The Trump administration has reassigned all immigration officers from a key anti-fraud unit to focus on screening South African refugees and investigating alleged unlawful voters. This shift has disrupted training for asylum officers and raised concerns about delays in processing asylum claims.
Key Facts
All Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) immigration officers have been reassigned full-time to two main tasks: screening South African refugees and investigating unlawful voters.
This reassignment means officers will not be available to train asylum officers in the near future.
USCIS, which handles immigration services, is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by President Trump during his second term.
Asylum claim processing under this administration has slowed significantly, causing delays for those seeking asylum.
The refugee screening focuses heavily on South Africans, mainly Afrikaners, who US officials say face racial discrimination; South Africa rejects this claim.
Between October 2025 and July 2026, 10,255 out of 10,258 refugees admitted to the US were from South Africa.
The unlawful voter screening aims to find noncitizens who may have voted illegally, although confirmed cases of such voting are very rare.
DHS claimed to find over 250,000 potential illegal voter registrations, but the confirmed number was much lower.
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The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating a video showing three people coming out of a manhole near Madison Square Garden early on August 18. This is the latest video of people entering sewer systems in New York City, following similar videos reported in May.
Key Facts
The video was posted on TikTok and shows three people wearing headlamps and black overalls climbing out of a manhole at 4:19 a.m.
The NYPD confirmed they are aware of the video and have an ongoing investigation with no arrests made yet.
Earlier in May, the NYPD investigated multiple videos showing people climbing out of sewers across the city at night.
Emergency Services Unit officers checked the sewers and found no harmful items or threats to the public.
The city’s Environmental Protection Department also inspected the sewer system and found no damage.
Investigators are considering the possibility that the people in the videos might be searching the sewers for valuables.
It is not clear if the recent video and the earlier videos are connected.
The Environmental Protection Department warned that entering the sewer system is illegal and very dangerous.
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The prosecution in the trial of Lindsay Clancy is calling psychological experts to speak about her mental state when she killed her three children. These experts aim to provide evidence that challenges the defense’s statements about her mindset during the crime.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for killing her three children.
The prosecution is presenting rebuttal witnesses, mainly psychological experts.
These experts focus on Clancy’s mental state at the time of the killings.
The goal is to counter the defense’s claims about her psychological condition.
The trial is being covered by CBS News and legal experts.
The testimony seeks to help the jury understand Clancy's state of mind clearly.
The trial is ongoing, with the prosecution continuing its case.
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President Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon held an event at the White House to highlight their efforts to promote school choice as the new school year starts. They focused on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which expands school choice by providing a federal tax benefit.
Key Facts
President Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon hosted a Rose Garden event at the White House.
The event was aimed at students and parents.
It highlighted the administration’s support for school choice.
School choice means allowing parents to choose which schools their children attend.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act expanded school choice options.
This Act introduced a federal tax benefit to help parents with school-related costs.
The event occurred as the new academic year began.
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The trial of Lindsay Clancy is close to finishing, with closing arguments expected soon. Trial lawyer Mark Eiglarsh spoke to CBS News about how the jury might consider expert testimony in the case.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy's trial is nearing its end.
Closing arguments are expected to happen this week.
Mark Eiglarsh is a trial lawyer and former prosecutor.
Eiglarsh provided analysis for CBS News.
The focus is on how the jury may weigh expert testimony during their decision.
Expert testimony refers to evidence given by specialists in a field to help the jury understand complex information.
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Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Maine with former Republican Governor Paul LePage, who is running for Congress in Maine’s 2nd District. LePage hopes to win the seat as the current Democratic representative is retiring, and the district has a mix of Republican and Democratic support.
Key Facts
Paul LePage is running for Congress in Maine’s 2nd District against Democrat Matthew Dunlap.
The current representative, Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat, is retiring.
The district generally favors Republicans and supported President Trump by 9 points in 2024.
Vice President JD Vance promoted President Trump’s economic agenda while supporting LePage.
LePage was governor of Maine from 2011 to 2019 and has high name recognition.
Campaign polls show a close race, with some surveys favoring LePage and others Dunlap.
Prediction markets give LePage a better chance of winning, with about a 56-61% chance.
LePage’s opponents criticize his past support for Medicaid cuts, tariffs, and foreign policy decisions affecting costs.
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Senator Susan Collins from Maine criticized President Donald Trump's plan to impose new tariffs on Canada. She said that the United States, especially Maine, has a good trade relationship with Canada and that adding tariffs would be a bad decision.
Key Facts
Senator Susan Collins represents the state of Maine.
She is facing a challenging re-election campaign in November.
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada.
Collins called these new tariffs a "mistake."
She emphasized the strong and positive trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada.
Collins made her comments in an interview with News Center.
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Twelve people have been arrested in connection with a car crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough that killed seven people, including two police officers. The crash happened after police chased a Volkswagen Passat that was driving the wrong way and involved serious criminal behavior.
Key Facts
Seven people died in the crash: two police officers and five passengers in the Passat.
The Passat was driven the wrong way on the A66 after police pursued it.
Police arrested 12 people, including men and women aged 19 to 61.
The suspects face charges including being in an organized crime group, firearm possession, and drug offenses.
The Passat and another vehicle, a Volvo XC60, had cloned license plates and were linked to dangerous driving incidents.
Four of the five Passat passengers had previous criminal records.
Police are investigating the crash as the result of serious criminal activity.
Some of those arrested were released on bail, while others remain in custody.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom is working on new rules about who should pay for wildfire damage caused by utility companies’ equipment. He wants to protect utilities from big financial losses while making sure fire victims get paid faster. This issue follows several deadly wildfires linked to utility equipment in California.
Key Facts
The most destructive California wildfire killed 85 people and was linked to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) equipment in 2018.
PG&E filed for bankruptcy soon after due to wildfire liability claims.
Gov. Newsom signed a law creating a $21 billion fund paid by utilities and customers to cover wildfire damages if utilities improve safety.
Newsom now seeks to limit the amount utilities must pay for wildfire damages to protect them from financial trouble.
Southern California Edison is also facing claims for a 2025 wildfire that killed 19 people, caused by its transmission tower.
California’s electricity rates are among the highest partly because utilities raise rates to pay for wildfire prevention and damages.
Some fire victims oppose Newsom’s plan, feeling it favors utilities over survivors.
Insurance companies worry they might have to cover more costs if the plan passes.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing a federal program called E-Rate that helps schools get affordable internet access. Many school districts rely heavily on this program, but the FCC is considering major changes, including possibly limiting its reach or ending it because they believe it may have already met its goals. Education and technology leaders are preparing to oppose these changes and ask lawmakers to protect the program.
Key Facts
E-Rate is a federal program created 30 years ago to help schools, especially in poor areas, get discounts of up to 90% on internet service.
Over 96,000 school districts nationwide use E-Rate to connect classrooms and school operations to the internet.
The FCC has started a full review of E-Rate, asking for public input on whether the program should be changed or ended.
The FCC is considering limiting E-Rate benefits to rural areas or ending the program because it says the program has fulfilled its original mission.
School leaders say the program supports more than just teaching—it also helps with attendance, meal payments, and facility management.
Some parents and experts are concerned about too much screen time for students and want more control over internet use in schools.
Education technology groups are calling for strong protests to keep the E-Rate program intact and functional.
The FCC chairman linked the review to plans from the Heritage Foundation under President Trump’s administration aimed at reducing federal government broadband programs.
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An 8-year-old girl named Lillian Smart from Louisiana died after being infected by Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain-eating amoeba found in warm freshwater. The infection likely happened while she was swimming in Lake Claiborne, and this is the first confirmed case in Louisiana since 2013.
Key Facts
Lillian Smart died from an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, often called a brain-eating amoeba.
The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater, especially where water temperature is above 77°F (25°C).
Infection happens when water containing the amoeba enters the nose and reaches the brain.
This infection almost always results in death and cannot spread from person to person.
Louisiana had not reported a confirmed case of this infection since 2013.
Between 1937 and 2025, only about 180 cases were confirmed in the U.S.
The Louisiana Department of Health noted there is no regular testing for the amoeba in bodies of water.
A similar case occurred last year when a 12-year-old boy in South Carolina died from the infection.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new strong economic plan to pressure Iran and its trade partners. This plan aims to use sanctions to impact Iran's economy as part of the U.S. government's strategy.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent is the U.S. Treasury Secretary.
He revealed a new economic plan targeting Iran.
The plan involves sanctions that limit Iran’s trade and financial activities.
It aims to put pressure on the Iranian government.
The sanctions also affect countries and companies that trade with Iran.
This move is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to deal with Iran’s actions.
The announcement was covered by CBS News reporters.
The effort is described as an "economic onslaught" by the Treasury Secretary.
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The U.S. military struck a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people accused of drug trafficking. This is part of an ongoing U.S. campaign targeting boats linked to drug smuggling near Latin America, with over 60 strikes and 210 deaths in about a year.
Key Facts
The U.S. Southern Command said the strike targeted a boat on known drug trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific.
Two people died in the strike, with no direct evidence publicly shown that the vessel carried drugs.
The U.S. has bombed drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific for nearly a year.
The campaign has caused over 210 deaths and more than 60 strikes so far.
The Trump administration is working with some Latin American countries to extend military operations against drug groups on land.
Some countries, like Guatemala, deny agreeing to joint U.S. operations, while others, like Ecuador, have started missions with the U.S.
President Donald Trump calls this effort an "armed conflict" against drug cartels to reduce drug flow and overdoses in the U.S.
Critics question the legality and effectiveness of the strikes, pointing out many drugs enter the U.S. by land from Mexico.
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President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon held a "Back to School" event to highlight their work on expanding school choice and efforts to reduce the size of the Department of Education. They promoted education reforms, including vouchers and tax incentives, and emphasized returning control of education to state governments.
Key Facts
The event took place at the White House as students returned to school.
The administration supports expanding school choice, letting parents pick schools and use public funds for private education.
They aim to reduce the role of the federal Department of Education and give states more control.
Secretary McMahon is working to shrink the department's staff and budget.
The administration used the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to encourage donations for education scholarships starting in 2027.
Over two dozen waivers have been granted to states, reducing federal rules on education funding.
President Trump made dissolving the Department of Education a campaign promise.
The White House says these efforts offer more freedom for families and improve student outcomes.
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Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas thanked Senator Ted Cruz for defending him against ethics complaints. Thomas said Cruz stood up for him when others did not.
Key Facts
Clarence Thomas is a Supreme Court Justice.
Ted Cruz is a Senator from Texas and a Republican.
Thomas thanked Cruz on a podcast for defending him.
The defense was related to ethics complaints against Thomas.
Thomas appreciates Cruz's support during difficult times.
The conversation took place during a recent podcast episode.
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Vice President Vance visited Maine to support Republicans and defend the growing trade conflict with Canada. Senator Susan Collins, a Republican who has criticized the trade dispute, did not attend the event.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance held a rally for Republicans in Brewer, Maine.
He spoke in favor of the ongoing trade tensions with Canada.
The trade conflict has caused some disagreement within the Republican Party.
Senator Susan Collins is a prominent Republican who opposes the trade war with Canada.
Collins did not attend the rally, saying she had prior commitments.
The event highlighted differing views on trade policy within the party.
The issue relates to economic and political relations between the U.S. and Canada.
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The No. 2 pencil, a common school supply in America, became iconic due to American innovations like the yellow paint and attached eraser. While most schools now use digital devices, many are returning to paper tests with No. 2 pencils to prevent cheating and reduce screen time.
Key Facts
The No. 2 pencil is a staple in American schools for writing and taking tests.
The pencil’s yellow color and eraser on top were American inventions.
Before the mid-1800s, American pencils did not have erasers, unlike pencils elsewhere.
Henry David Thoreau’s father helped develop the pencil grading system; No. 2 balances darkness and smudging.
The "lead" in pencils is actually graphite, not metal lead.
The metal piece that holds the eraser is called a ferrule and has been used for over 100 years except during World War II.
Increased use of technology in schools has reduced pencil use, but paper tests are returning because of concerns about cheating and screen fatigue.
The No. 2 pencil is seen as a symbol of democracy, used by people from all backgrounds.
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Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, running in the Republican primary runoff for governor, publicly disagreed with President Trump on tariffs and beef imports. Drummond said he supports many of President Trump's policies but believes the tariffs and plans for beef imports are not the right approach.
Key Facts
Gentner Drummond is the Oklahoma Attorney General and a GOP candidate for governor.
He spoke out against President Trump's stance on tariffs and beef import policies.
Drummond said many people in Oklahoma might agree with him on these trade issues.
He expressed support for most of President Trump’s other policies.
The discussion happened shortly before a key Republican primary runoff election.
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The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions against Iran aimed at cutting off its money sources worldwide, including oil. The campaign, called "Operation Economic Outcast" or "economic D-day," pressures countries and companies to stop doing business with Tehran or face penalties.
Key Facts
The US will target all of Iran’s revenue sources, especially oil, to prevent trade with Iran.
The campaign is named “Operation Economic Outcast” and is compared to a major World War II military effort.
Countries and businesses that continue dealings with Iran risk facing US secondary sanctions.
The action comes about six months into conflicts involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks and has controlled the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy prices.
The US wants Iran to end its nuclear program and stop attacking ships in the Gulf region.
President Donald Trump has contacted world leaders urging them to stop trade with Iran.
New sanctions focus on digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping linked to Iran.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will announce new sanctions on Iran to increase pressure on the country. The goal is to push Iran to negotiate a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil shipments.
Key Facts
The announcement of new sanctions is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
The sanctions are part of President Trump’s strategy to pressure Iran economically.
The aim is to end ongoing conflicts involving Iran and the U.S.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for global oil transport.
President Trump warned last week that Iran would face a harsh economic response if it did not agree to talks.
The sanctions are intended to encourage Iran to negotiate a deal.
This move escalates the Trump administration’s efforts against Iran.
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