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Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Plan to Limit Mail-In Voting in Midterms; DHS Watchdog: Metal Cages Used to Hold Detainees At "Alligator Alcatraz"; Gavin Newsom Talks About Possible 2028 Presidential Run. Aired 5:30-6 am ET

Aired September 15, 2026 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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[05:30:36]

BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It is half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories. One man accused in the death of a woman found hanging from a tree in Mississippi pleaded not guilty.

29-year-old Tasia Fortune was found outside an abandoned house in Jackson in August. The suspect, 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff, was denied bond. His attorney says that he looks forward to presenting what he called the whole truth in this case. Police say the investigation is far from over and they expect more arrests.

Voters head to the polls in Delaware today. This is the nation's final primary before the midterms in November. And the race to watch is for state attorney general where two-term incumbent Kathy Jennings faces off with two Democratic challengers. Also on the ballot, the Congresswoman Sarah McBride is running unopposed as a Democrat. And Chris Coons is seeking his third term in the Senate.

And a major defeat for President Trump is the Supreme Court ruling 7-2 against the president's controversial plan to limit mail-in voting. The decision coming just weeks before the midterm elections and CNN Chief Supreme Court Analyst Joan Biskupic breaks it all down for us.

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JOAN BISKUPIC, CNN SUPREME COURT ANALYST: The Supreme Court late Monday said President Donald Trump could not enforce his controversial plan to regulate mail-in ballots. State officials and the lower court judges who had blocked the plan earlier said it would cause chaos and disenfranchise millions of voters ahead of the November 3rd midterms. The proposed regulations date to a March order signed by President Trump who has long claimed fraud in mail-in voting. There is no evidence of that.

The Postal Service rules were only finalized in August. The new regulations would have required states to give the Postal Service the names of eligible voters and the Postal Service would deliver ballots only that were in special envelopes with tracking barcodes.

State and local officials had already begun mailing out ballots in some places. They warned that if the regulations went into effect they would have to scrap those materials and then redesign and resubmit mail-in ballot envelopes to the Postal Service for approval. So the regulations looked unworkable as well as likely unlawful.

The Constitution gives states authority over elections. The justices' one-paragraph order was not signed. It said simply that the Trump administration was unlikely to succeed on the merits of its challenge to a lower court injunction that had blocked the plan.

Only two justices dissented, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas. In a statement by Alito, they asserted that the Postal Service has broad authority to regulate mail that would likely cover this situation. At one point, Alito referred to the state challenger's, quote, "Hail Mary pass,: unquote, in the litigation. But the challenger's arguments, in fact, had won over the court majority.

Joan Biskupic, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SMITH: The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is cracking down on celebrity deepfake websites. Those sites use A.I. to alter photos or videos of people and, in some cases, turning those images into pornography. So far, the D.A. says they've seized at least a dozen websites, which generated images of more than a thousand people.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALVIN BRAGG, MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY: Our message to the people who are creating and publishing this content, what you are doing is a crime. We are investigating, and we will support survivors in taking down this content and seeking accountability for those who break the law.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: This crackdown comes as new warnings about the risks of A.I. to humans are creating major safety concerns.

President Trump is dismissing calls to slow down A.I. development, calling them a hoax. Despite mounting concerns, he spent Monday rejecting the calls for tighter regulation. He says outpacing China is the priority. The pushback comes after A.I. industry leaders warned stronger safeguards may be needed.

We are tracking some disturbing new details about the conditions that detainees were held in at Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz."

A Department of Homeland Security Inspector General report, it found that people were held in small metal enclosures for periods ranging from several minutes to nearly two hours.

[05:35:07]

CNN's Priscilla Alvarez has the full story for us.

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PRISCILLA ALVAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A new Department of Homeland Security Inspector General report reveals disturbing conditions at Alligator Alcatraz. That was a facility that was quickly erected in Florida last year and then closed in June of this year.

Now, this was a visit that the inspectors took in January, where they found cramped conditions among detainees, as well as lack of access to clean water, among other concerns. But perhaps most revealing was the small metal enclosures that they observed while on their visit.

Those enclosures, according to facility staff, were used as, quote, "calming areas." They also said that some detainees chose to be in those enclosures.

Now, again, there were enclosures, according to this report, that were indoors, as well as at least two that were outdoors, according to the I.G. What was stunning, however, about this observation, they say, is that it is a practice unlike any they have seen before.

Now, quoting here from one part of the report, where they say, "The use of such restrictive spaces is highly unconventional and does not align with standards for humane treatment."

Now, we asked the state of Florida about this report as well, because they, according to the Department of Homeland Security, were charged with daily operations of the facility, and they said, quote, "The left-wing media wants to focus on a confinement area for violent criminal aliens who have proven they cannot remain peaceful while awaiting deportation. While it adheres to all federal standards for criminal confinement, we'd make it

even smaller if we could."

Now, I will note that it is the inspector general that highlighted these small metal enclosures in its report, and it also noted concerns about what standards Florida was complying with in holding ICE detainees and trying, and rather the inspectors trying to track down, what exactly they were using to base the standards of living on in this Alligator Alcatraz facility.

Now, again, this was a visit that took place in January of this year. The facility has since closed. The Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, had said previously that the facility was only meant to be temporary, but these concerns add to those that had already been expressed by Democratic lawmakers, detainees, and family members about what detainees experienced while they were held at this facility.

Priscilla Alvarez, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SMITH: Thank you, Priscilla.

Sticking with immigration, a fight over immigration is heading to court just days before a new rule is set to take effect that critics say could make it harder for immigrants to get green cards. 22 states and cities are suing the Trump administration over changes to what's called the government's public charge policy.

That policy dates back to the 1880s when lawmakers wanted to ensure immigrants coming to the U.S. could support themselves and wouldn't become dependent on government assistance. The new rules would expand the list of government aid that officials could cite as a reason to disqualify someone.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says this could have a chilling effect on immigrant communities.

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MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI, (D) NEW YORK CITY: The federal government has waged a campaign of violence and terror. Unaccompanied children have been forced to navigate our judicial system alone. ICE has broken into our neighbors' homes, work sites, and schools, and it has targeted those who have come to our country in search of refuge and in search of opportunity. These actions are an assault on our civic fabric, on our shared values, and no matter how much destruction they have already caused, it continues.

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SMITH: CNN reached out to Homeland Security for comment. Earlier this year, the department said it was reaffirming the requirement of self- reliance and protecting public resources.

New this morning, for the first time ever, the Air Force is confirming the U.S. has weapons in space it says could help defend American forces. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink says that the goal is to make sure the U.S. is ready to meet threats wherever they exist. It's still not clear when those weapons were put into orbit or exactly what they are, but the U.S. military officials have also warned that China and Russia are testing offensive space capabilities.

Television's biggest stars came together last night at the 78th Emmy Awards to celebrate the best of the small screen. One of the biggest winners was Apple TV's "Widow's Bay." It took home 14 awards. CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister has more on the ceremony's must-see moments.

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ELIZABETH WAGMEISTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: I'm backstage at the Primetime Emmy Awards where it was a big night for "Widow's Bay," "The Pitt," and DTF St. Louis," topping the three major categories of the night.

[05:40:04]

But the biggest winner was "Widow's Bay," walking away with the most trophies from the Emmys, winning in Best Comedy and also winning for many of its stars, Matthew Rhys, Stephen Root, and Kate O'Flynn.

Now, Matthew Rhys was one of the history-making actors tonight at the Emmys. He becomes the first actor to win for two leading roles in the same year. He won for "Widow's Bay" and also for Netflix's "The Beast in Me."

Another history-maker, Jean Smart, who won for the fifth and final season of "Hacks," she became the first woman in Emmy history to win for every single season of a series.

Now, Allison Janney, she was a surprise winner, of course, well- deserved, but even she herself was shocked. I spoke to her backstage after she won for her role in "The Diplomat," and she told me that she did not think at all that she was going to win. This became her eighth Emmy. Now she is tied for the most acting Emmys, along with other actresses like Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus and also Jean Smart.

Now, Mariska Hargitay was the host of the night. She had a ton of outfit changes. You could tell that she had a ton of fun. And, of course, she had to bring some of her famous friends along.

Of course, she's probably the most famous fan of the Knicks these days, and Jalen Brunson made an appearance as well as her friend Taylor Swift.

Now, Taylor was not actually here, but she had pre-taped a fun skit that was in the theme of Law & Order SVU, Mariska Hargitay show. But Taylor Swift was actually a little busy at her husband, Travis Kelce's game. The Chiefs had their first game of the season tonight, so she was a little busy.

It was a great night here at the Emmys. Back to you.

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SMITH: All right. Thank you, Elizabeth.

Next up on "CNN Headline Express," California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking out on a possible run for president and the one person that he won't run against.

And, later, some farmers say that they're having a tough time in this economy. Now, the war with Iran and rising diesel prices is taking another toll. That story ahead on "CNN Headline Express."

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[05:46:33]

SMITH: As California Governor Gavin Newsom contemplates a possible run for the White House in 2028, he says there is one Democrat that he won't run against. That's former Vice President Kamala Harris. Newsom spoke with CNN's Jake Tapper while fly fishing at a family ranch.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAKE TAPPER, CNN HOST: How does one even make a decision to, like, run for president?

GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM (D-CA): I have no experience in this process, so I'm going through it.

TAPPER: I remember people thinking, oh, he should have run in 2024. I mean --

NEWSOM: I wasn't ready.

TAPPER: You weren't ready?

NEWSOM: No. God, no.

TAPPER: Do you think if you'd taken on Biden --

NEWSOM: I would never -- first of all, I wouldn't do that. And, second, if I did, I would have gotten crushed because I didn't have a why. You don't have a big enough why, then you don't belong there. I'm not screwing anything up anymore, man. I mean, -- there's the -- I know what matters in life. You know, I got four kids. It's the only thing that matters to me. They got to be on board. And if that's -- forget it if they're not on board, that's a non-starter.

And then you just have to meet the moment. You got to be honest with yourself. Do you represent the zeitgeist of the moment? Are you wasting everybody's time? And you just have to -- honestly, you have to feel like you can stand on there on a stage with, what, 30?

TAPPER: It's going to be a lot of people.

NEWSOM: Yes.

TAPPER: It's a lot of Democrats.

NEWSOM: 31 flavors, and --

TAPPER: You're not even the only Californian.

NEWSOM: No, right. Yes.

TAPPER: You got Ro Khanna.

NEWSOM: Yes.

TAPPER: Kamala.

NEWSOM: Yes. I don't know if she runs, but we'll see.

TAPPER: I know she's called around.

NEWSOM: Yes. But I wouldn't run if she ran.

TAPPER: You -- if she runs, you will not?

NEWSOM: Of course not. Why would I? I wouldn't do that to her. I wouldn't do it to -- why would I -- I wouldn't do that to you. I wouldn't waste everyone's time. Who needs that?

TAPPER: What do you mean? That's not going to make sense to me. NEWSOM: I just -- I wouldn't -- well, no, I wouldn't.

First of all, electorally, it's a gift from God for everybody else. They'd enjoy the hell out of it, mutual assured destruction. It services no greater good.

TAPPER: I mean, you do whatever you want. I don't care. But my counterargument would be like, you know, she had a shot.

NEWSOM: Yes.

TAPPER: And you've never run, and she's run twice.

NEWSOM: Yes. And that -- I mean, that would be the -- that'd be the approach to the campaign, certainly. That would be the case you'd make. A pretty good one, actually. You know, that's objectively true.

I just -- but I know what that means. I know her base of supporters. I know her friends. The Venn diagram on that is just pure crossover. It's not -- I wouldn't do that to -- I wouldn't do that to people.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SMITH: Fascinating.

There's a new report from the Pentagon's official watchdog revealing just how much damage has been done since the war with Iran began. The report found that Iranian strikes have either damaged or destroyed hundreds of U.S. facilities in the region and caused missile shortages. It also found U.S. diplomatic facilities have suffered more than $180 million in damages.

Let's stay international and go around the globe to see what else is making headlines today. We begin in Mexico. That's where the country's president says its federal security cabinet and its foreign affairs ministry are in contact with Spain's consulate following the killing of 21-year-old Spanish college student Claudia Tacoronte. She was killed on Saturday and was an early childhood education exchange student who traveled to Mexico just a month ago. Mexican officials are investigating her death as a possible femicide.

[05:50:03]

In Brazil, a private jet carrying singer Rey Vaqueiro caught fire while landing early Sunday morning. The fire department tells affiliate CNN Brazil that the plane was landing when it lost its brakes and veered off the runway. Eight people were on board at the time. Officials say that no one was seriously injured.

And Prince Harry and Meghan are pulling their children out of their new school. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet started school in the U.K. just a few days ago but are now switching over for security. Their spokesperson tells CNN that the decision should, quote, "in no way be interpreted as a military reflection on the school."

A police officer near Toronto tackled the suspect on a motorcycle and some are saying it's NFL worthy, hence the music that you're hearing in the background. Police say the biker was involved in a crash and he was told to go back to the scene so he could exchange information but police say he took off. They found him sitting on his bike and that's when the officer ran up behind him and tackled him. He's now facing several charges.

Still to come on "CNN Headline Express," take a look at this. Police say this bus driver fell asleep at the wheel. What woke him out of his slumber coming up?

And a climber found himself injured and stuck on a ledge 700 feet high in the Sierra National Forest. What rescuers had to do to get him to safety. That story on the other side of the break. Keep it here.

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[05:56:00]

SMITH: In today's Money Express, farmers are grappling with skyrocketing diesel prices during the harvest season. Now, some of them say if prices continue to rise, they might not be able to go on. Here's CNN's Jenn Sullivan with more.

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JENN SULLIVAN, CNN REPORTER (voice-over): Diesel prices are hitting record highs, and it's costing U.S. farmers much more to fill up farm equipment.

JOHN BOYD, JR.: This is a farm crisis, and you know, I'm out here picking corn. You know, $5 a bushel and paying nearly $7 a gallon for diesel fuel.

SULLIVAN (voice-over): John Boyd Jr. is the founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association. He's also a fourth-generation farmer and is experiencing firsthand how rising diesel prices are cutting into profits.

JOHN BOYD, JR.: It's hurt America's farmers.

SULLIVAN: Since the war with Iran began more than six months ago, diesel costs have risen by more than 55 percent. As of Monday, the national average for a gallon of diesel was $6.23. That's $2.54 more than a year ago, according to AAA.

JUSTIN WOLFERS, PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN: You're probably already seeing those higher gas prices. That in turn means that inflation's very likely to be again higher next month.

SULLIVAN: Diesel fuel powers trucks, trains, tractors, ships, and construction vehicles. When companies have to pay more to ship goods, those costs often trickle down to consumers.

JASON MILLER, ELI BROAD PROFESSOR OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN: Right now it costs about 40 percent more to ship a truckload of apples from Washington to Chicago than what it did last year.

SULLIVAN (voice-over): Last year, the number of U.S. farms dropped by 15,000, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And if diesel prices continue to rise, many worry more farmers may have to shut down because of the rising financial costs.

For Consumer Watch, I'm Jenn Sullivan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SMITH: Thank you, Jenn.

Let's take a look at some of the other stories making headlines across the country. We start with this. A man in handcuffs kicks his way out of a deputy's patrol car in Texas. Take a look.

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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The Houston County Sheriff's Office in Houston, Texas released this video showing a handcuffed 6'7", 260-pound man kicking out the window of a patrol truck. After kicking out the window, the suspect exited through that window. The Sheriff's Office says he was arrested on a warrant for assault of a public servant or judge on September 3rd, and there was a scuffle during the arrest.

The Sheriff's Office said the suspect was able to slip his two sets of handcuffs from behind his back to the front while in the back of the patrol truck. After the suspect slipped out of the truck, a deputy used a taser on him, and he was subsequently put in another vehicle and taken to jail, the Sheriff's Office said. He's facing charges of evading arrest, attempting to escape while arrested, and destruction of property in addition to his original charge.

He's being held in a county jail on a $40,000 bond with a first court appearance scheduled for October 19th.

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SMITH: In Chicago, police say a child fired a gun on a school bus, shattering a window. No one was hurt. Investigators say a 12-year-old boy with disabilities got the gun out of a bag that belonged to a bus aide, and police say after it happened, the aide ran off with the bag and the gun.

You're looking at the aftermath of an 85-foot drill rig collapse in Miami, Florida. Four people were hospitalized, including the rig operator who jumped out before the massive machinery came crashing down. The rig crushed three vehicles, causing one to catch fire. Witnesses say that the flame shot 30 feet in the air. The cause of the collapse is under investigation.

And you got to see this. Police in Georgia say that a bus driver fell asleep just seconds before he crashes into a tree. You can see the driver with his hands off the wheel, dozing off just before the crash. The impact woke him up and he tried to bring the bus under control. Three people were hurt. And in California, highway patrol had to use a helicopter to rescue an

injured climber trapped on a mountain ledge 700 feet high. This happened Friday in the Sierra National Forest near Fresno. Rescuers were able to safely get him off the mountain and into an ambulance to receive medical care.

[06:00:07]

Just remarkable footage of this rescue mission and then you can see, I don't even know how I would be sitting on the side of that mountain. That small ledge is all the space that they had to work with. They were able to pull this off though. Well done.

That does it for "CNN Headline Express" everyone. I'm Brad Smith.

"CNN This Morning" with Audie Cornish starts right now.