramento’s city council has designated the former Land Park Bowl, also known as AMF Land Park Lanes, as a historic landmark, recognizing its significance in the community’s cultural heritage.
Military & Defense
Ukraine is pressing its allies for swift security guarantees as it negotiates a peace deal with Russia. While officials expect rapid progress, concerns remain about one possible summit site that the United States is pursuing, which Ukraine calls “challenging.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced a massive overnight strike by Russia, involving 40 missiles and 574 drones. Calling it “one of its crazy anti-records,” he warned of the impact on civilians, as hinted by a partial quote referencing “They hit civi…”
NATO military leaders, including the U.S., are exploring ways to protect Ukraine if Russia breaks a peace agreement. Their deliberations mirror the alliance’s commitment to ensuring regional stability in a potentially volatile situation.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence will see significant downsizing under Director Tulsi Gabbard’s leadership. Citing inefficiency in the current structure, Gabbard is slashing over $700 million from the agency’s annual budget.
A Russian state-sponsored hacking group, known as Static Tundra, is exploiting a seven-year-old flaw in Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE software. The FBI warns this activity could compromise essential networks in telecommunications, higher education, and manufacturing.
News
A New Zealand soldier has been sentenced to two years in military prison after pleading guilty to attempted espionage. This conviction marks the country’s first legal case involving spying and underscores the seriousness of breaching military security.
Meta Platforms has halted recruitment in its AI division, concluding a notable period of aggressive talent acquisition. This decision leaves many wondering about the company’s next strategy in the competitive world of artificial intelligence.
Uganda has made an agreement with the United States to accept deported migrants who pass strict requirements. According to officials, those deportees cannot have criminal records or be unaccompanied minors. Further details are still being negotiated.
Inter Miami clinched a 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Tigres UANL in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal, relying on two penalty goals from Luis Suarez. Despite Lionel Messi’s absence, Suarez’s standout performance helped Miami advance in the tournament.
Shea Langeliers’ two-run home run in the 10th inning propelled the Oakland Athletics to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. The tense matchup remained up for grabs until Langeliers’ clutch swing sealed the win on Wednesday night.
Politics
Thailand plans to introduce a groundbreaking negative income tax system by 2027, fundamentally reshaping how its citizens and expats navigate financial obligations. A new data lake initiative will also streamline government welfare programs and fiscal management, illustrating the country’s commitment to modernizing its economic infrastructure.
After nine decades of providing a financial foundation for millions of Americans, Social Security now faces pressing questions about its future. From concerns over the trust fund’s viability to the role that Congress might play, the program stands at a critical crossroads.
A protester was arrested in Texas while supporting State Representative Nicole Collier of Fort Worth. Now, that protester is coming forward to speak about the experience, raising questions about local politics and the right to protest.
James Carville, the blunt-speaking Democratic strategist, wants his party to go on the offensive against a particular Republican. He contends that Democrats should take advantage of an opportunity—“the gift”—offered by their opponent, urging them to capitalize on every chance to advance their message.
Brazil’s federal police claim they uncovered messages indicating ex-President Jair Bolsonaro intended to flee to Argentina seeking asylum. Investigators say these findings come directly from data stored on his phone, illuminating a controversial potential escape. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the embattled former leader.
Sports
Paige Bueckers delivered a transcendent rookie performance for the Dallas Wings, described by some as potentially the finest a WNBA newcomer has ever had. Despite her historic efforts, Kelsey Plum and the Los Angeles Sparks held strong to secure the victory.
Two points away from defeat, Poland’s Iga Swiatek and Norway’s Casper Ruud staged a remarkable comeback in mixed doubles. By winning the final six points, they secured a spot in the U.S. final after a tense 3-5, 5-3, 10-8 victory.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez pulled off a rare feat with a golf-like swing that helped him carve out a place in MLB home run history. The unconventional approach, described as “really hard to do,” showcased his remarkable technique and demonstrated how baseball can still surprise fans with moments of pure innovation.
The San Francisco Giants are sending one of their most highly regarded pitching talents, Blade Tidwell, to undergo an MRI on his shoulder. This development has raised concerns throughout the organization, leaving fans eager for further updates.
The Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 roster puzzle is taking shape, and fans are weighing in on which undrafted free agents could emerge as surprise additions. An NFL Reacts Survey raises the crucial question, “Who has a chance to make the team?”
More From World
A federal judge has dismissed the defamation lawsuit brought against Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) by Brian Musgrave. Musgrave accused Mace of wrongfully painting him as a perpetrator of sexual abuse and voyeurism in a House floor speech delivered in February.
Several months have passed since the corrections officer strike ended, and union leaders describe the resulting agreement as a “mixed bag.” While some aspects of prison operations have improved, challenges remain for officers and staff throughout New York’s facilities.
Two people were shot in Oxon Hill, leaving one person dead at the scene. A teenager was hospitalized, as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Stephanie Shirley, known for shaping a flourishing space for women in technology, has died at 91. Her extraordinary vision continues to inspire industry discussions, decades after she first championed women’s advancement.
Fans attending a recent San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres matchup witnessed an unexpected moment: a child darting onto the field. The quick tackle by security sparked immediate disapproval in the form of resounding boos.
Keely Hodgkinson showcased her remarkable resilience by smashing the 800m record at the Lausanne Diamond League, in only her second race in four days. Battling through unseasonal Swiss weather, she finished roughly 10 meters ahead of the field, signalling her readiness for next month’s World Athletics Championships.
A 65-year-old acupuncturist in West Kelowna, British Columbia, has been charged with sexual assault. The news follows an earlier order barring him from treating female patients in February, according to local authorities.
Russian model and Miss Universe 2017 runner-up Kseniya Alexandrova has died at the age of 30. The modeling and pageant worlds are mourning her sudden passing, which occurred weeks after an elk crashed through her car’s windshield.
A South Lake Tahoe resident has recovered from a rare plague infection reportedly contracted through a flea bite during a camping trip. Health officials are reminding everyone to take basic precautions against rodent and flea exposure to prevent future cases.
Liberty HealthShare has announced the second round of Sharing Hearts Fund for Pediatric Wellness grants, offering over $50,000 in aid to Stark County families. Applications begin on September 1, building on a previous wave of funding that awarded $17,000 to five local families.
