Policy

Meta Reaches Settlement Over Social Media Practices

Meta has reached a settlement worth at least twelve billion dollars over its social media practices, particularly regarding the impact on children and teenagers. The settlement includes new restrictions on teenage use of its platforms and promises ongoing oversight by a third-party auditor. While the agreement marks a significant acknowledgment of the company's responsibilities, it does not address certain design features that have been criticized for promoting unsafe experiences.

Judge Dismisses Confession of 9/11 Suspect Due to Torture Claims

A judge has ruled that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed's confession regarding the September 11 attacks is inadmissible due to claims of torture. This decision was made during legal proceedings at Guantánamo Bay, emphasizing the impact of coercive interrogation methods on the legal process.

Transportation Department Proposes Changes to Fuel Efficiency Standards for Trucks

The Transportation Department has proposed changes to fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, stating that current standards restrict manufacturers' design capabilities. Additionally, a bipartisan transportation bill may not receive a vote before the midterm elections, and over 90,000 people have been affected by recent flash flooding in Nepal.

Maryland Misused Federal Grant for Youth Services, DOJ Audit Finds

A federal audit revealed that Maryland's Office of the Public Defender misused a $622,883 federal grant intended for youth mental health services, serving fewer than 10 clients. The DOJ's inspector general report highlighted the lack of approved treatment agencies and called for improved oversight. Maryland officials, including Public Defender Natasha Dartigue, defended their efforts, noting they provided services to 48 rural youth during the pandemic.

Websites Linked to Antifa and Jane's Revenge Experience Outages Following Terror Designation

Websites linked to Rose City Antifa and Jane's Revenge faced outages following the U.S. State Department's designation of their technology provider, Autistici/Inventati, as a global terrorist entity. The designation is based on allegations of support for violent far-left networks. The State Department stated that the A/I Collective served as digital infrastructure for these groups, while A/I has denied the allegations.

Chrome to Remove Remaining Manifest V2 Extensions on August 31, 2026

Chrome is set to remove the last Manifest V2 extensions from its Web Store on August 31, 2026, following the complete transition to Manifest V3. The deprecation of Manifest V2 began in 2021, with significant changes implemented over the following years, culminating in the removal of support for MV2 extensions in July 2025. Users with functioning extensions will not be affected by this removal, as they have already transitioned to the new format.

Kenyan police use teargas on traders protesting increased import taxes

On August 28, 2026, police in Nairobi used teargas against traders protesting higher import taxes. The protest was in response to the government's decision to increase tax rates, which traders argue will harm their businesses.

Trump Administration Files Lawsuits Against Four States Over Tuition Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

The Trump administration has filed lawsuits against Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and Arizona over laws that allow illegal immigrants to access financial benefits for higher education. The Justice Department argues these laws violate federal regulations that prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving in-state tuition benefits unless they are available to all U.S. students. This brings the total number of states facing similar legal challenges to 21.

Yemen's Education System Faces Challenges Amid Ongoing Conflict

Students in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen are facing uncertainty regarding the validation of their academic certificates due to a government decision to suspend authentication. This decision has left many students feeling that their years of education may be wasted, as they require authenticated certificates to pursue further studies abroad. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to a fragmented education system, with differing policies and curricula in Houthi and government-controlled regions.

National Park Service Considering Land Transfer in Yosemite to Private Developer

The National Park Service is considering a land transfer of a quarter-mile parcel within Yosemite National Park to Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a private developer based in Nevada. The potential transfer aims to facilitate the construction of a private road for development outside the park.

U.S. Proposes Restrictions on Egyptian Bank's UAE Operations Amid Iran Economic Isolation Efforts

The U.S. Treasury Department has proposed restrictions on Banque Misr's operations in the UAE, citing its support for Iran. The measure would cut the bank's Emirati branches off from the U.S. financial system and follows a broader campaign to encourage countries to sever ties with Iran. The proposal is subject to a 30-day public comment period.

Federal Appeals Court Rules Against Prediction Markets in Nevada Gambling Case

First Arrest Made in Election Fraud Crackdown by Trump Administration

The Trump administration announced the first arrest in its election fraud crackdown, involving a Honduran national charged with fraudulent voter registration. The case has prompted criticism of California's voter-registration practices and renewed calls for a voter-roll audit by the Department of Justice.

First Arrest Made in Election Fraud Crackdown by Trump Administration

The Trump administration announced the first arrest in an election fraud crackdown, charging a Honduran national with felony counts related to fraudulent voter registration. The case has prompted criticism of California's voter-registration safeguards and renewed calls for a voter-roll audit by the Department of Justice. The White House asserts that evidence of non-citizens voting continues to emerge, countering claims made by critics.

Construction of Border Wall Begins in Arizona Despite Tribal Objections

Construction of a section of the border wall in Arizona has begun, despite objections from the Tohono O'odham Nation, which claims the project will damage sacred land. The tribe has filed a lawsuit to halt the construction, but a federal judge ruled in favor of the government, stating the wall would be built on federally owned land. The tribe is exploring further legal actions against the contractors involved in the project.

Construction of Border Wall Begins in Arizona Despite Tribal Objections

Construction of a border wall in Arizona has commenced, despite opposition from the Tohono O'odham Nation, which argues that it will damage sacred land. A federal judge has sided with the government, stating that the wall will be built on federally owned land, while the tribe is exploring further legal actions against the project.

US Judge Denies Temporary Restraining Order Against Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order

A US judge has denied a request for a temporary restraining order against President Trump's second executive order on birthright citizenship. The judge instructed plaintiffs to revise their lawsuit, which challenges the order that seeks to limit citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents. The case is expected to continue as the coalition of immigrant rights groups prepares a revised petition.

US Military Intercepts Drones with High-Energy Laser at Southern Border

U.S. military personnel intercepted three drones using a high-energy laser system along the southern border on August 28, 2026. The Joint Task Force — Southern Border utilized the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system, citing threats posed by cartel networks using drones for illicit activities. The military has been exploring high-energy lasers as a cost-effective alternative for countering drone threats.

GSA Employees Relocate to New Office Amid Complaints of Poor Conditions

GSA employees have relocated to the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building amid reports of poor conditions, including mice and a damaged ceiling. The move follows significant workforce changes initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency, which has affected thousands of federal workers since January 2025. GSA leadership has stated that employees will remain in the new building until December 2028 while their previous office undergoes renovations.

California's Housing Rebuilding Efforts Face Legislative Challenges Post-Wildfires

California's housing rebuilding efforts in areas affected by the January 2025 wildfires face legislative challenges, particularly with the proposed SB 1090, which seeks to suspend existing pro-housing laws. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between local control and the need for increased housing supply in a region with a significant housing shortage. As rebuilding progresses slowly, the implications of these legislative actions could shape the future of housing in California.