Newsweek analyzed how members of the U.S. Congress view artificial intelligence (AI) ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The study found no clear split between Democrats and Republicans on AI, but differences were seen on specific issues like data centers and lobbying by tech companies.
Key Facts
Newsweek rated all 537 members of Congress on their AI policies across five areas: regulation, energy use, jobs, safety/privacy, and national security.
Democrats scored an average of 2.60 (leaning skeptical about AI), while Republicans scored 3.26 (leaning supportive).
Most lawmakers fell in the middle, showing mixed views rather than strong opinions for or against AI.
A clearer difference appeared on data centers, with Republicans more supportive (average 3.5) than Democrats (average 1.9).
Tech companies spent $41.8 million lobbying the federal government in early 2026 related to AI and technology.
Groups connected to AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic contributed over $27 million to a New York Democratic primary.
Newsweek will hold a webinar on Nov. 10 to discuss how AI issues affected the election and future political actions.
Experts from academia and political research will participate in the webinar to talk about AI's role in politics.
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Cornell University is facing scrutiny over how it handled an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house, focusing on the role of Title IX in campus sexual assault cases. Title IX is a federal law that prevents sexual discrimination in education and requires schools to investigate and discipline sexual assault allegations, separate from criminal courts.
Key Facts
A woman named Jane Doe accused several members of Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity of gang rape in October 2024.
She claims she was pressured into taking drugs and alcohol before the assault.
The accused men deny involvement or say the sexual activity was consensual.
Title IX, a 54-year-old law, also applies to sexual assault cases on campuses, requiring schools to investigate and discipline accused students.
Title IX proceedings are separate from criminal cases and often have a lower standard of proof ("more likely true than not") than courts.
Criminal investigations and prosecutions in sexual assault cases are rare; only about 20% go to prosecution, and 8% end in conviction.
Jane Doe’s case was not prosecuted by local authorities, but she believed the investigation was ongoing for some time, illustrating confusion about the two systems.
Title IX rules have changed under different presidential administrations, affecting how colleges handle sexual assault complaints.
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Nancy Mace’s former fiancé Patrick Bryant, John Douglas Osborne, and Eric Bernard Bowman were charged with sex crimes and voyeurism related to an assault on a woman in 2018. Mace revealed the incident and evidence during a House speech in 2025, leading to their arrest and her push for stronger protections for sexual assault victims.
Key Facts
The assault happened in October 2018 in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.
John Douglas Osborne committed sex acts on an incapacitated woman while Bryant and Bowman watched.
The men took photos and videos and discussed who would assault the woman beforehand.
Osborne faces charges including first-degree assault and two counts of third-degree sexual conduct.
Bryant and Bowman are charged with voyeurism; Bowman also faces obstruction of justice for deleting phone data and publishing a victim’s name online.
Mace detailed the assault and related crimes in a House speech in February 2025, describing non-consensual photos and videos involving women and underage girls.
Bryant denied the allegations and said he would cooperate with legal processes.
After the arrests, Mace introduced legislation aimed at protecting sexual assault victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
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Arthur "Layne" Lundeen, a 67-year-old man from Arizona, was duct-taped to his seat by passengers after causing a disturbance on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark. He faces federal charges including assault and interfering with flight crew, which could lead to up to 20 years in prison.
Key Facts
The incident happened on September 3 aboard American Airlines Flight 618.
Lundeen allegedly assaulted a passenger and disrupted the flight, causing an emergency landing in Baltimore.
Passengers restrained him using duct tape and zip ties until the plane landed.
He is federally charged with assault and interfering with flight crew duties.
Lundeen is accused of ignoring crew instructions, intimidating staff, and making racial slurs.
He was previously charged with misdemeanors in Maryland after the incident.
His trial was postponed to November 16.
Lundeen reportedly said he does not remember the events during the court hearing.
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A U.S. government report found that major banks have closed accounts or refused business to some customers because of their political or religious views and the industries they work in. The report studied complaints made under President Trump’s executive order and showed that both conservative and liberal groups were affected, as well as certain industries like oil, coal, and firearms.
Key Facts
The report was released by the Treasury Department’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
It reviewed 100,000 complaints and many bank decisions from 2020 to September 2025.
Nine large national banks had policies that influenced their decisions based on political, religious, or business activities.
Some customers selling Trump-related merchandise were dropped by WePay, a payment processor owned by JPMorgan Chase.
JPMorgan corrected issues found in WePay’s processes and the business no longer operates.
Banks also restricted services to industries like oil and gas, coal mining, and firearms.
The Bank Policy Institute said banks support fair access but must manage risks responsibly.
The OCC emphasized that all Americans should have equal access to financial services regardless of their beliefs or affiliations.
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Actress Hayden Panettiere was found unconscious at her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16 and was given CPR by Zach Hickerson before being pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy showed her death was accidental and caused by a mix of drugs, including fentanyl and alprazolam.
Key Facts
Hayden Panettiere was found unconscious by Zach and Brian Hickerson at her home.
Zach Hickerson attempted CPR after a 911 operator instructed him during the call.
Emergency services arrived but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner ruled her death accidental due to toxic effects from several drugs.
Brian Hickerson gave Panettiere Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, before help arrived.
Panettiere had publicly spoken about her struggles with opioid and alcohol addiction.
She wrote a memoir discussing addiction, abuse, postpartum depression, and recovery.
In interviews, Panettiere shared her hope that her story would encourage others to seek help and be honest about their struggles.
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The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Republicans in a case about cheaper TV advertising rates before the midterm elections. This policy lets party committees, not just individual candidates, buy ads at lower prices. Two liberal justices disagreed with the decision.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made its decision on Wednesday.
The case involves TV advertising costs for political ads.
The ruling favors Republicans for the second time in this legal fight.
The new policy allows entire party committees to access cheaper ad rates.
Previously, only individual candidates could get the lower rates.
Democrats oppose this change and have challenged it in court.
Two liberal justices dissented, meaning they disagreed with the majority decision.
The cheaper ad rates apply to both political parties.
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OpenAI accuses a former employee who joined Apple of sharing secret information about an unreleased product. OpenAI claims Apple is now using this confidential information to develop its own AI products. Apple denies the accusations and says it has rules to prevent such misuse of confidential data.
Key Facts
An OpenAI employee who moved to Apple allegedly sent over 100 files about an unreleased OpenAI product to a personal account.
The employee reportedly made a presentation about this secret product to Apple’s top leaders.
OpenAI believes Apple engineers are now using this information to create Apple’s AI products, including the new HomeView.
OpenAI filed a new court document in a trade secrets lawsuit between Apple and OpenAI, delaying a scheduled court meeting.
Apple previously sued OpenAI, claiming Apple employees took confidential info to OpenAI’s hardware division, which OpenAI denies.
A judge allowed Apple to access some OpenAI employees’ digital files and set depositions for certain former employees.
The legal case is expected to go to trial in October 2027, but OpenAI might be ready earlier, in June 2027.
Apple says it has policies ensuring new hires don’t use former employers’ confidential information and found no proof of OpenAI’s claims.
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Republican Chris McGowan and Democrat Dave Dawson are debating for the U.S. House seat in Iowa's 4th Congressional District. They aim to replace Republican Randy Feenstra, who left his seat to run for governor.
Key Facts
The debate between McGowan and Dawson takes place at 8 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.
The debate can be watched live on Iowa PBS.
Randy Feenstra, the current representative, is stepping down to run for governor of Iowa.
Feenstra is a Republican supported by President Donald Trump.
Feenstra served three terms in Congress.
Feenstra lost the governor race to businessman Zach Lahn.
The Cook Political Report rates the 4th District race as "Solid Republican."
This race is part of the 2024 elections for the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Heavy rain caused flooding in Istanbul, Turkey, affecting many neighborhoods with submerged roads, stranded vehicles, and flooded homes and businesses. In Esenyurt district, passersby rescued a woman who was swept away by the floodwaters.
Key Facts
Istanbul experienced heavy rainfall that led to widespread flooding.
Several neighborhoods had roads covered by water.
Vehicles were stuck or stranded due to the floods.
Homes and businesses were flooded in multiple areas.
In the Esenyurt district, a woman was swept away by floodwaters.
Passersby helped rescue the woman from the floodwaters.
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Thousands of students protested in Tirana, the capital of Albania, demanding better university conditions and jobs. The protests turned violent, with some government buildings set on fire and clashes between protesters and police.
Key Facts
The protests began outside the Ministry of Education and spread to attack other government offices and nearby businesses.
Part of the education ministry building was set on fire during the protests.
Protesters threw rocks and firecrackers, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Sixteen people were arrested for violent actions during the protests.
Protesters say they are angry about corruption and want the government to change.
The protests come amid wider anti-government demonstrations called the Flamingo Revolution.
The protests were triggered by anger over a luxury tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law.
Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu called for calm and warned against violence.
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Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a decree requiring social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, and X to better protect children from harmful content such as violence and sexual abuse. The platforms must limit minors' exposure to dangerous material and quickly remove risky content, with possible penalties for companies that do not comply.
Key Facts
The decree applies to platforms including TikTok, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and X (formerly Twitter).
It requires these platforms to design their services to reduce children's exposure to violent, harassing, or sexually abusive content.
Any dangerous content must be removed immediately from accounts of minors.
The government may create laws to punish companies that fail to follow these rules.
Platforms have one month to meet the new requirements.
The decree was announced after a deadly attack by two 18-year-olds in Coahuila, Mexico.
The government has already talked with companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Huawei about the rules.
Similar child protection efforts are happening worldwide, including in Europe, Australia, the US, and Brazil.
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Eight U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, claiming its products encourage children to hurt themselves. They want OpenAI to change how ChatGPT works for kids and to give up profits made from children’s use.
Key Facts
Eight states, including Kansas, Arizona, and Montana, are suing OpenAI.
The lawsuit accuses OpenAI of causing harm to children through its AI chatbot, ChatGPT.
The states want OpenAI to adjust the chatbot’s features for young users.
They also want OpenAI to surrender profits earned from children using ChatGPT.
Florida’s attorney general has filed a separate but similar lawsuit earlier this year.
Florida is also investigating OpenAI criminally, related to ChatGPT’s alleged involvement in a shooting plan.
The lawsuits focus on the potential real-world harm caused by AI chatbots to minors.
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The FBI denied a report from MS NOW that said FBI Director Kash Patel had traveled to Russia for a meeting. The FBI shared a video showing Patel attending an event in Virginia on the same day.
Key Facts
MS NOW reported that FBI Director Kash Patel was in Russia on Tuesday.
The report was aired on the MS NOW morning show “State of Play” with Peter Alexander.
MS NOW said two unnamed sources confirmed Patel’s presence in Russia.
The FBI publicly denied the claim.
The FBI posted a video proving Patel was in Virginia on Tuesday.
The video shows Patel at an event, contradicting the MS NOW report.
MS NOW was formerly known as MSNBC.
The report about Patel’s travel was proven false by the FBI evidence.
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Many people on dating apps use AI tools to improve or change their photos. This is making it harder to tell if a pictures are real or digitally created, especially for men trying to stand out.
Key Facts
Users often see photos on dating apps that are digitally edited or completely AI-generated.
AI tools can quickly create high-quality or fake images, such as changing outfits or backgrounds.
Men are more likely than women to use AI technology to enhance their dating app photos.
Some people use AI to subtly improve facial expressions or body language in pictures.
There are ethical concerns about how much digital alteration is acceptable on dating profiles.
A dating consultant uses AI to help men create better photos but avoids changes that create false identities.
Some users look specifically for AI-free photos while using dating apps to find genuine connections.
Advances in AI make it increasingly difficult to spot fake images online.
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Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff admitted he did not follow up on a reported gang rape at a fraternity in 2024 and was unaware of the case outcome or punishments. The situation has led to calls for his resignation and a Faculty Senate vote on a no-confidence resolution over handling of sexual assault cases.
Key Facts
A student reported being gang raped at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.
President Kotlikoff knew about the report but never checked what happened afterward.
The woman dropped out of Cornell, and some students were expelled or suspended, but Kotlikoff only learned this recently.
Kotlikoff called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and started investigations and a task force on sexual assault.
The Tompkins County District Attorney first declined charges but reopened the case after a lawsuit and was later removed by the governor.
New York’s Attorney General was appointed as a special prosecutor, and an independent review was ordered.
Cornell’s Faculty Senate debated a no-confidence resolution against the administration’s handling of sexual assault reports.
Some faculty members called for Kotlikoff’s resignation, citing concerns about how complaints are handled and fear of retaliation.
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A recent Pew Research poll shows that 44 percent of American adults are having a hard time paying for basic needs like healthcare and food because of rising inflation. The survey was done in late July and August.
Key Facts
44 percent of U.S. adults say they struggle to afford basic necessities.
Basic necessities include medical care, food, housing, and utilities.
The poll was conducted by Pew Research in late July and August.
Rising inflation means prices for goods and services are going up.
Many Americans report financial stress due to higher living costs.
The data reflects current economic challenges faced by families.
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Ukraine’s use of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system to communicate and operate military drones was unexpectedly restricted, reducing its ability to defend against Russian attacks. Ukrainian officials suspect the restrictions relate to political tensions with President Trump, but U.S. officials say technical issues caused the problem.
Key Facts
Ukraine uses Starlink satellites from SpaceX to control reconnaissance and interceptor drones in its fight against Russia.
Starlink service was limited when drone speeds exceeded 80 to 160 km/h, slowing Ukraine’s military response.
Service partially returned, but Ukraine is still investigating the cause and who is responsible.
The service throttling happened after a dispute involving President Trump lifting sanctions on Russian oil and calling for a new Ukrainian president.
U.S. officials deny involvement, calling it a technical malfunction; Ukraine suspects political motives.
Ukraine also uses Starshield, a U.S. government-controlled satellite system for offensive military actions, which was also restricted.
Elon Musk said Starlink is a commercial service limited to civilian or defensive use; any changes to Starshield are controlled by the U.S. military and President Trump.
Polish Foreign Minister publicly questioned Musk about the possible political use of Starlink restrictions.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with football leaders to discuss his failed plan to sell part of FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors. Leaders from major football regions criticized Infantino, with some calling for his resignation, while others supported him ahead of the next FIFA presidential election in 2027.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino is FIFA President and proposed selling a minority stake in FIFA events through a plan called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
The FFE plan was quickly abandoned after criticism from major football confederations.
UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF leaders publicly said Infantino should resign.
The proposed investor was linked to Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
Infantino is running for re-election in March 2027, with a nomination deadline on November 18.
Some regions, including South America and parts of Asia, continue to support Infantino.
FIFA’s Council will discuss changes to governance, finances, disciplinary procedures, and a controversial FIFA Peace Prize awarded to President Donald Trump.
There is a push by some leaders to reduce Infantino’s powers if he remains FIFA President.
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Elon Musk said the U.S. government controls limits on the speed of weapons connected to Starlink, his satellite internet service used by Ukraine. Ukraine experienced new Starlink speed restrictions that disrupted military operations, and Musk clarified that any limits are set by the U.S. military and President Trump, not SpaceX.
Key Facts
Starlink is a satellite internet service owned by Musk’s SpaceX, used by Ukraine to guide drones and defend its skies.
On Tuesday night, Starlink imposed a speed limit of 100 mph (160 km/h) that cut off connectivity for faster-moving weapons.
Ukrainian officials said this restriction disrupted battlefield missions and believe it relates to tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
Musk explained that Starshield, a military-focused satellite service, is controlled by the U.S. government, which decides all speed and usage limits.
Musk said Starlink is meant only for civilian or defensive uses, not offensive military actions.
The U.S. government has not officially commented on these speed restrictions.
Ukraine suffered deadly Russian attacks on the same day, hitting energy and communication facilities.
President Zelensky expressed feelings of betrayal after the U.S. made an energy deal with Russia during the conflict, which President Trump denied threatening intelligence sharing over.
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