High-speed rail systems exist in many countries, but they have not developed well in the United States. Both government and private groups have experienced rising costs and project delays that have slowed progress.
Key Facts
High-speed rail operates in many places around the world.
The U.S. has struggled to build and maintain high-speed rail projects.
Costs for these projects in the U.S. have often increased much more than planned.
Delays have been frequent, causing slow progress on rail construction.
Both public agencies and private companies face these challenges.
The issues have prevented high-speed rail from becoming common in the U.S.
High-speed rail means trains that move much faster than typical trains, making travel quicker over long distances.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This CBS News segment covers three topics: the current status of high-speed rail projects in the United States, an interview with Rachel Goldberg-Polin on the show "60 Minutes," and a story about creating music from animal sounds.
Key Facts
The program discusses the progress and challenges of high-speed rail systems in the U.S.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin is featured in an interview on "60 Minutes."
The show also explores how animal noises are turned into musical compositions.
These topics were aired on CBS News on August 23, 2026.
The segment includes a mix of transportation, personal story, and nature-inspired music.
The content was available on the CBS News app and online browsers like Chrome and Safari.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey in 2024, died in prison while serving a 20-year sentence. He had Stage 4 colon cancer and was denied medical release before his death.
Key Facts
Sean Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2024.
He killed Sonya Massey in her home after responding to a call for help about a possible prowler.
Body camera footage showed Grayson shooting Massey; his own bodycam was mostly off during the incident.
Grayson was serving a 20-year prison sentence plus two years of supervised release.
He was battling advanced (Stage 4) colon cancer and requested medical release.
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his medical release last month, keeping him in prison.
Grayson died in custody on a Sunday, according to his attorney.
The Illinois Department of Corrections has not yet responded to requests for details on his death.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Joshua Aviles, a U.S. Navy sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, said his father was arrested by immigration officials while he was deployed. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest, saying Aviles’ father entered the U.S. illegally and is now facing deportation.
Key Facts
Joshua Aviles’ father, Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, was arrested by Border Patrol during a traffic stop in Key West, Florida.
DHS said Aviles’ father entered the U.S. illegally and is in ICE custody awaiting deportation.
Aviles has no criminal record, but family status in the military does not prevent immigration enforcement.
Immigration arrests of military family members have increased in the second Trump administration.
The USS Abraham Lincoln and its crew, including Joshua Aviles, recently left the Middle East after a nine-month deployment.
DHS says it enforces all immigration laws without exception, including for military families.
Joshua Aviles expressed emotional hardship while serving knowing his father was detained.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump and his former lawyer Michael Cohen had a friendly public interview, marking their first conversation since Cohen’s testimony in a trial that led to Trump’s conviction. They discussed various topics including the economy, Cohen’s past testimony, and their personal reconciliation.
Key Facts
Trump and Cohen recently had a public interview where they spoke in a friendly manner.
Cohen was a key witness in a hush money trial that led to Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts.
In the past, Cohen called Trump a "conman" and "predator," while Trump called Cohen a "rat."
During the interview, Cohen referred to Trump as "boss" and they talked about why many Americans dislike Trump.
Trump blamed New York officials for pressuring Cohen to testify against him.
Cohen said he felt pressured by prosecutors to testify and submitted a pardon request to Trump’s White House.
Cohen had served prison time during Trump’s first term for campaign finance violations and tax fraud.
Cohen said he is focused on moving forward, not dwelling on the past, and talked about forgiveness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three candidates named Dan Sullivan are running in Alaska’s Senate race. Senator Dan S. Sullivan received an endorsement from former Anchorage Mayor Dan A. Sullivan as he competes against Dan J. Sullivan and another candidate named Dan Sullivan.
Key Facts
There are three candidates named Dan Sullivan in the Alaska Senate race.
Senator Dan S. Sullivan is a Republican from Alaska.
Former Anchorage Mayor Dan A. Sullivan, also a Republican, endorsed Senator Dan S. Sullivan.
Dan S. Sullivan will compete against Dan J. Sullivan and another Dan Sullivan in the November election.
The endorsement was announced last Tuesday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An eight-year-old girl from Louisiana died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, likely from swimming in Lake Claiborne. The infection is very rare, almost always fatal, and usually happens when contaminated warm freshwater enters the nose.
Key Facts
The girl, Lillian Smart from Ruston, Louisiana, died one day after her eighth birthday.
She was hospitalized since August 15 and infected after swimming in Lake Claiborne.
The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the infection on August 19.
Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare and almost always fatal.
The amoeba lives in warm freshwater like lakes, rivers, and ponds, mostly in southern U.S. states during summer.
The infection happens when contaminated water enters the nose; swallowing contaminated water does not cause infection.
It causes a brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
The climate crisis is causing the amoeba to appear in more parts of the U.S. where it was not common before.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Shelley Fabares, a longtime television actor and singer, died at age 82 in Los Angeles. She was known for roles on shows like "The Donna Reed Show," "One Day at a Time," and "Coach," and for her 1960s hit song "Johnny Angel."
Key Facts
Shelley Fabares was born in 1944 in Santa Monica, California.
She started acting as a child, with her first TV appearance at age 10.
She played Mary Stone on "The Donna Reed Show" from 1958 to 1963.
She also acted in movies with Elvis Presley and had two Top 40 music hits.
Later, she acted in CBS’s "One Day at a Time" and "Coach."
Fabares had a liver transplant in 2000 after suffering progressive liver failure.
She was married twice, most recently to actor Mike Farrell since 1984.
Her family praised her for kindness, strength, and her caring nature.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Representative Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Florida governor, said he is working with Haitian leaders to help stabilize Haiti. This comes after the U.S. ended temporary protected status (TPS) for over 300,000 Haitian migrants.
Key Facts
Byron Donalds is a Republican congressman from Florida and a candidate for Florida governor.
He stated he is in contact with Haiti’s transitional government and its ambassador.
The U.S. recently ended TPS, a program that allowed over 300,000 Haitians to stay in the country temporarily.
TPS is given to people from countries facing crises, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
Donalds aims to support Haiti’s stability following the change in U.S. immigration policy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump took part in the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix race in Washington, DC, celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence. He waved the green flag to start the race and praised his role in bringing the event to the nation's capital, which involved special preparations to protect important landmarks.
Key Facts
President Trump was helped by his wife and a military officer to wave the green flag correctly to start the race.
The IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix took place on a 1.7-mile street circuit in Washington, DC.
More than 200 manhole covers were welded down to keep them safe from the fast race cars.
The National Gallery of Art and other museums took special measures to protect their exhibits from vibrations caused by the race.
President Trump said the IndyCar race in Washington had been tried to be arranged for 20 years before he made it happen quickly.
The event was part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The race had a strong association with President Trump’s style and was attended by some of his supporters.
Trump gave a TV interview where he highlighted his role in organizing the race and commented on the weather forecast, saying rain would not come despite predictions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many Democratic candidates for president in 2028 are avoiding Bernie Sanders’ call to stop developing artificial intelligence (AI). While some progressives support pausing the building of AI data centers, most candidates have not fully embraced this position or clearly explained their plans to manage AI risks.
Key Facts
Bernie Sanders has called for AI companies to stop creating machines humans cannot control.
Nearly 20 potential Democratic presidential candidates were asked about supporting Sanders’ AI pause; only one responded directly.
Many Democrats did not respond at all, including Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Pete Buttigieg.
Progressives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna support some form of pause on AI data centers.
Some Democrats like Rahm Emanuel criticized the idea, saying a pause should lead to a comprehensive energy plan.
Democratic strategists worry their party is slow to address voter concerns about AI and data centers.
Republicans and some Democrats running in 2024 midterms have supported temporary halts on AI data center projects due to voter opposition.
Voters’ opposition to local AI data centers is strong, with 70% against them in a recent Fox News poll.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two Phoenix police officers were fired and arrested for assaulting a man and woman during an unreported traffic stop where they used a Taser and physical violence. The officers did not record the stop on their body cameras, and an investigation found enough evidence to charge them with crimes including kidnapping and aggravated assault.
Key Facts
Officers Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez were fired and arrested by the Phoenix Police Department.
The officers assaulted a man and woman during an unreported traffic stop on August 5.
A Taser was used on the victims, and the officers also punched and threatened the man.
The officers did not activate their body cameras during the incident.
The man drove away and abandoned the car in a neighboring city; the woman was released at the scene.
The incident was not initially reported, and there was no video evidence.
Investigators used location data from a city vehicle to place officers at the scene.
One officer has been released from custody, while the other remains jailed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Reform UK plans to prioritize social housing for British-born workers under 35, former military personnel, and married couples with children if it forms the government. The party also wants to build 50,000 affordable homes a year, claiming this will not require new taxes or borrowing. Labour and other parties criticized these plans, saying they unfairly target long-term residents who contribute to society.
Key Facts
Reform UK will prioritize British-born workers under age 35 for social housing.
Former military members and married couples with children will also get priority.
The party aims to build 50,000 affordable social homes annually.
Reform claims the plan needs no extra taxes or government borrowing.
Labour says the proposal would harm long-term UK residents, including NHS workers.
Around 11.5% of social homes are currently occupied by people who are not UK or Irish nationals.
The Conservative Party has similar plans but allows some EU and Irish nationals to stay in social housing.
Housing charity Shelter warns that building more homes is better than changing housing priorities based on nationality.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Both Democrats and Republicans are urging the House Ethics Committee to speed up its investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse involving some members of Congress. This call for faster action comes as several high-profile cases attract public attention ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
The House Ethics Committee handles investigations into members of Congress who face allegations of wrongdoing.
Lawmakers want the committee to complete investigations more quickly.
The focus is on cases involving claims of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse.
Current investigations include Reps. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), and Max Miller (R-Ohio).
The Ethics Committee’s processes are usually secret and can take a long time.
The midterm elections are approaching, increasing pressure on the committee to act.
Both major political parties are demanding faster results from the committee.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Dr. Willough Jenkins, a child psychiatrist, explains that many behaviors in teenage girls, like moodiness and withdrawal, are normal brain development signs rather than problems. She highlights seven important signs parents should notice to better support their daughters' mental health.
Key Facts
Teenage girls’ strong emotions are normal because their brains are still developing emotional control.
Saying "I'm fine" often means the girl is deciding if she can trust someone, not that she’s ignoring them.
Social rejection feels like real pain to teens, affecting the same brain areas as physical injury.
Girls pulling away from their mothers is a normal step in growing up, not true rejection.
Perfectionism often masks anxiety, especially when girls feel valued only for achievements.
Telling girls to stop caring about others’ opinions is unhelpful because belonging is a basic need.
Girls who talk openly with parents usually have parents who make conversations safe and with no negative consequences.
Parents often misunderstand teenage girls’ distance as a sign of problems rather than a natural part of development.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is safe and not deadly. This statement goes against what President Donald Trump said about the vaccine.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz is the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
He said the MMR vaccine (for measles, mumps, and rubella) is safe and not lethal.
Oz made these comments on CBS News’s program “Face the Nation.”
His statement contradicts comments made by President Donald Trump about the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is used in many other countries around the world.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bunny Levine, an actress known for roles in TV shows like "Gilmore Girls" and movies like "La La Land," has died at 97. Before acting, she worked as a school librarian for 25 years and later helped many actors through a New York acting group she co-founded.
Key Facts
Bunny Levine died peacefully at home in Tarzana, California, on August 20, 2024.
She was born on December 22, 1928, in East Orange, New Jersey.
Levine earned master's degrees from New York University and Columbia University.
She worked as a school librarian for 25 years before starting her acting career after retirement.
Levine appeared in TV shows and movies including "Gilmore Girls," "La La Land," "Law & Order," and "Raising Hope."
She co-founded the Actors Connection in New York City in 1991, helping many actors start their careers.
Levine continued acting until June 2024, with recent roles in movies released that year and appearances in 2026 productions.
She is survived by her three children and two grandchildren.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Luis Manuel Aviles, a handyman with a work permit living in Key West, Florida, was arrested by immigration authorities while his son, Joshua Aviles, was serving on the Navy’s USS Abraham Lincoln during a long deployment. The arrest is part of a broader effort under President Donald Trump’s administration to detain and deport family members of active-duty military personnel, despite some immigration protections for military families.
Key Facts
Luis Manuel Aviles has lived in the U.S. for 19 years and has a legal work permit.
His son Joshua has been deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln for over eight months, working long shifts.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has set a U.S. military record for the longest continuous time at sea.
Aviles was arrested by Border Patrol when he took his car to the mechanic in Key West.
The Trump administration is reducing immigration protections and detaining family members of active-duty troops.
At least six family members of military personnel have been deported during this enforcement effort.
Military parole-in-place allows some family members of service members to get legal status without leaving the U.S., but not everyone qualifies.
The Department of Homeland Security said having family in the military does not exempt people from immigration laws.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
First Lady Melania Trump spoke about how her father introduced her to car racing during an interview at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix event. She described her early experiences with race cars and shared her interest in racing.
Key Facts
Melania Trump is the current First Lady of the United States.
She was interviewed at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix event.
During the interview, she said her father introduced her to racing when she was young.
Her father owned several race cars, including brands like Maserati, Cougar, Mustang, and Mercedes.
Melania Trump expressed an interest in racing that started in her childhood.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two police officers, PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades, died in a crash after a car driving the wrong way collided with their vehicle near Middlesbrough. The five people in the other car also died. Families and colleagues have paid tribute to the officers, and funds have been raised to support their families.
Key Facts
PC Tom Clough (38) and PC Matthew Blades (37) died on the A66 near Middlesbrough after a crash.
A Volkswagen Passat driving the wrong way hit their marked police car.
The Passat’s five occupants, aged 17 to 23, also died in the crash.
PC Blades was a husband and father of two young sons.
PC Clough had served in the military and was known for helping others.
Both officers were involved in community activities, like coaching children’s football teams.
Over £150,000 has been raised online to support the families of the officers.
Fellow police officers laid floral tributes and held moments of silence to honor them.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
