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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Trump and the Republican National Committee are holding a midterm convention in Dallas to energize supporters before the November elections. While some GOP candidates plan to attend and speak at the event, many running in close races are skipping it to focus on campaigning in their home areas.
Key Facts
The Republican National Committee midterm convention is held this week in Dallas at the American Airlines Center.
President Trump calls the event a big rally to celebrate his first two years and encourage voter turnout.
Some Republican candidates running in competitive races are not attending, choosing to campaign locally instead.
CBS News contacted 60 GOP candidates; only 4 confirmed attendance, 5 said no, and most did not respond.
The convention will feature speeches by President Trump, Vice President Vance, and other Trump allies.
This is the first midterm party convention since 1982, and it’s more like a rally than a formal nominating event.
Attendance is stronger among candidates in districts where President Trump is popular.
The event aims to boost voter support for the Republican agenda and candidates in the upcoming election.
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The Texas State Board of Education approved new social studies lessons for high school students that include descriptions of Islam focusing on violence and military campaigns. Muslim community members and some experts disagreed with this portrayal, saying it is inaccurate and harmful, but the Republican majority on the board supported the changes.
Key Facts
The board requires students to learn that “radical Islam” motivated the 9/11 attacks instead of focusing on specific groups like al-Qaeda.
New lessons describe early Islam through “brutal military campaigns,” slavery, and the taking of female captives, which experts say is not accurate.
Muslim Texans and scholars testified that the portrayal distorts Islamic history and causes harm to Muslim students.
The board rejected efforts to remove the word “brutal” from the curriculum.
The lessons omit positive contributions of Muslims to fields like math and astronomy.
A Muslim-American EMT who died during 9/11 trying to save lives was mentioned as a contrast to the broad claims linking Islam to violence.
The Republican majority on the board also approved changes to K–8 social studies and a Bible reading list earlier in the year.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations said that the new lessons exclude and misrepresent communities and warn it could affect others in Texas history education.
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has agreed to give part of its budget to the Department of Defense (DoD) to fund research on medical defenses against pandemics and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. This money will come from the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the agreement will last for 10 years.
Key Facts
NIH will transfer some funding to the DoD to support research on health threats like pandemics and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) dangers.
The funds will be taken from NIAID’s 2026 budget, which Congress set at $6.6 billion.
The agreement was signed about a month before being publicly released and will run for a decade.
The exact amount of NIH money going to DoD projects is unclear; estimates suggest about 10% of NIAID's budget.
The DoD’s overall 2026 budget is about $1 trillion but faces pressure because of conflict-related expenses.
Some lawmakers worry this deal moves funds to the Pentagon without full congressional approval.
NIH leadership had previously rejected funding certain biodefense and pandemic preparedness research that this money will now support.
The agreement is vague, and its implications for future NIH spending and research priorities remain uncertain.
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New Hampshire voters are choosing their candidates for the U.S. Senate in primaries held on Tuesday. Democrat Chris Pappas and former Republican Senator John Sununu are the leading contenders in their parties.
Key Facts
New Hampshire is holding primary elections for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.
Democrat Chris Pappas is running against four challengers.
One notable challenger to Pappas is Karishma Manzur, who holds more left-leaning views.
Former Republican Senator John Sununu is competing against seven other Republicans.
These primaries will determine the candidates for the general Senate election.
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A 22-year-old man named Malone Lam pleaded guilty to organizing a plan that stole over $240 million in bitcoin from a Washington, D.C., resident. Lam and his group tricked the victim using fake Google and crypto exchange identities, then spent the stolen money on luxury cars, mansions, and nightclubs before Lam was arrested.
Key Facts
Malone Lam is 22 years old and came from Singapore to the U.S.
Lam pleaded guilty to federal racketeering conspiracy related to a major bitcoin theft.
The theft took place in 2024 and involved stealing more than 4,100 bitcoin valued at over $245 million.
Lam and others used “social engineering” by pretending to be Google and Gemini crypto representatives.
The stolen bitcoin was converted into cash that funded a lavish lifestyle, including sports cars, mansions, and nightclub spending.
Among Lam’s purchases were a $2 million watch and more than 30 luxury cars like Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris.
Lam is one of 18 charged defendants and the 11th to plead guilty in this case.
He faces up to 20 years in prison and awaits sentencing in Washington.
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Erik and Lyle Menendez will have an early parole hearing in March, about 17 months ahead of schedule. They were originally sentenced to life in prison for killing their parents in 1989, but a judge reduced their sentences, making them eligible for parole.
Key Facts
The Menendez brothers were sentenced in 1996 for killing their parents in Beverly Hills.
A judge reduced their sentences to 50 years to life in May 2025 because they were under 26 when the crimes happened.
They were denied parole in August 2025, with concerns about their behavior in prison.
Their next parole hearing was set for August 2028 but moved up to March after their request.
The California department allows early parole if new information or changed circumstances appear.
The brothers’ lawyer and the department have not commented on the early hearing.
Their case gained renewed public interest from Netflix true crime shows.
They have worked in prison to support others, creating programs for hospice care and beautification.
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started a new free program called "Gateside by TSA PreCheck." It allows certain trusted travelers without plane tickets to pass through security and enter airport gates at some U.S. airports, restoring a practice stopped after the 9/11 attacks.
Key Facts
The program is for TSA PreCheck members and other trusted travelers with a Known Traveler Number.
Participants must apply online 1 to 3 days before their visit and get approved.
Approved visitors use a TSA PreCheck lane with ID to enter the gate area.
The pass is valid only for the calendar day of the visit but allows re-entry that day.
The program launched at 13 airports, including Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City.
TSA plans to add more airports to the program soon.
Some airports, like Pittsburgh and Seattle-Tacoma, already have similar gate access programs.
This change revives a way for friends and family to see off or welcome travelers, a practice limited since 9/11.
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A new Gallup poll shows that only 32% of Americans are satisfied with the quality of K-12 education in the United States. This is the lowest satisfaction rate recorded in the survey's history.
Key Facts
The survey was conducted by the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup.
Only 32% of respondents said they were somewhat or completely satisfied with K-12 education.
This percentage is the lowest ever recorded in this poll.
The poll focused on education from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The survey reflects public opinion on primary and secondary education quality in the U.S.
The poll results were published recently on a Monday.
Satisfaction rates have been declining over time according to this survey series.
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The Supreme Court ordered TV stations to offer lower prices on election ads not only to individual candidates but also to political parties and joint fundraising groups. This decision supports Republican campaign committees and affects how discounted ad rates are applied during elections.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court issued an order requiring TV stations to give political parties and joint fundraising committees the same discounted ad prices as individual candidates.
The decision came after petitions by the National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee.
U.S. law requires broadcasters to offer the "lowest unit charge" discount to legally qualified candidates for public office.
Before this ruling, it was unclear if parties and joint committees qualified for the discount since they are not individual candidates.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had earlier instructed TV stations to apply discounts to parties and joint committees.
Democratic candidates challenged the FCC’s interpretation in court and initially won at the Court of Appeals.
The Supreme Court blocked that ruling by issuing a stay until the FCC makes a final decision.
A recent Supreme Court decision also removed federal limits on how much parties can spend coordinated with candidates, increasing the role of party spending in elections.
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The U.S. Marshals Service found 79 missing and endangered children in Ohio during a special operation in August. They worked together with federal, state, and local agencies to locate these children.
Key Facts
The operation was called Operation Meridian.
It took place in Ohio in August.
79 missing and endangered children were found.
The U.S. Marshals Service led the operation.
Multiple government agencies worked together on this effort.
The operation is described as historic due to the number of children found.
The announcement was reported by CBS News.
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Lonnie Bunch, the first Black secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced he will retire at the end of 2026 after seven years in the role. His retirement follows a year of increased criticism from President Donald Trump’s administration, which accused some Smithsonian exhibits of political bias.
Key Facts
Lonnie Bunch has led the Smithsonian Institution since 2019.
He is the first African American to serve as secretary of the Smithsonian in nearly 180 years.
Bunch was the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016.
The Smithsonian includes 21 museums, the National Zoo, research centers, and educational programs.
President Trump’s administration criticized the Smithsonian in 2023 for showing biased views in some American history exhibits.
The White House demanded signs be placed outside some exhibits to claim the history was inaccurate.
Bunch announced his retirement with no specific reason given, but it comes amid this political pressure.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto praised Bunch’s decades of service and commitment to history and culture.
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President Donald Trump honored the victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001 attacks during an event at the Ellipse near the White House. A large steel beam from the World Trade Center was displayed as part of a memorial tour, and more commemorations are planned for the week.
Key Facts
The event took place at the Ellipse, near the White House in Washington, D.C.
President Trump promised to "never forget" the victims of 9/11.
A 21-foot, 17,000-pound steel beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center was shown.
This steel beam is traveling across the country as part of the Steel Across America tour.
The beam will be part of a procession in New York honoring fallen firefighter Stephen Siller.
The week includes several commemorations, with a main event planned at the Pentagon.
President Trump will attend the Pentagon event on Friday.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation organized the event.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul showed support for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after former Mayor Rudy Giuliani criticized Mamdani for planning to attend the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Hochul emphasized the importance of unity during the memorial event.
Key Facts
The event marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani planned to attend the 9/11 commemoration in New York City.
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani told Mamdani not to attend the ceremony.
Governor Kathy Hochul supported Mayor Mamdani’s decision to attend.
Hochul called for unity rather than division during the memorial.
The controversy involves politicians from different parties: Hochul and Mamdani are Democrats, Giuliani is a Republican.
The 9/11 anniversary is a significant event in New York City and the United States.
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Jewish communities in the United States now spend more than $1 billion each year on security to protect synagogues, schools, and other institutions from threats. This money comes from their budgets and reduces funds available for education, elder care, and social services.
Key Facts
Jewish security spending is over $1.015 billion annually, up 33% from an earlier estimate of $765 million.
This security cost covers more than 4,500 Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools, community centers, and camps.
The reported figure does not include private Jewish businesses, so actual costs are likely higher.
The security expenses include guards, cameras, security staff, building reinforcements, and training.
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) says this cost acts like a "tax" on Jewish life, taking money away from other important programs.
The overlap of Rosh Hashanah holidays with the 25th anniversary of 9/11 highlights changes in American views on public safety and security.
The federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps some nonprofits with security costs but may not cover all expenses.
There is debate about increasing federal funding to protect religious freedom and public safety at various places of worship in the U.S.
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Police forces in Kent and Hampshire were surprised by large far-right protests against immigration that took place over a weekend. The government has instructed police to improve intelligence gathering after failures to properly assess early warnings about the protests.
Key Facts
Hundreds of masked far-right protesters gathered in Kent on Saturday and Portsmouth on Sunday.
Kent police received warnings about possible protests but did not fully assess them.
Protesters appeared well-organized, using walkie-talkies and legal knowledge to avoid arrest.
Police described the gatherings as mostly peaceful in Dover, but there were clashes in Hampshire.
The protests were coordinated on private social media groups, not publicly announced.
The government discussed the events with police chiefs and wants better readiness for future protests.
Far-right activist Daniel Thomas, linked to Tommy Robinson, is believed to have organized the Kent protest.
Lifeboat crews rescuing asylum seekers faced threats from right-wing protesters and were refused access to some ports.
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Canada has started new taxes called tariffs on some goods from the United States. At the same time, Republican party members are meeting in Dallas to prepare for the 2024 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. products.
Tariffs are extra taxes placed on imported goods.
These tariffs are a response to previous U.S. trade actions.
Republicans are holding a convention in Dallas, Texas.
The convention focuses on plans for the upcoming midterm elections.
Midterm elections happen in the middle of the President’s term.
This event brings together Republican leaders and supporters.
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A National Guard member named Zion Mitchell was arrested in Washington, D.C., for allegedly pointing a gun at another guard member during an argument about hairstyles. He faces serious charges including assault with a weapon and illegal possession of a gun during a violent crime.
Key Facts
Zion Mitchell is 21 years old and from Georgia.
The incident happened in late August.
Mitchell is accused of pointing a gun at another National Guard member.
The argument was reportedly about hairstyles.
He was arrested last week in Washington, D.C.
He faces felony charges for assault with a dangerous weapon.
He is also charged with possessing a firearm while committing a violent crime.
The information comes from an arrest affidavit.
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President Donald Trump threatened to ban the sale of Canadian plane maker Bombardier’s jets in the U.S. unless the company builds planes in America. Bombardier responded by highlighting that it already works closely with many U.S. companies and employs thousands of American workers through its supply chain.
Key Facts
President Trump said Bombardier must manufacture planes in the U.S. to sell them there.
Bombardier’s plane parts, like wings and engines, are made in the United States.
About 2,800 U.S. companies from 47 states are part of Bombardier’s supply chain.
Bombardier employs thousands of workers in the U.S., including in Kansas, Texas, Arizona, and Iowa.
Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall contacted the White House to support Bombardier’s U.S. jobs.
Canada responded to U.S. trade actions with tariffs on $20 billion of American goods.
Bombardier focuses mainly on private business jets after selling other parts of its previous businesses.
The Canadian government is comparing U.S. and foreign options for military aircraft purchases involving Bombardier’s technology.
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Some cities in the United States are trying to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections. CBS News explored these places to see how allowing younger people to vote is working in practice.
Key Facts
There is a growing movement in the U.S. to allow 16-year-olds to vote in local elections.
Some cities have already lowered the voting age to 16.
This change applies only to local elections, not national or state-wide ones.
CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand visited these cities to report on the results.
The goal is to involve younger people in local government decisions.
The effects of letting 16-year-olds vote are being observed and studied.
The movement aims to increase youth participation in democracy.
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A federal appeals court blocked a program where the IRS shared taxpayer information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The court ruled this program likely broke federal laws protecting the privacy of tax records.
Key Facts
The IRS had a program to share taxpayer data with ICE for immigration enforcement.
Over 47,000 taxpayer records were shared with ICE under this program.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled the program likely violated tax confidentiality laws.
The court noted that some ICE requests for data lacked required information like names and addresses.
The court's decision supports taxpayer privacy protections in Section 6103 of the tax code.
The ruling limits the administration’s efforts to use tax data to help enforce immigration laws.
This case is one of two recent court decisions affecting government data-sharing before the midterm elections.
The program originated from a 2025 agreement between the IRS and ICE on people under deportation investigations.
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