A former Cornell University student accused seven men of sexually assaulting her at a fraternity house in 2024. She wrote a letter saying she felt unsupported by Cornell's president, Michael Kotlikoff, after reporting the assault. The university denies that the president questioned her report and says he was addressing others who delayed reporting the incident.
Key Facts
The former student, called "Jane Doe" in court papers, accused seven Chi Phi fraternity members of assault in October 2024.
Jane Doe reported the assault to Cornell police in November 2024.
Cornell’s president, Michael Kotlikoff, allegedly asked why the assault was reported late, according to a second-hand account shared by Jane Doe.
Cornell says the president’s question was directed at bystanders who did not use the anonymous tip line, not at Jane Doe.
After investigation, Cornell expelled two men, suspended two, barred one graduate from campus, and gave lighter punishments to others involved.
Jane Doe wrote the letter to the faculty senate before their vote of no confidence in the university’s administration.
The faculty senate scheduled a meeting on October 28 to discuss the no-confidence vote.
The seven men have denied the allegations and have not been criminally charged.
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Two weeks before the U.S. midterm elections, President Donald Trump’s approval rating is low in key states where Senate races are close. This affects the Republican Party’s chances of keeping control of the Senate as Democrats try to win more seats.
Key Facts
Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, Democrats have 47 before the midterm elections.
Trump’s approval rating is below 50% in important states like Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas.
A low presidential approval rating often leads to losses for the president’s party in midterms.
Polls show Trump’s national net approval rating at -35 points (31% approve, 66% disapprove).
Democrats see a chance to win several Senate seats where Trump’s approval is weak.
Some Senate races, once safe for Republicans, are now seen as toss-ups due to changing voter opinions.
Polling errors in past elections mean results might differ from current predictions.
President Trump has criticized some polls as fake and inaccurate.
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Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist, is on trial for threatening and harassing journalists from the Daily Mail newspaper. He left a voicemail telling the editor he would make the journalists and their families "famous," which caused fear and led some journalists to leave their homes. Robinson denies the charges.
Key Facts
Tommy Robinson's real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Robinson left a threatening voicemail for Daily Mail editor Ted Verity in August 2024.
He is charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against two Daily Mail journalists, Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber.
One journalist felt scared to stay at home due to potential attacks and left for safety.
Robinson’s social media account had 800,000 followers, which worried journalists about possible revenge from his supporters.
Robinson reportedly became angry after the Daily Mail published a story accusing him of stoking race riots.
Personal information and images of journalists and their families were shared online, causing safety concerns.
The harassment influenced how the journalists reported on related stories, with some feeling less willing to cover certain topics.
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President Donald Trump said that Russia’s actions in Ukraine are "fine." These comments have raised questions about the United States' support for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
President Trump made a statement describing Russia’s actions in Ukraine as "fine."
The situation in Ukraine involves a conflict with Russian military actions.
Bill Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, responded to Trump’s comments.
The U.S. has been supporting Ukraine during the conflict.
Trump’s remarks sparked debate about America's role and support in the war.
The news was reported by ABC News on October 20, 2026.
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The Republican National Committee (RNC) is spending over $50 million to help Republican candidates win House and Senate seats. This funding comes in the last two weeks before the midterm elections and supports groups working to boost GOP campaigns.
Key Facts
The RNC is investing more than $50 million in midterm races.
The money goes to groups that support Republican House and Senate candidates.
This funding is happening in the last two weeks before Election Day.
The effort aims to keep Republican control of the House and Senate.
The New York Times first reported this information.
The spending indicates a strong push by the Republican Party to win key seats.
These efforts are part of the final push before voters go to the polls.
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President Donald Trump shared photos on Truth Social showing tree removal at East Potomac Park, a site he wants to renovate starting next month. He called the area "Trash Island" in his post amid a recent court hearing about the renovation project.
Key Facts
President Trump posted photos of crews removing trees at East Potomac Park.
He referred to the park area as "Trash Island" in his social media post.
Trump is planning to start a renovation project there next month.
The photos were shared shortly after a court hearing about the renovation.
The court hearing involved legal issues related to the East Potomac renovation.
East Potomac Park is a peninsula in Washington, D.C.
Trump’s post was made on Truth Social, his social media platform.
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A 16-year-old boy used a gun to kill three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. The gun was reported to have been a birthday gift from the boy’s mother.
Key Facts
The shooting took place at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.
The shooter was a 16-year-old student at the school.
Three children and one teacher died in the attack.
The gun used was given to the shooter by his mother as a birthday present.
This incident is a school shooting, involving a minor.
Authorities and news sources are investigating the details.
The article was reported by CBS News senior crime reporter Anna Schecter.
The story is a recent update on the tragic event.
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The upcoming U.S. midterm elections will test President Donald Trump’s second term and could change political control in Washington. Voters are focused on major issues like the economy, the war with Iran, immigration, Trump’s leadership, concerns about artificial intelligence, and election security.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval ratings are currently low, especially because of economic problems and the war with Iran.
The U.S. is in conflict with Iran after Trump’s decision to go to war, which has raised gas prices and broken his promise to avoid long wars.
Immigration remains a key issue, with Trump proud of border closures, but recent incidents with border agents have caused concern.
Although Trump is not running in the midterms, his influence is strong, and Democrats want to limit his power.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new election topic; many voters don’t trust AI and oppose building AI datacenters near them.
There are worries about election fairness, with Trump making unsupported claims about mail-in ballot fraud after the Supreme Court rejected his restrictions.
The midterms could shift how much power Democrats or Republicans hold in the U.S. government.
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A man in Kansas was arrested for posting threats online to shoot President Donald Trump at a rally. Authorities acted after receiving a tip about the threatening messages on Facebook.
Key Facts
Jaden Read, 24, allegedly posted comments threatening to kill President Trump at a Kansas rally.
The threats were made in Facebook comments on news stories about Trump’s visit.
He wrote messages mentioning firearms and planning to shoot Trump.
Read was arrested in Clearwater, Kansas, on Saturday.
No firearms were reported found with him at arrest, and no evidence shows planning beyond the posts.
Multiple agencies, including the Secret Service, investigated the case.
President Trump did not mention the threats during his rally.
The Justice Department said political violence and threats will not be tolerated and reminded people about limits on free speech.
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CBS News reports on President Donald Trump's messages to voters ahead of the midterm elections and covers updates on important Senate and governor races in Minnesota and Florida. The report includes analysis of how Trump’s stance and campaign efforts may influence these key state elections.
Key Facts
President Trump is actively communicating with voters ahead of the midterm elections.
The Minnesota Senate race has recent developments that are being closely watched.
Key governor and Senate races in Florida are also a focus for campaign analysts.
CBS News reporters Fin Gómez and Cristian Benavides are providing detailed election coverage.
The midterms will impact the balance of power in the U.S. government.
These state races are seen as important tests for President Trump’s influence.
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A recent poll shows that about one-third of American adults believe the government should try again to execute Christa Pike after she survived an execution attempt in Tennessee. The poll asked people whether inmates who survive an execution should face a second attempt.
Key Facts
Christa Pike, age 50, survived an execution attempt in Tennessee last month.
The execution method used was lethal injection.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll asked American adults their views on retrying executions after a failure.
33 percent of respondents said a second execution attempt should be made if the first one fails.
The poll lasted four days and gathered opinions across the United States.
The issue relates to what happens if an execution does not succeed the first time.
The poll reflects diverse views on the death penalty and execution procedures.
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Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton said he was glad President Donald Trump campaigned for his opponent, Senator Roger Marshall. Hamilton made this comment during an interview on CNN shortly after Trump spoke at a rally for Marshall in Kansas.
Key Facts
Adam Hamilton is the Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate in Kansas.
Roger Marshall is the current Republican Senator and Hamilton’s opponent.
President Trump campaigned for Marshall just two weeks before the midterm election.
Hamilton expressed that he was glad President Trump was involved in the race.
The interview took place on CNN’s show “The Lead” with host Jake Tapper.
Trump’s rally for Marshall happened in Park City, Kansas.
The election is part of the upcoming midterm elections in the United States.
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The article says Congress needs to change the Department of Education’s "Do No Harm" rule before 2028. This is to stop important vocational and service certificate programs from being shut down.
Key Facts
The "Do No Harm" test is a rule set by the Department of Education.
This rule affects vocational and service-oriented certificate programs.
Vocational programs teach job skills for specific careers.
Service-oriented programs often focus on jobs that help people or communities.
The test may cause useful programs to close if not fixed.
These programs support entrepreneurship, which means starting and running small businesses.
They also help people balance work and personal life.
The author wants Congress to act quickly to fix the rule.
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President Donald Trump is offering direct cash payments to Americans, including $90 checks for seniors and $500 refunds for Obamacare enrollees, aiming to help with the rising cost of living. Despite these efforts, many Americans disapprove of his handling of inflation and economic issues ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed $90 payments to seniors to help with Medicare costs.
He promised $500 refunds for people using Obamacare.
Trump announced an $8 billion fuel relief program to help farmers with high diesel prices.
Diesel fuel prices have stayed above $6 per gallon recently, affecting farmers' costs.
Polls show 58% of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump's handling of inflation, with overall disapproval reaching 73%.
Trump’s administration claims the policies are part of a pro-growth economic plan.
Experts doubt the government can afford Trump's promise of $5,000 checks if Republicans control Congress.
Economic concerns about affordability remain a top issue for voters in upcoming elections.
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With under two weeks left before the midterm elections, several well-known celebrities are encouraging people to donate money to support Democratic candidates. They warn that if Republicans keep control of the House, it could lead to negative consequences.
Key Facts
The midterm elections are happening in less than two weeks.
Celebrities like Barbra Streisand, Bradley Whitford, Ken Burns, and a scientist/TV personality are involved.
These celebrities are making fundraising appeals to support Democrats.
They warn about risks if Republicans retain the House majority.
The fundraising is meant to boost Democratic chances in the election.
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A Canadian man named Mitchell Fairbarn was convicted of animal cruelty for taking a flamingo named Peachy from a Las Vegas hotel’s animal enclosure. The court found that Fairbarn caused harm and fear to the bird while intoxicated, and he now faces possible prison time.
Key Facts
Mitchell Fairbarn took a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel on March 3.
Fairbarn carried the bird to his hotel room, causing the flamingo to become scared and injured.
The bird lost several feathers and had blood and wing injuries after the incident.
Fairbarn was convicted on both felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.
He faces up to four years in prison and additional jail time for the misdemeanor.
The defense said Fairbarn acted while drunk and did not intend to harm the flamingo.
Fairbarn is under house arrest until his sentencing hearing on December 1.
Animal advocates hope the verdict discourages others from harming animals in Nevada.
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Brit Hume, a top political analyst at Fox News, said he doubts that President Donald Trump’s efforts to support Republican candidates in the midterm elections are helping. Hume expressed uncertainty about the impact of Trump’s campaign tour on the election results.
Key Facts
Brit Hume is the chief political analyst at Fox News.
President Donald Trump is campaigning across the country for Republican candidates in the midterm elections.
Hume said he is not sure that Trump’s campaigning is making a difference.
Midterm elections are held halfway through a president’s four-year term and affect control of Congress.
Hume made these comments while analyzing the effectiveness of political campaigns.
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The Trump administration has revoked more than 300,000 visas from foreign nationals in the U.S., a higher number than in any previous administration. These visa cancellations targeted people who broke laws, committed fraud, or were seen as national security threats.
Key Facts
Over 300,000 visas were revoked under the Trump administration.
Visa revocations happened more quickly than under past administrations.
The revocations focused on foreign nationals who violated laws, committed fraud, or threatened U.S. security.
The State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said there is zero tolerance for visa holders breaking laws.
New policies include stricter visa granting with social media checks and broader screening.
Human rights advocates criticize social media screening as a threat to free speech and privacy.
Visa revocations reached 175,000 by August and over 100,000 by January, showing a growing trend.
The administration says these actions help protect U.S. borders and national security.
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Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, died at the age of 42 in her home in Westwood, Massachusetts. She was known for her work in education reform and advocating for people with disabilities after experiencing paralysis from a spinal cord injury.
Key Facts
Kyle Kennedy was 42 years old at the time of her death on September 21.
She was the granddaughter of Robert F. “Bobby” Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy.
Kyle Kennedy was the daughter of Michael Kennedy, who died in a skiing accident in 1997, and Victoria Denise Gifford.
She lived in Westwood, Massachusetts.
The cause of her death has not yet been revealed.
Kyle Kennedy focused her efforts on education reform and disability rights.
She became an advocate for people with disabilities after suffering a severe spinal cord injury that caused long-term paralysis.
She was one of 34 grandchildren in the Kennedy family.
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