A former Cornell student has filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was raped and assaulted by seven men at a fraternity house in October 2024. The lawsuit claims the men got her drunk and pressured her into taking drugs before assaulting her, and that the university’s response was weak, leading to most of the men returning to classes while the victim left school.
Key Facts
The alleged assault happened at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house over about seven hours.
Seven men named in the lawsuit are accused of raping and sexually assaulting the plaintiff; some have denied wrongdoing.
The victim says she was given alcohol and ketamine and was unable to resist the assault.
A group chat from the fraternity showed one man inviting others to join the assault and some responding positively, with no one objecting.
The victim reported the assault, but only two men were expelled; the rest were suspended or given lesser punishments.
The accused were required to write essays as part of their punishment.
The victim left Cornell and has not returned to college according to her attorney.
The local district attorney in Tompkins County has been involved in the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new poll shows Wisconsin's governor race is very close. David Crowley, the Democratic candidate, has 46% support, while Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany has 45%.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by Marquette Law School.
It surveyed registered voters in Wisconsin.
David Crowley is the Democratic candidate for governor.
Tom Tiffany is the Republican candidate and a current U.S. Representative.
Crowley leads by 1 percentage point, showing a tight race.
The poll reflects voter preferences if the election were held now.
No information on undecided voters or margin of error was provided.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his poll numbers went down after a Republican convention in Texas. At the event, President Donald Trump criticized Paxton’s appearance and speaking but still encouraged people to vote for him.
Key Facts
The convention was held in Texas to support Republican candidates.
Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate.
After the convention, Paxton’s poll numbers dropped.
President Trump spoke at the convention.
Trump made fun of Paxton’s wardrobe, speaking style, and appearance.
Despite the criticism, Trump told voters to elect Paxton.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration has started sending $500 refund checks to about 950,000 people in 30 states. These refunds are because some people were charged extra fees for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Key Facts
The refund checks are for overcharges called "user fees" on ACA health plans.
People receiving checks mainly live in 30 states that use federal ACA insurance marketplaces.
Residents in states that run their own ACA exchanges will not get these checks.
Most recipients have incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level, about $15,960 per year for one person.
Some people earning between 100% and 400% of the poverty level who didn’t get subsidies will also get checks.
Texas and Florida have the highest number of people receiving refunds.
Premium tax credits that helped lower insurance costs ended last year and have not been renewed.
The refund amount is the same for everyone and does not depend on a person’s health or exact overcharge amount.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge in Washington, D.C., permanently dismissed a criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian, who was charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The dismissal prevents federal prosecutors from reopening the case.
Key Facts
David Hearn was charged with vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The case was in Washington, D.C., under federal jurisdiction.
Judge Todd Edelman dismissed the case with "prejudice," meaning it cannot be filed again.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office had dropped the charge on July 31 before the dismissal.
The dismissal happened about a month after lawyers presented their arguments.
Hearn’s lawyers said officials kept accusing him despite the case being dropped.
President Donald Trump criticized the U.S. Attorney Pirro for ending the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Angie Nixon, a Democrat, seems to be distancing herself from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Some people think that if the Democratic Party wins many elections, the left-wing groups like the DSA will push for more changes.
Key Facts
Angie Nixon is a Democrat.
Reports suggest she is moving away from the DSA.
The DSA has a political agenda focused on left-wing ideas.
Winning elections could encourage left-wing groups to push for more actions.
The article connects the Democratic Party's success to the influence of left-wing groups like the DSA.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has sued the Trump administration for making last-minute changes to a form used by Americans living abroad to request absentee ballots. The change removed an option for citizens who have never lived in the U.S. to request a ballot, which the DNC says breaks federal law and could prevent some overseas voters from casting their ballots.
Key Facts
The form is called the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), used by overseas U.S. citizens to register and request absentee ballots.
Before the change, the form included an option for U.S. citizens who have never lived in the country to request a ballot.
In August, the Pentagon requested emergency approval to remove this option because of an upcoming election deadline.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) quickly approved the change without public input.
The DNC claims the change violates the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires careful review before changing rules.
Experts say the change may confuse or discourage eligible voters who have never lived in the U.S. from voting.
The Pentagon said the change was needed to reduce confusion, but the DNC called this explanation unlikely.
The lawsuit argues the government has long experience handling overseas voting rules and should not have rushed the change.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent poll shows Republican Christine Drazan leading Democrat Tina Kotek in Oregon’s governor race, a state that Democrats have held since 1982. The race is close, with Drazan at 47% and Kotek at 46%, and could result in a rare Republican win in a state that usually votes Democratic.
Key Facts
Christine Drazan, a Republican state senator, leads Tina Kotek, the Democratic governor, by 1 point in a new poll.
The poll surveyed 915 likely voters between September 17 and 27 and has a margin of error of 3.24 percentage points.
No Republican has been Oregon’s governor since Victor Atiyeh, who left office in 1987.
Oregon has not voted for a Republican president since Ronald Reagan in 1984.
Tina Kotek won the governor race against Drazan in 2022 by about 3.5 points.
Recent polls since the May primary have shown Drazan either tied or ahead.
Republican wins in statewide Oregon races have been rare, with the last one in 2016 for secretary of state.
National political analysts now see the Oregon governor race as more competitive for Republicans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US Supreme Court has agreed to review a case on President Donald Trump’s policy that keeps many undocumented immigrants in detention without a chance for a bond hearing while they fight deportation. This case will decide if immigrants already in the US have the right to a judge’s hearing to possibly be released from detention during their court process.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court accepted the case on Thursday.
The policy was introduced in July 2025 and requires detention without bond hearings during deportation proceedings.
Deportation proceedings can last for years.
This policy reverses a long-standing practice allowing some immigrants to get a bond hearing and possible release.
Most federal appeals courts have ruled immigrants must get bond hearings, but the 5th and 8th Circuits require detention without bond.
The split in court decisions is causing inconsistent enforcement across the US.
The case involves Ricardo Aparecido Barbosa da Cunha, who was arrested in Massachusetts in 2025 and denied a bond hearing at first.
The ACLU represents the plaintiffs and says millions of immigrants inside the US could be affected by this policy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said he refused a Secret Service plan to tear down the Oval Office. When asked what he would miss most about the White House, he mentioned the office as a special and historic place.
Key Facts
President Trump said he told the Secret Service not to demolish the Oval Office.
The Oval Office is located in the West Wing of the White House.
Trump spoke about the office when asked what he would miss after his second term.
The Oval Office is considered a historic and important workspace for the U.S. president.
President Trump is serving his second term in office.
The Secret Service is responsible for the safety and security of the president and related locations.
There was a plan by the Secret Service related to the Oval Office that Trump rejected.
The discussion about the Oval Office came as Trump prepares to leave office after his term ends.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tennessee tried to execute Christa Pike using lethal injection, but the procedure failed, and she survived two doses of the drug pentobarbital. The state paused all executions for the year and started a review to understand why the drugs may not have worked as expected.
Key Facts
Christa Pike survived a lethal injection attempt in Tennessee after receiving two doses of pentobarbital.
The state stopped all scheduled executions for the rest of the year.
Officials ordered an independent review to investigate the failed execution.
One theory is that the drug entered Pike’s tissue instead of her bloodstream due to problems with the IV lines.
Another possibility is that the pentobarbital used was degraded or stored incorrectly, reducing its effectiveness.
Medical staff worked to save Pike’s life, but her current condition has not been publicly shared.
Experts say this case is unusual because usually, failed executions happen when veins cannot be accessed, not when drugs were administered but didn’t work.
Tennessee previously faced issues with execution drug storage and handling, leading to earlier reviews of their lethal injection process.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The family of Renee Good, a US citizen killed by federal immigration agents in Minnesota, has filed lawsuits against the Trump administration. They accuse officials of reckless actions and violating civil rights during immigration enforcement efforts known as Operation Metro Surge.
Key Facts
Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during protests against federal immigration arrests.
Two lawsuits were filed by Renee’s partner and brother, seeking a jury trial and financial compensation.
The lawsuits claim wrongful death, civil rights violations, and accuse agents and high-ranking Trump administration officials of conspiracy.
The shooting was captured on cellphone videos showing the ICE agent firing into Good’s car windshield.
Federal officials described the agent’s actions as self-defense and called Good’s behavior an act of domestic terrorism.
President Trump publicly supported the ICE agents and blamed political opponents for attacks on law enforcement.
The Department of Justice blocked criminal charges against the agents, leading to several prosecutors resigning in protest.
Minnesota’s efforts to access evidence on the shooting faced delays after the DOJ stopped sharing information with local police.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., has released an ad attacking James Talarico, a Democratic Texas Senate candidate, for his comments about Christianity and gender. The ad highlights Talarico’s statements on biological sex, Jesus as a radical feminist, and God being nonbinary.
Key Facts
MAGA Inc., linked to President Trump, launched a campaign ad against James Talarico.
The ad calls Talarico “weird” and criticizes his remarks on Christianity and gender.
Talarico said in 2021 that there are six biological sexes based on chromosomes, but he later corrected this, saying there are two sexes with some genetic exceptions.
He described Jesus Christ as a “radical feminist” in a 2022 sermon.
Talarico also said God is “nonbinary,” referring to biblical language that uses both masculine and feminine words for God.
Talarico is a former Presbyterian seminarian and incorporates his Christian faith into his campaign.
The ad's release comes amid a heated election campaign for the Texas Senate seat.
Newsweek contacted Talarico’s campaign, his Republican opponent Ken Paxton’s campaign, and MAGA Inc. for comment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth named Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey, major donors to President Donald Trump, to advisory roles in a Pentagon project called Project Meridian, focused on the future of warfare. Both Musk and Luckey lead companies that have significant defense contracts and political fundraising influence within the Republican party.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth appointed Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey to advisory roles in a Pentagon initiative on future warfare called Project Meridian.
Project Meridian is led by Pentagon official Emil Michael, a former Uber executive with past financial ties to Musk’s companies.
Elon Musk donated over $250 million to support President Trump’s 2024 election campaign and continues major fundraising for Republican candidates.
Musk’s SpaceX is a key contractor for US space programs and works on a costly ballistic missile defense project under President Trump’s administration.
Palmer Luckey founded Anduril, a defense company with many federal contracts, and is a top Republican fundraiser on the West Coast.
Luckey has hosted high-dollar fundraising events for President Trump and other Republican candidates.
Luckey envisions future warfare involving subterranean vehicles that move through the earth’s crust like submarines.
Experts note that while industry involvement in the Pentagon is common, the level of political donations from Musk and Luckey is unusual.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but did not directly say if Netanyahu should remain in office ahead of Israel’s elections. Trump highlighted his support for Israel and concerns about Iran’s nuclear program in an interview with Time magazine.
Key Facts
President Trump avoided directly endorsing Netanyahu for another term as Israel’s prime minister.
Trump claimed to be popular in Israel, saying “99 percent” of Israelis support him.
He mentioned moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and ongoing U.S. security support for Israel during his first term.
Trump has met Netanyahu at least seven times since January 2025 and publicly supported a pardon in Netanyahu’s corruption trial.
Some Republicans are unhappy with Trump’s Israel policy, especially related to the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
The conflict with Iran has increased gas prices in the U.S. and is a key issue before the November U.S. midterm elections.
Trump defended the war with Iran and said he might continue military actions after the midterms.
Trump downplayed reports that Netanyahu was warned about the October 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are campaigning in strongly Republican areas to boost support ahead of the November midterm elections. Trump will visit Texas and Oklahoma, while Vance speaks in Florida, where GOP candidates now face tougher races.
Key Facts
President Trump is starting a 32-day campaign effort leading up to the November 3 midterm elections.
Vice President JD Vance is speaking at a rally in Florida to support Republican candidates.
They are focusing on areas that are usually strong for Republicans but are currently facing harder election battles.
Trump’s travel on Thursday includes stops in Texas and Oklahoma.
A recent poll shows only 17% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living.
The same poll shows 26% approval of Trump’s handling of the economy, a new low rating.
Trump plans a rare presidential visit to Choctaw Nation in Indian Country during his campaign.
The goal of these visits is to increase enthusiasm among Republican voters before the midterms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge decided that two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack cannot sue because they do not have the right (standing) to challenge the exclusion of their names from a plaque honoring law enforcement. The judge ruled this lawsuit cannot move forward.
Key Facts
Two police officers involved in defending the Capitol on January 6, 2021, wanted their names included on a plaque.
The plaque honors law enforcement officers who responded to the Capitol attack.
The officers sued because their names were not included on the plaque.
U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled the officers do not have legal standing to sue over this issue.
The judge’s decision means the lawsuit will not continue.
The ruling applies specifically to the officers’ claim about the omission from the plaque.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Becca Good spoke publicly for the first time since her partner, Renee Good, was killed on January 7 by a member of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Renee’s family has filed two civil lawsuits against the U.S. government and members of President Trump’s administration, accusing them of causing her death through several legal claims.
Key Facts
Renee Good died on January 7.
Renee Good was killed by a member of ICE. ICE is a government agency that enforces immigration laws.
Becca Good, Renee’s partner, spoke publicly about the death for the first time.
Renee’s family has filed two civil lawsuits against the U.S. government.
The lawsuits are against the government and members of President Donald Trump’s administration.
The lawsuits claim the government was responsible through battery, assault, false imprisonment, emotional distress, and negligence.
The family says these actions caused Renee’s death.
This case is connected to issues involving U.S. immigration enforcement.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has asked Congress for $30 billion to update the United States' old air traffic control system. This request comes after recent travel problems in the Northeast caused by the outdated system.
Key Facts
Secretary Sean Duffy is the U.S. Transportation Secretary.
He requested $30 billion from Congress for air traffic control upgrades.
The money would be used to modernize aging infrastructure.
The request followed recent travel disruptions in the Northeast.
Updating the system aims to improve air travel reliability and safety.
The current air traffic system is considered outdated.
Congress must approve the funding for the upgrades to happen.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Renee Good's family filed lawsuits against the U.S. government and immigration officers, claiming wrongful death and other violations after she was killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis. The lawsuits were brought by her partner and brother during a federal immigration operation.
Key Facts
Renee Good, age 37, was killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis.
The family alleges wrongful death and violation of rights.
Two lawsuits were filed by her partner Becca Good and brother Brent Ganger.
The incident happened during a federal immigration enforcement action.
The Justice Department has not yet commented on the lawsuits.
Minnesota prosecutors have obtained new evidence related to this case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
