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New York will send energy rebate checks of up to $200 to more than 8.2 million households starting September 21. This one-time $1 billion program is designed to help residents with rising utility bills and fuel costs.
Key Facts
The rebate program is called Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER).
Eligible households will receive between $100 and $200 based on income and tax filing status.
Checks will be mailed directly to residents; no application is required.
The program is funded by a $1 billion one-time allocation in New York’s 2027 budget.
The payments aim to provide relief ahead of the fall and winter heating seasons when energy use rises.
Since 2021, New York has given over $7.6 billion in direct utility-bill relief and invested $1.4 billion in energy-efficiency and renewable programs.
Rising energy prices are influenced by global issues like the Ukraine-Russia war, tensions in Iran, and tariffs.
This program is among the largest direct state energy-relief efforts in the U.S.
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Stella Parton gave an interview on CBS News where she talked about her sister, Dolly Parton. She shared details about Dolly’s makeup routine and her thoughts on death.
Key Facts
Stella Parton is Dolly Parton’s sister.
Stella spoke in an exclusive interview with CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King.
She revealed personal details about Dolly Parton’s daily makeup routine.
Stella also discussed Dolly’s views on death.
The interview was available on CBS News and its app.
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A group of 22 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., is suing the Trump administration to stop a rule that limits immigrants’ ability to get green cards or enter the U.S. if they use public benefits. The lawsuit targets the Department of Homeland Security’s “public charge” rule.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves 22 states plus Washington, D.C.
The states involved are led by the Democratic Party.
The rule in question is called the “public charge” rule.
This rule makes it harder for immigrants to get green cards or enter the U.S. if they have used certain public benefits.
The rule is enforced by the Department of Homeland Security.
The states argue that the rule is unfair or harmful, so they want it blocked.
The case is a legal challenge against the federal government’s immigration policy.
The issue affects immigrants trying to live legally in the U.S. through green cards.
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A Russian drone attack hit a passenger train in Ukraine near the border while former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other foreign officials were traveling on a nearby diplomatic train. Former CIA Director David Petraeus was at a nearby Ukrainian train station at the time of the attack.
Key Facts
A Russian drone hit a passenger train in Ukraine near the Ukraine-Poland border.
The attack happened shortly after a diplomatic train carrying Boris Johnson and other officials passed by.
David Petraeus, former CIA Director, was at the train station nearby when the drone struck.
The Ukrainian state railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, provided information about the incident.
The drone may have been targeting the diplomatic train with foreign officials.
No direct hit on Boris Johnson or the diplomatic train was reported.
The event occurred during ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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A new CBS News poll shows that President Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy among women has dropped to 27 percent, the lowest point recorded. This decline could create problems for Trump and the Republican Party as they try to keep control of Congress in the upcoming November midterm elections.
Key Facts
The CBS News poll was conducted from September 8-11 with 2,460 U.S. adults.
Only 27% of women approve of President Trump’s handling of the economy, down 5 points since July.
Approval of Trump’s handling of inflation among women is even lower, at 22%.
Women generally lean more toward the Democratic Party; 52% of women in the Pew Research Center survey leaned Democrat, while 38% leaned Republican.
Trump’s overall approval rating on the economy recently hit a new low, with only 33% of registered voters approving his job performance.
Among women, 33% approve of Trump’s overall job, while 67% disapprove.
The decrease in approval ratings comes as economic concerns and inflation fears remain important to voters.
The White House has dismissed concerns about the low approval ratings.
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US Vice President JD Vance stated that the Trump administration is closely monitoring the Houthi group's progress in Yemen after they took control of important islands in the Red Sea. He said the US is working with Saudi Arabia and has communicated directly with the Houthis.
Key Facts
The Houthi group has captured key islands in the Red Sea near Yemen.
US Vice President JD Vance said the administration is "very much on top of" the situation.
The US is in close contact with Saudi Arabia regarding this issue.
Direct talks have taken place between US officials and the Houthis.
The situation involves control over strategic locations in the Red Sea.
The Houthis are a political and armed group based in Yemen.
The Red Sea is an important water route for global shipping.
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Scientists have confirmed that the large stones called the Devil's Arrows in North Yorkshire were moved by people from a site 11 miles away during the Neolithic period. This discovery adds to the understanding that ancient communities transported heavy stones over long distances to create important monuments.
Key Facts
The Devil's Arrows are the tallest standing stone alignment in Britain.
The stones were transported 18 kilometers (11 miles) by humans, not moved by glaciers.
The tallest stone stands about 6.85 meters (22.5 feet) high.
These stones are part of a Neolithic complex and likely align with the summer moonrise.
Similar research has shown that stones at Stonehenge were also moved long distances by people.
Chemical analysis was used to trace the stone origins and confirm human transport.
The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A.
This research highlights how ancient communities created sacred landscapes by moving heavy stones.
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Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist who was held in immigration custody last year, is suing Columbia University. He claims the university did not properly respond to harassment against pro-Palestinian students.
Key Facts
Mahmoud Khalil is a pro-Palestinian activist.
He was detained in immigration custody for several months last year.
Khalil has filed a federal lawsuit against Columbia University.
The lawsuit accuses Columbia of "deliberate indifference" to harassment.
The harassment reportedly targeted pro-Palestinian students like Khalil.
The case is currently ongoing and developing.
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Gold and silver prices have moved a lot in 2026, affected by many factors including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions. If the Fed raises rates at its September meeting, precious metal prices could face short-term pressure, but other factors like inflation, economic worries, and demand also play important roles.
Key Facts
Gold price reached over $5,500 per ounce early in 2026 but dropped to about $4,275 per ounce by mid-September.
Silver prices have fluctuated significantly due to changing views on inflation, interest rates, and the economy.
The Federal Reserve is meeting on September 15-16, with a possible rise in interest rates.
Higher interest rates often make bonds and savings accounts more attractive, which can lower demand for gold and silver since they don’t pay interest.
A stronger U.S. dollar from a rate hike can make gold and silver more expensive for buyers using other currencies, lowering demand.
Some effects of a rate hike may already be reflected in current prices as investors adjust before the Fed’s decision.
High inflation, economic worries, geopolitical risks, and strong buying by central banks can support or raise gold prices even if interest rates rise.
Silver prices are also influenced by industrial demand because silver is used in manufacturing and technology like solar panels; slower economic growth could reduce this demand.
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Valve has launched its new virtual reality headset called the Steam Frame. It is light, comfortable, and has advanced features, but it costs over £1,000, making it more expensive than some other VR headsets like Meta's Quest 3.
Key Facts
The Steam Frame headset costs £1,089 for the 1TB storage version and £889 for the 256GB storage version.
The headset is light and comfortable because the battery is placed on the back of the head, not just at the front.
It uses "pancake" lenses, which help provide a clear view when wearing the device.
The display screens on the Steam Frame are good but not as high quality as those on PlayStation VR2, Apple, or Samsung headsets.
Meta’s Quest 3 headset is much cheaper at around £480 for 128GB, making VR more affordable for some users.
Rising costs for computer parts like RAM and graphics cards contribute to the higher price of new VR hardware.
Valve aimed to make the Steam Frame more affordable but had difficulties due to rising component prices.
There are mixed views about whether VR is too expensive, with some experts noting cheaper VR models are available.
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Brazil is preparing for a close presidential election on October 4, with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro as the main candidates. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has gained support amid corruption scandals involving Lula’s family, and his victory could lead to the release of Jair Bolsonaro from jail.
Key Facts
Brazil will hold a presidential election on October 4, with about 159 million voters.
The main candidates are incumbent president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and challenger Flávio Bolsonaro.
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, is currently in prison with a 27-year sentence for leading a failed coup attempt.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign has gained momentum recently due to corruption scandals linked to Lula’s son and Brazil’s supreme court.
Supporters of Jair Bolsonaro believe a Flávio Bolsonaro win could free him from jail and change the country’s political direction.
Jair Bolsonaro’s 2018 presidency was marked by environmental damage, increased gun ownership, a poorly handled COVID-19 outbreak, and attacks on Brazil’s democracy.
The city of Juiz de Fora is an important political battleground with historical significance for both left-wing and right-wing movements in Brazil.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been accused of trying to influence the Brazilian election in favor of Bolsonaro’s camp.
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Former Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia, known as a centrist, has endorsed Senator Susan Collins from Maine in her Senate race. Manchin chose Collins over her progressive opponent, Troy Jackson, and praised Collins as a core figure in the Senate.
Key Facts
Joe Manchin is a former senator from West Virginia who ended his career as an independent after leaving the Democratic Party.
He has publicly supported Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine.
Collins is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate.
Manchin described Collins as the “soul of the Senate.”
Collins’ opponent in the race is Troy Jackson, a progressive candidate.
Jackson supports policies like Medicare for All, a plan for government-covered health care.
Jackson also wants major changes to immigration laws.
Manchin’s endorsement is notable because of his centrist position and break from the Democratic Party.
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Ukrainian forces have made important progress against Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, stopping Russia’s advance in key areas and regaining ground after two years of fighting. This comes as Russian leaders reportedly give President Putin overly positive reports, while Ukraine continues local counterattacks and wins territory.
Key Facts
Ukraine disrupted Russian plans to capture the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian forces regained the initiative at both strategic and operational levels for the first time since 2024.
Key counteroffensives happened in Kupiansk, Oleksandrivka, and Lyman sectors.
Ukraine destroyed a Russian “salient” (a forward military position) threatening the northern flank of Slovyansk and Donetsk Fortress Belt.
Pro-Russian military bloggers acknowledged Ukrainian gains, including cutting the Russian salient north of Lyman.
Ukraine liberated approximately 77 square miles north of Lyman and about 290 square miles in southern Ukraine through separate operations.
Russian forces made limited gains near Kostyantynivka, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk but face strong resistance.
The Donetsk Fortress Belt is a heavily fortified line crucial for defending the eastern Donbas region.
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Valve is releasing a new virtual reality (VR) headset called the Steam Frame, which costs $1,049 and can be reserved starting today. The Steam Frame is designed to be lightweight and comfortable by splitting the battery to the back of the head, reducing front weight and pressure compared to other VR headsets.
Key Facts
Valve previously led the PC-connected VR market with the HTC Vive and its own Index headset.
The Meta Quest series offered cheaper, wireless VR, becoming popular in the 2020s and reducing demand for PC-tethered headsets.
The Steam Frame weighs 440 grams, about 15% lighter than the Meta Quest 3's 515 grams.
The headset’s design places a battery pack on the back of the user’s head to balance weight.
This split design helps prevent the headset from feeling front-heavy and slipping down the nose.
The Steam Frame still applies some pressure to the cheeks and forehead, which can cause heat and sweat during active use.
Valve is entering the standalone VR headset market in 2026 after years of little activity in VR hardware.
The headset is priced at $1,049 and aims to improve comfort while providing a high-end VR experience.
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Marine veteran Joslin Joseph says the government did not do enough to protect 9/11 responders and veterans from harmful toxic exposure. Many people who were near Ground Zero or exposed to burn pits continue to have serious health problems.
Key Facts
Joslin Joseph is a Marine veteran advocating for those exposed to toxic environments.
9/11 responders faced toxic exposure at Ground Zero after the attacks.
Veterans have been exposed to toxic burn pits, which are areas where waste is burned, releasing harmful smoke.
Many affected individuals now have long-term health issues related to these exposures.
There is a concern that the government has not fully addressed or prevented these health risks.
Efforts to recognize and treat these health problems are ongoing but remain insufficient.
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A study from the University of Colorado found that menopause is often missing from women’s electronic health records, even when women report going through it. Researchers compared survey answers with medical records and found menopause mentioned nearly seven times more in surveys than in health records.
Key Facts
The study analyzed data from about 396,000 women participating in the NIH’s All of Us Research Program.
Only around 7% of women had menopause information recorded in their electronic health records (EHRs).
About 14% of women who said they experienced menopause in surveys had it documented in their medical records.
Menopause is not usually asked about or recorded during medical visits unless the woman mentions it.
Menopause details often appear only in doctors’ notes, making it harder for researchers to find and use.
When menopause is noted in records, it usually matches what women say in surveys.
Missing menopause information makes it difficult to study health issues related to menopause, such as heart disease risks.
Researchers need better menopause data to understand how menopause affects health differently from aging.
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Vice President JD Vance announced that the Trump administration will stop about 870,000 people suspected of COVID-era fraud from getting future federal loans. The Justice Department revealed a large enforcement campaign targeting fraud in pandemic relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with over 160 defendants charged and around $245 million in losses involved.
Key Facts
The Trump administration will block 870,000 people suspected of COVID-19 relief fraud from receiving federal loans.
The Justice Department ran a fraud crackdown called the "Heartland fraud surge" from June 12 to September 1.
More than 160 defendants were involved in cases totaling roughly $245 million in intended losses.
Nearly 80 defendants were charged with felonies resulting in about $100 million in losses.
Around 43 defendants pleaded guilty, linked to $44 million in losses, and 40 have been sentenced.
Fraud schemes included fake businesses, false payroll or revenue figures, and identity theft.
The Paycheck Protection Program sent out about 11.8 million loans worth $800 billion during the pandemic.
The SBA’s inspector general estimated over $200 billion of relief program money showed signs of fraud.
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The UK government is planning to take full control of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK), a major steel company that employs about 1,300 people, after rejecting a private buyer. Production at the company’s plants was stopped earlier this year, and the government aims to protect the steelworks and explore future uses before making final decisions.
Key Facts
Speciality Steel UK is the UK’s third-largest steel company with sites in South Yorkshire and the West Midlands.
The government took control of SSUK last year after it went into liquidation.
A private buyer offered a deal earlier this year, but the government rejected it due to concerns about financing and taxpayer protection.
Production stopped months ago, and workers are on reduced pay furlough.
The government will formally acquire SSUK to keep control and allow time to research future opportunities.
Any future spending on the business will come from existing government funds after careful checks.
The business secretary said this will help protect jobs and support local communities.
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The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees is planning to suggest adding President Donald Trump's name to the outside of the building. This is to recognize his role in helping the center avoid serious financial trouble.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center is a major performing arts venue in Washington, D.C.
The Board of Trustees wants to put President Trump's name on the building's exterior.
They say this is to honor his support in saving the center from financial difficulties.
A court filing revealed this plan as part of a legal case.
The legal case aims to stop adding President Trump's name to the building.
The issue is currently being handled through the court system.
The decision to add his name is not finalized yet.
The board’s proposal is based on President Trump’s financial help to the Kennedy Center.
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A man from Stockport, Greater Manchester, has admitted to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for over 20 years. He pleaded guilty to 60 charges, including rape and assault, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. The trial also involves 12 other men accused of serious sexual offenses against the same woman.
Key Facts
The husband, in his sixties, admitted 60 offenses including multiple counts of rape and administering drugs to his wife.
His crimes against his wife began in 2004 and lasted for more than 20 years.
The wife attended the court hearing, supported by her family.
The husband is from Stockport, Greater Manchester.
Twelve other men are accused of sexual offenses against the same woman, with allegations from 2018 to 2025.
One other man previously admitted to offenses related to the case.
The names and ages of the accused men come from various locations across England.
The trial is ongoing and more proceedings are expected.
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