A new CBS News poll found 69% of Americans are not satisfied with how the economy is working. With the Iran war in its sixth month, there's still pain at the pump. Aaron Navarro has more.
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Today's Political News Compilation - Friday, August 14, 2026
This photo illustration shows redacted documents from the Epstein Library files released by the US Department of Justice in Washington, DC, on February 18.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
Epstein judge: ‘The public has a right to know what the hell is going on’
By Katelyn PolantzA federal judge gave a chilling warning to Justice Department lawyers fighting the further releases of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein: If they don’t comply with court orders, contempt proceedings could ruin their futures.
Judge Emmet Sullivan of the DC District Court has demanded answers from the Justice Department as to why they haven’t released some records from the investigations into the late sex offender. On Thursday, the judge warned the department that the answers it has given so far, including in the courtroom Thursday, weren’t enough and invoked an infamous botched criminal trial of a sitting US senator.
“The public has a right to know what the hell is going on in this case. The victims have a right to know. The court has a right to know,” Sullivan said at the hearing, coolly pressing a Justice Department lawyer on whether he could provide any more answers. “The law is still in full force and effect. The court is just ensuring compliance.”
The case, filed by journalist Katie Phang, seeks to force the release of some FBI documents related to Epstein and to lift some redactions of names of people emailing him. Sullivan questioned why handwritten notes FBI agents took during some witness interviews years ago aren’t part of the millions of pages the Justice Department previously released.
Sullivan also took issue with the Justice Department not releasing documents related to Epstein that are in written in foreign languages, and for not saying when it plans to publish explanations for redactions it made in the Epstein files in the Federal Register, which is required by Congress. ...
READ THE FULL STORY - CNN
Trump says he will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory
President Trump said he plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory as he once again asserted control of the critical waterway.
www.usatoday.com
Trump says Strait of Hormuz will become US territory
President Trump claimed the Strait of Hormuz will become U.S. territory during a speech in New York.
www.usatoday.com
Trump dismisses military families’ concerns about grim conditions on USS Lincoln
Asked if he was worried that the ship’s deployment had gone on too long, Trump said it was “not nearly long enough.”
www.nbcnews.comWith US-Iran talks stalled, diplomatic efforts expand to unlikely European players
While talks to end the Iran war have stalled, the Trump administration appears to be reaching out to a broader swath of countries that might be able to help pressure Tehran or ease its hardline position where traditional mediators haven't succeeded so far.
apnews.com
Who controls the Strait of Hormuz right now? Here's what the ship traffic actually shows
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz appears to have declined substantially as compared to conditions before the war with Iran started earlier this year.
Trump asks Supreme Court to let White House ballroom construction continue during appeal
President Donald Trump's administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the White House to continue construction on its $400 million ballroom project while it appeals a lower court’s order to halt the work.
apnews.com
Trump admin says White House ballroom 'beyond the point of no return' in Supreme Court appeal
The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow construction of the president's White House ballroom to continue.
Ex-Trump Attack Dog Has Shocking New Job After $47M Payday
One of President Donald Trump’s fiercest attack dogs is now spending his days serving drinks by the beach in California. Former MAGA Rep. Devin Nunes, who left Congress in 2021 to become CEO of Trump’...
Suspect arrested in World War II Memorial vandalism in Washington
A suspect has been arrested and will be charged in connection with the vandalism of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. Melissa L.
apnews.com
Trump says record USS Lincoln deployment 'not nearly long enough'
Trump said USS Lincoln family members are not concerned about conditions.
Justice Department expands military's power to detain migrants accused of trespassing
The Justice Department issued a legal opinion giving the U.S. military broader powers to detain migrants near certain areas along the southern border.
www.cbsnews.com
Judge’s Harvard antisemitism ruling sends Trump Justice Department back to drawing board
The Justice Department says it disagrees with the ruling dismissing its Title VI antisemitism case against Harvard University and is assessing next steps.
US civil rights agency denies issuing order halting all federal class discrimination complaints
A civil rights agency accused of halting a sexual harassment case filed on behalf of female prison guards is now blaming an administrative judge for doing so in error.
apnews.com
Sen. Warren demands answers from RFK Jr. over 'calamitous' response to cyclosporiasis outbreak
Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seeking more information about the administration's "calamitous" response to cyclosporiasis.
Iran defiant on strait as Trump tells Americans to accept high gas prices
CAIRO/GARDEN CITY, New York, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Iran called on the U. to accept defeat while President Donald Trump blasted Iran as "evil" and urged Americans to brace for continued high fuel prices.
Brazil's Lula triggers reciprocity process against US tariffs in effort to show strength
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says his government has triggered an economic reciprocity law against U.S. tariffs. In July, U.S.
apnews.com
DFW Airport scraps controversial Islamic footwashing station plan as Texas Gov. Abbott takes aim
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed a review of state grants to DFW Airport and George Bush Intercontinental over planned Islamic wudu ablution stations.
Luigi Mangione admits killing healthcare CEO and pleads guilty to federal charges
"I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan and he died," the 28-year-old said after pleading guilty to charges of stalking resulting in death.
www.bbc.com
‘Beyond Inappropriate’: Attorney General Todd Blanche Ripped for Speaking at Rally to Endorse GOP Candidate
Attorney General Todd Blanche faced a wave of online criticism Friday after speaking at a rally held by President Donald Trump to endorse a Republican gubernatorial candidate.
Judge refuses to block Trump administration from building border wall along tribe's reservation
A federal judge has refused to block the Trump administration from taking steps to build 62 miles of international border wall along part of a Native American tribe’s reservation without its consent.
apnews.com
Pirro announces arrest in WWII Memorial vandalism
Pirro said her office filed two felony charges against a woman who allegedly vandalized the WWII Memorial.
Anderson Cooper Shreds ‘Shameful’ Trump for Offering Early Access To Social Media Posts for $100,000 a Month
CNN's Anderson Cooper unloaded on President Donald Trump and his eldest sons over their various ventures that have netted the Trump family billions of dollars since he took office for a second time.
Wife of Service Member Rips Trump Administration’s ‘Infuriating’ Denial About Conditions Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
A wife of a service member aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln tore into President Donald Trump’s administration on CNN Friday for its “infuriating” denial of what she described as extremely poor condition...
Documents show federal surveillance operation in Minnesota targeted progressive groups, unions
Advocates are speaking against a sweeping undercover federal surveillance operation that court documents say targeted progressive groups and unions protesting the Minneapolis immigration crackdown.
apnews.com
A US territory? Trump unveils proposal to control Strait of Hormuz
Control over the strait has been a sticking point in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran.
US threatens ‘indefinite’ blockade against Iran: How long can it last?
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claims US Navy can sustain blockade despite reports of poor conditions.
A rare hurricane landfall threat for Hawaii's Big Island as strengthening Tropical Storm Lala nears
Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Hawaii's Big Island.
apnews.com
Canadians are still boycotting US travel. Here's where they're going instead
From exploring their own backyard to travelling abroad, many Canadians are spending their money elsewhere to send a message to the US president.
www.bbc.com...
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Todd Blanche backs Jeanine Pirro after Lincoln Memorial pool vandalism case dismissal
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday said he supports U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro after her office moved to dismiss the vandalism case involving the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Federal prosecutors on July 31 moved to drop the case against Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the $14 million project after cracks, algae growth and peeling sealant were discovered. Prosecutors cited evidence indicating the damage may have stemmed from a botched renovation rather than vandalism.
Blanche said he and...
Continue reading...Federal prosecutors on July 31 moved to drop the case against Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the $14 million project after cracks, algae growth and peeling sealant were discovered. Prosecutors cited evidence indicating the damage may have stemmed from a botched renovation rather than vandalism.
Blanche said he and...
Trump orders major cut to US-South Korea drills as North Korea ramps up missile tests
President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to scale back upcoming U.S.-South Korea military exercises on Sunday, arguing that the operations cost too much and send a hostile message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
At the same time, the president went on to criticize Seoul for declining to join U.S. war efforts to denuclearize Iran.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump noted that while it was too late to cancel the drills entirely, he was dissatisfied with the longstanding military arrangement between Washington and Seoul.
"Based on my very good...
Continue reading...At the same time, the president went on to criticize Seoul for declining to join U.S. war efforts to denuclearize Iran.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump noted that while it was too late to cancel the drills entirely, he was dissatisfied with the longstanding military arrangement between Washington and Seoul.
"Based on my very good...
'Ghana was the crime scene' - the country leading the demand for slavery reparations
Ghana has become Africa's leading voice in telling the world that Western nations owe reparations
Continue reading...Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea
President Trump announced Sunday that he has ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, saying that the country recently declined to join the U.S. effort to denuclearize Iran.
Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the exercises are costly and they "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea, which has been "unthreatening and respectful" as long as he has been president.
"Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that...
Continue reading...Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the exercises are costly and they "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea, which has been "unthreatening and respectful" as long as he has been president.
"Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that...
US commander says mental health a 'priority' on USS Lincoln
Adm Brad Cooper acknowledged that navy service at sea for long periods is "uniquely challenging and tough", following a visit to the warship.
Continue reading...One dead, homes swept away after Hurricane Lala lashes Hawaii
A search-and-rescue operation is under way after properties were uprooted from their foundations.
Continue reading...Thailand has a gun problem - 10 million of them
Recent shootings have highlighted the country's troubled relationship with guns, with laws doing little to curb the violence.
Continue reading...CENTCOM commander touts USS Abraham Lincoln mental health record after more than 260 days without port call
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday said the USS Abraham Lincoln has recorded one of the lowest numbers of mental health cases in the Navy, amid mounting allegations of poor conditions aboard the carrier.
The Lincoln, which has been at sea for more than 260 days supporting the war with Iran, has been at the center of a dispute over allegations of supply shortages, plumbing problems and crew members threatening to jump overboard. Officials have repeatedly denied such claims and announced Friday that the carrier is expected to be replaced...
Continue reading...The Lincoln, which has been at sea for more than 260 days supporting the war with Iran, has been at the center of a dispute over allegations of supply shortages, plumbing problems and crew members threatening to jump overboard. Officials have repeatedly denied such claims and announced Friday that the carrier is expected to be replaced...
Trump says US will scale back military drills with South Korea
His decision to reduce the partnership came after South Korea recently declined to aid his war effort in Iran.
Continue reading...Europe's tallest Virgin Mary statue unveiled in rural Poland
The 55.6-metre (182ft) concrete figure is head-and-shoulders above Rio de Jaineiro's Christ the Redeemer.
Continue reading...Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and negotiator on Middle East affairs, met with Hamas leaders in Egypt on Sunday to discuss the latest U.S.-backed peace deal that seeks the group's disarmament and a road map for the transfer of power to a new government, according to a source with knowledge of the meeting.
The meeting was aimed at translating the plan negotiated by Mr. Trump's international Board of Peace into concrete, verifiable steps, the source told CBS News, including maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, beginning to...
Continue reading...The meeting was aimed at translating the plan negotiated by Mr. Trump's international Board of Peace into concrete, verifiable steps, the source told CBS News, including maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, beginning to...
Trump envoy Kushner meets Hamas leader to push Gaza peace plan
The rare meeting comes a week after Israel rejected Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza.
Continue reading...Twelve killed as Polish bus veers off Hungarian motorway
Dozens more are seriously injured after the tourist bus overturned in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Continue reading...8/16: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," amid a number of socialist candidates in the Democratic Party, President Trump has found his rallying cry for the midterm elections. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and GOP Rep. Don Bacon join, plus a new poll from CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto.
Continue reading...Anti-Israel nonprofit under federal investigation over financial dealings: report
The Department of Homeland Security is investigating a nonprofit with connections to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for potentially providing donor funds to a sanctioned Palestinian group, the New York Post reported Friday.
The report says federal authorities are probing the U.K.-based organization known only as PFF, which has a roughly $100 million war chest used to support anti-Israel causes. It also may have contributed donor funds to Al-Haq, a Palestinian group sanctioned by the U.S., the Post reported.
"A new fund set up by Arabs across...
Continue reading...The report says federal authorities are probing the U.K.-based organization known only as PFF, which has a roughly $100 million war chest used to support anti-Israel causes. It also may have contributed donor funds to Al-Haq, a Palestinian group sanctioned by the U.S., the Post reported.
"A new fund set up by Arabs across...
Progressive Minneapolis mayor's viral hip-hop moves spark 'humiliation ritual' mockery online
Social media is erupting over a viral video of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey showing off his awkward dance moves while attending the Black Entrepreneur State Fair, with the clip quickly spreading across X as users call the dance a "cringe" performance.
The clip, posted on TikTok last week, shows Frey moving his hips and shoulders to hip-hop music while wearing sunglasses and interacting with an emcee on the dance floor, prompting a wave of mockery from conservative commentators.
"Why are they always like this? This is almost worse than when he...
Continue reading...The clip, posted on TikTok last week, shows Frey moving his hips and shoulders to hip-hop music while wearing sunglasses and interacting with an emcee on the dance floor, prompting a wave of mockery from conservative commentators.
"Why are they always like this? This is almost worse than when he...
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, moderated by Ed O'Keefe:
Click here to browse full transcripts from 2026 of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
ED O'KEEFE: I'm Ed O'Keefe in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: Socialism divides the Democratic Party. But are mainstream Democrats coming on board? And is President Trump being too dismissive of voters' concerns over the economy?
With about 11 weeks to go until midterm Election Day, Democrats continue their soul-searching when it comes to picking...
Continue reading...Click here to browse full transcripts from 2026 of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
ED O'KEEFE: I'm Ed O'Keefe in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: Socialism divides the Democratic Party. But are mainstream Democrats coming on board? And is President Trump being too dismissive of voters' concerns over the economy?
With about 11 weeks to go until midterm Election Day, Democrats continue their soul-searching when it comes to picking...
Federal judge clears path for border wall construction in Arizona
A federal judge in Arizona cleared the path for border wall construction in the state after a Native American tribe attempted to block its construction.
The Tohono O'odham Nation had argued that constructing the border wall along its southern border with Mexico would constitute illegal trespassing on tribal lands as well as effectively shrink the reservation.
Judge Richard Leon noted in his ruling a federal proclamation in 1907 that the first 60 feet of the reservation could be taken for federal use.
"Given the national security and foreign policy...
Continue reading...The Tohono O'odham Nation had argued that constructing the border wall along its southern border with Mexico would constitute illegal trespassing on tribal lands as well as effectively shrink the reservation.
Judge Richard Leon noted in his ruling a federal proclamation in 1907 that the first 60 feet of the reservation could be taken for federal use.
"Given the national security and foreign policy...
Bacon says Congress "should have oversight" amid concerns about USS Lincoln
Washington — GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said on Sunday that Congress should conduct oversight following concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is being replaced after a nearly nine-month deployment, while calling for testimony from top Navy officials.
"We should have oversight," Bacon said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier is headed to the Middle East to replace the Lincoln, a U.S. official told CBS News on Friday, after some families have voiced concerns in recent...
Continue reading..."We should have oversight," Bacon said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier is headed to the Middle East to replace the Lincoln, a U.S. official told CBS News on Friday, after some families have voiced concerns in recent...
Humanoid robots could patrol southern border, CEO pitches, as futuristic technology moves closer to reality
Humanoid robots capable of autonomously navigating rugged terrain and detecting people could eventually join federal agents patrolling the southern border, with one U.S. robotics company telling Fox News Digital it has already demonstrated the technology to Department of Homeland Security officials.
Sankaet Pathak, founder and CEO of Foundation, spoke with Fox News Digital to discuss the company's development of humanoid robotics and their potential applications at the border.
Pathak said Foundation is in talks with several national security...
Continue reading...Sankaet Pathak, founder and CEO of Foundation, spoke with Fox News Digital to discuss the company's development of humanoid robotics and their potential applications at the border.
Pathak said Foundation is in talks with several national security...
Two dead and evacuation under way as fires break out on Greek island
Nearly 200 firefighters are trying to keep the two fires on Salamina apart, Greek media report.
Continue reading...Qatar denies capturing three Iranian pilots after downing fighter jets
Iran claims they have been held since Qatar downed two fighter jets at the start of the US-Iran war.
Continue reading...Transcript: Rep. Don Bacon on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Rep. Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
ED O'KEEFE: We turn now to Republican Congressman Don Bacon. He joins us from Omaha, Nebraska. Good morning, Congressman, and we understand it is your birthday. So happy birthday, and thank you for spending part of it with us.
REPRESENTATIVE DON BACON: Good morning to you, and yeah, I'm nine years old and dog years, so that makes me feel better.
ED O'KEEFE: Okay, well, if you could do...
Continue reading...ED O'KEEFE: We turn now to Republican Congressman Don Bacon. He joins us from Omaha, Nebraska. Good morning, Congressman, and we understand it is your birthday. So happy birthday, and thank you for spending part of it with us.
REPRESENTATIVE DON BACON: Good morning to you, and yeah, I'm nine years old and dog years, so that makes me feel better.
ED O'KEEFE: Okay, well, if you could do...
Transcript: Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
ED O'KEEFE: Welcome back to Face the Nation. We turn now to Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Rabb. He's the Democratic Party's nominee in the third district of Pennsylvania. That includes parts of Philadelphia. He is also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Representative, you're not Congressman yet, but Representative, thank you for being here this morning...
Continue reading...ED O'KEEFE: Welcome back to Face the Nation. We turn now to Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Rabb. He's the Democratic Party's nominee in the third district of Pennsylvania. That includes parts of Philadelphia. He is also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Representative, you're not Congressman yet, but Representative, thank you for being here this morning...