The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring workers for a major census test in six states. This test aims to improve the national population count process for the 2030 census. There are concerns about delays in hiring and budget issues.
Key Facts
The next full U.S. census is scheduled for 2030.
The Census Bureau is conducting a "2026 Census Test" in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
The test will help develop better methods to count populations, especially groups that are usually undercounted, like young children and renters.
Recruiting for census workers started on a specific Monday.
The Commerce Department called this a "mission critical priority" for the 2030 census.
Concerns about recruiting enough workers were raised due to a hiring freeze and budget uncertainties.
There are issues with transparency and communication about the test's progress and plans.
The Census Bureau plans to experiment with using U.S. Postal Service mail carriers for census interviews.
Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, raised more money than his Republican opponent Michael Whatley in a key Senate race. The race, important for the 2026 midterm elections, has Cooper and Whatley both seen as leading candidates with no prominent challengers. Recent polls show Cooper with a slight lead over Whatley.
Key Facts
Roy Cooper, a Democrat, raised $14.5 million in the third quarter of 2025 for the Senate race.
Michael Whatley, a Republican, raised $5.8 million during the same period.
Cooper and Whatley are running to replace retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
Senator Tillis announced his retirement after voting against a major bill supported by President Trump.
Recent polls show Cooper leading by 4 to 7 percentage points over Whatley.
North Carolina is a closely contested state in Senate and presidential elections.
Democrats have had success in recent gubernatorial elections in North Carolina.
The election is seen as highly competitive, partly due to President Trump's current approval ratings.
A recent study by Goldman Sachs shows that about 40% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, limiting their ability to save for retirement. The study predicts that this number will rise, with more people expected to struggle financially in the coming decades.
Key Facts
Goldman Sachs' report is called the 2025 Retirement Survey & Insights Report.
40% of Americans currently have no extra savings and live paycheck to paycheck, up from 31% in 1997.
By 2033, 55% of Americans are predicted to face similar financial struggles.
Inflation and competing financial priorities are major reasons for the limited ability to save for retirement.
Younger workers often pause retirement contributions due to financial pressures.
70% of working Americans feel stressed about managing retirement savings.
Basic living costs have increased significantly since 2000, outpacing wage growth.
President Donald Trump announced a new executive order allowing TikTok to keep operating in the U.S. under a different ownership. He made this announcement in a TikTok video, telling young users they "owe" him for saving the app. This decision follows years of talks and concern over data privacy and foreign influence in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump announced an executive order allowing TikTok to continue in the U.S. with new ownership.
He stated in a TikTok video that young users "owe" him for saving the app.
The order comes after talks between U.S. and Chinese officials.
The mandate for TikTok's owner, ByteDance, to change its U.S. operations, started during former President Joe Biden's term.
TikTok has around 170 million users in the U.S., many of whom are young people.
Concerns over TikTok have focused on national security and data privacy.
The new agreement ends a long period of uncertainty about TikTok's operations in the U.S.
The White House criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for his executive order creating "ICE Free Zones," which prevents federal immigration agents from entering city property without a warrant. The White House's statement accused Johnson of supporting criminal activity by undocumented immigrants.
Key Facts
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order for "ICE Free Zones."
This order stops federal immigration agents from entering city property without a judicial warrant.
The White House called the move "sick" in a social media post.
The statement accused Johnson of aiding criminal activity by undocumented immigrants.
The White House used their Rapid Response 47 account to share this message.
This news story is still developing, with more updates expected.
A federal judge in Oregon blocked President Trump's attempt to deploy National Guard troops to Portland to handle ICE protests. The White House argues that military presence is needed to protect federal agents during immigration actions. These actions are facing public backlash due to reports of federal agents using excessive force.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Oregon, appointed by President Trump, stopped the deployment of National Guard troops from California to Portland.
The judge stated that the protests in Portland were not violent enough to justify military intervention.
President Trump is now ordering Texas National Guard troops to be sent to other cities like Portland and Chicago.
A woman in Chicago was reportedly shot by federal troops, escalating tensions.
Reports of aggressive actions by federal immigration officers have emerged, including a video of officers drawing weapons on a family in Colorado.
The White House states that federal troops are needed to protect agents, but many people are protesting these actions.
Stephen Miller, a senior White House advisor, described the situation as a response to "leftwing terrorism."
Tensions have grown between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Chicago's local law enforcement over immigration enforcement activities. ICE accused Chicago police of not assisting federal agents surrounded by protesters, which the police department denies. The situation highlights challenges in cooperation between federal agents and local police, especially in sanctuary cities like Chicago.
Key Facts
ICE claimed Chicago police did not respond to a federal agents' call for help, but the police department says they did.
The Chicago Police Department was involved in handling protests involving about 100 demonstrators.
Federal agents used pepper balls and tear gas during a confrontation with protesters.
The National Fraternal Order of Police condemned the reported lack of cooperation between police forces.
The police chief of Broadview criticized ICE for false emergency calls draining local resources.
Tension between federal and local law enforcement relates to immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities.
More than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested since a federal immigration operation started in September.
A new survey shows that over half of Jewish Americans have faced antisemitism in the past year, and many see it as a part of daily life. The study by the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Federations of North America highlights concerns as antisemitic incidents appear to be increasing across the country.
Key Facts
More than 55% of Jewish Americans said they experienced antisemitism in the last year.
57% of respondents believe antisemitism is now a common experience for Jewish people.
About 20% reported facing physical assaults, threats, or verbal harassment due to their Jewish identity.
Over one-third of survey participants witnessed or were threatened by antisemitic violence in the past year.
Nearly half (48%) of Jewish Americans have taken steps to increase their personal security.
33% of respondents are making worst-case scenario plans regarding their safety, and 14% have plans to leave the country if necessary.
Rising hate crimes, including those targeting Jewish communities, have created more anxiety and increased security at religious sites.
The survey had 2,982 participants and was conducted between May 27 and July 6, 2025, with a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.
Chicago and Illinois have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over sending National Guard troops to Chicago. They want the deployment blocked, claiming it is unlawful and politically motivated. The lawsuit involves National Guard troops from Illinois and Texas due to ongoing protests.
Key Facts
Illinois and Chicago officially sued the Trump administration.
The lawsuit claims the deployment of National Guard troops is "unlawful."
President Trump authorized 300 Illinois National Guard troops to protect federal property in Chicago.
A similar tactic was used before in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the deployment an "invasion."
The lawsuit aims to prevent the federalization of National Guard troops from Illinois and Texas.
The legal action follows weeks of protests against immigration enforcement campaigns.
The article discusses the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts over the past 20 years. It highlights several significant court decisions that have influenced American democracy and certain rights. The article provides examples of cases that have led to changes in political and social policies.
Key Facts
John Roberts became Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court just over 20 years ago.
In Citizens United v. FEC, the Court eased restrictions on corporate spending in elections.
Shelby County v. Holder removed part of the Voting Rights Act, affecting election laws.
The Court did not stop partisan gerrymandering in Rucho v. Common Cause.
The 2024 Trump v. United States decision gave presidents broad immunity for official acts.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, affecting abortion rights.
United States v. Skrmetti allowed states to ban gender-affirming care for minors.
Trump v. Hawaii permitted restrictions on nationals from certain countries entering the U.S.
The White House denied reports that President Trump plans to change how Social Security disability benefits are determined. There was a claim that the administration might stop using age as a factor, but the White House stated no changes will happen.
Key Facts
The White House denied making changes to how Social Security disability benefits are determined.
A report suggested the administration considered removing age as a factor to qualify for benefits.
Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai said President Trump will protect Social Security.
The claim was linked to efforts to change federal assistance for low-income, elderly, and disabled people.
Social Security provides two types of disability benefits: SSDI for those with work credits and SSI for those with limited resources.
Changes might involve updating the labor market data used in determining disability.
The Social Security Administration is working on improving how it determines disability eligibility.
Republican and Democratic lawmakers have not reached an agreement to end the government shutdown, which has continued into its sixth day. President Donald Trump has indicated that federal worker layoffs are occurring because of Democratic actions, though he did not specify which agencies are affected. Efforts to find common ground are stalled, as both parties believe public opinion supports their stance.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown has lasted for six days.
Republican and Democratic lawmakers have not shown signs of negotiating successfully to end the shutdown.
President Trump mentioned layoffs of federal workers are happening and attributed this to Democrats.
President Trump did not specify which government agencies are impacted by the layoffs.
Lawmakers from both parties are struggling to agree and build trust.
Both political parties think the public supports their positions, adding pressure on the other side.
House Speaker Mike Johnson plans a news conference to discuss the situation further.
A report by Harvard University researchers and Physicians for Human Rights finds that U.S. immigrant detention centers are increasingly using solitary confinement, sometimes for weeks, which the United Nations considers psychological torture. Nearly 14,000 people were placed in solitary since April 2024, with some vulnerable detainees spending an average of 38 days in isolation during early 2025.
Key Facts
Nearly 14,000 people were placed in solitary confinement in immigrant detention centers from April 2024 to August 2025.
The United Nations considers solitary confinement longer than 15 days as psychological torture.
Vulnerable detainees, such as those with mental health issues, were isolated for an average of 38 days in early 2025.
Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania had the highest number of isolated detainees, totaling 1,905.
ICE guidelines recommend using solitary confinement for people with mental health conditions only as a last resort.
ICE data may be incomplete, suggesting an undercount of solitary confinement cases.
Some U.S. facilities are using "administrative segregation," which prisoner advocates argue is similar to solitary confinement.
The report urges local officials to inspect facilities and ensure detainees have access to legal services and protections.
A new proposal from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) could make it more difficult for first-time homebuyers to secure mortgages. The plan suggests lowering the affordable housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are organizations that play a major role in the U.S. housing market. Critics worry this change might limit access to mortgages for lower and middle-income families.
Key Facts
The proposal affects Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s goals to support affordable housing.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac help make mortgages cheaper by buying them from lenders.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets goals for these companies to increase homeownership among low- and middle-income families.
Bill Pulte, appointed by President Trump, is the new FHFA director proposing a change in the housing goals.
The proposed rule would combine certain home purchase goals into a single target and lower the benchmarks.
The FHFA claims aggressive goals may have increased costs for middle-class borrowers.
Consumer advocates argue the change could disadvantage lower to moderate-income homebuyers by lowering the housing support available.
The proposal suggests these adjustments could help the FHFA better understand lending patterns and costs.
A recent poll by YouGov found that President Donald Trump is less popular than TV host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel returned to television after being suspended for comments about a political issue, and his favorability rating is 16 points higher than Trump's. This has sparked discussions about public opinion and free speech.
Key Facts
A YouGov poll shows Jimmy Kimmel is 16 points more popular than President Trump.
Kimmel has a net approval rating of +3, while Trump has -13.
Kimmel was suspended from his show due to comments about Charlie Kirk's death.
55% of poll respondents disagreed with Kimmel's suspension, while 30% agreed with it.
Kimmel’s return show had 6.3 million viewers, more than three times his usual audience.
President Trump criticized Kimmel on Truth Social after his return to TV.
The latest data from the U.S. government shows that nearly 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to older adults, with Gen X women, aged 45 to 64, being the most affected group. These women often face the dual responsibilities of raising children and supporting aging parents, which impacts their financial security and work-life balance. Efforts to address this issue call for more supportive policies and workplace flexibility.
Key Facts
About 38.2 million Americans aged 15 and older provided unpaid eldercare in 2023-24.
Gen X women, aged 45-64, are most commonly the ones providing this care.
These women often juggle working full-time, raising children, and caregiving.
Over half of the caregivers are looking after their own parents.
Among caregiving parents, 86 percent are employed, with 72 percent working full-time.
Women lose about 15 percent of lifetime earnings due to caregiving, affecting their financial security.
Calls for policy changes include more workplace flexibility and paid family leave for caregivers.
A high school teacher's supportive note helped a student named Leia Rivera during a difficult time. The student shared the note's impact on her mental health on TikTok, and the story went viral. Data shows a rise in anxiety and depression among teenagers in the U.S.
Key Facts
A student named Leia Rivera received a heartfelt note from her geometry teacher, Mr. Brock, when she was struggling with personal issues.
Rivera shared the note on TikTok, where it gained over 680,000 views.
Mr. Brock's note reassured Rivera that she was not alone, sharing personal insight from his own family experiences.
Rivera was battling anxiety and depression, feelings reportedly increasing among U.S. teens from 2016 to 2022.
The note had a lasting positive impact on Rivera, highlighting the importance of supportive school staff.
When Rivera later had Mr. Brock as her teacher again, he praised her progress.
Rivera, now a college student, aspires to work in sports media and promote mental health awareness.
Frank Bisignano, the current Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), has been named the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This announcement came from the U.S. Treasury Department, stating that Bisignano will manage both roles.
Key Facts
Frank Bisignano is the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
He has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Internal Revenue Service.
The announcement was made by the Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent.
Bisignano will keep his position at the SSA while also leading the IRS.
The U.S. Treasury Department released the statement on Monday.
This development is part of a breaking news story, indicating ongoing updates.
A Kansas prosecutor shared a video online of her daughter, Alicia, playing with a potty training watch. The watch, meant to help with toilet training, was humorously worn like an ankle monitor. The video has gained a lot of attention, with many finding it amusing given the mother's line of work as a prosecutor.
Key Facts
The mother, Cia Huebner, works as a prosecutor in Kansas.
Her daughter, Alicia, is not quite 2 years old and is learning to use the toilet.
Alicia's father put a potty training watch on her ankle instead of her wrist.
The watch is designed to remind kids to use the bathroom regularly.
The ankle placement of the watch resembled an ankle monitor used for house arrest.
Huebner found the situation ironic and shared the video, which gained over 475,000 views.
The video was meant to show the humorous side of parenting challenges like potty training.
A new Gallup poll shows that 43% of Americans think the Supreme Court is too conservative, the highest rate recorded in this survey. This perception has grown since conservative justices, including three appointed by President Donald Trump, were added to the court. People’s opinions of the Supreme Court are now sharply divided along political lines.
Key Facts
43% of Americans believe the Supreme Court is too conservative, according to a recent Gallup poll.
This is the highest number recorded by Gallup for this belief.
The Supreme Court currently has six conservative-leaning justices and three liberal-leaning justices.
President Donald Trump appointed three of the current conservative justices during his first term.
The Gallup poll conducted its survey from September 2 to 16, among 1,000 Americans nationwide.
Overall public approval of the Supreme Court is low, with 52% disapproving of its performance.
Opinions on the Supreme Court have become divided, especially between political parties.
The Supreme Court’s new term starts on October 6, during which time they will handle significant cases.
