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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

WATCH: Trump remembers 9/11 victims and heroes at Steel Across America anniversary event

WATCH: Trump remembers 9/11 victims and heroes at Steel Across America anniversary event

Summary

President Donald Trump honored the victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001 attacks during an event at the Ellipse near the White House. A large steel beam from the World Trade Center was displayed as part of a memorial tour, and more commemorations are planned for the week.

Key Facts

  • The event took place at the Ellipse, near the White House in Washington, D.C.
  • President Trump promised to "never forget" the victims of 9/11.
  • A 21-foot, 17,000-pound steel beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center was shown.
  • This steel beam is traveling across the country as part of the Steel Across America tour.
  • The beam will be part of a procession in New York honoring fallen firefighter Stephen Siller.
  • The week includes several commemorations, with a main event planned at the Pentagon.
  • President Trump will attend the Pentagon event on Friday.
  • The Tunnel to Towers Foundation organized the event.
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The Billion-Dollar Security Tax on Jewish Life in America

The Billion-Dollar Security Tax on Jewish Life in America

Summary

Jewish communities in the United States now spend more than $1 billion each year on security to protect synagogues, schools, and other institutions from threats. This money comes from their budgets and reduces funds available for education, elder care, and social services.

Key Facts

  • Jewish security spending is over $1.015 billion annually, up 33% from an earlier estimate of $765 million.
  • This security cost covers more than 4,500 Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools, community centers, and camps.
  • The reported figure does not include private Jewish businesses, so actual costs are likely higher.
  • The security expenses include guards, cameras, security staff, building reinforcements, and training.
  • The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) says this cost acts like a "tax" on Jewish life, taking money away from other important programs.
  • The overlap of Rosh Hashanah holidays with the 25th anniversary of 9/11 highlights changes in American views on public safety and security.
  • The federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps some nonprofits with security costs but may not cover all expenses.
  • There is debate about increasing federal funding to protect religious freedom and public safety at various places of worship in the U.S.
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9/8: The Takeout with Major Garrett

9/8: The Takeout with Major Garrett

Summary

Canada has started new taxes called tariffs on some goods from the United States. At the same time, Republican party members are meeting in Dallas to prepare for the 2024 midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. products.
  • Tariffs are extra taxes placed on imported goods.
  • These tariffs are a response to previous U.S. trade actions.
  • Republicans are holding a convention in Dallas, Texas.
  • The convention focuses on plans for the upcoming midterm elections.
  • Midterm elections happen in the middle of the President’s term.
  • This event brings together Republican leaders and supporters.
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Far-right port protests: police told to improve intelligence gathering

Far-right port protests: police told to improve intelligence gathering

Summary

Police forces in Kent and Hampshire were surprised by large far-right protests against immigration that took place over a weekend. The government has instructed police to improve intelligence gathering after failures to properly assess early warnings about the protests.

Key Facts

  • Hundreds of masked far-right protesters gathered in Kent on Saturday and Portsmouth on Sunday.
  • Kent police received warnings about possible protests but did not fully assess them.
  • Protesters appeared well-organized, using walkie-talkies and legal knowledge to avoid arrest.
  • Police described the gatherings as mostly peaceful in Dover, but there were clashes in Hampshire.
  • The protests were coordinated on private social media groups, not publicly announced.
  • The government discussed the events with police chiefs and wants better readiness for future protests.
  • Far-right activist Daniel Thomas, linked to Tommy Robinson, is believed to have organized the Kent protest.
  • Lifeboat crews rescuing asylum seekers faced threats from right-wing protesters and were refused access to some ports.
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Inside the push to lower voting age to 16 for local elections

Inside the push to lower voting age to 16 for local elections

Summary

Some cities in the United States are trying to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections. CBS News explored these places to see how allowing younger people to vote is working in practice.

Key Facts

  • There is a growing movement in the U.S. to allow 16-year-olds to vote in local elections.
  • Some cities have already lowered the voting age to 16.
  • This change applies only to local elections, not national or state-wide ones.
  • CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand visited these cities to report on the results.
  • The goal is to involve younger people in local government decisions.
  • The effects of letting 16-year-olds vote are being observed and studied.
  • The movement aims to increase youth participation in democracy.
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Satisfaction with K-12 education drops to new low: Gallup

Satisfaction with K-12 education drops to new low: Gallup

Summary

A new Gallup poll shows that only 32% of Americans are satisfied with the quality of K-12 education in the United States. This is the lowest satisfaction rate recorded in the survey's history.

Key Facts

  • The survey was conducted by the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup.
  • Only 32% of respondents said they were somewhat or completely satisfied with K-12 education.
  • This percentage is the lowest ever recorded in this poll.
  • The poll focused on education from kindergarten through 12th grade.
  • The survey reflects public opinion on primary and secondary education quality in the U.S.
  • The poll results were published recently on a Monday.
  • Satisfaction rates have been declining over time according to this survey series.
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Trump threatens Canadian jetmaker Bombardier despite its extensive U.S. footprint

Trump threatens Canadian jetmaker Bombardier despite its extensive U.S. footprint

Summary

President Donald Trump threatened to ban the sale of Canadian plane maker Bombardier’s jets in the U.S. unless the company builds planes in America. Bombardier responded by highlighting that it already works closely with many U.S. companies and employs thousands of American workers through its supply chain.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said Bombardier must manufacture planes in the U.S. to sell them there.
  • Bombardier’s plane parts, like wings and engines, are made in the United States.
  • About 2,800 U.S. companies from 47 states are part of Bombardier’s supply chain.
  • Bombardier employs thousands of workers in the U.S., including in Kansas, Texas, Arizona, and Iowa.
  • Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall contacted the White House to support Bombardier’s U.S. jobs.
  • Canada responded to U.S. trade actions with tariffs on $20 billion of American goods.
  • Bombardier focuses mainly on private business jets after selling other parts of its previous businesses.
  • The Canadian government is comparing U.S. and foreign options for military aircraft purchases involving Bombardier’s technology.
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Trump Dealt New Data-Sharing Blow in IRS-ICE Fight Ahead of Midterms

Trump Dealt New Data-Sharing Blow in IRS-ICE Fight Ahead of Midterms

Summary

A federal appeals court blocked a program where the IRS shared taxpayer information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The court ruled this program likely broke federal laws protecting the privacy of tax records.

Key Facts

  • The IRS had a program to share taxpayer data with ICE for immigration enforcement.
  • Over 47,000 taxpayer records were shared with ICE under this program.
  • The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled the program likely violated tax confidentiality laws.
  • The court noted that some ICE requests for data lacked required information like names and addresses.
  • The court's decision supports taxpayer privacy protections in Section 6103 of the tax code.
  • The ruling limits the administration’s efforts to use tax data to help enforce immigration laws.
  • This case is one of two recent court decisions affecting government data-sharing before the midterm elections.
  • The program originated from a 2025 agreement between the IRS and ICE on people under deportation investigations.
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Hochul voices support for Mamdani after Giuliani tells him to skip 9/11 ceremony

Hochul voices support for Mamdani after Giuliani tells him to skip 9/11 ceremony

Summary

New York Governor Kathy Hochul showed support for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after former Mayor Rudy Giuliani criticized Mamdani for planning to attend the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Hochul emphasized the importance of unity during the memorial event.

Key Facts

  • The event marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani planned to attend the 9/11 commemoration in New York City.
  • Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani told Mamdani not to attend the ceremony.
  • Governor Kathy Hochul supported Mayor Mamdani’s decision to attend.
  • Hochul called for unity rather than division during the memorial.
  • The controversy involves politicians from different parties: Hochul and Mamdani are Democrats, Giuliani is a Republican.
  • The 9/11 anniversary is a significant event in New York City and the United States.
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Iowa marching band member taken off life support after collapse in extreme heat

Iowa marching band member taken off life support after collapse in extreme heat

Summary

A University of Iowa marching band member, Derek Phillips, collapsed from cardiac arrest during extreme heat at a football game and was later taken off life support due to severe brain damage. The university canceled the band’s halftime performance and provided support to students following the incident.

Key Facts

  • Derek Phillips, a third-year student and band member, collapsed before the halftime show at the season-opening Iowa football game.
  • He suffered sudden cardiac arrest and was treated in intensive care at University of Iowa Health Care.
  • His family decided to remove him from life support because of severe brain damage.
  • Temperatures at the game reached 94°F (34°C), one of the hottest in Iowa football history.
  • The marching band wore lighter uniforms and canceled their halftime performance due to heat concerns.
  • The university allowed fans to bring water bottles and adjusted other event times to cope with the heat.
  • University officials expressed their support to Derek, his family, and fellow students, offering counseling services.
  • Derek studied business analytics and information systems and was active in music, including summer tours with a drum and bugle corps.
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Corie Walsh Child Murder Case Draws Links to Lindsay Clancy, Casey Anthony

Corie Walsh Child Murder Case Draws Links to Lindsay Clancy, Casey Anthony

Summary

Corie Walsh, 40, is charged with the first-degree murder of her 2-year-old son in Illinois. The case has attracted attention because Walsh reportedly followed the Lindsay Clancy child murder trial and hired attorney Andrea Lyon, known for defending Casey Anthony.

Key Facts

  • Corie Walsh is accused of killing her son, Barrett, by hanging him in their Frankfort, Illinois home.
  • Barrett died from asphyxia caused by ligature compression of the neck on September 1.
  • A neighbor found the child, removed the ligature, and performed CPR while calling 911.
  • Walsh was found with self-inflicted injuries and taken to a hospital before being jailed.
  • Walsh’s defense lawyer is Andrea Lyon, who has experience in high-profile child murder cases.
  • Walsh reportedly talked about the Lindsay Clancy trial shortly before the incident.
  • Lindsay Clancy’s trial ended in a mistrial; her case involved questions about mental illness and criminal responsibility.
  • Walsh’s lawyer says Walsh was having a psychotic episode when the incident occurred.
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College swap shop helps students and families save money and the environment

College swap shop helps students and families save money and the environment

Summary

At New York University, students are using a campus swap shop to trade dorm items for free. This helps them save money and reduces waste by giving old items a second life instead of throwing them away.

Key Facts

  • New York University has a swap shop on campus for students.
  • Students can exchange dorm supplies without spending money.
  • The swap helps students save on the high cost of college living.
  • It encourages reusing items instead of buying new ones.
  • This initiative supports reducing waste and protecting the environment.
  • The program is especially popular during the start of the school year.
  • CBS News covered this story to show how students benefit from the swap.
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South Park changes name to South America in response to Trump changes

South Park changes name to South America in response to Trump changes

Also reported by The Hill

Summary

The TV show South Park will change its name to South America for its 29th season. This change responds to President Donald Trump’s recent moves to rename places in the U.S. with "America" in their names.

Key Facts

  • South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker announced the show’s new name, South America.
  • The name change is linked to Trump’s efforts to rename places like the Gulf of Mexico and New Mexico with "America."
  • President Trump shared a video suggesting New Mexico be renamed "New America," but the federal government cannot rename states.
  • The show’s parent company, Paramount Skydance, is merging with Warner Bros Discovery in a $111 billion deal approved by the Trump administration.
  • South Park has aired since 1997 and often satirizes political figures, including President Trump.
  • The new season of South America will start on September 16 and will be available on Paramount+ worldwide.
  • Trump’s renaming attempts have received criticism from Democrats who say it distracts from other issues.
  • South Park creators have previously mocked Trump through various controversial portrayals.
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Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow use of citizenship database

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow use of citizenship database

Summary

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to allow a federal database called SAVE to be used to check citizenship status in state voter rolls before the midterm elections. A judge had ruled the database’s use was illegal because it violated privacy and led to wrongful removal of U.S. citizens from voting lists.

Key Facts

  • The SAVE system stands for Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements and contains private information about Americans.
  • A federal judge ruled the Trump administration acted unlawfully in creating and using SAVE for voter roll checks.
  • The judge said the system caused some U.S. citizens to be incorrectly removed from voter rolls.
  • The judge found that the administration broke three federal laws in trying to use the SAVE database.
  • The Trump administration says the ruling threatens election integrity and asked the Supreme Court to allow SAVE’s use.
  • SAVE does not remove voters but notifies states about citizenship status to help verify voters.
  • The SAVE system was expanded after an executive order from President Trump requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.
  • The Supreme Court has yet to decide on lifting the block that stops the database from being used in the upcoming elections.
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National Guard member arrested in DC, accused of pulling gun in argument over hairstyles

National Guard member arrested in DC, accused of pulling gun in argument over hairstyles

Summary

A National Guard member named Zion Mitchell was arrested in Washington, D.C., for allegedly pointing a gun at another guard member during an argument about hairstyles. He faces serious charges including assault with a weapon and illegal possession of a gun during a violent crime.

Key Facts

  • Zion Mitchell is 21 years old and from Georgia.
  • The incident happened in late August.
  • Mitchell is accused of pointing a gun at another National Guard member.
  • The argument was reportedly about hairstyles.
  • He was arrested last week in Washington, D.C.
  • He faces felony charges for assault with a dangerous weapon.
  • He is also charged with possessing a firearm while committing a violent crime.
  • The information comes from an arrest affidavit.
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NYC's Mamdani releases thousands of long-sought city documents on 9/11 air quality

NYC's Mamdani releases thousands of long-sought city documents on 9/11 air quality

Summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released over 170,000 pages of documents about air quality after the Sept. 11 attacks. These records show that city leaders knew the air was dangerous but told the public it was safe. The release follows lawsuits filed by 9/11 health advocates seeking transparency.

Key Facts

  • The documents include memos from city officials dating back to before 2001, including one from Deputy Mayor Robert Harding warning of air quality dangers.
  • The records reveal that first responders and others were exposed to toxic air after the World Trade Center collapse.
  • Nearly 6,000 people have died from illnesses related to 9/11 air exposure.
  • The city released the documents via an online portal at City Hall on September 8, 2026.
  • The release answers decades of demands from victims, workers, and advocacy groups for the truth about air safety.
  • The city reached a settlement with 9/11 Health Watch, a group that sued to force publication of the documents.
  • Actor and advocate Jon Stewart attended the press conference and has pushed for health benefits for 9/11 responders.
  • Asbestos was found on a building facade in downtown Manhattan nearly a year after the attacks, showing lingering contamination.
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Joe Biden Cancer Update as Former President Pushes For Early Detection

Joe Biden Cancer Update as Former President Pushes For Early Detection

Summary

President Joe Biden shared an update on his prostate cancer with positive news about his radiation treatment. He encouraged men, especially Black men and those with family history, to talk to their doctors early about screening because early detection greatly improves survival rates.

Key Facts

  • President Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May 2025 after urinary symptoms led to testing.
  • The cancer had spread to his bones when found but is hormone-sensitive and treatable.
  • Radiation treatment completed in fall 2025 worked as planned.
  • Biden urged men at average risk to talk about prostate cancer screening starting at age 50.
  • Black men should start these conversations earlier, around age 45, due to higher risk.
  • Men with close family members who had prostate cancer should begin screening discussions from age 45 or sooner.
  • Prostate cancer survival is nearly 100% when caught early.
  • Biden thanked medical staff and supporters, and said he continues working on personal projects like his memoir.
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Veterans group launches new campaign against Trump’s planned arch

Veterans group launches new campaign against Trump’s planned arch

Summary

VoteVets, a large Democratic group of military veterans in the U.S., started a new campaign against President Donald Trump’s plan to build a large arch near Arlington National Cemetery. They say the project is not respectful to the site.

Key Facts

  • VoteVets is the largest Democratic veterans group in the United States.
  • The group opposes President Trump’s planned arch near Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Paul Eaton, a retired major general and adviser to VoteVets, spoke against the arch.
  • The opposition campaign uses videos shared on social media.
  • Critics say the arch project is inappropriate and disrespects the cemetery.
  • Arlington National Cemetery is a military burial site of great importance.
  • The arch is planned to be built across from the cemetery.
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Smithsonian Institution secretary to retire amid Trump attacks on musuem independence

Smithsonian Institution secretary to retire amid Trump attacks on musuem independence

Summary

Lonnie Bunch III, the head of the Smithsonian Institution since 2019, will retire at the end of the year. His decision comes amid ongoing criticism and pressure from President Donald Trump regarding the museum’s portrayal of US history and its independence.

Key Facts

  • Lonnie Bunch III is the first African American to lead the Smithsonian Institution.
  • He announced his retirement, citing personal reasons and stress from political pressure.
  • President Trump began pushing changes to the Smithsonian’s content after returning to office in 2025.
  • Trump signed an order accusing the museum of promoting a "race-centered ideology."
  • Efforts were made by Trump to remove museum leaders who supported diversity programs, including the National Portrait Gallery director.
  • Bunch fought some political pressures but also chose to let some issues slide to protect the institution.
  • The Smithsonian’s leadership board, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, will choose Bunch’s successor.
  • Some board members’ terms have expired, and their replacements have not yet been named by the Trump administration.
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Trump Plan to Pay Parents $9K to Stay Home With Kids Divides Republicans

Trump Plan to Pay Parents $9K to Stay Home With Kids Divides Republicans

Summary

The Trump administration is working on a new plan that could let some parents get government money to take care of their own children at home. The plan uses existing child care funds but is causing a split among Republicans, with some supporting it and others criticizing it as unfair or socialist.

Key Facts

  • The proposal would allow certain married couples who meet income rules to receive government help for home child care.
  • The program would use money from the Child Care and Development Fund, started under President Bill Clinton.
  • President Trump has focused on family-related policies like expanding the child tax credit and creating Trump investment accounts.
  • Some Republicans call the plan "socialist" because it gives money to parents who stay home instead of working.
  • Critics worry it could cause fraud or encourage families to have more kids to get more money.
  • Supporters say stay-at-home parents should have access to the same funds as those using daycare.
  • The plan comes as Republicans prepare for midterm elections and try to improve support among moms.
  • The discussion reflects a bigger debate about government support for families and work choices.
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