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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Eighteen candidates running for the House, Senate, and governor positions have agreed to support stronger rules for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Most of these candidates are Democrats, and they want to ensure AI does not harm people or data privacy as the technology grows rapidly.
Key Facts
Eighteen candidates have signed a pledge to support tougher AI regulations.
The group includes 17 Democrats and one independent candidate.
The independent candidate is Dan Osborn, running against Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts in Nebraska.
The pledge focuses on a five-part plan to regulate AI.
The aim is to protect Americans from risks related to AI technologies.
Candidates come from races for the House of Representatives, Senate, and governor positions.
The AI industry faces increased scrutiny over its impact on data centers and privacy.
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A federal judge in Texas refused to order the transfer of an ICE officer to Minnesota. The officer, Christian Castro, is accused of shooting a Venezuelan migrant in the leg during a law enforcement operation earlier this year.
Key Facts
Christian Castro is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
He is accused of shooting a Venezuelan migrant in the leg.
The incident happened during "Operation Metro Surge."
Minnesota officials wanted Castro extradited from Texas.
A federal judge in Texas denied the request to extradite him.
Castro has been jailed in Brownsville, Texas since late this year.
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A new poll shows Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany are tied in Wisconsin's race for governor. Both candidates have support from 44% of registered voters in this important state for presidential elections.
Key Facts
David Crowley is the Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor.
Tom Tiffany is the Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor.
A Marquette Law School Poll found both candidates tied at 44% support among registered voters.
Wisconsin is a key battleground or "swing" state in U.S. presidential elections.
The poll reflects a very close race for governor in Wisconsin.
The poll was conducted among registered voters, who are people eligible and signed up to vote.
The race outcome could influence political control and future elections in the state.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will hold a meeting in October with the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to discuss economic growth and jobs. Burnham is also visiting south Wales to talk to workers about industry, jobs, and the cost of living.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became the UK prime minister in July after winning the Makerfield by-election.
He plans to meet first ministers from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in October at the National Economic Council.
The meeting aims to promote good jobs and growth in all parts of the UK.
Burnham is currently visiting south Wales to listen to workers and apprentices about local economic issues.
The National Economic Council was originally created in 2008 and has now been revived by Burnham.
Welsh deputy first minister Sioned Williams welcomes Burnham’s visit and wants fair funding for Wales, including help with energy costs and support for steel jobs.
Plaid Cymru and Welsh leaders continue to seek more powers and funds for Wales’s government.
Downing Street says the prime minister wants an open dialogue with devolved governments on shared challenges.
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The UK government is running a youth jobs guarantee program to help young people aged 18 to 21 find paid work, aiming to improve their mental health and confidence. Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, emphasized that having a job can support young people’s well-being and reduce the number who are not working or in education.
Key Facts
The youth jobs guarantee scheme pays wages for six months for 18- to 21-year-olds placed in jobs.
Participants have been employed in roles such as packing, labeling, and office administration.
Many young people had been unemployed for one to four years before joining the scheme.
Work is seen as a way to improve mental health by providing routine and social interaction.
The number of young people not in education, employment, or training (Neets) in the UK recently passed 1 million.
Alan Milburn warns this number could reach 1.25 million by 2030 without action.
McFadden criticized the universal credit system’s strict separation between those fit and unfit for work, saying it needs reform.
Large companies like Boots and Sainsbury’s are involved by offering internships and jobs to young people.
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Testimony finished in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, a mother from Massachusetts. She admitted to killing her children but said she was not guilty because she had postpartum psychosis, a mental condition after childbirth.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the murder of her children.
She has admitted to killing them.
Clancy pleads not guilty, citing postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness that can happen after giving birth.
Testimony in the trial ended on Wednesday.
The trial is taking place in Massachusetts.
CBS News covered the trial with reports from correspondent Shanelle Kaul.
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Meta has agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to settle a legal case brought by US states. The case involves claims that Facebook and Instagram caused harm to young users and misled people about safety on their platforms. As part of the deal, Meta will put in place stricter rules to protect young users.
Key Facts
Meta will pay up to $17.1 billion in the settlement.
The case was brought by multiple US states.
The allegations say Facebook and Instagram harmed children and teens.
The companies are accused of misleading users about safety features.
The settlement includes new limits on how much young people can use the apps.
Meta will increase protections for young users on its platforms.
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The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for 26 municipalities in Puerto Rico due to worsening dry conditions. More than one-third of the island faces extreme drought, causing water shortages and harm to farms.
Key Facts
More than 33% of Puerto Rico is experiencing extreme drought; another 30% faces severe drought.
July was the driest month ever recorded in San Juan in over 120 years and the second hottest.
Governor Jenniffer González requested the drought disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The drought disaster covers 26 out of 78 municipalities, including Cabo Rojo, Ponce, and Yauco.
The declaration allows farmers in affected areas to apply for emergency loans to help with losses.
Puerto Rico Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez encouraged farmers to document their damage.
Farmer Naia Seda reports no rain since April, and her farm shows deep cracks because of dryness.
The drought is worsening Puerto Rico’s water crisis, which is also affected by aging infrastructure.
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Bobby Charles, the Republican candidate for governor in Maine, said he wants federal immigration agents and U.S. Marshals at voting locations during the midterm elections. He said he would ask a Trump administration official in charge of border issues to send these officers.
Key Facts
Bobby Charles is the Republican nominee for governor in Maine.
He wants Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at polling places.
He also wants U.S. Marshals present at these voting sites.
Charles plans to ask Tom Homan, the White House border czar, to send the officers.
This request is for the upcoming midterm elections.
The information comes from audio reported by the Bangor Daily News.
The goal is to have federal law enforcement at the polls during voting.
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Three officials from the U.S. Secret Service, including the chief of communications, have been placed on leave while officials investigate possible misconduct. The investigation is ongoing and details have not been fully released.
Key Facts
Three Secret Service officials are on leave.
One of those officials is the chief of communications.
The leave is related to an investigation into potential misconduct.
The Secret Service is a U.S. government agency that protects national leaders.
The investigation details have not been shared publicly yet.
The actions are being reviewed by officials for possible wrongdoing.
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President Donald Trump said the conflict with Iran will continue as long as needed. Senator Darline Graham won the Republican Senate primary runoff in South Carolina.
Key Facts
President Trump made a statement about the war with Iran.
He said the conflict will keep going as long as it is necessary.
Senator Darline Graham won the Republican primary runoff for the Senate seat in South Carolina.
The news was covered on CBS News' program "The Takeout with Major Garrett."
The information is available on the CBS News app and website.
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Senator Joe Manchin, an independent former Democrat from West Virginia, says he supports having more independent members in Congress. He believes that moving away from the two-party system helps lawmakers work together better.
Key Facts
Joe Manchin is a senator from West Virginia and previously a Democrat.
He now identifies as an independent, not tied to either major party.
Manchin says having more independents in Congress could improve cooperation.
He speaks about this in a recent interview with The New York Times.
Manchin emphasizes that people want more normal and less partisan politics.
He has a history of working from the center to find common ground in Congress.
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The United States government has disrupted a China-linked hacking operation that targeted important US agencies such as NASA, the US Senate, and the Department of Justice. The operation involved two hacking platforms that helped hide the source of cyberattacks and compromised sensitive networks since at least 2018.
Key Facts
The hacking operation targeted US government agencies including the Department of Justice, NASA, the Federal Reserve, and the US Senate.
Two platforms, QScan and QTRouter, were used by hackers to infect internet-connected devices and hide attack origins.
The hacking group was linked to a Chinese company, Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology, whose clients include China’s intelligence agency and military.
The hackers breached networks at Department of Energy labs, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and a US security-device maker in September 2024.
The operation allowed attacks to appear as if they came from devices outside China or near the target, making it harder to identify the source.
The Justice Department took legal action to disrupt the hackers’ platforms, but not all hacking activity has stopped.
FBI and other US agencies led the investigation, which is part of wider efforts to stop Chinese-sponsored hacking.
Previous Chinese-linked cyberattack campaigns have targeted Congress, telecommunications companies, and FBI-related networks.
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