The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 with a vote of 77-22 to create national rules for college athlete transfers and payments for their name, image, and likeness. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives and aims to bring consistency across states in regulating college sports.
Key Facts
The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 passed the Senate by 77 votes to 22.
The bill seeks to standardize rules on college athlete transfers and payments for using their name, image, and likeness.
It aims to replace varying state laws with one set of national guidelines.
Supporters say the bill will protect college sports and create stability.
Critics, including Senator Cory Booker, argue it limits athletes’ rights and protections.
Senator Ted Cruz praised the bill as important for the future of college sports.
President Donald Trump called the Senate vote "a really big deal" and congratulated involved parties.
The bill follows a 2025 court settlement allowing colleges to pay athletes for their likeness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A watchdog report reviewed consultant travel expenses related to the California High-Speed Rail project. The report tested claims about the project's transparency but found details that challenge the idea it is anti-transparent.
Key Facts
The report focused on wasteful spending on travel by consultants for the California High-Speed Rail project.
Critics have called a related law "anti-transparency," meaning it limits open access to information.
The watchdog report was used to examine whether these claims were true.
The findings provide information that counters the idea that the project is not transparent.
The report highlights how public spending on the rail project is monitored.
California High-Speed Rail aims to build a fast train connecting parts of the state.
Transparency laws are rules that make sure public projects share information openly with citizens.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the TV show "Saved By The Bell," has died at age 75. He played the role from 1989 to 2000 on various versions of the show, and his cause of death has not been shared.
Key Facts
Dennis Haskins was famous for playing Principal Richard Belding on "Saved By The Bell."
He first played the role in "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" in 1989, which later became "Saved By The Bell."
He acted as Principal Belding on the original show from 1989 to 1993.
Haskins reprised the role on "Saved By The Bell: The New Class" from 1993 to 2000.
He passed away at the age of 75; the cause of death is unknown.
Haskins appeared on other TV shows like "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Mad Men," and "How I Met Your Mother."
His last time playing Principal Belding was during a 2015 reunion sketch on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
His agent said Haskins loved his fans and always made time for them.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump denied a report by Axios that he offered Iran relief from sanctions and access to frozen funds to review its nuclear program. He said the information is not true on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Key Facts
Axios published a story claiming President Trump offered sanctions relief to Iran.
The report said Trump would unfreeze Iranian funds.
This offer was supposedly to allow Iran to reconsider its nuclear activities.
President Trump publicly rejected the story.
He made the denial on his Truth Social account.
The report suggests possible U.S.-Iran negotiations on nuclear issues.
Trump’s response directly called the Axios story false.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, and his Democratic opponent Cait Conley debated on TV, discussing topics like the economy, housing, and U.S. support for Israel. Lawler focused on his achievements in Congress, while Conley shared her views on these issues.
Key Facts
The debate was televised and hosted by News 12.
Voters and a political reporter asked questions during the debate.
Topics included the economy, housing affordability, and U.S. foreign aid to Israel.
Rep. Mike Lawler defended his record in Congress.
Cait Conley represented the Democratic position on these matters.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed an order to pause the state gas tax for 30 days starting Tuesday. This action aims to help drivers cope with rising gas prices due to tensions related to the Iran conflict.
Key Facts
The state gas tax in Georgia is 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline.
The tax on diesel fuel is 37.3 cents per gallon.
The suspension begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday.
The pause will last for 30 days.
The decision was made in response to increasing gas prices linked to the situation involving Iran.
Governor Brian Kemp is a member of the Republican Party.
The suspension applies only to the state-level fuel tax, not federal taxes or other fees.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate approved a bill called the Protect College Sports Act to create federal rules for college athletics. The bill aims to protect student athletes by setting clear transfer rules, sharing money with athletes, and adding health and safety protections. Some Democrats and advocacy groups oppose the bill, saying it does not fully protect athletes’ rights.
Key Facts
The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 77 to 22.
The bill sets a federal framework for college sports, including transfer eligibility and name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights.
It allows athletes one transfer without losing their playing eligibility.
The bill includes payments to athletes, about $21.6 million shared among universities for the 2026-27 school year, plus an additional $22.5 million per institution for athlete retention.
Health and safety protections for athletes are part of the bill.
Senator Ted Cruz sponsored the bill, saying it addresses uncontrolled competition and instability in college sports.
The bill has support from major athletic conferences like the Big Ten and SEC, and the White House backs it as well.
Some Democratic lawmakers and groups like the Congressional Black Caucus argue the bill does not properly include or protect Black athletes and others.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act with a 77-22 vote. The bill sets national rules for college sports, including athlete compensation, transfer rules, and conference changes, but still needs approval from the House.
Key Facts
The bill passed in the Senate with strong bipartisan support (77 votes for, 22 against).
It allows the NCAA to create and enforce uniform rules for transfers and pay-for-play deals.
Student athletes get five years of eligibility and one free transfer under the new rules.
Schools can share up to about $50 million in revenue with current players.
It limits how long a school must stay independent before joining another major conference from five years to three years.
The bill protects ongoing lawsuits and aims to stop the creation of a super league.
President Donald Trump supported the bill, which helped gain Republican backing.
The bill still faces challenges in the House, including opposition over adding restrictions on foreign athletes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate passed the "Protect College Sports Act" with strong support from both parties. This law gives the NCAA more authority to enforce its rules, aiming to make college sports fairer and more equal.
Key Facts
The Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act on Monday.
The bill has support from both Democrats and Republicans.
The law strengthens the NCAA’s ability to enforce rules in college sports.
It aims to improve fairness and equality for student-athletes.
The act could change college sports across the United States for many years.
The NCAA is the main organization that manages college sports rules.
This legislation responds to growing concerns about fairness in collegiate athletics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Caleb Flynn, a former Ohio music pastor and "American Idol" contestant, is on trial for the 2025 murder of his wife, Ashley Flynn. Prosecutors say Flynn killed his wife during an affair and tried to cover it up by staging a fake home invasion, while his mistress testified about their relationship and his hostile feelings toward his wife.
Key Facts
Caleb Flynn, 40, is charged with murder, assault, and evidence tampering in the shooting death of his wife, Ashley Flynn, 37.
Ashley Flynn was a schoolteacher and volleyball coach; the shooting happened at their home in Tipp City, Ohio.
Flynn and their two daughters were home when police arrived after his 911 call reporting a home invasion.
Prosecutors say Flynn staged the crime scene to hide his involvement in the murder.
Flynn’s mistress, Alleigha Botner, testified about their year-long affair and Flynn’s expressed hatred for his wife.
Text messages showed Flynn discussing thoughts about killing his wife and wanting to divorce.
Botner initially defended Flynn but later said she believes he murdered his wife.
Prosecutors presented AI-generated love songs Flynn created for Botner and audio of the 911 call.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man named Beau Lamarre-Condon is on trial in Sydney for allegedly killing football umpire Jesse Baird and flight attendant Luke Davies at Baird’s home in February 2024. Bloodied items like new shorts and a flight card were found in a dumpster two days later, and the court heard Lamarre-Condon tried to clean the scene after the shootings.
Key Facts
Beau Lamarre-Condon is charged with two counts of murder and one charge of aggravated break and enter.
The alleged murders occurred on 19 February 2024 in Paddington, Sydney.
Blood-stained clothes, AFL shorts, a Qantas ID card, and other belongings were found in a dumpster at Cronulla Bowls Club on 21 February 2024.
A greenskeeper noticed the dumpster lid was open and found the suspicious items.
Prosecutors say Lamarre-Condon started cleaning the crime scene right after the shootings.
Lamarre-Condon told a friend he would hide killed victims’ belongings in a trash bin and move bodies to a remote area.
Defense lawyers claim the shootings happened in self-defense after struggles.
The trial is ongoing in the New South Wales Supreme Court.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has appeared in television ads paid for by the US government, which has led to criticism. The ads are claimed by the White House to be public service announcements, but there are laws that restrict using federal funds for political advertising.
Key Facts
President Trump is featured in government-funded TV ads.
US law generally prohibits federal money from being used for political ads.
The White House says these ads are public service announcements, not political advertisements.
Legal experts have been consulted to examine if the ads break the law.
The issue has drawn public and media attention.
These ads were discussed in a report by BBC Verify.
The report includes analysis by journalist Jake Horton.
Graphics for the report were made by Sally Nicholls.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Psychedelic therapy, which uses hallucinogenic drugs like psilocybin and ayahuasca, is gaining attention as a possible treatment for depression. Clinical trials are underway in the UK, where researchers study if these drugs, taken in controlled settings, can help people manage difficult emotions and improve their mental health.
Key Facts
Claire Torpey traveled to South and Central America to take part in legal psychedelic retreats using psilocybin and ayahuasca to help with anxiety and sadness.
Psychedelic tourism is growing, but there are risks from unregulated retreats, including reports of deaths.
Psilocybin and DMT are Class A drugs in the UK, meaning they are considered illegal and without recognized medical use.
The Newcastle Care Pathway Enhancement (CaPE) Clinic is running clinical trials to see if psilocybin can treat depression.
Participants take psilocybin capsules and spend several hours in a specially designed room monitored by therapists.
Researchers believe psychedelics help by temporarily disrupting thought patterns, allowing new perspectives on emotions and memories.
Experts say these treatments are not a cure but may help some people better understand and manage their depression.
More studies are needed to confirm how effective and safe psychedelic therapy is for mental health care.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Utah judge ordered the release on bail of Douglas Stewart Carter, a 71-year-old man who spent decades on death row for a 1985 murder, after new DNA tests showed no match to him. Prosecutors dropped plans to seek the death penalty, and Carter will wear a GPS monitor and stay away from the victim's family while awaiting a new trial.
Key Facts
Douglas Stewart Carter was convicted in 1985 for the murder of Eva Olesen and sentenced to death.
A Utah Supreme Court ordered a new trial in 2025 due to police misconduct in the original case.
Carter always claimed his confession was forced and said he was innocent.
New DNA evidence from the crime scene does not match Carter.
Prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty in the retrial.
Carter’s bail was set with conditions including wearing a GPS monitor and avoiding the victim’s family.
Two witnesses who initially testified against Carter later said they were paid and gave false statements.
Carter will receive therapy to help with the trauma caused by his long time in prison.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The rape case involving a Cornell University fraternity will be reopened after a woman accused seven men of assaulting her in 2024. The district attorney initially chose not to press charges but has now decided to investigate the case again.
Key Facts
The case involves an alleged rape inside a Cornell University fraternity house.
A woman reported the assault, saying she was attacked by seven men.
The incident reportedly happened in 2024.
The district attorney first decided not to file criminal charges.
The investigation is now being reopened by the district attorney.
The case first came to public attention nearly two years ago.
The reopening follows new developments or reconsiderations by authorities.
This case is part of ongoing concerns about sexual assault on college campuses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced a new steel plant project in Iowa that will cost several billion dollars. He said the plant will be the largest steel factory in U.S. history and is expected to start operating by 2030.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a multi-billion-dollar steel plant in Iowa.
The plant will be the largest steel factory ever built in the United States.
The project aims to be operational by the year 2030.
The announcement was covered by CBS News.
The plant is expected to boost steel production in the U.S. and create jobs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Tompkins County District Attorney (DA) decided not to prosecute a 2024 gang rape case at Cornell University because he believed the victim consented to the sexual activity. The DA reopened the case after a civil lawsuit was filed, and the victim’s lawyer argued the criminal investigation was not thorough.
Key Facts
The alleged incident happened in 2024 at a Cornell University fraternity.
Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten said the victim, called Jane Doe, initially consented and did not clearly withdraw consent.
The DA described social media reports as inaccurate and said no charges were filed because evidence did not support prosecution.
The Chi Phi fraternity was banned from campus after the incident.
Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit accusing the fraternity members of drugging and gang-raping her.
The victim’s attorney said the criminal investigation was limited, with the victim only speaking to one officer.
The attorney also noted the long delay in reopening the case may have led to lost evidence.
The DA’s office plans to meet with Jane Doe again as part of reopening the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law banning the sale of single-use, battery-powered vapes to reduce plastic pollution. The ban begins January 1, 2027 for manufacturing and importing, and January 1, 2028 for retail sales, with fines for violations.
Key Facts
The law bans single-use electronic cigarettes that have built-in batteries.
Manufacturing and importing of these devices will be banned starting January 1, 2027.
Retail sales ban will start on January 1, 2028.
Fines for breaking the ban are $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second, and $2,000 for others.
The ban applies only to disposable vapes with tobacco, not cannabis vapes.
Disposable vapes often end up as litter and can leak harmful chemicals like lead and lithium.
About 500,000 disposable vapes are thrown away daily in the US.
Some small business groups worry the ban could hurt family-owned stores and increase smuggling.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Comedian Russell Brand will moderate a panel at the second Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) summit in Washington, D.C. The MAHA movement is supported by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and focuses on health-related reforms.
Key Facts
Russell Brand is the moderator for a panel at the MAHA summit.
The MAHA summit is taking place in Washington, D.C.
This is the second MAHA summit organized.
The MAHA movement is backed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The panel will focus on healthcare reforms.
The event aims to discuss changes to improve health policies.
The MAHA movement is connected to government health initiatives.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator John Fetterman said it is possible for the Democratic Party to win control of the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats are aiming to regain both parts of Congress, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
The 2026 midterm elections are a little over one month away.
Democrats want to take back control of both the Senate and the House.
Senator John Fetterman expressed optimism about Democrats winning the Senate.
Midterm elections are held halfway through a president's term to elect members of Congress.
Control of Congress affects the government’s ability to pass laws and support the president’s agenda.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
