The Trump administration has started building a border wall in the Big Bend region of west Texas, part of a larger $46 billion plan to build walls, roads, and technology along the U.S.-Mexico border. This area has seen strong opposition from local landowners and groups, but construction continues on a 47-mile stretch in Hudspeth County.
Key Facts
Construction began on a 47-mile section called Big Bend 1 in Hudspeth County, west Texas.
The overall Big Bend region covers about 500 miles along the border from Hudspeth County to Lake Amistad.
The project is part of a $46 billion plan by President Trump to build walls, barriers, roads, and technology on the southern border.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says it has doubled the speed of wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Activists, landowners, ranchers, and environmental groups have strongly opposed building the wall in the Big Bend region.
CBP is building steel “bollard” walls that are 30 feet tall, along with patrol roads and security technology.
The administration temporarily paused construction in nearby Big Bend National Park to engage with opponents.
CBP reports building about 12 miles of barriers each week and has completed 200 miles of new barriers since the current administration began.
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A family of three was found fatally shot in their San Diego home. Police are investigating the case, while family members say the husband, a Navy veteran, may have been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Key Facts
The family included Amy Voight (54), David Voight (56), and their 13-year-old daughter.
All three died from gunshot wounds; a weapon was found at the scene.
David Voight served as a Navy officer in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Amy Voight worked as a digital forensic examiner for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Family members believe David Voight’s PTSD symptoms worsened recently before the incident.
The family reportedly tried to get mental health help from the Department of Veterans Affairs but faced delays.
The VA denied the claims, saying same-day mental health care is available to all veterans.
The county medical examiner will perform autopsies to confirm causes of death.
PTSD affects 7 out of every 100 veterans, and rates are higher (29%) among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
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The US government briefly used a Chinese AI search tool from Alibaba on the Federal Register website before removing it. This happened after the FBI warned that some Chinese AI models may pose security risks by copying American technology and helping China compete in AI development.
Key Facts
The National Archives used Alibaba’s Qwen AI model on the Federal Register website for searching public comments on proposed rules.
The AI tool was only available for about one day before being taken down.
The FBI has accused Alibaba and other Chinese firms of illegally copying US AI technology.
Experts say the Qwen model used was open source, small, and did not handle sensitive government data.
Running the model locally reduced risks because no government data was sent to Alibaba.
The National Archives, FBI, and White House declined to comment on the incident.
Some US lawmakers think the government should never use Chinese AI models due to security concerns.
This event takes place amid ongoing discussions on AI safety and US-China technology competition.
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An ICE officer named Christian Castro has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. He is accused of lying to the FBI about a January shooting of a Venezuelan man during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
Christian Castro is an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
He was charged in early September by a federal grand jury.
The charges include six counts related to making false statements.
The false statements allegedly concern the events leading to a shooting in Minneapolis.
The shooting involved a Venezuelan man during an ICE enforcement action.
Castro pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday.
The case involves a federal investigation by the FBI.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that President Trump’s planned 260-foot triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery will not interfere with flights at Washington Reagan National Airport. The FAA requires being notified 10 days before construction starts and may need to review any changes to the arch's height or design.
Key Facts
The arch is planned to be built next to Arlington Cemetery, near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The FAA found no significant impact on flight operations or navigation tools at Reagan National Airport.
Obstruction lights will be required on the arch to alert pilots.
Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns about safety and airspace complexity near the airport.
A deadly plane crash occurred near this airspace in January 2025, raising safety sensitivity.
The FAA completed a feasibility review after the arch was found to be taller than the usual 200-foot limit near airports.
Construction is expected to start soon, with initial excavation already announced.
Any changes to the arch’s height or structure must be approved by the FAA again.
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A group of civil rights organizations sued the Trump administration to stop it from sending federal law enforcement officers to US voting places during the midterm elections. They claim this action threatens voters and breaks the law against voter intimidation. The administration has denied plans to send armed officers to polling sites but has not ruled out some federal presence.
Key Facts
The NAACP and other groups filed the lawsuit against the Trump administration on Friday.
The lawsuit says threatening to send federal officers to polls violates the Voting Rights Act, which bans voter intimidation.
The lawsuit focuses on concern for Black, Latino, Asian voters, naturalized citizens, and mixed-status families.
Trump previously spoke about the possibility of using the National Guard or ICE at polls.
Federal law bans armed federal officers or military personnel at election locations.
The administration says ICE does not plan to operate at polling places but may respond to threats.
The FBI stated it will act only if there is a law violation at the polls.
Similar lawsuits have been filed by other groups to prevent federal officers from being at voting sites.
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Charles Kupchan, a former member of President Obama's National Security Council, said in an interview that the war in Iran risks harming President Trump's time in office. He called the conflict a "war of choice" that has caused higher fuel and living costs ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
Key Facts
Charles Kupchan worked on U.S. national security during President Obama's time.
He stated the war in Iran could threaten President Trump's presidency.
Kupchan described the war as another "failed war of choice."
The conflict has led to rising fuel prices and overall living costs in the U.S.
These economic effects come before the U.S. midterm elections.
Kupchan said President Trump’s advisers value loyalty more than facts.
The interview was given to FRANCE 24 and was published on September 18, 2026.
The situation relates to broader concerns about U.S. foreign policy and domestic political impact.
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Four House commissioners from both political parties want the Senate to approve a law called the Adams Memorial-Great American Heroes Act. This law would create a permanent memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor the Adams family.
Key Facts
Four House commissioners support the memorial bill.
They come from both major political parties.
The bill is named Adams Memorial-Great American Heroes Act.
It aims to build a permanent memorial in Washington, D.C.
The memorial will honor the Adams family.
The commissioners are urging the Senate to pass the bill.
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The family of President John F. Kennedy criticized President Donald Trump for trying to put his name on the Kennedy Center and stopping planned renovations there. The Kennedy Center board, chosen by Trump, voted to close the main building for renovations, but Trump opposed the work and wants to stop it.
Key Facts
The Kennedy family spoke out against President Trump’s actions regarding the Kennedy Center.
President Trump is involved in a legal fight about putting his name on the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center board, selected by Trump, voted to close the main building for renovations.
President Trump said the renovations should not happen.
The disagreement is causing controversy between the Kennedy family and President Trump.
The Kennedy Center is a significant cultural venue in the United States.
The renovation plans were meant to improve the building.
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Vice President Vance is campaigning in Iowa to support Republican candidates for the upcoming November elections. This is his second visit to the state during this election cycle as the GOP aims to keep control of both the House and Senate.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance is visiting Iowa to encourage voters.
This is his second trip to Iowa in the current election period.
The visit focuses on helping Republican candidates in Iowa.
The Republican Party wants to keep control of the House of Representatives.
The Republican Party also aims to keep control of the Senate.
The visit comes ahead of the November midterm elections.
GOP gubernatorial nominee Zach is also involved in the campaign efforts.
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A new poll shows growing support for Medicare for All, a government-run health care system, not only among Democrats but also in conservative-leaning areas. The survey suggests that many voters, including independents and some who voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, favor universal healthcare due to concerns about healthcare costs and access.
Key Facts
94% of Democrats support Medicare for All, up from 90% a year ago.
55% of voters in conservative-leaning battleground districts favor Medicare for All.
19% of voters who supported President Donald Trump in 2024 also back Medicare for All.
The poll surveyed 1,200 likely voters nationwide, focusing more on battleground districts.
Some experts say support comes from dissatisfaction with high healthcare costs and difficult access to care.
Not all agree; a recent Republican poll showed voters preferred Republicans when told Democrats support replacing private insurance with a government system.
Representative Pramila Jayapal aims to build support within Democrats and push for a Medicare for All bill markup in Congress.
Jayapal says passing universal healthcare will require a Democratic "trifecta," meaning control of the White House, Senate, and House, possibly by 2029.
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Attorney General Todd Blanche has recently spoken at political events supporting Republican candidates and praised President Trump. This is a break from the usual practice where Justice Department leaders avoid political appearances to stay neutral.
Key Facts
Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke at a political event for a Republican Senate candidate in North Carolina.
He also spoke at a Republican Party midterm convention.
At these events, Blanche praised President Donald Trump.
Blanche highlighted the Justice Department’s strict crime policies under the Trump administration.
Traditionally, Justice Department leaders avoid political events to prevent bias.
Blanche's actions are seen as blurring the line between politics and federal law enforcement.
The goal of avoiding political appearances is to keep the Justice Department neutral in politics.
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President Donald Trump signed new executive orders to increase opportunities for hunting and fishing across the U.S. These orders aim to reduce rules that limit these outdoor activities and support related recreation.
Key Facts
President Trump signed two new executive orders focused on hunting and fishing access.
The orders are called “Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage” and “Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation.”
The announcements were made at a White House Rose Garden event with over 100 hunters, anglers, and outdoor officials.
The goal is to expand access to hunting and fishing by removing barriers.
The orders support outdoor recreation related to hunting and saltwater fishing.
Officials and outdoor enthusiasts attended the event to discuss these new plans.
The actions reflect a focus on boosting American traditions connected to the outdoors.
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Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper criticized recent Supreme Court decisions that allow Republican groups to spend unlimited money and get cheaper ad prices during North Carolina's competitive election. These rulings affect how money and resources can be used in political campaigns.
Key Facts
Roy Cooper is running for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina.
The Supreme Court made rulings benefiting Republican political committees.
These rulings let Republican groups spend unlimited funds on campaigns.
The groups also get discounted advertising rates, making ads cheaper for them.
The election in North Carolina is highly competitive.
Cooper argues these rulings give an advantage to party insiders and leaders over regular voters.
The issue relates to campaign finance and election fairness.
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The article describes a feature called "Conventional Wisdom" that Newsweek is bringing back. It tracks how public figures and organizations are viewed currently, using arrows to show if their reputation is rising, falling, or staying the same.
Key Facts
"Conventional Wisdom" uses arrows up, down, or sideways to show changing opinions about people and events.
It avoids predicting the future or making strong claims, simply reflecting current public opinion.
The feature critiques both left and right political extremes, aiming for balance.
Examples include news about Stephen Colbert, the LA Clippers, Automattic's board conflict, and other political and cultural stories.
The segment returns because exaggerated or biased news coverage has grown more common.
It hopes to help readers see the bigger picture without partisan spin.
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Early in-person voting started in the U.S. for the midterm elections, giving Americans six weeks to choose who will lead Congress. Election officials say they are ready to run a safe and accurate election, despite challenges and controversies over voting methods.
Key Facts
Early in-person voting has begun for the 2024 U.S. midterm elections.
These elections will decide which party controls Congress.
Key issues include the cost of living and a war in Iran.
Election officials say they are prepared for a secure and accurate vote.
President Donald Trump has challenged some voting methods through courts.
There is a federal effort to find and remove noncitizen voters.
President Trump is pressuring election officials to release sensitive voter information.
The midterms will take place over six weeks of voting, including early and election day votes.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services Secretary, spoke at a conference for an anti-vaccine group called Children’s Health Defense. He told the group they have “a friend at the White House.” A medical expert from CBS News responded to his remarks.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current Health and Human Services Secretary.
He spoke at a meeting for Children’s Health Defense, a group known for opposing vaccines.
Kennedy told the group that they have support inside the White House.
The group Children’s Health Defense promotes ideas against vaccines.
CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder commented on Kennedy’s speech and message.
The event received attention because it links a government official with an anti-vaccine group.
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Anna Sheffield, a Black woman adopted by a white family, shared how her parents used personal items in her childhood bedroom to help her feel loved and seen. Her room included pictures, Black dolls, and a children's Bible portraying people of color, which helped her embrace her Black identity and Christian faith growing up.
Key Facts
Anna Sheffield was adopted at 8 months old by white parents.
Her parents decorated her childhood bedroom with items that reflected her Black identity and family connections.
The room had Black dolls, toys, positive affirmations, and a children's Bible with people of color illustrations.
Photos of Sheffield with family members were displayed to show love and connection.
Sheffield’s parents wanted her to see herself in her faith and daily life despite growing up in a predominantly white environment.
Sheffield shared a video tour of her childhood bedroom on Instagram, which received over 156,000 likes.
The video highlights how intentional parenting helped Sheffield feel valued and confident in her identity.
Sheffield’s story encourages adoptive families to be thoughtful about representing a child’s culture and identity.
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Democrats Nancy Pelosi and Bennie Thompson said that President Donald Trump's national security policies in his second term have made the country less safe. They pointed to cuts in anti-terrorism funding, plans to privatize airport security, and reduced staff as key concerns.
Key Facts
Nancy Pelosi and Bennie Thompson are Democrats who spoke out against Trump’s national security plans.
They believe President Trump’s policies weaken U.S. defenses against terrorism.
Anti-terrorism funding has been reduced under Trump’s second term.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is planned to be privatized, meaning private companies would manage airport security instead of the government.
Staffing levels for security may be cut, possibly reducing the number of workers in key security roles.
These criticisms come 25 years after the 9/11 attacks, a major event that shaped U.S. security policies.
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A federal judge expressed doubt that the Justice Department has completely stopped plans to use a $1.8 billion fund called the "Anti-Weaponization Fund." The fund was reportedly meant to compensate some allies of President Donald Trump who faced prosecution during the Biden administration. The Justice Department has said the fund is no longer active.
Key Facts
The fund in question is called the "Anti-Weaponization Fund."
It is valued at $1.8 billion.
Its purpose was to compensate allies of President Donald Trump who were prosecuted under President Biden’s administration.
The Justice Department has repeatedly said this fund is no longer being used.
A federal judge remains skeptical about whether the fund is truly inactive.
The judge is overseeing a lawsuit against the Justice Department related to this fund.
The story is still developing, and more updates are expected.
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