Republican lawmakers are worried because important equipment for the F-35 fighter jets was sent unintentionally to Hong Kong and ended up in China. They are asking the Pentagon for more details about how this happened.
Key Facts
Sensitive parts for the F-35 jet were wrongly sent to Hong Kong.
These parts eventually ended up in China.
The F-35 is an advanced fighter jet used by the U.S. military.
GOP (Republican) lawmakers raised concerns about this equipment diversion.
Lawmakers are requesting the Pentagon to explain how the equipment was sent to the wrong place.
This incident raises questions about security and control over military technology.
The issue is part of U.S. national defense and security oversight.
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A new ad campaign praising President Donald Trump is airing on national TV and is paid for with taxpayer money. The government says the ads are patriotic messages, but some lawmakers say the ads break federal rules by supporting a political figure.
Key Facts
The ads started airing on cable and networks like CBS and Fox News.
They show images of President Trump and highlight his policies, including tax cuts and support for law enforcement.
The soundtrack uses the song "Love Me" by JMSN, who said he did not give permission for his music to be used.
The ads are paid for by the U.S. government and call themselves public service announcements (PSAs).
The White House says the ads are educational and not political because the president is not on the ballot.
Some Democratic lawmakers say the ads misuse taxpayer money and may violate federal law forbidding government funds from supporting political candidates.
Democratic senators called for the ads to be removed and asked for details about the funding and contractors.
Previous administrations have also used PSAs, such as a COVID vaccine campaign featuring past presidents.
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New polls in Maine, Michigan, and New Hampshire show different results for Democratic candidates as the midterm elections approach. The surveys reveal that Democrats are doing well in some places but facing challenges in others.
Key Facts
The polls were conducted in Maine, Michigan, and New Hampshire.
Results show Democratic candidates have mixed levels of support in these states.
Some Democratic candidates are leading while others are trailing.
The polling reflects voter opinions ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
These states are important battlegrounds that could affect control of government.
The data helps understand how the parties may perform in November.
CBS News provided the polling analysis.
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A technical problem in Texas caused tens of thousands of voter registration applications to be delayed for months. County officials are now working quickly to handle the backlog before the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
A system error in Texas delayed processing many voter registration applications.
The problem affected tens of thousands of applications.
The error was linked to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Texas secretary of state’s office informed election officials about the issue last week.
County election officials are trying to process the delayed applications fast.
The deadline pressure is due to the approaching midterm elections.
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California has passed a new law to support local news organizations. This law aims to help stop the steady loss of local newspapers and news sources that has been happening across the U.S. for many years.
Key Facts
Local news outlets have been closing or shrinking in the U.S. for over ten years.
California’s new bill is designed to provide financial help to local journalism.
The bill is intended to help local news recover and remain operational.
Steve Waldman, president of Rebuild Local News, discussed the bill and its impact.
The effort comes as experts describe the loss of local news as a "catastrophic collapse."
The law focuses on strengthening journalism that serves communities within California.
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Senator Thom Tillis criticized President Trump's decision to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at a White House state dinner. Tillis expressed concern about focusing more on relations with authoritarian leaders like Xi and less on democratic allies, questioning the timing and implications of the visit.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis called the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House "bad timing."
Tillis is worried President Trump is spending more time with authoritarian leaders and less with democratic ones.
Tillis mentioned concerns about China’s human rights abuses, spying, and access to U.S. voter data.
He questioned why the U.S. has delayed sending weapons to Taiwan.
President Trump previously imposed heavy tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict before a tariff agreement in 2025.
Since then, Trump has aimed for a better relationship with China and described his relationship with Xi as a "truly great friendship."
Tillis wondered if secret information explains Trump's change in approach toward China, as no public reasons are clear.
Tillis emphasized the need to hold China accountable for unacceptable actions while engaging in diplomacy.
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James Copenhaver, who was injured during an attack at a 2024 campaign rally for President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, has died at age 76. He was shot in the arm and abdomen during the shooting and had long-term injuries before his death in a Pittsburgh hospital.
Key Facts
James Copenhaver was one of three people shot during an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The gunman, aged 20, fired from a nearby rooftop and grazed President Trump’s ear.
Copenhaver was shot in the arm and abdomen and suffered serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
He had lasting health problems, including kidney damage and loss of feeling in his leg, causing him to walk with a cane.
Another attendee, Corey Comperatore, was killed, and David Dutch was also shot but survived.
Copenhaver and his wife sued the federal government claiming the Secret Service and Homeland Security failed to provide proper security at the rally.
Copenhaver died at Allegheny Health Network's West Penn hospital in Pittsburgh, surrounded by loved ones.
The White House has not commented on Copenhaver’s death.
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President Donald Trump praised his close relationship with China's President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the White House. The two leaders discussed topics including Iran and artificial intelligence (AI). Some people criticized President Trump for his friendly approach toward Xi Jinping amid ongoing tensions around AI technology.
Key Facts
President Trump met with China’s President Xi Jinping at the White House.
They talked about Iran and issues related to artificial intelligence (AI).
President Trump described his relationship with Xi Jinping as a "deep friendship."
This friendly tone drew criticism from some observers.
The criticism relates to tensions in AI development and competition between the U.S. and China.
The meeting focused on major global issues beyond AI, such as Iran.
The interaction highlights ongoing U.S.-China diplomatic talks under President Trump’s administration.
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A Wall Street Journal analysis found that conservative podcasts are mentioning President Donald Trump less often. Right-wing podcasters seem to be focusing on other topics instead of Trump.
Key Facts
Conservative podcasts are reducing how much they talk about President Trump.
The analysis was done by the Wall Street Journal.
Right-wing podcasters are shifting their attention to other subjects.
Political strategists Leslie Shedd and Ravi Gupta discussed this trend on a CBS News show called "The Takeout."
The change may suggest a shift in focus within the MAGA movement.
This information was shared by CBS News and the Wall Street Journal.
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In Florida's 27th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar released an ad criticizing President Trump’s immigration policies. Her Democratic challenger, Eliott Rodriguez, responded by saying the ad shows fear over the race.
Key Facts
Maria Elvira Salazar is the current Republican representative for Florida’s 27th District.
Salazar released an ad saying President Trump’s immigration enforcement is too harsh.
Eliott Rodriguez, her Democratic opponent, criticized the ad.
Rodriguez is a former CBS Miami news anchor.
The two are competing in an election for the same congressional seat.
The debate focuses partly on immigration policy and President Trump’s actions.
Rodriguez says the ad shows Salazar is worried about losing the race.
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President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House. Senator Thom Tillis discussed the details of the visit on CBS Evening News.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump invited President Xi Jinping to the White House.
The visit was described as elaborate by Senator Thom Tillis.
The meeting aimed to strengthen relations between the United States and China.
The coverage was part of the CBS Evening News broadcast on September 24.
CBS News provided additional information through its app.
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After almost a month delay, states can now order the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines through a federal program that offers free vaccines to low-income children. The delay came after the vaccines were approved but officials had not finalized decisions and guidance, possibly influenced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s skepticism of the vaccines.
Key Facts
COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026-2027 season are now available through the Vaccines for Children program.
The Food and Drug Administration approved these vaccines in late August 2025.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) delayed opening vaccine orders for nearly a month.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said final approval and guidance for the vaccines were not complete.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a history of opposing COVID-19 vaccines and questioned their use in children.
CDC officials had prepared for vaccine distribution, but CDC leadership approval was needed before starting orders.
The current CDC vaccine recommendations for children remain from July 2025 due to legal questions.
Medical groups recommend vaccinating all infants 6 months to 23 months and some older children, differing slightly from CDC guidance.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating hundreds of data centers in Texas over their water use after some did not respond to a state water use survey. This investigation comes as Paxton faces a tough U.S. Senate race against Democrat James Talarico, with data centers being a big political issue in Texas.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton announced an investigation into data centers for not fully reporting their water usage to the state.
The Texas Water Development Board surveys large water users for municipal, industrial, power, or mining purposes.
Data centers need a lot of water, raising environmental and resource concerns among Texans.
Data centers are linked to AI development, making them important for technology but controversial politically.
Polls show only 20% of Americans support building data centers, showing widespread public concern.
Governor Greg Abbott has paused new data center construction in Texas amid these concerns.
James Talarico criticized Paxton for previously giving tax breaks to data centers and now trying to regulate them.
Paxton proposes laws to ban Chinese technology in data centers and hold companies accountable if AI chatbots harm children.
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The article discusses who is spending large amounts of money ahead of the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. Reporters answer questions about major donors, including companies, crypto money, and political groups, and how their funding is affecting the election.
Key Facts
The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3.
Some big companies asked Congress to improve the Voting Rights Act but still fund groups working against the law.
Money from cryptocurrency and large technology companies is significantly influencing this year’s races.
Aipac and its related Super PACs are supporting Democratic candidates competing against more progressive opponents.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned a lower court decision that limited how much political parties could spend to support their candidates.
Reporters Joseph Gedeon, Dara Kerr, and Chris Stein are discussing these funding issues in a live Q&A.
This article is part of a series of Q&A sessions before the midterms to inform readers about election financing.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mistakenly identified 185 people listed as non-citizens on Nevada’s voter rolls, but state officials confirmed all these individuals are U.S. citizens. DHS has not clearly explained how it flagged these names, raising questions about its data and methods.
Key Facts
DHS initially claimed thousands of non-citizens were registered to vote in Nevada and other states.
In Nevada, DHS reviewed records and said only 185 were non-citizens.
Nevada officials checked those 185 records and found all individuals are U.S. citizens.
DHS has not shared full details or clear methods used to identify supposed non-citizen voters.
The voter ID numbers DHS provided can belong to different people over time, causing confusion.
Nevada recently moved to a statewide voter system, replacing county-level lists, leading to duplicate or outdated registration numbers.
Election records depend on the personal information given when registering, which can be incomplete or outdated.
Pennsylvania election officials also questioned DHS’s claim about non-citizens on their voter lists, with DHS itself expressing low confidence in the numbers.
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Senator Tim Scott, who leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told fellow Republicans that their party is "in the fight of our lives" as the midterm elections approach. This statement highlights the importance and intensity of the upcoming races for Senate seats.
Key Facts
Tim Scott is the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
He spoke privately to Republican colleagues about the midterm elections.
Scott described the midterms as an intense, crucial battle for their party.
The focus is on key Senate races in battleground states.
The midterm elections determine control of the U.S. Senate.
The statement was reported by CBS News.
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Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina talked about several topics, including President Donald Trump’s state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping, China’s cooperation with Iran, and issues related to Taiwan and arms. The interview was conducted by Tony Dokoupil on CBS News.
Key Facts
Sen. Thom Tillis represents North Carolina.
President Donald Trump had a state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Tillis discussed China's coordination with Iran.
The interview covered concerns about an arms buildup involving Taiwan.
The interview was broadcast by CBS News.
Tony Dokoupil conducted the interview.
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Starting October 1, new rules from President Donald Trump's budget law will change SNAP and Medicaid programs for low-income Americans. States will pay more to run SNAP, and some immigrants may lose full Medicaid coverage. Also, many adults on Medicaid will soon need to work or participate in certain activities to keep their benefits.
Key Facts
The federal government will reduce its payment to states for SNAP administration from 50% to 25%, meaning states cover 75% of these costs starting October 1, 2026.
Higher state costs for SNAP may lead to fewer caseworkers and slower processing of benefits, though SNAP benefit amounts will not be directly reduced.
Beginning October 2027, states with high payment error rates will need to pay part of SNAP benefit costs, which have traditionally been fully federal-funded.
Medicaid eligibility for some lawful non-citizens, like refugees and trafficking survivors, will narrow; full federal funding for Medicaid will be limited to U.S. citizens, green card holders, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and citizens of certain Pacific nations.
Emergency Medicaid and certain coverage for children and pregnant individuals will remain available.
Medicaid work requirements will start for some adults aged 19-64, requiring 80 hours per month of work, training, education, or community service to keep coverage.
These changes come from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and are overseen by government departments including USDA and CMS.
Experts say the reforms aim to reduce federal spending but could increase challenges for vulnerable Americans and shift financial burdens to states.
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A stolen vehicle carrying four juveniles crashed into a Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus in Baltimore, injuring 16 people. Several victims were seriously hurt, and the crash is still being investigated by police.
Key Facts
The crash happened just before 1 p.m. on September 24, 2026, at an intersection in Baltimore.
Police tried to stop the stolen vehicle after being alerted to it.
Four juveniles in the stolen vehicle were among those injured.
The stolen vehicle collided with an MTA bus carrying 12 people, including the driver.
Many people had minor injuries, but some were in critical or serious condition.
At least two juveniles from the vehicle were critically injured.
Police believe the stolen vehicle was driving very fast at the time of the crash.
Investigators are reviewing video evidence from the bus and police officers to understand what happened.
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Scott Jennings, a right-wing commentator, said he is unsure about President Trump’s plan to give $5,000 to Americans if Republicans win the 2024 midterm elections. Jennings said the focus should be on economic growth and job creation instead.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump proposed giving $5,000 to Americans if Republicans win the 2024 midterm elections.
Scott Jennings expressed doubts about this proposal during a CNN interview.
Jennings said he does not think giving money directly is the best idea.
He emphasized that economic growth and jobs are the right priorities.
The discussion happened on CNN’s show “The Source” with Kaitlan Collins.
The topic focused on Republican strategies for the upcoming midterm elections.
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