POLIThursday, August 27, 2026
14 stories·6 news8 briefs·2 contested·0 cut
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Meta agrees to pay up to $17.1 billion and limit teens’ Facebook and Instagram use

The deal with 47 states still needs judicial approval before its teen protections take effect.

The settlement with 47 states resolves claims that Meta intentionally designed its platforms to addict children, allegations the company denies. California expects at least $1.5 billion, while New Jersey expects at least $525 million.

AP10 sources

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Judge clears Trump’s USPS mail-ballot rule; 24 states and D.C. sue hours later

The rule takes effect Friday, one week before North Carolina sends the first mail ballots Sept. 4.

A federal judge in Boston lifted the nationwide injunction after the Supreme Court ruled that the earlier challenge was premature. Hours later, the states filed a new 53-page complaint. It argues that the Postal Service lacks authority to restrict who may vote by mail and that the rule could disenfranchise voters.

ABC NEWS8 sources

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CIA chief reportedly warned Moscow against a limited Russian attack on NATO

The surprise visit followed what The Atlantic described as new U.S. intelligence that Putin could test the alliance with a Baltic incursion.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Russian intelligence officials in Moscow on Tuesday but did not meet President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin. President Donald Trump called the trip “semi-routine” and denied it concerned fears of a Russian test of NATO or sanctions on Iran.

THE ATLANTIC7 sources

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Judge rejects Minnesota’s bid to force Texas to extradite ICE agent Christian Castro

Castro’s 90-day detention expires Thursday, clearing the way for his release while Minnesota’s assault case remains pending.

A federal judge ruled that Minnesota sued too soon because Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had not denied its extradition request. Castro is charged with assault and falsely reporting a crime after prosecutors say he fired through the front door of a Minneapolis home Jan. 14, shooting 24-year-old Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg.

PBS NEWSHOUR9 sources

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Lisa Cook denies mortgage wrongdoing as Trump renews bid to fire her

The Supreme Court bars at-will removal; the open question is whether the alleged mortgage errors constitute cause.

Trump says Cook falsely claimed two homes as primary residences. Cook’s lawyer said one home was identified elsewhere as a vacation property and that any mistakes were inadvertent or partly attributable to lender forms. The Supreme Court has barred the president from firing Federal Reserve officials at will, but left open whether misconduct may constitute cause after an opportunity to respond.

REUTERS6 sources

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Darline Graham wins South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff with about 52.5% of the vote

The Trump-backed political newcomer will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

After Lindsey Graham died suddenly July 11, Gov. Henry McMaster appointed his sister Darline to serve the remaining months of his current term. She defeated Republican Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina roughly 52.5% to 47.5% — a five-point margin — in the runoff.

PBS NEWSHOUR11 sources