President Trump has focused more on sports in his recent activities, using them to shape national culture and policies. His administration’s visa restrictions have made it harder for some foreign athletes and students to come to or stay in the U.S., while efforts continue to change rules around college sports and women’s sports.
Key Facts
President Trump is emphasizing sports more than other policy areas like healthcare or the economy.
His administration’s travel bans and visa restrictions have caused difficulties for foreign athletes, such as Venezuelan soccer player David Martínez, leading some to leave the U.S.
There is an ongoing political campaign to restrict transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports.
Trump attended major sports events like the NBA finals, Daytona 500, and Ryder Cup with visible involvement.
The President issued an executive order to protect the Army-Navy football game’s traditional TV schedule, linking it to military morale.
His administration is trying to reverse changes that allow college athletes to be paid and have more freedom to switch schools.
Visa challenges also limit foreign students from joining college sports, making these sports less diverse.
Trump hosted a controversial UFC event at the White House as part of the country’s 250th anniversary and his 80th birthday celebration.
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Learner drivers in the UK have to wait about 20 weeks on average to book a practical driving test, with little improvement seen recently. The government agency in charge had hoped to reduce wait times to seven weeks but now expects delays to continue until at least summer 2026.
Key Facts
The average wait to book a driving test is about 20 weeks as of August.
This is only a slight improvement from 20.2 weeks in July.
The wait time between booking a test and taking it remains 11.1 weeks.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is responsible for managing driving tests.
The original goal was to cut the booking wait time to seven weeks by the end of last year.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander moved the goal to summer 2026.
Officials now admit even the 2026 target is unlikely to be met.
The delays affect learner drivers trying to get a UK driving licence.
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The White House removed an online game called "Build the Wall" after The Tetris Company said the game used their design without permission. The game looked like the classic game Tetris, and the company warned about copyright infringement.
Key Facts
The White House launched an online arcade with games linked to President Trump’s agenda.
One game, "Build the Wall," was similar to the game Tetris.
The Tetris Company said they did not approve or license the "Build the Wall" game.
The company said Tetris is known for bringing people together through playing and stacking blocks.
After the copyright claim, the White House took down the "Build the Wall" game.
The Tetris Company publicly warned about copyright infringement on Instagram.
Newsweek reached out to both the White House and The Tetris Company for comments.
The story may be updated as more information becomes available.
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Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot at Utah Valley University while speaking to a large crowd. Kirk was rushed to the hospital, and Turning Point USA staff responded swiftly to the attack and its aftermath.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18.
Turning Point USA is a conservative activist group with over 400 staff and a budget over $100 million.
The group has many chapters in colleges and high schools and supports Republican candidates.
Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, when he was shot by a young man hiding on a roof.
The event was an outdoor speech to around 3,000 people.
After the shooting, Kirk's friends and bodyguards quickly took him to a hospital.
Kirk’s wife, Erika, was informed while she was in Arizona.
The shooting caused immediate chaos, with people fleeing the scene and Turning Point USA increasing security and preparing to respond.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he did not know he was a member of a golf club that received a $6 million grant from his government for renovations. The grant came from a restricted $560 million program aimed at projects in seats held by his Labor Party, raising questions about the transparency of how money was distributed.
Key Facts
The Marrickville Golf Club in Albanese’s electorate got $6 million for renovations.
Albanese said the golf club made him an honorary member 15 years ago without his knowledge.
The grant program is invitation-only and funds projects promised by Labor for the 2025 election.
Critics want clearer rules to show how grants are decided and prevent favoritism.
Albanese’s electorate also received money for a women’s health center and a domestic violence shelter.
Some areas, like New South Wales and Queensland, got less funding than others in relation to their populations.
Thirteen crossbench members of parliament want government grant decisions to be more transparent.
Senator Jacqui Lambie described using taxpayer money for political benefit as a form of corruption.
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The U.S. Marshals Service led an operation in Ohio that found 79 missing children during August. The children were reported missing for reasons like abuse, neglect, and trafficking.
Key Facts
The operation is called Operation Meridian.
It is the largest missing child search in Ohio's history.
The children recovered were between 6 and 17 years old.
The search involved local, state, and federal law enforcement working together.
Some children were found in other states, including Georgia.
Reasons for the children being missing included suspected sex trafficking, abuse, and neglect.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott praised the law enforcement and community partners for their work.
The operation aimed to bring vulnerable children back to safety.
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Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic primary, and Anthony DiLorenzo won the Republican primary for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District. They will compete to replace Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, who is running for Senate.
Key Facts
Stefany Shaheen is the daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who is retiring.
Chris Pappas is the current Democratic representative but is running for the Senate seat.
The seat has been held by Democrats since 2017 but often switches parties.
Stefany Shaheen beat Maura Sullivan in the Democratic primary, despite Sullivan having more fundraising and some polling lead.
The Democratic primary included negative ads, with Shaheen accusing Sullivan of outside financial backing.
Anthony DiLorenzo, supported by President Donald Trump, won the Republican primary.
DiLorenzo had more fundraising than his main Republican competitor, Hollie Noveletsky.
Polls showed DiLorenzo and Noveletsky tied during the Republican primary campaign.
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A politician testified in a Sydney court that an alleged victim of broadcaster Alan Jones appeared unusually quiet and nervous during a meeting. The court heard several people say the alleged victim told them over the years about inappropriate touching by Jones. Jones denies charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving six complainants.
Key Facts
The alleged victim, known as complainant C, was Jones’s driver and later worked for a politician.
C looked "sunken and diminished" at a meeting with Jones, which was unusual for his outgoing nature.
C said the meeting at Jones’s apartment made him feel anxious and uncomfortable.
Friends and colleagues testified that C told them Jones touched him inappropriately when he was younger.
Jones faces 20 charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching.
One witness recalled C saying Jones had reached into his crotch and squeezed it.
C’s father-in-law’s statement said C disclosed Jones pushed him against a wall and kissed him.
Several people remembered C making references or joking about being grabbed or kissed by Jones.
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Liberal MP Andrew Hastie accused Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce of calling him a traitor in a One Nation cartoon after he testified against Ben Roberts-Smith in court. Hanson and Joyce denied calling Hastie a traitor, but Hastie said the cartoon and online abuse attack his service and loyalty to Australia.
Key Facts
Andrew Hastie is a Liberal MP and former SAS soldier.
He gave evidence against Ben Roberts-Smith in a court case about war crime allegations.
A One Nation cartoon posted by Pauline Hanson showed Hastie being called a traitor eight times.
Hastie called Hanson and Barnaby Joyce "lying cowards" over the cartoon.
Hanson denied ever calling Hastie a traitor, and Joyce said he never spoke badly about Hastie.
Hastie has faced online abuse and threats because of his testimony.
The federal government increased security around Hastie’s home and office.
One Nation recently won a state byelection in an area overlapping Hastie’s electorate and plans to challenge him in the next election.
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Annabelle Boucher, a woman from Somerset, England, paid over £105,000 to divorce her ex-husband despite his admitted abusive behavior. She says current divorce laws do not properly consider cases involving domestic abuse, especially controlling and coercive actions, leading to high financial and emotional costs for victims.
Key Facts
Annabelle Boucher paid £75,000 to her ex-husband David Rogers and over £30,000 in legal fees during their divorce.
David Rogers pleaded guilty in April 2026 to coercive and controlling behavior and received a 20-month suspended sentence.
The divorce was finalized in September 2025, before Rogers' criminal case ended.
Boucher says the law does not take abusers’ criminal actions into account during divorce financial decisions.
She had to take personal loans to cover divorce costs and faces long-term financial burden.
The Ministry of Justice has started a consultation to change family court laws to better support victims of domestic abuse.
Experts say courts often ignore “coercive control” because it is less obvious than physical violence.
Advocates call for legal reforms so abuse can affect financial and custody decisions in divorces.
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President Donald Trump and his White House team have shared many memes on social media showing him as very powerful and successful. These images contrast with real challenges he faces, such as inflation, conflicts with Iran, and boosting American manufacturing, which have caused concerns ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump and the White House posted several memes portraying him as a strong superhero-like figure.
These memes include images of Trump building walls, dominating in sports, and leading military attacks.
Many adults in the U.S. are unhappy with how Trump handles the economy and foreign affairs.
Some memes are created using artificial intelligence tools.
The administration sees these memes as humorous and a way to energize Trump’s supporters.
Congressional Republicans hope Trump’s presence and these messages will help in the upcoming midterm elections.
Critics say memes don’t address serious issues like inflation, which is a key concern for voters.
The White House has also produced games like a "Build the Wall" video game to promote Trump’s message.
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Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is facing growing isolation from Democrats after supporting some of President Donald Trump’s priorities and criticizing left-wing Democrats. His approval among Democrats has dropped sharply, while Republicans in the state rate him more favorably.
Key Facts
Two years ago, Fetterman was active helping Democrats in Pennsylvania elections.
Fetterman has supported Israel’s war in Gaza and opposed some left-wing Democratic candidates.
He has voted with Republicans on issues like ending a government shutdown and confirmed several Trump nominees.
Despite this, he says he will remain a Democrat because of his support for labor unions and LGBT rights.
Many Pennsylvania Democrats do not want to work with Fetterman and feel betrayed by him.
Democratic approval for Fetterman dropped from 74% in 2024 to about 20% in 2026.
Republican approval of Fetterman rose from 25% to 73% over the same period.
There is talk of a possible challenge to Fetterman’s Senate seat in 2028, even if he runs again.
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Congress, established in 1789, serves as the main place in the United States where laws are made and where the country tries to solve its problems. Over time, it has shaped important parts of American life, such as the Bill of Rights and civil rights laws, though its power has sometimes faced challenges, including during President Donald Trump's time in office.
Key Facts
The current U.S. Congress first met in 1789, starting the country's experiment with representative democracy.
Congress created the Bill of Rights, which includes freedoms like speech and the right to bear arms.
The institution has passed major laws on taxes, civil rights, war, and peace over the years.
Many proposed bills in Congress do not become law; those that do can be challenged again.
Congress has faced challenges to its authority, especially when dealing with the strong executive powers of President Donald Trump.
Taxes, especially income taxes introduced in the 20th century, now make up about half of U.S. government revenue.
Congress passed large tax cuts recently, which President Trump signed into law.
The Reconstruction Acts after the Civil War, passed by Congress over President Andrew Johnson’s veto, led to conflict between Congress and the president, including impeachment proceedings.
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Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is facing a strong challenge from Helena Foulkes in the Democratic primary. The race centers around McKee’s handling of a delayed and costly bridge replacement project in Providence that has caused traffic problems.
Key Facts
Dan McKee is the current governor of Rhode Island and has been in office since 2021.
Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive, is challenging McKee in the Democratic primary.
McKee narrowly won against Foulkes in the 2022 primary.
The Washington Bridge in Providence was closed in 2023 due to safety concerns related to a “critical failure.”
Bridge repairs have taken longer and cost more than expected, causing heavy traffic and commuter delays.
Foulkes criticizes McKee’s administration for working with powerful interests and not for ordinary people.
McKee defends his record, claiming he prioritizes safety and has a strong history of public service.
Incumbent governors rarely lose primaries; the last time in Rhode Island was in 1994.
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Sal Argano is the last firefighter still working at New York City's "Ten House," the fire station that first responded to the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago. The station is located near the World Trade Center site and serves both as an active firehouse and a memorial place visited by many tourists.
Key Facts
"Ten House" is the nickname for FDNY Engine 10 and Ladder 10 fire station in Manhattan, near the 9/11 Memorial.
Sal Argano, a firefighter who was not at the station during the attacks, survived because he was temporarily assigned elsewhere.
Six firefighters from this station died during the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The station remains active, responding to emergencies while also welcoming visitors who come to honor those lost in the attacks.
The firehouse has a large bronze plaque listing the names of firefighters who died on 9/11.
Captain Terence Brody, who joined the station in 2016, says the firehouse is well known globally and frequently visited by people paying respects.
The station was used as a command center and resting spot for first responders after the attacks.
The area around the firehouse has seen redevelopment and rebirth since 9/11.
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President Donald Trump gave holiday cash gifts to four White House aides, ranging from $20,000 to $45,000, as reported in their annual financial disclosures. These gifts are separate from their government salaries and are said to follow a tradition of Trump giving holiday presents to people in his circle.
Key Facts
President Trump gave $45,000 to three aides: Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris.
Walt Nauta received a $20,000 holiday gift from Trump.
Harp, Martin, and Harris each earn $150,000 per year as White House staff; Nauta earns $175,000.
The cash gifts are not connected to the aides’ official job duties and comply with legal and ethical rules.
Natalie Harp is known for carrying a portable printer to provide Trump with printed news and social media posts.
Margo Martin followed Trump from the White House to Palm Beach after the 2020 election and returned after his 2024 win.
Chamberlain Harris was appointed by Trump to a government commission overseeing the White House ballroom project.
Walt Nauta was charged with conspiracy in 2023 related to obstructing an FBI investigation but the charges were dismissed in 2024.
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The White House says that President Donald Trump gave $45,000 cash gifts to three White House employees for the holidays, including Natalie Harp, and that these gifts follow federal law and ethics rules. Some experts have raised concerns that such large cash gifts may violate rules against supplementing federal salaries, but others say it depends on the reasons behind the payments.
Key Facts
President Trump gave $45,000 cash holiday gifts to Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris, who work in the White House.
Each recipient also earns a government salary of about $150,000 a year.
Walt Nauta, another White House employee, received a $20,000 gift from Trump.
The White House said these gifts are a long-standing practice and do not relate to official duties.
Some ethics experts worry the gifts could break laws that forbid private payments adding to federal salaries.
Others say it’s unclear if the gifts violate any laws without knowing the exact reasons for giving the money.
Large payments like these could cause legal or ethics investigations if they are seen as bonus pay for government work.
Natalie Harp’s role close to President Trump has recently drawn public attention and scrutiny.
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The jury in the Lindsay Clancy trial could not agree on a verdict, leading to a mistrial. Most jurors believed Clancy was not guilty by reason of insanity due to postpartum psychosis, but one juror disagreed, causing a deadlock.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy was on trial for the murder of her three children.
Clancy admitted to the killings, but her defense said she suffered from postpartum psychosis, a serious mental illness after childbirth.
Prosecutors argued Clancy made a clear, planned decision to kill her children.
The jury had 12 members: nine women and three men.
Three female jurors, including the jury foreperson, spoke publicly after the trial ended.
Most jurors wanted to find Clancy not guilty by reason of insanity, but one male juror held out, creating reasonable doubt but rejecting that verdict.
The jury's deliberations involved emotional moments, disagreements, and even yelling.
Massachusetts law requires the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Clancy was responsible for her actions, not the defense to prove insanity.
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Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic primary in New Hampshire for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Chris Pappas. She narrowly defeated Maura Sullivan, the state Democratic Party Vice Chair, with most votes counted.
Key Facts
Stefany Shaheen is a health technology entrepreneur.
She is the daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire.
The primary was closely contested against Maura Sullivan.
Maura Sullivan is the state Democratic Party Vice Chair and a former senior official.
The seat is open because Representative Chris Pappas is leaving.
About 90% of precincts had reported results at the time.
The source reporting the results is Decision Desk HQ.
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President Donald Trump gave large holiday cash gifts to four White House aides, as shown in newly released financial disclosures. The gifts ranged from $20,000 to $45,000 and were separate from their government salaries.
Key Facts
President Trump gave $45,000 each to Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris, and $20,000 to Walt Nauta as holiday gifts.
Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris each earn $150,000 per year; Walt Nauta earns $175,000 annually.
These cash gifts were listed in the aides’ annual financial disclosures published by the White House.
A White House official said Trump often gives Christmas gifts to people close to him, both in government and private work.
The gifts are not related to the aides’ official government duties and are allowed under legal and ethical rules.
Natalie Harp is regularly with President Trump and helps by printing media coverage and social media posts.
Margo Martin worked with Trump during his first term, followed him to Florida after 2020, and returned to the White House after his 2024 win.
Walt Nauta was previously charged alongside Trump in a case about classified documents but the charges were dismissed in 2024.
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