U.S. officials are working with Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt to gain control over large oilfields in Venezuela. The Pentagon holds a stake in Betancourt’s company, giving the U.S. rights to buy oil at cost, and officials defend this deal as a practical way to increase American access to oil despite Betancourt’s controversial background.
Key Facts
Alejandro Betancourt leads North American Blue Energy Partners, the company partnering with the U.S. government in Venezuela.
The Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital owns 35% of the company.
The U.S. can buy 20% of the oil output at cost after the company pays Venezuelan taxes.
U.S. officials describe Betancourt as a proven oil operator vetted by the administration.
Betancourt has past ties to the Trump administration and helped activities against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
In 2018, Betancourt was named a "conspirator" in a money laundering case but was never charged due to lack of evidence.
Swiss authorities paused legal proceedings, allowing Betancourt to travel and finalize the oil deal.
Some experts question the legality and long-term impact of the U.S.-Venezuela oil agreement.
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Many people have gathered at a courthouse in Massachusetts where Lindsay Clancy's trial is underway. These people want to meet her defense lawyer, Kevin Reddington.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial in Massachusetts.
Kevin Reddington is her defense attorney.
Supporters have come to the courthouse to meet Kevin Reddington.
The event has attracted public interest and media coverage.
CBS News reporter Shanelle Kaul is reporting on the situation.
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Two Democratic members of Congress voted with Republicans to approve a set of bills supported by the GOP. This helped stop some conservative Republicans from blocking the vote and allowed Speaker Mike Johnson’s plans for the week to move forward.
Key Facts
Two Democrats joined Republicans to advance GOP-backed bills.
The vote passed with a tally of 210 in favor and 208 against.
Five Republicans voted against the bills, showing some dissent.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was leading the agenda that the bills were part of.
This kind of cross-party voting is uncommon.
The move prevented conservatives from blocking the vote.
Representatives Jared Golden and another Democrat were part of the cross-party votes.
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A Colorado teenager was arrested for making posts about a viral "Cat in the Hat" social media trend that shows people dressed as the character lurking near schools or homes. Authorities and schools across several states have warned about the trend because it causes fear and can lead to criminal charges.
Key Facts
The trend features videos or photos of people dressed as the Cat in the Hat lurking near streets, homes, or schools.
Some posts include threatening messages or try to scare people.
The trend started on Snapchat and spread to TikTok and other platforms, getting millions of views.
A 14-year-old student in Grand Junction, Colorado, was arrested for harassment related to this trend.
Police found no real threat but increased school security as a precaution.
Similar "killer clown" social media scares happened in 2016, also causing arrests.
Schools and police in Texas, Michigan, and Oklahoma have warned against joining the trend.
Officials say threatening posts on social media are taken seriously and may lead to criminal charges.
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The White House will hold a press briefing on Thursday, which will be the first in more than 40 days. An official confirmed the event but did not say who will speak at the briefing.
Key Facts
The upcoming press briefing is the first in over 40 days.
The briefing is scheduled for Thursday.
A White House official confirmed the plans but did not name the speaker.
The announcement follows the recent departure of former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The White House has had a long gap between press briefings.
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The US House of Representatives passed a government funding bill to prevent a shutdown before the November midterm elections. The bill keeps government spending at current levels until December 11 and now goes to President Donald Trump for approval.
Key Facts
The House approved the funding bill by a vote of 370 to 48.
The bill is called a continuing resolution (CR), which extends spending at current levels.
Without this bill, the government could have shut down at the end of September.
The Senate already approved the bill last month with strong support.
Earlier, the House passed a different CR, but Democrats rejected it due to concerns over immigration enforcement funding.
The new bill delays a White House rule that Democrats worried could allow Trump’s administration to cancel grants anytime.
Democrats and Republicans made this agreement to avoid a shutdown before crucial midterm elections.
Past funding disputes have led to government shutdowns and delays, especially over health care subsidies and immigration enforcement.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a short-term funding bill to keep the federal government open until early December. The Senate already approved the bill, and it now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature to avoid a government shutdown before the elections.
Key Facts
The House passed the funding bill by a vote of 370-48.
The bill prevents a government shutdown at the end of the current fiscal year in September.
The Senate has approved the same bill, so it will go to President Trump for approval.
The funding measure keeps federal agency budgets at current levels through December 11.
This stopgap is meant to avoid the disruption caused by last year’s record-long government shutdowns.
The bill includes changes to prevent money transfers within the Department of Homeland Security.
It delays a proposed rule allowing political appointees to block grants based on alignment with President Trump’s agenda.
Republicans want increased military spending and cuts to non-defense programs in the full-year budget, while Democrats want balanced funding for domestic programs.
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A whistleblower raised concerns about serious issues in the U.S. Postal Service's new system for handling mail ballots. These problems could affect how mail ballots are processed during elections.
Key Facts
A whistleblower has alerted officials about problems in the USPS mail ballot system.
The USPS has recently introduced a new system for processing mail ballots.
The whistleblower described the problems as "potentially catastrophic."
Mail ballots are important for voting, especially in elections where many people vote by mail.
CBS News election law expert David Becker discussed the issue.
The warning was shared as part of a CBS News report.
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The House of Representatives passed a short-term bill to fund the federal government until early December, avoiding a government shutdown during the election season. The Senate already approved the bill, and it now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature.
Key Facts
The House passed the funding bill with a vote of 370-48.
The bill prevents a government shutdown before the fiscal year ends in September.
The measure funds the government at current spending levels through December 11.
The bill includes changes such as limiting the Department of Homeland Security's ability to transfer funds to the Border Patrol.
It delays a proposed rule allowing political appointees to block federal grants on political grounds.
Democrats and Republicans continue to disagree on longer-term funding, especially military vs. domestic spending.
Lawmakers want to avoid shutdowns like the ones that happened last year, which caused major disruptions.
The bill provides more time to negotiate a full-year government budget.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removed two reported measles deaths in Pennsylvania from its latest national data, questioning if measles caused the deaths. The move comes amid a dispute involving anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Pennsylvania officials, with limited information released about the deaths.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania health officials initially reported two measles deaths, a newborn and a child, both unvaccinated.
The CDC’s new director, Erica Schwartz, decided not to include these deaths in national measles data, citing unclear cause of death.
The CDC website changed measles death numbers multiple times before removing the two deaths and adding a note about uncertain cause.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly questioned the validity of the reported deaths and spread measles misinformation on social media.
The deaths occurred during a measles outbreak in Lancaster County, where the families involved live, notably in Amish communities.
A coroner suggested that the newborn’s death was due to a ruptured spleen, not directly caused by measles, but medical experts noted the baby was infected.
The baby’s mother was severely ill with measles at birth, and the baby was born with a pulse but died shortly after birth.
Officials have been criticized for not sharing enough details, which has allowed misinformation to spread.
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The U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, said that trade talks with Canada are not happening right now because recent negotiations failed. New tariffs from President Donald Trump’s administration on Canadian goods have started, and the U.S. sees the situation as an urgent problem mainly for Canada.
Key Facts
Trade talks between the U.S. and Canada stopped last month.
New tariffs on Canadian products have begun under President Trump’s administration.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said there are no current negotiations with Canada.
Greer described the trade issue as more of an emergency for Canada than for the U.S.
The information was reported by Politico on a Tuesday.
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Senator Mike Rounds expressed disappointment about the resignation of Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. He is also concerned about many changes happening among top military leaders under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Key Facts
Sen. Mike Rounds represents South Dakota and is a senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll resigned recently.
Senator Rounds said Driscoll was a reliable and solid leader.
There is a wider pattern of turnover in senior military officers under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Senator Rounds feels this turnover may be problematic.
Pete Hegseth is the current Secretary of Defense.
The resignation and leadership changes are taking place during President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested about 2,100 people in a special operation in New York over the past month. He described those arrested as criminals and criticized New York's governor and mayor for not cooperating with ICE.
Key Facts
ICE carried out a targeted arrest operation in New York over the last month.
About 2,100 people were arrested during this operation.
Secretary Mullin called the arrested individuals criminals.
Mullin criticized New York's governor and mayor for not working with ICE.
ICE has increased its operations across the country this summer.
Recent data shows ICE is arresting more people without criminal records.
This news conference took place in New York.
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Congress passed a short-term funding bill to keep the government running until December 11, avoiding a shutdown before the November midterm elections. The House and Senate agreed on the bill after negotiations, but longer-term funding talks remain stalled.
Key Facts
The House passed the funding bill with a vote of 370 to 48.
The Senate approved the bill in early August before its recess.
The bill extends government funding until December 11, beyond the midterm elections.
Without this bill, a government shutdown would have started on September 30.
The House Appropriations Committee has completed all 12 annual funding bills, but none have passed the Senate.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the goal is to fund the government properly for now.
Senate delays, blamed on Democrats, have prevented full-year funding bills from advancing.
The bill includes provisions addressing Border Patrol funding and restrictions on federal grant cancellations.
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The House of Representatives passed a short-term government funding bill to prevent a shutdown before the midterm elections. This bill, called a continuing resolution, funds the government until December 11 and now awaits President Trump’s approval.
Key Facts
The House voted 370 to 48 to approve the funding extension.
The bill prevents a government shutdown just before the midterm elections.
The continuing resolution funds government operations through December 11.
Some members of both parties voted against the bill (19 Republicans and 29 Democrats).
The bill now goes to President Trump to be signed into law.
A government shutdown would stop many federal programs and services.
This extension is a temporary measure until a longer budget deal can be made.
Passing the bill reduces political risks related to election timing.
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Tony Romo, former NFL quarterback and CBS NFL analyst, pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated after his July arrest in Wisconsin. He received a six-month driving ban and must use an interlock device on his vehicles; he also apologized publicly and is working on his health.
Key Facts
Tony Romo was arrested on July 23 for operating while intoxicated in Wisconsin.
He pleaded no contest to the charge and lost his driving privileges for six months.
Romo must install a device that prevents driving under the influence on any vehicle he owns or operates for at least one year after getting his license back.
He must complete an alcohol assessment program and pay a fine of $834.
CBS placed Romo on leave from his lead NFL analyst job after the arrest.
Romo said his multiple back surgeries caused chronic pain, which led to dependence on pain medication and alcohol misuse.
He accepts responsibility for his actions and is working with doctors to improve his health.
Romo thanked his family, friends, and the NFL community for support and asked for privacy as he focuses on recovery.
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A Utah judge will decide if there is enough evidence to put Tyler Robinson on trial for the aggravated murder of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was killed last September at Utah Valley University. Robinson turned himself in and faces charges that could lead to the death penalty or lesser murder charges.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk at an open-air event on a college campus in September.
Prosecutors say they have strong evidence, including DNA linking Robinson to the rifle used in the shooting.
The judge will decide whether Robinson will face trial for aggravated murder, which could mean the death penalty.
Robinson’s lawyers argue there is not enough proof for political motivation or the death penalty.
Prosecutors say a bullet cartridge was engraved with a political message targeting Kirk.
Robinson turned himself in one day after the shooting but has not entered a plea yet.
Kirk was a co-founder of Turning Point USA and helped support President Donald Trump’s reelection.
The outcome of the hearing could result in trial for aggravated murder, murder, or dismissal of charges.
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A woman working for Bank of America was killed in a random stabbing attack in Times Square, New York. The attacker stabbed two people before police shot and killed her shortly afterward.
Key Facts
The woman who died was Erin Piacenti, 32, an employee of Bank of America.
The attack happened in Times Square, near Bank of America's office building.
A 68-year-old man was also stabbed and hospitalized; his condition is unknown.
The attacker, Pamela Cisneros, 49, was shot and killed by police after the stabbing.
Cisneros carried two large knives and refused to drop them despite police orders.
Police used a stun gun on Cisneros before shooting her when she advanced toward officers.
Cisneros had past mental health-related police encounters but no arrest record in New York City.
The incident took place in a heavily policed area, near a police station and the New Year’s Eve ball drop site.
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A judge in Utah will decide if Tyler Robinson will face trial for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision is expected on Tuesday.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk is known as a conservative activist.
The case is being heard in Utah.
A judge will decide if Robinson will go to trial.
The decision is scheduled for Tuesday.
CBS News reporter Carter Evans is covering the story.
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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removed two measles-related deaths reported by Pennsylvania from its national count, saying it is unclear if measles caused the deaths. This change comes amid the highest number of measles cases in 35 years and controversy over President Trump’s vaccine and public health policies.
Key Facts
The CDC removed two measles-associated deaths reported by Pennsylvania from the national tally.
The agency said it is unclear if measles caused or contributed to these deaths.
Pennsylvania had reported two unvaccinated residents died from “measles-associated” cases, the first in 35 years.
The state confirmed it provided all information to the CDC and investigated the cases thoroughly.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now Health and Human Services Secretary, questioned the validity of the reported deaths and vaccine policies.
President Trump signed an order to reduce childhood vaccinations and split the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine into three doses.
Medical groups warn splitting the MMR vaccine could increase the number of unvaccinated children.
The controversy highlights tensions between federal and state health officials during a measles outbreak.
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