Things Worth Knowing

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Mitch McConnell has remained largely out of public view since his June hospitalization, while his team says he is recovering at home and continuing physical therapy.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called for a brief video or phone update so voters can hear directly from the senator.

McConnell's office says he remains engaged with Senate business.

The situation has raised broader questions about communication between elected officials and the people they represent.

Should elected officials provide a direct public update after an extended absence?

Source: The Daily Beast

08/08/2026

Alan Ritchson, best known for starring in Reacher, has publicly criticized the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and called for greater transparency.

The White House has responded to his comments, reiterating its position that President Donald Trump has been cleared of wrongdoing related to Epstein.

The exchange has renewed discussion in the U.S. over transparency, accountability and what information should be made public.

This story is developing as the debate over the Epstein files continues.

Source: Rolling Stone

08/08/2026

In 2018, Austin Clay was arrested after destroying Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star with a pickaxe.

What made the story even stranger was what happened next: James Otis, the man who had destroyed the same star in 2016, offered to pay Clay's $20,000 bail.

Otis had previously faced felony vandalism charges for his own attack on the star and received probation, community service and a fine.

The two incidents happened two years apart — involving the same Hollywood landmark and two different men.

A bizarre piece of U.S. history that many people may have forgotten.

08/08/2026

Alaska's debate over ranked-choice voting is heading toward another major vote.

An Elon Musk-backed political network has contributed $1 million to the campaign supporting a November ballot measure that would repeal Alaska's ranked-choice voting system and return the state to traditional party primaries and single-choice general elections.

The 2024 repeal effort was decided by an extremely narrow margin, making this year's campaign another closely watched fight over how Alaska conducts its elections.

08/07/2026

A 38-year-old Scottish aid worker, Elisabeth Jane Ross, was found dead inside a suitcase in Athens after being reported missing.

Greek authorities have charged a 26-year-old Afghan man with murder, robbery and other offences. The suspect denies killing her but has acknowledged moving her body after her death, according to court proceedings. Investigators say the case remains under active investigation as forensic evidence is reviewed.

08/07/2026

During previous U.S. government shutdowns, many federal employees experienced delayed pay while members of Congress continued receiving their salaries under existing law.

A new proposal in the Senate aims to change that by delaying lawmakers' pay during future shutdowns under specific conditions.

Supporters argue it would increase accountability, while critics raise questions about how it would affect congressional independence.

Do you think members of Congress should have their pay delayed during a government shutdown? Share your thoughts below.