A new poll shows that most voters in five states with Senate elections want lawmakers to have a plan to stop future Social Security benefit cuts. Social Security faces a money shortfall and could reduce benefits by about 22% after 2032 if Congress does not act.
Key Facts
77% of voters in Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas say they would more likely support a Senate candidate with a Social Security reform plan.
Social Security funds are expected to run out by late 2032, after which only 78% of benefits can be paid.
The poll included 2,500 registered voters, 500 from each state, conducted in August 2024.
Senate races in these states are considered competitive and important for control of the Senate.
Current Social Security proposals include raising taxes on incomes over $400,000 and taxing investment earnings for high earners.
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan supports the Social Security 2100 Act, aimed at improving the program’s funding and benefits.
Republican Senators Thom Tillis (North Carolina) and John Cornyn (Texas) are involved in efforts to address Social Security’s issues.
Voters see Social Security as a crucial topic for candidates in the upcoming November midterm elections.
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The Trump administration’s EPA has removed limits on pollution from coal and gas power plants in the US. The agency claims this will lower electricity bills and create jobs, but independent analyses and the EPA’s own data suggest electricity costs will rise and the decision ignores health and environmental harms.
Key Facts
The EPA erased limits on emissions from coal and gas power plants, which cause about 25% of US greenhouse gases.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claimed this change would lower electricity bills and create jobs.
The EPA’s analysis shows electricity prices will rise by 0.7% by 2030 and only fall in the mid-2030s or later.
Running coal power plants is expected to become 27.3% more expensive by 2045 despite the rollback.
Independent groups say US consumers might pay an extra $30 billion per year by 2035 due to these policies favoring fossil fuels over renewable energy.
The EPA claims the rollback will save $310 billion by cutting compliance costs for power plants, but did not explain when or how savings reach consumers.
Officials and critics agree the new rule ignores health and climate benefits from reducing pollution.
Earlier Biden-era rules projected up to $370 billion in climate and health benefits over 20 years, which the Trump EPA has reduced to near zero in their cost-benefit analysis.
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Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia has become well known for his effective use of social media and public appearances, drawing some comparisons to past leaders like John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama. He recently criticized President Donald Trump during a speech, which led to a viral moment about Trump’s aide Natalie Harp, helping Ossoff gain attention beyond his state as he prepares for re-election and possible presidential ambitions.
Key Facts
Jon Ossoff is a U.S. senator from Georgia and the youngest senator in the current Congress.
Ossoff made a viral comment about President Trump wanting to “travel with Natalie” on Air Force One, referring to Trump’s aide Natalie Harp.
This moment increased Ossoff’s visibility on social media far beyond Georgia.
Ossoff uses strong visuals and clear language, helped by his background as a filmmaker.
Some compare Ossoff’s media skills and image to those of John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama.
President Trump uses social media differently, often mocking opponents with nicknames like “Pee-wee Herman” for Ossoff.
A Republican group created AI-generated ads mocking Ossoff’s hair and makeup choices.
Ossoff was first elected after a tight runoff election in early 2021 that helped Democrats gain control of the Senate.
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Federal judges have received almost 200 anonymous pizza deliveries since 2025 as a way to threaten them. The Marshals Service, which protects judges, does not have enough resources to find and charge the people responsible.
Key Facts
Since 2025, nearly 200 anonymous pizza deliveries have been sent to federal judges.
These deliveries are part of a planned effort to intimidate judges.
The United States Marshals Service protects federal judges.
The Marshals Service lacks enough resources to investigate and prosecute the offenders.
No one involved in these threats has been charged so far.
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Rep. Thomas Massie said he kept his plan to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth secret from Republican leaders. He introduced this impeachment resolution during a House session on Tuesday.
Key Facts
Rep. Thomas Massie is a Republican from Kentucky.
Massie introduced a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Massie kept the resolution secret from Republican leaders to avoid revealing his plan early.
Massie has often criticized the Trump administration’s military actions in Iran.
The resolution was introduced on the House floor on Tuesday.
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Farmers in the U.S. are facing very high diesel fuel prices during the important harvest season, which is making it hard for them to cover costs and stay in business. Despite President Donald Trump’s statements about controlling oil supplies and winning the Iran conflict, diesel prices have reached record highs, adding to farmers’ financial difficulties.
Key Facts
Diesel fuel prices have risen past $6 per gallon nationwide, with some areas like California seeing prices near $10 per gallon.
The high diesel costs come from global supply issues, including the war in Iran.
Farmers use diesel to run machines like combines and tractors during harvest, making fuel a critical expense.
John Boyd, a Virginia farmer and leader of the National Black Farmers Association, said farmers "just can’t survive" with these high fuel prices.
Despite President Trump’s claims of securing a large oil deal with Venezuela and controlling the Strait of Hormuz, diesel prices remain at all-time highs.
The cost of planting with diesel fuel rose 63% during the 2026 planting season compared to the previous year, according to a government report.
Some experts say the broader U.S. economy can handle higher fuel costs better now than in the past, but farmers still face serious challenges.
Farmers who voted for Trump in 2024 report cutting other expenses to afford fuel prices needed to complete their harvests.
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Last June, large immigration raids by federal agents under President Donald Trump’s second term caused fear among immigrant communities in Los Angeles. Violence prevention workers say these raids changed how they do their work and made young people afraid to attend school or participate in programs designed to keep them safe.
Key Facts
Hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids at places like Home Depot and food stands in Los Angeles.
Many immigrants stayed home from work and school because they were scared of being arrested.
Violence interruption workers help stop gun violence by engaging with young people in these communities.
These workers report that the raids made youth afraid and discouraged them from joining programs aimed at preventing violence.
Workers adapted by creating workshops that young people can do at home, like journaling to manage anger.
The raids increased fear but also led to more community unity and efforts to train local leaders.
The raids made it harder for violence interrupters to keep neighborhoods safe because people felt insecure.
Guadalupe Serrano from Youth Alive noted that fewer gun violence survivors went to hospitals for treatment, possibly due to fear of immigration enforcement.
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The article discusses how Democrats in Congress are focusing their oversight efforts in a way that targets only one political side. This one-sided approach could lead to problems for the Democrats themselves.
Key Facts
Democrats are managing government oversight activities.
Oversight means checking or monitoring government actions.
The oversight is directed mainly at one political party or side.
The article suggests that this approach could create difficulties for Democrats.
It implies there might be negative consequences from this partisan focus.
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A man in his 60s from Greater Manchester has admitted to drugging and raping his wife over more than 20 years. He pleaded guilty to 60 offences, including rape and assault, and is no longer part of a larger trial involving 12 other men accused of sexual offences against the same woman.
Key Facts
The husband, from Stockport, admitted to 60 crimes including rape, assault by penetration, and giving his wife drugs without her knowledge.
His abuse started in 2004 and continued for more than 20 years.
The husband pleaded guilty in court, which protects his wife’s identity by not naming him publicly.
Twelve other men are still on trial for sexual offences against the same woman, dating back to 2018.
A 14th man also pleaded guilty to offences against the woman.
The trial is taking place at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.
The jury will return to court on October 5, with the trial expected to finish by December 18.
The husband was removed as a defendant after his guilty pleas, so the remaining trial focuses on the other men.
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Court files about victims and families of the July 2024 Southport attack were accessed without permission, causing distress to those affected. The Ministry of Justice is investigating the breach, and families demand transparency and accountability.
Key Facts
The data breach involved court files about victims, their families, and survivors of the Southport attack.
The Southport attack happened in July 2024 at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, killing three children.
The Ministry of Justice said the breach was unauthorized and has launched an urgent investigation.
Some North West Ambulance Service staff were also being investigated for improper access to victim records.
Sensitive personal data was accessed but officials said no evidence shows the information was shared outside.
The Information Commissioner’s Office, which oversees data protection, has been informed of the breach.
Families expressed frustration about repeated data breaches causing extra stress during recovery.
Government officials, including the Prime Minister, have instructed strict action and oversight on the matter.
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The Trump administration is imposing travel bans on South African officials accused of discrimination against White people and other minorities. The U.S. government says these actions harm peace, stability, and fairness, while South Africa denies the accusations and calls them false.
Key Facts
The U.S. will deny or revoke visas for South African officials involved in policies allowing land seizures, race-based discrimination, or violence against minorities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the travel restrictions.
South Africa’s government rejects the U.S. claims and calls them misinformation.
The sanctions focus on allegations of discrimination against White South Africans, especially Afrikaners, descendants of colonial settlers.
The U.S. also criticized South Africa’s accusation against Israel of genocide at the United Nations.
Previous U.S. sanctions include banning South African officials from Group of 20 meetings and cutting HIV program aid.
The U.S. created a refugee program for Afrikaners, citing supposed humanitarian concerns.
The U.S. warns these visa restrictions are only the first step in further actions if policies do not change.
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President Donald Trump compared himself to a messiah and views those who disagree with him, including some he appointed, as traitors. He criticized Kevin Warsh, a Federal Reserve board member he appointed, for supporting interest rate hikes and also condemned Supreme Court justices he appointed for decisions he disagrees with.
Key Facts
President Trump posted an image of himself resembling Jesus, which was later removed after criticism.
He sees people who oppose him as "apostles" or "traitors," using religious metaphors.
Kevin Warsh, appointed by Trump to the Federal Reserve board, supports an interest rate increase seen as a betrayal by Trump.
The Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates for the first time since July 2023, aiming to control inflation and employment.
Trump has publicly pressured the Fed to avoid raising interest rates, calling for patriotism from its members.
Trump also criticized Supreme Court justices he appointed for decisions against his policies, calling them betrayals.
He praised only the two dissenting justices, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, while criticizing the rest.
Trump views disagreement by his appointees as a personal betrayal rather than legitimate differences.
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An abortion rights group called Reproductive Freedom for All is spending about $1 million to reach voters in important House districts in Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada before the November midterm elections. The group aims to increase support for abortion rights through direct contact with voters.
Key Facts
Reproductive Freedom for All (RFFA) is an abortion rights organization.
The group is focusing on three key House districts in battleground states: Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada.
RFFA plans to spend about $1 million on a voter outreach campaign.
The campaign involves direct contact with voters to promote abortion rights.
Efforts are happening ahead of the November midterm elections.
The goal is to influence voter opinions and increase support for abortion rights in these districts.
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Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman talks about the importance of paying attention to your body and taking care of your mental health. She explains why she no longer feels guilty about resting when needed and encourages people to speak openly about health issues that are often not talked about.
Key Facts
Aly Raisman is an Olympic gold medalist gymnast.
She discusses the need to listen to your body and rest when necessary.
Raisman promotes mental health awareness.
She highlights that many women find it hard to get proper medical care.
Raisman talks openly about health topics like painful periods and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
She urges people to advocate for themselves and break the silence on taboo health issues.
The interview was with Norah on CBS News.
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Tillie the Clown, a drag performer and activist from Brooklyn, spoke at a New York City council meeting to support a law banning horse-drawn carriages. Using clowning as a form of protest, Tillie combines performance and activism to address social issues like animal rights, racism, and gender identity.
Key Facts
Tillie the Clown is the stage name of Taylor Horne, an activist and drag performer.
Tillie spoke at a New York City council meeting about Romanch’s Law, which aims to end horse-drawn carriages in New York.
Tillie uses clowning, a tradition where performers use humor and costumes to challenge power, as a tool for activism.
The clown character allows Tillie to speak boldly about issues without facing usual social backlash.
Tillie’s activism covers many topics, including white supremacy, immigration enforcement, and queer identity.
Tillie developed the clown persona during the Covid-19 lockdown as a way to experiment with gender and art.
Animal rights groups PETA and NYCLASS invited Tillie to speak at the council based on viral social media content.
Clowning as a political tool has deep historical roots, with jesters historically using humor to criticize leaders safely.
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President Trump’s administration started a program to remove or change information in U.S. national parks that they said painted America in a negative light. They asked visitors to report signs or materials that were critical of the country, but many visitors used this chance to oppose the changes and support honest history.
Key Facts
President Trump issued Executive Order 14253 to review national park materials for content seen as unfairly negative about Americans.
The Department of Interior (DOI) led the effort to remove signs and materials about slavery, Indigenous history, and climate issues.
The DOI invited park visitors to report signs they found negative about America through QR codes.
Between June 2025 and January 2026, park visitors sent over 35,000 comments via these QR codes.
More than half of the comments opposed the censorship effort and showed support for truthful history in national parks.
Environmental and preservation groups, like the Sierra Club, filed requests to access these public comments.
The Guardian analyzed these comments and found many visitors wanted the parks to keep full, honest stories.
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President Donald Trump has proposed giving a $5,000 payment to people, which some see as a way to gain political support by using government money. This plan involves using federal tax dollars to provide direct payments to individuals.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to give $5,000 to people as a payment.
The money would come from federal tax dollars.
Some believe this is a way to influence voters.
The proposal has caused debate about government spending and politics.
Direct payments from the government are sometimes used to help people financially.
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Seven noncitizens in Texas, including six lawful permanent residents and one Mexican national ordered removed from the U.S., have been charged with illegal voting or related offenses in federal elections. These cases involve alleged false claims of U.S. citizenship, illegal voting in the 2018 or 2024 elections, and filing false statements on official forms.
Key Facts
Six green card holders from Nigeria, Mexico, India, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, plus one Mexican national ordered removed, face charges.
Charges include illegal voting, attempting to vote, and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on voter registration or other government applications.
The alleged illegal voting occurred in the 2018 or 2024 federal elections in Texas.
Some defendants voted using provisional ballots, which were later rejected by election officials.
One defendant is accused of lying during the U.S. naturalization process about previous voting activity.
The arrests are part of expanded election integrity efforts led by the Trump administration ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Voting rights experts say documented cases of noncitizen voting are very rare, with only 24 cases recorded nationwide from 2003 to 2023 by the Heritage Foundation database.
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The US House of Representatives voted for the third time to end US military involvement in the Iran conflict by limiting President Trump’s power to continue the war without Congress’s approval. The resolution is unlikely to become law because President Trump is expected to veto it.
Key Facts
The House voted 220-204 to approve a war powers resolution to stop President Trump from continuing military actions in Iran without Congress’s consent.
This is the third time the House has passed this resolution.
All Democrats and some Republicans supported the resolution.
President Trump is expected to veto any such resolution, so it will not become law.
Republican and Democratic members of Congress expressed differing views on Iran’s threat and US military involvement.
The vote comes during an election season where the Iran conflict is a significant campaign issue.
The Trump administration plans to send Israel one-ton bombs withheld under the Biden administration due to concerns about civilian casualties.
Other US political developments include lawsuits involving President Trump and federal voting fraud charges involving some residents.
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Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was killed by a shooter on a Utah university campus during an outdoor event in September 2025. His family blames Utah Valley University officials for not doing enough to keep him safe and has filed a wrongful death notice as a possible step toward a lawsuit.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed by a sniper on the rooftop during an event at Utah Valley University.
The shooting occurred on September 10, 2025, while Kirk was debating students outdoors.
Kirk’s family claims the university made many safety mistakes, such as not having enough police officers, no drone monitoring, no bag checks, and no metal detectors.
The family also argues that the university failed to assess risks, secure the perimeter, and have first responders ready.
Kirk’s shooter, Tyler Robinson, turned himself in and faces charges including aggravated murder with eligibility for the death penalty.
Robinson admitted he targeted Kirk because of his political beliefs and knew children would witness the shooting.
The family filed a wrongful death notice naming the university, the police department, and the state of Utah as responsible parties.
This legal step is required before suing, but no lawsuit or damages amount has been announced yet.
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