The Supreme Court refused to bring back plea deals that would have stopped Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two others accused of planning the 9/11 attacks from facing the death penalty. This decision means the death penalty remains possible as their military trial is planned for June 2028.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court denied an appeal to reinstate plea agreements for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants.
The plea deals would have prevented the death penalty for the accused 9/11 plotters.
The government wants to hold the military trial in June 2028, more than 25 years after the attacks.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh did not take part in the decision because of his previous work after 9/11.
The plea agreements were made in 2024, but then Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin withdrew them.
The defendants appealed this withdrawal, with mixed court rulings before the Supreme Court decision.
Mohammed and his co-defendants have been held at Guantánamo Bay since 2006.
Their original trial date was postponed from January 2027 to June 2028 due to unresolved pretrial matters.
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Iran has attacked about 15 container ships in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 10 days using drones, mines, and rocket-propelled grenades. These attacks have raised oil prices and caused environmental damage, while local fishers have been collecting cargo that floated in the water after one ship sank.
Key Facts
At least 15 container ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz recently.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it can attack ships passing without permission.
A ship carrying 2,500 containers sank off Oman after hitting a mine; all crew were safe.
Fake photos of valuable cargo like iPhones led local fishers to collect floating goods.
Iranian officials warned fishers not to take goods, saying they belong to the state.
Oil tankers were also attacked, including one carrying 2 million barrels of oil.
Ship traffic through the strait dropped by about 70% compared to before the attacks.
Experts warn of environmental harm from oil spills, chemical leaks, and underwater noise affecting marine life.
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Protesters in Paris recently displayed both the French and Palestinian flags while demonstrating about high living costs and fuel prices. The Palestinian flag has become a widely used symbol in many protests around the world, often appearing even when the protest is unrelated to the Palestinian cause itself.
Key Facts
On October 17, protesters in Paris climbed a statue and displayed both French and Palestinian flags during protests about living costs.
The Palestinian flag has appeared in many global protests, regardless of the specific issue being protested.
Activists in November 2023 displayed a large Palestinian flag on Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa in a protest about the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Palestinian flag is now used as a general symbol of protest and anger, not always linked to Palestine directly.
Protesters use the Palestinian flag in demonstrations about many issues, such as tuition fees, capitalism, or government policies.
The widespread use of the Palestinian flag in protests shows it has become a universal political symbol beyond its original meaning.
This transformation means the flag is now a common part of protest culture worldwide, appearing almost by default.
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People in Albania are holding protests because they are upset about high living costs, corruption, poor public services, and not enough opportunities. Prime Minister Edi Rama has refused to step down, and protesters plan to increase their demonstrations.
Key Facts
Many people in Albania are protesting against the government.
They want Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
The protests are driven by high expenses for daily life.
Corruption in the country is a major complaint.
Public services, like healthcare and education, are seen as poor.
People feel there are not enough chances for jobs or progress.
Prime Minister Rama has said he will not resign.
Protesters say they will make their actions bigger and stronger.
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Protests in France began over problems like teacher shortages and poor school conditions. Over the weekend, some protests turned violent, with rioting and looting reported, while President Emmanuel Macron urged people to stay calm.
Key Facts
The protests started in September at a high school near Paris.
Initial concerns were about not having enough teachers and bad school buildings.
The protests spread to other areas beyond the school.
Over the weekend, violence occurred, including rioting and looting.
President Emmanuel Macron called on people to remain calm during the unrest.
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A drone attack near a market in southern Sudan killed 80 people and injured many others on Sunday. The attack happened in the town of al-Dibab, controlled by a paramilitary group, amid ongoing fighting between Sudan’s military and paramilitary forces.
Key Facts
The drone strike targeted a transport hub where people gather after market day.
80 people died, including commuters, with some victims buried by local witnesses.
47 injured people were moved to a nearby town; 30 later died from their injuries.
The attack is one of the deadliest since fighting started in Sudan in April 2023.
The conflict is between Sudan’s armed forces led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The RSF controls West Kordofan state, where the attack occurred, and accused the army of the drone strike.
Between January and April, drone strikes caused over 80% of civilian deaths in the ongoing war.
The UN warned that the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan continue to worsen with no peace talks in sight.
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Character.AI, a chatbot platform, filed for bankruptcy as part of a deal allowing Disney to hire most of its employees and potentially acquire its technology. Disney structured the deal to avoid taking on Character.AI’s ongoing legal problems while gaining use of its software and tools through a license.
Key Facts
Character.AI declared bankruptcy to work out a resolution with legal claimants and regulators.
The bankruptcy allowed Disney to hire most of Character.AI’s staff, including its CEO Karandeep Anand.
Disney paid $5.5 million upfront plus a $2 million refundable deposit in September before bankruptcy filings.
After bankruptcy, Disney aims to get a worldwide license to use Character.AI’s software and technology.
The license excludes user data and Character.AI’s website.
Disney may pay another $12.5 million if it wins the auction for the license during bankruptcy court proceedings.
Character.AI remains responsible for its ongoing lawsuits and regulatory investigations.
This deal is an example of a “reverse acquihire,” where a company buys a startup mainly for its employees and technology but leaves the startup’s legal issues behind.
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Many young people in Generation Z are choosing to send and receive handwritten letters instead of using instant digital messages. This slow method of communication, often through paid "snail mail clubs," is gaining popularity on social media and is linked to mental health benefits like deeper thinking and feeling less alone.
Key Facts
Generation Z is reviving the practice of sending physical letters and joining snail mail clubs.
Snail mail clubs send handwritten letters, themed notes, and small gifts to subscribers by post.
Writing letters by hand helps people slow down and think carefully about their words.
Studies show handwriting activates brain areas related to movement, touch, vision, and memory more than typing.
Receiving physical letters can help improve emotions, offering a meaningful surprise different from digital notifications.
Snail mail clubs often feature creative elements like decorated envelopes, stickers, and vintage stationery.
The trend is popular on TikTok and reflects a desire for real connection beyond fast digital communication.
Letter-writing communities have a long history but are now adapting to a modern, entrepreneurial style.
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Alberta, a Canadian province rich in oil, held its first referendum on whether to become independent from Canada. More than 76% of voters chose to stay part of Canada, supporting Prime Minister Mark Carney’s goal of keeping the country united during tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade actions.
Key Facts
Alberta held a referendum on independence from Canada for the first time.
Over 76% of voters supported remaining part of Canada, with more than a third of ballots counted.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called the result a clear choice for national unity.
Separatist leaders, supported by some U.S. allies, said they would keep pushing for independence despite the vote.
Alberta is home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves.
The vote was nonbinding, meaning it was a public opinion poll but not legally final.
Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith, opposed independence and said the referendum settled the issue for now.
Some Trump supporters and U.S. political figures encouraged Alberta's separatist movement in the past.
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President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge, Ana C. Reyes, during a hearing about his administration’s plans to renovate the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C. The judge is hearing a legal challenge because the government did not follow usual approval steps before starting the work, including cutting down hundreds of trees.
Key Facts
President Trump called Judge Ana C. Reyes a “crazed lunatic” and questioned her authority in the case.
The judge refused to step down from the case, despite requests from the Trump administration.
A hearing took place where the judge asked senior Department of the Interior officials to testify.
Hundreds of trees were cut down recently with little public notice, sparking criticism.
The Trump administration posted a new plan for the golf course that removes some public spaces and cherry trees from the earlier proposal.
The original plan included an 18-hole championship course, a 9-hole short course, walking and biking paths, and protected historic cherry trees.
The revised plan eliminated the 9-hole course and public park spaces.
Lawsuit concerns focus on the government not following proper review and approval rules before starting work.
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Sarah Matthews, who once worked as deputy press secretary in the White House, said she is worried about President Trump possibly replacing Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, with Stephen Miller, the current deputy chief of staff. Although there is talk that Wiles might leave after the midterm elections, President Trump has denied these reports.
Key Facts
Sarah Matthews is a former White House deputy press secretary.
She described the idea of Stephen Miller succeeding Susie Wiles as "terrifying."
Susie Wiles is the current chief of staff for President Trump.
Stephen Miller is the current deputy chief of staff.
There is speculation that Wiles might leave her job after the midterm elections.
President Trump has denied reports about Wiles leaving soon.
The comments were made during an interview with MeidasTouch’s Jack.
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Pakistan has stopped trade with Iran at two border crossings, Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan, due to security and operational concerns. This has caused around 2,000 trucks to be stuck on both sides of the border, while passenger travel at one crossing continues.
Key Facts
Pakistan halted trade at the Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan border crossings in Balochistan province.
About 2,000 trucks are stranded on both sides of the border.
Pakistan says the closure is a temporary security measure to support counterterrorism and improve border management.
Iran said the halt is due to technical and precautionary reasons without mentioning security specifically.
Passenger traffic continues at the Gabd-Rimdan crossing.
Experts suggest the closure may also be influenced by economic sanctions on Iran and broader strategic reasons.
Pakistan has been involved in mediating between the U.S. and Iran since their conflict escalated in February 2024.
Pakistan agreed to comply with international sanctions but has not detailed which ones affect the border closure.
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A man who interrupted a Michigan townhall event to question Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed about the Muslim Brotherhood was identified as a former aide to Republican Senator Josh Hawley. The man, Thomas Teepell, confronted El-Sayed, who denied any ties to the group and spoke against mixing religion with American law during the exchange.
Key Facts
The heckler at the townhall used the name “Tommy” and demanded El-Sayed disavow the Muslim Brotherhood.
El-Sayed rejected the implication of “dual loyalty” and stated he is running for Senate and happens to be Muslim.
The heckler was later identified as Thomas Teepell, a former aide to Republican Senator Josh Hawley.
The Muslim Brotherhood is a long-established Islamist group that the US has designated some parts of it as terrorist organizations under President Trump.
El-Sayed has denied any personal or family ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
President Trump has repeatedly accused El-Sayed of being linked to the Muslim Brotherhood without evidence.
The Senate race in Michigan is close, with El-Sayed holding a small lead over Republican Jon Rogers.
El-Sayed plans to campaign with former President Barack Obama on October 24, coinciding with the start of early voting.
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Israeli police arrested 10 people linked to attacks by settlers on a journalist and European diplomats in the West Bank. The incidents happened during the Palestinian olive harvest and followed a rise in settler violence.
Key Facts
Israeli police detained 10 suspects connected to recent settler violence in the West Bank.
The attacks included violence against Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine and several European diplomats.
Levine suffered broken ribs and vertebrae, surgery on a nearly severed finger, and stab wounds requiring stitches.
The attacked diplomats were from Belgium, France, Poland, and included Catholic representatives.
Settler violence has increased in recent years, with few attackers usually arrested or punished.
Israeli police, Shin Bet (security service), border police, and military all took part in the investigation.
Officials also targeted violations related to military closed zones and illegal building.
The arrests came after widespread criticism of Israeli authorities for handling the violence.
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Liz Baker Plosser, former editor of Women's Health, discussed on CBS Mornings which TikTok health and fitness trends are useful to follow. She gave advice on how to find trustworthy wellness trends on social media.
Key Facts
Liz Baker Plosser runs a popular newsletter called "Best Case Scenario with Liz Plosser."
She appeared on CBS Mornings to talk about TikTok health and fitness trends.
Her advice helps people decide which trends are reliable and worth trying.
TikTok is a social media platform where many health trends start and spread.
Not all wellness trends on TikTok are safe or effective, so expert guidance is helpful.
Baker Plosser’s background is in health publishing, giving her insight into fitness and wellness topics.
The segment aims to help viewers make better choices about health trends they see online.
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A Chinese rocket launched on September 15, 2026, dropped a large piece of metal debris in a Minnesota cornfield after completing its mission. The debris is a part of the rocket used to carry satellites into orbit and fell back to Earth shortly after launch.
Key Facts
The rocket launched from the Gobi Desert in China and carried 10 satellites into orbit for a Chinese communications network called Qianfan.
The launch lasted about 75 to 80 minutes, and the rocket did not complete a full orbit before debris fell.
A farmer in Scott Township, Minnesota, found a large, circular metal object about 11 feet wide in his cornfield.
The object matches the size of the upper part of the Zhuque-2E rocket used in the launch.
Local law enforcement confirmed the debris is likely from space and is working with other agencies to identify and remove it.
The debris caused no reported harm or danger to people.
Under international law, China is responsible for any damage caused by the rocket debris.
China plans to expand its Qianfan satellite network to over 1,296 satellites initially, aiming for more than 15,000 in the long term.
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The winner of the "World's Cutest Rescue Dog" contest was announced on CBS Mornings by People magazine's editor-in-chief, Charlotte Triggs. This contest highlights the most charming rescue dogs from around the world.
Key Facts
People magazine held a contest called "World's Cutest Rescue Dog."
Charlotte Triggs, the editor-in-chief of People, announced the winner on CBS Mornings.
The contest aims to celebrate rescue dogs that have found new homes.
The announcement was featured in a short CBS Mornings video segment.
Rescue dogs are pets saved from shelters or difficult situations.
The contest attracts wide public interest and highlights pet adoption.
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A National Guardsman was shot in the leg while trying to stop a fight in Southeast Washington, D.C. Both the Guardsman and the suspected shooter were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at about 11:10 p.m. on Sunday night.
The location was in the 400 block of Southeast D.C.
The National Guardsman was trying to break up a fight when he was shot.
Both the injured Guardsman and the suspected shooter were hospitalized.
Neither person’s injuries were considered life-threatening.
Police reported the incident on Monday.
The situation involved the National Guard, a military reserve force that can assist in emergencies.
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The article questions why Elon Musk is not closely examined like other social media influencers, even though he has a much larger impact on culture and politics. It implies that Musk’s control over some Republican figures leads them to support his extreme views.
Key Facts
Elon Musk has significant influence over culture and politics.
Other social media influencers usually face close public scrutiny.
Musk appears to be treated differently and less critically.
Some Republicans support Musk’s more extreme opinions.
The article suggests a connection between Musk’s influence and political support from Republicans.
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President Trump will sign an executive order to start a new women’s health program led by First Lady Melania Trump. This program will include creating a Women’s Health Division at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a White House Women’s Health Task Force.
Key Facts
President Trump is signing an executive order for a women’s health initiative.
First Lady Melania Trump is leading this new effort.
The initiative will create a Women’s Health Division at the NIH.
A White House Women’s Health Task Force will also be set up.
The program is based on five main focus areas led by the First Lady.
USA Today first reported the plan.
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