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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
U.S. layoffs in August dropped to the lowest level in four years, with employers announcing 52,881 job cuts, a 38% decrease from last year. However, many companies are still cautious about hiring, and overall job growth showed some weakness in July.
Key Facts
Layoffs in August 2026 fell to 52,881, the lowest in four years.
This is a 38% drop compared to August 2025's 85,979 layoffs.
So far in 2026, companies cut nearly 530,000 jobs, down 41% from the previous year.
The unemployment rate was 4.1% in July, but the U.S. lost 23,000 jobs that month.
The consumer products industry led layoffs in August, followed by food and technology sectors.
Technology firms had the most layoffs in the first eight months of 2026, with over 155,000 cuts.
Most layoffs were due to restructuring, market issues, and economic conditions, not mainly because of artificial intelligence.
Despite fewer layoffs, companies are slower to fill new job openings.
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Dave Aronberg, who prosecuted Tiger Woods in 2017, said the recent plea deal in Woods’ reckless driving case is good for both sides. Woods changed his plea to "no contest" after a March car crash in Florida where he hit a truck and flipped his vehicle.
Key Facts
Dave Aronberg was the prosecutor in Tiger Woods’ 2017 case.
Tiger Woods was charged with reckless driving after a March car accident in Jupiter, Florida.
Woods’ vehicle hit a pickup truck and then rolled over.
Woods entered a plea of "no contest," which means he does not admit guilt but accepts the punishment.
Aronberg said this plea deal benefits both Woods and the legal system.
The plea deal ends the legal dispute without a trial.
Reckless driving means driving in a way that is dangerous to people or property.
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Congresswoman Maxine Dexter says the U.S. healthcare system is in trouble because of cuts to Medicaid and big companies joining together in the medical field. She wants the government to invest more money and treat healthcare like important national infrastructure.
Key Facts
Congresswoman Maxine Dexter is raising concerns about the healthcare system.
She says Medicaid funding has been cut, causing problems.
Large healthcare companies are merging, which affects services.
Dexter describes healthcare as essential infrastructure, like roads or electricity.
She calls for federal government investment to fix and stabilize healthcare.
The focus is on improving how healthcare is delivered to the public.
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Two leaders from small business support groups have sued the Trump administration. They want the government to release hundreds of millions of dollars that Congress already approved to help community financial institutions.
Key Facts
Two leaders from organizations that support small businesses filed the lawsuit.
The lawsuit targets the administration of President Donald Trump.
They want to release funds that Congress has approved.
The funds are meant for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.
The money is supposed to support community financial institutions.
The goal is to provide more help to small businesses through this fund.
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The House of Representatives passed a bill that stops colleges and universities from getting federal money if they boycott Israel. Over 30 Democrats supported the bill, which aims to prevent schools from joining commercial boycotts against Israel and to protect academic programs involving Israel.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026.
It passed the House with a vote of 237 to 169.
The bill would cut federal funding to schools that boycott Israel in commercial ways.
Schools must also let students and faculty participate in Israeli academic programs like programs in other countries.
33 Democrats voted for the bill, along with 203 Republicans.
167 Democrats voted against the bill, including some party leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi.
Supporters say the bill fights antisemitism and protects academic exchanges with Israel.
Opponents argue it could limit free speech and political activism related to criticism of Israel.
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A judge blocked President Donald Trump's new executive order that tried to limit birthright citizenship for certain children born in the US. The judge said the order likely goes against the Constitution, and the case will continue in court.
Key Facts
President Trump issued a new executive order in August aiming to limit birthright citizenship for children of "alien enemies" and birth tourists.
Birthright citizenship means anyone born in the US automatically becomes a citizen.
The order also targeted children whose parents work for foreign governments in the US.
Judge Deborah Boardman temporarily blocked the order, calling it likely unconstitutional.
The lawsuit was filed by immigrant rights groups, including CASA and Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project.
The Supreme Court had rejected President Trump’s previous effort to end birthright citizenship in June.
The government plans to appeal the judge’s decision.
Trump’s efforts are part of a broader plan to reduce immigration, including ending protections for some migrants and increasing deportations.
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The U.S. federal government will begin using artificial intelligence (AI) to help interview some job applicants, starting with a program to hire tech experts for short-term positions. The AI will ask standard questions and record answers, while human managers will review the results.
Key Facts
AI interviews will initially be used for the Tech Force hiring program, aimed at recruiting private-sector tech workers for two-year federal jobs.
The AI platform called CodeSignal will conduct structured interviews and record audio for later review by human hiring managers.
The government has about 1.9 million employees and has been slower than the private sector to use AI in hiring.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently encouraged agencies to use AI in hiring but stressed that humans must oversee important decisions.
OPM’s director is working to make federal hiring faster and wants more early career professionals hired to balance the older workforce.
AI tools like Microsoft’s Copilot, ChatGPT, and others are already used by federal HR staff for tasks like writing job descriptions.
The pilot aims to test if AI can improve the efficiency of interviewing for high-volume tech jobs.
Officials expect AI to play a bigger role in federal hiring interviews in the future.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated the green card sponsor form to allow checking the credit reports of people who financially support family members applying for a green card. This change started in August and means sponsors may need to provide access to their credit information as part of the application process.
Key Facts
USCIS updated Form I-864, the affidavit of support, allowing requests for sponsors' credit reports.
The form now includes a privacy release letting USCIS access information from consumer credit agencies.
Sponsors must meet income requirements, usually at least 125% of the federal poverty level, or 100% if they are active military sponsoring spouses or children.
Financial ability has traditionally been proven by tax returns and other documents like birth certificates or green cards.
USCIS warns that if there is a credit or security freeze on a sponsor's report, it might not access necessary credit info.
USCIS has not explained how credit report data will be used or if sponsors need a minimum credit score.
Immigration experts say more guidance is needed on how this credit information will impact decisions.
Concerns exist that credit report issues like missed payments or errors could affect sponsorship unpredictably.
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House Republican leaders announced that the last two weeks of the September session in the House of Representatives will be canceled. Lawmakers will meet again from September 14 to 17 and then end their work early before the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
House Republican leaders decided to shorten the September legislative schedule.
The final two weeks of the September session are canceled.
Lawmakers will meet from September 14 to September 17 only.
The decision comes ahead of the November midterm elections.
The House will pause after September 17 until after the elections.
This change affects the timing when House members can work on legislation.
The schedule was adjusted following the Labor Day break.
This action was announced on a Thursday before the shortened session.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a one-year pause on using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like generative AI in public school classrooms for students from 2 years old up to eighth grade. This decision aims to limit the use of AI in early education as the new school year approaches.
Key Facts
The ban covers all public schools in New York City.
It applies to students from age 2 through eighth grade.
The pause on AI use lasts for one year.
The ban focuses on generative AI, which creates text, images, or other content.
The decision was made shortly before the new school year started.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports the moratorium.
The action reflects concerns about AI’s impact on education.
Schools will need to adjust teaching methods without AI tools during this time.
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Anthony Fauci did not appear to testify before a Senate committee about homeland security. This situation shows how Congress uses its power to require testimony and what happens when someone refuses. It also reflects current political challenges in enforcing these rules.
Key Facts
Anthony Fauci was asked to testify before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Fauci refused to appear for the testimony.
Congress has the authority to hold someone in contempt if they refuse to testify.
The process and results of enforcing contempt powers can be complicated.
This event demonstrates the challenges Congress faces in making officials cooperate.
Political factors influence how contempt powers are used today.
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CBS is bringing back Norah O’Donnell to co-anchor its morning show starting September 8. This change aims to improve ratings, as the show has been losing viewers compared to NBC and ABC.
Key Facts
Norah O'Donnell previously co-anchored CBS morning show from 2012 to 2019.
She left the morning show to become the CBS Evening News anchor but stepped down after the 2024 presidential election.
O'Donnell's return replaces a spot left open after Tony Dokoupil became the evening news anchor.
She will co-anchor with Gayle King and Nate Burleson.
CBS Mornings averaged 1.62 million viewers in July, much lower than NBC’s and ABC’s morning shows.
The show hit its lowest viewership ever in late July, with about 1.57 million viewers.
CBS plans to focus more on live discussions and breaking news instead of pre-recorded segments.
The network has tried guest co-hosts recently, including Elisabeth Hasselbeck from Fox and Friends.
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President Donald Trump's administration is increasing efforts to boost oil production in California. It is reviewing the state's coastal management program and planning new offshore oil leases, actions that challenge California's push for more clean energy and tougher controls on fossil fuel projects.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is reviewing California’s coastal management program, which is managed by a state commission overseeing development along the coast.
Officials want to weaken the California Coastal Commission’s power over projects involving federal agencies.
Plans include issuing new offshore oil leases in California and Florida, where drilling had been limited or banned for years.
The administration helped restart an old pipeline previously shut down after a major 2015 oil spill off California’s coast.
Federal officials are moving toward allowing fracking on an old offshore platform near Ventura County, despite opposition from California regulators.
California generates nearly half of its electricity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind, part of the state’s goal to reduce fossil fuel use.
The state has sued the federal government over canceling an offshore wind lease meant to limit renewable energy expansion.
California’s Coastal Commission, founded in 1972, has a history of regulating and sometimes blocking coastal development projects to protect the environment and public access.
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The article highlights the Associated Press’s long history of covering important events in the United States. It shows how the AP reported on key moments, from the Civil War and World War II to civil rights and modern elections.
Key Facts
The Associated Press (AP) was present at Gettysburg in 1863, reporting on President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
In 1945, AP journalist Edward Kennedy was the first to report Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II, even though he bypassed military censorship.
The AP has covered historic events like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights activities and significant political moments such as presidential elections.
The AP newsroom has been based at 50 Rockefeller Plaza since at least 1939.
AP reporters have documented tragic events, including the 9/11 attacks.
The article includes photos and descriptions of important people and moments witnessed or reported by the AP over more than 150 years.
AP leaders have recognized the courage of journalists who sometimes challenged restrictions to report the truth.
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A federal judge in Boston is deciding whether to extend a ban on the U.S. Postal Service’s new rules for handling mail ballots in the upcoming midterm elections. The judge said the Postal Service has not explained how it will enforce these rules, which were created under President Donald Trump’s executive order and have faced legal challenges.
Key Facts
Judge Indira Talwani is deciding whether to keep blocking new Postal Service mail ballot rules.
These rules were introduced by President Trump’s executive order to regulate mail voting.
The judge issued a temporary ban on the rules, which expires soon as states start sending mail ballots.
The Postal Service has not explained how it plans to enforce the new rules.
The administration may ask the Supreme Court to allow the rules to proceed.
The rules require states to upload voter lists and get ballot envelope designs approved by the Postal Service.
Voting rights groups argue only states and Congress can set election rules, not the President.
A whistleblower warned the rules could cause millions of mail ballots to be discarded over barcode errors.
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A federal judge temporarily stopped the Trump administration's plan to use Congress to undo California's clean car emission rules. The judge blocked the Environmental Protection Agency's attempt to let Congress and President Donald Trump overturn these state rules.
Key Facts
A federal judge paused the Trump administration's effort to overturn California's clean car laws.
The rules involve limits on emissions from vehicles and lawn equipment in California.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a move to let Congress and President Trump overturn the rules.
Judge Beryl Howell issued the block; she was appointed by President Obama.
The decision is temporary, meaning the issue may be reviewed again or continued later.
California has special clean car standards that are stricter than federal rules.
The Trump administration aimed to eliminate these stricter state standards through federal action.
The court ruling stops this federal action for now, protecting California’s ability to enforce its clean car rules.
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Beverly Aikins, the mother of Vice President Vance, said in an interview that she would probably punch Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed because of things he said about her son. The comments from El-Sayed were shown to Aikins during the interview on Fox News.
Key Facts
Beverly Aikins is the mother of Vice President Vance.
Abdul El-Sayed is running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
Aikins said she would “probably punch” El-Sayed due to his past statements about her son.
The interview took place on the Fox News show “Tomi Lahren is Fearless.”
Fox News host Tomi Lahren showed Aikins a clip of El-Sayed’s comments during the interview.
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President Donald Trump said his commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, made a mistake by saying no Americans died in the war with Iran. The Pentagon counts 18 U.S. service members killed in the conflict. Lutnick clarified he was thinking of a different U.S. operation in Venezuela when he made the error.
Key Facts
President Trump corrected commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, who said no Americans died in the Iran war.
The Pentagon reports 18 U.S. service members have died in the conflict involving Iran and Israel.
Lutnick admitted he was thinking of a U.S. operation in Venezuela, where no American deaths occurred.
Iranian strikes reportedly killed 18 people and injured over 100, according to Iran’s health ministry and Red Crescent.
The U.S. military denies targeting civilians and is reviewing the Iranian reports.
The campaign against Iran has cost at least $37.5 billion as of July 2024 and involves military and economic actions.
Public opinion polls show 54% of Americans disapprove of the war, with some Trump voters reconsidering their support.
The conflict intensified after U.S. attacks on Iranian rocket launchers and resulted in Iranian missile attacks on U.S. and allied forces in the Middle East.
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Rep. Claudia Tenney from New York said she thinks President Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America” is likely a joke or a prank. Despite this, the federal government and big map companies are starting to use the new name.
Key Facts
President Trump changed the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America.”
Rep. Claudia Tenney doubts the name change is serious and calls it a “troll.”
Tenney represents a district in New York near Lake Ontario.
The federal government is beginning to use the new name officially.
Major mapping services are also adopting the name “Lake America.”
There is uncertainty about whether the new name will be permanent.
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Jury members in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, charged with killing her three young children, have been unable to agree on a verdict after several days of discussions. The judge may declare a mistrial if the jury cannot reach a decision, while the defense says Clancy suffered from a mental illness called postpartum psychosis, and prosecutors say she planned the killings.
Key Facts
The trial is taking place in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Lindsay Clancy is accused of killing her three young children.
The jury has deliberated for six days but has not agreed on a verdict.
The judge could declare a mistrial if the jury remains deadlocked.
The defense argues Clancy had postpartum psychosis, a serious mental illness after childbirth.
The defense says poor medical care made her condition worse.
Prosecutors argue Clancy planned the murders intentionally.
Prosecutors state the health care system is not being judged in this trial.
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