New data from the Census Bureau shows differences in poverty levels across U.S. states. California and Louisiana have the highest poverty rates, while Maine has the lowest. The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) used in this data takes into account government aid and various living expenses.
Key Facts
California and Louisiana have the highest poverty rates at 17.7% according to the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM).
Mississippi, Florida, and the District of Columbia also have high poverty rates.
Maine has the lowest poverty rate at 6.7%, followed by Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The SPM considers both government benefits and necessary living costs.
The national poverty rate under the SPM is 12.7%.
Differences in education, housing costs, and economic development contribute to varying poverty rates.
Changes in federal policies could affect future poverty rates in the U.S.
The city of Mathis in Texas is facing a water crisis because its only water source, Lake Corpus Christi, may not be able to provide enough water soon. The city plans to drill new wells to supply water and hopes to complete this by 2025. Mathis's residents and local businesses are already feeling the effects of the drought.
Key Facts
Mathis gets its water from Lake Corpus Christi, which is very low due to drought.
City Manager Cedric Davis says the city might struggle to pump water by late December if the drought continues.
Lake Corpus Christi is only 15.9% full as of mid-September 2023.
Mathis plans to drill two new wells by December to help with water supply.
These new wells could produce over a million gallons of water per day.
Local businesses, such as a lakeside campground, are already impacted by the lack of water.
The city aims to complete the new water system by the end of 2025.
Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs is dealing with a hand injury and a calf strain. While he might have been expected to return from the injured list soon, the injury seems to be healing more slowly than hoped. This is a concern for the Cubs as they approach the postseason, needing Tucker in top form.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker is recovering from a hand injury and a calf strain.
He is a four-time All-Star and plays for the Chicago Cubs.
Tucker was eligible to return from the injured list but his recovery is slower than expected.
The Cubs are nearing the postseason and may be a wild card team.
Tucker has a batting average of .270 this season with 22 home runs.
The Cubs' chances in the playoffs could be lower without Tucker playing.
Cubs manager, Craig Counsell, mentioned it's unlikely Tucker will return immediately after the minimum injury period.
Over a million people in Gaza face a severe crisis after being ordered to leave Gaza City as the Israeli military starts a ground invasion. The situation in Gaza has led to significant loss of life and is described as a humanitarian catastrophe. International organization Doctors Without Borders accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
Key Facts
More than one million people in Gaza have been told to evacuate Gaza City.
The Israeli military has begun a ground invasion while many civilians remain in the area.
Gaza's Ministry of Health reports over 64,000 deaths, including 20,000 children.
High-intensity weapons are used in crowded urban areas, affecting both civilians and medical facilities.
Gaza's healthcare system has been repeatedly targeted, further straining medical resources.
Severe shortages of essential supplies like fuel, water, and food have worsened the crisis.
A survey found 25% of pregnant or breastfeeding women in Gaza are malnourished.
Global governments are criticized for indirectly supporting the situation through military, political, or economic means.
The article discusses increasing political violence in the United States and the need for more empathy in public conversations. It highlights the challenges of dehumanization in politics and the importance of recognizing different viewpoints. The author emphasizes the need for respectful disagreements to prevent further division.
Key Facts
The article begins by quoting Jimmy Kimmel discussing political violence.
It mentions recent violent incidents against both Republican and Democratic leaders.
The killing of Charlie Kirk is presented as a significant event highlighting deep divisions.
The author started a platform called A Starting Point to simplify complex issues and engage more people in discussions.
The main focus is on reducing hate and promoting empathy in political and social conversations.
The author reflects on past unity following significant events, like after 9/11.
Questions are raised about how identity politics and the media contribute to divisiveness.
The author calls for individuals and policymakers to help create a healthier civic environment.
The Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider discussed his struggles returning from injuries this season, noting his inability to perform as expected. Despite personal improvements in recent games, the Braves will not participate in the playoffs this year. Strider plans to continue pitching and hopes for a better season next year.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals, but their season ends later this month.
Key Braves players, including Spencer Strider, have faced injury challenges this season.
Strider acknowledged having difficulty adjusting during his return to the mound.
In a recent start, Strider had six strikeouts and allowed one earned run over seven innings.
Strider showed improvement after posting a high ERA of 10.13 in August.
The Braves will not be in the postseason, and Strider is focusing on positive aspects of his recent performances.
Strider plans to pitch in two more games before the end of the season.
He aims for a healthy return and possible playoff participation next year.
President Trump filed a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming defamation. The lawsuit accuses the paper and some of its reporters of trying to harm his reputation and political career.
Key Facts
Trump filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
The lawsuit names The New York Times and four of its reporters as defendants.
It claims the Times acted with "actual malice" and aimed to damage Trump's reputation.
Trump accuses the Times of being biased and calls it a "mouthpiece of the Democrat Party."
The lawsuit is part of ongoing tensions between Trump and the news organization.
The Times has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Trump has also filed lawsuits against other media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and Des Moines Register.
Tensions between China and the Philippines intensified when Chinese forces stopped a Philippine ship attempting to deliver supplies near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons, resulting in injury and damage to the Philippine vessel. This area is a focus of dispute because both countries claim rights over it, with recent events further straining relations.
Key Facts
Chinese forces used water cannons on a Philippine ship near Scarborough Shoal during a resupply mission.
The incident injured a crew member on the Philippine vessel and caused damage.
China claims the Philippine ships "illegally intruded" into its territorial waters.
The Scarborough Shoal is a disputed area, located in the South China Sea, that both China and the Philippines claim.
An international court previously ruled mostly in favor of the Philippines regarding these waters, but China does not accept this ruling.
The confrontation involving multiple vessels comes just after China designated part of the reef as a marine nature reserve.
The U.S., a treaty ally of the Philippines, along with Canada and Australia, have protested China’s actions in this region.
Chinese and Philippine ships collided near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Both nations blame each other for the incident, which has heightened tensions in the region. The U.S. and the Philippines' allies criticized China's plan to turn the disputed area into a nature reserve.
Key Facts
Chinese and Philippine coastguard ships collided near Scarborough Shoal.
The Philippines accused China of aggressive actions and damaging one of its vessels.
China said the Philippine ships entered the area illegally and used water cannons.
The Philippines denies China's claim of controlling the situation.
Scarborough Shoal is a disputed area, also known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines.
China’s plan to make the shoal a nature reserve was condemned by the Philippines and its allies.
The U.S. criticized China for its actions, calling it destabilizing.
In 2016, an international court ruled against China's broad claims in the South China Sea, which China rejected.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan boat, allegedly linked to a drug cartel, resulting in three deaths. This was the second such attack, following a previous one in early September, which also targeted individuals labeled by the U.S. as narcoterrorists. Venezuela's government criticized the actions as aggressive and part of an attempt to provoke conflict.
Key Facts
The U.S. military attacked a Venezuelan boat on Trump's orders, claiming it was operated by a drug cartel.
Three men were reported killed in the recent strike.
This is the second attack on Venezuelan boats by the U.S.; the first attack happened on September 2.
Trump posted about these actions on his social media platform, Truth Social.
SOUTHCOM, a U.S. Department of Defense command, is responsible for operations in the region.
Venezuela's government has not commented on the latest attack but previously condemned the first strike.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed none of those killed in the first attack were part of a known drug cartel.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the U.S. of trying to incite war and seeking regime change for oil.
World Athletics plans to remind Great Britain of its rules against religious and political slogans during competitions. This comes after athlete Jeremiah Azu wore a "100% Jesus" headband at the World Championships in Tokyo, which could violate these regulations.
Key Facts
Jeremiah Azu wore a headband with the words "100% Jesus" during the World Championships.
World Athletics rules prohibit religious and political slogans during competitions.
Azu finished fourth in the men's 100m semi-finals and did not reach the final.
He may compete again in the 4x100m relay, which starts on Saturday.
Azu has previously won a gold medal in the 60m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
He also won a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in the 4x100m relay.
Azu is the fastest Welshman in history for the 100m with a time of 9.97 seconds in wind-legal conditions.
A study by Yale University's Budget Lab suggests that U.S. tariffs might push between 650,000 and 875,000 Americans into poverty next year. These price increases can reduce household spending power, leading to fewer sales, job cuts, and increased poverty rates. The research uses different poverty measures to estimate impacts, with the official and supplemental measures showing varying poverty increases.
Key Facts
Yale University's Budget Lab analyzed the impact of U.S. tariffs on poverty rates.
The analysis predicts 650,000 to 875,000 Americans could fall into poverty next year due to tariffs.
Tariffs are taxes on imports, which can lead to higher consumer prices.
Higher prices might reduce people's buying power and lead to job losses.
The study finds grocery workers, retail workers, and other blue-collar jobs as the most vulnerable.
Exact projections depend on the poverty measure used: the Official Poverty Measure or the Supplemental Poverty Measure.
The Bipartisan Policy Center estimates tariffs have generated $163 billion in revenue for the federal government.
The study uses data from the Census Bureau and economic projections to estimate these effects.
Popeyes is teaming up with the YouTube show Hot Ones to offer new spicy menu items for a limited time in the U.S. They created four different items with varying levels of heat, available individually or as a set. This collaboration is part of Popeyes' strategy to attract customers and stay competitive in the fast-food market.
Key Facts
Popeyes is collaborating with the Hot Ones YouTube series for a special menu.
The menu features four spicy items with different heat levels, available at participating U.S. locations.
Items include Sizzlin' Sriracha Dippers, Smokin' Rojo Sandwich, Darin' Dab Ghost Wings, and The Last Dab sauce.
The menu is offered for a limited time and includes a bundled price option of $16.99.
Customers can earn double reward points on Hot Ones purchases from September 22 to 28.
The collaboration is part of Popeyes' strategy to expand its offerings and boost sales.
The partnership aims to combine pop culture with food marketing.
Popeyes chief marketing officer, Bart LaCount, emphasized the fit between Popeyes and Hot Ones due to their shared focus on bold flavors.
Sebastian Vettel, a former Formula 1 champion, has talked with Red Bull Racing about potentially returning to the team after retiring in 2022. Red Bull's recent restructuring, including Christian Horner's departure, has opened discussions about new roles, though no formal decisions have been made.
Key Facts
Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season.
There have been talks between Vettel and Red Bull Racing about him taking on a role at the team.
Red Bull Racing recently fired Christian Horner, leading to team changes.
Vettel confirmed discussions with Red Bull's Helmut Marko but no decisions have been finalized.
Vettel expressed interest in mentoring young drivers and using his experience to help the team.
Time commitments and restructuring at Red Bull have posed challenges to these discussions.
Vettel previously raced for Red Bull, where he won four world championships.
Red Bull introduced Vettel to Formula 1 through their junior team before promoting him.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has an ankle sprain that will keep him out for two to four weeks. This is the second major injury in his career, raising concerns about his ability to adapt to the fast pace of the NFL. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky emphasized the importance of McCarthy gaining field experience despite his injuries.
Key Facts
J.J. McCarthy is a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.
He has an ankle sprain and will miss 2-4 weeks of games.
This is his second major injury; he also missed the 2024 season due to a torn meniscus.
Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback, stresses the importance of McCarthy adapting to the NFL's speed.
McCarthy has missed 18 games and played in two so far in his career.
There is concern McCarthy is not adjusting well to the speed of NFL pass rushes.
Fellow quarterback Carson Wentz could replace McCarthy if he performs well in upcoming games.
The Los Angeles Lakers are considering a trade for Lauri Markkanen, a $196 million All-Star player, to strengthen their team for the 2025-26 NBA season. The team has already made some changes by adding new players like Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, but acquiring Markkanen could further enhance their lineup. The trade would require the Lakers to use some of their future draft picks and possibly involve players like Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura.
Key Facts
The Lakers are looking to improve their team for the 2025-26 NBA season.
They have added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart to their roster.
The team is considering trading for Lauri Markkanen, an All-Star from the Utah Jazz.
Markkanen is known for his scoring ability and can play both power forward and center.
Acquiring Markkanen could improve the Lakers' offensive play and team balance.
The Lakers might use future draft picks and players like Gabe Vincent in the trade.
The goal is to make the Lakers one of the top teams in the NBA.
Saudi Arabia has started building King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, planned to be one of the largest airports globally. The airport aims to become a major transport hub under Saudi Vision 2030 and improve the capital's economic standing. The project will support 120 million passengers annually by 2030, aiming to increase to 185 million by 2050.
Key Facts
The King Salman International Airport is being built in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
It will cover about 57 square kilometers (22 square miles).
The airport will have six parallel runways and incorporate existing terminals.
Construction is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to boost transportation and trade.
The airport is developed by the King Salman International Airport Development Company.
Parsons Corporation and Mace were appointed for infrastructure and construction services.
The airport is expected to accommodate 120 million passengers annually by 2030 and 185 million by 2050.
The project aligns with Saudi Arabia's goal to become a global logistics hub.
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League is starting soon, with Paris Saint-Germain as the defending champions. The league format features 36 teams playing in a single table, and the competition includes a league phase and a knockout stage, concluding with a final in Budapest in May 2026.
Key Facts
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League starts on September 16, 2025.
Paris Saint-Germain is the defending champion.
36 teams compete in one league table during the league phase.
Each team plays eight matches against teams from different countries.
The top eight teams automatically advance to the round of 16.
Teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a playoff to join the knockout phase.
The final will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest in May 2026.
The total prize money for the tournament is $2.6 billion.
FBI Director Kash Patel told U.S. Senators that there is no trustworthy information in case files showing Jeffrey Epstein trafficked young women to anyone besides himself. Patel mentioned the information available is limited to older documents due to a previous legal deal Epstein made. Senator John Kennedy expressed concerns that Americans need more transparency on this issue.
Key Facts
FBI Director Kash Patel spoke to U.S. Senators about the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Patel said there is no credible evidence that Epstein trafficked young women to others.
Republican Senator John Kennedy asked Patel about this issue during a Senate hearing.
Patel noted the available information comes from case files with limited search warrants.
These case files are older because of a secret deal Epstein made with federal prosecutors.
Senator Kennedy stated that people want clarity on whether Epstein trafficked women to others.
The United States has deployed two missile systems, the Typhon and NMESIS, in Japan for military exercises. These systems can target areas near China's coastline and other regions, leading China to express security concerns. The deployments are part of a joint exercise with Japan and aim to improve crisis response capabilities in the region.
Key Facts
The U.S. deployed the Typhon missile system in Japan, capable of long-range strikes that can reach China's coastline.
China criticized this deployment, saying it increases the chance of an arms race and threatens regional security.
The Typhon system includes the Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk, with ranges of 290 miles and 1,000 miles, respectively.
In July, a Standard Missile-6 showed its ability to hit naval targets from the Typhon system during an exercise in Australia.
Japan is strategically important for these deployments because it is part of the First Island Chain, which deters aggression.
The deployments are part of Exercise Resolute Dragon 25, a joint military exercise between the U.S. and Japan.
Another U.S. system, NMESIS, was deployed on Ishigaki Island, Japan, near Taiwan, enhancing naval strike capabilities.
China urged the U.S. and Japan to remove the Typhon system, citing threats to peace and stability in the region.
