Headlines

August 26, 2025

BBC

Journalists Killed in Gaza Strike

At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in an Israeli double strike on Gaza’s Nasser hospital, prompting calls for an impartial investigation into the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded.
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WTTW News

Pritzker Vows To Stop Trump

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker vowed to fight Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, calling it an unconstitutional overreach and pledging legal action to block what he warns is a dangerous step toward authoritarianism.
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CBS News

Trump Bans Flag Burning

President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to punish American flag burning, reigniting debate over the Supreme Court’s 1989 ruling that protects the act as a form of free speech under the First Amendment.
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The Kyiv Independent

Ukraine Condemns Woody Allen

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned Woody Allen’s participation in Moscow International Film Week as “a disgrace,” accusing the director of ignoring Russia’s ongoing atrocities in Ukraine, while Allen defended his appearance as an effort to maintain artistic dialogue.
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ABC News

Abrego Garcia's Deportation Fight

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native wrongfully deported earlier this year, is now being held in a Virginia detention center as a judge temporarily blocks the U.S. government from deporting him amid an ongoing legal battle over his immigration case.
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Associated Press

Cashless Bail Explained

Trump signed an executive order threatening to pull federal funding from states and cities that have adopted cashless bail policies, arguing they endanger public safety despite mixed evidence on their impact on crime.
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NBC News

The Golden Age of "Josh"

From politics to sports and pop culture, Americans named Josh are surging into the spotlight, signaling a notable generational shift as millennials and Gen Xers named Josh rise to power and prominence.
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The Infatuation

Top 25 Pizza Spots in America

From Brooklyn and Chicago to Philadelphia and unexpected corners of the U.S., this list curated by the Allie Conti and Team Infatuation highlights the 25 best pizza places in America where sauce, cheese, and crust come together to create truly unforgettable pies.
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SCOTUSblog

Supreme Court and Trump's Tariffs

The Supreme Court is likely to soon weigh in on challenges to President Trump’s tariffs, which small businesses argue exceed his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and could impose significant costs on American households.
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NPR

U.S. First Human Case of Screwworm

The U.S. has confirmed its first human case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm, a rare but potentially deadly parasite, prompting renewed federal efforts to prevent its spread from Mexico and protect both public health and the cattle industry.
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The New York Times

Teen Reliance on Chatbot Therapists

Increasingly, teenagers are turning to A.I. chatbots for mental health support, raising alarm over the potential for unsafe guidance, unregulated responses, and the urgent need for teen-focused safety standards and regulatory oversight.
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Politico

Five Future Conflicts To Watch

Experts warn that the next five years could see new conflicts erupt, with hotspots including the Baltics, the Middle East, and other high-tension areas where miscalculations, military incidents, or escalations could have serious geopolitical and economic consequences.
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The Hill

Wes Moore’s Profile Rises in Feud

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s national profile is rising as he intensifies his feud with President Trump over crime in Baltimore, highlights his own military service, and positions himself as a prominent Democratic leader resisting the former president’s actions.
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The Wrap

The Atlantic's Hiring Surge

Amid widespread media layoffs, The Atlantic is attracting industry envy by aggressively hiring top journalists from outlets like The Washington Post, pursuing a bold expansion under editor Jeffrey Goldberg and owner Laurene Powell Jobs that challenges conventional media trends.
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USA Today

Trump’s Hand Makeup, Bruise Spark Buzz

Images of Trump’s hand, showing apparent bruising and a patch of makeup, have gone viral again, with the White House attributing the marks to minor irritation from frequent handshaking and chronic venous insufficiency while emphasizing that he remains in excellent health.
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The Wall Street Journal

Cracker Barrel Battle Explained

Cracker Barrel’s new logo sparked widespread online backlash and calls for a boycott, leading the company to apologize for its rollout while confirming it will continue with its planned brand updates.
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The Washington Post

The Split in English Language

American and British English have converged in spelling and published vocabulary over the centuries, but their biggest differences—and often the most entertaining ones—emerge in how people actually speak.
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Billboard

Oasis Reunion Tour Hits U.S.

Oasis returned to Toronto after 17 years for the kickoff of their Live ’25 North American tour, delivering a rain-soaked but triumphant show full of classic hits, sibling reconciliation, and fan-fueled singalongs.
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We will NEVER SELL YOUR DATA. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Smerconish.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Aweber