US News

Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem files for divorce, court docs show

September 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Kristi Noem, who used to be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has filed for divorce. Court papers reveal that the filing took place earlier this year.

Key Facts

Kristi Noem is a former Secretary of Homeland Security.
She has filed for divorce.
The divorce filing happened earlier in the current year.
This information comes from court documents.
No further details about the reason or outcome are provided.

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The Hill

Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources

September 29, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used government funds to pay for TV ads that feature President Donald Trump. The money was moved into an account within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for "commemorative events" and then used to pay a Maryland ad agency $20 million to run these ads.

Key Facts

DHS funds were shifted to a Customs and Border Protection account on September 19 for “commemorative events.”
The next day, a $20 million contract was awarded to the LMD Agency for a “National Media Campaign.”
Ads showing President Donald Trump began airing immediately after the contract was signed.
The funding came from a tax and spending bill passed in 2025, which included $6.2 billion for border security and related events.
These ads aired on major TV channels like NBC and Fox, and were estimated to have cost at least $1.7 million recently.
Some officials argue these ads might break federal rules against government propaganda, but the White House says they are public service announcements focused on patriotism.
Democratic senators have asked Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to explain how the funds are used and whether the ads will continue.
DHS referred questions to the White House, which defended the ads as educational and patriotic messages.

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ABC News

LA mayor candidates set for forum as city struggles with homelessness, Hollywood job losses

September 29, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Two Democratic candidates, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman, are competing to lead Los Angeles as the city faces homelessness and job losses in Hollywood. A forum is scheduled days before mail ballots go out, and voters are considering whether to keep Bass or choose Raman, who is supported by the Democratic Socialists of America.

Key Facts

Karen Bass is the current mayor and the first Black woman to hold the position in Los Angeles.
Nithya Raman is a City Council member running for mayor, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
The city faces ongoing problems with homelessness, damaged streets, and rising rent and home prices.
Los Angeles suffered the worst fire in its history, the Palisades Fire, during Bass’s term.
A Republican candidate, Spencer Pratt, who is a former reality TV star, ran but did not qualify for the November election.
The mayoral race has little visible campaign activity despite the approaching mail-in ballots.
Bass blames federal policies under President Trump for worsening homelessness.
The election occurs amid other local challenges, including job losses in Hollywood and preparation for the 2028 Olympics.

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PBS NewsHour

Watch: Jack Smith says Lindsey Graham "likely would have been a witness" in 2020 election case

September 29, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Special counsel Jack Smith said Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July, probably would have been a witness if a 2020 election case went to trial. Smith also described Graham as a patriotic public servant and said Graham was not a target of the investigation.

Key Facts

Jack Smith is a special counsel investigating matters related to the 2020 election.
Senator Lindsey Graham died in July.
Smith told Senator Darlene Graham that her late brother likely would have been a witness in the 2020 election case.
Graham was not considered a target of Smith’s investigation.
Smith spoke about this during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
The 2020 election case mentioned has not gone to trial yet.
Smith referred to Lindsey Graham as a patriotic public servant.

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CBS News

Early takeaways as Jack Smith wraps Senate testimony about federal Trump probes

September 29, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate about his federal investigations into President Donald Trump. His testimony focused on the legal actions taken in those cases.

Key Facts

Jack Smith is a former special counsel who led federal investigations related to President Trump.
He testified before the Senate on Tuesday.
The testimony covered federal probes involving President Trump.
These investigations are part of ongoing legal inquiries.
CBS News reported on this event through their correspondent Taurean Small.
The article highlights the conclusion of Smith’s Senate testimony.
The focus is on the federal legal process concerning the President.

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CBS News

Texas ICE Shooting: Agent Body Cam Stills Released as Man Shot Charged

September 29, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A man in Austin, Texas, named Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot by an immigration agent after trying to drive away from a traffic stop. Garces Perez is now charged with assaulting and resisting a federal officer for allegedly hitting the agent with his car's side mirror during the event.

Key Facts

The incident happened on September 20 in Austin, Texas.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a DoorDash driver, was stopped by immigration agents.
Agents identified Garces Perez as a Venezuelan man with a final order of removal from the U.S.
After a short conversation, Garces Perez rolled up his car window and began to drive away.
An agent named L.G. was standing very close to the car and was hit in the torso by the side mirror.
Agents chased Garces Perez with emergency lights and sirens on through neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Agent L.G. fired his weapon after Garces Perez allegedly tried to strike him with the car.
There is no body camera footage of the actual shooting, though still photos from the stop were released.

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Newsweek

Lindsay Clancy appears in court as her lawyer pushes for murder case to be dismissed

September 29, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

Lindsay Clancy appeared in court after her murder trial for killing her three children ended in a mistrial. Her lawyer asked the judge to dismiss the case, while prosecutors said they have enough evidence to prove she is guilty. A decision about a possible retrial will be discussed at a hearing in November.

Key Facts

Lindsay Clancy is accused of killing her three children in 2023 in Massachusetts.
She does not deny the killings but says she was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis, a serious mental illness after childbirth.
The previous trial ended with no verdict because the jury could not agree, leading to a mistrial in early September.
Clancy’s lawyer asked the judge to dismiss the case, saying there was not enough evidence to prove she committed the murders.
Prosecutors argued Clancy was mentally healthy at the time and knew what she was doing.
The judge wants both sides to be ready to discuss new trial dates at the November 2 hearing.
Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to retry Clancy on murder charges.
Clancy has been in a psychiatric facility since the killings.

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BBC US

What Congress can do about AI safety — with China — now

September 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Sam Liccardo asked Congress to take action on AI safety by passing laws like the bipartisan Frontier Act. He also encouraged starting expert talks with China about AI risks, even though there are political disagreements between the U.S. and China.

Key Facts

Rep. Sam Liccardo spoke about the need for AI safety in Congress.
He proposed passing the bipartisan Frontier Act to address AI safety.
The Frontier Act is a law supported by members from both political parties.
Liccardo wants experts from the U.S. and China to talk about AI safety.
These discussions are suggested despite political tensions between the two countries.
The focus is on managing risks from artificial intelligence technologies.
AI safety is seen as a priority that requires government action.

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The Hill

GOP hopes fade in Georgia and North Carolina as party shifts focus in battle for Senate

September 29, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The Republican Party is shifting its focus away from trying to win Senate seats in Georgia and North Carolina, where their chances have weakened. Instead, Republicans are concentrating on defending seats in states like Texas and Ohio, which Donald Trump won comfortably in 2024.

Key Facts

Republicans once counted on Georgia and North Carolina as key states to keep control of the Senate.
GOP hopes of winning those states are fading five weeks before the midterm elections.
The Republican Party is now spending more on defending seats in Texas and supporting the incumbent in Ohio.
President Donald Trump carried Georgia and North Carolina narrowly in the 2024 presidential race.
GOP Senate campaign leaders are focusing on states they consider more competitive rather than on Georgia’s race.
Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in Georgia has far outspent his Republican challenger Mike Collins in advertising.
Retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis suggested shifting resources away from North Carolina’s GOP candidate, Michael Whatley, due to weak chances.
Some Republicans criticize President Trump for not addressing economic concerns and taking late action in midterm campaigns.

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PBS NewsHour

"Love Me" artist doesn't love Trump using his song

September 29, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The artist JMSN has asked President Donald Trump’s administration to stop using his song "Love Me" in a government ad. JMSN’s lawyers say the government broke copyright law and falsely made it seem he supports the administration’s message, which critics say is an illegal use of taxpayer money.

Key Facts

JMSN demands the Trump administration stop using his song "Love Me" in a government ad.
His lawyers claim the use violates federal copyright law and falsely links JMSN to the administration.
The ad reportedly breaks a law banning taxpayer money for political publicity or propaganda.
JMSN said publicly he never authorized his music for any political campaign or agenda.
The lawyers want the government to stop airing the ad, remove it from posts, and disclose where it has appeared.
The White House has not responded yet to requests for comment.
The ad includes images of President Trump and the phrase "AMERICA WILL NEVER BE A COMMUNIST COUNTRY."
The White House argues the ads are not campaign ads but are meant to encourage patriotism.

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Axios

Watch: Sen. Schmitt appears to confuse basketball teams while calling Jack Smith a "dirtbag"

September 29, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

During a Senate hearing, Senator Eric Schmitt said special counsel Jack Smith went to an Atlanta basketball game between the Hawks and the Warriors in February 2024. Jack Smith corrected him, saying he attended a University of Iowa basketball game in Maryland instead, and Senator Amy Klobuchar pointed out that Schmitt was mixing up the teams.

Key Facts

Senator Eric Schmitt claimed Jack Smith attended an NBA game in Atlanta between the Hawks and Warriors in early February 2024.
Jack Smith clarified he actually went to a University of Iowa Hawkeyes game.
The game Smith attended was in Maryland, not Atlanta.
Senator Amy Klobuchar said Schmitt was confusing two different sports teams.
The exchange happened during a Senate hearing involving special counsel Jack Smith.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis revealed she had an affair with special prosecutor Nathan Wade (mentioned in the hearing).

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CBS News

Another Trump loyalist helping lead probe into Trump investigations resigns

September 29, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Kurt Olsen, a supporter of President Donald Trump, resigned from the Justice Department. He was involved in a controversial investigation into people who looked into Trump’s political opponents, joining others who recently left the probe.

Key Facts

Kurt Olsen resigned from the Justice Department’s "grand conspiracy" probe in Southern Florida.
Olsen is known for denying the results of the 2020 election and had no previous prosecutorial experience.
Joe diGenova, another Trump supporter involved in the probe, resigned weeks earlier, citing pressure to bring unsupported charges.
Several other prosecutors working on this investigation have left the South Florida U.S. attorney’s office recently.
The investigation focuses on intelligence officials and others who looked into President Trump and his associates from 2016 through the investigations after he left office.
The probe is based on a legal theory involving civil rights violations called "deprivation of rights under color of law," which some legal experts question.
People involved, like former CIA Director John Brennan, have been asked to testify before a grand jury.
Additional attorneys were recently added to assist in the investigation.

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ABC News

Lindsay Clancy defense now says there's no evidence she admitted to killing children

September 29, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Lindsay Clancy’s defense lawyer said in court that there is no proof she admitted to killing her children. The lawyer made this argument during a hearing on Tuesday.

Key Facts

Lindsay Clancy is accused of killing her children.
Her defense lawyer is Kevin Reddington.
Reddington said there is no evidence Clancy admitted to the killings.
This statement happened during a court hearing on Tuesday.
CBS News reporters Shanelle Kaul and Caroline Polisi covered the story.

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CBS News

Trump celebrates Senate passage of legislation to overhaul college sports

September 29, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act by a vote of 77-22. President Donald Trump praised the bill, which aims to create one national system for college sports rules, including athlete compensation, eligibility, and media rights.

Key Facts

The Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act on Monday night with a 77-22 vote.
President Donald Trump supports the bill and promised to sign it into law immediately.
The legislation sets uniform national rules for how college athletes can earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
It limits how much money schools can give directly to athletes.
Athletes can transfer once without losing a year of eligibility and generally have five years to compete in college sports.
Colleges can negotiate broadcasting deals together to better control game marketing and distribution.
The NCAA will oversee compliance and gets legal protection from certain federal lawsuits under the bill.
Some senators worry the NCAA could gain too much power without giving athletes enough influence.

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ABC News

CDC updates measles count, now includes 2 deaths

September 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The CDC updated its measles report to include a second death in 2026, raising the national total to two. Pennsylvania reports four deaths linked to a measles outbreak with over 900 cases, but the CDC’s numbers are currently lower than Pennsylvania’s.

Key Facts

The CDC added one more measles death for 2026, totaling two deaths nationwide.
Pennsylvania has reported four measles-related deaths in the same outbreak.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania has more than 900 confirmed measles cases.
The CDC’s national measles data is currently lower than Pennsylvania’s official numbers.
Measles is a contagious viral disease that can cause serious health problems.
The CDC tracks measles cases and deaths across the United States.
Differences in reporting may occur between state and federal health agencies.

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The Hill

What to know as Tennessee plans to execute first woman in 200 years

September 29, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Tennessee plans to execute Christa Pike, the only woman on its death row, by lethal injection, making her the first woman executed in the state in 200 years. Pike has been jailed since 1995 for the murder of her former classmate, Colleen Slemmer, a crime committed when Pike was 18 years old.

Key Facts

Christa Pike, now 50, was convicted of murdering Colleen Slemmer in 1995 at age 18.
The murder involved torture and lasted 30 minutes to an hour, with Slemmer suffering severe injuries including cuts and beatings.
Pike's boyfriend and a friend helped in the attack; the boyfriend was not sentenced to death due to being a minor at the time.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee denied Pike's clemency petition, allowing the execution to proceed.
International groups, including the United Nations, urged the governor to commute the sentence, citing Pike’s history of childhood abuse, mental illness, and time spent in isolation on death row.
Pike's legal team said she has changed, receiving treatment for mental illness and supporting other women in prison.
Pike expressed remorse and acknowledged the harm caused by her actions.
This will be the first execution of a woman in Tennessee in two centuries.

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CBS News

A better path forward for Head Start

September 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams says the Head Start program should allow more local control in how it operates. He believes this change can help fix problems like fewer children enrolling and higher expenses caused by strict federal rules.

Key Facts

Head Start is a federal program that supports early childhood education.
Enrollment in Head Start has been going down.
Costs for running Head Start have been increasing.
Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams identifies strict federal rules as a key reason for these issues.
He suggests giving local agencies more flexibility in how they run the program.
The goal is to improve enrollment numbers and control costs by reducing federal restrictions.

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The Hill

CDC reports second measles death in US while excluding Pennsylvania deaths

September 29, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The CDC has confirmed a second measles death in the US amid a large outbreak across 47 states, with over 3,600 confirmed cases. Pennsylvania, the hardest-hit state, reports more deaths and cases than the CDC's national data due to a disagreement over death reporting.

Key Facts

The CDC confirmed two measles deaths in the US but did not specify the states.
Pennsylvania reported more than 900 measles cases and four deaths but these deaths are not included in the CDC's national count.
The CDC now uses death data from the National Center for Health Statistics for national measles deaths.
Pennsylvania had 114 new measles cases in one week, with one-third of new cases in children under 18.
Less than 1% of measles cases are in people fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 but cases in 2024 are the highest since 1991.
The CDC has lost about one-third of its workforce recently, with over 3,800 fewer employees this year.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe symptoms, including fever, cough, and rash; two doses of the MMR vaccine offer strong protection.

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Guardian World

WATCH: Used GLP-1 injector pens causing injury to sanitation workers: Officials

September 29, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

New York City officials have raised the fine to $250 for not properly throwing away used medical needles called GLP-1 injector pens. These used pens have been causing injuries to sanitation workers who handle trash.

Key Facts

Used GLP-1 injector pens are medical sharps that can cause injuries.
Sanitation workers in New York City have been hurt by these improperly disposed pens.
The city increased the fine to $250 for people who do not throw away medical sharps correctly.
GLP-1 pens are used for injecting medication, often for diabetes or weight loss.
Proper disposal of medical sharps helps keep city workers safe.
The fine increase is part of an effort to reduce injuries and improve public health.
New York City enforces rules about safely getting rid of used needles and pens.

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ABC News

Khanna: Epstein files should be one of Democrats ‘highest priorities’ if congressional control changes

September 29, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Representative Ro Khanna said that if Democrats win back control of Congress after the November elections, they should make reviewing government files about Jeffrey Epstein a top priority. He emphasized this focus is about supporting survivors, not political gain.

Key Facts

Rep. Ro Khanna is from California and a member of the Democratic Party.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Khanna spoke about the importance of examining government files related to Epstein.
This priority is linked to helping survivors of Epstein’s crimes.
The upcoming midterm elections in November could change which party controls Congress.
Khanna made these remarks during an interview on CNN’s show “The Arena” with Kasie Hunt.
He stated this issue should not be seen as political but as a matter of justice for survivors.

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