A woman who dated Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has accused him of forcing her to have sex without her consent. Platner denies this claim. Some Democrats are now asking Platner to drop out of the Senate race.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
A woman who dated him has accused him of sexual assault.
The allegation says Platner forced her to have sex against her will.
Platner has denied the accusation.
Democrats have called for Platner to withdraw from the race.
The news was reported by Politico and covered by CBS News.
Aaron Zitner, a reporter from The Wall Street Journal, provided additional information.
The situation is gaining media attention during the Senate campaign in Maine.
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New Jersey experienced strong thunderstorms following a period of very hot weather. The storms caused flooding and damaged buildings, including tearing the roof off a BJ's Wholesale Club.
Key Facts
New Jersey had severe thunderstorms back-to-back after extreme heat.
The storms caused flooding in some areas.
A BJ's Wholesale Club had its roof ripped off by the storms.
People in New Jersey are now cleaning up from the damage.
The severe weather affected other parts of the U.S. as well.
Weather experts are monitoring and forecasting upcoming conditions.
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Heavy rain and flash flooding in New Jersey caused the roof of a BJ's Wholesale Club to partially collapse. No injuries were reported in the incident despite streets being underwater in the area.
Key Facts
Intense rain and flash floods hit parts of New Jersey over the weekend.
The flooding caused streets to be underwater.
The roof of a BJ’s Wholesale Club near New York City partially collapsed due to the heavy rain.
No people were hurt in the roof collapse.
The incident was reported by CBS News correspondent Lana Zak.
The BJ’s Wholesale Club affected is less than 60 miles from New York City.
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President Donald Trump introduced a new program called the "Trump Accounts" that allows children under 18 to have special investment accounts where taxes are delayed. This program is part of a large tax and spending law passed by Congress last year.
Key Facts
The "Trump Accounts" are tax-deferred investment accounts for children under 18.
Taxes on these accounts are delayed until the money is withdrawn.
The program started one year after the tax and spending law was passed.
The law was passed by Congress last year and was supported by President Trump.
The program is designed to help families save money for their children’s future.
CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo covered the story.
The account program is part of a broader policy initiative from President Trump’s administration.
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Jocelyn Samuels, a former commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), dropped her lawsuit challenging her firing by President Donald Trump after a Supreme Court ruling increased the president’s power to remove heads of independent agencies. The EEOC under Trump has changed its focus on civil rights enforcement, including plans to stop collecting some workplace demographic data and changing rules about language use at work.
Key Facts
Jocelyn Samuels, a Democrat, was fired from the EEOC by President Trump before her term ended.
Samuels sued President Trump over her dismissal but dropped the lawsuit after a Supreme Court decision.
The Supreme Court ruling allows presidents more freedom to fire members of independent agencies.
President Trump’s actions shifted the EEOC’s focus away from some diversity and inclusion efforts.
The EEOC plans to stop collecting annual demographic data from workplaces and change rules about English-only policies at work.
The EEOC currently has two Republicans and one Democrat serving as commissioners.
The EEOC says it supports President Trump’s civil rights agenda and aims for fair enforcement of civil rights laws.
The EEOC chair Andrea Lucas, nominated by President Trump, welcomed the Supreme Court ruling as confirming the EEOC is part of the executive branch.
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A court is holding a five-day preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Witnesses have started giving their testimony as part of this hearing process.
Key Facts
The hearing is preliminary, which means it is an early step before a full trial.
It is scheduled to last five days.
The accused is charged with killing Charlie Kirk.
Witnesses are testifying during the hearing.
Charlie Kirk is a conservative activist.
The hearing is being covered by CBS News.
This is a legal proceeding in the United States.
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Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate from Maine, is facing a sexual assault allegation from a woman who dated him five years ago. Platner denies the claim and says he is taking time to think about his campaign.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat.
A woman who dated Platner five years ago has accused him of sexual assault in a Politico report.
Platner denies the allegation.
He said he is taking time to reflect on his candidacy in light of the accusation.
CBS News political director Fin Gómez reported on the situation.
The news was shared on CBS News and through their app.
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President Donald Trump is having a granite helipad built on the White House South Lawn for Marine One helicopters. The project, costing about $5 to $6 million, will be paid for by Sikorsky Aircraft, the company that makes the presidential helicopters.
Key Facts
The new helipad is made of carved granite and will have the White House seal on it.
Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is covering the full cost of the helipad construction.
Lockheed Martin said their contribution was made to the National Park Service and follows all laws and ethics rules.
The White House has used older helicopters that damage the South Lawn grass during landings and takeoffs.
Sikorsky delivered a new fleet of VH-92A Patriot helicopters in 2024, which are safer and more reliable.
The Navy awarded Sikorsky a $1.24 billion contract under the Obama administration to replace the Marine One fleet.
The helipad is part of several recent White House construction projects under President Trump, including a new ballroom and patio areas.
Trump said the work reflects care and attention being given to the White House grounds and facilities.
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A judge has started a hearing to decide if there is enough evidence to hold a trial for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The hearing will last five days.
Key Facts
The accused man faces charges related to the killing of Charlie Kirk.
A judge is reviewing the evidence to decide if it is sufficient for a trial.
The hearing began on Monday and will last five days.
Charlie Kirk is known as a conservative activist.
CBS News legal expert Jessica Levinson is providing analysis on the case.
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Two Democrats, Representative Ro Khanna and Senator Ruben Gallego, have taken back their support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a woman he dated accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies these allegations.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
A woman who dated Platner has accused him of sexual assault in a Politico interview.
Representative Ro Khanna of California withdrew his endorsement of Platner.
Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona also withdrew his endorsement.
Platner denies the sexual assault accusation.
The news was reported by CBS News.
Political analysts Ameshia Cross and Marc Short provided commentary on the situation.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats called on Graham Platner to quit the Maine Senate race after allegations of sexual assault emerged. The Maine Democratic Party may choose a new candidate by mid-July if Platner withdraws, but Platner denied the accusations and is still deciding whether to stay in the race.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged Platner to immediately withdraw from the Senate race in Maine.
Allegations of sexual assault against Platner from 2021 were reported by Politico.
Platner denied the allegations but is considering his next steps.
Maine Democrats have until July 13 for Platner to withdraw and replace him with another candidate.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) will not fund Platner’s campaign if he stays on the ballot.
Some prominent Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Ruben Gallego, withdrew their endorsements of Platner.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders had not called for Platner to quit at the time of reporting.
Platner became the Democratic nominee after Gov. Janet Mills ended her campaign.
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Hasan Piker, a left-wing Twitch streamer, said the political career of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is likely over after a report. The report said a woman accused Platner of sexually assaulting her in 2021.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat.
Politico published a report about a sexual assault accusation against Platner.
The alleged incident happened in 2021.
The accuser is a former girlfriend of Platner.
Hasan Piker read the story on his Twitch livestream soon after it came out.
Piker said it was “curtains” for Platner, meaning his campaign is probably finished.
The news came out during the 2024 U.S. election season.
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Leading Democrats have withdrawn their support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies the accusations but is reconsidering his campaign amid the controversy.
Key Facts
Jenny Racicot accused Graham Platner of forcing nonconsensual sex in late 2021 at her home in Maine.
Platner denied the allegations and said he is reflecting on his campaign’s future.
Top Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna and Senator Ruben Gallego, have withdrawn their endorsements of Platner.
The Maine Democratic Party and political group End Citizens United called for Platner to drop out.
Platner won the Democratic primary in April and is set to run against Republican Susan Collins.
Maine law allows Platner to be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by July 13, with a replacement named by July 27.
Platner is a Marine veteran and has faced past controversies, including a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and past social media posts.
Leftist commentator Hasan Piker, previously a supporter, said the new allegations are “verifiable” and “irredeemable.”
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A UK parliamentary committee criticized the government for comparing student loan repayments to small monthly phone contracts, calling it misleading. The report also highlighted that students were not properly informed about changes to loan repayment terms and urged the government to reconsider freezing the income level at which graduates begin repaying loans.
Key Facts
A committee of UK MPs said comparing student loan repayments to phone contracts was misleading and like mis-selling.
The government froze the repayment threshold for Plan 2 student loans at £29,385 from 2027 to 2030, which means some graduates will start repaying sooner or pay more over time.
Plan 2 loans apply to students in England from 2012 to 2023 and still to students in Wales.
Graduates repay 9% of earnings above the threshold automatically.
The committee referenced an investigation showing the government used a £30 per month phone contract analogy to explain loans to teenagers.
The student loan system is exempt from consumer protection laws, but the committee called for fairness.
Graduates like Laura-May Nardella report making high monthly payments and seeing their total debt increase due to interest rates.
Groups like the National Union of Students want immediate reforms, including raising the repayment threshold and lowering repayment rates.
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A recent report from the chief inspector of prisons in England and Wales shows that big cuts to education and training in prisons have led to more drug use, self-harm, and violence inside prisons. The report also warns about risks to the public as thousands of prisoners are due to be released later this year with weak support services.
Key Facts
Prison education and training budgets were cut by as much as 50% in some places.
These cuts have caused boredom and despair, increasing drug use, violence, and self-harm among prisoners.
Many prisoners have low reading and math skills, making it harder for them to succeed after release.
Drug gangs use drones to deliver illegal items like strong glue and tools to help prisoners open windows to bring in drugs.
Violence has risen in two-thirds of inspected men’s prisons, with serious attacks up 40%.
Delays in moving mentally ill prisoners to secure hospitals can be very long; one waited nearly two years.
Thousands of prisoners will be released later this year, but coordination between prisons and community services is weak.
Prison authorities spend about £59,000 per prisoner each year, but outcomes are poor.
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A UK government minister said that a child abuse scandal at Medomsley detention centre was ignored for many years because the victims were working-class boys from northern England. The government is now implementing recommendations to improve protections and prevent such abuse in youth custody facilities.
Key Facts
Abuse happened from 1961 to 1987 at Medomsley detention centre in County Durham, England.
Neville Husband, a paedophile, raped and tortured boys during this time.
An investigation found more than 2,000 victims of abuse at the centre.
A government report described the abuse as "industrial sexual abuse" of vulnerable boys.
The scandal received limited national attention partly because victims were poor boys seen as "bad."
New government recommendations include better staff training, stronger background checks, and social workers at all youth custody sites.
The government apologized to victims and started a review of child protection in youth custody.
Officials emphasized the importance of learning from the past to protect children in the future.
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President Donald Trump said Walmart is lowering prices at his administration’s request to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday. Walmart, however, made a statement saying their price cuts are to help customers during summer and did not mention any role of the administration.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed Walmart is cutting prices, including a nearly 15% cut on ground beef, because his administration asked them to.
Walmart’s official statement said the price reductions are meant to help customers enjoy the summer season.
Walmart did not mention any connection to the government or President Trump in their announcement.
Inflation has risen 4.2% over the past year, higher than the 3% rate when President Trump took office.
Part of the inflation increase came after tariffs imposed by President Trump and events like the Iran war affecting oil prices.
Walmart’s sales have sometimes benefited from inflation as shoppers look for lower prices at Walmart stores and online.
President Trump has previously pressured Walmart to absorb tariffs costs without raising prices.
The article was reported by Josh Boak, who covers the White House and economic policy.
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President Donald Trump promised to increase gun rights across the country during his presidential campaign. Now, his administration is working to remove some gun safety rules that were made to protect the public.
Key Facts
President Trump pledged to expand Second Amendment rights during his campaign.
The Second Amendment relates to the right to own and carry guns.
The Trump administration is rolling back certain federal gun regulations.
These regulations were originally designed to improve public safety.
The efforts were discussed by a Justice correspondent and a gun policy writer.
The Trace is a news outlet that covers federal gun laws and policies.
The goal is to reduce government restrictions on gun ownership.
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Democrats in Maine are urging Graham Platner to leave the Senate race after a person accused him of sexual assault. The discussion also covers the Democratic Party’s plans for the upcoming elections and events in Washington during the country’s 250th anniversary.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a candidate in the Maine Senate race.
A person has accused Platner of sexual assault.
Some Democrats want Platner to quit the Senate race.
The Democratic Party is planning its strategy for the midterm elections.
There was a discussion about political events during the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
The report is presented by NPR’s Tamara Keith and Carrie Dann with Amna Nawaz.
The focus is on Maine politics and national Democratic party issues.
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It has been one year since deadly flash floods in central Texas caused more than 130 deaths. In Kerrville, Texas, residents are rebuilding their community and have installed new systems to warn people earlier about floods.
Key Facts
The deadly flash floods happened in central Texas one year ago.
Over 130 people died because of the floods.
Kerrville is one of the towns affected by the floods.
Residents in Kerrville are working to rebuild their homes and community.
New warning systems for floods have been put in place to alert people sooner.
These systems aim to improve safety and reduce future flood deaths.
The recovery process is ongoing in Kerrville and surrounding areas.
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