The U.S. Army is ending the drone warfare mission of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Europe and returning it to a traditional infantry role. This change was directed by Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s acting chief of staff, amid a wider Army reshuffling.
Key Facts
The 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Italy and Germany, had a battalion focused on building and using drones in warfare.
This drone unit was created in November 2025 with about 600 soldiers specialized in drone tactics inspired by Ukraine’s use of drones against Russia.
Gen. LaNeve ordered the return of the battalion to regular airborne infantry duties.
The shift follows the removal of Gen. Randy George and leadership changes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The drone unit will finish its ongoing exercises in Germany before ending its drone experiments.
The Army will use the unit’s drone-related findings to help shape future Army strategies and technology.
The 173rd Brigade also experimented with artificial intelligence and drones resistant to jamming.
Despite threats from Iranian drone attacks on U.S. forces, the Army decided to refocus the brigade on traditional infantry roles.
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President Donald Trump’s administration is ending summer gasoline rules earlier than usual to help lower high gas prices. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allowed sales of gasoline that can evaporate more starting September 1, instead of the usual mid-September date.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is lifting summer gasoline smog restrictions early this year.
The goal is to reduce high gasoline prices for consumers.
The EPA issued a waiver on Thursday to make this change.
Gasoline with a higher evaporation potential can be sold starting September 1.
Normally, these rules last until mid-September before changing.
Higher evaporation gasoline is usually allowed when there is less risk of smog.
This change aims to help with gasoline supply and prices in the short term.
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A 21-year-old recent college graduate, Rahil Prakash, created a website called Median Strategies that published fake election polls for states like Wisconsin, Nevada, and California. The website closed after a reporter questioned its legitimacy, and Prakash said the project was meant to show how easily false poll information can spread in politics.
Key Facts
Rahil Prakash, age 21, ran the anonymous polling website Median Strategies.
The website published fake election poll results in multiple states, including Wisconsin, Nevada, and California.
Median Strategies shut down after reporters investigated its polling practices.
Prakash described the project as a "short-term social experiment" using fake polls to test how quickly false information spreads.
Some real politicians and media cited the fake polls without verifying them first.
Prakash created the site alone using artificial intelligence technology.
He apologized to candidates affected by the false polls, such as Karen Bass and Nithya Raman.
Median Strategies was not funded by any campaigns or outside groups, and Prakash did not gain financially.
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National Geographic, together with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, released a three-part documentary series called 9/11: Reunited to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The series brings together survivors who shared experiences during the attacks to reflect on their bonds and the long-term effects of that day.
Key Facts
The documentary focuses on survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and reunites them after 25 years.
Julian Jones directed the series; he previously worked on another 9/11 documentary in 2021.
The series highlights acts of selflessness and heroism during and after the attacks.
Survivors discuss unanswered questions and remember those who died.
The documentary also explores the ongoing physical and psychological challenges faced by survivors.
Care was taken in selecting archival footage to be respectful and avoid showing graphic images.
Key people featured include John Paczkowski, George Phoenix, and Jan Demczur, who were together in the North Tower during the attacks.
The series aims to show the story that began on 9/11 continued on 9/12 and beyond, focusing on the survivors' life journeys.
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The trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her three children, is ongoing. Closing arguments in the case are expected to take place next week.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the deaths of her three children.
She has admitted to killing her children.
The trial has lasted at least 17 days.
Day 17 of the trial ended early on a Thursday.
Closing arguments are scheduled for next week.
The case is being reported by CBS News with correspondent Shanelle Kaul.
The events are happening in Massachusetts.
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President Donald Trump and his former lawyer Michael Cohen spoke publicly together for the first time in eight years. This conversation may suggest their relationship is improving after a long period of silence.
Key Facts
President Trump and Michael Cohen had not talked publicly for eight years before this event.
Michael Cohen was once a close lawyer and fixer for President Trump.
The conversation took place in a public setting, marking a significant moment in their relationship.
This is the first time reporters have witnessed a discussion between the two in many years.
The event was covered by CBS News with reporter Olivia Rinaldi providing updates.
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Federal authorities are investigating Congressman Eric Swalwell for alleged sexual misconduct. The FBI took his electronic devices after getting search warrants as part of this investigation.
Key Facts
The FBI is involved in investigating Eric Swalwell.
Authorities served search warrants to collect his electronic devices.
The investigation focuses on alleged sexual misconduct.
Most sex crime cases are usually handled by state and local authorities.
Federal authorities sometimes get involved in special circumstances.
CBS News legal expert Jessica Levinson provided analysis on the case.
The investigation is ongoing, with details still being developed.
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Ameshia Cross, a Democratic strategist who worked on the Obama-Biden 2012 campaign, spoke about the growing presence of democratic socialists in the Democratic Party. She also discussed how the party plans to approach the 2026 midterm elections amid internal differences.
Key Facts
Ameshia Cross is a former communications adviser for the Obama-Biden 2012 campaign.
She talked about the rise of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party.
The Democratic Party includes both centrists and democratic socialists who have some different views.
Cross shared insights on the party’s strategy for the 2026 midterm elections.
The conversation took place on CBS News.
The focus was on how Democrats handle internal divisions going forward.
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The FBI arrested Jessica Bowie, a woman from Albany, New York, who allegedly planned to bomb the state capitol building to kill lawmakers. She is charged with supporting the Islamic State terrorist group and was caught with fake bomb materials supplied by undercover agents.
Key Facts
Jessica Bowie, 35, was arrested for planning to bomb the New York state capitol in Albany.
She pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) and is charged with supporting a foreign terrorist group.
Bowie had visited the capitol building at least five times to watch and plan her attack.
FBI agents gave her fake bomb parts and $200 to buy materials like nails, which she wanted to use as shrapnel.
She planned to hide the bomb in a food delivery bag during the attack.
Bowie was carrying knives and a written pledge to IS when arrested.
She frequently used social media to spread anti-American messages and praised the 9/11 terror attacks.
Bowie said she converted to Islam about five years ago and described a change in her beliefs since 9/11.
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A man wearing a Darth Vader costume spoke to the San Diego City Council to support the use of Flock cameras, which are surveillance cameras in the city. He made his remarks during a public safety committee meeting.
Key Facts
The man was dressed as Darth Vader, a character from Star Wars.
He spoke at a San Diego City Council Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee meeting.
He defended the use of Flock cameras, which are used for surveillance.
He said, “this is what the emperor needs,” referring to Darth Vader’s role.
The event happened on a Wednesday.
Flock cameras are a type of security camera used for monitoring neighborhoods.
The meeting included discussions about public safety.
The man’s costume and comments were part of his way to support the cameras.
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The U.S. national debt has reached a record $40 trillion, doubling in under 10 years. The Trump administration is also working to get other countries to reduce their economic relationships with Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. national debt hit $40 trillion for the first time.
This debt number has doubled in less than 10 years.
The Trump administration is actively pressuring other countries.
The goal is to encourage nations to cut economic ties with Iran.
The information was shared during a CBS News program called The Takeout with Major Garrett.
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The latest Gallup survey shows that 54 percent of Americans say they drink alcohol, which is the lowest rate recorded since 1939. This percentage has stayed the same for the past two years, indicating that alcohol use among Americans remains historically low.
Key Facts
A Gallup survey was released showing alcohol consumption rates in the U.S.
54 percent of Americans reported drinking alcohol.
This is the lowest reported rate since Gallup began tracking in 1939.
The rate has stayed steady for two years in a row.
The data suggests that fewer Americans are drinking alcohol today compared to past decades.
The survey is based on self-reported drinking habits.
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First Lady Melania Trump announced a new scholarship program for foster children. The scholarships are supported by a $2 million donation from IndyCar and Fox Corporation for Indiana and Purdue Universities.
Key Facts
Melania Trump made the announcement on a Thursday.
The scholarships are for children in foster care.
IndyCar and Fox Corporation donated $2 million to fund the scholarships.
The scholarships will be used at Indiana University and Purdue University.
The program aims to support foster children who are students.
This initiative was announced before an IndyCar event in Washington, D.C.
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The Justice Department is investigating possible wrongdoing linked to the FBI’s 2022 search of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Investigators have asked law enforcement officials for voluntary interviews as part of a broader inquiry that also looks at past events related to the 2016 election.
Key Facts
The investigation focuses on the 2022 FBI search of President Trump’s Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago.
Law enforcement officials have been asked for voluntary interviews about the search and related matters.
The inquiry is connected to a larger investigation about alleged conspiracies involving President Trump.
The probe also examines events tied to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump was indicted in 2023 on charges about classified documents but the case was dismissed by a judge he appointed.
The Justice Department investigation is led by prosecutor Joe diGenova since April 2026.
Congressional Republicans have questioned the justification for the Mar-a-Lago search.
It is unclear if or when charges will be filed in the current investigation.
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A man who says he worked as a spy for the CIA and helped catch al Qaeda terrorists after 9/11 is now facing deportation by U.S. immigration authorities. He had been allowed to stay in the U.S. because of his work but the Trump administration is trying to deport him.
Key Facts
The man describes himself as a CIA spy who worked undercover.
He infiltrated the terrorist group al Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks.
His intelligence helped convict terrorists.
Because of his work, he was granted permission to live in the U.S.
The Trump administration is now trying to deport him through ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
The situation has drawn media attention, including coverage by CBS News.
The case involves U.S. government decisions on immigration and national security.
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Federal agents took electronic devices from former Representative Eric Swalwell and searched his home in Washington. This was part of an investigation into claims of sexual misconduct against him.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell is a former Democratic congressman from California.
Agents took his devices at the San Francisco airport on a Saturday.
They searched his Washington home the next day under a search warrant.
The investigation concerns allegations of sexual misconduct.
Swalwell has denied any sexual assault or misconduct.
The information came from a person familiar with the case who spoke anonymously.
Attorneys for Swalwell were contacted but did not immediately comment.
The Daily Mail was the first to report the seizure of Swalwell’s devices.
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A man named José Mejía Hernandez was arrested by U.S. immigration agents in Virginia and suffered a brain injury and severe bruising. He was hospitalized, fitted with an ankle monitor, and is now facing immigration court.
Key Facts
José Mejía Hernandez, 45, was arrested by ICE agents in Arlington, Virginia, on August 11.
He was chased by agents and reported being hit by a stun gun during the arrest.
Mejía Hernandez suffered a brain bleed, traumatic brain injury, and extensive bruising on his face and body.
He was hospitalized for several days and later fitted with an ankle monitor.
He needed an MRI scan, which was delayed because he had to remove the ankle monitor under ICE supervision.
DHS said he tried to flee, necessitating the use of force, but denied he lost consciousness.
Mejía Hernandez is from Mexico and is in the U.S. without authorization; he is now in removal proceedings.
His lawyer claims the agents used excessive force without justification.
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Senator Bernie Sanders supports Angie Nixon for the U.S. Senate seat from Florida. Nixon won the Democratic primary despite having much less campaign funding than her opponent.
Key Facts
Bernie Sanders is a U.S. Senator from Vermont.
Angie Nixon is a Florida state representative.
Nixon won the Democratic primary for the Florida Senate race.
She defeated opponents who spent over 16 times more money on their campaigns.
Sanders praised Nixon for her victory against well-funded candidates.
The race is for a U.S. Senate seat representing Florida.
Sanders’ endorsement highlights his support for progressive candidates.
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The US government has added new sanctions against nine Cuban state-owned mining, metal, and construction companies, as well as three officials from a Cuban international relations group. These sanctions aim to pressure Cuba’s government, which the US sees as repressive, by targeting key sectors of its economy.
Key Facts
The US Treasury Department sanctioned nine Cuban state-owned companies in mining, metal, and construction sectors.
Cuba’s Ministry of Construction and government-controlled import firms are included in the sanctions.
Three leaders from the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), an organization promoting Cuba’s international relations, were also sanctioned.
The US government says these companies and officials support Cuba’s regime and repress its people.
The sanctions are part of President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign to weaken Cuba’s socialist government.
Since January, the Trump administration has blocked Cuba’s fuel supply by cutting off oil from Venezuela and threatening other countries with tariffs.
These actions have caused energy shortages and lack of essential goods in Cuba, raising concerns from United Nations officials about a possible humanitarian crisis.
President Trump has indicated plans for regime change in Cuba after the US-Israeli conflict with Iran ends.
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Hundreds of people gathered outside a Massachusetts courthouse to support Lindsay Clancy, who is on trial for killing her three children. Her lawyer says she was mentally ill and should not be held responsible for the crime.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for killing her three children.
About 300 supporters, mostly women wearing pink, held a rally outside the courthouse.
Supporters wanted to raise awareness about how mental health services treat women.
Clancy's lawyer says she had postpartum psychosis, a rare illness after childbirth involving stress and hormonal changes.
Clancy also has bipolar disorder, according to her attorney.
The lawyer does not deny she killed the children but argues she was not criminally responsible.
After the killings, Clancy tried to kill herself by jumping from a second-story window and is now paralyzed from the waist down.
The trial is livestreamed, leading to many discussions online about postpartum psychosis.
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