Labour party members John McDonnell and Apsana Begum have rejoined the party after being suspended for voting against the two-child benefit cap. Six out of seven MPs who were suspended for their stance on this issue have returned to Labour. The cap limits benefits for families with more than two children and has been a point of contention within the party.
Key Facts
John McDonnell and Apsana Begum were readmitted to the Labour Party after being suspended for opposing the two-child benefit cap.
The benefit cap prevents families from claiming Universal Credit or child tax credit for more than two children.
Six of seven suspended Labour MPs have been allowed back into the party.
Zarah Sultana, another suspended MP, left Labour to start a new party with former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The Labour Party is considering changes to the cap policy after some internal pushback and public pressure.
The government's introduction of the cap in 2017 aimed to limit benefits and reduce spending.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson mentioned that removing the cap could be part of Labour's future plans.
The two-child benefit cap is a significant issue in ongoing political discussions and Labour's conferences.
The late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will return to being broadcast on Nexstar and Sinclair stations. These stations had previously stopped airing the show but have now decided to resume, stating commitments to free speech and community interests. This decision follows a brief suspension by ABC and has led to discussions about censorship and media independence.
Key Facts
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will be back on Nexstar and Sinclair stations.
The show was previously suspended by ABC.
Nexstar and Sinclair own or operate 70 ABC affiliate stations in the U.S.
Nexstar stated they support both free speech and fact-based news.
Sinclair emphasized their focus on community standards and national programming.
There was no government pressure reported in the decision to stop airing the show.
The situation stirred talks about censorship and media independence.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is changing how beneficiaries receive payments by ending paper checks after September 30. Recipients must switch to direct deposit or a payment debit card. This change affects more than 500,000 people who currently receive checks.
Key Facts
After September 30, Social Security will no longer send out paper checks.
Recipients must switch to direct deposit or use a payment debit card.
About 70 million people get Social Security payments, but only around 0.8% still receive checks.
The change will save the U.S. government money because electronic payments are cheaper to issue.
Recipients can manage their payment switch through their "my Social Security" account or by calling specific numbers for help.
The switch was mandated by an Executive Order from March 2025 aiming for all federal payments to be electronic.
The SSA is working to inform affected recipients about how to switch their payment method.
Maryland’s Online Data Privacy Act of 2024 will start on October 1. This law will change how companies collect, use, and sell personal data from people in Maryland. It aims to give people more control over their information, such as allowing them to access, delete, and opt-out of data use practices.
Key Facts
Maryland's new data privacy law takes effect on October 1, 2024.
The law limits how companies can sell and use personal data, especially for those under 18.
Companies must handle data from at least 35,000 Maryland residents or earn 20% of revenue from selling data to be affected.
The Maryland Attorney General will enforce the law.
This act is part of a trend with other states making similar laws.
The law gives people rights to access, delete, and opt out of certain data practices.
Maryland is the seventeenth state to enact such a comprehensive consumer data privacy law.
An opinion article on the conservative website The Daily Caller has sparked backlash for advocating violence in response to perceived political injustices. The article calls for violent responses to political issues and criticizes both Democrats and Republicans, suggesting that political corruption needs to be met with force.
Key Facts
The Daily Caller published an opinion piece titled “Enough Is Enough … I Choose VIOLENCE.”
Geoffrey Ingersoll wrote the article, which has attracted criticism on social media.
The article suggests that violent actions should be taken against political figures and the system.
It comments on recent political violence, referencing the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Ingersoll claims the legal system is corrupt and that violence is a necessary response.
The article criticizes both Democratic and Republican politicians, describing them as corrupt.
The Daily Caller stated the article does not advocate for violence due to political disagreement.
The piece has drawn attention and condemnation from commentators and political figures.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the soldiers involved in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre will keep their medals. This decision goes against efforts by some lawmakers to revoke these medals due to the historical significance of the massacre. The U.S. Army had awarded 20 soldiers medals after they killed many Lakota Sioux, including women and children.
Key Facts
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth decided the soldiers' medals will not be revoked.
The medals were awarded for actions in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre.
Around 250 Lakota Sioux, including unarmed women and children, were killed.
Some lawmakers had pushed for the medals to be rescinded.
Congress apologized to Wounded Knee descendants in 1990 but did not revoke the medals.
Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had ordered a review of the medals in 2024.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe plans to respond to Hegseth’s decision.
Historians and some officials criticized the decision to keep the medals.
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged former FBI director James Comey with perjury related to a 2020 Congressional testimony. The charges come as Comey is accused of making false statements about authorizing media leaks regarding FBI investigations. This indictment revives public attention to Comey's significant role in events from the 2016 election and his subsequent firing by President Trump.
Key Facts
James Comey, former FBI director, is charged with perjury.
The indictment relates to Comey's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020.
The charges allege Comey lied about not authorizing leaks to the media.
The indictment, described as brief, does not specify which exact statements are false.
Comey previously gained prominence during the 2016 presidential election over the Hillary Clinton email investigation.
President Donald Trump fired Comey in 2017 while Comey was leading an investigation into Russian election interference.
The statute of limitations for charging Comey based on the 2020 testimony would have expired in a week.
The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to keep nearly $5 billion in foreign aid frozen, which Congress had already approved. The decision favored Trump's authority over foreign affairs but left the funds' future uncertain as legal battles continue.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court extended an order to keep about $5 billion in foreign aid frozen.
President Trump decided not to spend the money, using an authority last employed about 50 years ago.
Congress had already approved this money, and Trump's decision bypassed the legislative branch.
A U.S. District Judge said the maneuver was likely illegal.
The Supreme Court's decision is not final but keeps the funds frozen during ongoing legal proceedings.
Justice Elena Kagan and two other justices dissented, expressing concern that the aid may never reach its intended recipients.
The administration will spend another $6.5 billion in aid before the fiscal year's end.
The case continues in lower courts, but for now, the $4.9 billion is unlikely to be spent.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa, claiming he is a fugitive from Guyana with a deportation order. Roberts was found with a gun and other items after initially fleeing from agents. The school board has appointed an interim superintendent to ensure the school district continues to run smoothly.
Key Facts
Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested by ICE.
ICE claims that Roberts is an undocumented immigrant from Guyana with an active deportation order.
Roberts reportedly attempted to escape from ICE agents before being captured.
He was found with a loaded gun, a hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash.
The school board has appointed Matt Smith as the interim superintendent following Roberts' detention.
ICE states Roberts was driving a school district vehicle at the time of his arrest.
The school district has over 30,000 students, making it the largest in Iowa.
A federal judge in Arizona temporarily stopped the Trump administration from deporting Guatemalan and Honduran children who entered the U.S. alone. The decision provides extended protections for these children, many of whom are in shelters or foster care. This case was initiated by the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project on behalf of 69 children.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Arizona issued an order to stop deportations of migrant children.
The order affects children from Guatemala and Honduras who came to the U.S. without parents.
The children are aged between 3 and 17 years old.
U.S. District Judge Rosemary Márquez questioned the government's coordination with parents.
This decision extends protections that were initially temporary.
The case was filed by the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project.
Many of the children are currently in shelters or foster care.
Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it would bring back "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to its local TV stations after it was taken off the air for more than a week. The show was initially suspended due to comments made by Kimmel regarding a suspect in a high-profile case. Sinclair stated it received feedback from viewers and community leaders and decided to reinstate the program.
Key Facts
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was suspended from Sinclair stations due to comments Kimmel made.
The suspension followed threats from the Federal Communications Commission.
Disney, which owns ABC, initially halted Kimmel's show on September 17.
This action led to backlash, including a boycott by some Disney consumers.
Over 6 million viewers watched the show when it returned nationally.
Sinclair received feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders before restoring the show.
Sinclair operates ABC stations in 30 markets across the U.S.
Next week, federal agents from 13 U.S. agencies, including the FBI and DEA, will arrive in Memphis, Tennessee as part of a crime crackdown. The National Guard will also support the effort, though they won't make arrests or carry weapons unless requested. The operation aims to reduce crime in the city through a phased plan over the coming weeks and months.
Key Facts
Federal agents from 13 U.S. agencies will be deployed in Memphis starting next week.
Agencies involved include the FBI, DEA, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
300 troopers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be part of the operation.
The National Guard will support but not make arrests or carry weapons unless asked by local police.
The operation will unfold in phases over weeks and months.
Memphis officials have launched a website to update residents on the federal support.
The initiative is a response to high violent crime levels in Memphis.
President Trump signed a memorandum for federal intervention, similar to actions in other cities.
Sinclair Broadcast Group will resume airing Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show on its ABC affiliate stations after a brief blackout. This decision follows controversy over Kimmel's comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's killing. Sinclair had suspended the show due to these remarks amid calls for Kimmel to apologize.
Key Facts
Sinclair Broadcast Group is bringing back Jimmy Kimmel’s show on its ABC stations starting Friday.
The show was previously blacked out due to Kimmel's comments following the death of Charlie Kirk.
Disney-owned ABC suspended Kimmel on September 17 after concerns from the FCC.
Sinclair operates 38 ABC affiliate stations across the U.S.
Sinclair had asked Kimmel to apologize and donate to Turning Point USA, Kirk’s nonprofit.
The blackout led to discussions about free speech and media influence in the U.S.
Sinclair stated that the decision to preempt the show was made independently of government influence.
Former FBI Director James Comey faces charges for allegedly lying to Congress about a leak of classified information. President Donald Trump commented on the indictment, stating there could be more such cases in the future, though he did not mention any specific names.
Key Facts
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for making false statements to Congress.
The charges relate to allegations that Comey lied about authorizing a leak of classified information to the media in 2020.
President Donald Trump spoke to reporters about the indictment and suggested more individuals might face similar charges.
Trump did not provide any specific names or a list of who else could be indicted.
The allegations against Comey involve giving false testimony to a Senate committee.
The article discusses the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and explores its implications for the independence of the Department of Justice (DOJ). NPR's Ari Shapiro interviews journalist Carol Leonnig to gain insights into the potential impact on the DOJ's functioning.
Key Facts
James Comey, a former FBI Director, has been indicted.
The focus is on how this indictment might affect the independence of the DOJ.
NPR's Ari Shapiro leads a discussion with journalist Carol Leonnig on this topic.
The discussion aims to understand the potential impact on the DOJ.
An Ohio tattoo artist has been helping people for ten years by covering scars from painful experiences with tattoos. This artist turns these scars into creative artwork.
Key Facts
The tattoo artist is based in Ohio.
The artist has been working on this for ten years.
Their work involves covering traumatic scars with tattoos.
The focus is to help people with scars from difficult experiences.
The story was shared on a segment from a national radio program.
The article discusses the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey as part of President Trump's efforts to alter the Department of Justice. This is seen as a significant change in how the DOJ operates.
Key Facts
Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted.
The indictment is linked to President Trump's attempts to change the Department of Justice.
This situation represents a major shift in the operations of the DOJ.
The changes are happening during President Trump's administration.
The topic was covered in an NPR broadcast titled "All Things Considered."
Health officials have recalled pasta products sold at Walmart and Kroger due to contamination with Listeria bacteria. The recall targets Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs, manufactured by FreshRealm, and follows past recalls related to chicken fettuccine alfredo linked to Listeria, which resulted in several illnesses and deaths.
Key Facts
Pasta products from Walmart and Kroger are recalled due to Listeria contamination.
The recall targets Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs produced by FreshRealm.
Listeria can cause mild to severe illness, including fever and muscle aches.
The USDA issued a health alert for the affected pasta meals.
Previously, chicken fettuccine alfredo was linked to Listeria, causing three deaths and one pregnancy loss.
The affected pasta meals have specific use-by dates in September and October 2025.
The FDA and USDA continue to monitor and investigate the contamination sources.
The U.S. Transportation Department plans to make it tougher for immigrants to get commercial driver's licenses after some crashes were linked to unqualified drivers. New rules will allow only certain visa holders to apply, and licenses will be valid for a maximum of one year. States must ensure compliance or face losing federal funding.
Key Facts
New rules limit commercial driver's licenses to certain visa types: H-2a, H-2b, and E-2.
States must verify applicants' immigration status through a federal database.
Licenses for noncitizens will be valid for up to one year or until the visa expires.
The Transportation Department initiated these changes after crashes in Florida, Texas, and Alabama.
California may lose $160 million in federal funding if it doesn't audit and adjust its license program.
Previous threats involved pulling funds over states not enforcing English proficiency rules for truckers.
The changes won't affect existing licenses until they are up for renewal.
Only about 5% of all commercial licenses are held by noncitizens affected by the new rules.
The Tennessee governor announced more federal agents will come to Memphis to help fight crime. The plan includes National Guard troops from Tennessee who will support local police but will not make arrests or be armed unless needed. This move involves cooperation between multiple federal and state agencies.
Key Facts
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a crime-fighting plan involving National Guard troops in Memphis.
The troops will support local law enforcement and be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service.
The National Guard will not make arrests and will only be armed if requested by local officials.
The initiative involves 13 federal agencies and will include agents from the FBI, ATF, and DEA.
Approximately 150 National Guard members may be deployed, though the exact number is not confirmed.
The state of Tennessee will provide $100 million for public safety and 300 state troopers to assist in Memphis.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young acknowledged the need for resources to effectively reduce crime.
The plan aims for long-term improvement in safety and security in Memphis.
