Over 70 lawmakers from countries in North and South America, including the U.S., Canada, and Colombia, have asked President Donald Trump’s administration to stop its military attacks on boats suspected of carrying drugs. These lawmakers are concerned about the impact of the strikes.
Key Facts
More than 70 lawmakers from countries in the Americas signed the request.
The countries involved include the United States, Canada, and Colombia.
They are addressing the Trump administration directly.
The campaign involves strikes on boats believed to be smuggling drugs.
The lawmakers want the administration to end these deadly attacks.
The concern is about the safety and consequences of the strike campaign.
This is an issue involving U.S. defense and national security actions.
The call for change highlights international cooperation among American countries.
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A postal worker in Utah was charged for throwing away more than 300 mail-in ballots meant for the state's June primary election. The worker said he discarded the ballots to reduce his workload, not for political reasons, and has pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
Damon Matai Seei, a 34-year-old postal worker, was arrested and charged with discarding over 300 mail-in ballots and other mail in Utah.
He threw the ballots into a dumpster shortly after starting his shift in Eagle Mountain, Utah.
Seei admitted he threw away the mail to "lighten his workload" and did not deliver any of the ballots.
He pleaded not guilty during his federal court arraignment in Salt Lake City.
Officials said the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Most Utah voters use mail ballots, and nearly one-third of U.S. voters use mail-in ballots nationwide.
Utah's governor said the state's mail-in ballot system has strong security measures that are continually improved.
President Trump has pushed for stricter rules on mail-in ballots, citing fraud concerns, but no evidence of widespread fraud has been found.
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Many drivers are not stopping when school buses stop to pick up children, which creates safety risks. Some places have started new methods to enforce the rule and keep children safer.
Key Facts
Drivers are legally required to stop when a school bus stops to let children get on or off.
Thousands of drivers each day fail to stop with school buses.
This behavior puts children at risk of injury while boarding or leaving the bus.
Certain areas have introduced stricter enforcement to reduce this problem.
New approaches may include cameras or increased police fines to catch violators.
The goal is to help protect children and encourage safer driving near school buses.
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The US Supreme Court decided not to get involved in a custody fight between a surrogate, McKenna West, and the California couple who hired her. West refused to have an abortion after the fetus was diagnosed with a serious heart defect, gave birth in Texas where abortion is mostly banned, and is now seeking custody of the child.
Key Facts
The surrogate, McKenna West, was asked by the parents to have an abortion due to a severe fetal heart defect.
West traveled to Texas, where abortion is mostly illegal, and gave birth to the baby.
The baby was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a serious condition needing multiple surgeries but not curable.
A California court gave custody rights to the parents, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar.
West filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to stop the custody ruling; it was denied.
Texas authorities, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, supported West and ensured the baby got medical care in Texas.
The parents say the child is their "love of our lives" and accused West of blocking medical information and contact.
West fears the parents might not provide needed care since they wanted an abortion and wants custody to protect the child.
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A recent poll shows more registered U.S. voters prefer socialist or liberal Democratic candidates over MAGA Republicans. This comes as some Republicans distance themselves from President Trump before the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
51% of voters prefer a socialist Democrat supporting Medicare for All and ending military aid to Israel, versus 34% for a MAGA Republican supporting mass deportations and always backing President Trump.
For a liberal Democrat protecting Obamacare and increasing childcare support, 55% preferred them over 34% for a MAGA Republican.
When choosing a liberal Democrat versus a conservative Republican who supports tax cuts and abortion restrictions, 51% chose the Democrat while 39% chose the Republican.
46% would pick a Democratic Senate candidate in the midterms compared to 38% for a Republican, with similar numbers for Congress races.
Some Republican candidates, like Florida gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds, are removing references to Trump from their campaigns to appeal to voters.
The poll was conducted between September 18 and 21 with 1,401 registered U.S. voters and has a 3.4% margin of error.
President Trump’s approval ratings are low, and issues like the economy and the war with Iran influence voter opinions.
The Democratic Party faces internal debates between democratic socialists and establishment candidates during primary elections.
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A grand jury decided there was no reason to file criminal charges in the death of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old college football player who died on a boating trip. Nolan’s family is unhappy with this decision and continues to seek answers about what happened.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells was 18 years old and played college football.
He died during a boating trip with friends.
A grand jury reviewed the case but found no reason for criminal charges.
The grand jury’s role is to decide if there is enough evidence for a trial.
Nolan’s family disagrees with the grand jury’s decision.
The family continues to look for more information about the circumstances of his death.
The case has received public attention through news reports.
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First Lady Melania Trump is promoting more use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in schools through her initiative, Fostering the Future Together, which partners with major tech companies to improve children's access to technology and digital skills. This push takes place amid growing concerns from educators that too much AI use might weaken students' ability to think and learn on their own.
Key Facts
Melania Trump launched the Fostering the Future Together initiative to expand AI and digital education for children worldwide.
The initiative has partnerships with companies like Google, Amazon, Adobe, Intel, Starlink, and Zoom, covering 57 countries.
Google is providing $4 million for AI educator training globally.
Amazon is expanding free access to its AI engineering tool to 132 universities.
Educators warn that relying too much on AI might reduce critical thinking, memory, and confidence in students.
Research on AI's long-term effects on learning is still early and unclear.
President Donald Trump supports fast development of AI to keep the U.S. ahead of China.
The initiative includes programs on AI education, online safety, digital skills, and access to technology.
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A U.S. F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training mission in western Germany. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft. This is the second U.S. F-16 crash in less than a week.
Key Facts
The crash involved a U.S. F-16 fighter jet.
It happened in western Germany during a training mission.
The pilot ejected safely and was unharmed.
This is the second F-16 crash by the U.S. military within one week.
The military provided information about the crash and the pilot’s safe ejection.
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A family connected to a person suspected of spying for China donated $4.4 million to politicians in California, including Governor Gavin Newsom. This information comes from a CBS News investigation.
Key Facts
The donations totaled $4.4 million.
Recipients included California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The donors are linked to a suspected Chinese spy.
The information was revealed by CBS News.
The donations were made to multiple California politicians.
The investigation aims to explore possible foreign influence in U.S. politics.
The suspected spy connection has raised concerns about security and political funding.
The story highlights the importance of monitoring political donations for foreign ties.
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Doctors at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool are treating children as young as 13 who have bladder damage from using ketamine. The drug, which can be bought cheaply, causes serious urinary problems that can lead to pain, accidents, and even kidney failure.
Key Facts
Over 100 children have been referred to the UK’s first NHS ketamine bladder clinic since it opened in May.
Some children describe the feeling as "peeing a jellyfish," where bladder lining is shed.
Prolonged ketamine use can cause incontinence, pain, and possibly kidney damage.
Many children have used ketamine for a year or more, starting sometimes at age 12 or younger.
Ketamine is an anesthetic that dulls pain but can worsen bladder damage, creating a harmful cycle.
The drug is cheap and easy to obtain, making it popular with young people.
The clinic sees about one new patient each week, mostly girls, with symptoms including urgent, painful urination and sometimes blood in the urine.
Stopping ketamine use can help, but severe cases may require surgery or bladder removal.
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Many young people in the UK struggle to afford housing and living costs without financial help from their families, known as the "Bank of Mum and Dad." The article shares stories of young people who lack family support and face challenges in housing, work, and independence.
Key Facts
Over 40% of 25-year-olds in the UK live with their parents because housing is too expensive.
Citizens Advice reports more people struggle to pay rent and buy food without family help.
Eleanor Bell, 23, has a first-class degree but cannot find a stable job and lives with her boyfriend to save money.
39% of care leavers aged 19-21 in England are not working, training, or studying, compared to about 13% of all young people.
Eleanor feels unsupported since she does not have family to help guide her through life challenges.
Sam Barrett, 24, left her job to care for her mum and studies part-time but has little money, as benefits do not cover all her costs.
Sam notices the financial advantage others have whose parents can pay for things like driving lessons or cars.
Both Eleanor and Sam highlight the difficulties faced when there is no family financial cushion during young adulthood.
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Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed invited Vice President Kamala Harris to Detroit to help unite Democrats in Michigan before the November midterm elections. They aim to bring together different groups within the party, especially focusing on voters concerned about the economy.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan as a Democrat.
Kamala Harris visited Detroit to support El-Sayed and encourage party unity.
Michigan is an important swing state for the upcoming midterms.
El-Sayed and Harris want to focus on economic issues to unite voters.
El-Sayed faces challenges appealing to white Jewish voters and aims to gain more support from Black voters in Detroit.
Harris lost Michigan in the 2024 presidential election to President Donald Trump, partly due to losing Arab-American voters who disagreed with her pro-Israel stance.
El-Sayed will compete against Republican Mike Rogers, who is supported by President Trump.
El-Sayed says uniting Democrats requires facing past disagreements and focusing on shared goals.
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Two students at the University of Mississippi were found dead in separate locations on campus. Police discovered packaged kratom, a drug, in both of their rooms during the investigation.
Key Facts
Two students from Ole Miss were found dead.
The deaths occurred at different places on campus.
Police found kratom packaged in the students' rooms.
Kratom is a drug that is easy to find and sometimes used for pain relief or as a stimulant.
The cause of death has not been detailed in the article.
Authorities are investigating the situation.
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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for the U.S. Senate after earlier criticizing his reaction to an attack on a synagogue. She now supports him because she believes he will oppose President Donald Trump’s administration and work to protect the state’s residents.
Key Facts
Dana Nessel is the Attorney General of Michigan.
Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Michigan.
Nessel previously criticized El-Sayed for how he responded to a March attack on a synagogue in Michigan.
Despite earlier criticism, Nessel has now endorsed El-Sayed for Senate.
Nessel supports him because she thinks he will fight against President Trump’s policies.
The endorsement came weeks after the synagogue attack incident.
El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee in Michigan’s Senate race.
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The article discusses the final weeks of campaigning before the U.S. midterm elections, which will happen in six weeks. Candidates for Congress across the country are working hard to win votes as Election Day approaches.
Key Facts
The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to take place in six weeks.
Candidates running for Congress are intensifying their campaign efforts.
The article features insights from Anthony Salvanto, CBS News' executive director of elections and surveys.
Midterm elections determine the balance of power in Congress.
Voter turnout and key races will be important to watch.
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A judge has stopped the deportation of Wilber Garcés Pérez, a Venezuelan immigrant who was shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Austin, Texas. His lawyer confirmed the court's decision to block his removal from the United States.
Key Facts
Wilber Garcés Pérez is from Venezuela.
ICE officers shot him while in Austin, Texas.
A judge issued an order to stop his deportation.
His attorney made this information public.
The case involves ICE, the U.S. agency responsible for immigration enforcement.
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Many low-income renters in the UK are struggling because the housing benefits they receive do not cover the full cost of their rent. This gap between rent and housing support means people must choose between paying rent, buying food, or heating their homes, with some forced to use food banks.
Key Facts
Laura Braddock, a single mother, pays £550 rent but gets only £425 in housing allowance, leaving a £125 shortfall.
She and others often skip meals or reduce heating to cover rent costs.
The Trussell Trust food bank network reports that 62% of renters receiving housing benefits have gone without food or heating recently.
The average gap between rent and housing allowance for low-income renters is £158 per month, up to £324 in parts of London.
The housing allowance rates (Local Housing Allowance or LHA) have not kept up with rising private rents.
Trussell and other groups want the government to raise LHA to cover the cheapest 30% of local rents to help tens of thousands avoid severe hardship.
This change is estimated to cost about £2 billion yearly and could help 105,000 people, including 40,000 children.
The government fears increasing LHA might cause landlords to raise rents or tenants to move to more expensive homes.
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The U.S. Mint and America's VetDogs introduced special coins to honor service dogs during National Service Dog Month in September. These coins recognize how service animals help people with disabilities.
Key Facts
The coins are commemorative, meaning they are made to honor a special event or group.
They celebrate the important role of service dogs for people with disabilities.
The announcement was made in September, which is National Service Dog Month.
America's VetDogs is a nonprofit organization that supports service dogs and veterans.
John Miller, the President and CEO of America's VetDogs, was part of the unveiling.
Navy veteran and Paralympic gold medalist Max Rohn also took part in the event.
The U.S. Mint is the government agency that makes official coins.
These coins will serve as a lasting tribute to service animals’ impact.
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Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan refused to intervene in an emergency case involving a surrogate mother who is fighting for custody of a child. The surrogate, McKenna West, requested the court to change a California judgment that granted parentage to the biological parents after a dispute about the pregnancy.
Key Facts
The case involves a surrogate mother named McKenna West.
West asked the Supreme Court for emergency help in her custody fight.
The biological parents told the surrogate to have an abortion.
Instead, West left for Texas and kept the pregnancy.
A California court gave parentage rights to the biological parents.
West wants to overturn that parentage decision.
Justice Elena Kagan decided not to take up the case.
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A grand jury decided not to charge anyone in the death of Nolan Wells. Actress Hayden Panettiere died from accidentally taking several drugs, including fentanyl. Senator John Curtis asked the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate Donald Trump Jr. after reports about a Russian businessman funding part of his wedding.
Key Facts
A grand jury declined to file charges related to Nolan Wells' death.
Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death was an accidental overdose involving multiple drugs.
Fentanyl was one of the drugs involved in Panettiere’s death.
Senator John Curtis is a Republican.
Curtis wants the Senate Judiciary Committee to look into Donald Trump Jr.
The investigation request came after news that a Russian businessman helped pay for Trump Jr.’s wedding party.
The Senate Judiciary Committee handles legal and oversight matters related to the U.S. government.
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