A federal judge in Texas has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from building a border wall and related projects in the Big Bend region, including Big Bend National Park. The judge ruled that opponents, including landowners and environmental groups, are likely to win their legal claims because the government waived important environmental and cultural protections.
Key Facts
The ruling blocks construction of a border wall and infrastructure in the Big Bend sector of Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Big Bend sector covers about 500 miles, roughly a quarter of the southern border length.
The Trump administration’s plan is part of a $46 billion border security effort with walls, barriers, roads, and surveillance.
Opponents argue the rugged terrain already deters illegal immigration and say waivers allowed the government to skip environmental and cultural laws.
The lawsuit was filed by an environmental group, historic church advocates, and a river guide.
The judge said the plaintiffs are likely to suffer serious harm without a court order stopping construction.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) paused work in the park but resumed after September 30, before the judge’s ruling.
Both Republicans and Democrats opposed the construction inside Big Bend National Park due to environmental and scenic concerns.
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An Arizona man who killed another driver in a road rage incident will get a new sentence after an appeals court said a video using artificial intelligence (AI) of the victim speaking in court was not allowed. The original sentencing included an AI video made by the victim’s family that showed the victim's thoughts, but the court ruled this went too far.
Key Facts
Gabriel Paul Horcasitas was found guilty of shooting and killing Christopher Pelkey in 2021 during a road rage incident.
Horcasitas was originally sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The victim’s family created an AI-generated video that showed Pelkey speaking, based on his voice recordings and pictures.
The video played in court before sentencing, showing the victim forgiving Horcasitas.
Horcasitas’ legal team appealed, saying the AI video should not have been shown.
The Arizona Court of Appeals agreed and ordered a new sentencing hearing.
The court said the AI video was not a true record but a created depiction of the victim’s imagined thoughts.
The judge in the first trial had supported the AI video, calling it genuine.
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A federal judge in Miami ruled that a law banning noncitizens from voting in federal elections is unconstitutional. The judge dismissed the case against a Jamaican woman charged with illegal voting, saying only states can decide voter rules, not the federal government.
Key Facts
Judge David S. Leibowitz dismissed the case against Chelsea Cox, who was charged with voting illegally in 2020.
The federal law used, 18 U.S.C. § 611, prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections but was ruled unconstitutional by this judge.
The judge said the Constitution gives states the power to set voting qualifications, not Congress.
This ruling applies only to Cox’s case but could affect the Justice Department’s efforts to prosecute noncitizen voting.
The Justice Department plans to appeal the decision.
Cox allegedly overstayed a tourist visa and voted using a false birth certificate.
The case focused on whether Congress has the constitutional authority to ban noncitizen voting in federal elections.
State officials in Florida can still prosecute unlawful voting under state laws.
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Iowa Senate candidates Ashley Hinson (Republican) and Josh Turek (Democrat) are competing for the seat being left open by retiring Senator Joni Ernst. Both have criticized each other for missing votes in their legislative roles, with Hinson highlighting Turek’s high absentee rate in the Iowa Statehouse this year and Turek’s campaign pointing out Hinson’s missed votes in Congress since 2021.
Key Facts
Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek are running for the U.S. Senate seat in Iowa in the 2026 midterm elections.
Senator Joni Ernst, the current Republican senator, is retiring from this seat.
Hinson accused Turek of missing 58% of votes at the Iowa Statehouse between January 12 and April 2 of this year.
Turek’s overall attendance since taking office in 2023 has been about 81%, with lower absenteeism in previous years.
Turek’s campaign said he votes across party lines on issues like taxes and safety and accused Hinson of missing nearly 200 votes in Congress since 2021.
Hinson has criticized Turek for voting on what she called liberal policies and skipping important votes about economic development.
Turek’s campaign described Hinson as the least bipartisan member of Iowa’s congressional delegation.
The race is very close according to recent polls, about a month before the midterm elections.
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President Donald Trump announced several new investment projects this week. The announcements came as an attempt to improve views on the economy and his performance as president.
Key Facts
President Trump made multiple investment-related announcements recently.
The goal was to address negative opinions about the economy.
The announcements aim to highlight positive actions during Trump’s presidency.
Major Garrett of CBS News reported on these announcements.
The news coverage included explanations of how these investments could impact the economy.
This activity took place during a time of criticism about economic conditions.
The focus was on changing the public’s perception of President Trump’s leadership.
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Hiring in the United States slowed down in September, with employers adding only 29,000 jobs. This slower job growth can affect prices people pay and the decisions about interest rates, especially ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
U.S. employers added 29,000 new jobs in September.
This number is lower than expected, signaling a hiring slowdown.
Slower job growth can influence consumer prices (inflation).
It may also impact interest rate decisions by the Federal Reserve.
The jobs report came out one month before the U.S. midterm elections.
Beth Hammack, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, discussed these issues.
The hiring report is important for understanding the health of the economy.
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Justice Samuel Alito said it took courage for him and six other conservative Supreme Court justices to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. He referred to the Dobbs v. Jackson case as the main example of this courage.
Key Facts
Justice Samuel Alito spoke about the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
He was one of seven conservative justices who voted for this decision.
Alito called the decision courageous.
He mentioned Dobbs v. Jackson as the key case showing this courage.
The comment was made in a preview of an interview with CBS News.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul named Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor for the Cornell University rape case. The U.S. is sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East while President Trump considers more actions against Iran. The Kennedy Center Honors will be held in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor for the Cornell rape case.
The special prosecutor will lead the investigation and legal process in this case.
The U.S. is sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East region.
President Donald Trump is reviewing possible further actions against Iran.
The Kennedy Center Honors event is scheduled to take place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
The Kennedy Center Honors recognize people who have made major contributions to the arts.
This news update covers developments in New York state and national security.
The aircraft carrier deployment reflects ongoing U.S. military attention to the Middle East.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked U.S. states to propose locations for a new major military base, which could host 15,000 to 25,000 troops. Experts say the base might be a joint facility for multiple military branches and that six states, including Texas and Florida, are likely candidates.
Key Facts
A new U.S. military base is planned, potentially the first major one built in decades.
The base could house between 15,000 and 25,000 soldiers.
The base may be a joint facility involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force.
Coastal states, especially along the Gulf of Mexico, are favored locations due to Navy operations.
Six states stand out as possible hosts: Texas, Louisiana, Florida, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah.
Texas is a strong candidate with many existing military sites and coastal access, particularly around Corpus Christi.
The base would need a large area with few residents to avoid displacing many people.
Officials say political views should not influence the choice, but it remains a concern.
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Spending on this year’s midterm elections is increasing rapidly as Election Day nears. Large amounts of money are being spent to influence which political party will control Congress next year.
Key Facts
This midterm election cycle is the most expensive ever.
Billions of dollars are being spent by candidates and groups.
The money aims to affect who wins seats in Congress.
Both political parties and outside groups are contributing funds.
Spending tends to rise significantly as the election gets closer.
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Defense Secretary Hegseth ordered a one-day pause for military commanders so service members can vote in the midterm elections. In King County, Washington, officials are processing ballots from service members and Americans living overseas, which arrive by mail or email. The article explains how these ballots are checked and counted to ensure security.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Hegseth directed a one-day "stand down" for military commanders to help service members vote.
Ballots from military personnel and Americans abroad are being processed in King County, Washington.
These ballots can arrive by regular mail or by email.
Officials verify the authenticity of ballots before counting them.
The process aims to keep overseas voting secure and accurate.
The midterm elections are currently underway.
Service members overseas face unique challenges in voting that require special procedures.
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Jared Kushner, who works for President Donald Trump as a special envoy, denied claims from a CNN report that said his private investment firm was linked to a company involved with Israel’s military. Kushner said the report gave a wrong impression about his diplomatic work and business investments.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a U.S. special envoy.
CNN published a report claiming Kushner’s private equity firm had connections to a company involved in Israeli defense.
Kushner disagreed with CNN’s story and called it misleading.
He said his work in the Middle East did not benefit investments in Israeli defense companies.
The story focused on the relationship between Kushner’s diplomacy and business interests.
Kushner is pushing back publicly against the claims made in the media.
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has decided not to reopen a criminal investigation into former Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell regarding cost overruns in a Fed building renovation. The Fed’s inspector general found no criminal or administrative misconduct but noted poor oversight of the project.
Key Facts
The DoJ will not reopen a criminal probe into Jerome Powell related to building renovation cost overruns.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation might continue if new criminal evidence appears.
The Fed’s inspector general found no proof of wrongdoing but criticized weak project oversight.
President Donald Trump has called for Powell’s resignation over this issue.
Jerome Powell stepped down as Fed chair in May but remains on the Federal Reserve Board.
Powell’s successor, Kevin Warsh, plans to hire an independent auditor to check all project costs.
Blanche indicated the DoJ might investigate further if the auditor finds criminal evidence.
Powell stated he would stay on the Fed board until the issue is fully resolved with transparency.
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David Brooks and Kimberly Atkins Stohr discussed recent political events, including President Donald Trump campaigning in Republican-leaning states. They also talked about weaknesses in the Republican Party before the midterm elections and the current government's plan for artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is actively campaigning in states that usually vote Republican.
The Republican Party faces some challenges or weaknesses leading up to the midterm elections.
The discussion included the government’s approach to managing and regulating artificial intelligence.
David Brooks writes for The Atlantic.
Kimberly Atkins Stohr writes for The Boston Globe.
Geoff Bennett hosted the discussion.
The conversation focused on U.S. politics this week.
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The CBS Evening News on October 2nd covered various stories including new footage in a Cornell rape case, an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about a pilot stabbing, and updates on a college coach placed on leave after a player’s health issue. Other topics included global oil prices, developments in U.S. politics, and comments on job growth and unemployment.
Key Facts
New video shows the arrest of Luigi Mangione related to a Cornell University rape investigation.
Attorney for the accuser in the Cornell rape case spoke to CBS News.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu gave an extended interview about an alleged stabbing of a pilot.
An Arizona State University coach was put on leave following a health incident involving a player.
Middle East oil exports have increased, but prices remain high worldwide.
The Supreme Court allowed the execution of Christa Pike to proceed.
A GOP candidate criticized the midterm election convention as harmful.
Job growth in the U.S. has slowed and the unemployment rate has increased recently.
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The U.S. Marines have successfully recruited more new members than planned for the fiscal year 2026. They enlisted over 31,000 people across all parts of the Marine Corps.
Key Facts
The Marines exceeded their recruiting goals for fiscal year 2026.
They enlisted a total of 31,250 new recruits.
This was achieved across every component of the Marine Corps.
The recruitment success covers all categories they targeted.
The information was reported through U.S. Central Command and the Associated Press.
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A federal judge in Texas temporarily stopped President Trump’s administration from building a border wall in the Big Bend region of Texas. The decision came after a lawsuit argued that the government ignored important environmental and cultural protections when approving the project.
Key Facts
The court order blocks border wall construction in the Big Bend region, including Big Bend National Park.
The project is part of a $46 billion plan to build walls, barriers, roads, and surveillance along the southern border.
Opponents include landowners, businesses, environmental groups, and historic preservation advocates.
The lawsuit argued that the administration bypassed laws meant to protect the environment, culture, and archaeology.
Judge Kathleen Cardone said the plaintiffs likely will win on at least one legal claim and could suffer serious harm without the order.
The border wall work in Big Bend began in mid-September but was paused after bulldozers damaged the park.
Opposition has come from both Republicans and Democrats due to concerns about harming the park’s natural beauty and cultural sites.
The administration has not yet decided on next steps but is reviewing plans for the park area.
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Jane Doe's lawyer says that Cornell University tried to hide the truth about a rape case. The lawyer claims the university cared more about protecting its image than finding out what really happened.
Key Facts
Jane Doe’s lawyer is Thomas Giuffra.
The lawyer accuses Cornell University of a "cover-up" in a rape case.
The accusation says Cornell focused on protecting its reputation.
The case involves allegations of rape at Cornell.
The situation has raised questions about how the university handles Title IX, a law about preventing sex discrimination in schools.
The local district attorney was removed from the Cornell rape case by New York Governor Hochul.
The news report includes related information about ongoing investigations and reactions.
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A lawyer representing Jane Doe accused Cornell University of trying to hide information about an alleged gang rape case. The lawyer said university officials cared more about protecting the school's reputation than finding out the truth and holding people responsible.
Key Facts
Jane Doe's lawyer is Thomas Giuffra.
The case involves an alleged gang rape at Cornell University.
The lawyer claims the university tried to cover up details of the case.
University officials are accused of focusing on protecting Cornell's image.
There are questions about how Cornell handled the Title IX investigation (a law that protects against sex discrimination in schools).
The case has drawn public attention and media coverage.
The district attorney involved was removed from the case.
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The Trump administration announced sanctions against three people and two charities accused of sending over $2 million to Hamas, a militant group. The US government also arrested six individuals linked to this network for helping fund Hamas.
Key Facts
The US Treasury blocked all US property of the sanctioned individuals and charities.
The people sanctioned include Saleem Alzaq in Gaza and Faouzi Barika and Amel Oualid in France.
The two charities sanctioned are Association Baraka and Ensemble C Mieux, both based in France.
The network allegedly raised over $2 million for Hamas from 2020 to 2026, including $1.5 million after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Six people were arrested: three in the US (Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, Raed Yousef) and three in France.
Saleem Alzaq is charged with conspiring to support Hamas, serving in its armed wing, and spreading propaganda online.
The arrested individuals helped funnel money for attacks and could face up to 80 years in prison.
The US justice and treasury departments stated they will continue targeting those financing terrorism.
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