A new bill introduced in the House would give millions of workers extra job-protected time off to join their children or grandchildren in school and community activities. The bill allows up to eight hours of leave per month and 48 hours per year, separate from current family and medical leave rights.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Family Leave for Parental Involvement in Education Act.
It was introduced by Florida Representative Frederica Wilson on August 31.
Eligible workers can take leave to attend or participate in school or community youth activities.
Covered activities include parent-teacher conferences, school events, sports, scouting, and educational meetings.
Schools covered range from childcare facilities and Head Start programs to elementary and secondary schools.
The leave is job-protected and separate from existing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave.
Employers may require documentation and seven days' notice for leave requests.
The leave can be unpaid unless the employee chooses to use paid time off like vacation or sick leave.
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President Donald Trump dismissed warnings from leaders of major artificial intelligence (AI) companies about regulating and developing AI technology. He criticized the CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, on Truth Social, accusing him of acting like a "perfect little angel."
Key Facts
AI leaders recently expressed concerns about regulating and developing AI technology safely.
President Trump posted on Truth Social, downplaying these warnings.
Trump specifically criticized Dario Amodei, CEO of AI company Anthropic.
He accused Amodei of pretending to be innocent or flawless.
The comments were reported by CBS News and shared by correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns.
Anthropic is one of the main companies involved in AI development.
President Trump's post shows his stance on AI regulation is dismissive of industry leaders' concerns.
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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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Former CIA Director John Brennan has been ordered to testify before a grand jury in Florida as part of a Justice Department investigation into whether officials conspired against President Donald Trump. Brennan is also a target of another investigation into whether he lied to Congress, which he denies.
Key Facts
John Brennan received a subpoena to appear before a grand jury on October 15 in Fort Pierce, Florida.
The investigation is looking into a broad claim that officials tried to violate President Trump’s civil rights.
The probe covers issues like the Russia election interference investigation and Trump’s handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
Brennan is also under investigation for allegedly lying to Congress in 2023, a claim he denies.
The subpoena was issued shortly after Joe diGenova, the lead prosecutor on the conspiracy case, resigned.
Justice Department officials have not announced who will replace diGenova.
Brennan has filed a lawsuit asking the court to preserve all investigation records related to him.
Kurt Olsen, a lawyer known for supporting Trump’s 2020 election fraud claims, is involved in the investigation team.
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The Kennedy Center’s board will vote on Tuesday about possibly closing the main building to start renovations. This decision comes while a legal fight continues over adding President Donald Trump’s name to the center, and officials warn the center could run out of money soon if the situation does not improve.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center board plans to vote on closing the main building as soon as Tuesday.
The closure would allow renovations to begin.
There is an ongoing court case about adding President Donald Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center.
Officials have said the Kennedy Center could face a financial collapse within weeks.
The financial problems are linked to the delays and uncertainty caused by the legal dispute.
The Kennedy Center is a major U.S. national performing arts center.
Closing the center would impact scheduled performances and events.
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Rep. Bill Foster spoke about the need for more rules and safety measures to control artificial intelligence (AI). He joined ABC News Live to explain what Congress is doing as more people call for AI regulation.
Key Facts
Rep. Bill Foster is a Democratic member of the U.S. Congress.
He recently appeared on ABC News Live to talk about AI regulation.
There is increasing concern about the safety and control of AI technology.
Congress is discussing new laws to manage AI development and use.
Other leaders and experts are also calling for AI regulations to match the technology’s fast growth.
The goal is to make sure AI is safe and used responsibly for the public.
President Trump has dismissed some calls to slow down AI development.
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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 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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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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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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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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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 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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Heavy rain caused flash flooding in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The flooding affected a half-marathon event and caused water rescues and stranded cars.
Key Facts
Flash flooding happened in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Some areas in Connecticut received up to seven inches of rain very quickly.
The floodwaters reached waist height in some places.
Half-marathon runners had to struggle through the deep water.
Cars were submerged and motorists were trapped.
Emergency services conducted water rescues.
The flooding disrupted normal activities and transportation.
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John Brennan, former CIA director, has been subpoenaed to testify before a Florida grand jury as part of a Justice Department probe into whether officials conspired against President Donald Trump. This investigation looks at claims that government agents worked together to violate Trump’s rights during various probes, including ones about the 2016 election and classified documents.
Key Facts
John Brennan was subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury in Fort Pierce, Florida, on October 15.
The subpoena is part of a broad criminal inquiry into a possible conspiracy against President Trump by law enforcement and intelligence officials.
The investigation covers earlier probes into Trump’s ties to Russia in 2016 and his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
Brennan is also a target in a Washington investigation about whether he lied to Congress in 2023, which he denies.
Subpoenas for grand jury testimony in the false statements case were first issued in spring but later changed to voluntary interviews.
Joe diGenova, the lead prosecutor in the conspiracy investigation, resigned abruptly amid dissatisfaction from the Justice Department and White House.
No replacement has been named for diGenova as of now.
Brennan filed a lawsuit asking the court to protect all investigation records related to him, to help fight any potential charges.
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Texas Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett honored musicians Chris Brown and Usher with an official congressional recognition at a concert. This drew criticism because Chris Brown has a criminal record for assault and faces other legal issues.
Key Facts
Jasmine Crockett is a Democratic representative from Texas.
She gave Chris Brown and Usher a ceremonial congressional honor at a concert in Arlington, Texas.
Chris Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to assaulting singer Rihanna and also pleaded guilty to a UK charge of affray (a violent public fight).
Some people criticized Crockett for honoring Brown, calling it inappropriate given his history.
Crockett lost the Texas Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate earlier this year.
She has not publicly campaigned with the current Democratic Senate nominee, James Talarico.
Some supporters say Crockett was promoting lower-profile candidates at the concert instead of focusing on the Senate race.
Crockett did not respond to requests for comment about the controversy.
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A US government report found that immigrants held at a Florida detention center called "Alligator Alcatraz" were kept in small outdoor metal cages for up to two hours. The facility did not meet basic standards for hygiene, medical care, and living conditions, and it was run by Florida state officials with federal funding.
Key Facts
The detention center "Alligator Alcatraz" was located in the Florida Everglades and operated from 2025 to mid-2026.
Immigrants were kept in outdoor metal cages about 18 square feet in size for periods ranging from minutes to nearly two hours.
The cages were used, among other reasons, for discipline and as a way for detainees to calm down.
The facility failed to provide sufficient hygiene, medical care, clean drinking water, and enough living space.
Showers had small bugs and detainees could only shower three times per week.
The center was created by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis through an executive order but funded by the federal government.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted a surprise visit and reported serious problems.
President Donald Trump visited the facility in 2025 and made a comment about immigrants needing to escape alligators.
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A cooling tower at Yankee Stadium tested positive for Legionella bacteria. Officials found 10 cooling towers with this bacteria while looking into an outbreak in the South Bronx.
Key Facts
Legionella bacteria were found in 10 cooling towers in the South Bronx.
One of the towers is located at Yankee Stadium.
The bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, a type of lung infection.
Officials are investigating the outbreak linked to these cooling towers.
The findings came from tests conducted on Sunday.
Cooling towers are part of air conditioning systems and can spread bacteria if not properly maintained.
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Chris Gallant, a Democrat running for Congress in New York's 1st District, is responding to photos from a private BDSM-themed photo shoot that surfaced online. His attorney said the photos were taken consensually with a former partner and are unrelated to his political career.
Key Facts
Chris Gallant is a 37-year-old Democratic candidate for New York's 1st Congressional District.
Photos showing Gallant in BDSM outfits from a private photo session appeared online, originally on a fetish retailer’s website from 2011 to 2020.
Gallant’s attorney stated the photos were taken with consent during a private shoot and were not meant for wide publication.
Gallant requested the retailer remove the photos once he began considering public office.
Another photo showed Gallant working as a bartender in underwear at a themed event on Fire Island, which is part of the district he seeks to represent.
Gallant’s attorney said these images do not reflect his work or character and called attempts to use them against him politically misleading.
Gallant has military experience in the New York Army National Guard and has worked as an air traffic controller and volunteer firefighter.
He is challenging Republican incumbent Nick LaLota, who currently has a higher chance of reelection but faces mixed public approval ratings.
Polling suggests President Donald Trump’s standing may influence voter attitudes in the district.
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