A group of 72 U.S. House lawmakers from both parties has raised concerns about repeated mistakes and poor communication from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The lawmakers say USCIS often sends wrong or unclear responses to congressional offices helping immigrants, causing delays and frustration.
Key Facts
72 lawmakers, led by Representative Bill Foster, wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph Edlow.
Lawmakers report USCIS responses are often generic, inaccurate, or sent to the wrong congressional staff.
Responses frequently fail to answer the questions or have factual errors, such as incorrect timelines.
USCIS replies usually come from a no-reply email, making it hard to ask for clarifications.
Problems with USCIS happen despite Congress giving the agency more funding in a recent spending bill.
Under President Donald Trump, USCIS has focused more on enforcement and fraud investigations in immigration cases.
One cited example involved unclear communication about a constituent’s DACA application status.
Another example showed USCIS mailing dates for a work permit that were before the permit was approved.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
TalkTV aired a documentary about a British man, Christian Drogan, who crossed the English Channel in a small boat. The channel did not mention that Drogan is a member and activist of the Reform party, which focuses on stopping such crossings.
Key Facts
Christian Drogan traveled by small boat from France to England for a TalkTV documentary.
TalkTV called Drogan the first British man to "invade his own country" by crossing the Channel.
Drogan is openly a Reform party member and wants to run for office.
TalkTV did not disclose Drogan’s Reform party membership in the documentary or related coverage.
Media critic Mic Wright said viewers should know Drogan’s political ties because the documentary supports Reform’s message.
TalkTV’s editor, Isabel Oakeshott, denied any deception and said the investigation is led by her.
Drogan said he made the documentary to expose important issues facing Britain.
Rupert Murdoch’s company News UK owns TalkTV but did not comment on the criticism.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States and Israel started military attacks against Iran six months ago, aiming to stop Iran’s nuclear program. The conflict has expanded, causing casualties on both sides and disrupting key shipping lanes in the Middle East, while the U.S. continues military operations under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
The war began on February 28, 2026, with U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leadership and military sites.
President Trump stated the goal was to protect Americans and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Earlier, in June 2025, the U.S. struck Iran’s underground nuclear facilities but did not fully eliminate Iran’s uranium supply.
A deadly airstrike hit an all-girls school in southern Iran early in the war, killing about 160 civilians, mostly children; the U.S. is investigating.
Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. bases in several Gulf countries and blocked the vital Strait of Hormuz, affecting global trade.
The U.S. military reports hitting more than 13,000 Iranian targets over six months.
So far, 18 U.S. service members have died and over 750 have been wounded.
President Trump has attended ceremonies to honor fallen U.S. troops during the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to support voting rights and racial justice before the 2026 midterm elections. The march responds to recent changes in voting laws and district boundaries that some civil rights groups say harm Black voters.
Key Facts
The event is called the “Defend the Vote” March on Washington.
It took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The march aims to support voting rights and racial justice.
It occurs before the 2026 midterm elections.
Changes in voting laws and redistricting have sparked criticism from civil rights groups.
These groups say the changes negatively affect Black Americans’ voting rights.
Political figures like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez joined the march.
Remarks were expected from Warsh during the event.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A chemical tank at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, was found unsafe 10 months before it exploded in May 2026, killing 11 people. The company did not make required repairs despite warnings, and the sudden failure released a large amount of a hazardous liquid used in paper making.
Key Facts
The chemical tank was inspected in July 2025 and labeled “not fit for continued service” due to severe thinning.
The tank held white liquor, a dangerous chemical that can cause severe burns.
Despite multiple inspections confirming the tank’s poor condition, no repairs or safety measures were done before it failed.
The tank exploded on May 26, 2026, leading to 11 deaths and injuries to several workers and one firefighter.
The failure blew out building walls and released about 900,000 gallons (3.4 million liters) of white liquor.
Applied Technical Services LLC performed the inspections and recommended urgent internal inspection and repair.
The explosion happened early in the morning just after workers started arriving.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is still investigating the exact cause of the tank failure.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Left-wing streamer Hasan Piker is helping Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, which is causing discussions about the Democratic Party’s chances to win the Senate majority. At the same time, President Trump is hosting a fundraiser for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for Senate, showing activity in the Texas race. New polls suggest Republicans may have a strong chance in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer, is involved in Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign in Michigan.
This involvement is raising questions about how Democrats can win control of the Senate.
President Donald Trump is holding a fundraiser for Ken Paxton in Texas.
Ken Paxton, currently Texas Attorney General, is running for the U.S. Senate.
Recent polls indicate Republicans might do well in some Senate races.
These events highlight important contests in Michigan and Texas.
The outcomes will affect the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s Marine One helicopter had trouble talking to traffic control in Washington, D.C. for the second time this month. This caused a scary situation while the helicopter was flying.
Key Facts
Marine One is the helicopter used by President Donald Trump.
The helicopter had communication problems with traffic control.
The incident happened in the Washington, D.C., area.
This was the second time this month Marine One faced such communication issues.
The problem created a safety concern during the flight.
CBS News reported on the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The jury in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial is continuing its discussions on the second day after both sides finished their closing statements. The prosecution and defense presented their cases before the jury began deciding.
Key Facts
The trial involves Lindsay Clancy and a charge of murder.
The prosecution shared their arguments explaining why they believe Clancy is guilty.
The defense presented reasons why Clancy should not be found guilty.
The jury started deliberating after hearing both sides’ closing arguments.
Jury deliberations have extended into a second day, showing the decision is not immediate.
Reporting on the trial is provided by CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul.
The trial is being closely followed and updated by CBS News.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Army used a powerful laser system to destroy three drones near the border with Mexico. Officials said the drones were connected to Mexican drug cartels.
Key Facts
The U.S. military used a high-energy laser called the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system.
The laser shot down three drones near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The operation happened late Tuesday and early Wednesday.
Officials say the drones were linked to Mexican drug cartels.
This marks a notable use of laser technology for border security.
The U.S. southern border faces threats involving drug cartel activities.
The Army is exploring new technologies to improve border protection.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration has ended a rule that protected old-growth forests and restricted roads, drilling, and logging on millions of acres of national forests. This change could harm habitats of over 400 endangered animal and plant species and affect drinking water supplies for many communities.
Key Facts
The rollback removes the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which had protected about 58 million acres of forest land and rivers.
Over 7 million acres of endangered species habitat and nearly 1,800 miles of rivers could be exposed to new development.
The affected areas include forests in the Rocky Mountains, Alaska, the south-west, and south-east US.
Species at risk include grizzly bears, gray wolves, wild salmon, Mexican spotted owls, hellbenders, and various rare plants.
The Tongass National Forest in Alaska, home to many wild salmon and important to the local fishing economy, is included in the rollback.
Drinking water for millions of people in cities like Bozeman, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Albuquerque is supplied by these protected forest watersheds.
Conservation groups warn that more roads and logging may lead to dirtier water, fragmented wildlife habitats, and increased wildfire risks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has imposed high tariffs on Canadian goods, claiming Canada has treated the U.S. unfairly in trade. Canada responded with its own tariffs on American products. This trade conflict comes amid other challenges for President Trump, including issues with Iran and political opposition at home.
Key Facts
President Trump accused Canada of ripping off the United States on trade and imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, auto parts, and steel.
Canada retaliated by putting tariffs up to 50% on about 700 American goods.
Trump is using the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act of 1930 to justify his tariffs, a law linked to worsening the Great Depression.
The Canadian prime minister said Canada will not allow the U.S. to dominate it through trade pressure.
President Trump is also facing difficulties with the Iran conflict, which he started without a clear plan.
He is confronting criticism from Republicans and others in the U.S. over his policies and actions.
U.S. courts have ruled against some of Trump’s previous tariff attempts, calling them unconstitutional.
There are ongoing disputes with universities, media companies, and financial markets about Trump’s policies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many elected officials face pressure to lower high energy bills. Some suggest removing strict climate laws that limit using cheap fossil fuels to reduce costs.
Key Facts
Energy bills in New York and other places are very high.
Officials are looking for ways to make energy cheaper.
Climate laws restrict the use of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Fossil fuels are seen as more affordable and plentiful sources of energy.
Some people suggest ending these climate laws to lower energy prices.
The article indicates President Trump is not responsible for the high energy bills.
The debate involves balancing energy costs and environmental laws.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A jury is deciding whether Lindsay Clancy should go to prison or a psychiatric hospital after she killed her three children in 2023. The trial has focused attention on postpartum psychosis, mental health care gaps, and the stigma that stops some mothers from getting help.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy killed her three young children in January 2023.
The five-week trial is held in Plymouth County Superior Court.
Clancy has not denied the killings, but the jury must decide her legal responsibility.
The case highlights postpartum psychosis, a serious mental illness after childbirth.
Stigma and fear often cause mothers to hide symptoms like hallucinations or paranoia.
Clancy reported many symptoms but denied suicidal or violent thoughts in key doctor visits.
Legal tools exist to help families intervene, such as emergency hospitalization laws.
Families sometimes cannot force treatment due to a fragmented mental health system.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
With primary elections ending, Democrats and Republicans are preparing for the November general election by focusing on different campaign messages. Democrats are emphasizing the economy, especially concerns about high prices for fuel, groceries, and healthcare. Republicans are concentrating on warning voters about socialism and left-wing extremism within the Democratic Party, while continuing to blame Democrats for economic problems.
Key Facts
Primary elections have ended, and both parties are preparing for the November general election.
Democrats want to focus on economic issues like high costs of gas, food, and healthcare.
Republicans emphasize concerns about socialism and left-wing extremists in the Democratic Party.
Republican President Donald Trump and his party aim to maintain full control of Washington.
Some Republican strategists admit the focus on socialism may not work well everywhere.
Voters say the economy is their top concern, even though inflation has decreased from its peak.
The Republican National Committee's recent talking points rarely mention “gasoline” despite high fuel costs.
The ongoing war in Iran and its economic effects are viewed as negative and complicating the political messaging.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has lost his lead over Democrat Amy Acton in prediction markets for the Ohio governor's race. Polls show the race is very close as both candidates compete to replace the term-limited Republican governor.
Key Facts
Prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi now give Acton a slight edge over Ramaswamy in winning the Ohio governor’s race.
Polymarket shows Acton with a 54% chance, Ramaswamy with 47%; Kalshi shows Acton at 55%, Ramaswamy at 45%.
Recent polling averages also show a very tight race, with Acton slightly ahead by about 0.2 percentage points.
Ohio tends to vote Republican in presidential elections and was won by President Trump by 11.2 points in 2024.
The current governor, Mike DeWine, is a Republican who cannot run again due to term limits.
Prediction markets work by allowing people to buy and sell bets on the election outcome, which can reflect the latest information quickly.
Polls from different organizations show mixed results, with some favoring Ramaswamy and others favoring Acton, all within margins of error.
Both parties may need to invest resources because the race is unexpectedly close for an open Republican seat.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke in an interview about balancing his loyalty to President Donald Trump with his responsibility to uphold the law. He faces criticism over decisions that appear to favor Trump and his allies, while also working to stabilize a Justice Department affected by staff losses and public distrust.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the current U.S. Attorney General and closely aligned with President Donald Trump.
Blanche’s confirmation was nearly blocked because of his close ties to Trump.
He has authorized a $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies who claim political prosecution.
Blanche approved a deal giving Trump and his family immunity from tax audits.
He is managing a Justice Department with many resignations and low trust.
Blanche insists he acts with integrity and follows the rule of law despite political pressures.
The department has ongoing investigations involving politically sensitive cases.
Critics, including some Republicans, question Blanche’s independence from the White House.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump shared a list ranking U.S. presidents, putting himself alone in the highest category as "The Greatest." His ranking is based on an older survey by historians but places several recent presidents, including Joe Biden and Barack Obama, in the "Failures" category.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a presidential ranking on Truth Social, naming himself in a unique top category called "The Greatest."
Famous presidents like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Franklin D. Roosevelt are placed one level below Trump in the "Great" category.
Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Jimmy Carter were labeled as "Failures" in Trump’s ranking.
The list is modeled after a 1948 survey by historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr., which categorized presidents from "Great" to "Failures."
Some well-known presidents like Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy were completely missing from Trump’s chart.
Trump’s list reflects his personal political views and history of praising certain presidents like Andrew Jackson and William McKinley.
Historians' surveys usually rank Lincoln, FDR, and Washington highest, with Trump ranked last and Reagan much higher than in Trump’s list.
Polls show Trump currently has more support among Republican voters than Reagan and other past GOP presidents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump is planning to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian goods starting January 1, affecting products like cars, honey, and hockey sticks. This trade move worries people in Detroit and Michigan, where many depend on Canadian trade, and it might influence the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, trade about $1 billion in goods daily.
President Trump plans 50% tariffs on many Canadian products beginning January 1.
Many Michigan residents oppose these tariffs and say they cause higher prices.
Michigan is an important swing state for the upcoming midterm elections.
Democrats hope to use opposition to tariffs to win key races in Michigan.
Michigan residents pay about $3,200 more annually due to tariffs because of the state’s Canadian border.
Both the U.S. and Canadian economies are likely to suffer if the tariffs take effect.
Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed is campaigning against tariffs and President Trump’s policies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge blocked new rules from the Postal Service that would limit voting by mail in the upcoming US midterm elections. The judge said states do not have enough time or money to adjust their ballots and systems before voting starts.
Key Facts
Judge Indira Talwani stopped new USPS rules that restrict mail-in voting for 14 days.
The rules require states to use approved voter lists and follow new ballot formats for USPS to deliver ballots.
The rules were put in place after the Supreme Court allowed them to take effect.
Nearly one-third of American voters use mail-in ballots.
President Donald Trump ordered these changes in March to limit mail voting.
Voting rights groups and some officials sued, saying only states and Congress can control election rules.
The Supreme Court previously overturned a block on these rules, saying the lawsuit was filed too early.
A new court hearing is planned for September 3, when many ballots will already be mailed or soon mailed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge has temporarily stopped President Donald Trump’s executive order that limits mail voting before the midterm elections. The ruling gives states 14 days and halts the order because election officials say they do not have enough time or money to change their systems and mail ballots in time for the election.
Key Facts
Judge Indira Talwani issued a 14-day hold on the Trump administration’s order about mail voting.
The order aims to restrict how the US Postal Service delivers mail ballots.
The order was blocked about a week before the first mail ballots for midterms are scheduled to be sent out.
Election officials say they cannot redesign ballots, get approvals, or train workers quickly enough due to the order.
The Supreme Court previously allowed the order to move forward but did not decide if it is legal.
Nearly one-third of Americans vote by mail in elections.
President Trump has criticized mail voting, blaming it for his 2020 election loss, despite using mail voting himself.
A 2025 Brookings Institution study found mail voting fraud is extremely rare (about 4 cases per 10 million ballots).
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
