President Donald Trump’s approval rating is lower than his disapproval rating in eight of nine states where some Republican leaders have recently disagreed with his policies. These states include important battlegrounds and traditional Republican areas, showing growing divisions within the party nearly two years into Trump’s second term.
Key Facts
Trump’s approval is lower than disapproval in Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Utah is the only state among the nine where Trump’s approval rating is slightly higher than disapproval.
Maine shows the largest gap, with 31% approving and 63% disapproving of Trump’s performance.
These states include places where Republicans have publicly disagreed with Trump on issues like the war in Iran, immigration, tariffs, and campaign focus.
Nationally, 35% approve and 59% disapprove of Trump, with a net approval rating of -24 points.
At the start of Trump’s second term in January 2025, he had positive net approval in 24 states; now only 11 remain positive.
Some Republicans opposing Trump still support him or have his endorsement, showing mixed relations within the party.
These political splits could affect key races in the November 3 midterm elections.
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The Cook Political Report changed its ratings for two Senate races, moving Kansas and South Carolina closer to the Democrats just over a month before the November midterm elections. Kansas went from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican,” making the race more competitive for Senator Roger Marshall.
Key Facts
The Cook Political Report is a nonpartisan group that analyzes election races.
It updated the ratings for Senate races in Kansas and South Carolina on Wednesday.
Kansas moved from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican.”
Senator Roger Marshall (Republican) is running against Democrat Adam Hamilton in Kansas.
The change means the race in Kansas is now seen as more competitive.
South Carolina’s Senate race also shifted toward the Democrats, but the specific rating change was not detailed.
These updates come about a month before the November midterm elections.
The changes suggest Democrats may have better chances in these states than previously thought.
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A new study shows that more middle-income renters in the U.S. are having trouble paying rent in 2025 compared to last year. Rising costs for housing and other necessities are causing financial strain, especially for the middle class.
Key Facts
The share of lower-income renters struggling to pay rent rose from 26.4% in 2024 to 27.8% in 2025.
Middle-income renters facing difficulty paying rent increased from 14.3% in 2024 to 21.6% in 2025.
The study used data from the Urban Institute’s Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey conducted in December 2025.
Rising expenses include food, gas, utilities, and housing costs.
Housing is the largest monthly cost for most U.S. families, taking up about one-third of their spending.
Although rent growth slowed or declined recently, rent prices remain much higher than before the pandemic.
In 2024, 22.7 million U.S. renter households were considered cost-burdened, meaning they spent a large share of income on housing.
About 20% of renters aged 18-64 reported paying rent late or not in full in 2025, up from 16.5% in 2024.
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Even though fewer people are dying from overdoses in the U.S. right now, the number of overdose cases is actually increasing. This shows that the drug crisis is still a serious problem.
Key Facts
The total number of overdose cases in the U.S. is going up.
Fewer people are dying from overdoses compared to before.
The overall drug crisis is not solved yet.
Overdose data includes both fatal and non-fatal cases.
The increase in overdoses suggests more people are struggling with drug use.
Efforts to reduce deaths may be working, but drug use remains widespread.
Tracking overdose trends helps understand the ongoing challenges.
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President Donald Trump banned three U.S. media organizations—CNN, Politico, and MS NOW—from covering the White House. These outlets have responded by suing the Trump administration for removing their press credentials.
Key Facts
President Trump banned CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from White House coverage on September 18, 2026.
The banned media organizations sued the Trump administration over the removal of their press passes.
The lawsuit claims the ban violates the media’s rights to access the White House.
Several top TV networks, including Fox, showed support for the banned outlets.
Steven Herman, a journalism expert from the University of Mississippi, discussed the legal and wider impacts of this ban.
The issue is part of a growing conflict between President Trump and certain media groups.
The situation has raised questions about press freedom in the United States.
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Some Republican senators, led by Senator John Curtis, want the Senate Judiciary Committee to look into the business activities of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden. This call comes amid controversy related to a wedding party.
Key Facts
Senator John Curtis is leading the push for an investigation.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is the group being asked to investigate.
The focus is on the business dealings of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden.
The request comes during a controversy involving a wedding party.
The news was reported by Nancy Cordes for CBS News.
The investigation request is from members of the Republican Party.
Both Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden are connected to high-profile political families.
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A grand jury decided not to charge anyone in the drowning death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells. His family’s lawyer is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the case further.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells was a teenager from Mississippi.
He died by drowning.
A grand jury reviewed the case but did not charge anyone.
The family’s attorney disagrees with this decision.
The attorney is requesting the Department of Justice to get involved.
The case has attracted media attention through CBS News.
The family wants justice and further investigation.
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President Donald Trump banned reporters from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House, citing concerns about national security and professionalism. The Justice Department defended the ban in court, saying access to the White House is a privilege and the media outlets violated standards by publishing sensitive information.
Key Facts
President Trump revoked press passes for CNN, MSNBC, and Politico reporters.
The Justice Department argues the ban is legal and protects national security.
The White House claims the banned outlets failed to meet professional and decorum standards.
The news organizations say the ban violates their First Amendment rights and due process.
The banned outlets filed a lawsuit against President Trump and top officials.
The issue will be reviewed in a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The news outlets say they had no warning or chance to respond before losing access.
The judge in the case was appointed by President Trump during his first term.
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The Trump administration has delayed providing Covid vaccines for children through a federal program in at least 11 states and one U.S. territory. This decision affects many children who rely on the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, limiting their access to updated Covid shots amid ongoing Covid cases.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is holding back Covid vaccines for children in 11 states and American Samoa.
The vaccines are not available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which serves over half of U.S. children.
VFC helps children who are uninsured, underinsured, eligible for Medicaid, or Native American by providing free or low-cost vaccines.
States with "universal" vaccine purchase programs that buy vaccines for all children are affected by this delay.
Federal health officials have not given a timeline for when Covid vaccines will be available again through VFC.
Experts say delaying vaccines could increase risks for children, especially infants who are more vulnerable to severe Covid.
The Health and Human Services Department said a September date should not limit Covid vaccine availability since the virus circulates year-round.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS secretary, stated that vaccine access remains preserved despite the delays, though public trust in vaccines has fallen.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped into the 20% range. Many supporters who follow the MAGA movement are leaving both President Trump and the Republican Party as the midterm elections near.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating is now in the 20 percent range.
The MAGA base refers to a group of strong supporters of President Trump.
Many people in this base are turning away from President Trump.
Support for the Republican Party is also declining among these voters.
This change is happening as the midterm elections get closer.
The midterms are important elections that happen in the middle of a president’s term.
The shift in support may impact the Republican Party’s performance in the elections.
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The United States is seeing more divisions within its two main political parties, Democrats and Republicans. Some people are questioning if these two parties can change enough to include new political ideas, while third parties find it hard to become popular.
Key Facts
The two major parties in the U.S. are Democrats and Republicans.
Both parties face growing disagreements inside their groups.
Some voters want more choices beyond the two-party system.
Third parties have difficulty gaining support and influence.
Experts discuss whether the U.S. political system can allow new parties to succeed.
The conversation includes views from a former Bernie Sanders spokesperson and a Libertarian commentator.
The current political environment is causing people to rethink how well the two-party system works.
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President Donald Trump supports the idea of banning diesel exports to lower fuel prices in the U.S., despite his own officials saying this plan would not work and could harm the energy supply. Diesel prices are very high due to international conflicts and other global issues, leading some lawmakers and Trump to call for an export pause to help American drivers and farmers.
Key Facts
Diesel prices in the U.S. hit a record high of $6.52 per gallon, up from $3.69 a year ago.
President Trump has publicly supported halting diesel exports to reduce domestic prices.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have said banning exports could backfire and not lower prices.
The U.S. produces more diesel than it consumes, so stopping exports could force refineries to reduce output.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is studying if a full or partial ban is possible.
Officials previously said the administration was not planning to restrict diesel or oil exports.
The plan is debated amid rising energy costs partly caused by disruptions from the Iran war and global politics.
The issue affects American farmers and consumers, and is politically important ahead of November congressional elections.
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Thomas Chatterton Williams, an American author, discussed how views on social justice in the U.S. have changed since Barack Obama's presidency. He said key events like the George Floyd protests and the Covid-19 pandemic shifted how people on both the political left and right think about social justice issues.
Key Facts
Thomas Chatterton Williams is an American writer focused on social justice.
He sees a change in America's ideas about social justice starting during President Obama's second term.
The George Floyd protests in 2020 were a major moment that influenced social justice discussions.
The Covid-19 pandemic also affected how people talk about justice and fairness in society.
These events caused shifts in attitudes not only among progressives (the left) but also conservatives (the right).
Williams wrote a book called "Summer of Our Discontent: The Age of Certainty and the Demise of Discourse."
His observations suggest that debates about social justice today still reflect the impact of these past events.
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The Justice Department supports President Trump’s choice to ban certain news outlets, including CNN, from the White House. The DOJ says that access to the White House is a special right and was limited for safety reasons.
Key Facts
President Trump banned CNN, MS Now, and Politico from the White House.
The Justice Department filed a document defending this ban in court.
The DOJ called access to the White House a “privilege,” not a guarantee.
The ban was based on concerns about national security.
The case is before U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly.
The Trump administration wants the judge to deny a request challenging the ban.
The lawsuit argues against the restriction of these media outlets’ access.
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President Donald Trump has barred three news outlets—CNN, MSNBC, and Politico—from the White House. These networks are challenging the ban in court, and the case will be heard soon. Meanwhile, President Trump plans to greet Chinese President Xi Jinping before a U.N. summit.
Key Facts
President Trump banned CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House.
The affected news outlets are working together to legally challenge the ban.
A court will review the legality of the White House media ban on Wednesday.
The ban decision was made during President Trump’s attendance at the U.N. General Assembly.
President Trump has not said if the White House will follow the court’s decision.
President Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the U.N. summit.
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Missouri health officials warned about possible measles exposure at Busch Stadium and several local businesses in the St. Louis area. The exposures happened between September 12 and September 14.
Key Facts
Possible measles exposure occurred at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.
Other locations affected include local bars, a cafe, a restaurant, a sandwich shop, a grocery store, and a convenience store.
The exposure period was from September 12 to September 14, 2026.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services issued the warning.
Measles is a contagious viral disease that can spread in public places.
Officials are monitoring the situation and may provide updates as it develops.
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Camp Mystic, a Texas summer camp, is under criminal investigation for possible manslaughter or negligent homicide after 27 girls died in a flood last year. Investigators say the camp lacked proper emergency plans and did not move children from danger despite flood warnings.
Key Facts
27 girls died at Camp Mystic during a flood on July 4, 2025.
The camp may face charges including manslaughter or negligent homicide.
Investigators found the camp had poor emergency plans and not enough adult supervision.
The camp owners ignored flood warnings and did not evacuate children from low-lying cabins.
The camp owner, Richard Eastland, also died in the flood.
Camp Mystic has filed for bankruptcy and did not open this year.
Some family attorneys say the camp owners have withheld information about the tragedy.
Investigators sought electronic communications from the camp owners for evidence.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the UN General Assembly, making strong statements about Iran and military plans, while also defending artificial intelligence and criticizing other nations and organizations. Separately, a Republican senator is calling for an investigation into Donald Trump Jr’s wedding, which was partially paid for by a Russian oligarch, and other news includes a Mississippi grand jury declining charges in a teenager’s death and the confirmation of actress Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death as a fentanyl overdose.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to “annihilate” Iran and urged countries to isolate it and lower global energy prices.
Despite threats, Iranian officials met with US special envoy Steve Witkoff for three hours, marking the first meeting since June.
Iran indicated readiness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week, a critical oil shipping route.
Trump defended AI development, dismissing warnings about uncontrollable AI as a “hoax.”
The US plans to build new military bases in Greenland, announced by Trump.
Trump banned several news networks like CNN from White House access after criticizing their coverage.
Republican Senator John Curtis called for a Senate investigation into Donald Trump Jr’s wedding, funded partly by a Russian oligarch.
A Mississippi grand jury decided not to charge anyone in the death of Nolan Wells, a Black teenager who died under unclear circumstances after a boat trip with white friends.
Medical examiners ruled the death of actress Hayden Panettiere as an accidental fentanyl overdose, with no trauma found.
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Two grants, from The Stork Foundation and the Hope for Fertility Foundation, offer up to $15,000 to help families pay for in vitro fertilization (IVF). People interested in these grants must apply by September 30 and meet specific eligibility rules.
Key Facts
IVF treatments can cost up to $70,000 or more, making them very expensive without insurance.
The Trump administration has worked to reduce the price of some IVF drugs.
The Stork Foundation grant gives an average of $10,000 and up to $15,000 based on financial need.
Applicants for the Stork Foundation grant must be U.S. residents, at least 18 years old, have a household income of $150,000 or less, and have a documented infertility diagnosis.
The Hope for Fertility Foundation grant offers up to $10,000 annually to legally married couples who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Both grants require proof of infertility diagnosis from a doctor.
The Stork Foundation grant does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis; all applications received by the deadline are considered equally.
IVF treatment costs vary but typically involve multiple expensive cycles.
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President Donald Trump is preparing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Experts say he should focus on asking China to free political prisoners like Jimmy Lai and Joshua Wong to support democracy and show U.S. leadership.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Experts advise President Trump to bring up the issue of political prisoners in China.
Jimmy Lai and Joshua Wong are named as notable political prisoners.
The experts believe pushing for their release supports democratic values.
This topic is seen as important for showing U.S. leadership on human rights.
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