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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Donald Trump announced plans to build a new granite helipad on the White House South Lawn to prevent damage caused by the latest Marine One helicopters. The helipad's cost, initially estimated at $5 to $6 million by Trump, may be closer to $13 million, including related renovations, with some funding reportedly provided by aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky and its parent company Lockheed Martin.
Key Facts
The new helipad will be made of granite and include a 100-foot-wide White House seal carved into it.
Sikorsky, the helicopter maker, will cover the helipad cost because their helicopters caused damage to the lawn.
The overall project cost could reach $13 million, covering the helipad, South Portico, and a driveway resurfacing.
Construction is accelerated to finish by September 17, before a planned visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
There are concerns that despite private funding claims, taxpayer money might still pay for some work.
Experts worry about possible corporate influence and lack of transparency in funding and contracts.
President Trump was personally involved in the helipad design, including drainage and curb changes.
The pad is designed to accommodate the new VH-92A Marine One helicopters used for presidential transport.
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Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, appeared in court for an important hearing. The case is ongoing and being reported by CBS News.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk is known as a conservative activist.
Robinson attended a court hearing on Monday.
The hearing is described as critical or important for the case.
CBS News covered the court appearance and the story.
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Alaska had the highest error rate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments for the fourth year in a row, with 23% of recipients receiving the wrong amount in 2025. The state is working on modernizing its system to reduce errors, but the high error rate could lead to federal penalties and is linked to complex rules and manual processes.
Key Facts
In the federal fiscal year ending in September 2025, 23% of SNAP payments in Alaska had significant errors, mostly overpayments.
The national average error rate for SNAP payments was 11%.
Alaska's error rate has dropped from more than 55% in 2022 and 2023 but remains highest in the nation.
The Alaska Division of Public Assistance noted that modernization efforts are underway, with improvements expected by 2028.
Errors are caused by complex eligibility rules, manual work processes, and workforce challenges.
Alaska has faced millions in fines due to its high error rates in recent years.
President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act requires states to pay some costs of SNAP errors, potentially shifting $40 million to Alaska if applied now.
Alaska is currently exempt from this cost-sharing requirement until possibly 2030 due to a special exception.
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Senate Democratic leaders Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand asked Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to leave the race. They cited serious allegations of violence, abuse, and sexual assault as the reason for their request.
Key Facts
Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are leading figures in the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee.
They issued a public statement asking Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine, to withdraw.
The request came after reports of allegations against Platner involving violence, abuse, and sexual assault.
Schumer and Gillibrand called these allegations “incredibly disturbing” and said such behavior is “absolutely unacceptable.”
The Democrats want to remove Platner from the race to ensure the party’s standards and values.
This situation is unfolding during the campaign period for the Maine Senate election.
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A new poll shows that President Donald Trump’s net approval rating among men has dropped from -13 to -19 within a month. This decline is notable because men were a key group supporting him in the 2024 election, but overall his approval rating remains below 40 percent with many Americans disapproving of his handling of the economy and other issues.
Key Facts
President Trump’s net approval rating among men fell from -13 in June to -19 in late June 2026.
Men helped President Trump win the 2024 presidential election by a 12-point margin over Kamala Harris.
Overall, Trump’s approval rating is 34 percent, while 57 percent disapprove according to the Focaldata/Financial Times poll.
Approval on specific issues is lower: 20 percent approve on inflation and cost of living, 29 percent on jobs and economy, and 41 percent on immigration.
Voter dissatisfaction is growing ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, partly due to economic concerns.
Other polls show similar trends with Trump’s overall approval in the high 30s and disapproval around 55 to 58 percent.
The polls were conducted in late June 2026 with samples over 1,600 to nearly 3,000 adults.
White House responses highlight President Trump’s accomplishments and efforts on jobs, inflation, and housing.
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A woman who dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has accused him of forcing her to have sex without her consent, according to a Politico report. Following the allegation, Platner has postponed his campaign events.
Key Facts
The woman made the sexual assault claim to Politico.
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat.
Platner and the woman had dated before the allegation.
Platner’s campaign events have been postponed.
The allegation involves forcing sex without consent.
The report was covered by CBS News citing Politico.
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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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