The House of Representatives censured Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) for sexual harassment of two young female staffers after an Ethics Committee investigation. The decision was supported by most members of both parties, and Edwards has apologized but denies the conduct was meant to be sexual harassment.
Key Facts
The House voted to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards for inappropriate behavior toward two female staffers in their 20s.
The Ethics Committee found Edwards failed to follow rules against sexual harassment and unwanted advances.
The censure vote had strong bipartisan support, with almost all Republicans and all Democrats voting for it.
Edwards has dropped his reelection campaign and issued a public apology, but denied admitting to sexual harassment.
Examples of misconduct included gifts, handwritten letters, a poem, invitations to comedy shows, and trips that made the staffers uncomfortable.
One staffer said she felt pressured by Edwards’ persistence, including during a vacation in Las Vegas amid a government shutdown.
This censure is one of the most serious punishments by the House and the first since 2010.
House leaders, including Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Ethics Chairman Michael Guest, supported the Ethics Committee’s findings and the censure.
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The House formally reprimanded Representative Chuck Edwards after an investigation found he acted unprofessionally toward two women who worked for him. The House Ethics Committee said Edwards' behavior caused rumors and violated rules against sexual harassment, though no evidence showed sexual activity or explicit propositions.
Key Facts
The House voted 413 to 2 to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards for inappropriate conduct.
The Ethics Committee report said Edwards unprofessionally treated two women who worked for him.
Edwards gave the women expensive gifts like jewelry, purses, guns, and flowers.
He arranged personal activities for them, such as dinners, trips, spa treatments, and a singer at a party.
Edwards admitted poor judgment but denied sexual harassment and apologized publicly.
The conduct violated House rules against sexual harassment and creating toxic workplaces.
Edwards made comments about the women's appearance and sent personal notes and texts.
The committee said such behavior is inappropriate for a Member of Congress, putting staff in difficult positions.
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The jury in Lindsay Clancy’s case could not reach a unanimous decision. Judge William Sullivan told the jury to keep discussing the case and sent them back to think more about the evidence.
Key Facts
The jury in Lindsay Clancy’s trial could not agree on a verdict.
This situation is called a "hung jury."
Judge William Sullivan asked the jury to continue their discussions.
The jury returned to deliberate again after the judge’s request.
A hung jury means the trial may not have a clear outcome right away.
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The House of Representatives voted 413-2 to officially criticize Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards from North Carolina for inappropriate behavior toward female staff members. This action follows a report by the House Ethics Committee that investigated the allegations.
Key Facts
The House voted overwhelmingly to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards.
The vote count was 413 in favor and 2 against.
The censure was based on claims of inappropriate behavior with women working in his office.
The House Ethics Committee released a report on these allegations early last month.
Lawmakers from both political parties agreed on the censure.
This event is part of ongoing disciplinary actions against current members of Congress.
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President Donald Trump signed an order to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America” for U.S. government use, a move linked to worsening U.S.-Canada relations. Podcaster Joe Rogan criticized the name change, saying it distracts Americans from the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has seen declining public support.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order on August 27 to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” in U.S. federal systems.
The name change affects only U.S. usage; Canada continues to call it Lake Ontario.
Joe Rogan said the renaming is meant to distract people from the war with Iran.
The U.S. is involved in military actions against Iran amid low public support for the conflict.
Recent polls show about two-thirds of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Iran war.
Most Americans also oppose renaming Lake Ontario, with approval ratings around 14-17 percent.
Google Maps reflects the name change for U.S. users, but not in Canada.
The renaming comes during increased trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
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A man named Philan-Tam-Duy Le is accused of bringing a guillotine near the U.S. Capitol. Before his arrest, he posted a video on Instagram showing the guillotine and himself wearing an executioner’s hood.
Key Facts
The accused man’s name is Philan-Tam-Duy Le.
He brought a guillotine near the United States Capitol Building.
Before traveling to Washington, D.C., he posted his plans on social media.
The post appeared on Instagram on August 12.
The video showed the guillotine and Le wearing a black hood like an executioner.
Authorities arrested him after monitoring his social media activity.
The incident happened near the U.S. Capitol, a key government building.
The use of a guillotine is unusual and raised safety concerns.
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The White House confirmed that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning. His resignation follows months of disagreement with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Key Facts
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down from his position.
The White House officially confirmed Driscoll’s resignation.
There were ongoing conflicts between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The reasons for the resignation relate to these internal disputes.
Marine veteran and former CIA officer Elliot Ackerman provided analysis on the situation.
The news was reported by CBS News.
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U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright will visit Venezuela to support a new oil deal giving the U.S. control over a large part of Venezuela’s oil reserves. This agreement allows the U.S. to access oil fields through a partnership with a private company and aims to help U.S. oil supplies while also benefiting Venezuela’s government.
Key Facts
The deal gives the U.S. access to about 65 billion barrels of Venezuela’s oil, roughly 20% of the country’s total reserves.
The U.S. will partner with North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), led by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt.
The U.S. Defense Department will own 35% of the new company, and the State Department can buy 20% of the oil at cost.
The oil lease agreement will last 100 years and covers 17 large oil fields in Venezuela.
Venezuela’s National Assembly approved the deal, but some lawmakers criticized the lack of public details.
The U.S. official said the deal reduces China and Russia’s influence on Venezuela’s oil.
Chevron is also expected to expand its operations in Venezuela soon.
Venezuela’s oil sector is in poor condition due to U.S. sanctions and government problems.
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An Ohio man named William D. DeFoor admitted in court that he damaged windows at Vice President JD Vance’s home in Cincinnati. He pleaded guilty to charges involving violence against government property and officials.
Key Facts
William D. DeFoor is from Ohio.
He damaged windows at Vice President JD Vance’s home.
The incident happened earlier this year.
DeFoor pleaded guilty in federal court.
Charges include violence against government officials or property.
He also admitted to causing intentional damage to U.S. government property.
The Justice Department announced the guilty plea.
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The House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning socialism, with most Republicans and eight Democrats voting in favor. The resolution also supports a voting reform bill backed by President Trump, which remains stalled in the Senate.
Key Facts
The resolution was approved by a vote of 220 to 192 to 2.
Eight Democrats joined all Republicans in voting to pass the resolution.
Two Democrats voted "present" instead of yes or no.
The resolution condemns socialism in all its forms.
It also expresses support for the SAVE America Act, a voting reform bill championed by President Trump.
The SAVE America Act has not passed the Senate due to lack of majority support.
The vote came after some Democratic primary voters chose candidates linked to democratic socialism.
House Democratic leaders opposed the resolution due to its tie to the SAVE America Act and criticized it as voter suppression.
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The White House, under President Donald Trump, shared more information about a new oil deal with Venezuela. The announcement explained parts of the agreement involving energy and oil trade between the two countries.
Key Facts
The announcement happened on a Monday evening.
The deal involves oil trade between the United States and Venezuela.
The Trump administration is leading the agreement.
The details were shared to explain how the two countries will work together on energy.
The announcement was made by the White House (the U.S. executive branch).
The deal is connected to U.S. efforts to manage energy resources.
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Two House Democratic lawmakers, Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, voted with Republicans on a key procedural vote, allowing the passage of rules for debating a group of bills. This surprise move upset House Democratic leaders because it showed their limited control over some members and included a bill protecting lobstermen that Golden supports.
Key Facts
The House passed a procedural "rule" vote 210-208 with help from two centrist Democrats voting with Republicans.
Reps. Jared Golden (Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Washington) rarely follow party instructions or attend caucus meetings.
The rule included a resolution condemning socialism and the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act, which Golden co-leads.
Golden voted for the rule partly because it protected lobstermen from environmental regulations aimed at protecting whales.
Gluesenkamp Perez voted for it because it included Golden’s bill.
House Democratic leaders and staff were not warned in advance about the defections.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed surprise and disappointment over the failed vote.
The vote caused tensions and criticism within the House Democratic leadership and membership.
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The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial told the judge they could not agree on a verdict. This situation could lead the judge to declare a mistrial. The jury will try again to reach a decision when they meet again on Wednesday.
Key Facts
The Lindsay Clancy murder trial is currently underway.
The jury informed the judge that they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
A unanimous verdict means all jurors agree on the decision.
Because of this disagreement, the judge may declare a mistrial.
A mistrial means the trial ends without a verdict and may need to start over.
Deliberations, or jury discussions, are planned to continue on Wednesday.
CBS News reporters Shanelle Kaul and Caroline Polisi are covering the story.
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Apple has changed the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on its maps, following a similar change made by Google. This renaming happened after President Donald Trump issued an executive order to rename the lake and other geographic sites.
Key Facts
Apple renamed Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on Apple Maps.
Google also renamed Lake Ontario to "Lake America," but only for users located in the United States.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order to rename Lake Ontario and other sites like the Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali.
The U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said President Trump asked Apple to rename the lake.
Apple and Google base such name changes on official U.S. government sources like the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS).
Canadian officials say they will not recognize the new name, and users in Canada will still see "Lake Ontario."
Other map providers like MapQuest have decided not to change the lake’s name.
The renaming involves a body of water shared by the U.S. and Canada, and President Trump does not have unilateral authority to rename it internationally.
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Rep. Thomas Massie named 14 people he said helped Jeffrey Epstein in his crimes during a House speech. He also criticized the Department of Justice for not releasing over 3 million files related to Epstein, despite a law signed by President Donald Trump requiring transparency.
Key Facts
Rep. Thomas Massie spoke on the House floor about Jeffrey Epstein’s associates.
Massie named 14 individuals who he said aided Epstein’s crimes.
Some named include Jes Staley, Leon Black, and Les Wexner.
These individuals have testified before a House committee investigating Epstein.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed by President Donald Trump.
This law requires the DOJ to release files about Epstein's crimes.
Massie said the DOJ is still withholding more than 3 million files.
Massie made these statements after Congress returned from its August recess.
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The U.S. House of Representatives approved a short-term funding bill to keep the government running until December 11. This bill delays a planned ban on hemp products that contain intoxicating substances, giving the hemp industry more time to address concerns.
Key Facts
The House passed the continuing resolution by a vote of 370 to 48.
The bill funds the government through December 11.
The hemp industry faces a potential ban on intoxicating hemp products.
The funding bill delays this ban for about one month.
19 Republicans and 29 Democrats voted against the bill.
The delay provides time for the industry to take action against the crackdown.
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President Donald Trump met with oil company executives to talk about ways to reduce fuel prices. The meeting happened just before the Labor Day weekend when many Americans travel and face high gas costs.
Key Facts
President Trump held a meeting with oil industry leaders on Tuesday.
The focus was on finding ways to lower fuel prices for drivers.
This meeting took place ahead of the busy Labor Day travel weekend.
Rising fuel costs have been a concern for many Americans.
CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand reported on this event.
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A special Border Patrol team is helping search for a hiker missing after a sudden flood in the Grand Canyon. The flood also caused the deaths of two men and led to many people being evacuated.
Key Facts
A flash flood hit the Grand Canyon over the weekend.
At least two people died because of the flood: John Guisti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42.
Families confirmed the deaths on Tuesday.
Dozens of people had to be evacuated because of the dangerous conditions.
A specialized Border Patrol team is now part of the search effort for a missing hiker.
The search and rescue operation is ongoing.
Flash floods happen quickly and can be very dangerous in areas like the Grand Canyon.
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Erin Piacenti, a Bank of America vice-president, was killed in a stabbing attack in Times Square, New York City. The attacker, a woman with a history of mental health issues, was shot and killed by police after refusing to drop knives.
Key Facts
Erin Piacenti was 32 years old and worked as a vice-president at Bank of America in their business selection and conflicts unit.
The attack happened in broad daylight on Monday near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, stopping traffic and attracting emergency responders.
A 68-year-old man was also stabbed but is in stable condition.
The attacker was Pamela Cisneros, age 49, who carried two large knives and was shot by police after not complying.
Cisneros had a known history of mental health problems.
Bank of America expressed sorrow and said they were supporting the police investigation and the safety of their staff.
Piacenti had a law degree from Fordham Law School and graduated in 2021 alongside her husband.
The incident is considered random and unprovoked by the New York Police Department.
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Harold Gene Lucas, aged 74, was scheduled to be executed in Florida for the 1976 murder of a 16-year-old girl and the wounding of two others. This would be Florida’s 14th execution this year, with two more executions planned later in September.
Key Facts
Harold Gene Lucas was convicted for killing Jill Piper and wounding her friends in 1976.
Lucas has been on death row for about 50 years and chose not to appeal his execution.
Florida uses lethal injection to carry out executions.
Florida has executed 19 people so far in 2025, the highest number since 1976.
The state accounts for more than half of the 23 executions in the US this year.
Two other Florida executions are scheduled for September 10 and September 29.
The cases of these executions involve different crimes, including kidnapping and murder.
Lucas was sentenced to death multiple times due to legal appeals and retrials.
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