A federal judge will soon decide if President Donald Trump can charge up to $100,000 a month for early access to his social media posts on Truth Social. These posts often contain important government announcements, and news groups argue this practice may violate laws about public access to government information.
Key Facts
President Trump owns a majority stake in Trump Media & Technology Group, which runs Truth Social.
Trump proposes charging up to $100,000 monthly for API access to his posts, offering early access to government-related news.
News organizations say this could break the First Amendment and Presidential Records Act by creating pay-to-access government information.
They also argue it violates the Fifth Amendment by charging unreasonable fees and favoring some people over others.
The Department of Justice compared Trump’s posts to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats,” which were government announcements via radio.
The judge questioned this comparison since Roosevelt did not charge money for his broadcasts.
The judge expressed concern that the fees might create two classes of people—those who can pay for early access and those who cannot.
No previous U.S. president has owned a media company that can profit from presidential announcements, making this case unprecedented.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the execution of Nidal Hasan, scheduled for December at Fort Hood, will be made public so people can watch it. The execution will be carried out by firing squad.
Key Facts
Nidal Hasan is a former Army psychiatrist convicted for the Fort Hood mass shooting.
His execution is set for December 2026 at Fort Hood military base.
The method of execution will be a firing squad.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the execution will be public and people will be able to watch.
Hegseth stated this is to show that serious crimes have serious consequences.
The news comes from an interview with the media outlet Human Events.
The story is still developing and more updates may follow.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said on social media that the United States will not attack Iran before the November midterm elections. This statement aims to clarify the U.S. position on military action ahead of the elections.
Key Facts
President Trump posted that the U.S. will not attack Iran before midterms in November.
The midterm elections will occur in November 2024.
The statement was made on social media.
The announcement addresses concerns about possible U.S. military actions.
Iran is a key point in U.S. foreign relations and security.
No new military conflict with Iran is planned before the elections, according to Trump’s statement.
CBS News reported and confirmed the president’s message.
This communication is part of ongoing updates about U.S. foreign policy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States has charged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, with allegedly torturing opponents and Americans. This new charge is added to existing drug trafficking accusations that could lead to a prison sentence of at least 50 years.
Key Facts
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro faces new U.S. charges of torture.
His wife, Cilia Flores, is also charged in the U.S. with the same accusations.
The torture charges involve opponents and U.S. citizens.
These new charges are in addition to previous drug trafficking accusations against Maduro and Flores.
The drug charges carry a minimum sentence of 50 years in prison if convicted.
The U.S. government is actively pursuing legal action against Maduro and his wife.
Maduro is the current lead official of Venezuela.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. federal prosecutors have charged Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife with torturing American citizens and political opponents. The charges accuse them of human rights abuses against these groups.
Key Facts
Nicolás Maduro is the current President of Venezuela.
Maduro and his wife face U.S. charges related to torture.
The victims include American citizens and political opponents.
The charges come from the U.S. federal government.
The accusations involve serious human rights violations.
The announcement was reported by CBS News.
This case involves international legal action against a foreign leader.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Violent protests against migrants erupted in Johannesburg and Durban, South Africa, after a court ruling made it easier for asylum seekers to apply for refuge. The government said false information about the ruling caused the violence, which included burning cars and looting foreign-owned shops.
Key Facts
Protests turned violent in Soweto (Johannesburg) and Durban, leading to dozens of cars being set on fire.
Foreign-owned shops were looted, and some business owners had to close or flee the area.
Three people were arrested in Durban during the unrest.
The protests followed a July court ruling that removed some barriers for asylum seekers, such as those who entered South Africa irregularly or missed application deadlines.
Police used rubber bullets to disperse protesters in Durban.
The government says false information about the ruling caused panic and violence.
The ruling does not automatically give asylum seekers refugee status or legal rights like permanent residence.
Anti-immigrant protests have been happening for months, causing many migrants to leave South Africa.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three Turkish-owned cargo ships from Ukraine were hit by suspected Russian drones in European waters, with one ship sinking off Bulgaria and crew members missing. Ukraine has also attacked Russian tankers in the Black Sea, while a UN agreement to allow safe passage for oil, grain, and fertilizer ships has not been restored, raising concerns about the risk of the Ukraine war spreading into Europe.
Key Facts
Three Turkish-owned cargo ships leaving Ukraine were attacked by suspected Russian drones in EU waters.
One ship, Alfa Watan, sank off the coast of Bulgaria, with ten crew members from Egypt and Syria missing.
Ukraine has targeted Russian tankers in the Black Sea amid ongoing conflict.
The UN agreement to safely allow ships carrying oil, grain, and fertilizer has not resumed.
Europe is debating how strongly to respond after a drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane in Germany.
The situation raises questions about Europe's readiness for hybrid warfare, which includes attacks using cheap, mass-produced drones.
The issue could influence upcoming elections in Spain, France, and Italy with tens of millions of voters affected.
The United States is reducing its direct involvement in the conflict while reports suggest President Donald Trump’s team is interested in business deals with Moscow.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Mexican judge will soon decide the verdict in the murder trial of three men accused of killing two Australian brothers and their American friend in Mexico in 2024. The three surfers were shot during a trip, and the case has drawn attention from Australia and the United States.
Key Facts
Jake and Callum Robinson, Australian brothers aged 30 and 33, and their American friend Carter Rhoad, 30, were killed in Baja California, Mexico.
The alleged crime happened during a robbery in April 2024 while the trio was on a surfing trip.
Their bodies were found in a cliff area with gunshot wounds to the head.
The trial started on September 8, 2024, in the city of Ensenada.
The prosecution wants each accused person to get 150 years in prison.
The judge will give the verdict after hearing final arguments from both sides.
The families of the victims from Australia and the United States are involved in the trial, some attending in person and others via video call.
The victims’ families have spoken publicly about their grief and loss during the trial.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Maggie Hassan wrote a letter to Trump Mobile, saying the company did not get the needed government permissions to offer international phone calls and failed to file a required plan to fight robocalls. She also raised concerns about a recent data hack affecting over 3,600 customers and questioned Trump Mobile’s security and ties to Liberty Mobile Wireless.
Key Facts
Trump Mobile has not obtained the necessary authorization from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide international phone services.
The company did not submit a required robocall prevention plan, though its partner Liberty Mobile Wireless filed an incomplete version.
Hackers stole personal information from about 3,615 Trump Mobile customers.
Trump Mobile previously confirmed that a vendor exposed customer data on the internet.
The company apparently lacks strong customer identity checks, making it easier for scammers to get phone numbers.
Trump Mobile’s connection to Liberty Mobile Wireless is unclear, and both may be run by the same people.
FCC rules require companies offering international calls to disclose foreign ownership to assess national security risks.
Senator Hassan cited past FCC cases to highlight the risk of companies operating without proper authorization.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen Abascal died after being evicted from her home of 70 years in Spain. Her eviction sparked protests across the country about the housing crisis.
Key Facts
Maricarmen Abascal was 87 years old.
She was evicted from her home, where she had lived for seven decades.
Her eviction became a symbol of Spain’s ongoing housing crisis.
Protests and public anger grew after her eviction and death.
The news was reported by France 24 with coverage from Madrid.
The incident highlights broader concerns about housing and economic issues in Spain.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel closed the British consulate in East Jerusalem and told 20 British diplomats to leave the country. This happened after the UK imposed new sanctions on Israel. The British government said it will continue its presence in East Jerusalem despite the consulate closure.
Key Facts
Israel removed the sign of the British consulate in East Jerusalem.
Israel ordered 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, to leave.
This action was a response to new sanctions imposed by the UK on Israel.
The British government plans to keep its presence in East Jerusalem.
East Jerusalem is an area claimed by both Israel and Palestinians, considered occupied by many international groups.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge ordered the full release of a key PowerPoint presentation used by the Kennedy Center’s board to decide on closing the main building for renovations. The decision comes in a legal fight involving President Donald Trump’s effort to add his name to the Kennedy Center and the center’s proposed two-year closure for repairs.
Key Facts
U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper ruled that the PowerPoint presentation by Delta Construction Group must be fully unsealed.
A 163-page construction plan by JLL will be made public with some parts possibly redacted for security reasons.
The documents were presented during an August 13 board meeting where the Kennedy Center decided to close its main building for renovations.
Representative Joyce Beatty has been involved in a legal battle over control of the Kennedy Center and the closure plan.
Democrats accused President Trump of pushing the closure to attach his name to the Kennedy Center.
The Trump administration says the center faces serious structural and financial problems that require urgent renovation.
The Delta presentation had only five slides and showed no benefits to keeping the center partially open during renovations.
The JLL plan includes construction details that the administration says could pose security risks if fully released.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two candidates, Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers, are debating for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. The debate is covered live, focusing on the main issues that concern voters in Michigan. President Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Rogers.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is running as a progressive candidate for the Michigan Senate seat.
Mike Rogers is a former Republican member of Congress.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Rogers.
The debate is hosted by Nexstar and aired live for two hours.
The debate covers key issues important to Michigan voters.
The event includes national analysis and reaction.
The race is for a U.S. Senate position representing Michigan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said President Donald Trump used his Muslim faith against him during a recent attack. President Trump called El-Sayed “Mohammed El-Sayed” and labeled him a “RADICAL Extremist, Terrorist Sympathizer” in a social media post.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan as a Democrat.
President Trump attacked El-Sayed on Truth Social, a social media platform.
Trump called El-Sayed by the name “Mohammed El-Sayed,” which is not his correct name.
Trump also called El-Sayed a “RADICAL Extremist, Terrorist Sympathizer.”
El-Sayed accused President Trump of using his Muslim faith against him.
The exchange happened during the 2024 election campaign period.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A donor to President Donald Trump, Eric Deters, accused U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle of asking him to pay her $100,000 credit card bill in July 2025. Deters claims Guilfoyle requested this payment in exchange for access to top Trump officials, which she denied, saying the money was for expenses.
Key Facts
Eric Deters is a former lawyer, conservative media figure, and Trump donor.
Deters says Guilfoyle asked him to pay her $100,000 credit card bill just before her Senate confirmation hearing.
Deters claims this was a quid pro quo deal, meaning if he paid, Guilfoyle would help him get access to Trump administration officials.
Guilfoyle’s attorney says the money might be reimbursement for travel or speaking expenses.
Deters provided text messages he says show Guilfoyle asking urgently for the payment.
Deters says he never paid the amount because he didn't have the money.
Deters has a controversial political background in Kentucky and a suspended law license due to court findings.
The U.S. Embassy in Greece has not responded to requests for comment about the accusations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Army released a report that found several system failures caused a midair collision in Washington, DC, in 2025 between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter. The crash killed 67 people, and some family members had asked for the report to be made public.
Key Facts
The crash involved an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army helicopter.
The accident happened in Washington, DC, in 2025.
67 people died in the collision.
The U.S. Army conducted an investigation and prepared a 50-page report.
The report found multiple system breakdowns that contributed to the accident.
Some families of the victims requested the report be released to the public.
The report was obtained by Politico and made available.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate has risen to 7.40%, the highest level in nearly three years, continuing an upward trend for seven weeks. Higher mortgage rates are making it more expensive to buy or refinance homes, which is slowing down the housing market.
Key Facts
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 7.40% from 7.28% last week.
One year ago, the 30-year rate was 6.30%.
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate also rose to 6.73% from 6.60%.
Mortgage rates have been rising since the start of the war between the U.S. and Iran in February 2026.
Rising oil prices and inflation worries contribute to higher mortgage rates.
Mortgage rates move in line with the 10-year Treasury yield, which hit its highest level since 2002 at 5.29%.
The higher rates add about $376 more per month for a $400,000 home loan compared to earlier this year.
Mortgage applications and refinance requests have dropped as the higher rates make borrowing more expensive.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. government plans to update rules about car headlights to improve safety and allow newer lighting technology. This change will make U.S. rules more similar to those in other countries and speed up the use of better headlights on cars by 2026.
Key Facts
Current U.S. headlight rules are set by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
The rules have limited new technologies like adaptive LED headlights, which adjust light to avoid blinding other drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will start a process to rewrite these rules by 2026.
The goal is to reduce red tape, improve driver safety, and allow use of modern lighting tech.
Europe approves cars by testing them before sale, while the U.S. relies on manufacturers to certify compliance.
New headlight technologies like lasers, LEDs, and sensors will be included in updated standards.
NHTSA aims to reduce glare to other drivers while improving visibility for drivers.
Some advanced headlights, like Audi’s matrix LEDs, are already in U.S. cars but with limited features compared to Europe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A former Cornell University student who filed a lawsuit claiming she was raped at a fraternity has received over 20 threats since last month. Her lawyer says she feels very scared, and local police and the FBI are involved to protect her and investigate the threats.
Key Facts
The woman, called Jane Doe in court papers, says she was gang-raped at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity on October 19, 2024.
She has been threatened more than 20 times since she filed the civil lawsuit last month.
Jane Doe has not returned to Cornell since February 2025 and is staying with her parents in a strongly Republican state.
Her lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, received threats too, and law enforcement is investigating all incidents.
Police responded to a false report of a shooting at Jane Doe’s parents’ home, which could have led to a dangerous situation.
The FBI and local police are working to keep Jane Doe and her family safe.
Despite the threats, Jane Doe has received supportive messages from people around the world.
Her lawyer said her goal is to protect the university and its students, not only herself.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Millions of Americans are losing food aid as new rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) take effect. These changes require more work from recipients and have led to a drop in benefits, raising concerns about impacts on low-income families and job market stability.
Key Facts
Since July last year, over 5 million people have stopped receiving SNAP benefits.
New rules require more adults to work or prepare for work to qualify.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump expanded these work requirements.
More than 1 million children have lost access to food assistance under the new rules.
States now pay a larger share (75%) of SNAP administrative costs, creating budget challenges.
Unemployment rates have remained stable, indicating lost benefits do not mean higher employment.
Experts warn that losing benefits could hurt workers' ability to afford transport and childcare, affecting businesses.
The White House says the changes help make SNAP more sustainable and reduce fraud and waste.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
