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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A new poll shows Texas Governor Greg Abbott leading Democrat Gina Hinojosa by just 1 point in the race for governor, less than two months before the election. Abbott, a Republican, is seeking a fourth term, while Democrats hope to win Texas for the first time in more than 30 years.
Key Facts
Greg Abbott, the current Texas governor and Republican, is running for his fourth term.
Gina Hinojosa, a Texas state representative and Democrat, is Abbott’s main opponent.
Texas has not elected a Democratic governor since 1990.
Recent poll shows Abbott with 46.9% support and Hinojosa with 45.8%, with 7% undecided voters.
Including “leaning” voters, Abbott’s support rises to 51.2% and Hinojosa’s to 48.8%.
The race is considered more competitive than expected but Abbott remains the favorite.
Abbott has high odds of winning according to prediction markets (around 81-82%).
Voters in Texas will decide the governor’s race in November along with other statewide elections.
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The parents of a 5-year-old autistic girl named Saylor Hayes were arrested in connection with her disappearance and death in South Carolina. Authorities say the parents misled the search efforts and did not provide proper supervision for the child, who was found dead near the place she went missing.
Key Facts
Saylor Hayes went missing after wandering away from a rental home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Her body was found near water the day after she disappeared.
Her parents, John Hayes (70) and Geordyn Hayes (31), were charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk and willful abandonment.
The parents removed a monitoring device meant to help track Saylor before leaving Virginia.
They encouraged searchers to rely on the tracking device even though she was not wearing it.
The parents directed search efforts away from the nearby water where Saylor was found.
Saylor had autism, was nonverbal, and had a history of wandering.
The parents are currently held in Tennessee and face extradition to South Carolina.
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A congressional aide named Thomas Fahmy was struck by lightning while walking near his car in Staten Island, New York. He survived the incident and shared his experience with a news outlet.
Key Facts
Thomas Fahmy works for Representative Nicole Malliotakis from New York.
The lightning strike happened on Todt Hill in Staten Island.
Fahmy was very close to his car, about 15 to 25 feet away, when the lightning hit.
He survived without fatal injuries.
The event was caught on video.
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The jury is still unable to agree on a verdict in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, a woman from Massachusetts. Clancy admitted to killing her three children but says she was experiencing postpartum psychosis, a serious mental health condition after childbirth.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the murder of her three children.
She has admitted to killing them.
Clancy pleaded not guilty, citing postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness that can occur after having a baby.
The jury remains deadlocked and has not reached a decision yet.
The trial is happening in Massachusetts.
The case is being covered by CBS News journalists Shanelle Kaul and Jessica Levinson.
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A whistleblower has raised concerns that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) may be speeding up new rules for handling mail-in voting. There is a risk that if one ballot in a large batch does not scan correctly, thousands of ballots could be rejected.
Key Facts
The USPS is reportedly introducing new requirements for processing mail-in ballots.
A whistleblower shared concerns about these changes.
The changes might cause many ballots to be rejected at once.
If one ballot in a batch fails to scan, the whole batch could be refused.
This issue could affect the accuracy and count of mail-in votes.
The system depends on successful scanning of each ballot.
Bulk mailing means sending many ballots together.
The concern relates to the security and reliability of voting by mail.
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The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial told the judge twice that they cannot agree on a verdict. After five days of talking, the judge sent the jury back to keep discussing the case.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the murder of her three children in 2023.
Clancy does not deny strangling her children.
Her lawyer says she suffered from postpartum psychosis, a severe mental illness after childbirth.
Prosecutors argue Clancy knew what she was doing during the crime.
The jury is having trouble reaching a decision after five days of deliberations.
The judge reminded the jury to keep discussing possible verdicts.
Clancy appeared expressionless in court during the trial.
No visible reactions were seen from Clancy’s family members in the courtroom.
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James Talarico, a U.S. politician, made comments in 2020 linking capitalism to white supremacy and stating that oil resources will not last forever. These remarks have resurfaced and are drawing attention as he addresses questions about them.
Key Facts
James Talarico made certain statements in 2020 during a period of heightened focus on social justice issues.
In his comments, he connected the economic system of capitalism with white supremacy, a system of racial oppression.
He also said that oil, a major energy source, will eventually run out and is not sustainable long term.
The remarks have recently come back into discussion, prompting Talarico to respond to them.
The original comments were made during a time some call the peak of “wokeness,” referring to increased awareness of social inequalities.
Talarico’s statements highlight concerns about social and environmental issues.
The discussion involves economic, racial, and environmental topics linked to energy use and social justice.
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Leading U.S. medical groups have released updated recommendations for flu and COVID-19 vaccines for this fall. They want to provide clear and science-based advice amid changes and confusion caused by last year’s government guidance. The flu vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone over 6 months old, and specific COVID-19 shots are advised mainly for older adults and those with health risks.
Key Facts
Several top U.S. medical groups issued updated vaccine guidelines to reduce confusion about flu and COVID-19 shots this fall.
Flu vaccines are starting now, and COVID-19 vaccines were recently approved by the FDA for updated versions.
The Trump administration last year changed some routine vaccine advice, causing mixed messages.
Most people aged 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine; it helps reduce severe flu outcomes like hospitalization.
Older adults (65+), pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk from flu.
New flu vaccine options include three enhanced vaccines for seniors and a new mRNA-based flu shot for those 50 and older.
COVID-19 vaccines are formally recommended and approved mainly for people 65 and older or those with health risks.
Family doctors suggest all adults consider COVID-19 shots, especially seniors and those with risk factors.
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The U.S. Mint started selling $1 coins featuring President Donald Trump as collectible items that can also be used as real money. These coins have a face value of $1, making them legal to spend, but not all stores may accept them.
Key Facts
The U.S. Mint began selling $1 Trump coins on Wednesday.
The coins are sold in rolls of 25 for $61 and bags of 100 for $154.50.
Although promoted as collectibles, the coins have a face value of $1 and are legal tender under federal law.
Legal tender means these coins can be used to pay debts and taxes, but businesses can decide if they accept them.
Past $1 coins, like the Sacagawea and presidential series, were unpopular and saw limited circulation.
Federal law usually bans portraits of living people on U.S. coins, raising legal questions about the Trump coin.
The Treasury Department said the coin is allowed because it commemorates the nation's 250th anniversary, which permits special designs.
The Trump coin is real money but might be tricky to use in everyday payments because of limited acceptance.
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Federal prosecutors have not confirmed whether they secretly got phone records of journalist Don Lemon using a rare legal request, according to Lemon’s lawyers. This request, made under a rarely used law tied to customs investigations, has raised privacy concerns because it was used in a case about a protest and civil rights.
Key Facts
Prosecutors served Verizon with a request in January for Don Lemon’s phone records from December 19 to January 20.
The request was made under 19 USC 1509, a law meant for customs investigations, not criminal cases.
This type of request does not require a court-approved warrant or grand jury subpoena.
Experts worry this practice violates the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches.
Lemon’s lawyers asked prosecutors for confirmation if Verizon complied, but prosecutors have not replied.
The Department of Homeland Security previously used this law to obtain phone records of another journalist, Georgia Fort, without her knowledge.
A judge had rejected a government attempt to get Lemon’s and Fort’s YouTube records, stressing special protections for journalists.
Many defendants in the case have asked for the case to be dismissed due to the government’s use of these summonses, claiming abuse of legal authority.
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Dan Driscoll resigned as U.S. Army Secretary after 18 months in the job, having been appointed by President Trump to help end the Ukraine war and update U.S. forces. His resignation follows a series of high-level departures and firings under Pentagon official Pete Hegseth, raising concerns about leadership, military readiness, and morale amid ongoing conflicts.
Key Facts
Dan Driscoll stepped down as Army Secretary after serving 18 months.
President Trump appointed Driscoll with goals including ending the Ukraine war and modernizing the military.
Pete Hegseth, a senior Pentagon official, has removed or pushed out many top military leaders across multiple branches.
The Pentagon now has fewer senior leaders during an ongoing war with Iran.
There are worries about low munitions supplies and military morale.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier spent a record 250 days at sea without a port stop before docking in Pattaya, Thailand.
Conditions and mental stress on the ship’s crew have been questioned by members of Congress.
The visit to Pattaya is the largest presence of U.S. military personnel there since 1975.
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A woman was arrested for reportedly filming jurors outside the courthouse during the trial of Lindsay Clancy. Authorities said she was capturing video as the jurors left the building.
Key Facts
The incident happened outside the courthouse where Lindsay Clancy's trial is taking place.
A woman was arrested on Tuesday for filming jurors.
The jurors were filmed as they exited the courthouse.
Authorities consider filming jurors during a trial a serious issue.
The trial involves Lindsay Clancy, who is the focus of the court case.
CBS News reporters Shanelle Kaul and Jessica Levinson covered the story.
The arrest came amid heightened security around the trial.
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A federal appeals court ruled that a judge did not have the power to overturn Bowe Bergdahl’s military conviction for desertion. The court said only military courts can change court-martial decisions, so Bergdahl’s case was dismissed in civilian court.
Key Facts
Bowe Bergdahl was a U.S. Army soldier convicted of deserting his post in Afghanistan in 2009.
He was captured by Taliban-linked forces and held for nearly five years before being released in a prisoner swap in 2014.
Bergdahl pleaded guilty in 2017 and was dishonorably discharged, but prosecutors wanted a 14-year prison sentence.
In 2023, a federal judge tried to overturn Bergdahl’s conviction, saying there was a conflict of interest with the military judge.
The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that civilian courts do not have the authority to overturn military court decisions.
Three judges, including one nominated by President Trump, agreed the case should be dismissed.
Bergdahl’s lawyer said they are considering their options after the ruling.
Bergdahl left his post to report poor leadership but was charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.
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A nonprofit called Protect Democracy has sued four federal agencies to force them to reveal the secret rules used by President Trump's administration to review the safety of advanced AI models. The group says the government has made almost no information public about how AI models are tested before release or who is involved in the process.
Key Facts
Four federal agencies are being sued to disclose secret procedures for AI safety testing used during President Trump's term.
Protect Democracy claims very few details have been shared with the public or Congress about the AI review framework.
The government’s review process is only partially known to a few “trusted partners,” with little transparency on involved companies or legal authority.
OpenAI reportedly has a private agreement with the government to limit who can access its latest AI models.
The lawsuit demands release of all unclassified documents about the framework by September 30, including rules, participants, and selection criteria.
Protect Democracy expresses concern about possible bias favoring AI firms preferred by Trump and retaliation against firms seen as politically unfavorable.
There are worries that safety reviews may be incomplete or outdated, potentially exposing AI users to risks.
Some politicians criticize the government for lacking transparency and proper oversight of AI safety.
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An attorney who represents almost a dozen survivors of Jeffrey Epstein does not expect the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take action on a list of names related to Epstein’s case. The list was issued by Representative Thomas Massie.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein was involved in a criminal case relating to abuse and trafficking.
Nearly a dozen survivors of Epstein are represented by one attorney.
Representative Thomas Massie issued a list of names connected to Epstein.
The attorney believes the DOJ will not act on the list.
The Department of Justice is the U.S. government agency responsible for law enforcement.
The article does not mention if the DOJ has responded.
The focus is on legal actions concerning people linked to Epstein’s crimes.
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A Gallup poll found that 89% of Americans believe corruption is widespread in the U.S. government, the highest level recorded in the survey’s history. This marks a 10 percentage point increase from previous polls.
Key Facts
89% of Americans said corruption is widespread in the U.S. government.
This is the highest level of perceived corruption Gallup has ever recorded.
The percentage increased by 10 points compared to earlier surveys.
The poll was released on a Wednesday.
The survey was conducted by Gallup, a well-known polling organization.
The question asked was: “Is corruption widespread throughout the government in this country, or not?”
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A mixed martial arts event in Orlando, Florida, featured racist and antisemitic comments by a fighter and a spectator displaying a large swastika flag. Local officials and political leaders condemned the behavior but said the event was allowed under the U.S. Constitution's free speech protections.
Key Facts
The event took place at the Kia Center in Orlando and featured a fight between Paul Miller and Ben Azoulay.
Paul Miller, known as the “gypsy crusader,” used antisemitic insults and Nazi salutes during the fight.
A spectator was removed after waving a large swastika flag, a symbol connected to Nazi Germany.
Orlando city officials said they had to host the event due to First Amendment rights protecting free speech.
The city and venue expressed that they do not support the hateful views shown at the event.
Florida Democratic leader Anna Eskamani and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer condemned the antisemitism and called for stronger rules against hate.
US Senator Rick Scott also criticized the antisemitic actions, saying hate has no place in Florida.
Paul Miller has a history of white supremacist views and past criminal offenses.
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President Donald Trump met with a group of U.S. travel executives at the White House on Wednesday afternoon. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was also expected to join the meeting.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted travel industry leaders at the White House.
The meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was expected to attend.
The gathering involved executives from the U.S. travel sector.
The event was available to watch live.
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A new Gallup survey shows that nearly 9 out of 10 Americans believe corruption in the U.S. government is widespread, the highest level in 20 years. This rise in concern coincides with President Donald Trump’s return to office and reflects low trust in government institutions across the political spectrum.
Key Facts
89% of U.S. adults say there is widespread government corruption, a 10-point increase from last year.
Democrats’ concern about corruption rose from 57% in 2024 to 91% after President Trump took office again.
About 90% of independent voters also believe government corruption is widespread, up 12 points since 2024.
President Trump earned over $2.2 billion in his first year back, with income from sources like cryptocurrency and early access to Truth Social posts.
Critics highlight potential conflicts of interest, including foreign investment in Trump’s crypto firm and acceptance of expensive gifts like a $400 million jet from Qatar.
Some Democrats accuse Trump and his family of benefiting from eased regulations on cryptocurrency.
Republicans have maintained a steady view, with about 80% seeing corruption as widespread regardless of which party is in power.
The U.S. now has the highest perceived government corruption level among wealthy countries in the OECD, while corruption perceptions in other countries have generally fallen.
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Senator Thom Tillis is asking President Trump to remove Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Tillis criticizes Hegseth’s handling of military affairs, especially after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned due to disagreements with Hegseth.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis represents North Carolina.
Tillis was once part of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Tillis has publicly asked President Trump to fire Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense.
Tillis describes Hegseth’s management as “inept.”
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned after conflicts with Hegseth.
Driscoll’s resignation increased criticism of Hegseth’s leadership.
The issues center around how military departments are being managed.
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