Republican senators spent extra time in Washington but made little progress on key projects before the midterm elections. They passed a college sports bill but failed on votes about energy, stock trading, and voting rules, while dealing with campaign challenges linked to President Trump and other issues.
Key Facts
GOP senators delayed their recess but achieved mostly minor legislative results.
They passed a bipartisan college sports package with uncertain chances in the House.
Votes failed on addressing energy cost concerns from data centers, curbing congressional stock trades, and enforcing voter ID rules.
GOP leaders showed mixed views on whether President Trump’s popularity is hurting the party’s election chances.
Some senators face campaign troubles, including criticism over pardons, healthcare billing, and office conduct.
Democrats also face scrutiny, such as Alaska’s Mary Peltola, challenged by a damaging report.
The Senate will resume in November with urgent goals like funding the government, defense spending, and surveillance law renewal.
Other possible efforts may include permitting reform, AI regulation, and raising the debt ceiling.
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A man was arrested for making threats against the Texas State Capitol and Governor Greg Abbott. The Texas Department of Public Safety said they acted to stop a possible attack on the building in Austin.
Key Facts
A man made verbal threats targeting the Texas State Capitol and Governor Greg Abbott.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the threats on Wednesday.
Authorities arrested the man to prevent a threat to the Capitol building.
The incident took place in Austin, Texas.
DPS described the threat as credible, meaning it was believable and serious.
Governor Greg Abbott publicly confirmed the arrest and threat.
The case is part of ongoing security efforts at important government sites.
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The US Supreme Court allowed Tennessee to proceed with the execution of Christa Pike, a woman convicted of a 1995 murder. The Court lifted a temporary delay that was meant to review Pike’s claims of childhood abuse and mental illness before her sentencing.
Key Facts
Christa Pike was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection in Tennessee for a 1995 murder.
The execution was delayed briefly by a federal appeals court to review Pike’s allegations of childhood sexual abuse.
The Supreme Court’s majority removed the delay, allowing Tennessee to carry out the execution.
Pike was 18 years old when she committed the killing of Colleen Slemmer, who was 19.
Pike’s boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp, was also convicted but received life in prison with parole eligibility.
Pike has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Pike and her lawyers argued her age, mental illness, and abuse history should affect her sentencing.
Tennessee has not executed a woman in at least 200 years before this case.
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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that he is removing 20% of the military’s generals and admirals. He also introduced a new division focused on technology and warfare, which will be led together with Elon Musk.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the US Secretary of Defense.
He plans to cut 20% of military generals and admirals.
The cuts are part of a wider military overhaul.
A new warfare division focused on technology will be created.
Elon Musk will co-lead this new technology-focused division.
The changes aim to update the military's approach to modern threats.
The announcement is linked to an ‘anti-woke’ policy reform.
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El Salvador will hold its next presidential election on February 28, 2027. President Nayib Bukele can run for a third term after changes to the constitution removed term limits.
Key Facts
The election date is set for February 28, 2027.
Constitutional changes now allow President Bukele to run for unlimited terms.
Bukele has been president since 2019.
He is credited with reducing gang violence through a strict crackdown.
Since 2022, about 92,000 people have been arrested under a state of emergency, many without charges.
Human rights groups accuse Bukele of abuses, but he denies these claims.
Bukele’s party, Nuevas Ideas, chose him as their candidate for a third term.
His main challengers include Maytee Iraheta (right-wing ARENA party) and Rafael Aguirre (left-wing FMLN party).
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The UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there are strong signs that Iran was involved in a recent security incident at the RAF Fairford airbase, which is used by the United States. Five British men were arrested near the base but later released on bail, while Iran has denied any involvement in the case.
Key Facts
The security incident happened at RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by US bombers.
Five British men in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses, then released on bail.
UK Prime Minister Burnham said investigations continue and Iran may have played a role.
Iran strongly denied the accusations and criticized the UK government’s statements.
Police found no explosives but recovered petrol in vehicles connected to the suspects.
US officials, including President Trump, criticized the decision to grant bail to the suspects.
British counterterror police said the suspects remain under investigation and may have acted on behalf of a foreign state.
It is unclear if the suspects’ actions were a test, a message, or something else, and one suspect reportedly called emergency services before arrest.
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Several large companies, including Microsoft’s datacentre division and Singtel (owner of Optus), earned billions in Australia but paid little or no income tax. The Australian Taxation Office reported that more than a quarter of big companies, often foreign-owned, regularly pay zero or very low corporate tax in Australia.
Key Facts
Microsoft’s datacentre business earned $2.3 billion in Australia but reported no taxable income for that part of its operations.
Microsoft’s other business units paid $160.6 million in tax on $9.2 billion in revenue.
Singtel, which owns Optus, earned $8.3 billion but paid no tax in Australia during 2024-25.
Netflix paid $8.4 million in tax on $1.4 billion revenue, and TikTok paid $17.3 million on nearly $687 million revenue.
Other companies paying no tax despite large earnings include JBS Global Meat Holdings ($4.8 billion), Fonterra ($2.4 billion), Sony Australia ($1.6 billion), and Kogan ($642 million).
The Australian Taxation Office said companies might pay zero tax due to losses, deductions, or profit shifting (sending profits to lower-tax countries).
The ATO is increasing efforts to ensure digital businesses and supply chains pay fair taxes reflecting their economic activity in Australia.
New laws aim to levy global tech companies for using Australian news content without paying media outlets, but legal challenges are expected.
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Russia launched a large attack on Ukraine’s energy system, causing power cuts in Kyiv and nearby areas and killing seven people. Ukrainian officials warned that these attacks could lead to a difficult winter as critical power and heating systems are targeted.
Key Facts
Russia carried out its heaviest attack in months on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on September 30, 2026.
The attack caused emergency power cuts in Kyiv and three surrounding regions, the first such cuts in Kyiv since spring.
Seven people died in the strikes, including a 14-year-old child.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most of the 285 drones used in the attack.
The strikes damaged a key power plant and other energy facilities near Kyiv.
Kyiv’s water pressure was reduced, and public trams and trolley buses stopped running during outages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported damage across multiple regions and said Ukrainian forces had regained territory on the eastern front.
Russian targets included power plants near Kyiv, an industrial complex in Odesa region, and port infrastructure in southwestern Ukraine.
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The White House has stopped CNN journalists from covering President Trump on a scheduled day, even though a judge ordered that CNN be allowed to do so. The administration is blocking CNN despite the court’s decision.
Key Facts
CNN was scheduled to provide television pool coverage of President Trump on Thursday.
A judge ruled that CNN should be allowed to carry out this coverage.
The White House decided not to let CNN do the scheduled coverage.
A source familiar with the situation confirmed the White House’s decision to The Hill.
This situation involves a conflict between a court order and the White House’s actions.
The pool duty is a shared broadcast task where one news team covers the president for everyone.
The article does not state the White House’s official reason for blocking CNN.
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Authorities arrested a man suspected of planning a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol after receiving a tip. The suspect, Benny Caldera Jr., was charged with making a terrorism threat against a public servant, and the investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
Benny Caldera Jr., 40 years old, was arrested at his home in Converse, Texas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI worked together to stop the planned attack.
Authorities learned about the threat on Tuesday evening and arrested Caldera early Wednesday morning.
Caldera allegedly planned a mass shooting at the Texas Capitol on Thursday and had been collecting guns and ammunition.
People close to Caldera reported he had been acting increasingly angry and violent recently.
Caldera and his wife are not cooperating with investigators, but other family and coworkers are.
Investigators are seeking search warrants for Caldera’s devices to check for accomplices and details about the planned attack date.
Law enforcement has increased security at the Texas Capitol following the threat.
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A FlyDubai flight heading to Israel was forced to change course after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other pilot in the cockpit. Witnesses on the plane described the incident as serious and alarming.
Key Facts
The incident happened on a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel.
One pilot allegedly stabbed the other pilot while they were in the cockpit.
The flight had to be diverted because of the emergency.
Passengers on the plane witnessed and reported the event.
The situation was described as dangerous and serious by those onboard.
Authorities are investigating the stabbing incident.
The exact motives and details of the stabbing have not been publicly confirmed yet.
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A pilot stabbed the other pilot on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, apparently trying to crash the plane, according to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Passengers and crew stopped the attacker, and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia before continuing to Tel Aviv. The injured pilot is stable in hospital.
Key Facts
The incident happened on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv with over 170 people aboard.
The attacker was arrested after stabbing the other pilot, who is an Indian national named Captain Smit Machchhar.
Passengers and crew broke into the cockpit and stopped the attacker, then the plane was safely landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The pilot who was stabbed is in stable condition in the hospital.
Flight data showed the plane made a rapid descent and signaled emergency and hijacking codes before landing.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called the stabbed pilot a hero who saved 174 lives.
Israeli Defence Minister described the event as an "attempted jihadist terror attack."
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Netanyahu, suggesting the attacker might be a terrorist.
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AI technology was used in Malaysia to create fake news and social media accounts aimed at influencing voters during recent state elections. This use of AI raises concerns about its potential to increase the spread of false information and create political division across south-east Asia.
Key Facts
A commercial election manipulation platform was built using AI called Claude, targeting voters in Malaysia.
The operation used about 1,000 fake social media accounts and a false news site named “Malaysia Pulse.”
AI helped produce personalized and fast content exploiting sensitive issues like race, religion, and royalty.
The operation was stopped before it could take effect, but it showed how AI could be used in future elections in the region.
Disinformation and fake news are common problems in south-east Asia, worsened by the rise of AI.
AI speeds up the creation of false narratives, making it easier to spread disinformation without large teams.
Some countries in the region, like Indonesia and the Philippines, have experienced AI-generated content affecting public opinion.
Elections are upcoming in Malaysia (2027), the Philippines and Cambodia (2028), and Indonesia (2029), raising worries about future misuse of AI.
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Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized Cornell University for how it responded to a 2024 gang rape case involving seven fraternity members. The case became widely known after a lawsuit was filed, leading several lawmakers to speak out against Cornell.
Key Facts
The incident involves allegations of gang rape against seven fraternity members at Cornell University.
A lawsuit filed in 2024 brought national attention to the case.
The alleged victim is identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin is an alumna of Cornell University.
Slotkin publicly criticized the university for its handling of the case.
Other lawmakers have also condemned Cornell’s response to the allegations.
The allegations are part of an ongoing legal and public discussion about campus safety and accountability.
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The Jonas Brothers talked to CBS News about their new tour called "The Burning Up Tour All Over Again." They also discussed their new podcast "Hey Jonas!" and their recent honor of being inducted into the Disney Legends Hall of Fame.
Key Facts
The Jonas Brothers are launching a new tour named "The Burning Up Tour All Over Again."
They have started a new podcast called "Hey Jonas!"
The band was recently inducted into the Disney Legends Hall of Fame.
The interview was conducted by CBS News' Julianne Ferreira.
The discussion covered multiple topics related to their current projects and achievements.
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A close Senate race is happening in Kansas between Republican Senator Roger Marshall and Democrat Rev. Adam Hamilton, who recently switched from the Republican Party. Rising fuel costs, President Trump's lower approval ratings, and economic problems for farmers and ranchers are influencing the election, making it a competitive race in a state that usually votes Republican for Senate.
Key Facts
Senator Roger Marshall is the Republican incumbent seeking a second term.
Rev. Adam Hamilton, a pastor, switched from Republican to Democrat in April to run for Senate.
Kansas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932.
President Trump's approval rating in Kansas is 39%, down from previous levels.
Rising diesel fuel prices (up 79% year-over-year) are hurting farmers and ranchers.
Trump's suspension of tariffs on Argentine beef has caused financial losses for ranchers.
Immigration raids by ICE have affected local labor forces, raising concerns about beef prices.
Recent polls show Hamilton and Marshall nearly tied, with some race ratings shifting from "Likely Republican" to "Lean Republican."
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Iraqis began a four-day holiday called Sovereignty Day to celebrate the withdrawal of US and other international troops. These forces had been in Iraq over ten years fighting the ISIL group.
Key Facts
Iraq is marking Sovereignty Day with a four-day holiday.
The holiday celebrates the complete withdrawal of US and other international forces.
The troops had been in Iraq for more than ten years.
The military presence was primarily to fight ISIL (also known as ISIS or the Islamic State).
The withdrawal signals an end to major foreign military operations in Iraq.
Nighttime celebrations were held to start the holiday.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced six big changes to the U.S. military to improve how it fights and prepares for future wars. These changes include a new command focused on autonomous warfare, new training programs for officers, and stronger defenses for military bases and supply chains.
Key Facts
A new four-star Autonomous Warfare Command will be created by 2027 to speed up the use of drones and robots in the military.
A national officer-development program called America’s Corps of Cadets will expand military training at five civilian universities.
The military will improve protection of bases and supply routes, important due to recent attacks in the ongoing war with Iran.
The Defense Department completed its combat mission in Iraq after seven months of involvement in the Iran conflict.
A new Office of Religious Affairs will be established within the military.
Project Meridian is a 120-day effort to find new technologies to give the U.S. an edge in future conflicts, led by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich.
Plans include cutting 20% of general and admiral positions to streamline leadership.
The changes emphasize better technology, readiness, and a strong warrior mindset to prepare the military for future battles.
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A collection of Oasis recordings made by the band’s former sound engineer was set to be sold at auction but has been pulled due to legal action by the band. The recordings include live shows, rehearsals, and personal conversations, but the band owns the rights to the material, blocking its sale.
Key Facts
The recordings include 63 live shows, rehearsals, and conversations between band members Noel and Liam Gallagher.
The collection was created by Huw Richards, Oasis’s sound engineer from 1994 to 2001.
The tapes were being sold by Huw Richards’s son, Owain Richards, who is also a sound engineer.
The auction was scheduled by Littleton Auctions in Worcestershire, with a guide price between £1.2 million and £1.6 million.
Oasis sued to stop the auction because they own the intellectual property rights to the recordings.
The auction of these tapes has been postponed until the legal dispute is resolved.
Other music memorabilia from the Richards collection will still be auctioned as planned.
Oasis recently announced a 2027 tour and have been active following their 2025 reunion tour.
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Police found two bodies in a shallow grave in a remote area of Lancaster, California, while investigating a missing person. Authorities are searching for more victims and continue digging near the site of the discovery.
Key Facts
The bodies were found on Tuesday in Lancaster, a city about 70 miles north of Los Angeles.
The discovery happened during a missing persons investigation.
The sheriff’s department is treating the case as a homicide.
Officials are digging in nearby areas for more potential victims.
Lancaster has about 170,000 people and is governed by the county sheriff since it is unincorporated.
The city reported a 35% drop in homicides from 2024 to 2025.
The Los Angeles sheriff’s department has not yet commented on the case publicly.
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