A New York prosecutor has reopened a criminal investigation into gang rape allegations involving seven Cornell University fraternity members after a woman filed a lawsuit saying she was assaulted in 2024. Cornell University supports the reopened probe and said it previously took disciplinary action, including expelling and suspending some students and closing the fraternity chapter.
Key Facts
A woman alleges she was gang raped by seven Cornell fraternity members in October 2024 after being given alcohol and drugs.
She filed a lawsuit on September 16, accusing the fraternity, university, an Ithaca bar, and others of failing to prevent or properly address the assault.
The Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, said the office will present new evidence to a grand jury.
The woman initially reported the incident to campus police but did not claim gang rape or drugging at that time.
No criminal charges were filed earlier because of lack of fuller information; the prosecutor reopened the case after receiving more evidence.
Cornell closed the Chi Phi fraternity chapter in 2024, expelled some students, and suspended others after its own investigation.
Federal privacy laws prevent Cornell from sharing detailed information on disciplinary actions.
The university said it conducted a thorough internal review with opportunities for both sides to present evidence.
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A former Cornell University student, called Jane Doe, is suing the school and seven fraternity members. She alleges she was drugged and gang-raped in October 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house. The lawsuit says the university did not properly protect her or punish those involved.
Key Facts
The incident took place in October 2024 at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca, New York.
The victim was 20 years old at the time.
Jane Doe is suing Cornell University and seven members of the fraternity.
The lawsuit claims the university did not take adequate action against those accused.
Only two of the seven fraternity members were expelled, while the others faced milder punishments like writing essays and attending workshops.
None of the accused fraternity members have been arrested.
The lawsuit focuses on the university’s responsibility to protect students and respond to sexual violence cases.
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Senator John Fetterman and other Senate Democrats sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. They warned him not to allow immigration enforcement agents to interfere with voting during the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman is a Democrat from Pennsylvania.
Several Senate Democrats signed a letter together.
The letter was addressed to Markwayne Mullin, the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The letter warns against actions by immigration enforcement officials.
Democrats are concerned these activities could harm the voting process.
The focus is on protecting the constitutional right to vote in the midterms.
The letter urges DHS to stop any actions that might interfere with elections.
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U.S. officials have said there are no plans to sell weapons to China after Ambassador David Perdue said President Donald Trump offered to sell arms to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The U.S. government and State Department confirmed that U.S. law prohibits arms sales to China and denied any such offer or plan.
Key Facts
Ambassador David Perdue said President Trump offered to sell weapons to China during a recent summit.
The U.S. government denied any plans or offers to sell arms to China.
U.S. law forbids selling weapons to China.
President Trump said he did not discuss selling weapons to China and suggested the offer might have referred to Taiwan.
China is considered a major strategic and economic competitor and is designated as a foreign adversary by the U.S.
The U.S. has imposed economic sanctions and trade restrictions on China due to military ties.
Trump and Xi discussed various issues including artificial intelligence, Iran, and exports.
Beijing has faced accusations of helping Iran with satellite information despite U.S. efforts to limit Iran’s military support.
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Jack Smith, the special counsel investigating President Donald Trump, will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 29. The hearing follows claims by a Republican lawmaker that Smith may have lied during previous testimony about his investigation, which Smith’s lawyers deny.
Key Facts
Jack Smith is the special counsel investigating President Donald Trump.
Smith will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee at 9 a.m. EDT on September 29.
A Republican lawmaker, Rep. Jim Jordan, said Smith may have lied during past testimony.
Jordan referred Smith to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.
The alleged false statements involved whether Smith obtained records of lawmakers during the Trump investigation.
Smith’s lawyers have denied the claims and said he told the truth.
The hearing is part of ongoing scrutiny by Republicans over Smith’s investigation methods.
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President Donald Trump announced a $15 billion steel plant in Iowa during a White House event. Iowa Republican representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Ashley Hinson, who is running for Senate, joined him for the announcement as they prepare for the upcoming November elections.
Key Facts
President Trump made the steel plant announcement in the Oval Office.
The new steel plant will be located in Iowa.
The project is valued at $15 billion.
Iowa Republicans Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Ashley Hinson attended the event.
Ashley Hinson is a Senate candidate from Iowa.
The announcement aims to highlight economic development ahead of the midterm elections.
The steel plant is expected to create jobs and boost local industry in Iowa.
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A Louisiana judge sentenced Danette Colbert to 60 years and Rickey White to 45 years in prison for their roles in a criminal group that targeted tourists in New Orleans. Their actions led to the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, who was covering the 2025 Super Bowl.
Key Facts
Danette Colbert received 60 years: 50 for racketeering and 10 for negligent homicide.
Rickey White was sentenced to 45 years for racketeering.
Both were convicted for their part in the death of Adan Manzano on February 5, 2025.
Manzano was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana.
He died of positional asphyxiation, with Xanax and alcohol found in his system.
The criminals targeted tourists by luring them with promises of sex, then drugging and robbing them.
This criminal activity reportedly started in 2012.
Manzano’s family spoke at sentencing, expressing grief and asking for strong punishment.
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President Donald Trump disagreed with U.S. Ambassador David Perdue's claim that Trump asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping about buying U.S. weapons. Trump suggested Perdue might have confused China with Taiwan but also said offering arms to China might be a good idea.
Key Facts
President Trump denied asking Xi Jinping if he wanted to buy U.S. weapons.
Ambassador David Perdue said Trump made that offer.
Trump said Perdue could have confused China with Taiwan.
Trump mentioned that offering weapons to China "might be a good idea."
This situation shows mixed messages from the Trump administration about China.
Xi Jinping had recently visited Washington with a formal state visit.
Trump’s visit with Xi did not result in clear agreements on important issues.
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President Donald Trump announced a $15 billion steel mill project to be built in Iowa by Mesabi Metallics, a Minnesota-based company. The project aims to produce steel using local iron ore, create more than 1,700 permanent jobs, and start production by 2030.
Key Facts
The steel mill project is worth $15 billion and will be located in Iowa.
It is expected to create over 1,700 permanent jobs and 5,000–6,000 construction jobs during the first phase.
The mill will produce 7.5 million tonnes of steel per year using iron ore from Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range.
Mesabi Metallics recently opened Minnesota's first new iron ore mine in 50 years, investing $2.5 billion.
President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum to encourage domestic production.
The US government holds a “golden share” in US Steel, allowing influence over decisions affecting steel production.
This announcement comes about a month before the US midterm elections, with Iowa being a competitive state.
Polls show a close race between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek for Iowa’s congressional seat.
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A new poll shows James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate, leading Republican Ken Paxton by about 4 points. The poll reflects voter support for the upcoming election for the state’s U.S. Senate seat.
Key Facts
James Talarico is the Democratic candidate for the Texas U.S. Senate seat.
Ken Paxton is the Republican candidate and current Texas Attorney General.
A new poll by Big Data Poll surveyed voters.
The poll results show Talarico leading by around 4 percentage points.
43.6% of respondents said they would support Talarico.
The poll focuses on the race for an upper chamber seat from Texas.
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A man named Jonathan McKinsey was shot and killed near a park in Dublin, California. The suspects are his elderly parents-in-law, who have been arrested for murder, and the reason behind the shooting is still being investigated.
Key Facts
Jonathan McKinsey, 40 years old, was found shot multiple times in a parking lot near the Dublin Sports Grounds.
McKinsey worked as the head of engineering at New York Times Games since January 2023.
A police sergeant discovered the victim while driving near the location after getting 911 calls.
Two elderly suspects, a married couple aged 77, identified as Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, were arrested at the scene.
The suspects are McKinsey’s parents-in-law and were charged with murder.
Witnesses said both suspects shot McKinsey while wearing masks.
Police said no other suspects are involved and there is no public danger.
The suspects are set to be arraigned in court soon.
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A study found that drug companies are filing many more patents on prescription drugs than before, mostly for small changes not related to the main ingredient. This slows down when cheaper generic versions can enter the market, keeping drug prices high for longer.
Key Facts
The number of patents per small-molecule drug rose from about 2.1 in 1990 to 6.9 in 2019.
Most new patents are "nonprimary," covering minor changes like how the drug is delivered or used, not the active ingredient itself.
These multiple patents create a “patent thicket,” which delays generic drugs becoming available.
Average patent protection time increased from 2 years in 1990 to 6.1 years in 2019.
The study looked at 1,981 drugs approved by the FDA from 1990 to 2019, with a total of 10,940 patents.
Nonprimary patents made up 84% of all patents on these drugs.
Spending on prescription drugs per person in the U.S. increased from $291 in 1990 to $1,084 in 2019 (adjusted for inflation).
Researchers suggest reforms, such as closer patent reviews and new laws, to reduce patent thickets and help lower drug prices.
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Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls' camp in Texas where 27 people died in a 2025 flood, has filed for bankruptcy and proposes to sell its land and assets. The camp's owners hope a buyer will keep the camp's original purpose, but lawsuits and investigations are ongoing.
Key Facts
Camp Mystic is a 100-year-old girls' camp in Texas along the Guadalupe River.
In July 2025, a flood killed 25 campers and 2 counselors, plus the camp owner.
The camp filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 25, planning to sell its 749 acres and other property.
The sale hopes to attract a buyer who will keep the camp's mission, but this is not required.
Families of victims oppose reopening or repairing damaged buildings and are involved in lawsuits.
State police are investigating whether crimes like manslaughter or negligence occurred.
A state inquiry found many counselors were not trained for floods and earlier evacuation could have saved lives.
The bankruptcy plan needs court approval, and families affected will be able to respond to it.
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The NFL has asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to remove a video that features a retired NFL player, Brian Dawkins, after the agency used it to promote its border security efforts. The video showed Dawkins’ highlights and included the phrase “Our time has come,” which the NFL did not approve.
Key Facts
The NFL requested the Department of Homeland Security to take down a video posted on social media.
The video featured Brian Dawkins, a retired NFL player known for playing with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos.
The video showed Dawkins walking out before a game and highlights of his tackles, set to heavy metal music.
DHS used the video to signal its readiness to protect the U.S. border from a migrant caravan.
Brian Dawkins retired in 2011 after a 16-season NFL career.
President Donald Trump has focused on immigration enforcement during his second term.
The video’s use ties into broader efforts and controversies around border security and migration.
Critics have previously called border troop deployments by Trump political moves rather than necessary security measures.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed the Defense Department to use advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to stop foreign countries from interfering in the upcoming U.S. elections. This effort focuses on cyber and intelligence operations but does not involve military personnel at voting sites.
Key Facts
Hegseth issued a memo on September 22 ordering the use of cyber and intelligence tools to protect U.S. elections from foreign interference.
The Defense Department will work with U.S. Cyber Command and the Department of Homeland Security to detect and block foreign cyber threats targeting elections.
This directive is based on President Trump’s 2025 executive order to protect election integrity.
Hegseth’s memo does not authorize military personnel to be sent to polling places.
Similar efforts were made under President Biden before the 2022 midterm elections.
The federal government has increased its role in election security since 2017 when elections were classified as critical infrastructure.
Despite this program, President Trump has previously cut budgets and delayed staffing for election security agencies.
There have been past actions involving federal officials investigating voter fraud and seizing voting machines, but the new memo does not include such steps.
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President Donald Trump announced a $15 billion steel plant to be built in eastern Iowa by Mesabi Metallics, a foreign-owned company. The plant is expected to start production in 2030 and create thousands of jobs, while receiving federal financial support.
Key Facts
The steel plant will be located in eastern Iowa and cost about $15 billion.
Mesabi Metallics, owned by India’s Essar Group, is building the plant.
The plant aims to begin production in 2030.
The project is expected to create up to 6,000 construction jobs and nearly 2,000 manufacturing and mining jobs.
The U.S. Export-Import Bank will provide up to $10 billion in financing.
The plant will use iron ore from a Minnesota mine owned by the company.
President Trump said his tariffs on imported steel encouraged the investment.
The announcement included support for Iowa Republican Senator candidate Ashley Hinson.
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Senator Susan Collins faces challenges in her 2026 reelection campaign as home heating oil prices in Maine reach new highs. Rising fuel costs, linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Iran war, are hitting Maine residents hard, especially since over half rely on oil for heating.
Key Facts
Home heating oil prices in Maine hit $6.02 per gallon recently, up from $3.33 a year ago.
Maine depends heavily on heating oil, with more than 50% of residents using it as their main heat source.
Price increases are linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, and the ongoing Iran war.
Rising heating costs add financial pressure for many Mainers, especially in rural conservative areas.
Collins faces a close election against Democrat Troy Jackson, who criticizes her for supporting the war with Iran.
Collins supports federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help low-income households pay for energy.
Political experts say rising heating costs may hurt Collins by association with President Donald Trump, who is blamed for the Iran war and inflation.
The heating oil price spike follows a previous high in May 2022 during post-pandemic inflation.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation has lowered the fuel economy standards for vehicles to levels last seen in 2014, aiming for about 34.9 miles per gallon by 2031. This change reverses previous stricter rules that encouraged more electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and removes some credits that helped automakers meet tougher standards.
Key Facts
The new fuel economy goal is 34.9 miles per gallon by the 2031 car model year.
This standard is lower than the rules set in 2020 during President Trump’s previous administration.
The new rule removes emissions credits from 2028, which previously helped car makers avoid investing in cleaner engines.
Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will no longer count toward automakers' average fuel economy.
The rule tightens regulations on how light trucks are classified, aiming to better reflect their actual use by 2030.
Past standards from 2012 aimed for up to 54 mpg by 2025 but were rolled back under President Trump’s earlier administration.
The Biden administration had tried to strengthen standards and encourage smaller, lighter vehicles before this rollback.
The changes come while fuel prices are rising, which may affect families’ transportation costs.
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Justice Samuel Alito has decided not to take part in a Supreme Court case about a climate change lawsuit against two big energy companies. The case involves Boulder, Colorado, suing Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy for their role in causing climate change through fossil fuel activities.
Key Facts
Justice Alito informed the court he will not participate in the climate change case.
The decision likely relates to Alito’s stock investments in some energy companies.
The lawsuit was filed by Boulder, Colorado, in 2018 against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy.
Boulder claims these companies contributed to climate change by promoting and producing fossil fuels and hiding the dangers.
The city and county seek billions of dollars for damage and costs linked to climate change effects.
Exxon Mobil is the largest U.S. oil company; Suncor Energy runs two refineries in Colorado.
The companies wanted the case moved to federal court and dismissed, but the Colorado Supreme Court allowed it to proceed.
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide if it can review the state court decision and possibly block the lawsuit.
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President Donald Trump said he could pay every American adult $5,000 if Republicans keep control of both the House and Senate after the November elections. He said the money would come from government income generated by tariffs, and he criticized Democratic policies as harmful to the economy.
Key Facts
President Trump repeated his promise to give $5,000 to each American adult.
The payment would only happen if Republicans keep majority control in both chambers of Congress.
The money for the payments would come from revenue collected through tariffs on imports.
Trump spoke about this during a steel plant announcement in the Oval Office.
He said Democratic economic policies would reduce government income and cause a depression.
The $5,000 dividend plan needs approval from Congress to happen.
The proposal is part of Republican campaign efforts for the midterm elections.
Trump claims the tariff revenue is "hundreds of billions of dollars" generated by his policies.
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