Federal Pell Grants, which have helped many low- and middle-income students afford college, will now also fund short-term job training programs. This change aims to help students gain skills and enter the workforce more quickly.
Key Facts
Pell Grants have traditionally helped students pay for college education.
For the first time, these grants will support short-term vocational training programs.
Vocational training focuses on teaching specific job skills.
This program is called Workforce Pell.
Workforce Pell aims to provide new options for career training.
The change is part of a series called Rethinking College.
The goal is to help students enter the workforce faster.
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Severe weather is threatening the western U.S., and a fire has broken out in an assisted living facility. The news also covers topics like President Donald Trump defending an attack ad in Ohio, a Supreme Court ruling on medical care for transgender inmates, and several political and social stories ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Severe weather poses a threat to the western United States.
A fire occurred in an assisted living facility, impacting residents.
President Donald Trump defended an attack advertisement used in Ohio politics.
The Supreme Court made a decision about medical care for transgender inmates.
Several emergency situations happened, including incidents aboard two planes.
U.S. gas prices are rising as the midterm elections approach.
Immigration enforcement is affecting Latino voters in Texas.
New political ads and races are influencing elections in several states.
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A group of U.S. senators from both parties is asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release funds that Congress has already approved. These funds are meant to support the Baltic Security Initiative, which helps strengthen the defense of Baltic countries.
Key Facts
Senators from both political parties signed a letter requesting the release of funding.
The money has already been approved by Congress.
The funding is for the Baltic Security Initiative.
The initiative supports the defense and security of Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania).
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are the officials being asked to release the funds.
The senators are concerned about delays in sending the money.
Strengthening security in the Baltic region is important due to regional threats.
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Polling expert Nate Silver criticized Wedgewood Polling for releasing fake polls, calling the company's explanation untrue. Silver warned that fake polls could harm the reputation of the polling industry, an issue made worse by President Donald Trump frequently calling valid polls "fake" when they show bad results for Republicans.
Key Facts
Wedgewood Polling admitted to fabricating its polls as part of a "social experiment," but Nate Silver called this explanation false.
Fake polls by Wedgewood appeared in several states and showed a slight favor toward Democratic candidates.
Several media outlets, including Newsweek, used Wedgewood’s fake poll data and have since retracted or corrected related articles.
Nate Silver said fake polls are not new but are now a bigger problem because they can manipulate prediction markets where people bet on election outcomes.
Silver noted that President Donald Trump has often labeled accurate polls showing poor Republican performance as "fake polls."
Silver defended efforts by professional poll vetting organizations like The New York Times to catch fake polls but said no system is perfect.
The fake poll scandal comes just 10 days before the midterm elections when both Republicans and Democrats closely watch polling results.
The controversy contributes to growing distrust in polling accuracy ahead of important U.S. elections.
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President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement and mass deportation efforts are influencing voting patterns in Texas. CBS News spoke with voters and officials about how these policies could change the way Texans vote in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
President Trump has launched large-scale deportation operations targeting immigrants in Texas.
Immigration enforcement actions are actively taking place in the state.
These operations may affect voter attitudes and decisions in Texas.
CBS News gathered opinions from local voters and officials about these changes.
Texas is considered a key state for upcoming political races.
The immigration policies are part of a broader strategy tied to the midterm elections.
The article focuses on how immigration enforcement could influence Republican voting in Texas.
The discussion is part of a CBS News report on Texas and national politics.
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Rick Jackson, a Republican candidate for Georgia governor, is worried that rural voters in Georgia may not vote as much in the upcoming election. He believes some rural voters assume the state will vote Republican and do not think his race or opponent matters.
Key Facts
Rick Jackson is running for governor of Georgia.
Early voting is currently happening in Georgia.
Jackson is concerned about low voter turnout in rural areas of the state.
He thinks rural voters may feel the election outcome is already decided.
Jackson compares himself to his opponent, implying voters see little difference.
Voter turnout is important for deciding election results.
The comment shows attention to rural voter engagement in Georgia politics.
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Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers debated each other in the final Michigan Senate race debate on Wednesday night. They discussed their views and exchanged criticisms as part of the campaign.
Key Facts
The debate was the last one before the Michigan Senate election.
Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic candidate.
Mike Rogers is the Republican candidate.
The candidates talked about their policies and challenged each other’s positions.
The debate was covered by CBS News with reporter Aaron Navarro providing a recap.
The event took place as part of election activities in Michigan.
This debate is important for voters to hear both candidates before voting.
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Minnesota Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya is gaining support in her race against Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Tafoya said she would act as a check on President Donald Trump if elected to the Senate and has disagreed with some of his policies.
Key Facts
Michele Tafoya is running for U.S. Senate as a Republican in Minnesota.
She is competing against Peggy Flanagan, the current Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota.
Recent polls show Tafoya is making gains in the race.
Tafoya said she would provide oversight and not always agree with President Trump if elected.
She has publicly disagreed with some Trump policies.
The discussion about her stance came during an interview with CBS News correspondent Jonah Kaplan.
The race is part of the key 2024 midterm elections.
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The New York City Council voted to ban horse-drawn carriage rides by 2028. The ban aims to improve safety for people and horses and will include a transition plan for carriage owners and workers.
Key Facts
The ban is called Romanch's Law, named after Romanch Mahajan, who died in a carriage accident in Central Park.
The ban will start fully in June 2028, with a worker and owner transition plan by 2027.
Supporters say the ban protects animals and public safety, citing past accidents.
Carriage owners and their families oppose the ban, saying it damages their businesses and seek fairness.
The Transport Workers Union plans to challenge the ban in federal court, citing a missing economic impact study.
City leaders and animal rights groups support the ban, calling it a step toward safer and more humane tourism.
The carriage rides have been part of Central Park for over 160 years until this decision.
The bill now goes to Mayor Zohran Mamdani for signing into law.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York joined Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson for a town hall event in Portland, Maine. They spoke with local voters about political issues ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Facts
The event was a town hall held in Portland, Maine.
Troy Jackson is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate from Maine.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York.
The town hall was aimed at discussing important issues with voters before elections.
This event involved collaboration between a national representative and a state-level candidate.
The town hall was covered by CBS News and reported by congressional reporter Taurean Small.
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There is a disagreement in Ohio’s Republican Party about an ad made by gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. President Trump and Vice President Vance support Ramaswamy, while other Ohio Republican leaders, like Governor Mike DeWine and Senator Jon Husted, have criticized the ad shortly before the election.
Key Facts
Vivek Ramaswamy is running for governor in Ohio as a Republican candidate.
Ramaswamy’s campaign released an ad featuring the mother of his opponent, Amy Acton.
Some Ohio Republican leaders, including Governor Mike DeWine and Senator Jon Husted, have spoken out against the ad.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance back Ramaswamy and his ad.
The disagreement shows a split between Trump supporters and the Ohio Republican establishment.
The controversy is happening less than two weeks before the Ohio governor’s election.
Amy Acton is Ramaswamy’s opponent in the Republican primary.
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House Democrats are asking the CDC to explain why it funded a hepatitis B study in Guinea-Bissau, which has caused controversy. The CDC gave $1.6 million to Danish researchers for this clinical trial last year.
Key Facts
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is led by top Democrats.
They are questioning the CDC about its funding decisions.
The CDC gave $1.6 million to Danish researchers for a hepatitis B clinical trial.
The trial is taking place in Guinea-Bissau, a small West African country.
The study has raised some concerns or controversy.
The Democrats want clear answers and transparency about the project.
The hepatitis B study focuses on a serious liver disease.
This issue involves public health funding and international research.
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A US federal judge has stopped the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from investigating possible non-citizen voters in nine states before the midterm elections. The judge said the investigations might break election laws that prevent voter intimidation and are based on unreliable data.
Key Facts
The judge ordered DHS to halt operations targeting non-citizen voters in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The Voting Rights Act bans actions that intimidate voters, and the judge said these investigations could cause fear among citizens.
DHS claimed it was trying to remove non-citizens who illegally voted and said it did not plan to investigate confirmed US citizens.
Local DHS offices posted photos of agents visiting suspected non-citizen voters' homes.
Several groups sued DHS, saying innocent US citizens were wrongly questioned due to poor data.
Experts and advocacy groups said the ruling protects citizens from intimidation and ensures fair access to voting.
Evidence shows that cases of non-citizen voting affecting election outcomes are very rare.
The ruling came just before the November 3 midterm elections during President Donald Trump’s administration, which has emphasized voter fraud concerns.
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The Justice Department is investigating Corey Lewandowski for allegedly using his role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to gain money improperly. The inquiry began after a report from DHS' watchdog office, and Lewandowski denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Corey Lewandowski worked as a senior adviser to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
The investigation looks into whether Lewandowski benefited financially from contracts made while he was at DHS.
The Justice Department opened the probe after receiving information from DHS' Office of Inspector General.
Lewandowski has not been charged with a crime and denies any misconduct.
Lewandowski has been involved in President Donald Trump's political campaigns since 2016.
President Trump said he supports honesty and believes anyone who is dishonest must face consequences.
Before leaving DHS, some officials complained about Noem and Lewandowski’s tight control over contracts and funding.
Noem required her personal approval for contracts over $100,000, which some said slowed down important funding.
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President Trump signed an executive order to lower mortgage payments and help the housing market. The order asks the Federal Housing Finance Agency to start a program that cancels certain fees for government-backed mortgages when borrowers meet equity goals.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the executive order on Thursday.
The goal is to reduce mortgage payments.
High borrowing costs have hurt the housing market.
The order directs the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to act.
FHFA Director Bill Pulte will create a pilot program.
The program will cancel insurance premiums on government-backed mortgages.
This happens after the borrower reaches certain equity requirements, meaning they own a specific amount of their home’s value.
The changes aim to make housing more affordable.
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With fewer than two weeks until the midterm elections, many voters in Michigan have not yet decided between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed for the US Senate seat. At a recent event in Detroit, a voter questioned El-Sayed about his name, which shows that some voters are still unsure about their choice.
Key Facts
The Senate race in Michigan is close and undecided less than two weeks before the election.
The candidates are Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
Some voters have questions about El-Sayed, including his name.
The event highlighting voter uncertainty took place in Detroit.
Voter indecision could impact the final outcome of the Senate race.
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President Donald Trump criticized NBA star LeBron James for appearing to continue warm-ups during the U.S. national anthem at a game. Trump said James should apologize to American soldiers and called him a disgrace. James has been outspoken on social issues and political matters for several years.
Key Facts
President Trump accused LeBron James of disrespecting the U.S. by not standing still during the national anthem.
The incident happened during Philadelphia’s season opener where James was seen practising a golf swing and jump shot.
Trump said James is a "total disgrace" and should apologize to American warriors and heroes.
LeBron James has a history of speaking out on social and political issues, including criticizing Trump publicly.
James has compared his activism to that of past athletes like Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson.
LeBron led efforts to encourage voting during the Black Lives Matter movement.
James has not publicly responded to Trump’s recent criticisms as of Thursday evening.
James is playing his 24th NBA season and recently joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
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The CDC now requires international travelers to the U.S. to confirm they have not visited the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last three weeks because of a large Ebola outbreak there. This measure aims to prevent the spread of the virus into the United States.
Key Facts
The CDC is the U.S. health agency managing this new travel rule.
Travelers coming to the U.S. must certify they have not been in the DRC within the past 21 days.
This rule is in response to a widespread Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
The goal is to reduce the risk of Ebola spreading to the United States.
Reuters was the first to report this new CDC requirement.
The exact details are based on a CDC memo shared with airlines and officials.
Ebola is a serious and often deadly virus that causes severe illness in humans.
The three-week period relates to the incubation time of Ebola, which is the time it takes for symptoms to appear after infection.
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A well-known Texas personal injury lawyer, Thomas J. Henry, has publicly supported state Representative James Talarico in the Texas Senate race. Henry, who has donated over $600,000 to a pro-Paxton political action committee (PAC) before, shared his endorsement in a video on social media.
Key Facts
Thomas J. Henry is a famous Texas personal injury lawyer known from TV ads and billboards.
Henry recently posted a video on the social platform X endorsing James Talarico.
James Talarico is a state Representative running in a key Texas Senate race.
Henry has previously donated more than $600,000 to a PAC that supports Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The endorsement is notable because Henry had supported the opposite political side in the past.
Talarico is a member of the Democratic Party.
The Texas Senate race is closely followed in the state due to its political importance.
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President Donald Trump campaigned for Republican candidates in Sioux City, Iowa, 12 days before the midterm elections. The rally took place in a strongly Republican area as part of efforts to support his party.
Key Facts
President Trump held a campaign event in Sioux City, Iowa.
This event occurred 12 days before the midterm elections.
Sioux City is located in a predominantly Republican ("ruby red") region.
The campaign aimed to support Republican candidates running in the midterms.
CBS News analyst Robert Costa reported on the event from Iowa.
The midterm elections will decide control of Congress and other offices.
Iowa is a key state with important races this election cycle.
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