A man named Keith Townsend spoke about his feelings after the death of Ronald Paquin, a defrocked Boston priest convicted of sexually abusing children, including Townsend himself. Paquin died in prison in September 2023, and Townsend hopes this event helps other victims and their families find closure.
Key Facts
Ronald Paquin was a Catholic priest in Boston who admitted to sexually abusing minors.
Paquin was first exposed in the early 2000s during investigations by the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team.
Paquin pleaded guilty in 2002 to abusing an altar server and was imprisoned, losing his priest status.
Paquin was released from prison in 2015 but later charged again in Maine for abusing Keith Townsend and another person.
In 2019, Paquin was sentenced to 16 years in prison and died in custody in September 2023 at age 83.
Keith Townsend was abused by Paquin between ages 8 and 13, which led to struggles with addiction and incarceration.
Townsend pushed for Paquin’s re-imprisonment to protect children and praised Maine authorities for prosecuting the case.
Townsend hopes Paquin’s death will help survivors and families to find peace and continue healing.
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President Donald Trump's administration has rolled back environmental rules on fossil fuels like coal and gas. This move reflects both financial support from fossil fuel companies and a cultural connection to these energy sources, which are seen by some as symbols of traditional masculinity.
Key Facts
More people work as yoga instructors in the US than in the entire coal mining industry.
Despite this, politicians often defend coal mining more than yoga because coal is seen as more honorable and masculine.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Trump lifted limits on carbon emissions from coal and gas power plants.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in 2022 that the EPA cannot regulate carbon emissions independently.
Fossil fuel companies donated over $75 million to Trump's campaigns and nearly $12 million to his 2025 inauguration fund.
Trump called donations from the fossil fuel industry part of a “deal” during his 2024 campaign.
Scholar Cara Daggett argues that Trump’s support for fossil fuels is partly psychological, tied to ideas of masculinity linked with oil and gas industries.
The US lags behind other countries, like China, in clean energy production despite these policies.
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The Kennedy Center is facing uncertainty after President Trump said he would only approve renovations if his name is on the building. A board that supports Trump voted to close the center, but a federal judge has stopped both the renovation plans and the closure. Despite the judge’s order, fences were put up around the building, which was then closed to the public.
Key Facts
President Trump wants his name on the Kennedy Center as a condition for renovations.
A Trump-aligned board voted to close the Kennedy Center.
Federal judge Christopher Cooper blocked both the name condition and the closure.
Fencing was installed around the Kennedy Center despite the judge’s block.
The building was closed to visitors after the fences went up.
The debate over the Kennedy Center’s future is ongoing.
The Kennedy Center is a significant cultural venue in the United States.
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Senate Republicans are upset because they feel the current government is not making enough progress to end the war with Iran. They say the administration has not set clear goals to stop the conflict, which is causing problems for Republican political candidates.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans are unhappy with the slow progress in the Iran war.
They criticize the administration for not having clear plans to end the conflict.
The war is causing difficulties for Republican candidates in upcoming elections.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil shipping, has not reopened.
New threats to oil exports are increasing concerns about the conflict’s impact.
The disagreement highlights tensions within U.S. political parties over foreign policy.
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Some leading Democrats are becoming more hopeful about Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s chances in the 2028 presidential race. She has become a well-known leader in the party by connecting with voters on the left and gaining a bigger following.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Representative from New York.
She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Confidence is growing among some Democrats about her running for president in 2028.
She has gained popularity by appealing to left-leaning, populist voters.
Democrats are looking for new leaders as they prepare for future elections.
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A new poll shows Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed slightly ahead of Republican Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race for the 2026 midterm elections. El-Sayed has 48% support, while Rogers has 46%, with some voters still undecided.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic candidate for the Michigan Senate race.
Mike Rogers is the Republican candidate and a former U.S. Representative.
The poll used is from The Hill and Emerson College.
El-Sayed leads with 48% support among likely voters.
Rogers has 46% support in the same poll.
4% of voters polled remain undecided on who to support.
2% of voters prefer a different candidate.
The poll reflects opinions ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections.
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House Republican leaders canceled planned votes on Thursday, delaying a decision on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth until after the midterm elections. Lawmakers quickly left Washington to begin their campaigns for the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
The House postponed a vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The vote was originally set for Thursday but was moved to the lame duck session, after the elections.
House GOP leaders made the decision to cancel Thursday’s votes.
Lawmakers are leaving Washington early to focus on the midterm election campaigns.
The impeachment resolution involves removing the Defense secretary.
The term "lame duck session" refers to the period when current lawmakers remain until newly elected ones take office.
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A recent poll shows Democrat James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton are very close in the Texas Senate race. The poll found 47% of voters support Talarico, while 46% support Paxton, just weeks before Election Day.
Key Facts
The poll was released Thursday by The Hill and Emerson College.
James Talarico is a Democratic state lawmaker.
Ken Paxton is the Republican Attorney General of Texas.
Talarico currently has 47% voter support.
Paxton currently has 46% voter support.
The election is less than seven weeks away.
The race is considered very close or "neck and neck."
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Conservative comedian Ron White criticized Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Joe Rogan's podcast. Meanwhile, Democrat James Talarico is gaining support in Texas polls ahead of the upcoming Midterm elections.
Key Facts
Ron White called Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton a "piece of s***" on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
James Talarico, a Democrat, is rising in Texas polls against Paxton.
VoteHub polling shows Talarico is slightly favored to win Texas in the Midterms.
Prediction market Kalshi gives Talarico a 54% chance to win over Paxton's 47%.
Paxton has usually had support within conservative media, but some conservatives are now criticizing him.
Newsweek contacted Paxton and White for comments.
This story is ongoing and may be updated with new information.
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President Donald Trump is involved in a dispute over naming and renovating the Kennedy Center, a major performing arts venue. Photos show him reviewing plans mentioning "Kennedy Center Demolition," amid legal battles over adding his name to the building and safety concerns about its condition.
Key Facts
Photos from September 16 show President Trump looking at a document with the words "Kennedy Center Dem..." and "demolis," suggesting demolition plans.
Trump took control of the Kennedy Center's leadership in 2025 and became its chairman.
The board, with Trump's allies, voted to add Trump's name to the building, calling it "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
A federal judge ruled in 2026 that only Congress can rename the memorial to John F. Kennedy, making the name change illegal.
The Kennedy Center faces structural problems, including a ceiling collapse in early September, raising safety concerns.
Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick say the building needs extensive renovations due to its poor condition.
A court order said no memorials for President Trump can be installed at the center without Congress's approval.
The Kennedy Center board voted to close the venue for two years for safety reasons, but renovations will wait on court approval of the naming issue.
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A new bill passed by the U.S. House aims to increase economic pressure on Russia through sanctions and tariffs. The bill gives President Donald Trump broad powers to impose or waive tariffs on Russian goods and countries buying Russian oil, but it is unclear how strongly he will enforce these measures.
Key Facts
The bill is named the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" after the late senator who proposed it.
It targets Russian banks, officials, and Moscow's shadow fleet, and allows tariffs up to 500% on Russian goods.
Tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, such as China and India, can be as high as 100%, but Trump decides the exact rates.
The president can waive any sanctions if he believes it is in the U.S. national interest.
The bill has bipartisan support and has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
Past actions by President Trump show mixed enforcement of sanctions and tariffs on Russia and its allies.
The bill will test whether Trump will take strong action or be more lenient on Russia and its economic partners.
Treasury officials have indicated that tariffs on China depend on coordinated actions with European allies.
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State officials across the U.S. are preparing for the possibility that ICE agents might appear at polling places this fall. Federal law says law enforcement cannot be at voting sites, but President Donald Trump and Homeland Security have said ICE could act at polls if carrying out immigration arrests. Election officials are training local workers on how to respond to unauthorized federal agents.
Key Facts
The Trump administration suggested ICE agents could be at polling places during the fall elections.
Federal law generally prohibits law enforcement from being present at polling places.
President Donald Trump said he would do "anything necessary" to ensure honest elections, including possibly having ICE at the polls.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE agents might act at polls if serving immigration warrants.
State officials from Maine to Oregon are coordinating training and legal steps to stop unauthorized ICE presence at voting sites.
Local election workers are advised to ask ICE agents to leave and contact sheriffs if needed.
Some states have protocols similar to those for dealing with any unauthorized people at polling places.
Denver is involved in legal action aimed to block ICE agents from showing up at the polls preemptively.
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Actor Bobb'e Thompson was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for illegally owning a firearm. He was caught in 2025 driving at high speed with a stolen handgun and marijuana in his car.
Key Facts
Bobb'e Thompson is known for roles on NBC's 30 Rock and MTV's Wild 'N Out.
He was arrested in September 2025 in Iowa after a traffic stop for speeding.
Law enforcement found a loaded .40-caliber handgun reported stolen from Kansas City, Missouri.
Marijuana was also found in the vehicle.
Thompson pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm.
The judge also ordered a three-year supervised release after prison.
Thompson has past convictions for battery, assault, and illegal firearm possession.
The case was handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa.
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U.S. Marines training for a NATO exercise in Norway found their military boots falling apart in cold conditions. Because U.S. rules require boots to be mostly made in America, the Marines had trouble with poor-quality footwear and had to get replacements locally during the exercise.
Key Facts
About 3,000 U.S. Marines took part in a NATO exercise in Norway above the Arctic Circle in early 2026.
Their issued boots developed holes and the soles separated, letting in freezing water.
U.S. law requires military boots to be made primarily in the United States, with few exceptions.
The poor condition of U.S.-made boots caused problems during training, leading Marines to get boots from Norwegian suppliers.
Norwegian military boots from the Alfa company were used as replacements during the exercise.
A U.S. resupply ship changed plans to bring more American-made boots to Norway.
The Pentagon said commanders acted quickly to meet the Marines’ needs and keep training on track.
The issue raises concerns about whether stricter rules on boot manufacturing help or hurt service members.
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Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill to reject a nuclear cooperation deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The deal allows U.S. companies to work on nuclear energy projects in Saudi Arabia but has raised concerns about limited inspections and possible nuclear weapons development.
Key Facts
The bill was introduced by Democratic Representatives Gregory Meeks, Brad Sherman, John Garamendi, and Don Beyer.
Congress has 90 days to review the nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a 123 agreement.
The deal allows American industries to participate in nuclear energy projects worth billions of dollars in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement limits International Atomic Energy Agency inspections to only declared nuclear sites, unlike the usual "gold standard" which allows broader access.
The deal includes a joint study on possibly building a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, which could enrich uranium up to 20%.
Enriching uranium to 20% is seen as risky because it is a large step toward the level used for nuclear weapons (90%).
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said Saudi Arabia would seek nuclear weapons if Iran acquires them.
President Donald Trump could veto the bill unless Congress achieves a two-thirds majority vote against the deal.
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Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer, said in an interview that America causes more terrorism deaths worldwide than al-Qaeda. His comments have been used in attacks against Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who campaigned with Piker during the primary.
Key Facts
Hasan Piker said America causes more terrorism deaths "pound for pound" than al-Qaeda.
Piker referenced a U.S. missile strike that killed over 100 people, including schoolgirls, in Minab, Iran.
The U.S. government has not released final findings or the exact death toll from the strike.
Piker apologized for a past comment saying "America deserved 9/11," calling it analysis of U.S. actions in the Middle East.
Republican groups have spent nearly $3 million on ads linking El-Sayed to Piker to attack El-Sayed’s Senate campaign.
Michigan GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers frequently criticizes El-Sayed’s association with Piker.
El-Sayed says he talks to Piker because of Piker’s large audience but disagrees with Piker’s statements.
El-Sayed criticizes the policies of President Trump and Mike Rogers on economic issues affecting Michigan.
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Recent polls show Democrats leading the race for Congress ahead of the midterm elections, while President Donald Trump faces lower approval ratings compared to previous election years. However, historical polling trends suggest that Democratic leads in summer polls often decrease by Election Day, a pattern called "DAD" or Democrats Always Disappoint.
Key Facts
Democrats lead the generic congressional ballot by about 7 points in current polls.
President Trump’s approval rating is lower now than it was at similar times before the 2018 and 2022 elections.
The "DAD" trend means that Democratic polling advantages in summer often shrink by the actual election in November.
Analysis of over 3,000 Senate polls from the last four cycles shows polls usually overestimate Democratic support by an average of 3.7 points.
This polling error is largest in late July and August and becomes smaller by Election Day.
The American Association for Public Opinion Research found that polls overstated Democratic margins by an average of 2.7 points in the last two weeks before the 2024 presidential primaries, similar to 2020 and 2016.
Polling errors tend to be less in midterm elections compared to presidential years.
Past polling mistakes show that relying solely on summer polls can mislead forecasts for actual election outcomes.
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A mother shares her experience of her nearly seven-year-old daughter questioning the reality of the Tooth Fairy. She reflects on the challenges of telling children difficult truths about the world, including events like September 11 and other tragic historical moments.
Key Facts
The author's daughter, nearly seven, lost her second tooth and asked if the mother was the Tooth Fairy.
The mother enjoys the wonder of childhood stories but feels conflicted about revealing the truth.
The daughter learned about the September 11 anniversary at school and asked questions the mother felt unprepared to answer.
The mother has explained death simply before but finds it harder to explain events like hijackings or violent attacks.
She is considering how and when to talk about other tough topics that affect the world her children live in.
The mother believes there is still more beauty and fun in the world than bad things.
She values maintaining childhood innocence while preparing kids for complex realities in a gentle way.
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A cattle farmer from northwest Georgia running for Congress criticizes President Donald Trump’s plan to allow over 661 million pounds of foreign beef imports with lower taxes. He says this plan harms American farmers by making it hard for them to compete and does not lower grocery prices for families.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan to import over 661 million pounds of foreign beef in 90 days with lower tariffs (taxes).
The cattle herd in the U.S. is the smallest it has been in decades due to high costs and droughts.
Large meatpacking companies control over 85% of beef processing and influence prices paid to farmers and consumers.
The Department of Justice is investigating meatpacking companies for possible price fixing and unfair practices.
The farmer wants more competition by creating local meat processing centers and allowing small farms to sell directly to consumers.
Investments are needed in rural infrastructure, water systems, veterinarians, and programs that teach young people about farming.
The author served 40 years in the Army and stresses solving problems by listening to those affected and fixing real issues.
He urges Republicans to challenge President Trump to address the real challenges hurting farmers and consumers.
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Both Democrats and Republicans are not doing enough to address the problems facing boys and men in America. Some state leaders are starting programs to support boys and young men, but national political parties have yet to make this a major issue.
Key Facts
Many young male voters helped President Donald Trump and the Republicans win in 2024.
Republicans often talk about masculinity but have not passed many policies to help men with economic or social problems.
Democrats often avoid addressing struggles faced by boys and men, sometimes viewing masculinity negatively.
Some state leaders, like Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, Virginia’s Del. Josh Thomas, and California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, have started initiatives to support boys and young men.
These state programs focus on mentoring, education, mental health, and preventing suicide among boys and young men.
Addressing the challenges boys and men face could become more important in future elections.
The article urges national leaders from both parties to make men’s issues a priority in political campaigns.
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