New data from the Federal Reserve shows that between 2021 and 2024, middle- and lower-income American families had higher incomes after adjusting for inflation, while the richest 10% saw their incomes fall. Despite this, wealthy families increased their net worth significantly, especially through assets like stocks and houses.
Key Facts
Median family income in the U.S. rose by 7% after adjusting for inflation from 2021 to 2024.
Income for the top 10% of earners dropped by 14% in the same period.
Wealthy families (top 10% by income) saw their median net worth increase by 31% from 2022 to 2025.
The median net worth for the average family increased by only 2%, while families in the bottom 40% saw their net worth slightly decline.
The data comes from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, released every three years.
Blue-collar workers had bigger wage gains during the tight job market and high inflation years of 2021 and 2022.
Top earners’ incomes can fluctuate a lot because they often come from capital gains and business income.
More families are carrying high debt payments, with the debt payment-to-income ratio rising to 15.4% and the share of families with high debt payments increasing to 8.6%.
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The plague, a serious bacterial disease, still appears every year in parts of Africa and the United States. It can now be treated with antibiotics. Recently, a worker in a Russian plague lab died from pneumonia, raising concerns, but tests showed no plague.
Key Facts
The plague caused millions of deaths in 14th-century Europe.
It has never completely disappeared and still occurs yearly.
Most cases since the 1990s have been in African countries like Congo and Madagascar.
The U.S. sees about seven cases per year, mainly in rural western areas.
A Russian plague lab worker died of pneumonia, sparking worry about plague infection.
Russian officials say tests found no plague in the recent death.
The plague research institute in Siberia was quarantined after the incident.
Antibiotics can now effectively treat plague infections.
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Jordan Bardella, leader of France's far-right National Rally, faces new accusations that he wrote anti-Semitic comments when he was younger. Reports say Bardella deleted data from an old Facebook account after these claims appeared, which he denies. Marine Le Pen supports him and plans to fight the accusations in court.
Key Facts
Jordan Bardella allegedly made anti-Semitic comments as a young activist in 2013.
The claims first appeared on the investigative website Mediapart.
Bardella reportedly deleted information from an old Facebook account soon after the allegations surfaced.
Bardella denies having used or deleted any Facebook account data.
Mediapart published screenshots showing Bardella’s alleged messages.
Bardella says the allegations are false and plans to sue for defamation.
Marine Le Pen, presidential candidate and Bardella’s ally, supports him strongly.
Bardella is an important figure in Le Pen’s effort to improve the party’s image.
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The European Court of Auditors says the EU's Covid recovery fund, called the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), was very successful in helping member countries recover from the pandemic. The fund provided €450 billion in grants and loans since 2021, especially helping countries like Spain and Italy recover quickly.
Key Facts
The EU created a €750 billion joint borrowing plan called Next Generation EU to support economic recovery from Covid-19.
The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) has distributed €450 billion in grants and loans to EU countries since 2021.
This fund is seen as a successful example of European countries working together financially during a crisis.
The European Court of Auditors is now evaluating how effective the money has been in producing results.
There is discussion about whether this type of financial cooperation should become permanent or guide future EU budgets.
Italy and Spain were two countries that benefited significantly from the fund.
Managing debt is a concern for both the EU level and individual countries like France, which has high national debt.
The EU still holds a strong credit rating (triple A), but its debt will need to be repaid over many years.
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Hurricane Isaias, a Category 3 storm, is about to hit the United States soon. Experts and officials are preparing for the storm and providing updates on the situation.
Key Facts
Hurricane Isaias is currently a Category 3 storm, which means it has strong winds ranging from 111 to 129 mph.
The hurricane is only hours away from reaching the U.S. coast.
CBS News reporter Rob Marciano is covering the latest updates about the hurricane.
Jeffrey Lindsay, a fire and emergency service director at the University of Florida, provided details on how people are preparing.
The storm is expected to impact the Gulf Coast region of the U.S.
Local officials and emergency services are involved in making preparations ahead of the hurricane’s arrival.
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Federal immigration officers shot a 28-year-old man in New York after he drove his car toward their vehicles during an arrest attempt. The officers said they felt their lives were in danger, and the man was only slightly wounded in the neck.
Key Facts
The man shot was identified as Oscar Belgal by New York City police.
ICE officers tried to arrest him when he attempted to drive away by hitting their vehicles.
Officers used their cars to block his escape but he accelerated toward them.
Belgal was shot superficially in the neck during this incident.
The shooting was confirmed by a senior ICE official, Marcos Charles.
The news conference discussing the shooting involved U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
The Department of Homeland Security linked the incident to issues with sanctuary city policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
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Navanethem “Navi” Pillay from South Africa won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. She is recognized for her work in human rights and international justice, including her role as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Key Facts
Navi Pillay is 85 years old and comes from South Africa.
She served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Pillay was the chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
She is known for her efforts in promoting justice and international law.
The Nobel Peace Prize was announced on October 9, 2026.
Her work covers global human rights issues and conflict zones.
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The leader of the U.S. Catholic Bishops asked the Defense Department not to broadcast a planned execution by firing squad. Archbishop Paul Coakley expressed sadness after learning about the live stream of former Army Major Nadal Hasan’s execution.
Key Facts
The U.S. Defense Department plans to live stream an execution by firing squad.
The person to be executed is former Army Major Nadal Hasan.
Hasan was convicted in connection with a mass shooting.
Archbishop Paul Coakley leads the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Coakley publicly spoke against the live broadcast of the execution.
He described his reaction as "shock and sorrow" about the plan.
The execution is scheduled for next month.
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Troy Jackson, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, is in a close race against the Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Former President Barack Obama recently endorsed Jackson, highlighting his background and political work, which may help increase voter turnout ahead of the election.
Key Facts
Troy Jackson is the Democratic nominee for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat.
Susan Collins is the Republican incumbent senator running for reelection.
Polls show a tight race, with Jackson holding a slight lead in some recent surveys.
Former President Obama endorsed Jackson, praising his work on wages, drug costs, free school lunches, and abortion rights.
Obama is a popular former president and his endorsement might encourage more Democrats and moderates to vote.
Jackson has received support from many labor unions, politicians, and public figures, including Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna.
Jackson and Sanders plan to campaign together in Maine before the election.
The race remains competitive with many voters undecided close to Election Day.
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Recent polls show voters who supported President Donald Trump in 2024 are less excited about voting in the November midterm elections than those who backed Kamala Harris. This lower enthusiasm among Trump supporters could make it harder for Republicans to keep control of Congress.
Key Facts
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 48% of Harris voters were very enthusiastic about voting, compared to 30% of Trump voters.
An Economist/YouGov poll showed 52% of Harris voters felt more enthusiastic about voting this year than in past midterms; only 34% of Trump voters felt the same.
A CBS News/YouGov poll indicates Democrats currently have an edge in fighting for a narrow House majority.
Cost of living is a top concern for voters, with 52% saying it will influence their congressional vote.
Republicans who think the current administration is not addressing rising prices are less likely to say they will definitely vote.
About 13% of Trump voters are unsure who they will choose for Congress, compared to 7% of Harris voters.
Men, a group President Trump won in 2024, are more enthusiastic about voting but currently lean slightly toward Democrats on congressional ballots.
Opposition to President Trump motivates 62% of enthusiastic voters, while 36% are motivated by support for him.
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The U.S. has reported over 4,000 confirmed measles cases in 2026, exceeding last year’s total of 2,289 cases. Most states and Washington, D.C., have reported cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Key Facts
As of Thursday, the CDC confirmed 4,080 measles cases in the U.S. in 2026.
This number surpasses the total measles cases in 2025 (2,289 cases).
Last year had the highest measles cases in 30 years before this increase.
Measles is a contagious disease that spreads easily between people.
Most U.S. states and Washington, D.C. have reported cases this year.
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President Donald Trump created a special committee to investigate claims that Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve Board member, made false statements on mortgage documents. The committee will hold a private hearing and decide if Cook should be removed from her position.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a memo creating a three-person committee to investigate Lisa Cook.
The committee members include the assistant for economic policy, head of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and head of the Office of Government Ethics.
A private hearing is scheduled for November 5 at the White House to review evidence against Cook.
Lisa Cook can respond in writing and attend the hearing to present her defense.
Cook’s lawyers say she wants to clear her name and believes there is no legal reason to remove her.
Trump previously tried to fire Cook last year based on similar mortgage fraud accusations.
The Supreme Court ruled Cook can stay on the Federal Reserve while legally challenging her removal.
The Court said the president must provide notice and a chance to respond before firing a Fed member "for cause."
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A Missouri family says a sheriff’s deputy may have run over their teenage daughter in a hit-and-run. The family is upset because the initial information they received did not say a deputy was involved.
Key Facts
A teen girl died after being hit in a possible hit-and-run in Missouri.
The family believes a sheriff’s deputy was involved in the incident.
The original story given to the family did not mention a deputy.
The family is seeking answers about what happened.
CBS News reported on the situation with a correspondent covering it.
The case is raising questions and concerns in the community.
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President Donald Trump announced he is setting up a committee to investigate Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook for alleged mortgage fraud. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling that said her earlier firing by Trump was unconstitutional.
Key Facts
President Trump is creating a committee to look into allegations that Lisa Cook committed mortgage fraud.
The committee will work with the Justice Department to decide if Cook should be removed.
A private hearing will be held on November 5 to review the evidence, and its transcript will be published.
Cook can submit a written statement and be questioned by legal counsel at the hearing.
Cook was fired by Trump in August 2025 over accusations related to her property listings and rental income.
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that her firing was unconstitutional because Trump did not follow the correct procedure.
The Federal Reserve is designed to be independent from politics to keep the economy stable.
Recent political pressure has been placed on the Fed, including investigations into its leaders and debates about interest rate changes.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis canceled the execution of William Lee Thompson, a 74-year-old inmate who was scheduled for execution for a 1976 murder. Thompson’s lawyers and opponents of the death penalty noted his serious health problems, including dementia and heart failure, which prompted a mental health evaluation and the execution cancellation.
Key Facts
William Lee Thompson was set to be executed for a 1976 murder in Miami-Dade County.
Governor DeSantis withdrew Thompson’s death warrant without giving a reason in a letter.
Thompson has health issues such as dementia, heart failure, and mental confusion.
A panel of psychiatrists was ordered to evaluate Thompson’s mental state after his lawyers claimed he was insane.
The Florida Supreme Court denied Thompson’s request to delay the execution before the warrant was canceled.
Thompson’s legal team filed a federal lawsuit for medical care related to his health problems.
Thompson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery in 1978 and was sentenced to death.
The article also mentions the broader context of concerns about executing inmates with serious health problems, referencing a failed execution in Tennessee.
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Students across France have been protesting for better education and school conditions, leading to clashes with police. The United Nations has expressed concern over the violence and urged all sides to remain peaceful.
Key Facts
Tens of thousands of French students, mostly aged 15 to 18, have protested since late September.
Students complain about missing teachers, crowded schedules, poor classroom conditions, and heat issues.
More than 6,800 people have been arrested during the protests; 86% of them are minors.
The government says protest-related damages have cost at least 30 million euros.
Some protests have turned violent, involving fires and vandalism, prompting police to use tear gas and stun grenades.
Police have opened 18 investigations into alleged misconduct during protests.
After a student lost a hand due to a stun grenade, the government suspended its use.
The Education Minister plans to send 3,000 substitute teachers to affected schools, and the government promises a plan by the end of October.
Students plan more demonstrations despite signs of reduced protest activity.
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Students in France have been protesting for better school conditions, such as more teachers and improved classrooms, for over a week. The United Nations has expressed concern about violent clashes between police and students and urged both sides to stay peaceful.
Key Facts
French students, mostly aged 15 to 18, have been blocking entrances to high schools and protesting school problems like a lack of teachers and poor buildings.
Tens of thousands joined protests that sometimes led to fires and damage, costing the government at least 30 million euros.
Over 6,800 people have been detained since the protests began, with 86 percent being minors.
Police used tear gas, batons, and stun grenades during protests; one teenager lost a hand due to a stun grenade, causing the government to suspend its use.
The United Nations called for calm and peaceful actions from both students and police amid violent clashes.
Police have started 18 investigations into possible misuse of force during protests.
The French government noted a slowdown in protests but students said they plan more demonstrations next week.
The Education Minister introduced some changes, but students said these were not enough and many want to continue protesting.
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California voters will decide on Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on billionaires’ wealth over $1 billion. The tax aims to raise money to help healthcare after federal cuts, but it faces strong opposition from many Democrats, Republicans, and wealthy Californians who worry it will drive billionaires out of the state.
Key Facts
Proposition 40 would tax 5% of the net worth of billionaires in California exceeding $1 billion.
The revenue would mainly support healthcare programs affected by federal funding cuts.
The tax targets wealth, mostly held in investments, rather than income from work.
Opposition to the measure has raised over $300 million, with Sergey Brin, Google co-founder, contributing about a third.
Supporters, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna, have raised much less money and rely on public rallies.
Polls show voters nearly evenly split, with 52% supporting and 46% opposing the tax.
Critics say the tax could cause billionaires to leave California, reducing tax revenue from wealthy residents.
Governor Gavin Newsom opposes the tax but supports a national billionaire tax, warning a state-only tax might harm California’s budget.
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Hurricane Isaias is currently affected by two opposing forces: strong winds caused by a large El Niño event and warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico warmed by climate change. The warm waters are helping the storm stay stronger despite the wind patterns trying to weaken it.
Key Facts
A strong El Niño event is creating powerful winds called wind shear that try to weaken storms in the Atlantic.
Wind shear pushes around the top parts of storms, stopping them from forming a strong, circular eye.
The Gulf of Mexico has unusually warm waters, mostly due to climate change.
Warm waters help hurricanes get stronger by providing more energy.
Hurricane Isaias’s shape shows that warm waters are currently having more influence than wind shear.
El Niño causes changes in weather patterns worldwide, especially by warming parts of the Pacific Ocean.
This hurricane season has been marked by a struggle between wind shear and warm ocean conditions affecting storm strength.
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The lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the famous "I am your father" scene from "The Empire Strikes Back" will be auctioned in November and is expected to sell for at least $1 million. Other "Star Wars" props, including weapons and signed items, will also be auctioned, with prices ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000.
Key Facts
Darth Vader’s lightsaber from the Cloud City duel in "The Empire Strikes Back" is up for auction on Nov. 12.
The expected starting price for Darth Vader’s lightsaber is $1 million.
Over two dozen other "Star Wars" props will also be auctioned, including lightsabers from Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker with estimated values of $10,000 each.
A blaster used by Boba Fett is expected to sell for more than $100,000.
A puppet hand of Yoda and a signed screenplay from the original 1977 film are part of the auction.
A miniature snowspeeder from Carrie Fisher’s collection could also be sold for over $10,000.
In July, a "Star Wars" lightsaber with Luke Skywalker's severed hand sold for $3.75 million, the highest price for a "Star Wars" prop.
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