Sylvester Stallone, known for his role in "Rocky," shares in his new memoir "The Steps" how he struggled before creating the famous character Rocky Balboa. He writes about his difficult times and how he found inspiration to write a story many people could relate to — about facing life's challenges and seizing chances.
Key Facts
Sylvester Stallone became famous for playing Rocky Balboa in the 1976 film "Rocky."
"Rocky" was both a hit with audiences and critics, winning three Academy Awards.
Stallone's new memoir, "The Steps," will be published on September 29 by William Morrow.
In the book, he describes his early struggles before Rocky made him a star.
He wrote about feeling like life was hard and opportunities were closed to him.
Stallone realized many people feel the same frustration of not getting a fair chance.
This inspired him to create a character who had lost his dream but kept trying.
The memoir excerpt shows Stallone’s process of turning his feelings into a story everyone could understand.
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The CBS News show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" will have several guests on September 27, 2026. The guests include leaders and representatives from Iran, the U.S. government, and Taiwan.
Key Facts
Masoud Pezeshkian, president of Iran, will appear on the show.
Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, is a guest.
Representative Jim Himes, a Democrat from Connecticut and leader in the House Intelligence Committee, will participate.
Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., will also be on the program.
The show airs on CBS News at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Sundays.
It also streams later at 12:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com.
"Face the Nation" is hosted by Margaret Brennan.
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A new study shows that more than 1 in 5 older Americans take combinations of medicines that could cause serious interactions. The use of multiple prescription drugs and dietary supplements by older adults is increasing, raising concerns about health risks and hospital visits.
Key Facts
The study used data from nearly 5,000 U.S. adults aged 62 to 85.
Taking five or more prescription drugs (polypharmacy) rose from 31% in 2015-2016 to 35.7% in 2021-2023.
Use of five or more dietary supplements also increased from 12.6% to 16.7% in the same period.
The rate of potentially harmful drug interactions among older adults slightly decreased from 25.7% to 22.3%, but remains above 20%.
Antidepressants, statins (cholesterol drugs), and antiplatelet therapies (blood thinners) are the medications most involved in risky combinations.
These commonly used medicines are important for heart and mental health but can cause serious side effects when combined.
Experts say managing many medications in older adults is difficult and increases chances of side effects and hospitalizations.
The study highlights the need to improve medication safety and reduce unnecessary drug use in older people.
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Senator Thom Tillis said Republicans should not be seen as disloyal just for disagreeing with President Donald Trump. He criticized White House officials for expecting strict loyalty and said it is okay to have different opinions on policy within the party.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is from North Carolina.
Tillis said lawmakers should be allowed to disagree with President Trump without being called disloyal.
He has supported President Trump in over 90% of important votes.
Tillis criticized the White House for demanding a "loyalty test" from Republicans.
He said his main responsibility is to voters in North Carolina, not just to please the president.
Tillis mentioned disagreements about the war with Iran as an example of legitimate policy differences.
Tillis has publicly criticized some Trump administration officials, like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Tillis joined other Republicans supporting a Senate resolution calling for congressional approval to continue the Iran war.
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President Donald Trump promised to campaign in 35 key competitive districts before the November midterm elections, but he is starting his rallies in Alabama and Oklahoma, which are strongly Republican states. These rallies will attract loyal supporters but highlight challenges the Republican Party faces in less favorable areas.
Key Facts
President Trump pledged to campaign in 35 important battleground districts before the midterms.
He is starting his rallies in Alabama and Oklahoma, two solidly Republican states.
The rallies are expected to have large, enthusiastic crowds of Trump supporters.
Campaign organizers say these locations help reach wider media markets across state lines.
Republicans are investing money in safe red states to support candidates facing voter challenges.
Some Republicans are distancing themselves from President Trump to appeal to a broader group of voters.
Trump’s events aim to energize the Republican base and increase voter turnout in the midterms.
There is concern about Trump’s low popularity in many parts of the country during this campaign season.
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Yemen's President Rashid al-Alimi has asked his people to join the armed forces to fight the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Houthis control Yemen's Red Sea coast, have blocked Saudi ports, and have stepped up attacks on Yemen's government and Saudi Arabia.
Key Facts
Yemen’s President Rashid al-Alimi called for general mobilization against the Houthis.
The Houthis are supported by Iran and control Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast.
The group has imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and attacked Saudi territory.
Al-Alimi offered amnesty to Houthis who defect to the government side.
The Yemeni government is backed by Saudi Arabia, which provides air support.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan discussed ways to support Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks.
President Donald Trump did not promise military support despite requests from Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis took Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, causing the government to relocate to Aden.
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President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a three-day summit in Washington, D.C., and agreed to meet at least two more times in 2024. The talks focused mainly on their leaders’ relationship, while other important issues like AI regulation and trade received less attention.
Key Facts
The summit lasted three days and took place in Washington, D.C.
Presidents Trump and Xi pledged to meet at least two more times this year.
The agreement to meet again was one of the few clear outcomes from the summit.
Discussions on regulating artificial intelligence did not advance much.
Other big topics like long-term trade agreements were not a major focus.
The event was described as having a high profile, with a strong focus on the personal relationship between the two leaders.
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U.S. consumer confidence fell in September to its lowest point in four months. Rising prices and worries about the cost of living contributed to this drop, based on a University of Michigan survey.
Key Facts
Consumer confidence dropped to a reading of 48.1 in September.
This is a 7% decrease compared to August.
Confidence is 15% lower than earlier measurements (specific time not given).
The University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers conducted the survey.
Rising inflation and higher living costs are the main reasons for the decline.
The data was released on a Friday (exact date not specified).
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Heavy fighting continues in Ethiopia between government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The conflict has caused telecom disruptions, raising concerns about a wider regional impact.
Key Facts
Fighting is ongoing between Ethiopian government troops and Tigray rebels (TPLF).
Telecom services have been disrupted in the area affected by the conflict.
There are fears that the fighting could spread to neighboring regions.
The Tigray rebels have recently seized control of airports.
The situation has destabilized parts of Ethiopia and affected communications.
Other African countries, like Morocco, are dealing with their own political and social challenges at the same time.
The article mentions wider African political matters, such as protests in Uganda and economic issues in Morocco.
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Tasia Fortune was found dead hanging from a tree in Jackson, Mississippi, in what police say was a "staged" lynching. Investigators believe she was killed in a drug-related dispute and have arrested two men on murder charges, with a third suspect wanted.
Key Facts
Tasia Fortune’s body was found hanging from a tree on August 3 in Jackson, Mississippi.
Police say the hanging was staged and not an actual lynching.
Fortune was killed in a drug dispute, according to the detective’s testimony.
Two men, both Black, have been arrested and charged with murder; a third suspect is wanted.
One arrested man, Jarques Ratliff, has pleaded not guilty and is held without bond.
The exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities ruled it a homicide.
Fortune had four children and faced homelessness in recent years.
Police continue investigating and the hearing will resume on September 30.
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Many tech companies are releasing new gadgets powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to help with everyday tasks. These products include wearable devices, smart speakers, and AI-powered glasses that can assist users with work, communication, and daily activities.
Key Facts
AI gadgets range from small wearable devices like pins and charms to smart speakers and glasses.
Plaud NotePin records and transcribes meetings and can be worn in different ways.
Microsoft’s AI "access badge" is similar to a work badge but includes a touchscreen, camera, microphone, and fingerprint security.
Meta introduced the Muse Charm, a pocket-sized AI personal assistant with a screen and cameras, and also launched AI glasses with Muse integration.
Meta plans to offer over 100 styles of AI glasses by the end of the year and will release camera-free versions after privacy concerns.
OpenAI is developing a $300 smart speaker shaped like a doughnut that will compete with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Snap released AI-powered augmented-reality glasses that display information like maps and restaurant suggestions in the lenses.
The development of consumer AI gadgets follows the rise of generative AI, popularized by ChatGPT since 2022.
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Pope Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could threaten human dignity and become a tool for control if it is not carefully guided. He emphasized that technology should serve people and respect human values, contrasting with President Donald Trump’s more optimistic view of AI as an engine for growth.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV spoke about AI during his visit to France at UNESCO in Paris.
He said technology must serve human beings and not become a tool for domination or injustice.
The pope warned that calling machines “intelligent” can make people forget the unique dignity of humans.
He stressed that AI cannot answer questions about the meaning of life, which is important for humans.
Pope Leo pointed out that more information does not always mean more truth or wisdom.
He urged education in ethics to prevent losing human values amid growing machine influence.
President Donald Trump dismissed worries about AI and supports its growth as important for the economy.
Trump said the U.S. Justice Department will watch the AI industry and act only if necessary.
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In Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed leads Republican Mike Rogers, partly due to voter concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and AI data centers. A recent poll shows many Michigan voters distrust AI data centers and prefer El-Sayed’s approach over Rogers’.
Key Facts
A New York Times/Siena poll found 46% of Michigan voters trust El-Sayed on AI data center issues, compared to 35% for Rogers.
66% of Michigan voters oppose building AI data centers, while 29% support them.
El-Sayed leads Rogers 49% to 44% among likely Michigan voters overall.
Poll surveyed 605 likely voters between September 15-22 with a margin of error of ±4.9%.
El-Sayed leads by large margins among younger voters (ages 18-29 and 30-44), while Rogers leads older voters.
Rogers is seen as less extreme by voters, but El-Sayed is viewed as the more effective candidate for the Senate.
Sabato’s Crystal Ball upgraded the race to “Leans Democratic,” calling El-Sayed a “soft favorite.”
Spending on the Senate race is increasing, nearing $222 million.
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Kratom is an herbal product used by some Americans to manage pain and other conditions. It has opioid-like effects and is legal in many US states but not regulated by the federal government, which raises safety concerns among health experts and officials.
Key Facts
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia, used there for centuries as a stimulant.
It entered the US market around 2016, mainly sold as pills, powders, or liquids.
Kratom is often bought over-the-counter at stores like gas stations and vape shops.
It is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so its content and safety are unclear.
Kratom's effects can include pain relief, stimulation at low doses, and opioid-like highs at higher doses.
Risks include addiction, withdrawal symptoms, hallucinations, and serious health problems like slowed breathing and heart issues.
Eleven US states have banned kratom, but it remains legal in others, including Mississippi.
Recent deaths involving kratom prompted officials to warn about its dangers, though kratom was not confirmed as the cause.
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Young French Catholics from the group Anuncio took to the streets of Paris during Pope Leo XIV's visit to share their faith in a country where church attendance is low. They used informal methods like paper fortune-tellers and friendly conversations to engage people and promote Christian culture.
Key Facts
The Anuncio movement is a French Catholic group mainly made up of young people aged 18 to 35.
Anuncio focuses on sharing Christianity in creative ways in public spaces, including street evangelism.
During Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Paris, Anuncio members organized a mission to spread the gospel to the crowds.
Paris streets near the event were heavily secured with police vans and metal fences.
Anuncio holds workshops to teach members how to talk about their faith effectively and respectfully.
Catholicism in France has traditionally spread through schools, hospitals, and parishes rather than direct street outreach.
More people are being baptized in France recently, with 13,000 adults and 8,000 teenagers baptized last Easter, increasing from about 4,000 per year before.
Anuncio is active in several cities including Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse and meets monthly to organize evangelism.
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The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to continue working on a new immigration voter database before the upcoming midterm elections. Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics lawyer who often criticizes President Trump, advised people not to overreact to the court’s decision.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made an emergency decision on Friday.
This decision lets the Trump administration keep building a new immigration voter database.
The timing is just before the midterm elections.
Norm Eisen, a former ethics lawyer in the White House, spoke about the ruling.
Eisen often criticizes President Trump but asked the public to stay calm about this case.
The ruling impacts how the government manages voter information related to immigration.
The database is part of the administration’s plan leading up to the elections.
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Two U.S. trauma surgeons, Dr. Feroze Sidhwa and Dr. Michael Samotowka, work in dangerous war zones like Gaza and Ukraine to help people. Despite facing violence and attacks on hospitals, they plan to continue their medical aid work due to the critical need for trauma care in these areas.
Key Facts
Dr. Feroze Sidhwa was working at Nasser Hospital in Gaza when it was hit by an Israeli airstrike on March 23, 2025.
The airstrike killed two people, including one of Dr. Sidhwa’s patients, reportedly a Hamas spokesperson.
Dr. Sidhwa has also worked in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Ukraine.
More than 1,000 aid workers have been killed worldwide in the past three years, with violent attacks on aid workers increasing by over 1,500% since 2000.
Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo saw most attacks on aid workers last year.
Dr. Michael Samotowka travels frequently to Ukraine to provide trauma care and was present near a missile strike in a hospital operating room.
Both doctors emphasize the importance of following international laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, which protect medical workers and civilians during conflicts.
They urge governments to take action by stopping weapons supply to parties who attack doctors and aid workers.
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Many countries left the United Nations General Assembly hall or did not attend when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech about Israel's war in Gaza. Their absence was a form of protest against Israel's actions in the conflict.
Key Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the UN General Assembly.
Several countries’ representatives walked out or were not present during the speech.
The absent or walking-out countries were protesting Israel’s war in Gaza.
The empty seats of these countries were noticeable during the speech.
Some countries’ delegations stayed and listened to the speech.
The walkouts signal international disagreement with Israel’s military actions.
This event highlights tensions at the UN over the Gaza conflict.
Protests like this at the UN are a way countries show their political positions without direct confrontation.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that included strong statements about Israel’s policies. Many countries’ delegations left or were not present during his speech, and the timing of the speech is close to Israel’s upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Netanyahu spoke at the UN General Assembly.
His speech contained bold claims about Israel’s policies.
Many countries’ delegations left the room or were absent during the speech.
The speech happened just weeks before Israel’s national elections.
Some believe the speech was aimed more at Israeli voters than the international audience.
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Pope Leo XIV visited Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the first pope to do so since the cathedral reopened in 2024 after a major fire in 2019. During the visit, he praised the restoration of Notre-Dame and led an evening prayer service called Vespers.
Key Facts
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was severely damaged by a fire in 2019.
The cathedral was restored and reopened in 2024.
Pope Leo XIV visited Notre-Dame for the first time on this occasion.
The pope led a Vespers evening prayer service at the cathedral.
He described Notre-Dame as holding "the heart of a people."
This visit reflects the pope’s religious focus during his time in Paris.
The pope also made appearances around Paris, including riding in the popemobile.
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