Representative Thomas Massie named 14 people he believes should be investigated for their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. He also introduced new legislation to make more government files about Epstein public and to help prosecute those involved.
Key Facts
Thomas Massie is a Republican congressman from Kentucky who will leave Congress in January.
Massie co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the Department of Justice to release files about Epstein.
Massie says the government is still withholding over three million files related to Epstein.
He introduced a new bill, Epstein Files Transparency Act II, to give state attorneys access to these files and make it easier for survivors to sue.
Massie named 14 people he calls “co-conspirators” but did not provide proof they committed crimes.
Being named does not mean these people are guilty; some have denied any wrongdoing.
Among those named is Jes Staley, a former JP Morgan executive who had professional ties to Epstein but denies involvement in crimes.
Massie is seeking signatures to force a House vote on his new legislation.
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Two U.S. lawmakers, Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Pramila Jayapal, have asked a government watchdog to investigate how the Trump administration secretly collected private information from journalists, non-profits, and unions without court approval. They are concerned about the use of administrative summonses by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) beyond their intended customs-related purpose.
Key Facts
Senator Wyden and Representative Jayapal requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate DHS’s use of secret administrative summonses.
DHS used these summonses to get six months of phone records of journalist Georgia Fort without judicial oversight.
DHS also sought YouTube account information on Georgia Fort and Don Lemon after courts had rejected search warrants.
Both journalists face civil rights charges related to a protest they were covering and have pleaded not guilty.
DHS has used summonses to obtain financial data from labor unions and non-profits and issued subpoenas to companies like Meta, X, and Reddit to reveal anonymous critics.
The summonses include language asking companies not to inform the targeted individuals, but experts say this language is not legally binding.
Wyden and Jayapal also raised concerns about the Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration pressuring companies to keep subpoena requests secret.
They requested GAO to check if DHS made policy changes after a 2017 report found misuse of administrative summonses.
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The number of free spaces in male prisons in England and Wales has dropped to its lowest point this year. The government plans to create more prison cells by turning unused areas like laundry rooms into cells and is changing rules to keep some prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter, in prison longer.
Key Facts
As of September 1, about 1,500 free spaces remained in male prisons, down from 3,040 in early June.
The early-release scheme aims to reduce overcrowding by letting some prisoners out early but is being tightened for certain offenders.
The government will spend £110 million to convert unused spaces in prisons into new cells.
Prisons in England and Wales are operating at 97% capacity, meaning they are almost full.
Some prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter, will no longer qualify for early release.
More foreign prisoners are being deported to create space, with nearly 6,000 sent back in the past year.
The changes will start in October, with thousands expected to be released from prison in batches.
Prison staff shortages are a concern, as more space will require enough officers to supervise inmates.
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US Vice-President JD Vance called Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed "evil" during a campaign rally in Michigan and accused him of being divisive. El-Sayed responded by criticizing the Trump administration's policies and clarified his previous remarks about Vance's family, emphasizing political differences.
Key Facts
JD Vance called Abdul El-Sayed "very, very evil" at a campaign event in Michigan.
Vance warned El-Sayed to stop mentioning his wife, Usha Vance, who is Hindu.
El-Sayed, who is Muslim, had suggested Vance’s late grandfather might not accept Usha Vance.
El-Sayed criticized the Trump administration for harmful policies and involvement in wars.
El-Sayed campaigned with Hasan Piker, a controversial figure who had made provocative statements about 9/11, though El-Sayed distanced himself from those remarks.
The Michigan Senate race is highly competitive, with El-Sayed leading by four points in a recent poll.
Michigan is a key battleground state that voted for Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024.
The race features Mike Rogers, a Trump ally and experienced politician, opposing El-Sayed.
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A Netflix documentary called “Instadocs: The Decoy Plane” will be released on Friday. It tells the story of how President Donald Trump secretly left Turkey last summer using a special military plane and a catering truck to stay safe because of threats from Iran.
Key Facts
The documentary is about President Trump’s secret exit from Turkey in July.
He was moved inside a catering truck to hide his movements.
The president then flew on a smaller Air Force C-32A plane.
The secret trip was due to security concerns involving Iran.
The documentary will premiere on Netflix on Friday.
It focuses on the special measures taken for the president’s safety during the trip.
The film is part of the “Instadocs” series on Netflix.
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House Democrats have raised concerns about ICE’s plan to spend around $17 million to buy 6,000 electric shock gloves for agents. They are asking for more information and express strong opposition to the purchase.
Key Facts
ICE awarded a $16.7 million contract to Compliant Technologies LLC.
The contract is for 6,000 electric shock gloves called Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters.
House Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee oppose the purchase.
Democrats want ICE to explain why it needs the gloves.
The total planned spending could reach up to $20 million.
The gloves are intended for use by ICE agents during their work.
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COVID-19 infections are rising across most U.S. states as the new school year starts, causing some schools to temporarily close due to outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports increased virus activity in wastewater and patient visits, but serious illness and hospitalizations remain low in many areas.
Key Facts
COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 49 U.S. states; Iowa lacks enough data.
Some schools, like those in South Texas and Louisiana, temporarily closed due to rapid COVID-19 spread.
Wastewater monitoring shows very high COVID virus activity in Texas, high in Mississippi, and moderate in several other states.
Texas reported a 54% increase in confirmed and probable cases in one week ending August 22, though reporting is voluntary and may underestimate cases.
Mississippi shows a sharp rise in hospital and clinic visits related to COVID-like symptoms during the summer.
Virginia sees low but increasing COVID activity, with more virus detected in wastewater and emergency visits, but no rise in hospitalizations.
Wastewater surveillance helps track COVID spread because many infections are not reported through testing anymore.
The CDC notes that rising infections don’t always mean severe illness or strain on healthcare systems.
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Erin Piacenti, a Bank of America vice president, died after being stabbed in Times Square, New York City. The attacker, a woman, also wounded a 68-year-old man and was fatally shot by police at the scene.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened on West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue around 4:30 pm on a Monday.
Police tried to use a taser on the attacker, but it failed, and she advanced with knives.
The attacker was shot and killed by responding officers.
The 68-year-old man injured is in stable condition at the hospital.
Bank of America expressed sorrow over the loss of their employee, Erin Piacenti, aged 32.
Police believe the attack was random and unprovoked.
Times Square sees about 200,000 to 250,000 pedestrians daily.
The article also mentioned a recent separate violent incident involving the fatal shooting of a healthcare CEO in Midtown Manhattan.
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The jury in the trial of Lindsay Clancy has not reached a unanimous decision after nearly four days of discussing the case. The judge has told the jury to keep talking and try to agree.
Key Facts
The jury is deciding the outcome of Lindsay Clancy’s trial.
They began deliberations several days ago.
After about four days, the jury indicated they cannot all agree.
This is the first sign of a deadlock or impasse among jurors.
The judge asked the jury to continue discussing to try to reach a unanimous verdict.
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In the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary, Seth Moulton, a younger candidate with moderate views, is competing against Ed Markey, an older candidate known for progressive ideas. They are both trying to win the party's nomination for the U.S. Senate.
Key Facts
The race is between Seth Moulton and Ed Markey.
Seth Moulton is younger and holds centrist (middle-of-the-road) political views.
Ed Markey is older and supports progressive (more liberal) policies.
The contest is to win the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts.
Both candidates want to represent Massachusetts in the Senate.
The primary election will decide who runs in the general election.
This race highlights differences in age and political ideology within the Democratic Party in Massachusetts.
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A woman working for Bank of America was fatally stabbed in Times Square by another woman who was then shot and killed by police after threatening officers. A man was also stabbed during the attack and is in stable condition.
Key Facts
Erin Piacenti, 32, a Bank of America employee from New Jersey, died after being stabbed in Times Square.
The attacker, Pamela Cisneros, 49, used two knives to stab Piacenti and a 68-year-old man.
Police shot and killed Cisneros after she refused to drop the knives and threatened to kill officers.
Officers tried to use tasers, but they did not stop Cisneros before police opened fire.
The male victim was hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition.
Cisneros had a history of mental health issues recorded by the NYPD but had no previous arrests.
The attack was random, with no known connection between the victims and the attacker.
The incident was captured on police body cameras, which will be released later.
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A teenager in North Carolina died after contracting a rare brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, found in warm freshwater. The infection enters the body through the nose and causes a severe brain disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is often fatal.
Key Facts
The teenager contracted the infection from Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic amoeba found in warm freshwater like lakes and rivers.
The infection happens when contaminated water enters the nose, not by swallowing water.
Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which destroys brain tissue and has a very high death rate.
Symptoms start with headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, then can worsen to stiff neck, seizures, confusion, and coma.
PAM progresses quickly, often causing death within about five days after symptoms appear.
Most cases occur in summer when water is warmest, favoring amoeba growth, with children and teenagers more at risk due to water activities that push water up the nose.
Fewer than 10 cases of PAM usually happen in the U.S. each year, making it very rare despite many people swimming in freshwater.
Properly maintained and chlorinated pools rarely have the amoeba, but it can appear in poorly maintained pools, splash pads, and sometimes tap water.
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Representative Vern Buchanan is asking President Donald Trump’s administration to set seasonal limits on tariffs for Mexican produce. This change aims to protect Florida’s farmers during the review of the USMCA trade agreement.
Key Facts
Rep. Vern Buchanan is a member of the U.S. Congress.
He is requesting seasonal tariff-rate quotas, which limits tariffs on imports for a set time.
The request targets Mexican produce entering the U.S.
The goal is to support Florida’s agricultural sector.
This is happening during the review of the USMCA trade agreement.
The USMCA is a trade deal between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Tariff-rate quotas help balance trade by protecting local farmers while allowing imports.
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A small group of conservative Republicans in the House of Representatives plans to oppose a procedural rule to slow down the GOP agenda. They are unhappy with a government funding bill passed by the Senate that the House will consider soon. However, this group probably cannot stop the funding bill from moving forward.
Key Facts
A group of conservative House Republicans is threatening to vote against a procedural rule.
Their goal is to slow or block parts of the GOP’s planned work for the week.
The issue is a government funding bill that the Senate already approved.
The House is scheduled to vote on the funding bill on Tuesday.
The conservative group’s protest is against this Senate-passed bill.
Despite their threat, they likely do not have enough votes to stop the funding bill.
The action is seen as a form of rebellion within the GOP members in the House.
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A small group of conservative Republicans in the House of Representatives plans to oppose a rule that would speed up consideration of a government funding bill passed by the Senate. Their protest aims to slow down much of the Republican agenda for the week. However, these conservatives probably will not be able to stop the funding bill from moving forward.
Key Facts
A group of conservative House Republicans opposes a procedural rule related to a government funding bill.
The funding bill was passed by the Senate and is scheduled for consideration in the House.
The conservatives want to protest the bill by voting against the rule, which could delay other Republican plans.
The procedural rule speeds up debate and prevents delays on the bill.
Despite the protest, the group is unlikely to stop the funding bill from passing.
The conflict shows divisions within the Republican Party.
The House is preparing to take up the government funding bill on Tuesday.
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CNN analyst Maggie Haberman said that President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are dropping in almost all polls ahead of the midterm elections. She stated that there are no polls where President Trump is seen as popular.
Key Facts
Maggie Haberman is a political analyst for CNN.
She commented on President Trump’s approval ratings on CNN’s show “The Source.”
Approval ratings measure how much people support a political leader.
President Trump’s approval is falling in most polls.
This decline is happening as the midterm elections get closer.
Haberman said there are no polls showing President Trump as popular.
The midterm elections are important because they decide control of Congress.
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A whistleblower said the U.S. Postal Service rushed to create a new computer system to limit mail voting, which could cause problems for voters who use mail ballots. The system is part of President Donald Trump's order to restrict mail voting and is currently paused by a judge, but the government is appealing the pause.
Key Facts
The Postal Service is building a new computer system to limit mail voting.
The system was intended to be ready for the midterm elections.
The whistleblower said the work was rushed and had many errors.
Normally, this kind of system takes over a year to build, but they tried to finish it in three months.
A federal judge has temporarily stopped the work on the system.
The administration is appealing the judge’s order.
The case could return to the U.S. Supreme Court.
About one-third of all voters use mail voting, so this system affects many people.
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Olivia Rodrigo hosted a festival called Daisy Chain Fields to raise money for women’s charities that lost funding under President Trump. The festival raised $10 million, which was matched by Melinda French Gates, to support causes related to women’s rights and reproductive justice.
Key Facts
Olivia Rodrigo, 23, held the first Daisy Chain Fields festival to support women-focused non-profits.
The festival raised $10 million, matched by Melinda French Gates for a total of $20 million.
Women’s rights programs have seen funding cuts during President Trump’s administration.
Rodrigo has spoken out publicly on several social and political issues, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade and conditions in Gaza.
She asked the Trump administration not to use her music in government materials targeting immigrants.
Rodrigo wore a dress made by a Palestinian fashion brand to highlight reproductive justice in Gaza.
Taylor Swift has been more cautious about speaking out during President Trump’s second term, despite previous political endorsements.
The article discusses the role of celebrities in using their influence to support social causes.
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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said President Donald Trump asked Apple to change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America." This request followed an executive order from the president aiming to change the lake's name.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an executive order to change the name of Lake Ontario.
He directly contacted Apple, a major tech company, about changing the lake's name.
The new proposed name for Lake Ontario is "Lake America."
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum shared this information publicly.
The request to Apple likely targets the name on digital maps or apps.
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A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) whistleblower says the agency rushed to build a new ballot-checking system that might reject many mail ballots. A senator is demanding answers about whether USPS broke court orders by building this system after President Trump signed an executive order related to checking voter eligibility.
Key Facts
A USPS whistleblower claims the agency built a new ballot system in weeks instead of the usual many months.
The system is based on a Trump executive order to list confirmed U.S. citizens eligible to vote and to reject ballots from those not on state lists.
Senator Richard Blumenthal asked USPS for details and records about the system and whether court orders were broken.
The system checks ballot barcodes against voter information from states and could reject entire batches if one barcode is wrong.
USPS traditionally only gave advice on election mail but never rejected ballots before.
The Postal Service and the White House have not responded to requests for comment.
There is an ongoing legal battle with 23 states and D.C. suing to block the executive order, with mixed court rulings so far.
The situation raises concerns about USPS’s ability to run this new system correctly and on time before elections.
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