A couple in Staffordshire, UK, were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a vulnerable 28-year-old man named Rubin Blount, who was in their care. They abused him over months, leaving him severely injured and malnourished before he died in hospital in November 2022.
Key Facts
Rubin Blount was 28 years old and had mental impairments.
He weighed only 40 kg (about 88 pounds) at the time of his death.
Kenneth Newton (58) and Melanie James (64) were charged with his murder.
The couple abused Blount by making him stand for long periods, leaving him in his own urine, and forcing him to eat from bins.
They filmed themselves abusing and mocking him.
Blount suffered 50 broken ribs, pneumonia, infections, fractures, burns, and other injuries before he died.
The couple delayed medical care until Blount was beyond help.
They were each sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years in prison.
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President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping finished a three-day summit in Washington, D.C. Live TV coverage of the events resumed after a judge blocked the White House's ban on certain news outlets. The leaders visited the National Archives and made new agreements to keep trade and relations stable between the two countries.
Key Facts
The summit lasted three days and took place in Washington, D.C.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the White House's ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, allowing live TV coverage to continue.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted Xi Jinping and his wife for tea at the White House.
Trump praised the visit and said it was positive for both countries.
The leaders visited the National Archives, where Trump showed Xi important American documents like the Declaration of Independence.
The visit marked the 250th anniversary of the United States.
New agreements were made to extend the U.S.-China trade framework.
The summit included a state dinner and showed a warm relationship between the two leaders.
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US students’ reading and math scores are at the lowest point in 25 years. At the same time, the government cut funding and staff for a key agency that collects important education data, making it harder to understand and fix the problem.
Key Facts
Reading and math scores in US schools have dropped to a 25-year low.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) collects data on student learning and school conditions.
NCES staff decreased from about 100 to 12 due to major cuts last year.
Many data collection projects, including important long-term studies, were stopped or scaled back.
Cuts were part of broader government efforts to reduce spending on research that does not fit the administration’s priorities.
NCES produces The Nation’s Report Card, which tracks how students perform across subjects like math and reading.
The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, which tracks students from kindergarten to fifth grade, lost its funding mid-study.
Officials say some data collection continues, but researchers warn the cuts hurt efforts to improve education.
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Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who lost his primary election to a candidate supported by President Donald Trump, said he believes there will be consequences for President Trump and the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections. Massie predicted these consequences will become clear on and after Election Day.
Key Facts
Thomas Massie is a Republican lawmaker from Kentucky.
Massie lost his primary election to an opponent endorsed by President Trump.
Massie expects a "comeuppance," meaning a punishment or consequence, for President Trump.
He believes this consequence will appear on Election Day.
Massie also predicted a larger reckoning, or time of judgment, after the midterm elections.
The midterm elections will decide control of Congress and influence national politics.
Massie's statements reflect divisions within the Republican Party ahead of the midterms.
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A government report found that ICE spent billions of dollars quickly expanding detention centers without proper planning, leading to wasted money. The agency rushed into projects, such as buying warehouses, which it later had to sell at a loss, and failed to consider long-term costs.
Key Facts
ICE received over $75 billion since President Trump returned to office to expand its operations.
A government watchdog, the GAO, reports ICE lacked a clear strategic plan for expansion.
ICE invested billions in six new detention efforts without careful review or analysis.
The agency bought 11 warehouses for about $1.07 billion, but later planned to sell 7, losing millions.
ICE continues to pay large costs for unused facilities, including $12.8 million in utilities and security.
Mistakes included spending $7.1 million on unneeded meals and $2.85 million on tents that did not meet standards.
One Florida detention site charged $249 per day per bed, much higher than the usual $92 median rate.
GAO recommends ICE create a strategic plan, but ICE expects to finish it only by August 2027.
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Caleb Flynn, who appeared on "American Idol," is on trial for allegedly killing his wife and creating a fake crime scene. His former mistress testified at the trial, reading text messages as evidence.
Key Facts
Caleb Flynn is a former contestant on the TV show "American Idol."
He is accused of murdering his wife.
Prosecutors say Flynn staged an elaborate crime scene to hide the crime.
Flynn's former mistress testified during the trial.
She read text messages between her and Flynn as part of her testimony.
The trial is ongoing, and more details are expected as it progresses.
The case is being covered by CBS News and other media outlets.
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Andy Burnham, now the prime minister, will speak at this year’s Labour party conference in Liverpool, marking a major shift from previous leadership under Keir Starmer. Burnham aims to present a new direction focused on hope, addressing Britain’s challenges with bold policies to help working people and improve public services.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is now the prime minister and will lead this year’s Labour conference.
Last year, Burnham was sidelined during Starmer’s leadership and left the conference early.
Burnham’s conference slogan is “Hope Again,” signaling a break from past approaches.
His team wants to focus on helping ordinary working people and restoring faith in Britain.
Plans include immediate support for families and long-term investments in public services.
Burnham promises to tackle tough issues like rough sleeping, social care, and youth inactivity.
The new approach rejects excuses and focuses on getting things done.
Burnham has strong local ties to the Liverpool area and writes his own speeches.
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An internal U.S. Army memo reviewed by CBS News indicates that the U.S. is preparing for possible military action against Cuba. The memo suggests that the military is making plans but no official action has been taken yet.
Key Facts
The memo comes from the U.S. Army and was seen by CBS News.
It hints at possible future military moves involving Cuba.
No public announcement has confirmed these plans.
The exact reasons for these potential plans are not detailed in the report.
The report was presented by CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata.
The situation appears to be in planning stages rather than active operation.
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President Donald Trump expressed sorrow over the death of Jim Copenhaver, who was shot at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, during an attempted attack on President Trump in 2024. Copenhaver, aged 76, was one of two people injured in the shooting and died earlier this week.
Key Facts
Jim Copenhaver was shot during an attempted assassination on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024.
Copenhaver was 76 years old when he died earlier this week.
He was one of two people who were shot at the rally.
A bullet grazed President Trump’s ear in the same incident.
President Trump publicly mourned Copenhaver’s death and called it a “tremendous loss.”
The shooting happened at a political rally attended by President Trump.
The incident involved an attempted assassination of the sitting U.S. president.
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Democrat Adam Hamilton is running against Republican Senator Roger Marshall in the Kansas Senate race. Recent polls show Hamilton slightly ahead, but the race remains very close and competitive in this traditionally Republican state.
Key Facts
Roger Marshall is the current Republican Senator from Kansas seeking a second term.
Adam Hamilton, a Democrat and church founder, aims to be the first Democrat elected to the Kansas Senate since 1932.
A recent Wedgewood Poll shows Hamilton at 50% support and Marshall at 48%, within the poll’s margin of error.
An Emerson College Poll also showed Hamilton narrowly leading Marshall by 2 points among likely voters.
Hamilton is polling especially well among women, young voters (18-29), and college-educated voters.
Marshall leads among men, older voters (45-64), and those without a four-year degree.
Marshall has called for closer cooperation between federal immigration agents and local authorities amid increased ICE activity in southwest Kansas.
Vice President JD Vance campaigned with Marshall as Republicans work to maintain support in Kansas, where President Donald Trump won by a large margin in 2024.
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A new poll shows that President Donald Trump’s promise to give every adult American $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress is not popular with many voters. About one-third of Americans said the offer makes them less likely to vote Republican, while over half said it would not change their vote.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a $5,000 payment to every adult if Republicans keep both the House and Senate.
A September Verasight poll found 33% of Americans are less likely to vote Republican because of this promise.
Only 15% said the promise makes them more likely to vote Republican.
52% said the pledge would not affect their vote.
Younger adults (18-29) reacted most negatively, with 41% less likely to vote Republican.
Independent voters also showed a negative response: 31% less likely, 12% more likely to support Republicans.
Income level made little difference in how people reacted to the $5,000 offer.
The poll measures opinions about the promise but does not prove it has changed voters’ actual decisions.
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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill asked Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell to resign after an ethics report said he broke state rules by discriminating at work. The report showed Caldwell tried two times to get his girlfriend promoted to a state job and behaved inappropriately.
Key Facts
Governor Mikie Sherrill is from New Jersey and belongs to the Democratic Party.
She gave Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell a deadline to resign by Friday.
An ethics report found Caldwell violated state rules against workplace discrimination.
Investigators were from a law firm hired by Sherrill’s office.
Caldwell tried twice to have his girlfriend promoted to a government position.
The report also mentioned Caldwell acted in a sexual manner that was not appropriate.
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José Padilla, a father of four living in Watts, California, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in January 2026 during a raid on car wash workers. His family has faced financial difficulties and emotional challenges, including mental health issues in the children, due to his absence. Experts say such family separations caused by immigration raids affect children’s development and can lead to serious psychological problems.
Key Facts
José Padilla was detained by ICE while working as a car washer in Los Angeles on January 27, 2026.
He is one of more than 1,400 people detained in the LA area that month and was among hundreds of car wash workers targeted since June 2025.
Padilla has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years and is the main financial and emotional support for his family.
His wife, Alma Ramirez, and their four children are struggling with the effects of his detention, including economic hardship and emotional stress.
Two of the children, including a son with autism, experienced difficulties at school and began therapy due to the trauma.
A University of California, Riverside report describes immigration raids causing a "public health emergency" for millions of children separated from caregivers.
Experts warn that separating a child from their parent can deeply impact the child’s mental health and development.
The family’s day-to-day life and routines have been heavily disrupted by Padilla’s absence.
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A nonpartisan group says House Republicans are likely to lose their majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Democrats need to win just three more seats to take control, and recent changes in race forecasts favor the Democrats.
Key Facts
The Cook Political Report moved 15 House races toward Democrats recently.
Democrats are expected to gain between 5 and 15 seats, possibly reaching 220-230 seats.
Republicans have tried to use redistricting and financial advantages to keep control.
New district maps in California and Utah balance out some Republican gains.
Republicans still have $13 million more cash than Democrats for the races.
Democrats lead with 208 favored races; Republicans have 205.
There are 17 Republican-held "Toss Up" races where the winner is uncertain.
Many competitive districts voted for President Trump in 2024 but are now leaning against him.
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President Donald Trump took Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the National Archives in Washington during Xi’s three-day state visit. The visit included showing important U.S. historical documents but did not result in major agreements on trade or technology issues.
Key Facts
President Trump guided President Xi through the National Archives, showing documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The state visit lasted three days and included formal ceremonies.
The visit aimed to maintain peaceful relations between the U.S. and China, the two largest economies.
No significant deals were made on trade or artificial intelligence safety during the visit.
President Trump has criticized Democrats by calling them communists ahead of the November midterm elections.
The warm welcome for Xi contrasts with Trump’s political messaging against communism.
Xi Jinping is scheduled to leave Washington after the visit to the National Archives.
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Hillsborough County in Florida has declared a state of emergency because the number of dengue fever cases has reached 170. Dengue fever is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes, and the county is taking action to control the outbreak.
Key Facts
Dengue fever cases in Hillsborough County have reached 170.
This is a large number compared to other counties in Florida.
Dengue fever spreads through mosquito bites.
The county declared a state of emergency to address the outbreak.
Public health officials aim to control mosquito populations to stop the disease.
The outbreak is causing concern among local healthcare providers and residents.
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President Donald Trump said that Chinese President Xi Jinping seemed to favor calling artificial intelligence "super intelligence." Trump posted this comment on TruthSocial after announcing that the U.S. would use this new term in official documents.
Key Facts
President Trump said that President Xi Jinping liked the term "super intelligence" for artificial intelligence (AI).
Trump made this comment on his TruthSocial social media platform.
This came shortly after Trump announced the U.S. would officially call AI "super intelligence" in government communications.
The term "super intelligence" refers to very advanced AI technology that is smarter than human intelligence.
The comment was based on discussions between President Trump and President Xi.
The announcement shows a new way the U.S. government is labeling AI technology.
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Senator Jim Justice held a birthday party on Capitol Hill for his pet bulldog, BabyDog, which attracted many attendees and sparked online criticism. Some Republican lawmakers and influencers criticized the event for taking place while important voting legislation, supported by President Trump, remains stalled in Congress.
Key Facts
Senator Jim Justice, a Republican from West Virginia, hosted a large party for his bulldog, BabyDog, on Capitol Hill.
The dog wore a cowboy hat and red bandanna, and guests sang happy birthday as BabyDog was pulled in a carriage.
The event was shared widely on social media, gaining over a million views on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
BabyDog’s official birthday is still a few weeks away; this was an early celebration.
The party received backlash from some Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Andrew Clyde.
Critics said the Senate should focus on passing voting laws, such as the SAVE America Act, rather than hosting a party for a dog.
The SAVE America Act, supported by President Trump, aims to require citizenship proof and photo ID for federal elections.
The bill passed the House but is stalled in the Senate and has not been enacted.
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A TV ad praising President Trump aired on several national channels using the song "Love Me" by JMSN. The ad was paid for by taxpayers, but the musician JMSN says he did not give permission for his song to be used.
Key Facts
The ad shows strong support for President Trump.
It uses the song "Love Me" by artist JMSN as its soundtrack.
The ad was broadcast on major national TV networks, including CBS.
Taxpayer money funded the advertisement.
JMSN claims he never gave permission to use his music in the ad.
The use of the song without permission has caused controversy.
The ad was reported and explained by CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe.
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The police watchdog has ordered the Metropolitan Police to review how they handled the investigation of Nicholas Brandram, a man suspected of pushing a woman into traffic in 2017, after Brandram was found dead at home. The review will look at how the police treated Brandram during the inquiry and how they managed his welfare and media coverage.
Key Facts
Nicholas Brandram was suspected of pushing a woman into the path of a bus on Putney Bridge in London in 2017.
Brandram was found dead at his home on 15 September 2026.
His family said he took his own life due to the pressure from the police investigation.
The Metropolitan Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after Brandram's death.
The IOPC has instructed the Met’s professional standards unit to investigate how the case was handled.
The investigation will review the necessity of arrest, police contact with the media, and how Brandram’s wellbeing was considered.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed their investigation into the 2017 incident is still ongoing.
Brandram’s family maintain that he was not the person responsible for the 2017 incident.
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