Posted below you will find a live up-to-date news feed of CNN Top Stories. The world is interconnected, and it is vital to remain current in global affairs.

• Former President Trump proves yet again he's able to reinvent the truth in plain sight, and get away with it September 16, 2021 1:43 pm
  The Big Lie is already tainting the 2022 and 2024 elections.
• Republican lawmakers keep Saturday's right-wing rally at arm's length as Democrats spotlight GOP extremism September 16, 2021 12:29 pm
  Republicans are trying to distance themselves from Saturday's right-wing rally on Capitol Hill, an event that could present a tough optics problem for the party as Democrats plan to tie all Republicans to the most extreme elements of the GOP.
• Opinion: Biden is priming the pump for Trump Part Deux September 16, 2021 5:58 am
  Let's be clear: For most people Joe Biden was not elected last November to get us out of Afghanistan. His election was not a blank check to oversee a dramatic expansion of the federal government. His victory wasn't even wholly about halting the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, although surely that was top of mind for many voters at the time.
• Reality Check: The politics of 'mental decline' September 16, 2021 1:31 pm
  CNN's John Avlon says Donald Trump and his allies in right-wing media are attempting to project and deflect concerns raised by former Trump officials about his mental stability while in office by running a relentless campaign to raise similar questions about the President Joe Biden.
• Cheney's pro-Trump opponent runs on undermining 2020 results September 16, 2021 9:02 am
  If Rep. Liz Cheney is purged from the Republican Party, it likely will be at the hand of Harriet Hageman.
• 'I don't disagree': GOP lawmaker reacts to reports on Trump's 'mental decline' September 16, 2021 2:11 pm
  Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger says that the American people deserve better than only choosing between former President Trump and President Biden after discussing the politics of the failed withdrawal in Afghanistan with CNN's Brianna Keilar.
• Analysis: Donald Trump's laughably childish threat to Mike Pence September 15, 2021 9:39 pm
  Donald Trump is, at root, just an overgrown kid. And not in any good way.
• Vaccine advocate loses 6 unvaccinated family members in weeks September 16, 2021 11:36 am
  • White House offers Nicki Minaj call with doctor to answer vaccine questions • Here are 5 countries that are opening up and living with Covid
• What you need to know about Covid boosters September 16, 2021 10:25 am
  • Your top questions about vaccines, answered • Dr. Gupta: This bar graph makes the case
• Students fight back against a book ban that has divided a Pennsylvania community September 16, 2021 4:10 am
  • Colorado AG report finds fire department administered ketamine illegally
• Alex Murdaugh is set to turn himself in today September 16, 2021 2:12 pm
  Alex Murdaugh, the South Carolina lawyer whose wife and son were shot and killed in June, plans to voluntarily surrender to police Thursday on charges related to a subsequent insurance fraud scheme, his lawyer told CNN.
• Germany averted possible synagogue attack during Yom Kippur, minister says September 16, 2021 2:37 pm
  German officials on Thursday said a possible Islamist terror attack on a synagogue in the western city of Hagen was averted after authorities were tipped off.
• Police looking for missing woman Gabby Petito ask for her boyfriend's cooperation September 16, 2021 2:52 am
  Authorities searching for missing Florida woman Gabby Petito are hoping to talk with her boyfriend, who they believe was the last person to be around her before her family reported her missing, a police spokesperson said Wednesday.
• 'I can't sit by in silence': Lawmaker explains why he is leaving GOP September 16, 2021 2:12 am
  New Hampshire state Rep. Dr. William Marsh tells CNN's Erin Burnett why the anti-vaccine rhetoric among some members in the Republican party has caused him to switch to the Democratic party.
• Japan's defense minister draws red line in island dispute with China September 16, 2021 8:12 am
  Japan is drawing a red line around an island chain also claimed by China, pushing back at Beijing's increasingly aggressive military posturing, and setting the stage for a potential showdown between the region's two biggest powers.
• A cave full of ancient Indigenous paintings sold for more than $2 million. The Osage Nation says it belongs to them September 16, 2021 1:37 pm
  More than 1,000 years ago, Indigenous people journeyed into a dark cave on the land now called Missouri and painted nearly 300 detailed images on its walls.
• Trump responds to reporting about Gen. Milley's actions September 15, 2021 9:36 pm
  Pressure on Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley has ramped up following assertions leveled in a new book about Milley's actions in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
• Biden to argue US has reached an 'inflection point' in speech pushing economic agenda September 16, 2021 2:35 pm
  President Joe Biden will argue in a speech on Thursday that the US has reached an "inflection point" as the President pushes for his economic agenda, a White House official told CNN.
• ISIS chief in Sahara killed by French forces September 16, 2021 11:52 am
  French forces have killed Adnan Abou Walid al Sahraoui, leader of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS), French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Twitter early Thursday.
• Governor activates National Guard to drive school buses September 14, 2021 10:54 pm
  CNN's Pete Muntean reports on what school districts across the country are doing to attract school bus drivers after the coronavirus pandemic has left them with a shortage.
• Piers Morgan is rejoining Rupert Murdoch's media empire September 16, 2021 2:09 pm
  After months of speculation, Piers Morgan has made his next move: teaming up with media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
• Famous Hawaii photo spot may disappear September 16, 2021 4:19 am
  Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs, sometimes called the Stairway to Heaven, are likely to be removed next year following a Honolulu City Council meeting to discuss ongoing issues with the site.
• Mega mansion once worth $500M defaults on $100M in debt, forcing a sale September 16, 2021 2:49 am
  A gargantuan residence in Los Angeles dubbed "The One" by its developer is now on track to be sold after the owner defaulted on more than $100 million in loans and debt, according to court documents.
• Kelly Clarkson's son interrupts singer over bathroom break September 14, 2021 2:43 pm
  Chris Martin's performance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" was hilariously cut short when Clarkson's son, Remington, needed a bathroom break.
• CBS changing 'The Activist' after backlash September 16, 2021 2:17 pm
  The original format of "The Activist" will be scrapped following pointed criticism of the CBS show that was echoed by one of the program's own judges.
• Kim Kardashian West saw your Met Gala memes September 16, 2021 12:10 pm
  Just because she couldn't see super well out of that faceless mask doesn't mean Kim Kardashian West didn't notice people having some fun with her Met Gala look this year.
• Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga's newest collaboration to debut this fall September 16, 2021 2:02 pm
  Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga have teamed up with ViacomCBS for a global cross-brand takeover that will include multiple projects across CBS, MTV and Paramount+.
• Ryan Reynolds & Will Ferrell harmonize in TikTok trend September 15, 2021 5:12 pm
  Ryan Reynolds was joined by Will Ferrell as the two attempted the 'Grace Kelly challenge' on TikTok.
• Nearly 5 million people are under flash flood watches as Nicholas hovers over Gulf September 16, 2021 10:15 am
  Millions are under flash flood watches Thursday as Post-Tropical Cyclone Nicholas lingers over the central Gulf Coast, threatening to dump even more rain in the upcoming days.
• See what Simon Cowell did to applaud 'AGT' contestant September 15, 2021 4:00 pm
  "America's Got Talent" judge Simon Cowell was so wowed by a 16-year-old aerialist's performance that he stood up on the judge's table to applaud the contestant.
• Marks & Spencer blames Brexit as it closes stores in France September 16, 2021 12:33 pm
  Marks & Spencer is closing 11 of its stores in France because of supply chain problems related to Brexit.
• Are You Paying Too Much For Your Mortgage?
• McKayla Maroney: FBI made 'entirely false claims about what I said' September 16, 2021 3:08 am
  Olympic gymnasts McKayla Maroney and Simone Biles ripped the FBI and the Justice Department in Senate testimony Wednesday for how FBI agents mishandled abuse allegations brought against Larry Nassar and then made false statements in the fallout from the botched investigation.
• Opinion: Champion gymnasts are shining a righteous light on the FBI September 16, 2021 10:09 am
  Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman and former college champion Maggie Nichols on Wednesday offered devastating testimony, sometimes through their tears, to the Senate Judiciary Committee about how USA Gymnastics, their sport's governing body, and the FBI, America's principal federal law enforcement agency, mishandled investigations into convicted sexual abuser Larry Nassar. The former USA Gymnastics team doctor was accused of violating more than 200 victims and is now serving a prison sentence of 40 to 175 years.
• Raisman reveals one of the most devastating parts of Nassar case September 15, 2021 5:52 pm
  Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman delivers a powerful statement on the abuse she and others suffered at the hands of former Team USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar.
• Takeaways from the Senate hearing on the FBI's failures to investigate gymnasts' allegations September 16, 2021 3:11 am
  A Senate hearing Wednesday gave several acclaimed gymnasts who were abused by Larry Nassar a powerful platform to call out the system that failed them.
• Former US gymnast calls for 'follow-through' September 16, 2021 12:45 am
  Former US rhythmic gymnast Jessica Howard said Wednesday that she "would really like to see some follow-through" after top US gymnasts gave harrowing testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about how Federal Bureau of Investigation agents mishandled the Larry Nassar investigation.
• Convincing your child to leave the screens behind to exercise is hard. Here's how to do it September 16, 2021 9:21 am
  "3, 2, 1, ready or not, here I come!"
• Bud Light's newest beer has zero carbs September 16, 2021 10:17 am
  The newest version of Bud Light is even lighter.
• Workplace cafes can play a role in your weight loss, study finds September 16, 2021 9:23 am
  As we head back to work, we again come face to face with delicious diet-breaking temptations we were able to avoid at home.
• Rare photos show the early years of NASA's space shuttle era September 16, 2021 2:28 am
  NASA's first space shuttle was meant to be named Constitution -- a nod to the United States Bicentennial that year. But a write-in campaign by "Star Trek" fans prompted President Gerald Ford to change his mind.
• Retailers are gearing up for a huge holiday season September 16, 2021 1:07 pm
  The Delta variant continues to be a concern for retailers. But expectations for a merry holiday season remain intact.
• Anderson on why he didn't want to be associated with Vanderbilt legacy September 15, 2021 11:19 pm
  Anderson Cooper explains his early hesitation with his Vanderbilt family roots. Watch Anderson Cooper Full Circle on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6pm E.T.
• Fugitive turns himself in after nearly 30 years on the run September 16, 2021 11:58 am
  A fugitive who spent nearly 30 years on the run after allegedly using a hacksaw blade and bolt cutters to escape from prison has handed himself into police in Australia.
• Cigarette giant Philip Morris takes control of asthma inhaler maker September 16, 2021 10:25 am
  Cigarette giant Philip Morris International has taken control of UK inhaler maker Vectura despite objections from health care charities.
• Rivian beats Tesla, GM and Ford to build the first electric pickup truck September 15, 2021 8:39 pm
  There is a winner in the race to build the first consumer ready electric pickup truck, and it isn't Tesla, Ford or General Motors.
• Apple's iPhone 13 secret weapon is, surprisingly, its price September 15, 2021 8:45 pm
  Apple's new iPhone 13 and 13 Pro lineup features all of the predictable upgrades: faster performance, longer lasting battery life, better screen and new colors.
• Car prices are about to soar again. Blame Hurricane Ida September 15, 2021 4:38 pm
  Just when car prices looked like they were edging down from their record highs, they're heading skyward again. It's Hurricane Ida's fault.
• We tried the Solo Stove Yukon fire pit — it's a must-have for fall
• You should really invest in a cocktail smoker this fall: Here's what to buy
• We tried Bee's Wrap reusable food wraps and this is what we thought
• We simmered, braised and baked for weeks to find the best dutch ovens
• Why I'm skipping the iPhone 13 and keeping my iPhone 12 Pro
• Is a silk pillowcase worth it? Absolutely, yes. Here's why
• 16 coolers that will keep your food and drinks ice cold for hours
• Interested in the keto diet? Here's everything you need to know
• We tried the viral Peter Thomas Roth eye cream to see if it lives up to the hype
• Organize your bookshelves with these 16 products under $20
• Are you washing your towels often enough? Here's what experts say
• Get $10 off at Amazon when using your eligible Chase credit card
• America's housing system is fundamentally broken September 14, 2021 8:18 pm
  Last month, approximately 7.7 million renters across the US were behind on rent, according to the most recent data from the US Census Bureau. Also, last month, the Supreme Court struck down the federal eviction moratorium that has been protecting tens of millions of renters from eviction since it was enacted last year.
• People keep underestimating AOC September 15, 2021 2:26 am
  No one should be surprised that a Met Gala with a theme centering on America itself resulted in one of the more contradictory, controversial red carpets the event has ever seen.
• Stephanie Grisham doesn't deserve a pass for shedding light on Melania Trump September 14, 2021 9:49 pm
  Why are we still acting surprised that Melania Trump shares many of her husband's toxic views and supports his politics of division and cruelty? And why are we letting members of the Trump team attempt to redeem themselves by meeting our insatiable need for more gossip and insider information about one of the most disgraceful administrations in American history?
• The Covid virus is sneaky September 14, 2021 4:09 pm
  The United States and many other countries around the world are still debating the rollout of an additional dose, or "booster" shot, of the Covid-19 vaccine. On Friday the US Food and Drug Administration's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee will meet to discuss Pfizer's application to administer a third dose of its Covid-19 vaccine to people ages 16 and older. Though a recent Lancet article advises caution in administering boosters before we have the evidence to fully support that the immunological benefits outweigh any risks, to me, the science seems clear: for those in the US who received mRNA vaccines, a third dose is the minimum we should pursue for Covid-19 protection, and people should prepare themselves for the possibility that they will need additional doses or annual shots in the months and years to come. For those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, there is not enough data so far to say with certainty whether a booster is advisable.
• How long you live may hinge on this September 13, 2021 4:47 pm
  Life expectancy in modern, affluent societies is supposed to move in only one direction: upward. But that is not what is happening in the United States. The 2010s were the first decade in American history in which life expectancy failed to rise since the federal government began keeping comprehensive mortality statistics in 1900. Then along came Covid-19.
• George W. Bush got it exactly right September 13, 2021 1:02 pm
  Former President George W. Bush was entirely correct in his comments marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11 Saturday when he drew a comparison between the 9/11 attackers and those who waged the January 6 act of "domestic terrorism." While Bush didn't mention the attack by name, it was clear he was invoking it when he said that our nation has seen "growing evidence that the dangers to our country can come not only across borders, but from violence that gathers within."
• NEW PODCAST: Margins of Error with Harry Enten
• Meet the father of the 2003 California recall
• Record-breaking temperatures are putting our bodies at risk