A new bill in the U.S. Congress aims to let people use on-time rent, utilities, and other bill payments to boost their credit scores. The Credit Access and Inclusion Act has bipartisan support and seeks to help those with little or no credit history gain better financial opportunities by including more types of payments in credit reports.
Key Facts
The bill was introduced by Rep. Young Kim (Republican, California) and Rep. Janelle Bynum (Democrat, Oregon).
It allows the inclusion of rent, internet, phone, electricity, and utility payments in credit histories.
Around 26 million Americans are considered "credit invisible," meaning they have little or no credit history.
The bill would let landlords and utility companies report on-time payments to credit agencies.
Consumers can choose to opt out of reporting these payments.
Utility companies cannot report late payments if a customer is in a repayment or debt forgiveness program.
A federal study will be conducted to evaluate the impact of the expanded credit reporting.
The bill's bipartisan support increases its chance of being approved.
A video of a student painting over a mural of Charlie Kirk at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, has become popular online. The incident comes after Kirk, a conservative activist, was recently shot and killed during a speech. The university stated that the rock where the mural was painted is meant for free expression and is not a memorial.
Key Facts
A student painted over a Charlie Kirk mural at UNCW, sparking online attention.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist who was recently killed during a speech.
The university’s spirit rock is a place for free expression, not a memorial.
The painting over the mural led to debates about free speech and political divisions.
UNCW allows painted messages to stay for 24 hours before they can be painted over.
No charges were filed in relation to the incident.
The event has prompted calls from conservatives for student expulsions, which UNCW has not confirmed.
A memorial for Kirk by Turning Point USA is scheduled in Arizona.
New York State's audit discovered it possibly overpaid $2.7 billion in Medicaid managed care premiums for people who may have moved out of the state. The audit revealed issues in identifying out-of-state Medicaid members, with some already corrected by the New York Department of Health. This comes amid increased attention on Medicaid spending and efficiency.
Key Facts
New York State's audit found a potential overpayment of $2.7 billion in Medicaid premiums.
The audit was conducted by the State Comptroller's Office, led by Thomas P. DiNapoli.
The audit highlighted problems in tracking Medicaid members living outside New York.
Some issues have been fixed by the New York Department of Health during the audit.
The Department did not use the PARIS data system for out-of-state checks until 2017, three years late.
From 2017 to 2019, $1.5 billion in premiums was paid without verifying member residency.
Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania accounted for 35% of these out-of-state member payments.
The focus on Medicaid efficiency has been a national issue since President Donald Trump's administration.
Former CDC Director Susan Monarez warned the U.S. Senate that the public health system is in danger under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team. Monarez and former CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry expressed concerns that diseases like polio and whooping cough might return due to decisions made by Kennedy and his advisers.
Key Facts
Susan Monarez, a former CDC director, spoke to U.S. senators about concerns in the public health system.
Monarez warned that diseases like polio and whooping cough could reappear in the U.S.
She attributed this risk to anti-vaccine advice from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team.
Monarez was dismissed from her CDC role after 29 days due to disagreements with Kennedy.
Debra Houry, another former CDC official, joined Monarez in expressing these concerns.
Kennedy and his team reportedly dismissed data that shows vaccines are safe.
The meeting was part of a Senate hearing about transparency at the CDC.
Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Republican secretary of state known for rejecting Donald Trump's request to overturn the 2020 election results, announced his candidacy for governor in 2026. Despite not currently having the full support of his party, he plans to run a strong conservative campaign. Two other major Republicans and several Democrats are also in the race.
Key Facts
Brad Raffensperger served as Georgia's secretary of state and refused to alter the 2020 election results in Trump's favor.
He announced he will run for governor of Georgia in 2026.
The Republican Party in Georgia previously moved to restrict Raffensperger from running under its banner, although this effort may not succeed.
Other Republican candidates include Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr.
Major Democratic candidates include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Sen. Jason Esteves.
Raffensperger promises to eliminate state income tax and cap property taxes for seniors.
He plans to oppose certain educational and healthcare policies in what he calls a "bold conservative agenda."
Raffensperger has gained national attention despite starting his campaign later than others.
Newsweek published maps showing which U.S. states are most and least religious using data from the Pew Research Center's Religious Landscape Study. Mississippi is the most religious state, while Vermont is the least. These findings highlight differences in religious affiliation across different states.
Key Facts
Newsweek's maps show the most and least religious U.S. states.
The maps are based on Pew's 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study.
Mississippi has the highest percentage of "highly religious" adults at 50%.
Vermont has the lowest percentage with 13% of adults being "highly religious".
Religious involvement impacts voting, education, and social services in the U.S.
Regular worship attendees typically have higher fertility rates.
Pew's study surveyed 36,908 people across the U.S. from July 2023 to March 2024.
"Highly religious" classifications combine prayer, belief in God, importance of religion, and religious service attendance.
A student at Texas State University is no longer enrolled after creating a video that mocked the death of Charlie Kirk, which went viral. The decision follows pressure from Texas Governor Greg Abbott to expel the student, highlighting ongoing discussions about free speech and acceptable behavior in educational settings. The university has not confirmed whether the student was expelled or withdrew voluntarily.
Key Facts
A Texas State University student made a viral video mocking Charlie Kirk's death.
The university president stated that the student is no longer enrolled.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott urged the university to expel the student, and later confirmed that the student was expelled.
The university cited laws preventing them from commenting on individual student conduct.
The incident is part of a larger conversation on free speech and acceptable behavior.
There have been multiple cases of disciplinary actions nationwide related to posts about Charlie Kirk's death.
The university president urged for a calm and measured response and dialogue.
A website encourages people to report those who celebrate Kirk's death.
In recent months, the U.S. has seen a decrease in new clean energy projects like solar and wind power. This decline comes after changes in federal policy under the Trump administration, which removed support for these types of energy projects. The changes have caused uncertainty for the clean power industry.
Key Facts
Clean energy projects in the U.S. have decreased recently.
There have been fewer agreements to buy clean energy in early 2025 compared to the previous year.
Wind power and battery storage announcements dropped by about 90% from the first to the second quarter of the year.
The Trump administration has taken steps to reduce federal support for clean energy, such as removing tax incentives.
Federal policy changes halted the construction of offshore wind projects and limited renewable energy on public land.
Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, expressed concerns about the impact of political changes on clean energy investment.
Grumet will speak at a Newsweek event during Climate Week NYC.
Grumet has previously led bipartisan energy policy efforts and is an advocate for reducing political conflict in energy discussions.
A new vaccine advisory committee led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will meet this week to discuss possible changes to recommendations for vaccines against COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 18, in Atlanta, and the agenda details are still unclear. The Department of Health and Human Services has appointed five new members to the committee.
Key Facts
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a new vaccine advisory committee.
The committee will meet to discuss vaccines for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox.
The meeting is set for Thursday, September 18, at 10 a.m. EDT.
The exact issues for the vote are not specified yet.
Five new appointments were made to the committee this week.
The meeting will take place in Atlanta.
Some public health experts are concerned about the potential impact of these discussions on public perception of vaccines.
Representatives Ilhan Omar and Nancy Mace got into an online argument about an attempt to censure Omar over comments related to Charlie Kirk. Omar said she didn't make the comments Mace accused her of and claimed Mace had no evidence. Mace responded by proposing a resolution to censure Omar and remove her from committee assignments.
Key Facts
Ilhan Omar and Nancy Mace are U.S. Representatives.
Omar is a Democrat from Minnesota; Mace is a Republican from South Carolina.
The argument started on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Mace seeks to censure Omar for allegedly celebrating a murder, although Omar denies making such comments.
Omar claims Mace's resolution does not include any quotes from her.
Omar argues that she has condemned political violence consistently.
Mace's resolution aims to strip Omar of her committee roles.
Omar responded to Mace’s comments by stating she would remain in Congress regardless of the resolution.
A senior rescue dog named Roger, adopted by Britt from Philadelphia, was taken to a veterinary clinic for surgery. Roger, previously abandoned and having faced a difficult life, was scared and confused at the clinic. After a successful surgery, Britt shared her concerns and joy through a TikTok video, highlighting the challenges and rewards of adopting senior dogs.
Key Facts
Roger is a senior rescue dog adopted by a pet owner named Britt from Philadelphia.
Britt shared the story of Roger's adoption and his surgery experience on TikTok.
Roger was left scared and confused at the veterinary clinic because he thought he might be returned to a shelter.
The dog had anxiety issues due to past abuse and neglect before Britt adopted him.
Britt was emotional about leaving Roger for surgery, fearing he might feel abandoned again.
After his surgery, Roger did well and returned home, where Britt showered him with love and care.
Britt regularly shares updates and advocates for adopting senior shelter dogs on her TikTok account.
A man named David Pittman, convicted of murdering his wife’s family and committing arson in Florida in 1990, is scheduled to be executed. This will mark the 12th execution in Florida in 2025, a record under Governor Ron DeSantis. Pittman's final appeal, which highlighted his intellectual disabilities, was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Key Facts
David Pittman was convicted of the 1990 murders of his estranged wife’s sister and parents.
He is set for execution by lethal injection at Florida State Prison.
This will be Florida's 12th execution in 2025, the most under Governor Ron DeSantis.
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Pittman's final appeal, which cited his intellectual disabilities.
Jurors found Pittman guilty of three counts of first-degree murder, arson, and grand theft.
His execution comes after contentious divorce proceedings during which he threatened his wife’s family.
The Florida Supreme Court ruled that claims of intellectual disability could not be used after the fact.
Pittman has been on death row since his conviction in 1991.
A bomb robot was brought to the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, due to a suspicious bag. This comes shortly after the co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University. Police stated there is no threat linked to the suspicious bag incident.
Key Facts
A bomb robot was deployed at the TPUSA headquarters in Phoenix.
TPUSA's co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was recently shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
People are gathering at the headquarters to mourn Kirk's death.
A suspicious bag was found outside the TPUSA facility.
Police secured the area with tape and had law enforcement vehicles present.
Phoenix Police confirmed there is no known threat related to the bag.
A funeral for Kirk is planned at State Farm Stadium, Arizona, on Sunday.
Charlie Kirk was a leader in the conservative youth movement. He passed away on September 10, 2025. The article also discusses Nick Fuentes, a conservative commentator and rival to Kirk.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was a notable figure in the conservative youth movement.
Kirk passed away on September 10, 2025.
Robert Draper, a New York Times reporter, talks about Kirk's impact and history.
Nick Fuentes is mentioned as a rival to Charlie Kirk.
Nick Fuentes has a significant following as a conservative commentator.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court temporarily stopped a plan to include Bible lessons in public school social studies. The decision came after parents and teachers said the plan violated the separation of church and state. Concerns were also raised about whether proper procedures were followed in approving the new standards.
Key Facts
The Oklahoma Supreme Court is primarily made up of justices appointed by Republican governors.
The Court paused the integration of a Bible-based curriculum and halted new social studies standards.
Plaintiffs say the new standards are unconstitutional by advocating Christian beliefs in public schools.
The Court ruled 5-2 to maintain the 2019 social studies standards for now.
Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters supports the integration of Bible lessons.
Walters argues that traditional values are under attack and criticizes the Court's decision.
A separate lawsuit claims the Board of Education did not follow open-meeting rules when adopting the 2025 standards.
The revised standards mention controversial topics like the 2020 election and the COVID-19 origin.
Former CDC Director Susan Monarez testified before a Senate committee, explaining that she was fired for not complying with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s directives on vaccine recommendations and personnel changes at the CDC. She emphasized that vaccine policy should be based on evidence and science, and described her disagreements with Kennedy.
Key Facts
Susan Monarez, the former CDC director, testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
She claimed she was fired for not following Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s orders to pre-approve vaccine recommendations and fire CDC career scientists.
Monarez said she believed vaccine policies should follow scientific evidence, not ideology.
Secretary Kennedy had previously publicly criticized Monarez, calling her untrustworthy.
Monarez described disagreements with Kennedy over changes to a CDC committee responsible for vaccine recommendations.
CDC's former chief medical officer, Dr. Deb Houry, resigned alongside other top officials in protest of CDC changes.
Kennedy fired the CDC's 17-member Advisory Panel on Immunization Practices in June and appointed new members, some of whom are known for their vaccine criticism.
Monarez detailed a contentious meeting with Kennedy on August 25, where he allegedly pressured her to resign if she did not comply with his demands.
Former CDC Director Susan Monarez spoke to senators about why she was fired. During her testimony, she mentioned demands made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that she felt were against her official duties and ethics.
Key Facts
Susan Monarez is the former Director of the CDC.
Monarez testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
She talked about the events leading to her dismissal.
Monarez mentioned a meeting on August 25 with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
She claimed Kennedy Jr. made demands that conflicted with her official responsibilities and ethical standards.
An inspector general review found that a project to replace a Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto, California, is severely over budget and behind schedule. The project, originally budgeted for $450 million, is now expected to cost around $1.6 billion and finish in 2036, more than 21 years late. The cost increases and delays are mainly due to weak management practices between 2009 and 2017.
Key Facts
The hospital project began in 2009 to replace buildings at risk of collapsing in an earthquake.
The initial budget was $450 million, but it has now tripled to approximately $1.6 billion.
The project's completion has been pushed back to 2036, over 21 years later than planned.
As of early 2025, about $458.8 million was spent out of the $472 million allocated by Congress.
An additional $907 million is needed to finish the project.
The inspector general identified weak management as a key reason for the cost increases and delays.
The Veterans Affairs department introduced new management procedures in 2017, but these were not applied effectively to this project.
The inspector general recommends the VA evaluate whether to continue the project and integrate it into the management framework.
Tennessee's governor approved sending National Guard troops to Memphis to fight crime following President Trump's announcement. In contrast, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker refused to request National Guard presence in Chicago. The article also explores Pritzker's political prospects, including potential presidential ambitions.
Key Facts
President Trump said he plans to send National Guard troops to Memphis to address crime.
Tennessee's governor supported this decision to bring troops into the state.
Trump expressed a desire to send troops to Chicago but faces legal challenges.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker chose not to request National Guard troops for Chicago.
Pritzker has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate for future elections.
The article includes an interview with Pritzker discussing various political topics.
Pritzker supported Kamala Harris after President Biden decided not to run in 2024.
Other governors like Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer are also potential presidential candidates.
The FDA has updated a warning about certain cookware that could release lead into food. This follows initial tests on products from an Indian manufacturer, and now includes more items that could be affected. The FDA continues to monitor and remove potentially harmful cookware from the market.
Key Facts
The FDA is warning that some cookware may leach lead into food.
Originally, the warning was about products from an Indian manufacturer tested in New York.
As of September 12, the FDA identified three more products that could release lead into food.
Lead is harmful and can affect people of any age, with more risk to children and babies.
Symptoms of lead exposure include learning difficulties, lower IQ, fatigue, and stomach issues.
Lead exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and developmental problems in babies.
The FDA listed specific products and retailers involved in the warning.
The FDA is actively working to take these products off the market and continues to monitor the situation.
