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US News
Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Donald Trump pardoned 11 people, including a former business partner of lobbyist Jack Abramoff and nine individuals involved in violating vehicle emissions laws. The pardons come as part of Trump’s broader use of executive power during his second term and follow a memo allowing Americans more freedom to fix their own vehicles.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned 11 people on Friday.
Nine of the pardoned individuals were charged with bypassing vehicle emissions control systems.
The pardons followed a memo Trump signed allowing Americans to fix their vehicles without strict regulation.
One of the pardoned is Adam Kidan, a former business partner of Jack Abramoff, who served prison time for fraud and conspiracy.
Kidan now leads a staffing company and hosted a political fundraiser at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
Another person pardoned was ranch owner Jack Harvard, praised for letting the military and NATO use his land for training.
Trump announced some pardons on social media without naming who was pardoned.
The White House described the emissions-related pardons as relieving consumers from regulatory burdens.
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A family-owned company called Pyrotecnico will put on what is expected to be the largest fireworks display in history in Washington, D.C., for the 250th Independence Day celebration. President Donald Trump will give a speech before the fireworks start on the evening of July 4, with the event expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people.
Key Facts
The fireworks show will have 850,000 individual fireworks lasting 40 minutes.
Pyrotecnico has five generations of experience and has worked on big events like the Super Bowl.
The company has been planning the show since January and used computer simulations to design it.
Eight barges on the Potomac River will launch the fireworks, controlled by GPS and communication devices.
President Trump will speak at 9:45 p.m. Eastern Time before the fireworks begin at 10:45 p.m.
The event is called the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" and is on the National Mall.
CBS will broadcast a special program featuring the fireworks and other Independence Day celebrations.
The show honors America’s 250th birthday and expects a very large crowd.
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Wes Streeting, a former UK health secretary, has urged Parliament to use its authority to require senior NHS staff to testify about a major maternity care scandal at Nottingham University Hospitals. The scandal involved avoidable harm to hundreds of mothers and babies, but many senior staff refused to give evidence during the official inquiry.
Key Facts
The Nottingham maternity scandal review found many babies and mothers suffered avoidable harm.
Donna Ockenden conducted the review, interviewing 35 out of 66 senior staff approached.
Wes Streeting called senior staff who refused to participate "cowardly" and wants them summoned before a parliamentary committee.
Parliamentary committees can compel witnesses to attend and answer questions.
The review involved input from about 2,500 families and 800 NHS staff members.
Some senior executives currently working at Nottingham University Hospitals have cooperated with the inquiry.
The inquiry found that different care could have changed outcomes for 260 babies who died or were harmed.
Whistleblower Jack Hawkins, whose daughter was stillborn, expressed concern that parliamentary hearings could interfere with an ongoing police investigation.
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ABC News showed how security agents are preparing to keep people safe during big Fourth of July celebrations from New York City to Washington, D.C. These efforts involve military support and focus on popular events and landmarks. The goal is to protect the public during this important holiday weekend.
Key Facts
ABC News was given special access to the security preparations for Fourth of July events.
Security measures cover major cities including New York City and Washington, D.C.
Military forces are involved in the security plans for the holiday celebrations.
The celebrations include large crowds at events like concerts and national monuments.
The Fourth of July marks America’s Independence Day, celebrated in many cities.
Security aims to prevent any problems and ensure everyone’s safety during the holiday.
Other news stories featured include heat waves, legal battles, and cultural events around the same time.
The report highlights the scale and complexity of security needed for these large public gatherings.
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ABC is preparing a 24-hour special program to celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday. The coverage includes events like a visit to the Statue of Liberty’s torch, patriotic celebrations, and live views from famous U.S. landmarks.
Key Facts
ABC is airing a 24-hour broadcast for the Fourth of July celebration.
The celebration marks America’s 250th anniversary.
The program features a trip to the Statue of Liberty’s torch.
Live views are shown from Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Navy Pier in Chicago.
Events include a drone show involving the U.S. and France at the Statue of Liberty.
The broadcast highlights American traditions such as football and tailgating.
Coverage includes preparations for military security during the holiday weekend.
The program also shows scenes related to popular culture events like Taylor Swift’s wedding in New York City.
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A New York state trooper narrowly avoided being hit in a chain-reaction crash while responding to a different car accident near Buffalo. One driver involved in the crash was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Key Facts
The incident happened near Buffalo, New York.
A state trooper was on the scene responding to a separate crash.
The trooper dodged a chain-reaction crash that nearly hit him.
One driver involved in the chain-reaction crash was arrested.
The arrested driver was charged with DWI, which means driving while intoxicated.
Body camera footage showed the trooper’s near miss.
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Rishi Sharma has spent 10 years interviewing more than 3,000 World War II veterans across the United States to preserve their stories. His project, Remember WWII, records their experiences and shares the recordings with their families.
Key Facts
Rishi Sharma is 28 years old and started interviewing veterans 10 years ago.
He has interviewed over 3,000 World War II combat veterans.
His project is called Remember WWII and relies on donations for funding.
Sharma began locally in Southern California and expanded his work nationwide using a map of places he wanted to visit.
He recently interviewed 100-year-old Marine veteran Nils Mockler from Yorktown, New York.
Around 700,000 World War II veterans were alive 10 years ago; today about 30,000 remain.
The interviews are recorded for hours and given to the veterans' families.
Rishi believes the WWII generation has been a moral guide for American society.
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The United States has grown significantly over the past 250 years, from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to a large nation spanning the continent with a population increase from 4 million to over 343 million. Many of the country's political and cultural divisions today can be traced back to its earliest history, including issues of immigration and territorial expansion highlighted by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The US started as 13 colonies covering 430,000 square miles and now covers about 3.7 million square miles.
The population grew from about 4 million in 1790 to 343 million in 2025.
Early political debates over slavery, the constitution, and government created lasting divisions.
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 nearly doubled the country's size.
US regions have distinct cultural identities shaped by early settlers, such as "Yankeeland" in the north and "Greater Appalachia" in the middle belt.
The Deep South developed a top-down society based on plantation slavery.
The US government attempted to erase Indigenous cultures and expanded westward, driven by the idea of "manifest destiny"—the belief that the US was destined to control the continent.
President Donald Trump's political promises on immigration limits and expanding American power connect to these historical themes.
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The Secret Service is providing high-level security for the Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall. This event is officially designated as a "national special security event," which means extra law enforcement and security measures are in place due to increased threats.
Key Facts
The Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall has been labeled a "national special security event."
This designation typically applies to large events like the Super Bowl or a presidential inauguration.
The Secret Service is leading the security efforts for the event.
There is a heightened threat environment, meaning there are more concerns about possible dangers.
Law enforcement agencies are working closely together to keep the event safe.
The event includes a large gathering of people, requiring expanded security measures.
This is the first Fourth of July event with this level of security classification.
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President Donald Trump has announced new pardons while visiting Mount Rushmore. Sources say he also privately considered granting clemency to the music artist "Diddy." His total number of pardons now exceeds those issued by the four presidents on Mount Rushmore combined.
Key Facts
President Trump announced new pardons during his visit to Mount Rushmore.
He privately considered giving clemency to rapper "Diddy."
The four presidents on Mount Rushmore have together granted over 1,100 pardons in history.
President Trump’s total pardons have now surpassed that combined number.
Nancy Cordes reported this news for CBS News.
The news was featured in the CBS News app and website.
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A fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, on May 15, 2026, caused the deaths of three people, including Alden J. Robbins, a co-owner of the mill. The fire started accidentally at a silo and involved a large response by firefighters; two firefighters also died from injuries while fighting the blaze.
Key Facts
Alden J. Robbins died on May 21 from injuries sustained in the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber.
Two firefighters, Wayne Woodbury (76) and Andrew Cross (27), died from injuries while responding to the fire.
The fire caused heavy smoke and required hundreds of firefighters to respond in the rural area of Searsmont, Maine.
Ten people were injured in the incident, including Robbins’ daughter, Lily.
The fire began at the base of a lumber silo and led to an explosion caused by rapid ignition of dust and materials inside.
The explosion lifted the silo from its concrete base, causing it to collapse and spread the fire.
Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed sympathy for the Robbins family and praised Alden Robbins as a longtime leader in the lumber industry.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, but authorities say it was accidental.
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A dangerous heat wave is affecting about 200 million people in 28 states during the Fourth of July weekend. This extreme heat is causing emergencies and impacting many Independence Day events across the country.
Key Facts
Nearly 200 million Americans in 28 states are experiencing very high temperatures.
The heat wave is called a "heat dome," which traps hot air and raises temperatures.
The heat emergency coincides with Fourth of July weekend celebrations.
Some of the America 250 events, marking 250 years since the United States was founded, are affected by the heat.
CBS News reporters Kris Van Cleave and Rob Marciano are covering the situation and weather forecast.
The heat could pose health risks and may disrupt holiday plans.
People are advised to stay cool and hydrated during the heat emergency.
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A special fireworks show will end the 250th birthday celebration of the United States on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening. The event will include over seven hours of military aircraft flying overhead and a speech by President Trump, despite hot weather and some complaints.
Key Facts
The event marks the 250th birthday of the United States.
It takes place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
There will be a record-setting fireworks display.
More than seven hours of military flyovers are scheduled.
President Donald Trump will give a speech at the event.
The celebration will continue despite high temperatures.
Some people have expressed complaints about President Trump’s role in the event.
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Americans across the country celebrated 250 years of traditions by enjoying football games and tailgating parties. Fans like Bea Froelich, who has rarely missed a Green Bay Packers home game in 68 years, took part in these family and community gatherings.
Key Facts
The celebration marked 250 years of American traditions.
Football games were a central part of the festivities.
Tailgating, which means having food and social events in parking lots before games, was common.
Fans from places like New York and Wisconsin joined the celebrations.
Bea Froelich, a devoted Packers fan, has almost never missed a home game in nearly seven decades.
These activities highlight the importance of family and tradition in the U.S.
The celebrations happened around July 4th, America’s Independence Day.
The article also mentioned other July 4th events happening nationwide.
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Four months before the midterm elections, polls show that Democrats are leading Republicans in the race to control the U.S. House of Representatives. This election is seen as a test of President Donald Trump’s popularity, and if Democrats win, they could block his conservative agenda in Congress.
Key Facts
Democrats need to win only a few seats to gain a majority in the House.
The Cook Political Report identifies 18 key races that could decide control of the House.
Several recent polls show Democrats leading Republicans on the generic ballot by 6 to 9 percentage points.
Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority with 218 seats to Democrats’ 212.
President Trump’s approval rating has dropped due to concerns about the economy and gas prices.
Prediction markets give Democrats about an 80% chance to flip the House.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is seen as a possible House Speaker if Democrats take control.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie predicts a Republican defeat in the 2026 midterms.
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This weekend marks one year since floods at Camp Mystic caused the deaths of 28 people, mostly young girls. State investigators said the camp did not respond properly to storm warnings, and parents are now asking for better safety rules at camps.
Key Facts
The flood at Camp Mystic happened one year ago.
28 people died, most were young girls.
State investigators reviewed the event and found problems with how the camp handled storm warnings.
The camp did not act quickly or properly when the storm was approaching.
Parents are pushing for stronger rules and safety standards for camps.
The anniversary is a time for parents to remember their children.
The focus is on preventing similar tragedies at other camps in the future.
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Two groups of young people got into a fight at Fairlane Town Center mall in Dearborn, Michigan, which turned into a shooting. Two people died and one was injured during the incident that happened over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred at Fairlane Town Center mall in Dearborn, Michigan.
Two people were killed, and a third person was wounded in the shooting.
The fight was between two groups who knew each other and ended with gunfire.
Both groups had handguns during the altercation.
One victim died inside the mall, another died at a nearby hospital.
The mall was evacuated and remained closed while police investigated.
The shooting happened during a weekend with a historically high number of gun violence incidents.
Police were questioning people related to the fight but had not made any arrests immediately.
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David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart talked with Amna Nawaz about recent political events. They discussed important Supreme Court decisions and some surprising outcomes in primary elections before the country’s 250th anniversary.
Key Facts
David Brooks is a commentator from The Atlantic.
Jonathan Capehart is a commentator from MS NOW.
They spoke with journalist Amna Nawaz.
The discussion focused on this week's political news.
Key topics included recent Supreme Court rulings.
They also covered recent unexpected results in primary elections.
The timing is close to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
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The Trump administration is starting a new program called "Trump Accounts" on July 4, 2025. Eligible children born between 2025 and 2028 will receive a one-time $1,000 government payment placed in an investment account to help build their financial future.
Key Facts
Trump Accounts are government-backed investment accounts for children.
A $1,000 federal payment will be given once to children born from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028.
To qualify, the child must be a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security number.
Parents or guardians must open the Trump Account for the child.
The accounts invest in U.S. stock market funds like those tracking the S&P 500 index.
Money in the accounts grows over time and cannot be easily withdrawn until certain rules apply.
Private individuals and organizations can add money to the accounts, but yearly contributions are limited to $5,000.
Children born before 2025 can have accounts but do not get the $1,000 federal deposit.
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PBS News released a new podcast series called “In Pursuit of Happiness” that explores key people, culture, and ideas in American history. The first episode features historian Lindsay Chervinsky discussing how President George Washington valued having different opinions around him to be a better leader.
Key Facts
PBS News launched a six-episode podcast series called “In Pursuit of Happiness.”
Judy Woodruff hosts the series.
The podcast focuses on people, culture, and ideas important to America.
The first episode highlights President George Washington.
Historian Lindsay Chervinsky talks about Washington’s leadership style.
Washington believed having competing viewpoints helped him lead well.
The podcast aims to give new insights about American history.
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