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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Many people with criminal records face extra challenges when looking for jobs after prison. Programs that teach skills and offer second chances can help them find work and build better lives.
Key Facts
About 1 in 3 American adults have a criminal record, making job hunting harder.
People with records often get fewer job opportunities and lower pay.
Educational programs in prison can help inmates earn degrees or certificates.
Federal Pell Grants now help incarcerated students pay for college again.
Having education lowers the chance of returning to prison by almost half.
Some companies hire former inmates through special second-chance programs.
Work experience gained in prison can be listed on resumes without naming the prison.
Support from parole officers and stable housing also affect reentry success.
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A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer named Christian Castro has been charged with lying to federal investigators about a shooting incident involving a Venezuelan man, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, in Minneapolis earlier this year. Federal and Minnesota authorities are investigating the officer after initially accusing the victim of attacking officers, but later dropping charges based on video evidence.
Key Facts
Christian Castro is an ICE officer charged with making false statements to federal investigators.
The shooting happened in Minneapolis in January during an immigration enforcement action.
Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan man, was shot in the leg by Castro.
Minnesota authorities also charged Castro with assault and false reporting of a crime related to the shooting.
Initial federal charges accused Sosa-Celis and another man of attacking officers, but these were dropped after video footage showed possible false statements by officers.
The Justice Department blocked a federal prosecutor’s attempt to bring more serious civil rights charges against Castro.
The prosecutor who worked on the case was fired and is under investigation for possibly obstructing a grand jury probe.
Castro was released from jail in Texas after the state’s governor delayed his extradition to Minnesota.
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The Trump administration has proposed a rule to take away the tax-exempt status of private colleges and schools that offer support or benefits based on students’ race. This rule aims to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by declaring race-based admissions, scholarships, or facilities as incompatible with tax exemption.
Key Facts
The proposed rule comes from the Treasury Department and would start after May 2027 if approved.
It targets private education institutions that provide help to students specifically because of their race.
The administration views such race-based programs as discriminatory against white and Asian American students.
Up to 18,000 private schools and colleges could be affected by this rule.
Private universities have had tax-exempt status for over a century because they are seen as benefiting the public.
President Trump has used the threat of removing tax-exempt status to challenge schools with DEI programs, including Harvard University.
Removing tax-exempt status for colleges is very rare, with a similar case happening in the 1970s against Bob Jones University.
The administration says this rule would help restore merit-based education systems.
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President Donald Trump is responding to rising beef prices by allowing imports of large amounts of ground beef without tariffs for 90 days to help lower costs. His administration is also investigating beef prices at major grocery stores to address affordability as the midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
Beef prices in the U.S. have risen significantly, with ground chuck beef costing about $6.85 per pound in July 2024.
The national cattle herd is the smallest since 1951, causing supply issues.
Trump announced the import of 300,000 metric tons of ground beef tariff-free for 90 days, officially signed five days later.
The imported beef equals roughly 2% of the country’s domestic supply.
The Agriculture Department and trade office are monitoring retail prices and can revoke the import waiver if prices do not drop.
The rising cost of living is a major concern for many Americans and a key issue in the upcoming midterm elections.
President Trump’s handling of inflation is approved by only 23% of Americans, while Democrats lead by eight points on this issue.
Newsweek created a "Gordon Ramsay Beef Scream Index" to analyze how beef prices affect election results for the incumbent president’s party.
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The US House of Representatives passed a bill that would punish universities if they take part in boycotts of Israel or block student exchange programs with Israel. The bill requires schools receiving federal funding to confirm they do not restrict students or staff from participating in programs related to Israel, and it now awaits Senate approval.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act.
It passed the House with a vote of 237 to 169.
33 Democrats voted for the bill, while only 2 Republicans opposed it.
Universities must certify annually that they do not limit student or faculty participation in Israeli programs to keep federal funds.
The bill targets universities involved in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
Supporters say it prevents discrimination against Israel and Israeli students using taxpayer money.
Critics say the bill may violate free speech rights related to protests.
The bill reflects ongoing political divisions over US support for Israel.
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Democratic Representative Chris Pappas and Republican former Senator John Sununu are competing for their party’s nominations in New Hampshire’s 2026 U.S. Senate race. Recent polls show Sununu slightly leading Pappas, though earlier polls had Pappas ahead.
Key Facts
Chris Pappas and John Sununu are the main candidates for the U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire.
The seat is open because Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen is retiring.
New Hampshire is considered a key state for both parties in the 2026 midterm elections.
Two recent polls show Sununu leading Pappas by a small margin or in a statistical tie.
Earlier polls showed Pappas with a lead over Sununu.
Polls surveyed hundreds to over a thousand likely voters, with margins of error around 2 to 4 percentage points.
The race is seen as competitive due to the swing nature of New Hampshire and voter frustration with President Donald Trump.
Both candidates focus on issues like affordability and the cost of living.
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Leon Black, a billionaire, sued the House Oversight Committee and its chairman, James Comer, in federal court. This happened just before Black did not show up for a required interview related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Leon Black is a billionaire known for private equity investments.
He filed a lawsuit against the House Oversight Committee and Chairman James Comer.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court.
Black was supposed to give a deposition (a formal interview) for the committee’s investigation.
The investigation concerns the government's probe into Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.
Black failed to appear for the scheduled deposition after filing the lawsuit.
The House Oversight Committee is a part of the U.S. Congress responsible for investigations and oversight.
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The United States Mint released a new dollar coin in 2026 featuring a forward-facing portrait of President Donald Trump, who is the current sitting president. This coin is special because it breaks the usual tradition of showing presidents in profile and because it is only the second time in U.S. history that a living president appears on government-issued money.
Key Facts
The new 2026 dollar coin shows President Trump’s face looking forward, unlike most coins with presidents shown in profile (side view).
This coin was made for the U.S. 250th anniversary, not as part of the regular Presidential $1 Coin Program.
The reverse side of the coin shows the presidential seal with a bird and “250” to mark the anniversary.
The coin is legal money but mainly sold to collectors in rolls or bags, priced at $61 and $154.50 respectively.
The design was inspired by an official White House photo and created by Chief Engraver Joseph Menna.
The last time a living president appeared on U.S. currency was 100 years ago; usually, presidents shown on coins have passed away.
A previous example of a forward-facing president on a coin was the 2006 Jefferson nickel, but Jefferson was long deceased by then.
Federal law usually forbids placing living presidents on currency until at least two years after their death, but this coin is an exception as a special commemorative issue.
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Vice President Vance is holding a press briefing at the White House, the first since the former press secretary Karoline Leavitt left the position last month. No new press secretary has been officially named yet, although several candidates have been considered.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance is speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday morning.
This is the first official press briefing since July 23.
Karoline Leavitt recently left her role as press secretary.
The White House has not announced a new press secretary yet.
Several names are being considered for the press secretary position.
Vice President Vance and other Trump administration officials have helped by speaking at briefings before.
The briefing provides updates directly from the Trump administration.
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President Donald Trump showed a new gold-colored desk phone in the Oval Office, which appears to be a customized Cisco business phone. The phone features gold trim, presidential symbols, and references to his two terms as president. This new phone fits with other gold-themed items in the Oval Office and comes alongside the familiar red button that summons a White House valet.
Key Facts
President Trump displayed a new gold desk phone in the Oval Office this week.
The phone is heavily customized with gold trim, the presidential seal, Trump's name, and the numbers "45" and "47" for his two terms.
The phone looks similar to Cisco's 8851 business phone, a model used in Trump's first term.
Cisco is reported to be the manufacturer after investigation by a Reuters correspondent.
The Oval Office has two desk phones, a setup consistent with previous administrations for different communication needs.
A nearby small wooden box with a red button, which summons a valet with a Diet Coke, was also visible.
The red button was removed during President Biden’s term but returned after Trump’s inauguration.
The gold phone adds to Trump’s known preference for gold-colored and branded items, such as the Trump Mobile gold smartphone.
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Two Democratic members of Congress are asking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) why money meant for local and state election security has not been given out yet. They want DHS officials to explain the reasons for the delay.
Key Facts
Sen. Alex Padilla from California and Rep. Joe Morelle from New York sent a letter to DHS leadership.
The letter addresses Secretary Markwayne Mullin and acting director Nick Anderson.
The issue is about federal funds meant to improve election security at state and local levels.
These funds have not been distributed yet, causing concern among election officials.
The Democrats are seeking transparency and explanations regarding the delay.
DHS is responsible for protecting election systems from threats.
Timely funding is seen as important to maintain secure and trustworthy elections.
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President Donald Trump told Republican lawmakers to focus on his achievements as president during their tough election campaigns. Vice President JD Vance is holding a briefing at the White House, and a judge in Boston is deciding on a case about changes to the mail voting system for the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump urged Republican candidates to run on his record despite his lower popularity.
He promised to campaign in about 36 key races that could decide control of Congress.
Vice President JD Vance is giving a White House briefing at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
A federal judge in Boston is hearing arguments about stopping the U.S. Postal Service from requiring states to use a new mail voting system.
The judge’s decision is important because the first state will soon start sending mail ballots for the midterms.
The issue involves an executive order from President Trump about mail balloting rules.
The case has drawn national attention because of its impact on voting methods this fall.
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Elon Musk’s political action committee, called America PAC, has spent about $800,000 to support candidates in important U.S. House and Senate races this election cycle. Most of the money, about $248,000, went to help Republican Ken Paxton in his Senate race in Texas against Democrat James Talarico.
Key Facts
America PAC is a political action committee linked to Elon Musk.
The PAC has spent roughly $800,000 on key midterm election races.
Texas received the largest spending, about $248,000.
The money mostly supports Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Paxton is running for Senate against Democrat James Talarico.
The Senate race in Texas is considered competitive or a "toss-up."
The PAC's spending targets both House and Senate races.
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A top Pentagon official confirmed that Anthropic, an AI company, is still seen as a supply chain risk by the Defense Department, despite comments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying the company is now trusted. Anthropic is still facing legal fights over this designation, even as its relationship with the Trump administration shifts.
Key Facts
Emil Michael, a Pentagon official, stated Anthropic remains a supply chain risk for the Department of Defense.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Anthropic is "back on the right side" and that the government trusts the company.
The disagreements about Anthropic stem from the Trump administration’s concerns over how the military can use its AI models.
CEO Dario Amodei led Anthropic, but the company is now raising the profile of co-founder Tom Brown in dealings with the White House.
In August, a federal judge removed the Pentagon's blacklisting of Anthropic as a supply-chain risk under one law.
Anthropic continues to challenge another Pentagon designation under a different law in court.
The company’s relationship with the Trump administration remains complicated and under review.
The debate involves issues of national security and trust in AI technology companies.
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Billionaire Leon Black has sued a U.S. House committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein, challenging subpoenas demanding his testimony and documents. Black refused to appear for a deposition, and lawmakers are considering holding him in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas.
Key Facts
Leon Black is a billionaire and cofounder of Apollo Global Management.
He sued the House Oversight Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein's network.
Black skipped a scheduled deposition and refused to answer some questions during a previous interview.
The committee issued two subpoenas: one for documents and one to appear for more testimony.
Black’s lawyer called the investigation a “fishing expedition” that goes beyond the committee’s authority.
House Democrats want to hold Black in contempt of Congress, which could lead to legal prosecution.
Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died in jail before trial in 2019.
The House panel is investigating Epstein separately from the Department of Justice.
Other prominent figures, like Bill Clinton and Bill Gates, have been called to testify.
President Donald Trump had a past friendship with Epstein but is not part of the current subpoena list.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated that Sean Parnell is his preferred candidate for the next Army secretary. The White House is currently considering candidates to replace Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who has resigned.
Key Facts
Sean Parnell is the current chief Pentagon spokesperson and a former Army officer.
Dan Driscoll, the current Army secretary, has submitted his resignation.
There have been tensions between Driscoll and Hegseth prior to the resignation.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is in charge of selecting the new Army secretary.
The Department of Defense did not comment on private conversations about the nomination.
The decision is still in progress, and updates are expected.
Sean Parnell was photographed at the Pentagon on August 26, 2026.
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A federal judge in Boston is deciding whether to stop the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new rules for mail voting. These rules come from an order by President Donald Trump and will affect the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
The judge is Indira Talwani from a federal court in Boston.
She has not received details from the U.S. Postal Service on how they will apply the new mail voting rules.
The new rules were created by an executive order from President Donald Trump.
The judge is considering extending a ban on these new mail ballot regulations.
The hearing took place just before some states start sending mail ballots to voters.
The case is closely watched and likely to be appealed quickly.
The ruling could affect how mail voting is handled in the midterm elections, which are about 70 days away.
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Gloria Steinem, a well-known feminist and journalist, has died at the age of 92. She co-founded Ms. Magazine and worked for women's rights, including abortion, same-sex marriage, and equal pay.
Key Facts
Gloria Steinem died at her home at age 92.
She co-founded Ms. Magazine, a major feminist publication.
Steinem was a leading activist for women's equality.
She supported legal abortion, same-sex marriage, and equal pay.
Steinem started her journalism career in New York in the 1960s.
She publicly criticized President Donald Trump for setbacks in women’s rights in the U.S.
Steinem was internationally recognized for her work in feminism.
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The federal government is extending a temporary stop on building parts of President Trump’s border wall. This pause also includes other border construction work in a national park in the Big Bend area of Texas and will last until the end of the month.
Key Facts
The pause affects some sections of the border wall started under President Trump.
It also covers other border construction in Big Bend National Park, Texas.
The extension is expected to last until the end of the current month.
The pause was ordered or noted by Federal District Judge Jason Pulliam.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is involved in the construction and the pause.
The reason for the pause was not detailed in the provided excerpt.
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A former aide to President Obama discussed how voters are unhappy with the economy as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Early primary results give clues about how Democrats and Republicans might do in the general election.
Key Facts
Most primary elections for the 2026 midterms have already taken place.
These primaries provide information on voter preferences and election trends.
Voters are showing strong dissatisfaction with the current economic situation.
The discussion involved a former aide to President Obama named Ravi Gupta.
The analysis focused on how both the Democratic and Republican parties are performing.
The information was presented on CBS News.
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