U.S. senators are discussing how to fix Social Security’s financial problems before its trust fund runs out in 2032. Different proposals include creating a process for finding solutions, increasing taxes on high earners, and protecting benefits without raising the retirement age.
Key Facts
Social Security’s retirement trust fund may run out of money by late 2032.
Without changes, Social Security can only pay about 78% of promised benefits after that.
The bipartisan PROMISE Act would create a formal process for Congress to propose and vote on plans to keep Social Security funded for at least 50 years.
The Social Security Advisory Board would recommend ways to keep the program solvent under the PROMISE Act.
Critics worry fast-track reform processes could lead to harmful benefit cuts or tax hikes without enough public input.
Senator Elizabeth Warren wants to raise taxes on wealthy Americans by removing the payroll tax cap to increase Social Security funding.
Warren opposes benefit cuts or raising the retirement age as solutions to the funding problem.
Over 70 million Americans currently receive Social Security benefits, making it a major government program.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has started a new group focused on education and school choice. The group aims to promote a school voucher program and raise his national profile ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Key Facts
Glenn Youngkin launched a policy group called Empowering America's Parents.
The group focuses on education policy and school choice.
It will campaign for a national school voucher program included in a 2025 Republican tax law.
The Education Freedom Tax Credit is part of this law and will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Some Democratic governors have not supported this tax credit in their states.
Youngkin encourages all governors to adopt the Education Freedom Tax Credit.
The organization will help Youngkin connect with voters in key swing states.
Youngkin has expressed support for Vice President JD Vance but has not ruled out running for office himself.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge dismissed Alex Murdaugh's civil lawsuit against Becky Hill, a former court clerk who interfered with jury members in his double murder trial. The judge ruled Murdaugh could not claim Hill was responsible for his legal expenses because he would have had to pay for lawyers regardless of her actions.
Key Facts
Alex Murdaugh sued Becky Hill, the former clerk for interfering with jurors during his double murder trial.
His lawsuit sought $600,000 to cover legal fees from the trial.
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh's murder convictions due to Hill's jury interference.
U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel dismissed the lawsuit, saying Murdaugh's legal costs were not directly caused by Hill’s misconduct.
The judge noted Murdaugh had to pay for his defense even without Hill’s actions.
The case was dismissed without prejudice, allowing Murdaugh to refile if he chooses.
Murdaugh’s attorneys plan to appeal the dismissal to a higher court.
Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife and son but denies the charges; a new trial is set for April 2027.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee plans to vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress because he refused to answer their questions by invoking the Fifth Amendment. This situation may lead to legal actions against Fauci and involves support from Republican lawmakers.
Key Facts
The Senate committee is called the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC).
They will vote on a resolution to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress.
Fauci is a former top health official.
Fauci pleaded the Fifth Amendment, which means he refused to answer some questions to avoid self-incrimination.
This vote is happening shortly after Fauci’s refusal to answer questions.
Republican lawmakers show broader support for this move.
The outcome could lead to legal risks for Fauci if the Justice Department pursues action.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The White House and Pentagon have denied reports that the US military is running dangerously low on certain weapons during the conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump and military officials say the US has enough munitions and is increasing weapons production to support allies.
Key Facts
Recent reports said the US had used most of its air defense missiles, including those for Patriot and THAAD systems.
President Trump stated the US has more munitions than needed, despite previous transfers of weapons to Ukraine and Europe.
Pentagon officials said the military is well-equipped to conduct operations and protect national interests.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated it would take about three years to restore missile stocks to pre-war levels.
Reports indicate the US has used nearly all its long-range offensive missiles like the Army Tactical Missile Systems and Precision Strike Missiles.
The Trump administration has requested approximately $116 billion in defense funding to replenish munitions.
Concerns about weapon supplies have been raised privately by military leaders, but no public acknowledgments of shortages have been made.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth disputed claims that the military had depleted large portions of its missile stockpile.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump's administration has detained over 50 parents and spouses of active-duty U.S. military members amid efforts to reduce immigration protections for military families. Some of these family members have been deported or remain in federal custody.
Key Facts
More than 50 parents and spouses of active-duty U.S. troops have been detained since President Trump began his second term.
At least six of these family members have been deported.
One detained family member chose to leave the country voluntarily.
At least eight immediate family members of service members are currently held in federal immigration custody.
The government does not officially track the detention of family members of military personnel.
This information comes from an Associated Press investigation.
The detentions are part of a broader effort to reduce immigration protections for military families.
The families affected include parents and spouses of active-duty service members.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against Todd Blanche, the acting U.S. attorney general nominee, and the Justice Department. The state accuses them of withholding records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s activities at his Zorro Ranch property, which New Mexico officials say are important to their criminal investigation.
Key Facts
New Mexico’s Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed the lawsuit claiming the DOJ is blocking access to Epstein-related records.
The records are connected to Epstein’s Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe, where possible crimes may have happened.
The DOJ says it cannot release some documents due to court orders protecting victim identities.
New Mexico wants unredacted documents to find more victims, witnesses, and evidence.
New Mexico officials claim the DOJ agreed to cooperate after the federal Epstein investigation ended, but cooperation was delayed or denied.
Todd Blanche is President Trump’s nominee for attorney general and is currently acting in the role.
Blanche’s confirmation in the Senate faces scrutiny partly due to these Epstein-related record issues.
The lawsuit argues that the delay hurts the state’s ability to investigate and delays justice for Epstein survivors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Michigan had a record number of voters in the recent midterm primary election, with about 2.5 million people voting. This is the highest turnout ever for a midterm primary in the state.
Key Facts
Michigan held its midterm primary election on Tuesday.
Approximately 2.5 million voters cast their ballots.
This number sets a new record for midterm primary turnout in Michigan.
The turnout was unusually high compared to previous midterm primaries.
CBS News reported on the record turnout and featured expert David Becker discussing election laws.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
William Lawrence won the Democratic primary in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District with 44% of the vote. He said voters are tired of candidates supported by large corporations and now plans to compete in the November general election.
Key Facts
William Lawrence is a progressive candidate.
He won the Michigan 7th Congressional District Democratic primary.
Lawrence received 44% of the vote.
His two main opponents, considered establishment candidates, together got 56%.
Lawrence stated that voters want change from corporate-funded politicians.
He will compete in the general election in November.
The victory was discussed on the CBS News program "The Takeout."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new analysis estimates that U.S. taxpayers would pay about $2,358 each for President Trump’s plan to deport many immigrants. This money could instead be used to support public programs like food aid, healthcare, and housing.
Key Facts
The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) estimates the total cost of deportations under President Trump’s plan at $268.9 billion.
This cost breaks down to about $2,358 per taxpayer across the country.
The money spent on deportations could fund food assistance (SNAP) for over 118 million people, Medicaid for nearly 12 million people, or low-cost housing for 9.7 million households.
In Washington, D.C., taxpayers could pay as much as $3,930 each toward deportations.
States with lower tax contributions, like West Virginia, would pay less per taxpayer (about $1,297 each).
Deportation costs come from various government bills and repurposed funds over President Trump’s second term.
The government spends roughly $18,000 for each deportation that is not voluntary.
If Congress approves more funding, the total spending on deportations could increase further.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Donavan McKinney, a Black Michigan state representative, won the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Shri Thanedar. This victory could bring Detroit its first Black representative in Congress since 2022. McKinney will compete against Republican Taras Nykoriak in the November general election in a heavily Democratic district.
Key Facts
Donavan McKinney won the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.
Shri Thanedar, the current representative, lost his bid for a third term.
Detroit is the largest majority Black city in the U.S., and this district covers much of it.
If elected, McKinney would be the first Black person to represent Detroit in Congress since 2022.
McKinney aims to unite different communities in the district.
Voters expressed that Thanedar lacked connection to Black community issues.
Thanedar congratulated McKinney and promised cooperation during the transition.
Thanedar had previously introduced impeachment articles against President Donald Trump in 2025.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration awarded a $150 million contract to a small Texas law firm to provide legal help for unaccompanied migrant children in government shelters. Legal aid groups warn this firm has little experience in immigration law and fear vulnerable children may not get fair legal support as deportation efforts increase.
Key Facts
The contract was given to the Houston-based Burke Law Group starting August 15 for one year.
The firm has 25 lawyers, but only two have clear immigration law experience.
Many lawyers at the firm have backgrounds in corporate law and ties to conservative causes and President Trump.
The contract was awarded without a competitive bidding process.
Legal aid groups say about 1,800 migrant children in shelters will be affected, but 22,000 children living outside shelters are not covered.
The contract replaces a previous one with a legal network that expired and was not renewed.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not comment on the contract.
Legal advocates fear children may not receive proper legal representation during deportation proceedings.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. government announced plans to shut down a Kentucky organ donation group called Network for Hope due to safety problems. The group is accused of pushing organ removal from patients who were not fully dead, which caused national concern about organ donation practices.
Key Facts
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called Network for Hope a “bad apple” because of ongoing safety issues.
Network for Hope is one of about 55 organizations in the U.S. that handle organ recovery and matching for transplants.
The group’s predecessor pressured a hospital in 2021 to remove organs from a man still showing signs of waking up; the man survived.
Only doctors at hospitals can declare death; organ groups take over after that declaration.
Network for Hope says it follows all federal rules and has added new safety checks allowing anyone to stop donation plans if there’s concern.
Kentucky passed a law requiring a safety pause in organ donation planning; new federal rules are also being developed.
Over 100,000 people are on the U.S. organ transplant list, mostly waiting for kidneys, and thousands die waiting.
Last year set a record with over 49,000 transplants, despite a small drop in organ donations from deceased donors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary by a small margin against Haley Stevens. He aims to bring together different groups within the Democratic Party as he prepares for the general election in November.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is a progressive candidate.
He defeated Haley Stevens, who is considered more moderate.
The primary election took place in Michigan.
The race was close between El-Sayed and Stevens.
El-Sayed plans to unite Democrats for the upcoming general election.
The general election will be held in November.
The news report came from Detroit.
The information was reported by CBS News correspondent Ed O'Keefe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating why airport traffic was not stopped when Marine One, carrying President Donald Trump, took off from near Washington National Airport. The helicopter lifted off while other air traffic was still active, but no danger came to the president.
Key Facts
Marine One flew from the White House with President Trump aboard on Tuesday afternoon.
A 2025 helicopter and airplane collision near Reagan National Airport led to a ban on non-essential helicopter flights there.
Emergency and presidential flights like Marine One are allowed but require a ground stop at the airport when crossing the Potomac River.
The Marine One pilot tried three times to warn air traffic control before takeoff, but the message was unclear.
The helicopter took off while an airplane was still in the air, causing a brief air traffic conflict.
Marine One held position and then delayed its departure after the tower alerted them about another plane.
The FAA confirmed there was a momentary loss of safe distance but no risk to President Trump.
The Marine Corps described the flight as routine, saying controllers approved the route and gave timely traffic information.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senators Martin Heinrich and Sheldon Whitehouse have asked the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Inspector General to look into problems related to the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial. They want to know what Interior Department employees knew about the issue and when they knew it.
Key Facts
Senators Martin Heinrich (Democrat from New Mexico) and Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat from Rhode Island) made the request.
The investigation is about recent problems with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The senators asked the Office of the Inspector General in the Department of the Interior to conduct the probe.
They want to understand what the Interior Department employees knew about the problem.
They also want to know the timeline of when employees became aware of the issues.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a significant national landmark located in Washington, D.C.
The Department of the Interior manages national parks and monuments, including the Reflecting Pool.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Supreme Court will start its new term in October with seven cases addressing issues like climate change, immigration detention, veterans' benefits, environmental rules, federal sentencing, and digital privacy. These cases include a climate lawsuit against oil companies and a dispute about veterans' access to court challenges on benefits.
Key Facts
The Court’s October term begins with seven cases scheduled between October 5 and 14.
One case, Suncor Energy v. Commissioners of Boulder County, involves a Colorado county suing oil and gas companies for climate harms and misleading the public.
The Court will decide if federal law blocks state lawsuits about greenhouse gas emissions and climate damage.
Johnson v. United States Congress involves a veteran challenging limits on disability benefits and whether courts can hear certain veterans' benefit disputes.
The Court will also hear a case about what workers can claim in lawsuits about employer retirement plans (Anderson v. Intel Corp.).
Other cases relate to immigration detention, environmental regulations, federal sentencing rules, and digital privacy rights.
The new term follows a previous session where the Court ruled on immigration and President Donald Trump’s policies.
Decisions in these cases could affect environmental lawsuits, veterans' benefits legal processes, and privacy protections nationally.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man was arrested at President Donald Trump’s golf course in Los Angeles after pretending to be on the security team before the president’s visit. He faces several felony charges for illegal weapons found in his car and home and has pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
Jeanine John Taele, 38, was arrested at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
He was pretending to be part of the security detail before President Trump’s visit.
Police found a loaded 9mm pistol, binoculars, and a fake security badge in his vehicle.
A search of Taele’s home found an illegal short-barreled rifle, other guns, ammo, body armor, and concerning notes.
Taele has felony charges including possession of a large-capacity magazine and illegal weapons.
He pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $250,000.
Taele served in the US Marines from 2008 to 2016 with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
He previously appeared in court on other charges unrelated to this case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK government plans to open nearly 200 new mental health centres and emergency services by 2029, including walk-in hubs in places like banks and libraries. These centres will provide quick and expert help to people experiencing mental health crises, aiming to reduce pressure on hospitals and improve access to care.
Key Facts
The government will create about 100 community mental health centres and 59 new mental health emergency departments by 2029.
Walk-in hubs will be located in everyday places such as banks, libraries, and some new buildings.
The centres will have nurses, therapists, and support workers working together to help people.
Many hubs will be open seven days a week, with some offering short-stay beds.
Six areas have tested this approach since 2024 with pilot projects.
The plan includes £343 million in funding, with the first centres opening in autumn 2025.
Experts say staffing is essential, especially trained mental health nurses, for the centres to work well.
The initiative aims to help those who currently wait a long time for care or go to busy hospital A&Es in crisis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist and former Wisconsin state representative, said in an interview that Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday. She clarified that she does not want to cancel Thanksgiving, despite a previous social media post that suggested otherwise.
Key Facts
Francesca Hong is a former state representative from Wisconsin and a Democratic socialist.
She is also a professional chef.
Hong is running for governor of Wisconsin.
She previously posted on social media calling to “cancel Thanksgiving.”
In a recent interview, she said she actually loves Thanksgiving and does not want to cancel it.
This interview was with Politico reporter Irie Sentner.
Hong walked back her earlier social media statement about canceling the holiday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
