IF TRUE: Why would some officials refuse to hand over their government phones? Why would that be tolerated? Insubordination?

Exclusive: Officials asked to turn over phones at the White House as Wiles, Patel lead intensifying leak probe

Jul 15 2026 (excerpts)

Chief of staff Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s closest aide, and FBI Director Kash Patel helped personally orchestrate a sprawling investigation last week at the White House aimed at determining who in the government leaked information about the security deficiencies of a Qatari-gifted airplane meant to be used as Air Force One – with some officials being asked to turn over their phones to investigators on White House grounds, sources familiar with the matter told CNN.

Trump had fumed over disclosures about the new plane, sources said, and his government quickly stood up an intense leak probe that roiled the government. As the investigation unfolded, at leastone federal agency emailed employees warning that if they were contacted by outside agencies requesting information and devices, they needed to immediately contact their own agency’s attorneys, one source told CNN.

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In addition to asking for cell phones, investigators sought information from those who were traveling with Trump or had a role in the trip, including officials across various agencies.Not all officials who were asked to turn over their devices did so, one of the sources told CNN.

https://lite.cnn.com/2026/07/15/politics/susie-wiles-kash-patel-leak

Why is she wearing a coat in this heat? Why a mask outside the building? Why is there still any question about McConnell's health?

Mitch McConnell's Wife Elaine Chao First Sighting Since Proof of Life Photo

Jul 15 2026

As internet sleuths dissect Mitch McConnell's proof-of-life photo, his wife Elaine Chao surfaced in the flesh … leaving the rehabilitation center where the Senator is recovering … we've got a photo … and it's authentic.

The former U.S. Secretary of Labor was spotted Tuesday making a low-key exit from the rehab facility where the longtime Kentucky Senator is recovering after suffering a fall last month. It's the first time Chao has been seen in public since McConnell was hospitalized – aside from the now-infamous photo that sent social media into overdrive.

https://www.tmz.com/2026/07/15/elaine-chao-seen-after-mitch-mcconnell-photo/

EU extends right to stay for Ukrainians, except for men of military age

Jul 16 2026 (excerpts)

The European Union announced Wednesday it would maintain emergency protection to shelter Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of 2022, but, at Kyiv's request, it said men of military draft age would no longer be covered.

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As the war grinds on through its fifth year, EU member state ambassadors approved a proposal to prolong those rights until March 2028. But in a change requested by Kyiv to help it find much needed manpower for the fight, the EU said the move would now not cover those subject to the military draft who arrive in the bloc. Under Ukrainian war-time laws, men aged from 23 to 60 are not allowed to leave the country.

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/07/15/european-union-extends-right-to-stay-for-ukrainians-except-for-men-of-military-age_6755495_4.html