Ivanka Trump shared a video of her daughter horseback riding during a luxury vacation as gas prices in the U.S. reached record highs. The post led to criticism because many Americans are struggling with the high cost of living, including expensive gas.
Key Facts
Ivanka Trump posted a video of her 15-year-old daughter, Arabella, horseback riding on a beach at sunset.
The video was shared while U.S. gas prices hit a record high around $4.15 per gallon during Labor Day.
Critics said the post seemed out of touch with ordinary Americans facing financial struggles.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office responded to the post, highlighting the high gas prices.
The criticism also came from some supporters of President Trump, pointing out the contrast between average Americans and the Trump family.
Ivanka’s niece, Kai Trump, shared a video showing her expensive college dorm in Miami.
The high gas prices are partly blamed on global issues like the Iran war and supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump has promised to lower gas prices and said prices would drop significantly if the U.S. wins the conflict with Iran.
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A University of Iowa marching band member, Derek Phillips, collapsed from cardiac arrest during extreme heat at a football game and was later taken off life support due to severe brain damage. The university canceled the band’s halftime performance and provided support to students following the incident.
Key Facts
Derek Phillips, a third-year student and band member, collapsed before the halftime show at the season-opening Iowa football game.
He suffered sudden cardiac arrest and was treated in intensive care at University of Iowa Health Care.
His family decided to remove him from life support because of severe brain damage.
Temperatures at the game reached 94°F (34°C), one of the hottest in Iowa football history.
The marching band wore lighter uniforms and canceled their halftime performance due to heat concerns.
The university allowed fans to bring water bottles and adjusted other event times to cope with the heat.
University officials expressed their support to Derek, his family, and fellow students, offering counseling services.
Derek studied business analytics and information systems and was active in music, including summer tours with a drum and bugle corps.
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The TV show South Park will change its name to South America for its 29th season. This change responds to President Donald Trump’s recent moves to rename places in the U.S. with "America" in their names.
Key Facts
South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker announced the show’s new name, South America.
The name change is linked to Trump’s efforts to rename places like the Gulf of Mexico and New Mexico with "America."
President Trump shared a video suggesting New Mexico be renamed "New America," but the federal government cannot rename states.
The show’s parent company, Paramount Skydance, is merging with Warner Bros Discovery in a $111 billion deal approved by the Trump administration.
South Park has aired since 1997 and often satirizes political figures, including President Trump.
The new season of South America will start on September 16 and will be available on Paramount+ worldwide.
Trump’s renaming attempts have received criticism from Democrats who say it distracts from other issues.
South Park creators have previously mocked Trump through various controversial portrayals.
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President Donald Trump spoke about his experiences shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City. He described bringing construction workers to Ground Zero and recounted firefighters helping him escape a potentially collapsing building.
Key Facts
President Trump attended a "Steel Across America" event to honor first responders and 9/11 victims ahead of the attack's 25th anniversary.
He said he took a group of construction workers to Ground Zero soon after the World Trade Center collapsed.
Trump described a moment when two firefighters lifted him away from a building at risk of collapsing.
The building he referred to is now called One Liberty Plaza, which was damaged but did not fall after the attacks.
On the morning of 9/11, Trump was in his Trump Tower apartment and gave live interviews about the attacks.
Trump noted that his building at 40 Wall Street became the tallest standing building in Lower Manhattan after the towers fell.
Two days after 9/11, he visited Ground Zero to observe the recovery efforts and spoke with media.
His accounts of 9/11 have changed over time and have been a part of his public and political life.
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Lindsay Clancy’s lawyer asked President Donald Trump to pardon her after her murder trial of her three children ended in a mistrial. However, Trump cannot pardon her because her case involves state charges in Massachusetts and presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is charged with killing her three young children in Massachusetts in January 2023.
Her trial ended in a mistrial because the jury could not agree on a verdict.
Clancy’s lawyer, Kevin Reddington, asked President Trump to pardon her during a TV interview.
The president can only pardon people convicted of federal crimes, not state crimes like Clancy’s.
In Massachusetts, the governor has the power to grant pardons for state crimes.
Clancy’s defense argued she was suffering from postpartum psychosis, a mental health condition causing hallucinations, when the killings happened.
Prosecutors said Clancy planned the killings and knew what she was doing.
The Massachusetts governor and a state board review pardon requests in the state.
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The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to allow a federal database called SAVE to be used to check citizenship status in state voter rolls before the midterm elections. A judge had ruled the database’s use was illegal because it violated privacy and led to wrongful removal of U.S. citizens from voting lists.
Key Facts
The SAVE system stands for Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements and contains private information about Americans.
A federal judge ruled the Trump administration acted unlawfully in creating and using SAVE for voter roll checks.
The judge said the system caused some U.S. citizens to be incorrectly removed from voter rolls.
The judge found that the administration broke three federal laws in trying to use the SAVE database.
The Trump administration says the ruling threatens election integrity and asked the Supreme Court to allow SAVE’s use.
SAVE does not remove voters but notifies states about citizenship status to help verify voters.
The SAVE system was expanded after an executive order from President Trump requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.
The Supreme Court has yet to decide on lifting the block that stops the database from being used in the upcoming elections.
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The U.S. military used a laser weapon to shoot down drones near the U.S.-Mexico border. This action caused drone activity in the area to drop by almost 75%, according to the Pentagon.
Key Facts
The Pentagon reported a sharp decline in drone use at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The reduction in drone activity was about 75 percent.
The drop happened after the military used a laser weapon to destroy some drones.
The laser weapon is designed to disable small flying devices like drones.
The use of the laser weapon is part of efforts to control airspace near the border.
CBS News covered the story and provided video updates.
Eleanor Watson reported the news for CBS News.
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A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that many countries scored higher than the United States in reading and math among 15-year-old students. The U.S. scored below countries like China, Singapore, Japan, and others, but still performed above the average of OECD countries in some areas.
Key Facts
The OECD's PISA 2025 test measures reading, math, and science skills of 15-year-olds globally every three years.
U.S. students scored 490 in reading and 463 in math on the 2025 test.
Twenty-four countries and economies scored higher than the U.S. in math; ten of these also scored higher in reading.
China (four regions), Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Estonia were among the top performers in both reading and math.
The U.S. scores declined compared to previous years but still remain above the OECD average in reading and science.
Student performance worldwide in reading, math, and science has been dropping for over a decade, not just since the pandemic.
The number of low-performing students increased from 16% in 2022 to 20% in 2025 across OECD countries.
The decline affected students from wealthier families more, slightly narrowing the achievement gap between socioeconomic groups.
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The Trump administration announced new sanctions on all Iranian airlines and several foreign companies working with Iran’s Mahan Air. Mahan Air was previously sanctioned because of its links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Key Facts
The U.S. government imposed sanctions on all airlines from Iran.
Nearly a dozen foreign companies doing business with Iran's Mahan Air are also sanctioned.
Mahan Air was targeted earlier due to its relationship with the IRGC, a branch of Iran’s military.
These actions are part of a financial pressure campaign called Operation Economic Outcast.
The goal is to restrict Iran’s ability to use its airline industry for military or terrorist activities.
The sanctions aim to cut off funds and resources to groups tied to the Iranian government’s military forces.
The announcement was made by the Trump administration on a Tuesday.
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An Illinois woman appeared in court after being charged with killing her 2-year-old son. Prosecutors said she was paying close attention to the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy.
Key Facts
The woman is from Illinois.
She is charged with murdering her 2-year-old son.
Prosecutors said she followed the Lindsay Clancy murder trial closely.
The court hearing took place on a Tuesday.
The news report came from CBS News Chicago.
Viewers are warned that the video may contain violent or disturbing content.
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Patrick Clancy's lawyer issued a warning that people spreading conspiracy theories about Patrick’s involvement in his children's deaths will face consequences. The statement came after false claims surfaced accusing Patrick Clancy of wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Patrick Clancy is the ex-husband of Lindsay Clancy.
There were conspiracy theories wrongly accusing Patrick Clancy of being involved in the deaths of his children.
Patrick Clancy’s lawyer publicly warned that those spreading these false claims will face consequences.
The warning was given through an official statement on Tuesday.
CBS News reported on the lawyer’s warning and the ongoing situation.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released over 170,000 pages of documents about air quality after the Sept. 11 attacks. These records show that city leaders knew the air was dangerous but told the public it was safe. The release follows lawsuits filed by 9/11 health advocates seeking transparency.
Key Facts
The documents include memos from city officials dating back to before 2001, including one from Deputy Mayor Robert Harding warning of air quality dangers.
The records reveal that first responders and others were exposed to toxic air after the World Trade Center collapse.
Nearly 6,000 people have died from illnesses related to 9/11 air exposure.
The city released the documents via an online portal at City Hall on September 8, 2026.
The release answers decades of demands from victims, workers, and advocacy groups for the truth about air safety.
The city reached a settlement with 9/11 Health Watch, a group that sued to force publication of the documents.
Actor and advocate Jon Stewart attended the press conference and has pushed for health benefits for 9/11 responders.
Asbestos was found on a building facade in downtown Manhattan nearly a year after the attacks, showing lingering contamination.
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Lonnie Bunch III, the head of the Smithsonian Institution since 2019, will retire at the end of the year. His decision comes amid ongoing criticism and pressure from President Donald Trump regarding the museum’s portrayal of US history and its independence.
Key Facts
Lonnie Bunch III is the first African American to lead the Smithsonian Institution.
He announced his retirement, citing personal reasons and stress from political pressure.
President Trump began pushing changes to the Smithsonian’s content after returning to office in 2025.
Trump signed an order accusing the museum of promoting a "race-centered ideology."
Efforts were made by Trump to remove museum leaders who supported diversity programs, including the National Portrait Gallery director.
Bunch fought some political pressures but also chose to let some issues slide to protect the institution.
The Smithsonian’s leadership board, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, will choose Bunch’s successor.
Some board members’ terms have expired, and their replacements have not yet been named by the Trump administration.
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Republicans initially seemed sure to keep control of the U.S. Senate during President Donald Trump’s final two years. However, with midterm elections approaching, the fight for the Senate is highly competitive, with Democrats gaining chances in states they didn’t expect to win and Republicans facing challenges in others.
Key Facts
Democrats need to gain four Senate seats to take control of the chamber.
Originally, Democrats focused on holding Michigan, Georgia, and New Hampshire while trying to win seats in Alaska, Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio.
New possible Democratic targets include Iowa and Texas, states traditionally controlled by Republicans.
Michigan’s Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won a tough primary but faces a strong Republican opponent, Mike Rogers.
In Maine, Democrat Troy Jackson replaced a candidate who dropped out amid allegations; the race is expensive with heavy spending by both sides.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans worry about losing the Senate but believe it is unlikely everything will go Democrat’s way.
Over $3.4 billion is expected to be spent on Senate races this midterm cycle.
The Senate controls confirmation of presidential appointments and judges, so its balance affects President Trump’s agenda.
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House Republicans’ campaign group, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), announced it is adding five candidates to a special program to help win key election races. The new candidates come from Florida and North Carolina and are part of the MAGA Majority program led by Rep. Richard Hudson.
Key Facts
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is the campaign team for House Republicans.
Rep. Richard Hudson from North Carolina is the chair of the NRCC.
The NRCC added five candidates to the MAGA Majority program.
These candidates are from Florida and North Carolina.
The program supports candidates running for competitive, or "battleground," seats.
The announcement was made in a press release on a Tuesday during the election season.
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A US appeals court ruled that the federal constitution does not guarantee a right to clean water. The court dismissed a 2022 lawsuit from Jackson, Mississippi residents who claimed their drinking water was unsafe due to lead and other contaminants.
Key Facts
The fifth circuit court of appeals upheld a lower court’s dismissal of the Jackson residents’ lawsuit.
Plaintiffs wanted the court to recognize new constitutional rights to clean water and truthful information from officials, but the court found no basis for this.
The court suggested legal remedies outside the constitution, like suing for harms (tort claims) or voting for new local leaders.
Officials are working to improve Jackson’s water through regulations and compliance plans, according to the court.
The court stated that the constitution does not guarantee clean water or require states to provide public services like water and sewage.
The court acknowledged residents’ suffering but said sympathy cannot change legal rights.
Jackson has faced long-term water problems, including unsafe drinking water and disrupted access.
The NAACP filed a complaint in 2022 accusing Mississippi officials of racial discrimination by diverting federal drinking water funds away from Jackson.
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President Donald Trump promised to lower mortgage rates to around 2 percent if elected in 2024. However, mortgage rates have generally remained high, rising to 6.71 percent by September 2025, partly due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and inflation. These higher rates make it harder for homeowners to move or refinance their homes.
Key Facts
President Trump promised to reduce mortgage rates to pandemic-era lows near 2 percent during his 2024 presidential campaign.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.09 percent when Trump made this pledge in September 2024.
When Trump returned to office in January 2025, mortgage rates were about 6.96 percent.
Rates peaked at 7.79 percent in October 2023 after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to control inflation.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates three times in 2025, which helped lower mortgage rates temporarily.
By September 2025, mortgage rates rose back to 6.71 percent, the highest since July 2025.
The war with Iran and higher oil prices contributed to inflation and pushed mortgage rates up again.
Higher mortgage rates discourage homeowners from selling or refinancing, lowering the number of homes available for sale.
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A recent poll shows that Democratic candidates have increased their support among Latino voters in key House districts. This change could influence which party controls Congress after the 2024 elections.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by Hart Research and TelevisaUnivision.
It focused on Latino voters in competitive, or battleground, House districts.
Democrats now have a 58% lead on the generic congressional ballot in these areas.
Latino voters are one of the fastest-growing groups in these districts.
The poll results suggest Latino voters could be a decisive factor in the 2024 congressional elections.
Control of Congress depends partly on voter support in these swing districts.
The poll was shared with the news outlet Axios.
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President Donald Trump posted several unusual social media messages during the Labor Day weekend, including AI-generated images of himself as a superhero and maps showing the U.S. flag over other countries. He suggested renaming places like New Mexico and Lake Ontario without having legal authority to do so.
Key Facts
Trump shared an AI video showing himself as the superhero Green Lantern using a power ring to create a border wall and command warplanes.
He posted maps with the U.S. flag covering parts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and many Caribbean islands.
Iceland summoned the U.S. ambassador to complain about Trump’s map post.
Trump said New Mexico should be renamed “New America” and posted an AI video putting an “America” label over “Mexico” on a New Mexico road sign.
He ordered federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” but this only applies to U.S. maps and documents.
Trump has no legal power to rename U.S. states or foreign territories. Name changes would require official local or international approval.
He has made comments about annexing other countries and renaming bodies of water including oceans and straits.
These posts come amid tense trade negotiations with Canada and Mexico.
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Fox News updated its forecast for the 2024 midterm elections, showing Democrats with a slight edge in the race to control the House of Representatives. Democrats are favored in 212 districts, Republicans in 206, and 17 races are still too close to call. The election results will decide which party controls the House and Senate during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Key Facts
Democrats currently lead in 212 House districts; Republicans lead in 206; 17 districts are toss-ups.
A party needs 218 seats to control the House of Representatives.
Midterm elections usually lead to losses for the party holding the presidency.
President Trump is actively campaigning to help Republicans win key races.
The Senate race is very close, with Democrats holding 53 seats and Republicans 47.
Fox News moved Ohio’s 7th District from likely Republican to toss-up after allegations were made against Republican Max Miller.
Miller denies the allegations and remains in the race despite calls to resign.
The outcome of these elections will reflect the political climate in President Trump’s current term.
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