Good morning. It’s Tuesday, Aug. 18, and Rosie O’Donnell made her talk show return last night, filling in for Jimmy Kimmel. She was confident the president was watching. Now let’s catch up.
President Donald Trump lashed out at Oman as a key Iran war deadline expired.
In a Fox News interview: Trump threatened to bomb Oman — using an expletive — if it “gets in the way.” The U.S. ally has been holding talks with Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump is stuck in a quagmire: In June, he signed an interim deal with Iran that set aside two months for negotiations. That window is now closed and talks remain at a standstill.
The Supreme Court rebuffed Trump’s bid to overturn a $5 million verdict against him.
The ruling comes after the justices in June declined to hear an appeal of the verdict in the E. Jean Carroll case. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AP)
The case: In 2023, Trump was found liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll. Yesterday, justices again denied a long-shot effort by Trump to throw out the civil verdict.
In other Trump news: The White House yesterday posted a personal attack against CNN’s Kristen Holmes, invoking her children, after she asked Trump a pointed question.
Yesterday: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Iowa in his “personal capacity,” fueling speculation that he is considering a run for president at some point.
Tesla’s true believers are starting to question their faith in Elon Musk.
Some Tesla investors find their patience in the company — and its leader — is being tested. (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)
Tesla fans are usually Musk fans: But, in recent months, some have been speaking in an unusual tone, channeling what they once accused detractors of: fear, uncertainty and doubt.
Why? Once the crown jewel of Musk’s empire, Tesla’s stock has faltered. Some of Musk’s biggest backers are starting to wonder if his car company has become an afterthought.
Kindergarten vaccine exemptions jumped to another record high.
In the 2025-26 school year: Coverage among kindergartners for major vaccines fell in more than half of states, federal data show. Exemptions rose to 4.2% from 3.6% the year before.
Where does your community stand? Rocked by pandemic politics, the nation’s shield against infectious disease is shrinking. Look up vaccination rates at your local schools here.
Reading fiction might be the boost your brain needs, research shows.
Reading is good for your brain: It has been linked to slower rates of cognitive decline and longer lives. And fiction has some surprising added benefits, such as improved social cognition.
Stuck in a reading rut? Follow these seven expert tips to read more and activate your brain. Start by ditching your phone before going to bed and spending the time reading instead.
Which native plants should you plant in your yard? Look up your state.
We worked with native plant app Wildr Places to help you choose an ideal garden trio of native plants. (The Post)
Americans were once patriotic about plants: But, more recently, gardeners have mostly planted non-native species, many of which are distasteful to North American birds and insects.
Want more butterflies in your garden? Look up your state here. Our new tool will recommend three native plants perfect for planting in your garden and helping out your local wildlife.
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