North Carolina Republican Laurie Buckhout was fined and suspended by the prediction market platform Kalshi for buying contracts related to her own congressional race. Kalshi’s rules forbid candidates from trading on events in which they have direct influence.
Key Facts
Laurie Buckhout is a Republican running in North Carolina’s 1st District, aiming to win a seat held by Democrat Don Davis.
She purchased less than $1,000 worth of contracts on Kalshi about the outcome of her own election race.
Kalshi fined her $2,589.96 and suspended her from trading on the platform for three years.
Kalshi’s rules prohibit individuals who can influence an event’s outcome from trading contracts tied to that event.
Buckhout cooperated with Kalshi’s investigation and accepted the penalty and restrictions.
Buckhout called her actions a “dumb mistake” and said she worked to fix the issue once she learned about it.
The 1st District was recently redrawn to favor Republicans and backed President Donald Trump by nearly 12 points.
Current Democrat Don Davis won against Buckhout in 2024 despite the district’s conservative lean, and the upcoming race is seen as competitive.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses how President Donald Trump’s tariffs may affect the Republican Party in the 2026 midterm elections. It suggests that the financial impact of these tariffs could create challenges for Republican candidates.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump imposed tariffs during his time in office.
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods meant to protect domestic industries.
These tariffs can increase prices for consumers and businesses.
The 2026 midterm elections will be tough for Republican candidates.
The economic effects of tariffs might influence voters’ opinions.
Republicans could face political costs because of the tariffs.
Midterm elections determine the balance of power in Congress.
Economic issues often play a big role in voter decisions during midterms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge ordered Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is accused of killing a National Guard member and injuring another in Washington, D.C., to be force-fed because he has refused to eat or drink while in custody. The judge wants to keep him alive until he is able to eat and accept medical treatment.
Key Facts
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of killing Army SPC Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in November 2024 near the White House.
Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of the West Virginia National Guard on an anti-crime mission in D.C.
Lakanwal has refused to eat or sometimes drink water since June 2025 while awaiting trial.
A federal judge ordered force-feeding and medical treatment to prevent Lakanwal’s death or worsening condition.
Lakanwal was moved to a hospital on July 9, 2025, for emergency medical care.
He is charged with multiple federal and D.C. crimes including murder, attempted murder, and firearm offenses.
The Justice Department is reviewing whether to seek the death penalty in this case.
Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump strongly supports the growth of data centers in the U.S. and warns communities not to oppose them, saying they bring jobs and lower taxes. At the same time, the AI industry is spending money and making arguments to convince local voters and officials to accept data centers despite public opposition.
Key Facts
President Trump said opposing data centers means communities risk poverty and lack of progress.
The AI industry, through groups like Build American AI, plans to spend $50 million to support data centers in states such as Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Data centers create jobs for electricians, plumbers, and other skilled workers.
Investors claim new data centers use less freshwater by recycling and closed-loop cooling systems.
Data centers pay significant property taxes that can help local governments, potentially more than they lose from sales-tax breaks.
Agreements are being made for data centers to cover the cost of new power needs instead of regular customers.
Polls show 61% of Americans, including many Republicans, oppose new data centers near them.
Some Republicans are adjusting their political positions due to the controversy around data centers ahead of upcoming elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prediction-market company Kalshi banned former US Congressman George Santos for life after finding he placed bets using insider information related to his attendance at President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. Santos had been convicted of wire fraud and identity theft, served prison time, and had his sentence commuted by President Trump.
Key Facts
George Santos was expelled from Congress for fraud and identity theft.
Kalshi barred Santos permanently for insider trading on its betting platform.
Santos bet on whether he would attend Trump’s State of the Union address, which he could control.
Kalshi found Santos made misleading public statements that affected betting prices.
Santos earned about $17,840 from these trades and received a $71,356 penalty from Kalshi.
Santos served three months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.
President Trump commuted Santos’s seven-year prison sentence in 2025.
Prediction markets like Kalshi are increasing monitoring to prevent misuse and fraud.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Vice President JD Vance said that President Donald Trump posted an AI-created video showing an imagined attack on Iran’s Kharg Island as a way to send a message to Iran. Vance noted that President Trump does not officially announce military actions on social media but uses posts like this to communicate.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a video on social media that shows an AI-made image of an attack on Iran’s Kharg Island.
Kharg Island is important because it handles much of Iran’s oil exports.
Vice President JD Vance commented that President Trump “likes to switch it up” in his social media use.
Vance said President Trump would not make real military announcements on social media.
The video is seen as a message directed toward Iran, not an official military announcement.
Vance spoke about this before traveling to Michigan.
President Trump has previously threatened Iran regarding Kharg Island.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tarrant County in Texas plans to reduce the number of polling locations for the November midterm elections by 92 sites compared to 2022. County officials say the cutbacks focus on low-turnout sites and improve efficiency, but some Democrats worry the reductions could make voting harder in this key Senate race area.
Key Facts
Tarrant County is one of Texas’ largest counties with over 2 million residents, including the city of Fort Worth.
The plan would reduce polling places to just over 200 locations, eliminating sites with few voters.
The proposal is scheduled for a vote on Tuesday.
Democrats, including state Rep. James Talarico, oppose the plan, saying it might confuse voters or make voting more difficult.
County officials say the changes prioritize accessible sites near bus stops and keep polling locations about 1.5 miles apart on average.
The reduction is partly due to difficulties in recruiting poll workers and a shift toward countywide voting sites since 2019.
Texas law allows each county to decide how many polling places to have.
Republican leaders say the goal is not to suppress voting but to save resources by removing redundant or low-use sites.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kalshi, a prediction market platform, has suspended Republican candidate Laurie Buckhout for three years. The suspension followed the discovery that she bet money on the outcome of her own House race in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Key Facts
Laurie Buckhout is a GOP candidate running for the U.S. House in North Carolina’s 1st District.
She announced her candidacy in December.
Buckhout bought contracts on Kalshi that involved bets on her own election race.
The total amount she spent on these contracts was less than $1,000.
Kalshi found this action against their rules and suspended her account for three years.
Buckhout is running against Democratic incumbent Rep. Don Davis.
Prediction markets like Kalshi allow users to bet on political and other events.
Betting on your own race is often seen as a conflict of interest or unethical.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is struggling with campaign fundraising and polling behind Democrat James Talarico in the U.S. Senate race. Although President Trump supports Paxton, the expected financial support from Republican groups has been limited, raising concerns about the party's chances to keep the seat.
Key Facts
Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in nearly 40 years.
Democrat James Talarico is leading Paxton in recent polls and has raised significantly more money.
Talarico has spent about $31.5 million on TV ads since June, while Paxton spent around $4.7 million.
President Trump headlined a fundraiser for Paxton, but the money went to the Republican National Committee (RNC), not directly to Paxton.
A Supreme Court ruling allows the RNC to coordinate spending more closely with campaigns.
Some Texas Republicans are worried about losing the Senate seat without former Senator John Cornyn as the nominee.
John Cornyn, who lost the primary to Paxton, is not campaigning for him and has criticized his campaign.
Some of Cornyn’s former staff have joined Talarico’s campaign, signaling internal GOP doubts about Paxton.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Brad Lander, a New York congressional candidate, was shouted at by protesters over his views on Israel during a rally against a Hindu nationalist event. Lander, who supports Israel but criticizes its treatment of Palestinians, was both heckled and defended by different groups at the event.
Key Facts
Brad Lander is a Jewish, liberal Zionist and candidate for New York’s 10th congressional district.
He attended a protest against an event where Mohan Bhagwat, leader of the Hindu nationalist RSS, was speaking.
Protesters yelled at Lander, calling him a Zionist and telling him to leave the rally.
Other attendees supported Lander and thanked him for standing in solidarity against hate.
Lander believes Israel should be a safe home for Jews but condemns its occupation of Palestinian land.
He supported limiting US military aid to Israel and called its recent military actions in Gaza genocide.
Hindu and Muslim groups publicly defended Lander after the incident and apologized for the abuse he faced.
The incident reflects deep divisions in the US about Israel and tensions between anti-Zionism and antisemitism.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has frequently criticized female reporters with harsh personal comments, despite his team saying he is very open with the media. These attacks include insults about their appearance and professionalism, raising concerns about press freedom and respect for women journalists.
Key Facts
President Trump called New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman an "unattractive person" and a "scammer" over her coverage.
Trump threatened to report NBC host Kristen Welker to the FCC after she said his endorsement is less influential than before.
Since November 2025, Trump has insulted female reporters at least thirteen times, often focusing on their looks and ability.
Female reporters of color have been called "second-rate" and "nasty" by Trump, prompting condemnation from the National Association of Black Journalists.
Trump’s insults toward male reporters are less personal, focusing more on their intelligence or behavior.
White House spokesperson said the attacks are not about gender but relate to low public trust in the media.
Press freedom experts warn that Trump's comments intimidate reporters and threaten free press rights.
The White House acknowledges trust in the media is very low but Trump’s attacks may make it worse.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced a deal between the U.S. and Venezuela to develop 17 Venezuelan oil fields with large reserves. Experts say it will take many years before this increases U.S. oil supply or lowers gas prices significantly.
Key Facts
The deal involves developing 17 Venezuelan oil fields with 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves.
Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves at over 300 billion barrels; the U.S. has less than 50 billion barrels.
Venezuela’s oil is heavy crude, which is harder to refine into gasoline than the light crude usually processed in the U.S.
It may take 5 to 15 years before Venezuelan oil affects U.S. gas prices.
Venezuela’s oil industry needs over $100 billion in investment to restore full production capacity.
Venezuela’s oil production recently increased slightly to about 1.1 million barrels per day.
The U.S. will control 55% of the new joint venture, which has a 100-year operation concession in these oil fields.
Oil company hesitation remains due to past nationalization of Venezuelan oil assets and legal disputes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has asked Apple to change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on Apple Maps. This request follows Google changing the lake's name for users in the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump made the request to Apple directly.
The change concerns Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes.
Apple Maps is the mapping service run by Apple.
Google already changed the lake's name to "Lake America" for U.S. users.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum shared this information in an interview.
The story is recent and may have more updates soon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A top U.S. military officer said there are no plans to send troops to voting places during the November 2026 midterm elections. General Dan Caine assured Senators that the military will not seize ballots or interfere with the election process.
Key Facts
General Dan Caine is the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and advises President Donald Trump on military matters.
Caine wrote to Senator Elissa Slotkin that no federal military or federalized National Guard troops will be sent to polling places in 2026.
The military has no plans to seize ballots, voting machines, or other election materials.
Caine stated he has not received and does not expect to receive any unlawful orders related to military involvement in the elections.
Democrats are concerned about possible military interference due to past actions like federal agents deployed in Democratic-led states and Trump's reported ideas after the 2020 election.
Federal law generally forbids sending armed federal forces to polling locations unless needed to stop armed enemies.
If the military were involved in elections, it would most likely be the National Guard under state control, not federal troops.
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles denied that President Trump would use the military to suppress voters.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, lost his private lawyers and is now represented by a public defender in a Los Angeles court hearing. He pleaded not guilty to charges including killing, sexually abusing, and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Key Facts
D4vd’s private lawyers withdrew and were replaced by a public defender after a court approved the change.
The judge required D4vd to enter a plea during the hearing; he pleaded not guilty.
D4vd faces charges of murder, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains.
Evidence was found linking D4vd to the crime, including DNA connected to the victim.
D4vd earned at least $10 million from 2023 to 2025, yet qualified for a public defender after a financial review.
The district attorney is deciding whether to seek the death penalty.
The case’s timeline may be delayed due to the change in legal representation.
The public defender emphasized giving D4vd a careful defense despite the serious charges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An expert from Texas Tech University said Americans will not see lower gas prices soon, despite President Donald Trump promoting a new deal with Venezuela. The expert spoke about whether the deal could help reduce gas costs in the near future.
Key Facts
Michael Noel, an economics professor, discussed the impact of the Venezuela deal on gas prices.
President Donald Trump has highlighted a new agreement with Venezuela.
The expert said changes at the gas pump will not happen quickly.
The deal aims to address fuel supply, but effects may take time.
CBS News shared this report during their coverage on gas prices.
The discussion focused on the U.S. fuel market and international relations.
The situation reflects ongoing concerns about energy and economy in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Daejon Love and an accomplice have been charged for allegedly pretending Love was an NFL player to scam over 20 women out of $1.3 million. He created a fake online identity as a San Francisco 49ers player, using photos, videos, and AI tricks to appear legitimate and asked for money for fake investments.
Key Facts
Daejon Love allegedly pretended to be a San Francisco 49ers NFL player.
He created fake online content, including videos in team gear and football drills.
Love used AI to manipulate search results to make his story seem real.
Over 20 women were reportedly scammed out of $1.3 million.
Love and his accomplice, Taylor Jamie Chen, face federal charges and are seen as flight risks.
Love asked women for money to invest in fictional "lucrative investments."
The scam exploited the appeal of NFL players’ wealth and lifestyle, although the average NFL career is relatively short and pay varies.
The FBI is handling the investigation into the alleged fraud.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump will give a speech on Monday afternoon about lowering drug prices. This announcement is part of his plan to make healthcare more affordable after insurance prices rose due to the end of extra subsidies from the Affordable Care Act.
Key Facts
President Trump is set to make a public announcement on Monday afternoon.
The announcement relates to efforts to make healthcare costs cheaper.
Insurance prices went up after expanded subsidies from the Affordable Care Act ended late last year.
Lowering prescription drug prices is a major goal for President Trump’s healthcare plans.
The plan is part of a wider healthcare agenda under President Trump’s administration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will speak to reporters as Congress returns from August break for important votes. Lawmakers will decide on a temporary spending bill to prevent the government from shutting down. This happens ahead of the midterm elections where Democrats aim to regain control of the House.
Key Facts
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is from New York and is a Democrat.
The House returns from its August recess to hold important votes.
One key vote is on a stopgap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown.
The government shutdown would happen if funding runs out.
The midterm elections are less than two months away.
Democrats want to take back control of the House of Representatives.
Jeffries will make remarks to the press on Monday afternoon.
These events reflect the political atmosphere before the elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Vice President Vance said that President Donald Trump posted a video showing Iran’s Kharg Island being destroyed. The video looks like it was created using artificial intelligence. Vance said this was intended as a message to Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a video showing the destruction of Kharg Island in Iran.
The video appears to be generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Vice President Vance explained the video was meant to send a message to Iran.
President Trump usually does not announce military actions on social media.
Kharg Island is an important location in Iran.
The video’s release was discussed publicly by Vice President Vance on a Monday.
The video may indicate tension between the U.S. and Iran.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
