Todd Blanche was sworn in as the U.S. attorney general after a close Senate vote. He has been acting attorney general since April and faces challenges related to the Justice Department’s direction under President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche was confirmed by the Senate in a 50-49 vote.
Blanche served as President Trump’s personal lawyer before becoming attorney general.
He took the oath of office at the White House, administered by a federal appeals court judge.
Blanche has led the Justice Department in an acting role since Pam Bondi was fired in April.
Two Republican senators opposed his confirmation due to concerns about politicization of the Justice Department.
Blanche oversaw investigations of Trump’s political opponents, including former FBI Director James Comey.
Blanche defended the Trump administration’s involvement with the Justice Department and said the president has a right to be involved.
Blanche’s nomination moved forward after he agreed to cancel a $1.8 billion fund meant for Trump allies affected by the Justice Department.
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Lindsay Clancy is on trial for killing her three children in Massachusetts. Her defense lawyer questioned the psychiatrist who treated her, arguing that the mental health care Clancy received was insufficient and may have worsened her condition before the tragedy.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy stands trial for killing her three young children.
She was treated by psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tufts through mostly short video appointments.
The defense lawyer questioned the quality and methods of Clancy’s psychiatric care.
Clancy reported side effects and problems with the medications prescribed to her.
The defense suggested the psychiatrist’s care was more focused on paperwork than on meaningful therapy.
Prosecutors say Clancy planned to kill her children to get her husband away from the house.
Clancy is paralyzed after jumping from a second-story window at the family home.
The children’s ages ranged from 8 months to 5 years old.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to change the childhood vaccine schedule and reduce the influence of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The order calls for separating the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate shots and recommends giving vaccines at different medical visits.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order to try to change the CDC’s vaccine recommendations.
The order would break the combined MMR vaccine into three separate shots, which is currently not possible in the U.S. because separate vaccines are not licensed yet.
The order recommends giving all vaccines at separate doctor visits, creating more visits for families and doctors.
Only six vaccines would keep full recommendations; others would be limited or require shared clinical decisions with doctors.
The U.S. Attorney General is asked to challenge state vaccine laws that conflict with this order.
President Trump linked vaccines to autism during the announcement, a claim that scientific studies have disproven.
Executive orders guide federal agencies but do not change laws or directly affect public vaccine rules.
Many states have their own vaccine requirements separate from the CDC, and insurance still covers vaccines.
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President Donald Trump is trying again to change the rules on birthright citizenship in the United States. Despite a Supreme Court ruling against his earlier effort, his administration has issued new executive orders aimed at stopping "birth tourism" and narrowing who can become a U.S. citizen at birth.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to limit birthright citizenship, which gives citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.
The Supreme Court rejected his previous attempt to change this rule.
His administration has introduced new executive orders targeting "birth tourism," where people travel to the U.S. to have children for citizenship.
A federal appeals court stopped Trump from building a $400 million ballroom at the White House because he has not gotten Congress's approval.
The news program Americast discussed these issues along with an interview of Hunter Biden and topics about President Joe Biden.
The broadcast featured Sarah Smith, Justin Webb, and Marianna Spring as hosts, with Matt Chorley leading the discussion.
Listeners were invited to join the conversation via social media and messaging platforms.
The episode is part of the BBC's Americast podcast series focusing on U.S. news and politics.
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Senators Adam Schiff and Amy Klobuchar introduced a new bill called the Water Cyber Shield Act. The bill aims to protect water systems from cyberattacks by providing more money to improve cybersecurity.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Water Cyber Shield Act.
It was introduced by Democratic Senators Adam Schiff from California and Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota.
The bill focuses on protecting water infrastructure from cyberattacks.
It proposes increasing the annual funding for water system cybersecurity by $300 million.
This money would come from the drinking water and clean water state revolving funds.
The goal is to help states improve their defenses against cyber threats on water systems.
The bill was unveiled on a Monday (specific date not provided).
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Todd Blanche, who was President Trump’s personal attorney, was officially sworn in as attorney general on Monday. He is the second person to serve as attorney general during President Trump’s current term. A video of the ceremony was shared by Trump’s aide Margo Martin.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche was sworn in as attorney general on Monday.
He had previously worked as President Trump’s personal attorney.
Blanche is the second attorney general in President Trump’s current administration.
The swearing-in took place in the Oval Office.
Margo Martin, an aide to President Trump, posted a video of the event.
The Senate confirmed Blanche before the swearing-in.
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President Donald Trump has renewed a 90-day waiver of the Jones Act, a law that requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be transported on American ships. This waiver aims to help lower gasoline and fuel prices by allowing non-American ships to transport fuel between U.S. ports temporarily.
Key Facts
The Jones Act is a law over 100 years old that requires shipping between U.S. ports to use American ships.
President Trump has granted another 90-day waiver for this law.
This waiver allows non-American ships to transport fuel between U.S. ports.
The goal is to help reduce gasoline and other fuel prices.
The waiver includes some limits to the extent of the relaxation.
The decision was announced by the White House.
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President Donald Trump will sign an executive order to change childhood vaccine guidelines, recommending that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine be given as three separate shots in different visits. Health experts warn that spreading out vaccines this way could increase the risk of children catching preventable diseases before completing all doses.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to sign an order promoting spaced-out childhood vaccinations.
The order suggests separating the combined MMR vaccine into three individual shots.
Separate MMR vaccines are not currently available in the United States.
Public health experts warn that delaying vaccine doses raises infection risks for children.
Vaccination requirements for schoolchildren are determined by individual states, not the federal government.
Trump has pushed for more autism research, despite scientific studies showing no link between vaccines and autism.
The U.S. is dealing with a measles outbreak as schools begin the year.
The federal government continues research and safety checks on vaccine schedules and combinations.
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President Donald Trump extended a 90-day waiver allowing foreign ships to carry energy and fertilizer products between U.S. ports. The waiver helps keep fuel and agricultural supplies moving amid ongoing disruptions affecting oil shipping routes in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The waiver applies to foreign ships transporting oil, fertilizers, and other fossil fuel products between U.S. ports.
President Trump first issued this Jones Act waiver on March 17, 2026.
The latest extension begins on August 17, 2026, and lasts 90 days.
The waiver aims to reduce price pressures caused by the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Unlike before, the Pentagon will coordinate with the Maritime Administration on which voyages qualify for the exemption.
The waiver only covers energy cargo and agriculture-related commodities like fertilizers and soybean oil.
A White House official said the waiver helps the military and key industries keep access to vital resources.
The waiver has increased deliveries of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel within the U.S.
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Todd Blanche has officially become the US attorney general after being confirmed by the Senate. He previously worked as President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer and was acting attorney general since April.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche was sworn in as US attorney general at a White House ceremony on Monday.
Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general since April.
The Senate confirmed his appointment by a close vote of 50-49.
The Senate is controlled by the Republican Party.
All Democratic senators voted against his confirmation.
Blanche worked as President Donald Trump’s personal attorney before this role.
He now leads the Department of Justice.
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July 2024 was the hottest month ever recorded in the United States, with temperatures averaging 3.3°F (1.8°C) above the 20th-century average. This extreme heat was caused by multiple heatwaves and worsened by human-driven climate change, while wildfires and smoke affected large parts of the country.
Key Facts
July 2024 set the highest monthly average temperature in U.S. records going back to 1895.
Temperatures were 3.3°F (1.8°C) higher than the 20th-century average for the contiguous U.S.
The country experienced three heat domes in July, which trapped very hot air over different regions.
Wyoming recorded its hottest July ever, with temperatures 5.1°F (2.8°C) above normal.
Large wildfires burned in Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, spreading smoke over many areas.
Human-caused climate change, driven by burning coal, oil, and gas, played a significant role in these extreme weather events.
Many Americans reported higher electricity bills, disrupted travel, and limitations on outdoor activities due to the heat.
President Donald Trump has promoted fossil fuel production and rejected climate science.
A strong El Niño event is expected to push global temperatures even higher in the coming year.
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Todd Blanche was sworn in as the United States attorney general after the Senate confirmed him by a narrow vote. He had been serving as acting attorney general since April and was formally nominated by President Donald Trump in June.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche took the oath of office as attorney general at the White House, administered by Judge Emil Bove.
Blanche was confirmed by the Senate with a 50-49 vote after a long session just before the August recess.
Some Republicans initially opposed Blanche due to concerns about a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund at the Justice Department.
Blanche rescinded the order that established the fund, which eased opposition from key Republican senators.
Senator Bill Cassidy’s support was decisive for Blanche’s confirmation, despite opposition from Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.
Blanche was part of President Trump’s legal defense team during Trump’s 2023 indictment and was nominated by Trump after winning the 2024 election.
Blanche has a law degree from Brooklyn Law School and experience as a federal prosecutor in New York.
Prior to joining the Justice Department, Blanche worked at several law firms and started his own firm in 2023.
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A clinic in Upper Manhattan, New York City, lets people use hard drugs inside its building under supervision. Supporters say this approach helps prevent overdose deaths and reduces drug use on the streets, while critics worry it attracts drug users and dealers, making the neighborhood feel unsafe.
Key Facts
The clinic is located in Upper Manhattan, New York City.
It allows people to inject hard drugs using clean needles inside the building.
Staff supervise to help reduce the chance of overdoses and infections.
Supporters believe the clinic lowers overdose deaths and street drug use.
Critics say the clinic draws drug users and dealers to the area.
Some local residents feel the neighborhood has become less safe since the clinic opened.
The site uses cubicles for privacy and safety during drug use.
Such clinics are part of a harm reduction strategy in public health.
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A boat capsized near Liberty Island in New York Harbor on August 8, 2026, killing a 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old baby. The boat operator, Manuel Hernandez, was taken into federal custody and will appear in court as authorities investigate whether the boat was illegally operating.
Key Facts
The boat capsized near Liberty Island in New York Harbor on August 8, 2026.
Two people died: Sara Sanchez (27 years old) and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.
There were 14 people on the boat; 12 survived with minor injuries.
The boat operator, Manuel Hernandez, 46, was initially arrested on state charges including reckless endangerment.
Hernandez is now in federal custody and will appear in federal court in the Southern District of New York.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service is leading the investigation.
Authorities are checking if the boat was operating as an illegal charter.
Sara Sanchez’s husband survived and their 6-year-old son was not on the boat.
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President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Monday that will introduce new guidelines for childhood vaccines. The White House confirmed the signing will take place at 2:45 p.m.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to sign an executive order about childhood vaccinations.
The order will include new recommendations for vaccine schedules or policies.
The signing is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. on Monday.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the event.
Details about the specific changes in vaccination guidelines were not yet provided.
The news story is still developing and more updates may follow.
The announcement was reported by CBS News with contributions from Kathryn Watson.
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President Trump is planning to sign an executive order to change how childhood vaccines are given. The order would split the combined MMR vaccine into three separate shots and recommend giving vaccines at different medical visits.
Key Facts
The executive order calls for separating the MMR vaccine into three single-disease shots when available.
It also encourages giving all childhood vaccines at different medical appointments.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s advisers previously recommended splitting the MMR vaccine.
Earlier this year, the White House asked Kennedy to avoid making controversial vaccine policy changes.
President Trump has shown continued interest in changing childhood vaccine policies.
There is no scientific evidence that current vaccine schedules cause health problems or autism.
Courts have stopped past attempts by the administration to reduce the list of federally recommended vaccines.
Vaccine experts warn that more shots at separate visits may lead to missed or delayed immunizations.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke about Wisconsin governor candidate Francesca Hong’s past comment on Thanksgiving and discussed changes in progressive views on policies linked to "woke" culture. Her remarks led to criticism from some progressive commentators who saw her as turning against more left-wing ideas.
Key Facts
Francesca Hong once tweeted "Cancel Thanksgiving," but later said she would celebrate it with her family.
Ocasio-Cortez noted that Hong has changed her stance and emphasized focusing on a candidate’s current views.
Ocasio-Cortez mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was more openness to new policies to improve society.
Some progressives criticized Ocasio-Cortez for comments they felt distanced her from "woke" culture and socialism.
Critics highlighted ongoing issues like police violence and large police budgets in U.S. cities.
Ocasio-Cortez is considered a possible candidate for the 2028 presidential race.
The discussion reflects a shift in how some progressives talk about crime and social policies today compared to 2020.
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The Trump administration revoked over 175,000 U.S. visas during the first 18 months of President Trump's second term, which is more than four times the number revoked in 2024 under President Biden. The revocations were due to criminal acts, immigration violations, fraud, and national security concerns, but some cases raised worries about free speech rights.
Key Facts
Over 175,000 visas were revoked in the first 18 months of President Trump's second term.
In 2024, about 40,000 visas were revoked under President Biden.
Common reasons for revocations include crimes like assault, DUI, theft, drug offenses, immigration fraud, and national security risks.
Some visas were revoked for expressions of political views, such as celebrating a political activist’s assassination, raising free speech concerns.
A notable case involved a Turkish student whose visa was revoked after criticizing a university’s response to the war in Gaza; her removal case was later dropped.
The State Department does not publicly release detailed yearly data on visa revocations.
President Trump described U.S. visas as a privilege, not a right.
Critics argue some visa revocations target free speech and political activism by noncitizens.
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NORAD intercepted two aircraft flying near Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Trump was watching a golf tournament at his golf course. The aircraft violated temporary flight restrictions established for the event.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Bedminster, New Jersey.
President Trump was attending the LIV Golf Bedminster tournament at his golf course.
NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) detected and intercepted two aircraft.
The aircraft were general aviation planes flying in a restricted area.
Temporary flight restrictions were in place over Bedminster because of the event.
F-16 fighter jets conducted the interceptions.
NORAD issued a statement about the interception on Sunday.
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Congress is debating a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time (DST) permanent and stop the twice-yearly clock changes. The bill passed the House but still faces hurdles in the Senate, so Americans will turn their clocks back one hour on November 1 as usual unless the Senate approves the bill and President Donald Trump signs it.
Key Facts
The Sunshine Protection Act aims to keep daylight saving time year-round by stopping clock changes in spring and fall.
The House of Representatives passed the bill with a bipartisan vote of 308-117 on July 14.
President Donald Trump supports the bill and has publicly encouraged lawmakers to pass it.
Senate leaders warn there is significant opposition, especially due to concerns about darker winter mornings.
Current law requires Americans (except some states and territories) to change clocks twice a year—spring forward and fall back.
Keeping DST permanently would mean later sunrises in winter, causing darker mornings for commuters and schoolchildren.
If the Senate approves the bill without changes, it could quickly pass through via unanimous consent, but any objections could slow it down.
Unless the bill passes and is signed by the president, clocks will be set back 1 hour at 2 a.m. on November 1, ending DST for winter.
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