Texas Governor Greg Abbott is promoting a plan to help families save money by cutting property taxes and lowering health insurance costs. Polls show his race against Democrat Gina Hinojosa is very close as they compete with different affordability proposals before the November election.
Key Facts
Abbott is running for a fourth term as Texas governor.
His affordability plan aims to cut property taxes by up to 50%, saving homeowners about $3,000 per year.
The plan also includes an Essential Health Benefits proposal to reduce insurance premiums by nearly 20%, potentially saving families $1,150 annually.
Together, Abbott’s proposals could save some households more than $4,000 per year.
Abbott’s property tax plan includes limits on local government spending and tougher rules for tax increases.
Abbott signed laws increasing property tax exemptions for homeowners, seniors, and disabled people.
Recent polls show a very close race, with Abbott and Hinojosa trading leads in different surveys.
Hinojosa proposes giving Texas families a one-time $1,500 payment funded by the state’s Rainy Day Fund, plus other cost-cutting measures.
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New applications for unemployment benefits in the U.S. have stayed below 200,000 for several weeks, which is very rare and shows that layoffs remain very low. This stability in firing is helping to keep unemployment low, even though hiring has slowed down.
Key Facts
Last week, jobless claims dropped by 2,000 to 197,000, staying under 200,000.
This low level of layoffs has not been seen for a long time, since the 1960s.
The four-week average of claims fell to 198,000, the lowest since the strong job market of 2022-2023.
Jobless claims do not cover all layoffs because some workers get severance or do not apply for benefits.
Historically, layoffs and claims rise during recessions, but that is not happening now.
Announced job cuts in September dropped by 20% compared to last year.
Employers seem hesitant to hire new workers but are also avoiding layoffs.
This trend keeps the U.S. labor market steady despite slower hiring.
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President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and his wife, Cilia Flores, are facing new U.S. charges accusing them of torturing more than a dozen American citizens while in Venezuelan custody. They were already charged with drug trafficking and weapons offenses, and are now also accused of leading a violent political repression system.
Key Facts
President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were indicted in New York with new charges of conspiracy to commit torture.
The U.S. alleges the Maduro regime tortured over a dozen Americans, using methods like electric shocks, sexual assault, and starvation.
Maduro and Flores were previously charged with narco-terrorism, cocaine smuggling, and illegal weapons possession.
The indictment says Maduro ordered political opponents to be detained and tortured to stay in power.
Flores is said to have agreed to proposals to abduct and torture suspected disloyal military officers.
Some American detainees reportedly suffered seizures from injections and severe beatings.
The U.S. military captured Maduro and Flores in an overnight operation and brought them to the U.S.
A judge denied bail for Flores, citing the seriousness of the charges and her financial resources.
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President Donald Trump changed his statement about Iran bombing U.S. cities. After initially suggesting that Iran could bomb Los Angeles and San Diego, he later said, "we protect our cities."
Key Facts
President Trump spoke during a campaign event for Ken Paxton in Texas.
Trump first implied that Iran might bomb Los Angeles and San Diego.
Later, Trump reversed his comment about Iran bombing those cities.
His new statement emphasized that the U.S. protects its cities.
The comments occurred amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
The reversal happened shortly before the CBS News report.
The news coverage included other current events and updates on national issues.
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Vice President Vance announced an investigation into nine universities for possible misuse of the J-1 visa program. This visa allows foreign students and researchers to study or work in the U.S., but officials are checking for fraud and abuse.
Key Facts
The investigation covers nine universities suspected of misusing J-1 visas.
J-1 visas allow foreigners to come to the U.S. as students or researchers temporarily.
Vice President Vance said some universities may use foreign workers to lower wages for Americans.
Concerns include fraud and abuse in the visa program at these schools.
Officials aim to ensure visa rules are followed and protect American workers’ wages.
The probe was announced at a press conference on Thursday.
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Vincent E. Bianco III, a former air traffic controller for the FAA, said Congress should approve Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's request for $30 billion to modernize the FAA only if certain strict requirements are met. These requirements include having backup physical systems, funding tied to progress milestones, and combined training for staff.
Key Facts
Vincent E. Bianco III is a former FAA air traffic controller.
He commented on a $30 billion funding request for FAA modernization.
The request was made by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Bianco said approval should come only with strict conditions.
Conditions include redundant (backup) physical routes to ensure safety.
Funding should be given in stages based on reaching specific goals.
Training for FAA staff should be integrated and coordinated.
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Many U.S. states will have votes in November on ways to reduce property taxes, which have risen sharply since 2019. These tax changes mainly aim to help homeowners, especially seniors, but could affect local government budgets that fund public services.
Key Facts
Property taxes in the U.S. rose about 30% between 2019 and 2024.
The increase follows a rise in home values due to low borrowing costs and limited housing supply.
Florida voters will decide on Amendment 3, which proposes raising the homestead tax exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 by 2028 and tying it to inflation starting in 2029.
The Florida amendment excludes homeowners who buy homes after January 1, 2027, from benefiting fully until they live there five years.
Louisiana voters will consider raising an income limit for a property tax freeze from $100,000 to $150,000 with Amendment 9.
Louisiana will also vote on other amendments to extend tax benefits to older homeowners and spouses of disabled veterans.
Experts warn that lowering property taxes may reduce funds for essential local services like schools and public safety.
These votes come amid broader concerns about housing affordability with rising mortgage rates and costs.
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A Cornell University student, Gillio Lopes, is accused of sexually assaulting Jane Doe at a fraternity house in October 2024. Lopes denies the claims, saying his interaction was consensual, but Cornell’s Title IX investigation found he was responsible and suspended him for three semesters.
Key Facts
Gillio Lopes was accused of sexual assault by Jane Doe at a Cornell frat house in October 2024.
Lopes and his lawyer say that he believed the interaction was consensual and shows no remorse.
Jane Doe reported being very intoxicated and vaguely remembers a threesome involving Lopes.
Cornell’s Title IX investigation concluded Lopes should have known Jane Doe was incapacitated.
Lopes was suspended from Cornell for three semesters and had to write a reflection essay.
Lopes has returned to school and faced criticism from other students on campus.
Lopes’ lawyer claims the Title IX findings were unfair and that Lopes should be judged on evidence.
The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, is leading a criminal investigation, which Lopes’ attorney asked her to recuse herself from due to alleged bias.
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President Donald Trump's administration is stopping Microsoft from using a program that helps H-1B visa workers get green cards. The administration says Microsoft committed fraud by misusing the program. Officials also criticized universities and IT firms for how they use other visa programs for foreign workers and students.
Key Facts
The administration is suspending Microsoft from a green card program for H-1B visa workers.
The suspension is due to accusations of fraud against Microsoft.
H-1B visas allow foreign workers to live and work in the U.S. temporarily.
The green card program helps some H-1B workers become permanent residents.
Officials also criticized universities for their use of J-1 visas for international students.
IT outsourcing firms were mentioned for their visa practices.
The announcement happened before President Trump planned to give the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Supporters of President Trump argue that these visa programs sometimes replace American workers with foreign workers.
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Bernadette Greene-Placentia, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Arizona, said she was sexually assaulted while fixing a campaign sign late at night. She shared her story with the Phoenix New Times to raise awareness.
Key Facts
Bernadette Greene-Placentia is running for Congress in Arizona as a Democrat.
She was attacked while fixing a campaign sign during the night.
Greene-Placentia described the incident as a sexual assault.
The candidate spoke about the attack to the Phoenix New Times.
The story has been reported by CBS News.
The attack happened in Arizona, where Greene-Placentia is campaigning.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety and sexual assault.
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A student accused of sexual assault at Cornell University wants the New York Attorney General, Letitia James, removed as special prosecutor, claiming she is biased because of a social media post supporting the victim. The New York governor appointed James after losing confidence in local authorities who did not bring charges earlier.
Key Facts
Gillio Lopes, accused in a sexual assault case at Cornell, seeks to have Attorney General Letitia James removed as special prosecutor.
Lopes’ attorney says James showed bias by posting support for the victim on social media before the investigation.
Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James after local police and the district attorney declined to press charges.
James posted on September 28 expressing support for the victim and survivors of sexual assault.
Lopes’ attorney claims James’ comment shows she believes the allegations and therefore cannot be impartial.
The victim’s lawyer said the victim was not able to consent due to intoxication.
Lopes was suspended from Cornell for a year and required to take a class and write an essay related to the case.
The case is ongoing, with legal arguments focused on whether James should continue as special prosecutor.
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Katie Wiles, daughter of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, was photographed in Republika Srpska, a Bosnian territory led by a pro-Russian politician. Wiles traveled there in August for business unrelated to the U.S. government, while other political advisers linked to President Trump were reported to assist a pro-Russian party in Bosnian elections.
Key Facts
An image shows Katie Wiles holding a rifle next to Željko Budimir, Republika Srpska's interior minister.
The photo was taken in August at a shooting range in Republika Srpska and verified by CBS News.
Katie Wiles works at Continental Strategy, a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C.
Continental Strategy confirmed Wiles visited Republika Srpska on business for a U.S. company, not for the U.S. government.
The lobbying firm registered to lobby for Republika Srpska in early 2026.
Alejandro Garcia, a partner at Continental Strategy and former Trump campaign official, is involved in lobbying for Republika Srpska.
Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff, met with a close ally of the pro-Russian leader Milorad Dodik last month.
Other GOP strategists linked to President Trump reportedly helped Dodik’s party in Bosnian elections, but Katie Wiles was not involved in political campaign work.
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Human Rights Watch says the US has been deporting migrants to African countries where many do not have citizenship, which breaks international law. These migrants often face detention, mistreatment, or danger if sent back to their home countries. The US government says these deportations help remove dangerous criminals from the streets.
Key Facts
Since President Trump took office again in 2025, over 500 migrants have been deported from the US to African countries where they are not citizens.
Human Rights Watch reports that many deportees have no choice but to return to their dangerous home countries.
Some African countries like Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan have detained deportees and treated them poorly.
Some deportees were sent back to their home countries even though this breaks the rule of nonrefoulement, which protects people from being sent to places where they face serious harm.
Human Rights Watch interviewed 24 migrants who described being chained on flights, denied medicine, and given little food or water.
At least 12 LGBT people, some of whom had refugee status in the US, were deported to African countries where same-sex relations are illegal.
The US Department of Homeland Security said it gets promises from destination countries to keep deportees safe and that US authorities are not responsible after deportees leave custody.
African countries mentioned in the report have not commented on these allegations.
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Rep. Frank Pallone, a leading Democrat in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has introduced new legislation to change how surprise medical bills are handled. The bill seeks to improve the current system that resolves payment disputes between insurance companies and healthcare providers.
Key Facts
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) is leading the effort to change surprise medical billing laws.
The new bill targets problems in the current dispute resolution process.
Surprise medical bills happen when patients get unexpected charges for medical care.
The dispute system is meant to decide payment between insurers and healthcare providers.
Critics say the current system does not work well for patients or providers.
The proposed law aims to make the process fairer and more effective.
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President Donald Trump said he is thinking about asking the FBI to investigate the death of Nolan Wells, a Black college student who died during a Fourth of July boating trip in Mississippi. Wells’s cause of death is unclear, and his family and supporters want a federal investigation after local officials decided not to charge anyone.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells, 18, went missing on July 4 during a boating trip on Horn Island, Mississippi.
His body was found two days later, but the cause of death remains undetermined.
A Jackson County grand jury said Wells drowned, but an independent autopsy found no water in his lungs and showed bruises on his body.
Wells’s family and civil rights lawyer Ben Crump are asking for a federal investigation.
Social media had misinformation about Wells and his family during the local investigation.
Many believe Wells’s family received different treatment because of their race.
Some members of Congress and advocacy groups also called for a federal inquiry.
President Trump said he is considering asking the FBI for a full investigation.
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A campaign called #IAmJaneDoe is spreading on social media to support an anonymous Cornell University student who says she was sexually assaulted by members of a fraternity in 2024. The campaign shares videos to raise awareness and show solidarity with the victim.
Key Facts
The hashtag #IAmJaneDoe is used on social media to support the victim.
The victim is an anonymous student at Cornell University.
The student alleges she was sexually assaulted by several fraternity members.
The incident reportedly happened in 2024.
The campaign shares videos to raise awareness of sexual assault issues on campus.
The situation has gained attention across the United States.
The hashtag relates to broader discussions about sexual assault and support for victims.
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President Donald Trump spoke at a rally in Texas supporting Ken Paxton. During the event, he referred to past remarks about Iran bombing Los Angeles and San Diego but later took those comments back.
Key Facts
President Trump held a rally in Texas to support Ken Paxton.
He mentioned previous controversial statements about Iran bombing U.S. cities.
The specific cities mentioned were Los Angeles and San Diego.
President Trump retracted or took back those comments during the rally.
The rally and comments were reported by CBS News.
The event took place recently as part of ongoing political activities in Texas.
The original comments about Iran bombing cities had caused controversy before.
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The U.S. government plans to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants. This may cause skilled Haitian workers to leave the U.S. and go to other countries like Canada, which could hurt American businesses and communities.
Key Facts
Temporary Protected Status allows certain immigrants to stay and work in the U.S. during crises in their home countries.
The administration has decided to stop TPS for Haitians.
Ending TPS may push skilled Haitian workers to move to other countries.
Canada is seen as a main competitor attracting these workers.
Officials and lawmakers want both parties to work together on a law to address this issue.
Protecting Haitian workers in the U.S. is seen as important for the economy and local communities.
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Police in Lansing, Michigan, are investigating five deaths of unhoused men found along a river trail. Authorities are considering the possibility that the cases may be linked to a serial killer and have charged one suspect in one of the deaths.
Key Facts
Five unhoused white men, ages 22 to 70, died along a one-mile section of the River Trail in Lansing, Michigan.
The deaths occurred mostly overnight, and victims appeared to have been lying down or sleeping.
One man, Edward Joseph Smith, has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of Daniel Lusk.
The other four deaths involved blunt-force trauma to the face, but no weapon has been identified.
Police are actively investigating all cases and considering whether they are connected.
Violence against homeless people has increased nationwide, with many attacks being fatal.
The Lansing Police Department has created a tip line for information about the River Trail assaults.
Victims were found between October 2025 and August 2026, and some deaths have been ruled homicides.
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The BBC apologized and paid large compensation to Benjamin Cohen and Anthony James, who run the PinkNews website, after admitting that a 2024 documentary and article wrongly accused them of sexual misconduct. The false allegations caused serious harm to their reputations, led to investigations, and disrupted their personal and professional lives.
Key Facts
The BBC admitted the 2024 iPlayer documentary and related article made serious false and defamatory claims against Benjamin Cohen and Anthony James.
The false claims involved accusations of sexual misconduct and pressuring female staff to be surrogates.
These allegations led to official investigations by child protection services relating to the couple’s son.
The couple faced damage to their reputations and resigned from charity and NHS board roles.
The BBC formally retracted the allegations, apologized publicly, and agreed to pay substantial compensation.
Cohen and James are donating the compensation money to Multiple Sclerosis Society and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity.
The BBC removed the documentary and article from its platform.
The couple had started legal action, which ended after the BBC’s apology and settlement.
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