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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Graham Platner officially withdraws candidacy for US Senate in Maine

Graham Platner officially withdraws candidacy for US Senate in Maine

July 10, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, officially withdrew from the race due to multiple scandals, including recent sexual assault allegations. The Democratic Party is now preparing to select a new candidate to run against Republican Senator Susan Collins before the ballot deadline.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner filed paperwork to remove his name from the November ballot.
  • He received over 156,000 votes in the June primary.
  • Platner denied the sexual assault allegations but withdrew his candidacy shortly after.
  • Past controversies included racist, sexist, and homophobic social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
  • Platner is a former oyster farmer and Marine veteran.
  • The Maine Democratic Party must choose a new nominee by July 27.
  • Potential new candidates include Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah.
  • Maine is a key state for Democrats hoping to gain control of the Senate.
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Guardian World Guardian US
HHS compiling list of injuries eligible for automatic COVID vaccine compensation

HHS compiling list of injuries eligible for automatic COVID vaccine compensation

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is creating a list of injuries that would qualify people for automatic compensation after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. This means certain vaccine-related injuries could be paid for without a lengthy review process.

Key Facts

  • HHS is working on a list of injuries linked to COVID-19 vaccines.
  • People with injuries on this list could receive automatic payouts.
  • The compensation is meant to help those who have side effects from the vaccine.
  • This effort aims to speed up the process of giving compensation.
  • The list is part of a government program for vaccine injury claims.
  • Dr. Céline Gounder explained the process on CBS News.
  • The program supports vaccine safety and public trust.
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CBS News
Strangulation survivor urges stricter sentencing as crime reports increase

Strangulation survivor urges stricter sentencing as crime reports increase

July 10, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A woman who survived strangulation during a long abusive relationship supports new data showing more strangulation cases are being reported in England and Wales. She wants stronger punishments for those who commit this crime and highlights the serious health risks strangulation can cause.

Key Facts

  • Over 44,000 strangulation reports were made to police in England and Wales in the past year.
  • Strangulation became a separate criminal offence in the UK four years ago.
  • Rachel Williams, a domestic abuse survivor, helped get this law introduced.
  • Rachel was strangled multiple times and later shot by her abusive ex-husband, suffering life-changing injuries.
  • Strangulation can cause strokes, brain injuries, and long-term mental problems.
  • The Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) was created in 2022 to improve understanding and response to strangulation.
  • Police data shows a 13% increase in strangulation reports from the previous year.
  • Medical guidelines have been made to help doctors identify and treat strangulation victims to save lives.
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BBC Top Stories
Landmark bipartisan housing bill to become law without Trump's signature

Landmark bipartisan housing bill to become law without Trump's signature

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A major housing bill supported by both political parties will become law even though President Trump has not signed it. The bill is expected to take effect overnight into Saturday.

Key Facts

  • The housing bill has bipartisan support, meaning both parties agree on it.
  • President Trump has chosen not to sign the bill.
  • Despite no signature, the bill will still become law.
  • The law is set to take effect overnight into Saturday.
  • CBS News White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reported on the situation.
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CBS News
Pugnacious, charismatic and she always answered the question - Chris Mason on Widdecombe

Pugnacious, charismatic and she always answered the question - Chris Mason on Widdecombe

July 10, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative politician known for her strong and clear opinions, has died under circumstances that police are investigating as a murder. Authorities have stated there is no evidence the crime was politically motivated, and colleagues across politics have expressed sadness and respect for her candidness and character.

Key Facts

  • Ann Widdecombe was a former Conservative politician known for her outspoken views.
  • Police are investigating her death as a murder but say it does not appear politically motivated.
  • Widdecombe participated in public debates, including as a panelist on the radio program "Any Questions."
  • She was known for being direct and clear in expressing her opinions.
  • Some admired her for her courage in holding and stating unpopular views.
  • Others found some of her opinions offensive, but many who knew her found her likeable and warm.
  • Her death has shocked political leaders in Westminster.
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BBC Top Stories
Appeals court rejects effort to defend Texas law offering in-state tuition for undocumented students

Appeals court rejects effort to defend Texas law offering in-state tuition for undocumented students

July 10, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A federal appeals court blocked an effort to defend the Texas Dream Act, a law that let some undocumented students pay in-state tuition at Texas public colleges. The court said federal law does not allow states to give in-state tuition benefits to undocumented students unless all U.S. citizens, no matter where they live, get the same benefit.

Key Facts

  • The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a defense of the Texas Dream Act.
  • The Texas Dream Act let certain undocumented students pay in-state tuition if they graduated from a Texas high school and lived in Texas.
  • Federal law bars states from giving undocumented students residency-based tuition benefits unless it applies equally to all U.S. citizens.
  • The ruling overturned a long-standing Texas law that started in 2001 with wide political support.
  • Gov. Greg Abbott and the Trump administration supported the decision, calling it a victory for law enforcement.
  • Advocacy groups and colleges involved in the case expressed disappointment and plan to seek further legal review.
  • Judges on the panel were appointed by Presidents Reagan, Trump, and Biden, with two agreeing and one dissenting.
  • Students affected by the ruling said it was disheartening and criticized political rhetoric against undocumented immigrants.
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AP News
Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race, kicking off Democrats’ quest for nominee

Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race, kicking off Democrats’ quest for nominee

July 10, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Graham Platner has officially withdrawn from the Maine U.S. Senate race after facing a sexual assault allegation, which he denies. Maine Democrats are now seeking a new candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in a key race for control of the Senate.

Key Facts

  • Platner submitted paperwork to the Maine secretary of state to withdraw from the Senate race.
  • He described his campaign as representing everyday people, not wealthy elites or established politicians.
  • Progressive leaders like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Ro Khanna supported Platner.
  • The withdrawal follows a sexual assault claim against him, which he denies.
  • Maine Democrats plan to select a new nominee by July 27 through a nominating convention.
  • Several Democrats have announced their intention to run for the nomination, including former governor primary candidates and other local politicians.
  • Maine is considered a crucial state in the battle for Senate control.
  • More than 100 Maine Democratic Party committee members approved holding a convention to choose a new candidate before Platner’s formal withdrawal.
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AP News
ICE agents weren't wearing body cameras when Mexican man was fatally shot, agency says

ICE agents weren't wearing body cameras when Mexican man was fatally shot, agency says

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

ICE agents did not have body cameras on when they fatally shot a Mexican man in Houston, Texas. Lawmakers in Texas are asking for the agency to stop using unmarked cars during its operations.

Key Facts

  • ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. government agency.
  • A Mexican man was fatally shot by ICE agents in Houston, Texas.
  • The agents involved were not wearing body cameras at the time of the shooting.
  • Body cameras are small cameras worn by officers to record events as they happen.
  • Texas lawmakers want ICE to stop using unmarked cars, which are vehicles without official police markings, in their activities.
  • The incident has raised concerns about transparency and safety during ICE operations.
  • The report about the shooting was covered by CBS News.
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CBS News
Mitch McConnell Mystery: What Happens If He Dies or Resigns the Senate

Mitch McConnell Mystery: What Happens If He Dies or Resigns the Senate

July 10, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Senator Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized since June 14 with an undisclosed illness, leading to concerns about his ability to finish his term. If he dies or resigns before January, Kentucky’s new law will require a special election to fill his Senate seat, rather than a temporary appointment.

Key Facts

  • Mitch McConnell, 84, was hospitalized on June 14; details about his illness have not been made public.
  • McConnell has not made any public appearances or statements since his hospitalization.
  • Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has formally requested updates on McConnell’s health.
  • Senate Republican leaders have said McConnell is alert and in contact with staff.
  • Kentucky recently passed a law that requires a special election if a Senate seat becomes vacant, rather than allowing the governor to appoint a temporary replacement.
  • McConnell is not running for reelection in 2024, and his current term ends in January.
  • Emergency reports suggest McConnell may have experienced cardiac arrest, but this has not been confirmed.
  • McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, said his condition did not require her to cut short a trip to China.
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Newsweek
Nolan Wells' family demands answers after he was found dead following a boat trip with friends

Nolan Wells' family demands answers after he was found dead following a boat trip with friends

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old from Mississippi, died after going on a boat trip with friends on the Fourth of July. His body was found several days later, and his family is seeking answers about what happened.

Key Facts

  • Nolan Wells was 18 years old.
  • He went on a boat trip with friends to an island off the Mississippi coast on the Fourth of July.
  • He did not return home after the trip.
  • His body was found a few days after the outing.
  • Nolan’s family is asking for more information about the circumstances of his death.
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CBS News
John Fetterman joins forces with Republican counterpart in Senate for fundraising committee

John Fetterman joins forces with Republican counterpart in Senate for fundraising committee

July 10, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Senators John Fetterman (Democrat) and Dave McCormick (Republican) from Pennsylvania have started a joint fundraising committee called Common Ground PA to support both campaigns. This unusual bipartisan effort has raised questions about Fetterman’s political direction since he has supported some policies favored by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Key Facts

  • John Fetterman is a Democratic senator from Pennsylvania; Dave McCormick is the Republican senator from the same state.
  • They created a joint fundraising committee named Common Ground PA to raise money for their campaigns.
  • This committee is unusual because it combines efforts from both a Democrat and a Republican.
  • Fetterman has shifted toward more bipartisan positions, sometimes supporting Trump administration policies.
  • He was the only Democrat to support several of President Trump’s cabinet nominees.
  • Fetterman’s next Senate election is in 2028; McCormick’s is in 2030.
  • Both senators have appeared together publicly and describe their relationship as close friends.
  • Polls show Fetterman has a 46% approval rating in Pennsylvania, while McCormick has 37%.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump administration to support heavy tariffs on Russian oil in bid to end Ukraine war, sources say

Trump administration to support heavy tariffs on Russian oil in bid to end Ukraine war, sources say

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration supports a plan to put heavy taxes, called tariffs, on oil from Russia. This is part of a strategy to help end the war between Russia and Ukraine by making it harder for Russia to sell its oil.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration agrees to back heavy tariffs on Russian oil.
  • Tariffs are taxes added to imported goods, making them more expensive.
  • The goal is to pressure Russia economically to stop the war in Ukraine.
  • A bipartisan group of U.S. senators supports new sanctions on Russia.
  • Sanctions are penalties or restrictions meant to influence a country’s actions.
  • The news was reported by CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small.
  • This measure aims to reduce Russia’s income from oil sales during the conflict.
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CBS News
Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race

Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Graham Platner has officially ended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine after facing a sexual assault allegation. Despite denying the claim, he said pressure from Democrats made continuing his campaign impossible, and the party must now choose a new candidate to run against Senator Susan Collins.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner formally filed paperwork to suspend his Senate campaign in Maine.
  • He announced the suspension after a woman accused him of sexual assault.
  • Platner denied the allegation, calling it false.
  • He cited pressure from Democratic leaders as a reason for dropping out.
  • Platner had a deadline of 5 p.m. Monday to remove his name from the ballot.
  • The Maine Democratic Party will hold a nominating convention to pick a replacement.
  • The Democratic nominee will run against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
  • The party’s replacement must be chosen by July 27 at 5 p.m.
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CBS News
Graham Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race

Graham Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race

July 10, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Democrat Graham Platner officially withdrew from the 2024 Maine Senate race on Friday, ahead of the Monday deadline. His exit allows the Democratic Party in Maine to pick a new candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner filed paperwork on Friday to remove his name from the Maine Senate ballot.
  • The deadline to withdraw and allow a replacement candidate is Monday at 5 p.m.
  • Platner had been criticized by some Democrats for delaying his withdrawal announcement.
  • The Maine Democratic Party plans to hold a nominating convention with about 600 delegates to choose Platner’s replacement.
  • Platner described himself as an oyster farmer and emphasized wanting a candidate representing ordinary people.
  • Multiple candidates have already entered the race to replace Platner.
  • Progressives worry the nomination process may be controlled by insiders, while moderates fear it could favor left-leaning activists.
  • Platner posted a letter stating his reasons and signed off with political messages, including opposition to ICE and support for Palestine.
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Axios
Graham Platner Formally Withdraws From Senate Race

Graham Platner Formally Withdraws From Senate Race

July 10, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Graham Platner has officially withdrawn from the U.S. Senate race in Maine. He sent a letter to the Secretary of State’s Office confirming his withdrawal, so his name will not appear on the ballot.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat from Maine.
  • He sent a formal withdrawal letter to the Secretary of State’s Office.
  • Platner said his name belongs to the people of Maine, not to him personally.
  • The Secretary of State confirmed receiving the notice and said Platner will be removed from the ballot.
  • His campaign officially suspended operations earlier, citing difficulties unrelated to the allegations against him.
  • Platner faces serious accusations, including a rape allegation by Jenny Racicot.
  • He denies all allegations, calling them false and untrue.
  • A former girlfriend also accused him of removing a condom without her consent.
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Newsweek
Trump taps climate skeptic to run US government’s flagship climate report

Trump taps climate skeptic to run US government’s flagship climate report

July 10, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

President Donald Trump has appointed Matthew Wielicki, a climate skeptic without formal climate science training, to lead the U.S. Global Change Research Program and oversee the National Climate Assessment. This report explains how climate change affects the U.S., but the Trump administration has reduced funding for climate research and removed access to past reports during its current term.

Key Facts

  • Matthew Wielicki, a former geochemist and climate skeptic, was chosen to lead the federal government’s main climate impact report.
  • Wielicki calls himself an “Earth science professor-in-exile” and questions mainstream climate science.
  • The National Climate Assessment is a congressionally required report updated every four years about how climate change affects the U.S.
  • The Trump administration has cut funding and closed offices that collect climate data since President Trump began his second term.
  • The online portal to access past climate reports was shut down last year.
  • Scientists and climate advocates warn that Wielicki’s appointment risks undermining scientific integrity and spreading misinformation.
  • Wielicki believes solar radiation, not carbon dioxide, is the main cause of atmospheric warming and has criticized those who accept climate change science.
  • President Trump’s administration has received large donations from fossil fuel industries, which contribute to climate change.
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Guardian US
Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race

Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race

July 10, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Graham Platner, a Democrat and oyster farmer, has officially stopped running in the race for the United States Senate seat from Maine. This opens the way for the Democratic Party to select a new candidate for the election.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner was running as a Democrat for the Maine Senate seat.
  • He is known as a progressive and an oyster farmer.
  • Platner sent a formal letter to announce he was withdrawing from the race.
  • The letter was shared on social media on a Friday.
  • His withdrawal allows the Democratic Party to pick a new nominee this month.
  • The decision clears the path for other candidates within the party.
  • The Senate race is part of the wider U.S. election process.
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The Hill
Hegseth again intervenes in disciplinary action taken for Apache helicopter flyover

Hegseth again intervenes in disciplinary action taken for Apache helicopter flyover

July 10, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed to lift the suspension of eight South Carolina National Guard Apache helicopter pilots after their low flyover during a Fourth of July event. The suspensions were originally described as routine administrative measures during a flight safety review but were ended following Hegseth’s public call and support from lawmakers.

Key Facts

  • Eight Apache helicopter pilots were temporarily suspended after a low-altitude flyover along the South Carolina coast on July Fourth.
  • The event was part of the annual "Salute from the Shore" helicopter flyover along the coast from Myrtle Beach to Beaufort.
  • The South Carolina National Guard said the suspensions were routine while they reviewed the flight and not a disciplinary action.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly called for the suspension to be reversed, saying the pilots should continue their duties.
  • Republican South Carolina lawmakers and the governor also criticized the suspension and supported the pilots.
  • The suspension was lifted shortly after Hegseth’s demand, allowing the pilots to resume normal activities.
  • Low-altitude flying carries safety risks such as the chance of debris dropping and less pilot reaction time.
  • The South Carolina National Guard thanked the public and officials for their support during the review.
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ABC News
Trump maintains ceasefire is over, says Iran asked U.S. to continue talks

Trump maintains ceasefire is over, says Iran asked U.S. to continue talks

July 10, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump said that Iran asked the United States to keep peace talks going, but he also stated that the ceasefire agreement with Iran is finished. CBS News reported on these statements and the current situation.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said Iran requested to continue peace talks with the U.S.
  • He also said the ceasefire agreement with Iran is over.
  • The information was reported by CBS News.
  • Charlie D'Agata, CBS News senior national security correspondent, provided details.
  • The article focuses on diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Iran.
  • No new ceasefire agreement has been confirmed by President Trump.
  • The situation involves ongoing security and diplomatic discussions.
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CBS News
Michigan releases prison autopsy, transfers inmate who alleged mold sickness

Michigan releases prison autopsy, transfers inmate who alleged mold sickness

July 10, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A woman inmate at Michigan’s only women’s prison, Krystal Clark, was moved to a health facility after claiming she got sick from toxic mold in the prison. Officials released an autopsy for another inmate who died recently, showing her death was from a blood clot and heart issues, not related to mold.

Key Facts

  • Krystal Clark was transferred from Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility to Duane Waters Health Center for medical care.
  • Clark and other inmates have reported unsafe conditions, including toxic mold, leading to a class-action lawsuit.
  • Four inmates have died in recent months at the prison; an autopsy was released for one of them, Khaira Howard.
  • Howard, 28, died of a blood clot blocking an artery and a heart condition that caused fluid in her lungs.
  • Clark claims respiratory problems, ear infections, and hearing loss from mold exposure and tested positive for common black mold and several bacteria.
  • Michigan officials deny significant black mold presence, saying fungal spore levels in the prison are safe or only slightly higher than outside.
  • Clark’s placement at the health center is temporary while a court motion is pending.
  • Clark has been in prison since 2011 and will be eligible for parole in 2027.
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AP News