Chris Gallant, a Democratic candidate for Congress in New York, responded to leaked photos of himself in BDSM gear by embracing the attention and calling it a "Kim Kardashian moment." He is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, Army National Guard veteran, and former FAA air traffic controller running against Republican Nick LaLota.
Key Facts
Chris Gallant is running for U.S. Congress in New York’s First District against Republican Nick LaLota.
Photos from 2010 showing Gallant in bondage gear were published, causing controversy.
Gallant called the photo release a "coordinated political hit" against him.
Instead of hiding, Gallant launched a social media campaign with the slogan "Make Politics Sexy Again."
Gallant served as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the Army National Guard with deployments to Kuwait.
He worked as an FAA air traffic controller before resigning to focus on his campaign.
Gallant is openly gay, engaged to a fellow National Guard infantryman, and has spoken about military service shaping his political views.
He referenced Kim Kardashian’s 2007 media moment to describe how he is handling the photo controversy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Bendy Tree, a 150-year-old wych elm in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, has won the UK’s Tree of the Year competition. The tree is notable for its unusual sideways growth caused by strong seaside winds and its resistance to Dutch elm disease, which has killed many other elms in the UK.
Key Facts
The Bendy Tree is located in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland.
Its trunk grows nearly horizontally because of strong winds from the Irish Sea.
It is about 150 years old, planted in the mid-19th century along a promenade.
The tree has survived Dutch elm disease, a fungus that has destroyed most of the UK's 30 million elm trees.
It is the last remaining tree from the original row that sheltered the town’s main street.
The tree provides shade and benefits the local community by supporting wellbeing and bringing pride.
Other notable trees in the competition included the Crowhurst Yew in Surrey and the Culmstock Yew in Devon.
The Woodland Trust runs the competition and has launched a new contest to support young people’s ideas for nature projects.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The head of the London Stock Exchange, Dame Julia Hoggett, says the UK must do more to encourage companies to list shares at home instead of abroad. She suggests the government should create better tax rules and incentives to make the UK stock market more attractive to businesses and investors.
Key Facts
Many large companies have left the London Stock Exchange (LSE) or listed shares in foreign markets like the US, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt.
The LSE has about 930 companies with a total market value of £4.9 trillion, nearly 40% are international.
In 2023, there were 23 new company share listings in London raising £2.1 billion, compared to 354 listings in the US raising £33 billion.
UK investors are increasingly buying US stocks, sending investment money abroad.
Dame Julia wants to remove the 0.5% tax on foreign buyers of UK shares, which does not apply when they buy foreign stocks.
She also supports bringing back tax credits to encourage people to invest in UK shares.
The Confederation of British Industry urges the government to ease regulations, improve marketing, and offer incentives to stop companies leaving the UK market.
The UK government has not confirmed if stock market tax changes will be announced in the upcoming Budget.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration to stop President Trump from using government money to run ads that promote himself. The lawsuit says these ads, which have already cost taxpayers over $12 million, break federal laws that forbid taxpayer funds being used for political propaganda.
Key Facts
The DNC filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Trump administration over taxpayer-funded ads promoting President Trump.
The ads have cost more than $12 million, according to AdImpact, a media tracking firm.
The lawsuit claims using taxpayer money for these ads breaks a federal law that bans government funds for publicity or propaganda.
President Trump said he would have his political action committee pay for the ads but later the White House said it would not reimburse taxpayers for past spending.
The ads were broadcast on major TV networks, including ABC, NBC, CNN, Fox News, and during popular sports events.
The ads promote Trump’s achievements and include some that disparage his political opponents.
Polling shows 86% of Americans, including 80% of Republicans, find it inappropriate to use taxpayer money for such ads near an election.
The lawsuit includes evidence of additional prepared ads that have not yet aired but are ready for broadcast.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said it does not have enough information to fully assess the risk after a lab worker in Siberia died under unclear circumstances. Russia reported no recent plague cases in the region and quarantined about 200 people, but the cause of the worker's death remains uncertain.
Key Facts
A lab worker in Siberia linked to a plague research institute died, but the exact cause is unclear.
Russia says the worker died of pneumonia and not from plague linked to lab work.
WHO asked Russia for more information as part of international health rules but has not received full details.
About 200 people in contact with the worker were placed in quarantine.
WHO says timely, clear information is needed to understand the health risk.
Tests on the deceased worker have not identified the cause behind the pneumonia.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is currently no threat to the US but is monitoring the situation.
Plague is caused by bacteria and can appear in different forms; it can be treated with antibiotics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New video footage from a U.S. service member shows an Iranian drone attack on a U.S. military base in Kuwait. The attack happened during the early days of the ongoing war involving U.S. forces in the region.
Key Facts
The video was recorded from the viewpoint of a U.S. service member present during the attack.
The attack involved Iranian drones striking a U.S. base located in Kuwait.
The incident took place in the early stages of the current war involving U.S. forces.
The footage provides new visual evidence of Iranian military actions against U.S. targets.
The U.S. base in Kuwait serves as a strategic location for American military operations in the Middle East.
This attack highlights ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States in the region.
The report about the video was shared by CBS News correspondent Jonah Kaplan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Cornell University is facing criticism over how it handled an alleged gang rape case in 2024. The situation has raised new questions about the processes used to investigate sexual assault claims at colleges and by the police.
Key Facts
The incident involved an alleged gang rape reported at Cornell University in 2024.
Many people are upset about how the university managed the case.
The case has sparked a wider discussion on investigating sexual assault on college campuses.
Questions are being raised about both university and law enforcement procedures.
Deborah Tuerkheimer, a former prosecutor and author, spoke about these issues.
Her book, titled "Credible: Why We Doubt Accusers and Protect Abusers," explores challenges faced by sexual assault victims.
The backlash shows ongoing concerns about fairness and support in such investigations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Polls and prediction markets like Kalshi show that Democrats are gaining a better chance to win more seats in the U.S. Senate this November. Some states, including Texas and Kansas, which were not major targets before, are now seen as possible wins for Democrats.
Key Facts
Democrats are gaining momentum in the Senate race for the November midterm elections.
Prediction market Kalshi, supported by CBS News, reflects this growing Democratic chance.
States such as Texas and Kansas are being considered competitive for Democrats.
Polling data supports the idea of an "expanding map" for Democratic Senate victories.
Nicole Kagan, head of research at Kalshi, and CBS News' Anthony Salvanto discussed these trends.
The article mentions several unrelated news clips but the main focus is on Senate race momentum.
The changes indicate shifts in political battleground states for the upcoming elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mass protests are ongoing in France, with over 250,000 people demonstrating to ask for changes in education. The protests started in mid-September because students and others are unhappy about crowded classrooms and bad conditions in school buildings.
Key Facts
More than 250,000 people protested across France recently.
The protests focus on education reforms.
Demonstrations began in mid-September.
Main complaints include large classroom sizes.
Poor conditions of school buildings are also a concern.
The protests involve students and other groups.
The events are happening nationwide, including Paris.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump made his third visit to Texas to support Republican Ken Paxton, who is in a close race for the U.S. Senate. This trip comes 27 days before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump traveled to Texas for the third time during this election season.
He is campaigning for Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.
The Senate race in Texas is very competitive and close.
The visit took place less than a month before the midterm elections.
Ken Paxton is the current Texas Attorney General running for the Senate.
The midterms are scheduled to happen in 27 days from the trip.
The news was reported by CBS News and included coverage by Caitlin Huey-Burns.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor and media personality, said he has thought about running for President of the United States. He believes there is about a 65 to 70 percent chance he will run in the future but is focused on his current work for now.
Key Facts
Don Lemon previously worked as a CNN anchor.
He has considered running for U.S. president one day.
He estimates the chance of him running at 65 to 70 percent.
Lemon says he is currently busy with his current job.
He did not provide a specific timeline for a potential run.
Lemon’s comments suggest he is open to a future presidential campaign.
He has not officially announced any plans to run.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Christa Pike’s lawyers said she felt angry and confused after she woke up from a failed execution attempt. Other news includes a congressional candidate in Arizona reporting she was raped while fixing campaign signs. Also, Tropical Storm Isaias may become the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season.
Key Facts
Christa Pike experienced a botched execution but survived and regained consciousness.
Pike’s lawyers described her emotional state as angry and confused after the event.
A congressional candidate in Arizona reported being raped while working on campaign signs.
Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to get stronger.
Isaias may become the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Georgia is one of 36 states holding governor elections this year. In Georgia, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson had their first and only televised debate to discuss important issues for voters.
Key Facts
Georgia is considered a "purple" state, meaning it has a mix of Democratic and Republican voters.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, a former Democratic mayor of Atlanta, is running for governor.
Rick Jackson, a Republican businessman, is Bottoms' opponent in the governor race.
The candidates participated in one televised debate during the campaign.
The debate focused on issues that matter most to Georgia voters.
This governor race is part of a larger election with 36 states holding governor elections.
Midterm elections are happening this year, which also include many congressional races.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An attorney for one of the men involved in the Cornell University rape investigation said the public has only seen parts of the story. The attorney said the seven accused men have been grouped together, which may not show the full situation.
Key Facts
The lawyer spoke to CBS News about the case.
The accused men are seven in total.
The case is related to a rape investigation at Cornell University.
The attorney said only small parts of the story have been made public.
The seven men have been treated as one group in the public eye.
More details about the case may not be fully known to the public.
The lawyer wants to clarify that the men should not all be seen the same way.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has called for an immediate end to President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada. This is a change from his earlier support for the tariffs, which he now says increase costs for businesses and consumers in Michigan.
Key Facts
Mike Rogers is running for Senate in Michigan against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
Rogers recently released an ad urging an end to the tariff dispute with Canada.
The tariffs began in July after President Trump imposed new duties on Canadian imports.
Michigan’s economy relies heavily on trade with Canada, totaling about $80 billion a year.
Rogers said the trade war raises costs and could harm jobs and supply chains.
Previously, Rogers supported the tariffs but said they were not a perfect solution.
Rogers also recently distanced himself from Trump’s policy on the Iran war.
President Trump responded by saying Canada should make a deal but defended his tariff approach.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republicans have a large financial advantage in the midterm elections, but Democrats are improving their positions in recent polls. Two political strategists, one from each party, discussed their parties' plans for the final month before the elections.
Key Facts
Republicans currently have much more money for their campaigns than Democrats.
Despite this, Democrats are gaining support in recent polls.
The discussion involved Faiz Shakir, a Democratic strategist.
Melik Abdul, a Republican strategist and media consultant, also participated.
The conversation focused on each party’s strategies to win in the last month before the midterm elections.
The midterm elections will determine control of Congress midway through President Donald Trump’s current term.
Both parties are working hard to attract voters and improve their chances of winning seats.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Researchers are studying GLP-1 drugs, which are already used for diabetes and weight loss, to see if they can also reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. This research is part of efforts to address the addiction problem in the country.
Key Facts
GLP-1 drugs help people with diabetes control their blood sugar and assist with weight loss.
New studies suggest these drugs might also reduce cravings for addictive substances like drugs and alcohol.
Scientists are conducting tests to understand how effective GLP-1 drugs are in treating addiction.
These medications could offer a new way to help people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
The research is ongoing and part of a larger project called "GLP-1s: Reshaping America."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has sued President Donald Trump’s administration over TV ads that promote his political message but are paid for with taxpayer money. The lawsuit asks the court to stop the government from funding these ads, which have cost over $12 million.
Key Facts
The DNC filed a lawsuit against President Trump’s administration for using federal funds on promotional TV ads.
The ads have aired since September and cost more than $12 million so far.
A total of $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget has been used for these ads.
The ads highlight President Trump’s political messages and military actions.
The DNC claims this is illegal government propaganda that misuses taxpayer dollars.
President Trump defended the ads as positive promotion for the U.S. and said his super PAC will fund future ads.
Legal experts say the ads may violate law against using government money for publicity or propaganda.
The DHS funding comes from a $175 million congressional package for immigration enforcement.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina voted to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary after some hesitation. In his recent book, Tillis says that decision was a mistake and that Hegseth was not prepared for the role.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis faced pressure to approve Pete Hegseth as defense secretary.
Tillis was uncertain but eventually voted yes to confirm Hegseth.
Tillis wrote about this decision in his new book titled "How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents."
He now believes confirming Hegseth was a bad choice.
Tillis thinks Hegseth was "out of his depth," meaning Hegseth was not ready or able for the job.
The topic was discussed on the show "The Takeout."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
