The U.S. Army will build small nuclear reactors called microreactors at five military bases to provide reliable power independent of the commercial electric grid. The project is part of a broader effort supported by President Trump’s administration to advance nuclear energy technology for military and civilian use.
Key Facts
The Army plans to install microreactors at five bases: Fort Bragg (NC), Fort Campbell (KY), Fort Hood (TX), Fort Benning (GA), and Fort Drum (NY).
Five companies will share up to $2.2 billion over five years to build and operate these microreactors.
Microreactors can run for years without needing new fuel and provide steady power even if the main electrical grid goes down.
The Army wants to build over 20 microreactors eventually as part of its Janus Program.
The reactors will be licensed by the Army, not the usual Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to speed up approval.
Safety measures include automatic shutdown if something goes wrong and plans to quickly remove radioactive waste.
President Trump signed orders in 2025 to promote nuclear power development and tasked the Army with deploying these reactors by September 2028.
The Army aims for these microreactors to be models for both military and civilian use, not just Army-specific designs.
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A federal judge blocked a Trump administration rule that lowered wage requirements for foreign farmworkers hired under the H-2A visa program. The judge ruled that the Labor Department did not prove the rule protected U.S. farmworkers from wage cuts and bypassed proper rulemaking steps.
Key Facts
The rule changed how wages are set for foreign agricultural workers under the H-2A visa program starting in 2025.
It lowered the minimum wage levels for many foreign farmworkers, sometimes by up to $7 per hour.
The judge, appointed by President Biden, said the Labor Department failed to show the wage cuts would not hurt American farmworkers’ wages.
About 92% of H-2A workers would be paid at the lowest skill tier under the rule, based on the 17th percentile wage rather than the average wage.
The rule introduced a two-tier wage system and reduced wages by accounting for employer-provided housing.
The judge ordered the Labor Department to create a new method to set wages and warned employers might owe backpay if the new wages are higher.
The United Farm Workers union praised the decision and called for quick new wage rules to protect farmworkers.
The Labor Department had argued the wage changes were needed to fix farm labor shortages and help growers manage costs under stricter immigration enforcement.
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President Trump plans to pause taxes on imported ground beef, which means cheaper meat from other countries. Ranchers and some Republican politicians are upset because they believe this will hurt American cattle farmers and the beef industry.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a pause on tariffs for imported ground beef.
Tariffs are taxes on goods coming from other countries.
Ranchers say cheaper imports will make it hard for American producers to compete.
Some Republican politicians also oppose the plan.
The Montana Farmers Union talked about the issue with Geoff Bennett.
Critics worry this will weaken the US beef industry over time.
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In July, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 800 people without criminal records each day on average, a new record. This increase happened during President Donald Trump’s second term as the administration pushed ICE to arrest 2,000 people per day, including many with only civil immigration violations.
Key Facts
ICE averaged over 1,580 arrests daily in July, the highest so far this administration.
More than half of those arrested in July had no criminal records, only civil immigration issues.
Only about 4% of July arrests involved immigrants with violent crime convictions.
The rise in arrests followed a summer ramp-up after earlier declines due to leadership changes and funding issues.
ICE and DHS officials say their targets include people illegally in the U.S., including some without criminal records but suspected of serious crimes elsewhere.
Sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with ICE, saw a smaller increase in arrests than non-sanctuary areas.
Arrests in Florida and Texas, states that require local cooperation with ICE, increased significantly.
Some sanctuary cities like San Ysidro, Denver, and Newark also saw big spikes in community arrests recently.
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An early government report estimated that thousands of Americans might have been exposed to harmful chemicals after a 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The incident released chemicals such as vinyl chloride, a substance used in making plastic, raising health concerns.
Key Facts
A train derailment happened in East Palestine, Ohio, in 2023.
The derailment caused a spill of toxic chemicals.
One chemical released was vinyl chloride, used in plastic production.
Early government estimates suggested thousands of people could be at risk of exposure.
These government documents were obtained by a watchdog group.
The spill became a significant topic in political discussions.
Officials monitored the situation due to public health concerns.
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A man named Alan Smith killed eight family members, including children, at a house near Billings, Montana, on Sunday evening before shooting himself when police arrived. Investigators are searching the burned home for evidence to understand why the attack happened, but many questions remain unanswered.
Key Facts
Alan Smith killed his grandmother, parents, sister, and several children during a family dinner.
After the shooting, Smith died by shooting himself as police arrived.
The home was set on fire with multiple fires started inside.
The victims were from four generations of the same family, including children aged 12 to 15.
Police had never been called to the home before and had no contact with Smith prior to the incident.
The shooting happened at the home of Smith’s retired Air Force and Boeing father and retired teacher mother.
A 12-year-old victim called 911 during the attack, trying to save her family.
Firefighters had to bring water to the home because there were no fire hydrants nearby.
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Eric Hafner, who is serving a federal prison sentence in New York, advanced from the primary election for Alaska’s single U.S. House seat. Hafner, a registered Democrat with no clear ties to Alaska, is set to appear on the general election ballot, likely facing legal challenges due to residency requirements.
Key Facts
Eric Hafner is currently in federal prison in New York and is scheduled for release in 2036.
Hafner pleaded guilty in 2022 to making threats against police officers, judges, and others.
He ran in the 2024 race for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat and again in 2026, advancing in the primary.
Alaska’s top four primary candidates, regardless of party, move on to the general election.
Hafner listed a mailing address and phone number in South Dakota and New York, not Alaska.
The U.S. Constitution requires House candidates to live in the state they want to represent when elected.
Other leading candidates include incumbent Republican Rep. Nick Begich and independent Bill Hill.
Democrat Matt Schultz, who placed third, withdrew from the general election, making Hafner’s advancement possible.
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A judge paused criminal charges against Jeanine John Taele, a former U.S. Marine arrested with ammunition and a gun at President Donald Trump’s golf course in California. Taele is now undergoing a psychiatric evaluation and was sent to a mental health court, as concerns were raised about his mental fitness to stand trial.
Key Facts
Taele was arrested at Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, with a loaded 9mm pistol, binoculars, ammunition, and a badge labeled “security protection agent.”
He was wearing an earpiece and taking photos during an event where President Trump was scheduled to appear.
The judge noted Taele’s false claim in a pretrial evaluation that he was a State Department official for 14 years.
Investigators found about 200 pages of writings from Taele, including schedules related to Melania Trump and the Secret Service, and lists about living “off the grid.”
Taele has previous legal issues, including a November 2025 arrest for allegedly stealing Meta Glasses and muttering to himself.
He faced several felony charges including possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun, receiving a large-capacity magazine, and a misdemeanor for carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.
The judge did not grant bail, and Taele will remain in jail until a mental health court hearing on September 9.
Taele’s attorney indicated it is too early to know how his mental health status will affect his defense.
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A federal judge declined to erase Steve Bannon’s criminal conviction for refusing to testify to Congress about the January 6 Capitol attack. The judge said the Justice Department did not properly explain why it wanted the case dismissed but allowed them to try again following legal rules.
Key Facts
Steve Bannon was convicted for refusing to testify before the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
The Justice Department asked a judge to dismiss Bannon’s conviction.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols refused to dismiss the case because prosecutors did not clearly explain their reasons.
The judge said the government can submit a new request to dismiss if it follows proper legal steps.
The U.S. Supreme Court threw out an earlier appeals court ruling that had upheld Bannon’s conviction.
Bannon already served a four-month prison sentence after his 2022 conviction.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, appointed by President Donald Trump, said dismissing the case would serve “the interests of justice” but did not provide details.
Judge Nichols was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term.
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The Trump administration is expanding its immigration restrictions to include people who enter the U.S. legally by pausing immigrant visa applications and planning to revoke many business and tourism visas. This new policy targets people seen as likely to rely on public benefits, and it affects family-based immigrant visas, causing delays and possible legal challenges.
Key Facts
The State Department paused all immigrant visa applications starting in early August, with plans to resume by mid-September.
The pause is to train consular officers on new rules related to a "public charge" requirement, meaning applicants who might rely on public benefits.
Business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who applied for asylum may be revoked under this policy.
The visa pause mainly affects family-based immigrant visas like for parents, spouses, children, or siblings of U.S. citizens.
Worker visas sponsored by employers are not affected since they show proof of income.
Visa interviews delayed by the pause will be rescheduled for September, October, or November, though rescheduling can be difficult.
The policy reflects the Trump administration’s approach to reduce immigration levels by using stricter rules.
A previous policy restricting visas from 75 countries was blocked by a court earlier in 2026, which may influence upcoming legal challenges.
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More than three years after a major wildfire hit Maui, new research shows that the disaster's effects on people’s health continue long after the fire ended. The study looks at how survivors still face health problems because of the wildfire.
Key Facts
The wildfire on Maui was the deadliest in the U.S. in over 100 years.
The fire caused many deaths and destroyed homes and land.
Researchers are tracking the long-term health of people who survived the wildfire.
Survivors may experience ongoing health issues related to the wildfire.
The study is one of the first to focus on how wildfires impact health over several years.
It aims to help understand and support people affected by such disasters.
The research highlights that the effects of wildfires go beyond immediate damage.
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Eric Hafner, who is in federal prison in New York, advanced from the primary election for Alaska’s single U.S. House seat. Hafner pleaded guilty to making threats and is scheduled for release in 2036; his advancement is likely to face legal challenges because he does not live in Alaska.
Key Facts
Eric Hafner is a registered Democrat currently serving time in a federal prison in New York.
Hafner pleaded guilty in 2022 to making threats against police officers, judges, and others.
He is expected to be released from prison in 2036.
Alaska’s election system allows the top four primary candidates to move on to the general election, regardless of party.
Hafner received 5,757 votes after 93% of ballots were counted.
The third-place candidate, Democrat Matt Schultz, withdrew and could not advance, enabling Hafner to move forward.
Hafner listed a South Dakota mailing address and a New York phone number belonging to his mother, with no clear ties to Alaska.
U.S. law requires candidates to live in the state they seek to represent, which will likely lead to legal challenges against Hafner’s candidacy.
Other leading candidates include the Republican incumbent Nick Begich and independent Bill Hill.
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has renewed her membership with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) after not renewing it for about seven years. The DSA confirmed she rejoined the national group in August 2026, amid talks that she might run for president in 2028.
Key Facts
Ocasio-Cortez first joined the DSA in 2018 with a one-year membership.
Her membership lapsed in 2019 because she did not renew it.
She officially rejoined the national DSA in August 2026.
The DSA made her membership status public due to interest in a possible 2028 presidential run.
Annual DSA membership cost $60 in 2018 but now offers monthly payment options ranging from $5 to $50.
Ocasio-Cortez remained active in local DSA chapters, like the New York City chapter, even when her national membership lapsed.
In 2024, the DSA withdrew its national endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez due to disagreements about her political decisions related to Israel and antisemitism.
Ocasio-Cortez is currently a U.S. representative from New York and a prominent democratic socialist figure.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has faced criticism from progressive Democrats after Congressman Jared Moskowitz, known for strong support of Israel, was named ranking member on a key House Foreign Affairs subcommittee. Many progressives see this move as ignoring changing Democratic voters’ opinions on Israel and Middle East policy.
Key Facts
Jared Moskowitz, a Florida Democrat, was appointed ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.
The appointment was announced by Representative Gregory Meeks, the committee’s top Democrat.
Moskowitz is known for strong pro-Israel positions.
Progressives criticized the decision, viewing it as ignoring voters who are more critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Prominent progressive voices, including journalists and former Obama officials, voiced strong disapproval online.
Polls show that Hakeem Jeffries’ approval ratings are relatively low and mixed among voters.
Some critics linked Jeffries’ decision to a meeting he had with Jared Kushner, though no direct evidence was provided.
Moskowitz said he aims to strengthen U.S. relations with Israel and Gulf allies during a time of regional change.
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A court ruled that super PACs (independent political groups) and political parties must pay the same price for TV ads. This decision supports Democrats in their case against the Federal Communications Commission and Republican committees about ad rates.
Key Facts
The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals made the ruling on a Tuesday.
The decision was by a vote of 2 to 1.
The case requires super PACs and political parties to pay equal rates for television advertisements.
The lawsuit targets the FCC and two Republican committees: the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
The case is happening close to an important election period.
The ruling affects how political ads are priced on TV.
The decision favors the Democratic side in this legal fight.
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South Carolina Senator Darline Graham won the Republican runoff election for the Senate seat left vacant by Lindsey Graham. After the runoff, President Trump criticized Congressman Ralph Norman for endorsing Nikki Haley in the race.
Key Facts
Darline Graham won the Republican runoff election in South Carolina for Lindsey Graham’s vacant Senate seat.
Ralph Norman, a U.S. Representative, lost to Darline Graham in the runoff.
Norman had previously endorsed Nikki Haley, another candidate in the race.
President Trump spoke out against Norman’s endorsement of Haley.
The runoff took place on a Tuesday before the news coverage.
CBS News chief Washington analyst Robert Costa discussed the election results.
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The Trump administration filed a court statement saying that if its plans to renovate the Kennedy Center are blocked, it might demolish the building. These plans include restoring President Donald Trump’s name to the center’s front.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is involved in plans to renovate the Kennedy Center.
They want to return President Donald Trump's name to the building’s facade.
A court filing stated the center could be demolished if the renovation plans are not allowed.
The Kennedy Center is a well-known cultural venue in the United States.
The situation is reported by CBS News and involves government decisions.
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President Donald Trump shared a warning on social media that Republicans might face difficulties in the 2026 midterm elections due to voter frustration. Polls show Democrats currently have an advantage, and many Americans are unhappy with the economy and Trump’s approval ratings.
Key Facts
President Trump reposted a message from conservative commentator Matt Van Swol warning of a "midterm reckoning" for Republicans.
The original post criticized Republicans in Congress for not pushing forward on key issues, not President Trump himself.
Van Swol mentioned voters are upset that promised reforms were not delivered, including immigration enforcement and deficit reduction.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the SAVE Act on voter ID lacks enough support to pass in the Senate.
Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House (218 to 212) and a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
President Trump’s approval rating is low, with 39.6% approval and 57% disapproval nationally.
Consumer confidence is declining, with many Americans rating the economy as “poor” or “fair.”
Polls show Democrats have an advantage heading into the midterm elections less than 70 days away.
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More than 440 U.S. colleges have student loan nonpayment rates higher than 40%, meaning many graduates are late on their payments. For-profit colleges make up a large number of these schools, where students often borrow more and struggle to pay back loans after graduation.
Key Facts
Over 440 colleges in the U.S. have more than 40% of their graduates behind on student loan payments.
Florida Career College has the highest nonpayment rate at 61%, with about 28,000 borrowers.
Many schools with high nonpayment rates are for-profit institutions.
Nearly 1,200 colleges have nonpayment rates above 30%.
Students at for-profit colleges tend to borrow more money and have more difficulty repaying those loans.
Loan repayment problems can hurt graduates’ credit scores and lead to wage garnishment (where money is taken directly from paychecks).
Struggling loan repayments may also damage colleges’ reputations and affect future student enrollment.
The Department of Education tracks loan repayment by the college students attended, showing differences between schools.
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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug called daraxonrasib to treat pancreatic cancer. In clinical trials, this pill nearly doubled patients’ average survival time compared to chemotherapy.
Key Facts
Daraxonrasib, sold as Rasonque, is made by Revolution Medicines.
In a trial with 500 patients, those taking daraxonrasib lived on average 13.2 months versus 6.6 months for chemotherapy patients.
The drug works by blocking a mutated gene called KRAS, which is common in over 90% of pancreatic tumors.
Around 67,000 people in the US are diagnosed yearly with pancreatic cancer, a cancer that is hard to detect early and treat.
Pancreatic cancer has the highest death rate among major cancers, with over half of patients dying within three months of diagnosis.
The FDA gave the drug “Breakthrough Therapy” status in 2023 and approved it six months early due to its strong results.
Common side effects include rash, diarrhea, nausea, tiredness, and vomiting.
About 44% of patients on daraxonrasib had severe side effects, compared to 57.5% on chemotherapy.
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