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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Former lawmaker Barney Frank dies at 86

Former lawmaker Barney Frank dies at 86

Summary

Barney Frank, a longtime congressman from Massachusetts, has died at the age of 86. He was known for serving 32 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and being the first member of Congress to openly say he was gay.

Key Facts

  • Barney Frank was a Massachusetts congressman.
  • He served in Congress for 32 years.
  • He was the first U.S. congressman to publicly acknowledge he was gay.
  • He died at the age of 86.
  • CBS News reported on his death.
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Retired officer jailed over Charlie Kirk post wins $835,000 settlement

Retired officer jailed over Charlie Kirk post wins $835,000 settlement

Summary

Larry Bushart, a retired police officer, was jailed for 37 days in Tennessee after posting a Facebook meme related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Tennessee officials agreed to pay Bushart $835,000 to settle his lawsuit, which claimed his free speech rights were violated.

Key Facts

  • Larry Bushart was arrested in September 2025 over a Facebook meme about Charlie Kirk's assassination.
  • The meme referenced a quote by President Trump and a previous school shooting in Iowa.
  • Some Perry County residents feared the meme was a threat to their local high school, leading to Bushart’s arrest.
  • Bushart was held for 37 days before felony charges were dropped in October 2025.
  • He lost his postretirement job and missed family milestones during his jail time.
  • Tennessee agreed to pay $835,000 to settle Bushart’s federal lawsuit.
  • The case highlighted tensions between free speech rights and public safety concerns.
  • The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression helped represent Bushart in the lawsuit.
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Officers who defended Capitol from rioters sue to block payouts from $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund

Officers who defended Capitol from rioters sue to block payouts from $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund

Summary

Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack are suing to stop payments from a new $1.776 billion fund meant for people claiming they were unfairly prosecuted for political reasons. The officers argue the fund is illegal and could pay Jan. 6 rioters, increasing danger to law enforcement.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit was filed by Officers Daniel Hodges and Harry Dunn, who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
  • The fund, called the “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” is worth $1.776 billion and comes from a settlement related to President Trump’s IRS lawsuit.
  • The fund aims to compensate people who say they were wrongly targeted by previous Justice Department actions.
  • A five-member commission chosen by the attorney general will decide who gets paid.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former Trump personal lawyer, defended the fund but did not rule out payments to Jan. 6 rioters.
  • Over 1,600 people were charged for Jan. 6 crimes, but President Trump pardoned them all last year.
  • The officers claim the fund supports violence by encouraging those who acted “in the President’s name.”
  • Hodges and Dunn say they face death threats and the fund increases their risk.
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Noah Wyle on his push to help healthcare workers

Noah Wyle on his push to help healthcare workers

Summary

Noah Wyle, an actor in the HBO show "The Pitt," spoke on CBS Mornings with Dr. Elisabeth Potter. They talked about their efforts to improve mental health and the work life of healthcare workers.

Key Facts

  • Noah Wyle stars in the HBO show called "The Pitt."
  • He appeared on the CBS Mornings program.
  • Dr. Elisabeth Potter was also part of the discussion.
  • They are working to support healthcare workers.
  • Their focus is on mental health and quality of life for these workers.
  • The discussion aimed to bring attention to healthcare worker well-being.
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Jan. 6 officers sue over Trump's $1.8B fund they call a "corrupt sham"

Jan. 6 officers sue over Trump's $1.8B fund they call a "corrupt sham"

Summary

Two police officers who fought rioters at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, have filed a lawsuit to end a $1.8 billion fund set up by President Trump to help people claiming they were wrongly targeted for political reasons. The officers say the fund supports those who committed violence on January 6 and puts their safety at risk.

Key Facts

  • Officers Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges sued to dissolve President Trump’s $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate people claiming "weaponized political prosecutions."
  • The officers say the fund will pay January 6 rioters and encourages more violence.
  • The fund was created after Trump sued the IRS over the release of his tax returns.
  • A special five-member commission appointed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will review claims for compensation.
  • Blanche was previously one of President Trump’s personal lawyers.
  • The IRS settled Trump’s lawsuit even though their own lawyers thought they had a strong case to fight it.
  • President Trump has defended the fund by saying it helps people who were treated unfairly and suffered legal and financial harm.
  • Vice President Vance said both Republicans and Democrats could apply for money from the fund, mentioning Hunter Biden as a possible recipient.
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Man jailed over Charlie Kirk post awarded $835K settlement

Man jailed over Charlie Kirk post awarded $835K settlement

Summary

Larry Bushart, a 61-year-old retired law officer from Tennessee, will get $835,000 after he was jailed for over a month. He was arrested because of a social media post he shared about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Key Facts

  • Larry Bushart is a retired law enforcement officer from Tennessee.
  • He was arrested in September and spent 37 days in jail.
  • His arrest was linked to a Facebook post with memes about Charlie Kirk’s killing.
  • Charlie Kirk is a conservative commentator.
  • Bushart will receive an $835,000 settlement related to his jail time.
  • The case involves issues around social media posts and free speech.
  • The settlement resolves the matter of his arrest and detention.
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Charlie Kirk Critic Wins $835,000 Settlement After Being Jailed: 'Vindicated'

Charlie Kirk Critic Wins $835,000 Settlement After Being Jailed: 'Vindicated'

Summary

A Tennessee man, Larry Bushart, was jailed for 37 days after sharing memes critical of Charlie Kirk’s group, Turning Point USA, but the charges against him were dropped. He reached an $835,000 settlement with the sheriff’s office, which his lawyers said supports free speech rights online.

Key Facts

  • Larry Bushart is a 61-year-old retired law enforcement officer from Tennessee.
  • He was arrested and charged with threatening mass violence after reposting memes criticizing Turning Point USA.
  • Bushart’s bail was set at $2 million; he spent 37 days in jail before charges were dropped.
  • He settled with the sheriff’s office for $835,000 over his arrest and detention.
  • His lawyers argued the case involved protected political expression under the First Amendment.
  • The case highlights legal challenges and risks related to online political speech.
  • Bushart said the settlement vindicates his right to free speech and brings closure after personal hardships.
  • Similar settlements have been made with others penalized for online comments related to reactions about Kirk.
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Trump's commentary on Iran strikes changes again

Trump's commentary on Iran strikes changes again

Summary

President Donald Trump has changed his position on striking Iran. He now says he is not in a rush to take military action against the Iranian government.

Key Facts

  • President Trump previously indicated he might quickly resume strikes against Iran.
  • He has recently reversed that stance and is not in a hurry to act.
  • This update was reported by CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes.
  • The news was shared via CBS News platforms including their app.
  • The change in tone could affect U.S. policy towards Iran in the near future.
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Trump-backed Moore heads to runoff against Hudson in Alabama GOP Senate primary

Trump-backed Moore heads to runoff against Hudson in Alabama GOP Senate primary

Summary

In Alabama's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate, Representative Barry Moore and Navy Seal Jared Hudson are expected to go to a runoff. They are competing to replace Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is leaving his seat to run for another office.

Key Facts

  • The race is for a U.S. Senate seat from Alabama.
  • Senator Tommy Tuberville is not running for re-election.
  • Barry Moore, a Republican congressman, is one candidate.
  • Jared Hudson, a U.S. Navy Seal and candidate, is the other.
  • Neither candidate won a clear majority, leading to a runoff election.
  • Decision Desk HQ provided the projection about the runoff.
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Christine Drazan’s Chances vs. Tina Kotek in Oregon Governor Race

Christine Drazan’s Chances vs. Tina Kotek in Oregon Governor Race

Summary

Oregon's governor race will be a rematch between Democratic Governor Tina Kotek and Republican state Senator Christine Drazan this November. Early polls show a close contest, with Kotek slightly ahead or tied with Drazan, while markets give Democrats a strong chance to keep the governorship.

Key Facts

  • Tina Kotek (Democrat) and Christine Drazan (Republican) each won their party primaries and will compete in the November governor election.
  • The last time they ran against each other in 2022, Kotek won by less than 4 percentage points.
  • Early polling showed Kotek leading 45% to 40%, but recent polls show a tie at 45% each.
  • Around 10-15% of likely voters remain undecided.
  • Oregon has not elected a Republican governor since 1982.
  • Prediction markets assign an 85-87% chance for Democrats to keep the governor’s seat.
  • Drazan won 43% in a crowded Republican primary, while Kotek won about 84% of the Democratic primary vote.
  • Voters are focused on issues like housing, homelessness, and the cost of living in this election.
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WATCH:  Emotional father-daughter reunion at graduation

WATCH: Emotional father-daughter reunion at graduation

Summary

High school senior Jazlyn Ardoin was surprised by her father at her graduation after he returned from a deployment in Europe. The reunion was emotional and gained attention online.

Key Facts

  • Jazlyn Ardoin is a high school senior.
  • Her father was deployed in Europe.
  • He surprised her at her graduation ceremony.
  • The reunion was emotional.
  • The moment went viral on social media.
  • The event took place on or before May 20, 2026.
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Wall Street Journal on compensation fund for Trump allies: ‘Rotten’

Wall Street Journal on compensation fund for Trump allies: ‘Rotten’

Summary

The Wall Street Journal criticized the Justice Department’s new nearly $2 billion fund designed to address claims related to the settlement of President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The newspaper called the fund “rotten” and raised concerns that it may benefit some of President Trump’s political allies.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Justice created a new fund called the “anti-weaponization fund.”
  • The fund is worth nearly $2 billion.
  • It was established as part of settling President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  • The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board published an opinion piece opposing the fund.
  • The Journal described the fund with the word “rotten.”
  • The board is concerned the fund might help political allies of President Trump.
  • The announcement and criticism happened on a Tuesday.
  • The fund aims to address claims about government misuse or “weaponization.”
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Map Shows 'Best Places to Live' in US

Map Shows 'Best Places to Live' in US

Summary

A new report from U.S. News & World Report ranked the best places to live in the United States for 2026-2027. Smaller suburban cities with good jobs, affordable housing, low crime, and quality of life scored highest, with Carmel, Indiana, named the top city.

Key Facts

  • Carmel, Indiana, was ranked the best place to live with a score of 7.2 out of 10.
  • The ranking evaluated 250 cities based on housing costs, cost of living, health care, education, crime rates, and weather.
  • Many top cities are mid-sized suburbs, not large urban centers.
  • Carmel has about 103,768 people and a median household income of $144,615.
  • Median home prices in Carmel are higher than the national median but supported by a strong job market and short commutes.
  • Texas and Indiana had multiple cities in the top 10, reflecting growth on the edges of large metropolitan areas.
  • Lower-ranked cities like San Bernardino, California, and Detroit face economic and infrastructure problems.
  • The study shows a trend of people moving to suburbs and smaller cities for more space and affordable living.
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WATCH: Trump says he's in 'no hurry' to make an Iran deal

WATCH: Trump says he's in 'no hurry' to make an Iran deal

Summary

President Donald Trump said he might accept a smaller deal with Iran that focuses on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the strait would need to open right away under such an agreement.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke about Iran before boarding Air Force One.
  • He mentioned being open to a limited deal with Tehran.
  • The deal would focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
  • He stressed the strait must open immediately if a deal happens.
  • Trump was on his way to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut.
  • He was going to deliver a commencement speech there.
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Trump's GOP Base is Fracturing Over Gas Prices and Iran War—Poll

Trump's GOP Base is Fracturing Over Gas Prices and Iran War—Poll

Summary

A recent poll shows more Republicans are unhappy with President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, reaching 37 percent disapproval. Many are also concerned about his approach to the ongoing Iran conflict, with high gas prices adding to public frustration.

Key Facts

  • 37% of Republicans disapprove of President Trump’s economic management, a record high.
  • The national gas price average is $4.555 per gallon, creating financial strain for many Americans.
  • 30% of Republicans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Iran war.
  • Overall approval for Trump’s economic policies is 33%, with 67% disapproving.
  • Despite these issues, Trump’s overall job approval rose slightly from 33% to 37% since April 2026.
  • Trump continues to have strong influence in the Republican Party, endorsing winners in recent GOP primary races.
  • GOP figures opposing Trump like Thomas Massie and Bill Cassidy lost in primaries, showing Trump’s control.
  • The poll was conducted from May 14-18, 2026, with a sample of 1,117 adults and a margin of error of ±3.8%.
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US City on Brink of Running Out of Water Gets Reprieve

US City on Brink of Running Out of Water Gets Reprieve

Summary

Corpus Christi, Texas, which has been facing drought and low water levels, received news that its water shortage emergency has been delayed by several months. This delay is due to recent rainfall, new groundwater sources, and improved water project schedules, giving the city more time before strict water use limits may begin.

Key Facts

  • Corpus Christi depends on rainfall to fill its main water reservoirs, which have been very low due to drought.
  • A Level 1 Water Emergency means water demand might soon exceed supply and would require residents to reduce water use.
  • The emergency has been postponed from September to December because of recent rains and new groundwater wells.
  • Restrictions during a Level 1 Emergency include bans on watering lawns and washing vehicles, with some exceptions for essential business uses.
  • Residents are currently under Stage 3 drought restrictions, allowing limited watering of plants and certain uses with specific rules.
  • Officials say the city is not actually running out of water yet, and the emergency level is a precaution based on predicted future shortages.
  • The city has a program exempting some large water users from extra fees during shortages if they have contributed since 2019.
  • Key reservoirs mentioned include Choke Canyon Reservoir, Lake Corpus Christi, and Lake Texana.
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Trump says he's in "no hurry" on Iran days after saying he was an "hour away" from strikes

Trump says he's in "no hurry" on Iran days after saying he was an "hour away" from strikes

Summary

President Donald Trump said he is not in a rush to take action against Iran. This comes a few days after he said he was very close to ordering military strikes on the country.

Key Facts

  • President Trump recently said he was "an hour away" from ordering strikes on Iran.
  • He later stated he is in "no hurry" to take action against Iran.
  • These comments show a change in his tone about how quickly he wants to respond to Iran.
  • The information comes from CBS News and their analyst Aaron MacLean.
  • President Trump's statements concern U.S. policy and decisions related to Iran.
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Jeff Bezos says Trump is ‘more mature, more disciplined’ in second term

Jeff Bezos says Trump is ‘more mature, more disciplined’ in second term

Summary

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, praised President Donald Trump’s performance during his second term in a recent interview. Bezos said Trump appears more mature and disciplined now compared to his first term, despite the president having low approval ratings among voters.

Key Facts

  • Jeff Bezos spoke about President Trump in an interview with CNBC.
  • Bezos described Trump as more mature and disciplined in his second term.
  • This statement came while President Trump has low approval ratings.
  • The interview happened on a Wednesday morning.
  • Jeff Bezos is known for founding Amazon.
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‘A Jackie Robinson moment’: Jeffries echoes NAACP calls for college sports boycott over voting rights

‘A Jackie Robinson moment’: Jeffries echoes NAACP calls for college sports boycott over voting rights

Summary

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the NAACP are urging Black college athletes to boycott sports programs at public universities in eight Southern states. These states have introduced new voting maps that activists say reduce Black voting power, prompting calls for an unprecedented response to protect voting rights.

Key Facts

  • The NAACP launched the "Out of Bounds" campaign targeting universities in Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Georgia.
  • These states have redrawn voting districts after a Supreme Court decision weakened the Voting Rights Act.
  • Most schools in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) are in these states, and the SEC includes many of the highest-valued college athletic programs.
  • Jeffries calls on athletes to refuse recruitment offers and use their platforms to support voting rights efforts.
  • The campaign also asks fans, alumni, and donors to stop financially supporting these athletic programs.
  • Some athletes at SEC schools in Missouri and Mississippi have already led social justice campaigns.
  • Jeffries compared the current moment to historic activism by Black athletes like Jackie Robinson, Bill Russell, and Muhammad Ali.
  • The Congressional Black Caucus opposed a bill on college athlete compensation because universities remained silent on voting rights issues.
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Jan. 6 Officers Sue to Freeze Trump's $1.7B 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund

Jan. 6 Officers Sue to Freeze Trump's $1.7B 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund

Summary

Two police officers who worked at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and other officials. They want to stop a new $1.776 billion government fund that they say will support violent groups like the Proud Boys and put law enforcement officers at risk.

Key Facts

  • Police officers Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges are suing President Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
  • The lawsuit challenges the Department of Justice's "anti-weaponization fund" of $1.776 billion.
  • The officers claim the fund could provide money to groups such as the Proud Boys, a militia involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fund is for people who believe they were unfairly prosecuted by the Biden administration's DOJ.
  • Dunn and Hodges argue that the fund will protect and empower those who made threats and committed violence against law enforcement.
  • They want a court to block the fund and reverse any payments already made.
  • The lawsuit was filed in the District of Columbia.
  • News outlets have requested comments from the White House, DOJ, and Treasury, but no response was noted at the time of reporting.
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