The Republican Party is holding a special two-day midterm convention in Dallas to support their candidates ahead of November elections, even though President Donald Trump is not running for office this year. Trump will be featured prominently to encourage voter turnout, as GOP leaders believe his presence helps draw supporters to vote for other Republican candidates.
Key Facts
Texas is a strong Republican state; President Trump won there by 14 points in 2024.
The GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas is unusual because no candidates are being nominated or platform approved.
President Trump will give two keynote speeches and close the convention.
GOP leaders want voters to act as if Trump is on the ballot to boost turnout for congressional candidates.
Trump’s approval rating has dropped from 47% to 33% since his current term began.
Independent voter approval of Trump fell from 42% to 22%.
Democratic candidates lead Republicans in voter preference by 43% to 38% in recent polls.
Most voters consider the cost of living their top issue, and many disapprove of Trump’s handling of this problem.
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President Donald Trump gave cash gifts last year totaling $45,000 to three of his aides and $20,000 to another aide, according to public financial disclosures. A White House spokesperson said these gifts were holiday presents and not related to official government work.
Key Facts
President Trump gave Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris $45,000 each as holiday cash gifts.
Walt Nauta received a $20,000 cash gift from President Trump.
The gifts appeared in public financial disclosure forms labeled as "cash gift for holidays."
The White House said these gifts were separate from official duties and allowed by legal and ethical rules.
Natalie Harp is a special assistant and executive assistant to President Trump, known for quickly providing him physical news updates.
Margo Martin works in communications and shares many official videos of President Trump on social media.
Chamberlain Harris is deputy director of Oval Office Operations and was recently appointed to a federal arts commission by President Trump.
Walt Nauta is director of Oval Office Operations and a longtime loyal aide, having worked with President Trump across both terms.
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The first Republican midterm convention will start in Dallas, Texas. Some Republican lawmakers will not attend the event where President Trump and Vice President JD Vance are scheduled to speak.
Key Facts
The convention is the first-ever Republican midterm convention.
It will take place in Dallas, Texas.
President Donald Trump will speak at the event.
Vice President JD Vance is also scheduled to speak.
Several Republican lawmakers have chosen not to attend the convention.
The event aims to rally support ahead of the midterm elections.
CBS News reported on the attendance and participation details.
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The White House removed a Tetris-style game called "Build The Wall" from its website after The Tetris Company said the game copied their design without permission. The game involved stacking blocks to build a wall on the U.S. border and was one of several mini-games on the site.
Key Facts
The "Build The Wall" game resembled the classic game Tetris and was played by stacking blocks to build a border wall.
The Tetris Company said it was not involved in creating the game and called the use a copyright violation.
The White House has not officially explained why the game was removed.
The Tetris Company has previously won legal action over other unauthorized games using their design.
Four other arcade-style games remain on the White House website, including games inspired by Flappy Bird and Snake.
Some politicians criticized the White House for the games, noting economic issues like rising heating oil prices.
The Trump administration has used video game culture in political messages on social media before.
Other companies like The Pokémon Company have also objected to the White House using their characters without permission.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is updating its official seal by changing the eagle's gaze from an olive branch to a bundle of arrows. This change reflects the department’s focus on constant security threats like terrorism, cyberattacks, and organized crime, and marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Key Facts
DHS’s new seal changes the eagle’s gaze towards a bundle of arrows instead of an olive branch.
The rest of the seal’s design, including symbols for air, land, and sea, will stay the same.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the change shows how DHS faces ongoing threats every day.
Threats include terrorism, drug cartels, cyberattacks from countries like China and Russia, drones, and violence against public officials.
DHS was created in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks by combining 22 agencies to improve U.S. homeland security.
The current seal has not changed much since DHS’s founding over 20 years ago.
The redesign is intended to symbolize a more active and defensive stance in protecting the country.
Secretary Mullin announced the change on Fox News and emphasized the evolving nature of threats.
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Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are facing increased detention and deportation by ICE under President Trump’s immigration policies. The US Supreme Court ended temporary protected status for Haitians, leading to a rise in fear, arrests, and hardships within the community.
Key Facts
Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian immigrant in Springfield, died after walking into traffic; police suspect suicide.
Bel was required to wear an electronic ankle monitor after ICE detained him as part of immigration enforcement.
The US Supreme Court ended temporary protected status (TPS) for about 350,000 Haitians in June, removing their legal right to stay in the US.
ICE agents are increasingly active in Springfield, frequently detaining Haitians from homes, streets, and businesses.
At least 30 Haitians, including two church pastors, have been detained recently in Springfield.
On one day, 57 Haitians were deported from the US to Haiti, including children.
Those deported report dangerous conditions in Haiti, including violence and kidnappings by gangs.
The crackdown is causing fear and trauma in the Haitian community, affecting daily life and social activities.
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Texas once had one of the largest Socialist party groups in the U.S., with cowboys and farmers organizing for their rights in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This history has been mostly forgotten as Texas has become known as a Republican stronghold, but activists and historians are working to highlight its radical and labor-based past.
Key Facts
Texas was home to one of the biggest Socialist party chapters in the country by the early 1900s.
Cowboys fought against the use of barbed wire fences that limited access to land and water during the 1880s.
These cowboys formed groups like the Blue Devils and the Knights of the Knippers to cut fences illegally.
The Texas government passed laws making fence-cutting a felony, showing state support for large landowners.
Cowboys also organized labor strikes in 1883 and won better working conditions and wages.
Despite crackdowns, Texas maintained a strong tradition of labor and socialist politics.
Current stories often ignore this history and assume Texas politics are dominated only by conservative views.
Recent data shows that many newcomers to Texas are politically conservative rather than progressive.
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The House of Representatives is considering a bill called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. This bill would allow President Donald Trump’s administration to place tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy, aiming to support Ukraine during a difficult winter.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives has to decide on a new sanction bill.
The bill is named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
It would let the Trump administration impose tariffs (extra taxes) on countries importing energy from Russia.
The goal is to pressure Russia by reducing its energy sales.
The revenue or impact from tariffs would help Ukraine prepare for winter conditions.
This action is linked to support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.
The bill also mentions Iran, suggesting sanctions related to both countries.
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Republican John Sununu and Democratic Representative Chris Pappas will compete for a U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire. This race is important because it could change which party controls the Senate.
Key Facts
John Sununu is the Republican candidate for the New Hampshire Senate seat.
Chris Pappas, a Democratic congressman, is running for the same seat.
The Senate seat is currently held by a Democrat but could switch to the Republicans.
The race is seen as competitive and crucial for control of the Senate.
This contest is part of a bigger set of key Senate races happening now.
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A federal judge ordered the return of Esteban Rios Sosa, a Mexican man deported after visiting family at a Marine base, ruling that immigration authorities violated his legal rights by deporting him without notice or a hearing. The judge found that the government improperly revoked his protected immigration status and required his immediate return to the U.S.
Key Facts
Esteban Rios Sosa lived in the U.S. since 1988 and had deferred action status linked to his wife's pending U visa.
He was deported after being detained during a visit to his pregnant daughter at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Rios Sosa had valid identification and permission documents but was stopped, detained, and deported within 24 hours without notice or a hearing.
The deportation caused him to miss important family events, including his grandchild’s birth and his daughter’s college graduation.
The judge ruled Rios Sosa’s deportation violated his due process rights under U.S. law.
The court rejected arguments that it lacked authority to review the case despite Rios Sosa being outside the U.S.
Over 50 relatives of active-duty U.S. military members have been detained since January 2025.
The ruling challenges the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies related to removal of individuals with deferred action status.
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Republicans are holding a two-day convention in Dallas focused on President Donald Trump and the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Some candidates are skipping the event due to conflicts or cost, while others hope to gain attention by appearing alongside Trump. The convention features speeches by Trump, party leaders, and candidates, with themes including tax cuts and criticism of Democrats.
Key Facts
The convention is called a “Trump-a-Palooza” and highlights President Trump’s role in the midterms.
It takes place over two days in Dallas, starting Wednesday, Sept. 2026.
Many Republicans, including some facing close races, are not attending.
The event includes speeches by Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr., Republican leaders, and candidates like JD Vance.
Topics discussed include tax cuts, border security, fraud claims, and banning stock trading by members of Congress.
No public discussion of the unpopular war with Iran is planned.
House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledges some members skip the event but says many will appear.
The convention mixes a rally and a fundraiser to energize Republican voters before the midterms.
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As the Jewish High Holy Days begin, many U.S. Jewish communities feel unsafe due to a rise in antisemitic threats and divisions within their own groups. Organizations are providing security training to help protect these communities during religious celebrations.
Key Facts
The Jewish High Holy Days start with Rosh Hashana on September 15, 2026, and Yom Kippur is observed on September 20–21, 2026.
There has been an increase in antisemitic threats across the U.S., coming from different sources including political extremists and foreign groups.
Some Jewish individuals and groups disagree on political views related to Israel, causing internal community tensions.
The Secure Community Network (SCN) offers safety advice and training to Jewish institutions to prepare for potential threats.
Attacks against Jewish sites in the U.S. in 2026 include a truck attack in Michigan and an assault at a Manhattan synagogue.
Rabbi David Ingber described the current atmosphere as the worst rise in antisemitism seen in his lifetime.
Many Jewish people feel unsure about their place in American society due to these tensions and threats.
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Democratic groups are trying new ways to encourage young people to vote after many supported President Trump in 2024. They use events with food, music, and social gatherings on campuses and in communities to make voting more appealing and easier to understand.
Key Facts
Nearly half of the 50 million young Americans eligible to vote in 2026 are not registered or engaged in politics.
Democrats lost young voters to President Trump in 2024 but want to regain their support.
Traditional voter outreach like postcards and phone calls often do not work well with young voters.
Groups like Democracy + Donuts and Keep Arizona Blue use fun events with snacks, music, and politicians to attract young voters.
Keep Arizona Blue has registered about 15,000 students since 2021 by reaching out at schools and community events.
Young voters often feel disconnected from politics but care about issues that affect them.
Many young voters do not officially identify with a political party but tend to lean toward more progressive views.
Young voters face many obstacles to voting, such as registration challenges and feeling alienated by usual political methods.
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The article argues that government use of Flock cameras and TSA searches reduces citizens' privacy rights under the 4th Amendment. It claims these practices undermine legal protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Key Facts
The 4th Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches by the government.
Flock cameras are surveillance cameras used by the government to track people’s movements.
TSA searches are security checks conducted by the Transportation Security Administration at airports.
The article states that these surveillance tools reduce the right to privacy.
It views the increase in such monitoring as a challenge to constitutional protections.
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Harris County in Texas, home to over 5 million people including Houston, has approved its highest property tax rate ever to address a budget shortfall of more than $180 million. The county commissioners voted 3-2 to raise the property tax rate by 7.6 percent, increasing the rate from 62 cents to 67 cents per $100 of taxable property value.
Key Facts
Harris County is the third-largest county in the U.S., after Los Angeles County and Cook County.
The 7.6 percent tax increase aims to close a budget gap over $180 million caused by higher law enforcement pay, healthcare costs, and legal fees.
The new rate means homeowners will pay 67 cents per $100 of property value, up from 62 cents.
The tax increase would add about $198 to the average homeowner’s yearly property tax bill.
The county has faced budget shortfalls for four years in a row.
The vote was split 3 in favor and 2 against raising the tax rate.
Democratic County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey voted against the increase.
Texas state leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, have emphasized reducing property taxes, but local needs have driven this recent increase.
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Sam Gardner grew up in many foster homes and faced many challenges, including hunger and neglect. A teacher named Christine Meek helped him feel like he belonged and encouraged him, which inspired Sam to become a primary school teacher himself.
Key Facts
Sam lived in 15 foster homes from ages 3 to 17.
He often felt unstable, hungry, and neglected during childhood.
Sam’s last foster family, at age 17, helped him feel more at home.
Teacher Christine Meek believed in Sam and treated him like any other student.
Before joining Ms. Meek’s class, Sam was two years behind in school.
With her support, Sam improved and eventually became a teacher.
A recent report shows young people leaving care in England die at much higher rates than others their age.
Sam and Ms. Meek reunited 25 years after she first taught him at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Pontypridd.
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Democratic lawmakers have asked a government office to investigate whether personal data collected from Americans attending 250th anniversary events connected to President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 group was used to benefit Trump’s political efforts. The investigation focuses on whether the data was shared with Trump’s political allies for use in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Freedom 250 is a group supported by President Trump that helped organize events for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Representatives Jared Huffman and Joe Morelle requested an investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The lawmakers want to know if personal information from attendees was stored or controlled by Trump’s political network.
People who registered for Freedom 250 events gave personal details like names, emails, phone numbers, and ZIP codes.
Registration data was processed by Campaign Nucleus, owned by Brad Parscale, former Trump campaign manager.
Another Parscale-linked company, Dyspatchit, handled emails and texts for Freedom 250, while Ace Specialties sold merchandise.
Attendees were asked for consent to receive alerts and donation requests, some linked to Trump fundraising via WinRed.
The investigation is looking at whether protections exist to stop data from being shared with Trump-aligned political groups for election advantage.
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President Donald Trump is leading the Republican National Convention in Dallas ahead of the midterm elections. The event is the first GOP national convention held outside a presidential election year, aiming to motivate voters to keep control of Congress.
Key Facts
The Republican National Convention is taking place in Dallas and lasts two days.
This is the first time the GOP holds a national convention outside a presidential election year.
President Trump will deliver the main speech and close the convention.
Over 100 House members and candidates and more than 50 speakers will attend.
Topics include tax cuts, immigration, manufacturing, and drug prices.
Missouri’s congressional elections face court disputes over maps supported by President Trump.
The US military took action against Iranian oil carriers after attacks on a US warship.
The US plans to ban some Canadian products amid a trade dispute with Canada.
President Trump gave large holiday cash gifts to several White House aides, reported in financial disclosures.
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The BBC offers a variety of email newsletters that provide news and expert analysis on topics like politics, technology, and the royal family. Readers can easily sign up to receive daily or weekly updates tailored to different interests.
Key Facts
The BBC sends out newsletters with news and insights from specialist reporters.
Topics include U.S. politics, UK politics, technology, climate, and the royal family.
One newsletter focuses on President Donald Trump’s second term in office.
The newsletters come out on different days, such as daily, weekly, or on special occasions.
Signing up is quick and simple through provided links.
Examples include Politics Essential (UK politics), Tech Decoded (technology), and Royal Watch (royal family).
Other newsletters cover uplifting stories and deep analysis of major events.
The newsletters aim to keep readers informed with clear and expert reporting.
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President Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has a venture capital firm called 1789 Capital. A top House Democrat, Rep. Jamie Raskin, accused the firm of using political connections to make profitable investments, but the firm denies these claims and did not share documents requested by Raskin.
Key Facts
1789 Capital is Donald Trump Jr.’s investment firm.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, started an investigation into the firm for possible insider political influence.
Raskin alleges the firm bought stakes in companies before they got federal funding or favorable decisions.
Companies mentioned include Juul (electronic cigarettes), Anduril Industries (defense technology), Vulcan (rare-earth minerals), and the prediction market Polymarket.
1789 Capital’s lawyers said the firm welcomes legitimate oversight but called Raskin’s requests part of political games.
The firm did not provide the requested investment documents or communications with the Trump administration.
Raskin’s party does not currently have the power to subpoena records unless they win a House majority in the 2026 midterm elections.
The letter from 1789 Capital came one day before a Republican midterm convention where both Donald Trump Jr. and President Trump were scheduled to appear.
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