A federal judge rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's request to overturn her sex trafficking conviction and release her from a 20-year prison sentence. The judge said her claims were based on false information and did not show any new facts to change the trial's outcome.
Key Facts
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
She filed a petition arguing her conviction was unfair and asked to be released from prison.
The petition claimed there was important new evidence that could affect the verdict.
Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled that her arguments were based on speculation and falsehoods.
The judge called the petition “demonstrably meritless,” meaning it had no real legal strength.
The court found no facts in dispute that could change the result of Maxwell’s trial.
Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her conviction.
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Francisco Villarruel, a former gang member from Los Angeles, now mentors young people affected by gang violence to help break the cycle of trauma and violence. Using boxing and personal support, he guides youth like Gustavo Galvez, who fears gun violence due to his past experiences.
Key Facts
Francisco Villarruel grew up around gangs and served 17 years in prison for crimes linked to gang activity.
Villarruel works as a social worker and mentors young people exposed to gang violence, often through boxing lessons.
Many Hispanic people in California are victims of gun violence; in one year, half of the state’s homicide victims were Hispanic.
Gang violence often creates a cycle where victims can become perpetrators due to trauma and lack of support.
Villarruel shares his personal story in workshops to explain how trauma influences violent behavior and to offer hope for change.
His goal is to address trauma across generations as a way to reduce gang violence in communities.
Villarruel was affected by violence in his family from an early age, including a traumatic robbery and the death of a relative.
Mentoring and guidance help young people like Gustavo Galvez feel supported and less alone in facing violence risks.
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Jay Inslee, former governor of Washington, says state governments should use their power to create affordable clean energy projects. He believes this is important because the Trump administration is opposing federal support for these efforts.
Key Facts
Jay Inslee is the former governor of Washington state.
He supports affordable clean energy initiatives.
Inslee urges states to use their regulatory powers to promote clean energy.
He says this action is necessary because the Trump administration opposes these efforts at the federal level.
States can play a key role in shaping energy policy even without federal support.
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Two unvaccinated people have died from measles in Pennsylvania amid a large outbreak of the disease in the US. Measles cases are the highest in 35 years, with lower vaccination rates contributing to the spread.
Key Facts
Two unvaccinated people died of measles in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has had 393 measles cases in 2026 so far.
The US reported 2,777 confirmed measles cases by July 2026, up from 2,289 last year.
About 85% of kindergarteners in Lancaster County are vaccinated, below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Herd immunity helps stop the spread and protects people with weak immune systems.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and is about 97% effective with two doses given between ages one and six.
Vaccine hesitancy, or people choosing not to vaccinate, has increased in recent years in the US.
President Trump signed an executive order calling for fewer childhood vaccinations and splitting the MMR vaccine into three shots, which public health experts worry may cause confusion.
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has changed vaccine policies and shared mixed messages about the MMR vaccine’s safety; some changes have been blocked by courts.
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A New York City business group sued Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his plan to open five city-owned grocery stores by 2029. The group says the plan could hurt small, immigrant- and minority-owned stores because the new stores would sell groceries at much lower prices.
Key Facts
The Multicultural Business Coalition, representing many small supermarkets, filed two lawsuits against Mamdani’s plan.
The group argues smaller stores cannot compete with city stores that will offer groceries about 30% cheaper.
Mamdani’s plan aims to reduce grocery costs for New Yorkers by opening one subsidized store in each borough.
The first city-owned grocery store is planned to open in the Bronx in 2027.
One lawsuit claims the city did not study how the new stores would affect small neighborhood grocers.
Another lawsuit says the city does not have the legal right to open these grocery stores.
Mamdani says the program is legal and needed because grocery prices have risen 30% recently.
The city is also exploring ways to help local grocers with tax breaks, incentives, and zoning changes.
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The Supreme Court has allowed parts of President Donald Trump's order that limits mail-in voting to stay in effect for now. This means some restrictions on mail-in voting will continue while legal challenges are ongoing.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made a decision about mail-in voting rules tied to President Trump's order.
Portions of the order limiting mail-in voting are allowed to continue temporarily.
The decision is not final and may change as legal challenges go forward.
The order comes from President Donald Trump and affects how mail-in voting can be done.
CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman provided additional information on this topic.
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A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division reduced its efforts on fentanyl drug cases as it focused more on deportations under President Donald Trump’s immigration strategy. This shift led to fewer investigations, seizures, and agent hours spent on fentanyl cases, while immigration enforcement activities increased significantly.
Key Facts
Between fiscal years 2024 and 2025, fentanyl investigations by HSI dropped by 24%.
Agent hours spent on fentanyl cases decreased by about 31%, totaling over 250,000 fewer hours.
Fentanyl seizures fell by 39% during the same period.
Immigration enforcement hours increased by more than 1.7 million, which is an 800% rise.
HSI invested over $150 million in the RAVEn data analytics system, but agents found it unhelpful and largely stopped using its tools.
Delays in getting funds slowed down some fentanyl investigations, with at least one case waiting over two months for money.
Information sharing problems meant Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sometimes failed to send fentanyl seizure information to HSI as required.
DHS disputed claims that the anti-fentanyl mission weakened, saying ICE-HSI is actively working to track and improve fentanyl enforcement.
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The Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump’s order that limits mail voting to proceed for now, but it did not say the order is definitely legal. This delays the court fight, meaning election rules may stay the same for the November midterms, but uncertainty remains about mail voting in many states. The legal process will continue on a tight schedule as ballots start to be sent soon.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court gave preliminary approval to President Trump’s mail voting restrictions.
The court decided it is too early for states led by Democrats to officially challenge the order.
A federal judge previously blocked the order for the November election.
This Supreme Court action restarts the legal fight on a very short timeline.
Mail ballots for some voters, like military overseas voters in North Carolina, start going out on Sept. 4.
Another court order prevents the U.S. Postal Service from changing operations to follow Trump’s rules.
The administration has asked to remove that second hold and proposed new Postal Service rules.
If allowed, these rules could start as early as Tuesday.
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Senator Ted Cruz said the Republican Party has not yet united behind Vice President Vance as their candidate for the 2028 presidential election. He also said the party needs to have a bigger conversation about its future after President Trump’s time in office.
Key Facts
Senator Ted Cruz is from Texas and ran for president in 2016.
Cruz is seen as a possible future presidential candidate.
He believes the GOP (Republican Party) has not fully backed Vice President Vance for 2028.
Cruz wants the party to talk more about its future direction after President Trump leaves office.
The comments came during an interview with MS NOW.
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A Gen X mother describes how raising her Gen Alpha daughter requires different parenting approaches than those she experienced herself. She reflects on the differences in childhood values, emotions, and maturity between the two generations while aiming to allow her daughter both resilience and the freedom to enjoy being a child.
Key Facts
The author is a Gen X mom raising a 9-year-old daughter from Generation Alpha.
The daughter reacted negatively to the violent slapstick cartoon "Tom and Jerry," showing a different perspective on media from the mother's childhood.
The author grew up in a strict, traditional environment where children were not encouraged to question adults or express many emotions.
She recognizes that while resilience is important, it doesn’t require suppressing feelings.
The daughter is mature for her age and interacts comfortably with adults due to living in a house with older family members.
The mother wants her daughter to have a normal childhood, including watching age-appropriate shows and being playful.
She aims to balance passing on valuable lessons from her generation with adapting to her daughter's needs and times.
The mother also values sharing cultural knowledge from her era, such as classic music artists, with her daughter.
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A Louisiana Supreme Court justice named Jefferson Davis Hughes III won a $300,000 defamation award against the state’s largest newspaper, the Advocate, over a 2019 editorial. The jury found the editorial was false and damaged Hughes’ reputation, although the amount was less than the $10 million he sought.
Key Facts
Justice Jefferson Davis Hughes III sued the Advocate newspaper for defamation over a 2019 editorial.
The editorial criticized Hughes’ past handling of a child custody case and claimed he was romantically involved with a lawyer in that case.
The jury awarded Hughes $300,000 in damages, less than the $10 million he wanted.
Hughes had to prove “actual malice,” meaning the newspaper knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
The case went to trial with testimony about the accuracy and timing of the editorial and an investigative news story published by the Advocate.
The Advocate’s staff testified they tried to be accurate and later corrected the timeline after years of pressure.
The jury was evenly divided on whether Hughes was defamed but agreed he was harmed.
The judge ruled that the newspaper acted with “reckless disregard for the truth” in the editorial.
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Two people in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died from measles, according to the state health department. Both were not vaccinated against measles, and the department is keeping their identities private.
Key Facts
Two deaths in Pennsylvania have been caused by measles.
Both individuals were unvaccinated.
They lived in Lancaster County.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the deaths.
This is the first time measles-related deaths have been reported in the state recently.
The health department is protecting the privacy of the deceased and their families.
Measles is a contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination.
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A U.S. Air Force major, Jason Watson, is facing criminal charges for publicly criticizing President Donald Trump while in uniform. He is charged with disrespecting the president, disobeying orders, and bad conduct as an officer.
Key Facts
Major Jason Watson criticized President Trump over the Iran war while wearing his military uniform.
He called for President Trump’s impeachment at the U.S. Capitol.
Watson is charged with three violations under Article 88 of the military code, which deals with contemptuous words toward officials.
This is the first time in U.S. military history that someone has been charged under Article 88.
He also faces charges for disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.
Watson was detained twice recently: once on July 1 for protesting at the Capitol and again after an interview where he strongly criticized President Trump.
The Air Force Secretary reminded all airmen to follow laws and policies about conduct and uniform rules.
Watson’s lawyer said he spoke out so others would not have to.
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Democrats are using attractive candidates and social media to improve their public image and connect with voters before upcoming elections. This includes sharing photos and videos featuring physically fit and appealing male politicians on platforms like TikTok. Studies show that voters often prefer good-looking candidates, which influences campaign strategies.
Key Facts
Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed often wears tight shirts to show his muscles during his campaign.
The Democratic Party wants to change its image because polls show it is not very popular.
The Democrats' official TikTok page features attractive male politicians to gain more attention.
Media outlets like Fox News and CNN have noticed and commented on this change in Democratic campaign style.
Research shows that voters tend to choose good-looking candidates, especially in low-information elections.
Right-wing politicians have historically been found to be more attractive than progressive ones in some studies.
The importance of appearance in politics dates back at least to the 1960 U.S. presidential debate between Nixon and Kennedy.
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Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman are competing in a special Republican primary runoff in South Carolina to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Lindsey Graham’s recent death. President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham and has actively supported her campaign ahead of the runoff vote.
Key Facts
The runoff is to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina.
It is a special Republican primary runoff held after an August 11 primary.
Darline Graham is a political newcomer serving as interim senator after her brother’s death.
Ralph Norman has nearly 20 years of experience in state and federal elected offices.
Norman ran unsuccessfully for governor earlier this year.
President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham before she officially entered the race.
Trump campaigned for Darline Graham in South Carolina in the days before the runoff.
Trump held a tele-rally with Darline Graham on the day before the runoff.
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A recent poll shows that Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, is more popular among Pennsylvania Republicans than their own Republican Senator, David McCormick. The poll was conducted by The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena University among registered voters in Pennsylvania.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman is a Democrat from Pennsylvania and often criticizes his party’s left wing.
David McCormick is the Republican Senator from Pennsylvania.
A new poll shows that more Republicans in Pennsylvania view Fetterman favorably compared to McCormick.
The poll was done by The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena University.
The poll surveyed registered voters in Pennsylvania.
Fetterman holds more popularity with Republicans than McCormick does.
This finding highlights unusual political support crossover in Pennsylvania.
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Consumer confidence in the U.S. dropped to its lowest point in seven months in August 2026. Rising gas prices above $4 per gallon and ongoing concerns about the economy and global conflicts have made Americans more worried about their financial future.
Key Facts
The consumer confidence index fell to 89.4 in August, down from 90.2 in July.
Gasoline prices have stayed above $4 per gallon, influenced by the conflict in Iran.
Views on the current economy slightly improved, but feelings about the near future became more negative.
Inflation remains high, with a key government measure showing 3.7% inflation in June, up from before the Iran war began.
The job market showed mixed signals: more people said jobs were plentiful now, but fewer expect job growth in the next six months.
The U.S. lost 23,000 jobs in July, and previous months’ job numbers were revised down by 103,000.
The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, largely because many people stopped looking for work.
Americans’ concerns about prices, war, food costs, and trade increased in August.
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The U.S. Justice Department asked a federal judge in Massachusetts to remove a nationwide ban on limits to mail-in voting before the November midterm elections. The DOJ referenced a recent Supreme Court decision related to President Donald Trump’s executive order to support their request.
Key Facts
The DOJ filed a request late Monday to lift the block on mail-in voting restrictions that currently applies across the whole country.
This action concerns the rules about how people can vote by mail in the upcoming November midterm elections.
The DOJ pointed to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling connected to President Donald Trump’s executive order.
The Supreme Court decision, according to the DOJ, resolves key legal questions, prompting their request.
The federal judge in Massachusetts is the one who originally issued the nationwide block on mail-in voting limits.
The November midterms are scheduled for November 2024.
Mail-in voting has been a focus of legal and political debates in recent years.
The DOJ’s move suggests the government wants to enforce some new rules on mail-in voting.
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The Trump administration has cut planned joint military drills with South Korea due to having fewer troops available because many are deployed in the ongoing conflict with Iran. This reduction raises concerns about whether the U.S. military can maintain its global presence while involved in extended conflicts.
Key Facts
The U.S. canceled joint Marine drills with South Korea called Exercise Ssang Yong, originally planned for next month.
Thousands of U.S. Marines are currently deployed in the Middle East for the war with Iran.
The U.S. and South Korea are discussing resuming the drills in the future.
Exercise Ssang Yong simulates joint amphibious landings and attacks by U.S. and South Korean forces.
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier was moved from Asia to the Middle East to replace another ship with a fatigued crew.
U.S. troops also continue operations against drug trafficking in the Pacific and Caribbean.
President Trump also abruptly scaled back another set of drills called Ulchi Freedom Shield, saying they sent a hostile message to North Korea.
The changes in military exercises and troop movements suggest the U.S. military is stretched thin due to multiple ongoing operations.
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The U.S. Secret Service knows about an Iranian state media video that seems to threaten Barron Trump, President Donald Trump's youngest son. The Secret Service is investigating the video but does not share details to protect their security work.
Key Facts
Iranian state media aired a video that appears to threaten Barron Trump.
Barron Trump is the youngest son of President Donald Trump.
The U.S. Secret Service is responsible for protecting the president’s family.
A Secret Service spokesman confirmed they are aware of the video.
The agency is investigating anything seen as a threat to those they protect.
The Secret Service does not provide detailed information to keep their operations secure.
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