Making two credit card payments each month instead of one can help reduce interest costs, pay off debt faster, and may improve your credit score. The savings depend on your balance, interest rate, and payment amounts, and this method works best if you pay more than the minimum.
Key Facts
The average credit card interest rate is over 22%, making debt hard to reduce.
About 28% of people with large credit card debt only pay the minimum, and 20% are behind on payments.
Credit card interest is often calculated using the average daily balance during the billing cycle.
Making a payment halfway through the month lowers the average daily balance and can reduce interest charges.
Paying more than the usual monthly amount can help pay off debt faster and reduce overall interest.
Credit card companies report balances to credit bureaus near the statement date; lowering the balance before then may improve your credit utilization ratio and credit score.
People who already pay their full monthly balance every month likely won’t save extra interest by splitting payments.
Transferring balances or personal loans can reduce interest but aren’t options for everyone.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. never stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine, contradicting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claim that the sharing was paused. The disagreement highlights growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv, especially over issues like intelligence, satellite access, and Russian diesel exports.
Key Facts
Zelensky claimed U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine was paused for three days but later resumed.
Rubio denied any pause in intelligence sharing and criticized Zelensky’s statement.
Ukraine relies on U.S. intelligence to warn about Russian missile attacks, though European allies provide some support.
Zelensky accused the U.S. of limiting use of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network, which Ukraine uses for its defense.
The Trump administration rejected claims it deliberately restricted Starlink’s speeds, but some limits remain.
Trump announced a ceasefire on striking Russian energy sites, surprising Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian energy targets after Moscow ignored the ceasefire.
The tension reflects a worsening relationship between President Trump’s administration and Zelensky amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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The Simpsons have brought back the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon with a new voice actor, Sunil Malhotra, after eight years of absence due to criticism over racist stereotypes. The show has been recasting several characters originally voiced by white actors to better match the characters' ethnic backgrounds.
Key Facts
Apu returned in a recent episode with Sunil Malhotra, who is of Indian descent, as the new voice actor.
The character stopped speaking on the show in 2017 after a documentary criticized Apu's portrayal.
Hank Azaria, the original voice of Apu, stopped voicing him in 2020 and apologized for the role.
The Simpsons announced in 2020 they would no longer have white actors voice non-white characters.
Alex Désert replaced Azaria as Carl Carlson, a Black character, in 2020.
Other characters recast include Bumblebee Man, Lou, Dr. Julius Hibbert, Bernice Hibbert, and Kumiko Albertson.
Voice changes aim to address previous complaints about racial representation and stereotypes.
Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon, Apu’s wife, also received a new voice actor recently.
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A fire at a military base in Alberta, Canada, killed four soldiers and injured many others. This is one of the deadliest non-war incidents to happen to Canada’s armed forces within the country.
Key Facts
Four soldiers died in the fire.
Dozens of other soldiers were injured.
The fire happened at a military base in Alberta province.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the event is one of the worst peacetime tragedies for the Canadian military.
The incident occurred on or before October 19, 2026.
The cause of the fire was not mentioned in the report.
The tragedy impacts Canada’s armed forces on home soil.
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Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Michigan, has faced questions about alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood during his political career. He has denied any connection to the group and rejected claims that his Muslim faith should affect his political loyalty. The topic gained more attention during his Senate campaign amid comments by President Trump and social media posts by his half-sister.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed has been questioned about Muslim Brotherhood ties since at least 2018.
The Muslim Brotherhood is a political Islamist movement founded in Egypt in 1928; some countries label parts of it as terrorist groups.
In a 2018 debate, El-Sayed denied plans to implement Sharia law in Michigan and affirmed his loyalty to the U.S. Constitution.
El-Sayed accused his 2018 Republican rival of using anti-Muslim prejudice during the debate.
In 2021, El-Sayed defended his friend Mohamed Soltan, who was imprisoned in Egypt and whose father is linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Mohamed Soltan was charged with terrorism in Egypt but was released and returned to the U.S. in 2015.
El-Sayed’s writings defending Soltan drew scrutiny during his 2026 Senate campaign, leading to making his Substack account private.
President Trump’s comments in 2026 renewed focus on El-Sayed’s alleged Muslim Brotherhood connections in the context of U.S. Senate politics.
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Tyler Shultz, a former employee and whistleblower of the company Theranos, spoke on CBS Mornings about Nathan Fielder’s documentary titled "You Can See Everything," which focuses on Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos. Shultz shared insights and experiences related to the documentary.
Key Facts
Tyler Shultz worked for Theranos and was the whistleblower who revealed problems in 2015.
Nathan Fielder made a documentary about Elizabeth Holmes called "You Can See Everything."
The documentary received a lot of attention and is described as successful.
Shultz appeared on CBS Mornings to discuss the documentary.
Elizabeth Holmes was the founder and public face of Theranos.
The documentary investigates the Theranos scandal and Holmes’ role in it.
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French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu accused the "ultra-left movement" of trying to cause serious unrest across France before the next presidential election. These remarks came after violent protests took place over the weekend in several parts of the country.
Key Facts
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu spoke about a planned effort by the "ultra-left" to create unrest before the 2027 presidential election.
The comment followed violent protests that happened over the recent weekend in France.
Protests have included clashes between police and demonstrators.
The unrest is linked to broader social and economic issues in France, including rising living costs.
French President Emmanuel Macron is in office during this period of social tension.
Student groups and other activists have joined protests, demanding long-term changes to education and social policies.
There have been damages to shops and public property during the riots.
The situation reflects growing social divisions and dissatisfaction ahead of the election year.
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The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a case about Chicago’s policy of taking and selling cars over unpaid parking tickets without paying back extra money. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch expressed worries about how much power the police have in such cases but agreed to let lower courts study the issue more.
Key Facts
The case was O’Donnell v. City of Chicago, about impounding and selling cars for unpaid parking tickets.
Chicago does not pay back extra money made from selling the cars after covering the ticket debt.
The Seventh Circuit Court said this practice is allowed under the government’s police power.
Police power means the state can enforce laws to protect public safety.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is liberal, and Justice Neil Gorsuch, who is conservative, both showed concern about how far police power should go.
The justices want courts to clearly define when police power can override compensation rights under the Constitution.
Sotomayor said more decisions from lower courts are needed before the Supreme Court takes this type of case.
The decision not to hear the case means the lower court ruling stays in place for now.
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Students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland celebrate a 600-year-old tradition called Raisin Monday by covering each other in shaving foam. This event helps new students connect with older students and builds a sense of community in the small university town.
Key Facts
Raisin Monday is a 600-year-old tradition at the University of St Andrews.
Originally, new students gave older students a pound of raisins to say thank you.
Today, students wear costumes and spray each other with shaving foam on the lawn.
Older students are called “mums” and “dads” and mentor the first-year students.
The event brings together students from many countries to help them feel connected.
Participants are encouraged to donate to a local food bank before the foam fight.
The foam fight lasts about half an hour and ends with students cleaning off despite cold weather.
This tradition is one of several unique rituals at UK universities meant to build community.
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Brazil’s top election court ordered Meta, the company that owns Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, to prove it treats campaign content from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro equally. The court threatened heavy fines because Lula’s campaign accused Meta of limiting his content to help Bolsonaro before the important presidential runoff election.
Key Facts
Brazil’s top electoral court gave Meta 24 hours to prove equal treatment of Lula’s and Bolsonaro’s campaign content online.
Lula’s campaign claimed Meta suppressed his campaign content while favoring Bolsonaro.
Meta denied bias, saying some Lula ads were mistakenly deactivated due to technical errors.
The court increased daily fines to 1 million Reals (about $200,000) for Meta if it does not comply.
The order came just days before the October 25 runoff election between Lula and Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro is a senator and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula is the current president seeking re-election in a close race.
The court previously set rules to ensure fair treatment of candidates on Meta’s platforms during the election.
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North Korea has threatened to restart loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts and put more weapons along the border with South Korea. This follows recent tensions over landmines that injured South Korean soldiers and accusations of military provocations from both sides.
Key Facts
North Korea wants to resume loudspeaker broadcasts and deploy more tactical weapons near the South Korean border.
The threats come after mine blasts on September 21 injured three South Korean soldiers; South Korea blamed North Korea for planting the mines.
North Korea denied involvement and warned of strong retaliation if provoked.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused South Korea of firing warning shots and broadcasts that crossed a "red line."
The border is heavily fortified, with both countries adding mines, fences, and military barriers.
South Korea’s military reported 50 North Korean border violations this year, responding with warning shots and broadcasts.
Loudspeaker broadcasts are a form of psychological warfare used during confrontations but were stopped recently to promote peace.
North Korea has increased weapons tests, likely to pressure the U.S. as President Donald Trump seeks renewed diplomacy with Kim Jong Un.
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A US Air Force member, Sgt Ian Patterson, died after falling while descending from the ceiling of the Alamodome stadium in Texas before a college football game. The incident is under investigation, and the game continued as planned.
Key Facts
Sgt Ian Patterson was an instructor with the US Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio.
He fell from about 170 feet (52 meters) during a ceremony before the game between UT San Antonio and the Naval Academy.
Patterson died later in the hospital from his injuries.
The game went on since the decision was made before his death was confirmed.
He had served 15 years in the military and was highly decorated.
In 2022, Patterson was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year.
The US Air Force and UTSA expressed condolences to his family and colleagues.
The cause of the fall is being investigated.
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Downing Street criticized Pete Hegseth, a US defence official, for underestimating the role of NATO allies in fighting in Afghanistan. The UK government also emphasized its strong support for Ukraine amid concerns about President Trump’s approach to Russia and possible peace talks excluding Ukraine.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth said most NATO countries in Afghanistan did not actively fight, claiming only a few participated in combat.
The UK government responded by affirming that many NATO allies, including over 450 British personnel, sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan.
More than 30 nations lost troops in Afghanistan, and nearly two-thirds of the deaths were US forces.
UK officials said it is wrong to minimize the contributions of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
President Trump has recently criticized Ukraine’s leader and eased some sanctions on Russia.
Trump reportedly wants a peace summit with the US, Russia, and China, but possibly excluding Ukraine.
The UK maintains its position of fully supporting Ukraine and wants a just and lasting peace.
The UK Prime Minister recently met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to show support.
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Some Republican voters in Texas are deciding whether to support Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate despite concerns about his past. Political experts discuss how Paxton’s likability might affect his campaign.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
Some voters are unsure about supporting him because of his previous problems.
Political strategists Harrison Fields and Robyn Patterson shared their views on Paxton’s campaign.
The discussion focuses on Paxton’s likability and its impact on the election.
The article covers opinions from both Republican and Democratic strategists.
The U.S. Senate seat in Texas is an important political race.
The story is part of the CBS News political coverage.
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Australian MP Helen Haines is critically injured after being hit by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Police arrested a 43-year-old man at the scene, and investigation suggests the attack may have been deliberate.
Key Facts
Helen Haines, an independent MP and anti-corruption campaigner, was hit by a white Toyota Landcruiser on Monday afternoon.
The incident happened outside her constituency office in Wangaratta, a town about a few hours northeast of Melbourne.
A 43-year-old man from nearby Tarrawingee was detained by a passerby and later arrested by police.
A knife was found in the suspect’s car, and counter-terrorism police are involved in the investigation.
The police are still investigating whether the attack was intentional and if the MP and suspect knew each other.
Helen Haines was first treated at a local hospital, then airlifted to Melbourne for critical care.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the event a deliberate act and highlighted rising threats against politicians.
Haines is known for her work on anti-corruption and helped promote the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
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Spain’s Supreme Court has ruled that Carles Puigdemont, the former president of Catalonia, can return to Spain without being arrested. Puigdemont fled Spain almost ten years ago after leading a failed attempt for Catalan independence and has been living in Belgium since then.
Key Facts
Puigdemont led a 2017 independence referendum in Catalonia, which was banned by Spain’s government.
After the failed referendum, Madrid took direct control of Catalonia and Puigdemont fled to Belgium.
Spain’s Supreme Court lifted the arrest warrant against Puigdemont, allowing his safe return.
Earlier this year, a controversial amnesty covered many Catalan politicians, but Puigdemont was initially excluded due to alleged financial crimes.
The Constitutional Court overruled Puigdemont’s exclusion from the amnesty, and the Supreme Court rejected a far-right party’s appeal to keep arrest warrants active.
Puigdemont remains politically active, serving as a member of the European Parliament and the Catalan Parliament.
Puigdemont has made rare short visits to Spain but has avoided arrest by escaping abroad quickly.
The Catalan independence issue is less prominent now, with housing and immigration being bigger political topics in Spain.
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President Donald Trump said that immigration is a cause of recent protests and unrest in France. Vice President JD Vance made similar remarks and mentioned the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, where Republicans are expected to face challenges.
Key Facts
Protests and clashes in France have drawn international attention.
President Trump linked the unrest in France to immigration issues.
Vice President JD Vance also blamed immigration for the protests.
Vance connected these comments to the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.
Republicans are not expected to do well in the upcoming midterms.
Protests in France involved violent clashes between police and demonstrators.
Some protests in France and Italy are linked to the cost of living and youth concerns.
French leaders, including President Macron, are responding to the crisis and its fallout.
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A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, resulted in the deaths of three children. Reports detail the attempts made by adults to stop the shooter during the incident.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.
Three children died in the shooting.
Adults at the school tried to stop the shooter.
The report was covered by CBS News correspondent Ash-har Quraishi.
The event occurred recently, with details emerging 24 minutes after the report.
The incident is part of ongoing coverage including other national news stories.
The article focuses on the response to the shooting, not on political or other unrelated events.
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Speaker Mike Johnson said he warned the White House about possible unexpected problems from lifting some sanctions on Russia. President Donald Trump recently signed an order to delay sanctions on Russia that were part of a law supported by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Key Facts
Speaker Mike Johnson is from Louisiana and a Republican.
He warned the White House about “unintended consequences” from waiving Russia sanctions.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to delay these Russia sanctions last week.
The sanctions were planned to start under a law passed with support from Senator Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, had helped push the sanctions law.
The sanctions targeted Russia but were put on hold by President Trump’s order.
The warning from Johnson was made publicly on a Sunday.
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French President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day visit to Gulf countries to secure oil and diesel supplies. This effort aims to help lower fuel prices after protests in France caused by high living costs.
Key Facts
President Macron started his Gulf tour on Monday.
He first visited Kuwait, an oil-producing country and OPEC member.
Macron met with Kuwait’s emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The goal of the tour is to ensure a steady supply of fuel like oil and diesel.
French protests this weekend were violent and linked to rising living costs.
Macron condemned the violence in a speech on Sunday night.
The protests included clashes between police and protesters.
The visits occur amid concerns about energy prices affecting everyday life.
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