Graham Platner has officially withdrawn from the U.S. Senate race in Maine.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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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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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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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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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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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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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received $20 million to buy body cameras for its officers, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents involved in a deadly shooting in Houston were not wearing any. The absence of body cameras has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, especially during increased ICE enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
DHS was allocated $20 million by Congress to equip its officers with body cameras.
ICE agents in Houston fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican man who lived in the U.S. for over 35 years.
The ICE officers involved in the shooting did not have body cameras on.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promised in early 2026 to rapidly deploy body cameras nationwide.
Witnesses dispute the official ICE account of the shooting, but no video evidence exists to clarify the events.
Arrests by ICE have increased recently under President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Critics argue body cameras could improve accountability for ICE officers during enforcement actions.
Noem has since been replaced by Markwayne Mullin as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
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An 18-year-old named Mielun Butler died at the Hinds County Detention Center in Mississippi after being stomped on. Officials confirmed a video showing the attack is real, and an officer has been placed on leave while the investigation continues.
Key Facts
Mielun Butler was arrested on July 1 in connection with a killing in Jackson, Mississippi.
He was charged with murder related to the death of Melvin Edwards.
Butler died on July 3 after being stomped, with shoe prints found on his head.
A video showed someone kicking and stomping his limp and bloodied body inside the jail.
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones confirmed the video’s authenticity and put a detention officer on paid leave.
The jail is under federal control due to ongoing issues, and a hearing will be held soon to discuss jail conditions.
Sheriff Jones suggested the violence might be connected to gang activity spreading from the community to the jail.
Jail death records were recently ordered to be released after being withheld for over a year.
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Abdul Zahir Qadeer, a former Afghan general and lawmaker, was arrested and charged in the U.S. with planning to illegally import heroin, methamphetamine, and weapons. He was caught after working with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) informant and was extradited to the U.S. to face trial.
Key Facts
Qadeer is a former Afghan Border Force general and former deputy speaker of Afghanistan's National Assembly.
He faces federal charges in New York for conspiracy to import drugs and possess illegal weapons.
Qadeer allegedly negotiated since November 2024 to sell heroin, methamphetamine, and heavy weapons including assault rifles and grenades.
A “test shipment” of two kilograms of methamphetamine was sold in South Africa for $14,000.
He arranged deals to provide hundreds of kilograms of drugs and a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.
Qadeer was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2025 during a DEA sting operation with undercover agents.
If convicted, he faces at least 10 years in prison for drug charges and at least 30 years for weapons charges, with possible life sentences.
The case is part of broader U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes linked to international figures.
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President Trump’s administration has changed a key part of the Endangered Species Act to allow logging, mining, and other activities in habitats of endangered animals and plants. The rule removes protections for the habitats themselves, focusing only on the species, which critics warn could harm vulnerable wildlife.
Key Facts
The new rule removes habitat protection from the Endangered Species Act’s definition of “harm.”
For 50 years, the law protected both endangered species and their living environments.
The Supreme Court upheld habitat protections in 1995 concerning old-growth forests and spotted owls.
The government says the change prevents regulation from interfering with private property rights.
Habitat destruction is a major cause of species extinction worldwide.
The Endangered Species Act has helped save more than 1,700 species and prevented 99% from extinction.
Environmental groups warn the change risks the survival of animals like wolverines, monarch butterflies, and Florida manatees.
The rule change is part of broader efforts by President Trump to reduce environmental regulations and promote energy and industrial development.
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Taylor Swift paid over $160,000 to New York City for a permit related to her wedding at Madison Square Garden. The permit covered city services like police and street closures needed for the event on July 3, 2026.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift's wedding took place at Madison Square Garden on July 3, 2026.
She paid more than $160,000 for the event permit and related city services.
The permit covered police deployments, street closures, and traffic management.
The New York Police Department assigned dozens of officers for security at the event.
The wedding had over 1,000 guests and included a ceremony officiated by actor Adam Sandler.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to charities before the wedding.
One of the charities supports families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
The wedding party included only the couple's brothers as "man of honor" and best man.
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CBS News' program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" will feature several guests on July 12, 2026, including government and military leaders. The show airs on CBS at 10:30 a.m. and streams online at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Key Facts
The guests include Tom Homan, who works on border issues for the White House.
Republican Congressman Mike Turner from Ohio will appear; he previously led the House Intelligence Committee.
Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, who was U.S. ambassador to Japan and former Chicago mayor, is a guest.
Retired General Frank McKenzie, president of The Citadel and former leader of U.S. Central Command, will also be on the show.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" is a CBS News program.
The show airs Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on CBS.
It is also available on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Sundays.
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The US Supreme Court recently upheld the right to birthright citizenship, a rule that grants citizenship to most children born in the United States. This decision was based on a 19th-century case involving Wong Kim Ark, whose great-granddaughter is now involved in the national debate after President Trump pledged to end birthright citizenship.
Key Facts
Birthright citizenship is granted by the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution.
Wong Kim Ark was involved in an 1898 court case that confirmed birthright citizenship rights.
Sandra Wong, Wong Kim Ark’s great-granddaughter, learned about her family’s legacy only after her father’s funeral in 2011.
In 2015, then-candidate Donald Trump proposed ending birthright citizenship as part of his immigration policies.
The Supreme Court cited Wong Kim Ark’s case over 100 times in its June 30 ruling to protect birthright citizenship.
President Trump wants Congress to change the Constitution to remove birthright citizenship.
Trump recently asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision protecting birthright citizenship.
This ongoing fight marks the biggest challenge to Wong Kim Ark’s legacy in more than 100 years.
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The Trump administration is continuing construction of a border wall in West Texas despite a lawsuit claiming the project violates a federal law designed to protect levees from damage. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the lawsuit by waiving that law, allowing construction to proceed without required safety reviews.
Key Facts
The Presidio Municipal Development District (PMDD) sued the Trump administration over border wall plans near Presidio, Texas.
PMDD says the wall and changes to a local levee could cause dangerous flooding affecting homes and businesses.
The lawsuit focuses on the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which requires government approval before altering levees.
DHS had previously waived many laws to speed up wall construction but initially did not waive this 1899 law.
On July 2, DHS waived the Rivers and Harbors Act to avoid delays in the wall project.
PMDD argues the government is not coordinating properly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as required by law.
The levee system protects about 52 square miles of urban and farm land and was repaired after a major 2008 flood.
PMDD wants a court to stop construction until proper safety reviews are done.
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President Donald Trump has removed the last members of the Election Assistance Commission, a bipartisan federal agency that supports U.S. elections. This leaves the commission without any active commissioners shortly before the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was created in 2002 to help state and local officials run elections.
The agency usually has four commissioners, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
Two Democratic commissioners were fired by email, and the only remaining Republican resigned. Another Republican commissioner had left earlier.
The White House said the president can remove officials who do not align with securing elections.
The EAC helps with voting system certification and managing mail-in voter registration forms.
The commission had rejected a Trump order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, which a judge blocked.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that the president can fire independent agency members without cause.
It is unclear if President Trump will appoint new commissioners or leave the commission empty before the midterms.
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President Donald Trump said he has prepared orders to launch strong bomb attacks on Iran if they try to assassinate him. He told the New York Post that he has been a target for a long time and has made plans to respond firmly.
Key Facts
President Trump said Iran has considered assassinating him.
He stated that he has instructions ready to bomb Iran heavily if that happens.
He spoke about this in an interview with the New York Post.
Trump mentioned he has been on Iran’s target list for a long time.
The statement implies a serious threat between the U.S. and Iran involving the president’s safety.
No details were given about what specific actions or timing are included in his instructions.
The comments suggest a strong and immediate military response in case of an attack on President Trump.
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The Trump administration has removed a key rule that protected endangered animals and plants from harm under the Endangered Species Act. This rule previously included changes to a species’ habitat that could cause harm as prohibited.
Key Facts
The administration repealed a previous legal definition of what counts as “harm” to endangered species.
The definition included actions that significantly changed an animal or plant’s habitat in a harmful way.
Under the old rule, altering a habitat enough to hurt the species was illegal.
The rollback means some habitat changes may no longer be considered illegal harm.
The change was announced on a Friday by the Trump administration.
This action affects protections provided by the Endangered Species Act.
The Endangered Species Act aims to protect species at risk of extinction.
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The family of Charlie Kirk said prosecutors have shown strong evidence that Tyler Robinson shot and killed Kirk at Utah Valley University in September 2025. A judge will soon decide if there is enough proof to put Robinson on trial for aggravated murder.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
Tyler Robinson is accused of the shooting and has not yet entered a plea or testified.
Robinson turned himself in a day after the shooting.
Robinson’s former roommate said Robinson confessed to the shooting and acted erratically.
Prosecutors presented DNA evidence linking Robinson to the rifle used in the shooting, but defense lawyers questioned the reliability of this evidence.
A judge will decide by September 1 if Robinson will face trial.
Kirk’s family described the evidence as overwhelming and expressed hope for a fair, transparent legal process.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder.
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FBI Director Kash Patel is under investigation for using government resources for personal trips and luxury activities. Democratic lawmakers and a Senate Republican are asking for detailed explanations about his expensive travel and use of FBI assets.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the FBI Director, age 46.
Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about his spending and travel.
Patel reportedly used FBI jets, SWAT teams, and agents for trips that appear personal.
He took a costly trip to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, costing around $100,000.
Patel had a tax-funded helicopter tour during an official trip in East Asia.
Critics say Patel did personal trips with only brief official meetings to justify costs.
Patel defended using government jets for travel related to his girlfriend’s security.
Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, also requested more information about Patel’s expenses.
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Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasite called cyclospora, which causes severe watery diarrhea. Nearly 1,500 people have been diagnosed, and similar cases have appeared in about 30 other states. The source of the outbreak is still unknown, but the infection can be treated with antibiotics and avoided by practicing good hygiene.
Key Facts
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that causes diarrhea lasting weeks.
Michigan has seen over 1,500 cases in its biggest outbreak ever.
About 30 other states are also investigating similar infections.
The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with feces.
The exact food source of the current outbreak is not yet identified.
Past cyclospora outbreaks were linked to fresh produce like basil, cilantro, raspberries, snow peas, and salad mixes.
Washing hands with soap and water helps prevent infection; hand sanitizers do not kill cyclospora.
Antibiotics can treat cyclospora infections effectively, and no deaths have been reported.
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