The Justice Department's program that approves nonprofit groups to help low-income immigrants with legal aid has stopped approving new applications since March. This happened after the program’s lawyers were moved to other jobs, leaving only support staff who cannot approve applications.
Key Facts
The program is called the Recognition and Accreditation (R&A) program.
It accredits non-lawyers in nonprofit groups to help immigrants with legal matters like naturalization and court cases.
Since March, no new applications have been approved because DOJ lawyers were reassigned to immigration courts.
Support staff remain but cannot approve or deny applications.
The program still receives 40 to 60 new applications each week.
More than 330 nonprofits asked DOJ leaders to restore full operation of the program.
Groups say the cuts are hurting legal help for undocumented immigrants.
The DOJ said the program is not ending and will continue, but gave no details on when full service will return.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three U.S. congressional candidates were fined and banned for five years by prediction market Kalshi after betting on their own elections. The candidates placed small wagers and accepted fines, but some said the penalties were too light amid increasing calls for stricter rules on political betting.
Key Facts
Three candidates—Mark Moran, Ezekiel Enriquez, and Matt Klein—bet on their own election outcomes on Kalshi.
Kalshi fined and suspended all three from its platform for five years.
Moran was fined over $6,200 for refusing a settlement, while Klein and Enriquez paid smaller fines ($530 and $780).
The bets were under $100 each, with Moran saying he wagered $100 on himself.
Kalshi and another market, Polymarket, have faced bipartisan political scrutiny and calls for tighter regulation.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which oversees prediction markets, did not intervene.
Klein apologized and supports new laws to restrict election betting; he placed his bet before sponsoring such a bill.
Enriquez lost his race and did not comment on the situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate approved a $70 billion budget plan to fund immigration agencies in the Department of Homeland Security. Two Republican senators joined Democrats in voting against this funding measure.
Key Facts
The Senate passed a $70 billion budget for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This budget includes funding for immigration-related agencies.
Two Republican senators voted alongside all Democrats against the funding plan.
The vote reflects some bipartisan disagreement over DHS funding.
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for immigration enforcement and other security functions.
CBS News reported on this development through their congressional correspondent, Nikole Killion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged an active-duty soldier, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, with using secret military information to make bets on a prediction market platform about the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He reportedly made over $400,000 betting on events related to a U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
Key Facts
Gannon Ken Van Dyke is a 38-year-old active-duty soldier based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He used classified information to place bets on Polymarket about U.S. military actions in Venezuela.
Between late December 2025 and early January 2026, he made multiple bets on Maduro being removed from office and a U.S. invasion of Venezuela.
Van Dyke allegedly earned more than $400,000 from these bets.
He faces charges including violating the Commodity Exchange Act, wire fraud, and unlawful monetary transactions.
Each fraud or unlawful transaction charge carries up to 10 years in prison; wire fraud charges can lead to up to 20 years.
The U.S. launched a military operation on January 3, 2026, resulting in Maduro’s abduction and the deaths of several Venezuelans and Cubans.
Prediction markets like Polymarket allow people to bet on real-world events, and their use has grown under President Donald Trump’s second term.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump is facing criticism from conservative groups for his plan to provide $500 million to support Spirit Airlines. Some conservatives worry this government aid could lead to more government interference in private businesses.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a $500 million bailout for Spirit Airlines.
The plan has caused criticism within conservative political circles.
Critics say government bailouts can set a precedent for future business bailouts.
The administration is actively considering this financial support.
Spirit Airlines is the company potentially receiving this government aid.
The issue is creating tension among conservatives who typically oppose government intervention in business.
The situation highlights debates over the role of government in the economy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced a deal with the drug company Regeneron to lower prices for its medicines on Medicaid, the government program for low-income people. The deal includes selling a cholesterol drug called Praluent for $225 on the White House's discounted drug website, TrumpRx.
Key Facts
President Trump revealed the deal on a Thursday announcement.
Regeneron agreed to lower prices on all current and future drugs sold through Medicaid.
The cholesterol drug Praluent will be sold for $225 on the TrumpRx website.
TrumpRx is a White House website offering discounted drug prices.
The deal is part of the Trump administration's effort to reduce drug costs.
These efforts come ahead of the November midterm elections.
Many Americans are concerned about high costs for health care and other basic needs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Xavier Becerra, a candidate for governor of California and former Secretary of Health and Human Services, is gaining support in the polls. He appeared on a CBS News program to talk about his campaign and his experiences from working in President Biden’s administration.
Key Facts
Xavier Becerra is running for governor of California.
He previously served as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Becerra is gaining popularity according to recent polls.
He discussed his campaign on CBS News's show "The Takeout."
He shared lessons from his time working with President Biden’s administration.
The interview was promoted on multiple platforms including the CBS News app and web browsers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The federal government has changed how it classifies medical marijuana. It now recognizes marijuana as a drug that can have medical benefits and lower risks. This change does not make marijuana fully legal across the country but allows more research on its effects.
Key Facts
The federal government updated the classification of medical marijuana.
Marijuana is now seen as having potential medical benefits.
The classification also indicates less potential harm than before.
This change does not make marijuana legal nationwide.
More scientific research on marijuana is now allowed.
The update aims to support understanding of marijuana’s health effects.
This decision relates to medical use, not recreational use.
William Brangham reported on this development.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
US singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, was arrested after the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dismembered in his car. Prosecutors say he had a large amount of illegal child abuse images on his devices and face several charges including murder and sexual abuse, which he denies.
Key Facts
Singer D4vd's real name is David Anthony Burke.
He was arrested after Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body was found in his Tesla in September 2025.
Prosecutors say Burke had many child sex abuse images on his phone and iCloud.
Burke faces seven charges including murder, ongoing sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains.
The victim was last seen at Burke’s home in April 2025 and reported missing by her family.
The autopsy showed she died from multiple stab wounds and her body was dismembered.
Burke has pleaded not guilty and denies killing Celeste.
The case involves significant digital and forensic evidence examined by police.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. government changed how it gives health aid to other countries by creating smaller agreements and asking those countries to pay part or all of the costs. Kenya and Uganda have agreed to this new policy called the America First Global Health Strategy.
Key Facts
The U.S. no longer uses USAID for global health aid.
The Trump administration introduced new aid policies.
Aid deals are now smaller and directly made with the recipient countries.
Recipient countries must help pay for their health programs.
Over time, these countries are expected to cover all program costs.
Kenya and Uganda have signed agreements under this new policy.
The policy is named the America First Global Health Strategy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A shooting took place at a mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, resulting in at least one death and several injuries. Police have arrested five suspects connected to the incident and are continuing their investigation.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
At least one person was killed.
Several other people were injured.
Police have taken five suspects into custody.
Authorities are still investigating the details of the shooting.
CBS News updated their report as new information from Louisiana officials became available.
The event occurred on Thursday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. State Department plans to send hundreds of Afghans who helped the U.S. during the war in Afghanistan from Qatar either back to Afghanistan or to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This plan follows President Trump’s decision to stop the Afghan resettlement program over a year ago.
Key Facts
Hundreds of Afghans who assisted the U.S. military in Afghanistan are currently held in Qatar.
The U.S. State Department proposes sending them back to Afghanistan or to the Congo.
President Trump paused the Afghan resettlement program more than one year ago.
These Afghans were originally evacuated due to their support for the U.S. war effort.
Afghan Evac, an organization focused on Afghan evacuees, is involved in discussions about this situation.
The proposal raises questions about the safety and future of these Afghans.
The issue was recently discussed by journalist Amna Nawaz and Shawn Van Diver from Afghan Evac.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that only one individual has so far been approved for the $1 million “Gold Card” visa, a program linked to President Trump that allows faster U.S. citizenship. He also mentioned that many others are waiting for approval.
Key Facts
The “Gold Card” visa costs $1 million.
The visa offers a quicker process to become a U.S. citizen.
Only one person has been approved for this visa so far.
Hundreds of applicants are currently waiting in line.
Secretary Lutnick made these statements during a House Appropriations Committee hearing.
The visa program is associated with President Donald Trump.
The program aims to attract wealthy individuals to the U.S. through investment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Department of Homeland Security deported over 675,000 immigrants during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term. While the government says it focuses on violent criminals, some immigrants protected from deportation were also detained, including a woman who was deported but later allowed to return to the U.S.
Key Facts
Over 675,000 immigrants were deported in the first year of President Trump’s second term.
The government states it targets violent criminals for deportation.
Some people protected by immigration laws were still caught and deported.
A woman who was deported later returned to the U.S.
The deportations are part of a wider immigration enforcement effort by the administration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. Army soldier named Gannon Ken Van Dyke is charged with using secret government information to make over $400,000 from bets on the capture of Venezuela's leader, Nicolas Maduro. The Department of Justice says he broke laws by using classified information for personal gain through a betting platform called Polymarket.
Key Facts
Gannon Ken Van Dyke is a U.S. Army soldier accused of using secret info about a military operation.
He allegedly made more than $400,000 by betting on Polymarket, a prediction market website.
The bets were related to the arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro earlier this year.
Van Dyke faces charges including theft of government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud, and making illegal money transactions.
The Department of Justice says military members must not use classified info for personal profit.
Polymarket has had other suspicious bets on major international and national security events.
Harvard researchers estimate over $143 million in Polymarket profits might come from those with insider information.
The FBI is investigating for threats to national security from people with access to sensitive information.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is considering a government-funded plan to take over Spirit Airlines, a low-cost carrier struggling financially. He aims to eventually sell the airline at a profit once oil prices fall, while also saving jobs and keeping the airline running.
Key Facts
Spirit Airlines is in advanced talks with the U.S. government for financing to help it exit bankruptcy.
The airline has faced financial losses for years and filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2024 and August 2005.
High jet fuel costs, partly due to conflict involving Iran, have hurt Spirit’s business.
President Trump mentioned the possibility of a taxpayer-funded takeover to save jobs and resell Spirit when conditions improve.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is reviewing options but expressed doubts about government financing setting a broad precedent.
The government aid discussed may involve about $500 million and a chance for the government to own a large part of the airline.
The White House has tried to shift blame for Spirit’s troubles onto the Biden administration’s opposition to a merger between Spirit and JetBlue Airways.
A federal judge previously blocked the Spirit-JetBlue merger over concerns it would increase airfare prices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. soldier, Gannon Ken Van Dyk, was charged with using secret information from a military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to win $400,000 on an online betting site. He took part in the raid in January 2026 and broke rules by sharing classified details for personal profit.
Key Facts
Gannon Ken Van Dyk is a senior enlisted soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He used inside information from the special forces operation to capture Maduro to place bets on Polymarket, a prediction market website.
Van Dyk was involved in the planning and execution of Maduro’s capture starting December 8, 2025.
He signed agreements promising not to share any classified or sensitive information about the operation.
Charges against him include unlawful use of confidential information, theft of government data, commodities fraud, wire fraud, and illegal money transactions.
Van Dyk joined the Army in 2008 and was promoted to Master Sergeant in 2023, the second-highest enlisted rank.
The FBI emphasized that anyone with security clearance who misuses information for money will face consequences.
The Pentagon directed questions about the case to the Army and Department of Justice; Special Operations Command did not comment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. Army soldier named Gannon Ken Van Dyke is accused of using secret information about a military mission to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to make bets on an online prediction market. He worked at Fort Bragg and helped plan the operation.
Key Facts
Gannon Ken Van Dyke is a U.S. Army soldier.
He was stationed at Fort Bragg.
He was involved in planning a military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Van Dyke allegedly used classified information from the operation.
He placed bets on Polymarket, a prediction market website.
Federal officials charged him for using secret government information to bet.
The charges came after the military operation was publicly known.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), under President Donald Trump, is increasing efforts to revoke the citizenship of people found to have committed fraud in the naturalization process. Since January 2025, 15 people have lost citizenship, and the DOJ aims to file many more cases faster than previous administrations.
Key Facts
The DOJ has identified 384 people whose citizenship could be revoked due to fraud.
Denaturalization referrals are being made at the highest rate in U.S. history under President Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
In one year, the number of referrals has exceeded the total made in the four years of the Biden administration.
Since January 20, 2025, 22 denaturalization cases were filed, with 15 people losing citizenship.
Historically, between 1990 and 2017, about 11 cases per year were filed, with 168 cases during Trump’s first term and around 64 during Biden’s term.
The DOJ plans to have regional office workers file cases, instead of DOJ immigration litigation experts, aiming for more than 200 referrals per month.
The government must prove in federal court that individuals obtained citizenship through fraud before revoking it.
In 2024, over 818,000 people became U.S. citizens through legal processes, showing the denaturalization cases are a small portion of total naturalizations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
