President Donald Trump announced a plan to allow 300,000 tonnes of ground beef imports without higher tariffs for 90 days. This aims to lower beef prices by requiring exporters to sell at 25% below current market prices, helping Americans pay less for beef.
Key Facts
Trump will waive tariffs on up to 300,000 tonnes of ground beef for three months.
Imported beef must be sold at 25% below current market prices under a deal arranged by Trump.
The specific countries or companies involved in the deal were not disclosed.
Trump plans to sign a formal executive order within two weeks.
Ground beef prices rose from $5.55 to $6.89 per pound since Trump took office, a 24% increase.
Some Republican leaders, including Senator Tim Sheehy, say the move could hurt American ranchers and farmers.
Beef supply issues come from low cattle herd sizes, import tariffs, and border restrictions due to disease concerns.
Rising food prices remain a key issue ahead of the November midterm elections in the US.
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The US government has released a new 10-year plan to manage water from the Colorado River, aiming to reduce water use by the states that depend on it. California, Arizona, and Nevada may face cuts of up to 40% of their water supply each year, but experts say the plan may not fully solve the ongoing water crisis in the western US.
Key Facts
The US Bureau of Reclamation published a proposed plan for the Colorado River’s future water use.
The plan covers 10 years but sets review points every two years for adjustments.
California, Arizona, and Nevada could lose up to 3 million acre-feet of water annually, about 40% of their supply.
One acre-foot equals roughly 326,000 gallons, enough water for about three families per year.
The plan mandates a 1.25 million acre-foot cut in water use for lower-basin states in 2027 and 2028, with possible further cuts later.
Upper-basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming) have resisted mandatory water cuts, while lower-basin states have agreed to some cuts but want upper states to share the reductions.
The Colorado River supplies water to 40 million people, multiple states, and supports agriculture and hydroelectric power.
The river’s water supply is strained due to an outdated 1922 agreement and the worsening effects of climate change, causing a long-term water shortage.
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The U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, criticized Ghent University for suspending researcher Nathan Cofnas. The suspension came after Cofnas accused Jason Arday of plagiarism, and the ambassador described the university’s action as retaliation against an American scholar.
Key Facts
Bill White is the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium.
Ghent University suspended researcher Nathan Cofnas.
Cofnas accused Jason Arday of plagiarism.
The suspension happened after these accusations.
Ambassador White said the suspension was retaliation.
He made these comments on the social media platform X.
The issue involves an American scholar working at a European university.
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CBS News' program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" will have four guests on Sunday, August 23, 2026. These guests include two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, a former head of the Food and Drug Administration, and a bank president.
Key Facts
The guests are Democratic Representative Seth Moulton from Massachusetts and Republican Representative Byron Donalds from Florida.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who used to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will also appear.
Neel Kashkari, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, is another guest.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" is a CBS News show.
The show airs on CBS News at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Sundays.
It is also available to stream on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and TikTok, owned by ByteDance, have agreed to pay $400 million to settle claims that TikTok broke children's online privacy laws. TikTok will not admit to any wrongdoing but has made changes to improve its privacy and safety rules for children.
Key Facts
The DOJ sued TikTok in 2024 for violating the Children's Online Privacy Act (COPPA).
TikTok and ByteDance agreed to pay $400 million to settle the lawsuit.
TikTok has changed its ownership, management, and privacy policies since the suit began.
The settlement is one of the largest under the children's privacy law.
New rules include stronger protections for young users and more parent controls.
The DOJ says TikTok’s updates help protect millions of American children online.
The lawsuit also involved accusations that TikTok allowed children to create regular accounts and unlawfully collected their personal information.
TikTok avoided a ban in the U.S. during President Trump’s current administration by forming a U.S. joint venture.
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A Texas court reduced the fine against Alex Jones from $50 million to $1.5 million in a case where he was accused of spreading false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. This decision affects only part of the lawsuit, while Jones still faces over a billion dollars in damages from other related cases.
Key Facts
Alex Jones claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax, which caused harm to the victims' families.
The Texas Third Court of Appeals cut his fine from $50 million to $1.5 million.
The court said the families did not provide enough proof for harassment damages above Texas’s $750,000 limit.
The ruling is only for two of 19 claims made against Jones in this case.
A separate court in Connecticut ordered Jones to pay $1.25 billion for similar false claims.
Jones and his company declared bankruptcy and gave up the Infowars brand but still broadcast on social media.
Jones called the Texas ruling a win for free speech and plans to appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.
Victims’ families experienced serious harassment, including threats and forced moves, due to Jones's claims.
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Washington, D.C. has turned part of the National Mall and nearby streets into a racetrack for the first-ever Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race, which will cover 250 miles over 147 laps. Many streets and popular museums around the area are closed or have restricted access, and officials urge people to use public transportation during the weekend event.
Key Facts
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix route is 1.7 miles long with seven turns, looping around the National Mall and U.S. Capitol.
The race will cover 147 laps, totaling 250 miles, as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Streets used in the race include Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue, Independence Avenue, and parts of 3rd, 7th, and 9th streets, plus a larger area with road closures.
Access to the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Natural History, and National Gallery of Art is limited or requires event tickets.
Some outdoor sculptures near the National Gallery of Art were boarded up to prevent damage from race vibrations.
Nearby landmarks such as the National Archives and Smithsonian Castle are also affected, and certain Metro stations serve as main entry points to the restricted area.
City officials encourage visitors and residents to avoid driving downtown and to use Metro trains instead.
Reactions from locals are mixed; some see the event as boosting tourism and jobs, while others report difficulties navigating due to fences and road closures.
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U.S. health officials say a food-poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened people in 15 states. The outbreak involves infections from both salmonella and different strains of E. coli bacteria, with some people hospitalized.
Key Facts
There are 55 reported cases of illness across 15 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, and others.
Four people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
Most sick people interviewed (26 out of 34) said they ate alfalfa sprouts.
The germs involved are salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and serious kidney problems.
The sprouts come from Everything Sprouts, a grower in Minnesota, sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands.
Everything Sprouts has not yet issued a product recall.
The FDA had previously warned Everything Sprouts about sanitation problems, including a leaking roof dripping water onto the sprouts.
Officials continue to investigate and monitor the outbreak.
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The Pentagon fired the editor-in-chief, publisher, and a reporter of Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper partially funded by the Pentagon. The editor said he was dismissed for speaking out against possible military censorship of the news.
Key Facts
Erik Slavin was the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes.
Slavin said he was fired for insubordination after an interview about potential censorship of service members' news.
He believes the newspaper should stay independent from military control.
Publisher Max Lederer, who planned to retire later this year, also received a notice of separation.
Reporter Lara Korte was among those given separation notices.
Stars and Stripes is funded partly by the Pentagon but has a history of editorial independence.
The dismissals happened shortly after the editor spoke publicly on CBS.
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Arizona's Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that no criminal charges will be filed against Governor Katie Hobbs for alleged pay-to-play involving a group home company that got a state rate increase after donating to her inaugural fund. The investigation did not find evidence of wrongdoing but called for better laws on political donations by state contractors.
Key Facts
Governor Katie Hobbs faced accusations of a pay-to-play scheme with Sunshine Residential Homes.
Sunshine gave $100,000 to Hobbs' inaugural celebration and donated to the state Democratic Party.
The company received a 30% increase in state payments during 2022-2023, with only one other company also receiving a raise.
Attorney General Kris Mayes said there was no proof of bribery or a direct exchange of favors.
Mayes suggested that laws should be improved to make political donations from contractors more transparent.
A separate investigation by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and the state auditor general is still ongoing.
Sunshine’s founder and his wife also contributed $10,000 each to Hobbs’ campaigns.
The donations and increased payments occurred in the months around Hobbs' 2022 election and inauguration.
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Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food benefits to low-income Americans, dropped by over 13% from May 2025 to May 2026. The decline is linked to stricter work and eligibility rules introduced under President Donald Trump’s domestic policy changes.
Key Facts
SNAP enrollment fell from 42.2 million in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May 2026.
Arizona had the largest drop, with participation falling by about 53%.
Other states with declines over 20% include Georgia (36.5%), Florida (22.2%), Louisiana (21.5%), and Nevada (23.1%).
New federal rules increased work requirements and reduced exemptions for some adults, including those aged 55 to 64.
Some states faced challenges implementing the new rules, causing administrative hurdles for applicants.
Fears of immigration enforcement may have led some eligible immigrants to avoid applying for benefits in states like Florida.
The stricter rules aim to encourage work and reduce government spending, but some argue they have caused eligible people to lose benefits.
SNAP is the largest federal nutrition program, helping over 35 million Americans pay for groceries monthly.
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A former Liberal Democrat candidate, David Campanale, is suing the party for religious discrimination after being removed as a candidate. The party has admitted discrimination but disagrees with Campanale’s demand for nearly £790,000 in damages, offering around £22,800 instead. The case is now before a court to decide the compensation amount.
Key Facts
David Campanale was selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Sutton and Cheam in 2021 but was removed in August 2023.
Campanale claims he faced discrimination because of his Christian beliefs, including being mocked and excluded from campaign activities.
The Liberal Democrats admitted to direct and indirect religious discrimination and acknowledged failing to address Campanale’s complaints.
Campanale is seeking about £790,000 in damages for emotional harm, lost earnings, pension loss, counseling, and loss of political chances.
The Liberal Democrats argue this amount is excessive and suggest around £22,800 is fair compensation, denying losses related to earnings and pension.
Campanale alleges his removal was part of an organized effort against him due to his faith.
Former senior Liberal Democrats and the former archbishop of Canterbury have criticized the party and called for an independent inquiry.
The Liberal Democrats said candidates may be deselected if their religious beliefs conflict with party values and denied discrimination was widespread.
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The Trump administration is asking the public for feedback on how vaccine recommendations are categorized. This review may lead to changes in categories used to guide who should get vaccines and under what conditions, which some experts worry could cause confusion.
Key Facts
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has asked for public comments on vaccine recommendation categories like routine, risk-based, and shared clinical decision-making.
The input will help decide if new or different categories should be created.
Normally, such vaccine decisions are made by experts at the CDC or its advisory committee, but this time HHS and a task force led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, are involved.
Experts say the current "shared clinical decision-making" category is confusing for the public.
Adding new categories might limit access to vaccines and increase confusion about who should get them.
The public has 30 days to submit comments on how vaccine recommendations should be evaluated, including how to handle limited scientific evidence.
This effort follows an executive order by President Donald Trump directing federal agencies to reduce vaccine recommendations.
Vaccine mandates are mostly decided by states or local governments, not federally.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has started a new federal program to help find people with autism if they go missing. The program will work together with the Department of Justice and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to improve how different groups respond to these situations.
Key Facts
HHS launched a new initiative focused on missing persons with autism.
The goal is to improve how quickly and effectively these cases are handled.
The program involves cooperation between HHS, the Department of Justice, and FEMA.
It aims to strengthen teamwork among emergency services like police and first responders.
This initiative is a federal effort to better protect people with autism.
The program focuses on preparedness and quick response when a person with autism is missing.
It recognizes that autistic individuals might need special considerations during searches.
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Lindsay Clancy did not testify in her murder trial before her defense team finished their case. A legal expert explained some reasons why a defendant might choose not to speak in court.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for murder.
Her defense team rested their case without her testifying.
A legal expert from CBS News explained possible reasons for this decision.
Defendants sometimes avoid testifying to prevent tough cross-examinations.
Not testifying does not mean the defendant is guilty or innocent.
The trial is ongoing or moving to the next phase after the defense rests.
Choosing to testify is a strategic decision made with lawyers’ advice.
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The Victorian Labor government in Australia has proposed a new plan to provide free dental care for all residents if they are re-elected. The plan includes opening 10 public dental clinics offering free checkups and treatments on a walk-in basis, aiming to help over 100,000 people per year.
Key Facts
The Victorian Labor government plans to spend $230 million to open 10 public dental clinics across the state.
Clinics will provide free dental services like checkups, fillings, root canals, and extractions.
Seven clinics will be in Melbourne and three in regional Victoria, open long hours including weekends.
Services will be offered on a walk-in basis, prioritizing urgent dental needs such as pain or injury.
Currently, free or low-cost dental care in Australia is mostly limited to certain groups like children and Indigenous people.
Most Australian adults pay for dental treatment out of pocket because Medicare does not cover dental care for most adults.
Rising dental costs have led some Australians to delay or skip treatment, causing worsening oral health.
This program is a state government initiative and it is unclear if the federal government will help fund it.
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President Donald Trump announced a 90-day plan to allow 300,000 metric tons of ground beef imports without tariffs to lower beef prices for Americans. Some Republicans and ranchers criticized this plan, saying it could hurt American cattle farmers by increasing competition from foreign beef.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to waive tariffs on imported ground beef for 90 days to reduce prices.
The imports capped at 300,000 metric tons must be sold at 25% below current market prices.
Beef prices have stayed high due to drought, limited cattle supply, and steady demand.
Some Republicans, including Senator Tim Sheehy and Representative Thomas Massie, oppose the plan, fearing harm to U.S. ranchers.
Critics argue the plan may hurt American farmers more than help by flooding the market with foreign beef.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association expressed disappointment with the decision.
President Trump has also imposed 50% tariffs on beef from Brazil, a major beef exporter.
The issue is politically sensitive ahead of midterm elections, with food costs impacting voter concerns.
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The Supreme Court has temporarily allowed construction on President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom to continue while a legal dispute is ongoing. This decision pauses any court orders that might have stopped the work until the case is fully resolved.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court issued a temporary stay in the case about President Trump’s White House ballroom.
The stay lets construction continue for now.
There is an ongoing legal challenge against the ballroom’s construction.
The stay pauses any previous orders that could have halted the project.
This is a temporary legal decision while the case is being decided.
CBS News reported the development with coverage by Jan Crawford, their chief legal correspondent.
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Ofcom, the UK media regulator, is investigating Sky News over claims by Nigel Farage that the broadcaster harassed his family by sending reporters to his adult daughter's home. Sky News denies contacting Farage's daughter and says it was trying to ask Farage questions about a large undeclared financial gift.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, accused Sky News of invading his family's privacy.
Reform UK made a formal complaint to Ofcom and asked Sky News to apologize on air.
Farage says Sky News reporters approached his daughter's home while he was out of the country.
Sky News says it did not speak to Farage’s daughter and only wanted to ask Farage about a £5 million gift he received before becoming an MP.
There is a separate parliamentary investigation into whether the £5 million gift followed the rules.
Farage warned Sky News not to harass his family further or face "serious consequences."
Ofcom treats complaints confidentially and does not confirm details publicly.
Ofcom aims to finish fairness and privacy investigations within 90 working days.
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A federal appeals court ruled that John Sarcone was not lawfully serving as the acting U.S. attorney in the Northern District of New York when he subpoenaed New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2025. The court found that Sarcone’s appointment did not follow federal law because he was not the first assistant U.S. attorney when the vacancy occurred. The Justice Department plans to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.
Key Facts
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit decided 2-1 that John Sarcone’s appointment as acting U.S. attorney was unlawful.
Sarcone subpoenaed Attorney General Letitia James in August 2025 as part of investigations involving the National Rifle Association and President Trump.
The Federal Vacancies Reform Act (FVRA) allows only the first assistant present when a vacancy arises to become the acting officer temporarily.
Sarcone was named first assistant months after the U.S. attorney position became vacant, so he did not qualify under FVRA.
Sarcone was initially appointed interim U.S. attorney in 2024 for 120 days, but district judges declined to keep him.
Then-Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Sarcone as a "special attorney" and first assistant, aiming to extend his role under a different law.
A lower court previously ruled that Sarcone was not lawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney, voiding his actions taken in that role.
The Justice Department plans to appeal the ruling directly to the Supreme Court.
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