The widow of Maj. Alex Klinner, an airman who died during a mission in the Middle East, said she was initially told her husband’s death did not qualify for war benefits because the U.S. is not officially at war with Iran. After her public complaint, the Pentagon reviewed the case and confirmed she would receive hazard pay and combat-related tax benefits.
Key Facts
Maj. Alex Klinner died in March when a KC-135 aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations against Iran.
His death is part of a conflict where 18 U.S. service members have been killed and 790 wounded in over six months.
Klinner’s widow, Libby, was told by a military officer that her husband was not eligible for certain benefits because the U.S. is “not at war.”
She posted her concerns on social media, which gained national attention.
Vice President JD Vance promised to help her receive all entitled benefits and expressed gratitude for the sacrifice.
The Trump administration avoids calling the situation a “war,” instead calling it a “military conflict” with no active shooting.
In July, the Pentagon created a new casualty category called “Overseas Operations” for U.S. deaths and injuries related to the Iran conflict.
The Air Force is reviewing Klinner’s final paycheck to include hazard pay and combat-related tax breaks after correcting their initial position.
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Michigan third grade students scored the lowest in reading proficiency in 12 years, with only 38.2% meeting English Language Arts standards on the latest state test. Reading scores also dropped for students in grades 4 through 7, despite ongoing efforts by the state to improve literacy and other academic skills.
Key Facts
Only 38.2% of Michigan third graders are proficient in reading, down from 38.9% the previous year.
This is the lowest reading proficiency for third graders in the 12-year history of the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP).
Overall, 44% of students in grades 3-8 are proficient in reading.
Math proficiency across grades 3-8 is about 35.5%, with mixed changes by grade.
Detroit Public Schools showed some improvement in third grade reading and math scores.
Grand Rapids and Lansing school districts also saw small gains in reading and math for some grades.
The Michigan Department of Education plans to release a new math framework this fall and form a STEM committee to improve learning.
State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko, who recently took office, said the state needs steady improvement in all subjects and grades.
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A judge ruled that former Senator Kyrsten Sinema can be sued in North Carolina under the state’s “homewrecker” law because she sent text messages to a member of her security detail while he was in the state. The lawsuit, filed by the security detail member’s ex-wife, claims Sinema’s relationship with him caused the end of their marriage.
Key Facts
Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema acknowledged having a romantic relationship with Matthew Ammel, a member of her security team.
Sinema argued she cannot be sued in North Carolina because she has no connection to the state.
A U.S. District Judge ruled that Sinema can be sued because she sent nine text messages to Ammel while he was in North Carolina.
The lawsuit seeks money damages for “alienation of affection,” a legal claim where a spouse can sue a third party blamed for breaking up a marriage.
Ammel’s ex-wife, Heather Ammel, says their marriage was loving before Sinema interfered, knowing Ammel was married.
Ammel joined Sinema’s security team after retiring from the Army in 2022 and traveled with her domestically and internationally.
Messages between Ammel and Sinema were found on the Signal app, describing their relationship starting sexually in May 2024.
Sinema says their sexual encounters did not happen in North Carolina, but the court found jurisdiction based on messages sent during Ammel’s presence there.
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President Donald Trump described the war with Iran as "small potatoes," noting that 18 Americans died compared to 100,000 in the Vietnam War. He called the US strikes "intermittent" and threatened to attack Pickaxe Mountain, which reportedly contains tunnels holding Iran's enriched uranium.
Key Facts
President Trump referred to the Iran war as "small potatoes."
He stated that 18 Americans had died in the conflict with Iran.
He compared these deaths to 100,000 American deaths in the Vietnam War.
Trump described US military strikes against Iran as "intermittent."
He threatened to attack Pickaxe Mountain in Iran.
Pickaxe Mountain is believed to have tunnels storing Iran’s enriched uranium.
Enriched uranium is material that can be used to make nuclear power or weapons.
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A six-week-old baby girl in Pennsylvania died of measles, confirmed by the county coroner. The baby also had a rare genetic condition, Amish lethal microcephaly, but the coroner said measles was the cause of death. This death is one of two recent measles deaths reported in Pennsylvania.
Key Facts
The baby died at home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, around August 18.
She had Amish lethal microcephaly, a genetic disorder causing small heads and underdeveloped brains, common in the Amish community.
Despite the genetic condition, the coroner confirmed that measles caused the death.
Pennsylvania has reported two measles deaths in infants recently.
Anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely claimed the deaths were fabricated by the state.
The CDC initially reported the deaths but removed them from the public website after Kennedy’s intervention.
The deaths remain recorded internally by the CDC but are not shown in the public measles death data.
The public note on the CDC website about the deaths was changed, removing earlier language that suggested uncertainty about the cause of death.
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The trial of Lindsay Clancy has brought attention to the importance of mental health care for mothers during pregnancy and after giving birth. Dr. Mary Kimmel, a psychiatrist who works with pregnant and postpartum women, spoke about the need for better support.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial, and the case has increased focus on maternal mental health.
Maternal mental health means the emotional and psychological well-being of women during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Dr. Mary Kimmel is a psychiatrist specializing in helping women with mental health issues related to pregnancy and postpartum periods.
The trial highlights how many mothers may not get enough mental health care.
Experts say better mental health care could prevent serious problems for mothers and families.
The conversations aim to improve support systems for maternal mental health.
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COVID-19 cases are rising in 47 states across the U.S. during the summer, according to the CDC. Most states see growing infections, but severe illness is less common than before, especially among healthy people.
Key Facts
The CDC reports COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 47 states.
No states currently show a decrease in COVID transmission.
Two states, Louisiana and Mississippi, are classified as having stable case numbers.
Common symptoms include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, and body aches.
Experts say the summer surge is due to lower immunity, more indoor gatherings, travel, and schools reopening.
The increase is smaller than past summer surges in 2021 and 2022, starting from low case levels.
Severe outcomes mostly affect elderly, immune-compromised, or people with chronic conditions.
Schools have mostly not closed or canceled classes due to the current COVID wave.
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A US Commerce Secretary said that data centres do not use water. However, data centres in the US actually use about 2 million liters of water every day. The water use by data centres has become a topic of debate before the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed data centres don’t use water.
The International Energy Agency reports that US data centres use roughly 2 million liters of water daily.
Data centres are facilities that store and manage computer data and require cooling systems that can consume water.
Water use by data centres has raised concerns in communities across the US.
This issue is receiving more attention as the country approaches the November midterm elections.
The statement by the official contrasts with independent data from an international energy agency.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States will import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef from Argentina and Brazil over 90 days to help lower rising beef prices. This plan removes certain tariffs on imported beef but has been criticized by U.S. cattle producers who worry it will harm domestic farmers.
Key Facts
President Trump revealed that imported beef will come mainly from Argentina and Brazil.
The plan allows up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to enter the U.S. without extra tariffs for 90 days.
The goal is to lower high grocery prices before the November midterm elections.
U.S. inspectors will ensure imported beef meets safety and quality standards.
The President said the plan is limited and supports domestic ranchers.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association opposed the plan, saying it could hurt U.S. cattle markets and producers.
The NCBA argues that flooding the market with imported beef could lower prices and harm American farmers.
The announcement was made following concerns about rising food costs affecting shoppers.
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President Donald Trump said that his former lawyer Michael Cohen has taken back some of his statements against him. Cohen had previously said he felt pressured by prosecutors but did not claim all his statements were false. This situation shows how political stories can be complicated and how people are often seen simply as heroes or villains in politics.
Key Facts
President Trump said Michael Cohen “fully recanted” his testimony against him.
Cohen wrote in January that he felt pressured and coerced by prosecutors.
Cohen did not say every damaging statement about Trump was false.
Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to crimes including tax evasion and lying to Congress.
He served a three-year prison sentence.
Michael Avenatti, another Trump opponent, was sentenced to prison for fraud.
People often see those who oppose political figures as heroes, even if their pasts are complex.
Political views can strongly influence how people judge the truthfulness of information.
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The Supreme Court allowed Republican party committees to access cheaper TV ad rates before the November elections by lifting a previous ruling that blocked this. The decision was made quickly and faced strong opposition from Democrats. Justice Jackson disagreed with the majority view.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made the decision on a Friday before the November elections.
The ruling lets Republican party committees buy TV ads at the lowest available rates given by broadcast stations.
This rule applies during the 60 days before a general election.
The Court lifted a previous ruling that stopped parties from getting these cheaper ad prices.
Democrats opposed the Supreme Court’s decision strongly.
Justice Jackson wrote a dissent, meaning she disagreed with the Court’s majority.
The case was treated as an emergency, leading to a fast decision.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States will begin importing beef from Brazil and Argentina without tariffs to help lower high beef prices. This decision is part of his administration’s effort to reduce food costs for American consumers.
Key Facts
President Trump confirmed the U.S. will import beef tariff-free from Brazil and Argentina.
The announcement was made during an event in the Oval Office.
The goal is to reduce the high price of beef in the United States.
Importing beef from other countries is intended to increase supply.
Ranchers and farmers attended the event where the announcement was made.
Removing tariffs means the beef will enter the U.S. market without extra taxes.
This move is part of President Trump’s strategy to address food inflation.
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Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat from Virginia, said the FBI and the Department of Justice told him they wiretapped his past phone calls with a Virginia state Senate leader. His office shared photos of letters from the agencies dated July and August confirming the monitoring of these calls.
Key Facts
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam is a Democrat from Virginia.
The FBI and DOJ informed him about wiretapping some of his phone calls.
The wiretapped calls were with a Virginia state Senate leader.
Subramanyam’s office shared photos of letters from the FBI and DOJ.
The letters were dated July and August.
These letters notified him about the monitoring of his calls.
The news relates to government surveillance and legal procedures.
The event was publicly announced on a Thursday.
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Four Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives are traveling to Dallas next week during the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention. They plan to work with local leaders and the Texas Democratic Party for events held alongside the convention.
Key Facts
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is holding a midterm convention in Dallas.
Four House Democrats—Robert Garcia (California), Jason Crow (Colorado), Madeleine Dean (Pennsylvania), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (California)—will attend Dallas during this time.
These Democrats are part of a delegation representing the House leadership.
Their visit is planned to coincide with the RNC convention.
They will collaborate with local Dallas leaders and the Texas Democratic Party.
The goal is to create events that offer an alternative perspective during the RNC convention.
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A judge declared a mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy murder case. Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz responded to reporters, saying the case is not about the healthcare system.
Key Facts
The Lindsay Clancy murder case ended in a mistrial.
A mistrial means the trial was not completed and no verdict was reached.
Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz spoke to reporters after the mistrial.
Cruz said the case should not be seen as a statement about the healthcare system.
The statements were reported by CBS News.
The case involved criminal charges regarding Lindsay Clancy.
The mistrial leaves the outcome of the case unresolved for now.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asked a court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Disney, which challenges the FCC’s early review of ABC’s broadcast licenses. The FCC says it is investigating claims that Disney’s diversity policies involve unlawful discrimination, and watchdog groups want to join the case because they worry Disney might settle without protecting the public interest.
Key Facts
Disney sued the FCC on August 18, claiming the agency is retaliating against ABC for content President Donald Trump dislikes.
The FCC responded by asking the court to dismiss Disney’s lawsuit and allow the ongoing review of ABC’s broadcast licenses to continue.
The review focuses on allegations that Disney engaged in unlawful discrimination related to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said no final decision has been made and the agency is open-minded, following the facts and the law.
Two watchdog groups and individual viewers want to join the lawsuit to ensure Disney does not settle in a way that harms the public.
The FCC said Disney’s responses to their questions were insufficient, leading to the early license review.
The FCC noted that broadcasters must serve the public interest to keep their licenses.
The case is being heard in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, but the FCC argues such orders should be reviewed by appeals courts.
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The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) agreed to sell flavored nicotine pouches called "mindSHFT" exclusively in all federal prison commissaries. The product is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not sold commercially. After concerns from a federal whistleblower, the BOP has paused the sales and is reviewing the arrangement.
Key Facts
The nicotine pouches are sold only through BOP commissaries in 118 federal prisons.
The product brand "mindSHFT" is not FDA-approved and is not available for sale outside prisons.
The supplying company, SHFT Enterprise Holdings LLC, was created shortly after BOP requested vendors for nicotine pouch products.
BOP did not issue a public formal contract but announced SHFT as the sole vendor in July 2024.
Inmates pay $9.10 per tin; the BOP pays $6.99 per tin, and the product has sold quickly in prisons.
A federal whistleblower raised concerns that these unapproved products could harm inmate health and safety.
BOP has stopped purchasing and selling the nicotine pouches while reviewing FDA advice and product safety.
No illnesses or adverse effects have been reported so far from use of the product in prisons.
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The judge declared a mistrial in Lindsay Clancy's murder case after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision following a week of discussion. Clancy, who admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty, argued that her mental illness affected her responsibility in the crime.
Key Facts
The jury deliberated for seven days but couldn't unanimously decide on the verdict.
Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial after the jury indicated a deadlock.
Lindsay Clancy, a former nurse, admitted to killing her children in 2023 but pleaded not guilty due to mental illness.
Clancy’s defense argued she had postpartum psychosis, a serious mental condition affecting her judgment.
Prosecutors disagreed with the diagnosis and said she is responsible for the murders.
The judge gave special instructions to the jury to try to reach a verdict, but one juror resisted following the legal standard of "reasonable doubt."
The defense requested the removal of this juror, but the judge refused.
Experts say the jury's disagreement reflects a community struggle with the moral aspects of the case.
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The judge in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial declared a mistrial because the jury could not agree on a verdict. An attendee of the trial said that the mistrial does not solve the issues in the case.
Key Facts
The Lindsay Clancy murder trial ended in a mistrial.
A mistrial happens when the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision.
The judge officially announced the mistrial on Friday.
The case remains unresolved after the mistrial declaration.
A person who attended the trial expressed that the mistrial does not provide closure.
The trial was covered by CBS News and its correspondents.
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