Why Flags Are Half-Mast in Five States Today, This Weekend

Brown University has reached an agreement with the Trump administration to restore federal research grants, committing $50 million to workforce development and adhering to new policies on women's sports and antisemitism. This deal, which follows similar agreements by Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, allows Brown to continue its academic mission while addressing federal concerns over discrimination and admissions practices. Want More Context? 🔎

At least three people, including two children, were killed in a dramatic explosion at Horizon Biofuels in Fremont, Nebraska, on Tuesday, which was captured on security cameras. The fire, still active as of Wednesday morning, has prompted a response from multiple emergency services, while the area remains cordoned off, and officials continue to assess the situation. Want More Context? 🔎

The U.S. Treasury is attempting to recover COVID-19 relief funds from around 235 local governments that failed to report their usage of $139 million in aid, part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan. Despite notices sent to over 3,500 noncompliant governments, concerns persist about transparency in fund allocation and reporting. Want More Context? 🔎

Lee Vogler, a city council member in Danville, Virginia, was set on fire by Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, who entered the office of Showcase Magazine, where Vogler works, believing the attack stemmed from a personal matter unrelated to his political role. Vogler, 38, was hospitalized but conscious following the incident, while Hayes was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. Want More Context? 🔎

NOAA will continue to receive critical satellite data from the U.S. military for hurricane forecasting, reversing a previous announcement about a cutoff due to cybersecurity concerns. The Navy's Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center confirmed that data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program will remain available, alleviating fears ahead of an expected active hurricane season. Want More Context? 🔎

The FBI is investigating sexual assault allegations aboard the Carnival Breeze cruise ship, which returned to Galveston, Texas, on July 28, 2025. Additionally, the FBI is looking into a death on another Galveston-based ship, the Carnival Dream, where 48-year-old Euvelester Villarreal Jr. was determined to have died of natural causes. Want More Context? 🔎