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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Lonnie Bunch III, the leader of the Smithsonian Institution, said he will retire. His decision comes as President Trump’s administration has disagreed with how the Smithsonian shows American history.
Key Facts
Lonnie Bunch III is the Smithsonian Institution’s first Black leader.
He is also the founder of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Bunch is 73 years old.
He announced his retirement on Tuesday.
The Trump administration has had disputes with the Smithsonian about how it presents American history.
The Smithsonian is a major group of museums and research centers.
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Millions of Social Security recipients may get about $75 more per month in 2027 if the forecasted cost-of-living increase happens. This increase is meant to help benefits keep up with rising prices for everyday needs like food and housing.
Key Facts
The projected increase, called the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), could be between 3.5% and 3.6% for 2027.
Last year’s COLA was 2.8%, so this would be a bigger increase.
The average monthly benefit might go up from about $2,086 to around $2,161.
The exact increase depends on each person’s current payment amount.
Inflation and global factors, like conflicts and climate issues, are pushing prices higher.
The final COLA will be officially announced by the Social Security Administration in October 2026.
Social Security benefits make up the main income for many retirees.
Experts say retirees should consider their own costs for things like health care and housing, which may rise faster than general inflation.
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Lonnie Bunch is leaving his job as leader of the Smithsonian Institution at the end of the year. His departure follows a difficult year in which President Donald Trump criticized the Smithsonian's presentation of U.S. history and suggested replacing its leaders.
Key Facts
Lonnie Bunch has led the Smithsonian Institution since 2019.
He announced he is stepping down with mixed feelings and gratitude.
The Smithsonian will officially have a leadership change at the end of the year.
President Donald Trump attempted to change how U.S. history is shown at Smithsonian museums.
A recent White House report accused Smithsonian leaders of being radical activists.
The report singled out leaders of the National Museum of American History for criticism.
This report suggests President Trump may want to appoint new leaders to the Smithsonian.
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President Donald Trump attended a "Steel Across America" event in Washington, D.C., to mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks. He also made a statement about Iran, saying it will never get a nuclear weapon.
Key Facts
President Trump participated in the "Steel Across America" event.
The event commemorated 25 years since the 9/11 attacks.
It took place in Washington, D.C.
President Trump said Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon.
The event involved honoring the memory of 9/11 victims and heroes.
The phrase "We will never forget" was emphasized by President Trump.
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Vice President JD Vance has said that the Iran War is not a war. This statement has caused reactions because it differs from common understanding about wars.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the current Vice President of the United States.
He stated that the Iran War should not be called a war.
The Iran War generally refers to military actions involving the U.S. and Iran.
Wars are usually defined as armed conflicts between nations or groups.
Some people disagree with Vance’s statement about the Iran War.
The statement has led to debate among veterans and officials.
Vance served as a Marine before becoming Vice President.
The article suggests Vance’s claim affects his relationship with fellow Marines.
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Attorney General Todd Blanche will speak at a memorial event at the Department of Justice on September 11, 2024. The event honors the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in 2001, as the accused mastermind of the attacks faces legal proceedings.
Key Facts
Attorney General Todd Blanche is leading a 9/11 memorial event at the DOJ headquarters.
The event marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who claims to be behind the attacks, has been ordered to stand trial.
The attacks targeted the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C.
The DOJ is highlighting the anniversary with this official ceremony.
This event reflects ongoing legal and memorial activities related to 9/11.
The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, shortly before the anniversary date.
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Lonnie Bunch announced he will retire as secretary of the Smithsonian at the end of the year after 38 years with the institution. His retirement follows months of criticism from President Trump's administration toward the Smithsonian, but Bunch said the decision was his own and not because of the conflicts.
Key Facts
Lonnie Bunch has worked at the Smithsonian for 38 years and became its secretary in 2019.
He was the first African American to serve as secretary of the Smithsonian in its 173-year history.
Bunch co-founded the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016.
President Trump's administration increased criticism of the Smithsonian starting with his second term in 2025.
The administration ordered an internal review and demanded changes to remove "improper ideology" from Smithsonian museums.
Trump signed an executive order and ordered signs correcting information at the National Museum of American History.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum accused the Smithsonian of promoting a "radical institutional ideology" that harms American identity.
Chief Justice John Roberts praised Bunch’s leadership and said the Smithsonian will ensure a smooth transition after Bunch’s retirement.
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President Donald Trump honored the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks during an event at the Ellipse near the White House. He pledged to "never forget" the attacks and recognized heroes and victims, including issuing the Presidential Medal of Freedom to a rescuer known as the "man in the red bandanna."
Key Facts
The event was hosted by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation on September 8, 2026, near the White House.
A 21-foot steel beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center was displayed and is part of a national Steel Across America tour.
The beam will move through New York City on September 11, retracing the route of firefighter Stephen Siller, who died in the attacks.
President Trump honored Jeffrey Palazzo, a New York City firefighter and Coast Guard reservist, by announcing a new Coast Guard cutter named after him.
Welles Crowther, known as the "man in the red bandanna" for rescuing people during 9/11, was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Crowther’s family accepted the award at the event.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who lost family and employees in the attack, was praised for rebuilding Cantor Fitzgerald and supporting victims’ families.
About 150 first responders from New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania attended the event.
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President Donald Trump posthumously gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Crowther, who died saving lives during the 9/11 attacks. The award was presented to Crowther’s family at an event marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Key Facts
Welles Crowther was an equities trader and volunteer firefighter.
He died during the 9/11 attacks while saving others.
President Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom after his death.
The award ceremony took place ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Crowther’s mother and sister received the Medal of Freedom on his behalf.
The event was called Steel Across America, which remembers the 9/11 anniversary.
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Newly released documents reveal that toxic air, including asbestos, was present in Manhattan soon after the 9/11 attacks. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and TV host Jon Stewart shared these findings, highlighting that officials had downplayed the health dangers for years.
Key Facts
About 170,000 documents were released about air quality near Ground Zero after 9/11.
Tests showed asbestos was found almost everywhere around the collapse site.
The air was toxic and posed health risks to people in Manhattan after the attacks.
Officials had previously minimized or ignored warnings about these health dangers.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Jon Stewart revealed the documents in a public event.
Mamdani promised his administration will seek transparency and answers about the 9/11 health risks.
Jon Stewart is a 9/11 survivor advocate who has spoken out on this issue before.
The documents provide new information about the dangers faced by rescue workers and residents.
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Lonnie Bunch, the head of the Smithsonian Institution for seven years and founder of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, has announced he is resigning. He said that pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration was not the reason for his decision.
Key Facts
Lonnie Bunch has been the Smithsonian Secretary for seven years.
He also founded the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Bunch announced he is stepping down from his role at the Smithsonian.
He denied that pressure from the White House caused his resignation.
The Smithsonian Institution made the announcement public on September 8, 2026.
No further reasons or details about his departure were provided in the article.
The story is still developing and may include additional information later.
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A federal appeals court has confirmed a decision that stops the IRS from giving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the address information of millions of people. The court ruled against ICE’s broad request for these addresses.
Key Facts
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld a lower court’s ruling.
The ruling prevents the IRS from sharing address data with ICE.
ICE requested the last known addresses of millions of people.
The court considered ICE’s request to be too broad and not justified.
The decision protects the privacy of the individuals whose data was requested.
The case focuses on the limits of government agencies sharing personal information.
The ruling is related to how immigration enforcement gathers data.
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The White House removed a game called "Build the Wall" from its website after The Tetris Company said it did not approve the game and called it copyright infringement. The game was a version of Tetris with an anti-immigration theme, where players built a wall to stop “zombie” invaders, differing from the original Tetris rules.
Key Facts
"Build the Wall" was an anti-immigration game that used Tetris-like bricks to build a barrier.
The game did not have the typical Tetris feature where completed lines disappear; bricks stayed to form a barrier.
The Tetris Company said it was not involved in making the game and took copyright infringement seriously.
The White House removed the game shortly after the company’s statement.
The game was one of five simple games added to a new "Arcade" section on the White House website.
Other games inspired by Flappy Bird and Snake were still available on the site.
The Tetris Company protects its games and style through legal actions against unauthorized copies.
The White House has previously used video game imagery for political messaging.
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President Donald Trump shared a video on his social media platform that misleadingly shows King Charles walking away from a man who fainted during a visit. The original video shows King Charles staying close and helping the man, but Trump's edited version removes that part and combines it with clips to highlight himself positively.
Key Facts
President Trump posted an edited video on his Truth Social platform.
The video suggests King Charles ignored a fainting man during a 2020 visit to a supermarket center.
The full original footage shows King Charles reaching out and staying with the man receiving medical help.
Buckingham Palace did not comment on the video, and the White House has not responded.
The video mixes clips of other world leaders with Trump’s own moments honoring US troops and veterans.
Captions in the video describe Trump as "the people's president" and show praise for him.
Trump has previously expressed a positive opinion of King Charles, calling him "the greatest king in my book."
The video was posted on the US Labor Day holiday.
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