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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

New Orleans man named Santa Claus arrested in child predator sting

New Orleans man named Santa Claus arrested in child predator sting

Summary

A man in New Orleans who legally changed his name to Santa Claus was arrested for trying to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old boy for sexual purposes. Police caught him during a sting operation and charged him with illegal solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Key Facts

  • The man is 75 years old and changed his name from George Quigley to Santa Claus.
  • He contacted an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy through a dating app.
  • Claus discussed illegal sexual acts and arranged a face-to-face meeting in Kenner, near New Orleans.
  • He sent explicit photos of himself to the undercover officer.
  • Claus surrendered without resistance when police confronted him.
  • Police found images of Claus dressed as Santa Claus, a figure associated with Christmas.
  • Claus faces charges of computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
  • He was one of 11 suspects arrested in the sting; 10 others were later targeted with arrest warrants by police.
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Watch live: House convenes hearing on CIA’s MK-Ultra project

Watch live: House convenes hearing on CIA’s MK-Ultra project

Summary

The House Oversight Committee held a hearing about the CIA’s MK-Ultra project, a program that ran for about 20 years and tested drugs and methods to change people’s behavior. Representative Anna Paulina Luna and the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets are working to reveal more information about this secret program.

Key Facts

  • The CIA’s MK-Ultra project involved testing behavioral drugs and modification techniques.
  • The project lasted for around two decades.
  • It used universities as places to conduct experiments.
  • The House Oversight Committee held a hearing to discuss the project.
  • Rep. Anna Paulina Luna leads efforts to declassify and reveal more details about the project.
  • The Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets supports this push for transparency.
  • The hearing took place on a Tuesday morning.
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Gorsuch calls out Trump FCC chief for targeting Kimmel

Gorsuch calls out Trump FCC chief for targeting Kimmel

Summary

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch mentioned FCC Chair Brendan Carr's criticism of Jimmy Kimmel in a recent opinion about President Trump's power over independent agencies. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump has the authority to fire a member of the Federal Trade Commission.

Key Facts

  • Justice Neil Gorsuch referenced Brendan Carr’s criticism of Jimmy Kimmel in his Supreme Court opinion.
  • Brendan Carr is the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
  • Jimmy Kimmel is a late-night TV host on ABC.
  • The Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision on President Trump's authority over independent agencies.
  • The court ruled that President Trump can fire a member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  • The case involves the limits of presidential power over independent government agencies.
  • The ruling sets a precedent for how much control the president has over appointed officials.
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JetBlue pilot says "we collided with a drone" while landing at JFK

JetBlue pilot says "we collided with a drone" while landing at JFK

Summary

A JetBlue pilot reported that the airplane hit a drone while landing at New York's JFK airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, but JetBlue's inspection found no damage or signs of a collision.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened during the plane’s final approach to JFK airport in New York.
  • The JetBlue pilot said the drone hit the plane above the cockpit.
  • The FAA is looking into the situation to understand what happened.
  • JetBlue inspected the plane after the flight.
  • The inspection showed no damage or evidence of a collision.
  • The report came from a CBS News broadcast.
  • No information about injuries or delays was provided.
  • The event involves concerns about drones near airports.
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O’Reilly on rise of socialism: ‘We’re living in a world of entitlement’

O’Reilly on rise of socialism: ‘We’re living in a world of entitlement’

Summary

Political commentator Bill O’Reilly said that socialism is becoming more popular in the U.S. because of a culture where people expect to receive benefits easily. He pointed to social media as influencing young people’s views about the country.

Key Facts

  • Bill O’Reilly discussed the rise of socialism in the United States.
  • He linked this rise to a growing sense of entitlement among people.
  • O’Reilly said social media shapes how younger generations see the country.
  • He made these comments during an interview on the program "On Balance with Leland."
  • O’Reilly described the current culture as one where people expect to be given things.
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ICE releases Texas nun intercepted walking to church dressed in her habit

ICE releases Texas nun intercepted walking to church dressed in her habit

Summary

A Catholic nun named Sister Leticia Ugboaja was stopped by US immigration agents while walking to church in Texas. After lawmakers intervened, she was released and returned home.

Key Facts

  • Sister Ugboaja was walking to Our Lady of Sorrows church in McAllen, Texas, near the US-Mexico border.
  • US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained her on Sunday.
  • The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville said she volunteers at the church and is a registered nurse.
  • Local politicians, including Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz, spoke to federal officials to secure her release.
  • Sister Ugboaja was released and returned home on Monday.
  • The detention happened during immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second term.
  • Some religious leaders are helping members who fear leaving their homes by offering online services and errands.
  • Neither DHS nor ICE has commented publicly on the situation yet.
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Donald Trump’s ‘Unimportant’ Housing Bill Claims Assessed

Donald Trump’s ‘Unimportant’ Housing Bill Claims Assessed

Summary

President Donald Trump has called a major bipartisan housing bill "unimportant" and has not decided whether to sign it. The bill aims to address housing affordability, a key concern for many Americans, but Trump wants a separate voting legislation passed first, causing a political standoff.

Key Facts

  • The housing bill is called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
  • It is the most significant federal housing reform in over 30 years.
  • The bill combines rules to make housing construction easier with protections to help buyers.
  • Senators Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren led the negotiations for the bill.
  • President Trump says the bill is less important than the SAVE America Act, a voting rights bill.
  • Democrats criticize Trump for linking the housing bill to unrelated voting legislation.
  • The bill passed both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support.
  • The bill includes measures to speed up environmental reviews, support construction jobs, and limit big investors in housing.
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Colorado primaries test Democratic establishment amid progressive push

Colorado primaries test Democratic establishment amid progressive push

Summary

In Colorado's recent primary elections, younger progressive candidates challenged established Democratic leaders in important races. The results could change the direction of the Democratic Party in Colorado.

Key Facts

  • Colorado held primary elections on Tuesday.
  • Younger progressive candidates ran against established Democratic leaders.
  • These races are for important political positions within Colorado.
  • The outcome could shift the Democratic Party’s leadership and policies in Colorado.
  • The coverage was reported by CBS News correspondent Taurean Small.
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Dangerous heat spreads across the U.S.

Dangerous heat spreads across the U.S.

Summary

A dangerous heat wave is affecting many large cities across the United States. Temperatures feel like they are above 100 degrees in areas from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes.

Key Facts

  • Many major U.S. cities are experiencing very high temperatures.
  • The heat feels like it is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in these regions.
  • The affected area stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes.
  • The heat wave poses risks to health and safety.
  • News coverage is provided by CBS News with meteorologist Rob Marciano reporting.
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Vance faces off with Rubio in early GOP scrambling: Join the live discussion

Vance faces off with Rubio in early GOP scrambling: Join the live discussion

Summary

The article discusses how the ongoing conflict with Iran affects Vice President Vance's chances of becoming the Republican nominee for president in 2028. It also examines Secretary of State Marco Rubio's position and looks briefly at the challenges facing the Democratic Party before the November elections and beyond.

Key Facts

  • Vice President Vance is aiming to become the Republican nominee for president in 2028.
  • The war with Iran has an impact on Vance's presidential hopes.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also considered a contender within the Republican party.
  • The article includes an update on the Democratic candidates ahead of November.
  • Challenges for the Democratic Party in upcoming elections are discussed.
  • Veteran Republican strategist Kevin Madden provides analysis in the discussion.
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Major Supreme Court decisions expected, including birthright citizenship

Major Supreme Court decisions expected, including birthright citizenship

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on important cases soon, including whether President Donald Trump's plan to restrict birthright citizenship is allowed by law. Other major cases will also be considered.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court will hear a case about President Trump’s efforts to limit birthright citizenship.
  • Birthright citizenship means a child born in the U.S. automatically becomes a U.S. citizen.
  • The Court is expected to make decisions on this issue and several other important cases.
  • These rulings could affect immigration policy and citizenship rules.
  • The timing of the decisions is important for current government policies.
  • The Supreme Court judges will interpret the law and Constitution in these cases.
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Over half a million dollars stolen from ATMs in "jackpotting" scheme

Over half a million dollars stolen from ATMs in "jackpotting" scheme

Summary

Four men were charged for stealing over half a million dollars from ATMs in Connecticut using a method called "jackpotting," which makes ATMs release cash illegally. They targeted several machines along Interstate 95 and face federal charges that could lead to prison time.

Key Facts

  • Four men—Euclides Moreno Itanare, Willian Ricardo Flores, Alberto Jose Freites Arvilla, and Luis Jose Freites Arvilla—were arrested for ATM theft.
  • The suspects are Venezuelan citizens from North Carolina, New York, and Massachusetts.
  • They tried to steal money from at least nine ATMs between August 8 and August 18, 2025.
  • The stolen amount from eight ATMs was $529,220.
  • "Jackpotting" involves using hardware or software to force ATMs to pay out cash.
  • Surveillance footage showed the men worked together, with roles like lookout and cash withdrawers.
  • Federal charges include interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy.
  • If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison for theft and 5 years for conspiracy.
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New Jersey lawmaker expected to return to Capitol Tuesday after long absence

New Jersey lawmaker expected to return to Capitol Tuesday after long absence

Summary

New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. plans to return to Congress on Tuesday after missing many votes for several months. He will speak on the House floor to explain his long absence, which his staff links to a medical issue that has not been shared publicly.

Key Facts

  • Tom Kean Jr. is a Republican lawmaker from New Jersey.
  • He has been absent from Congress for several months.
  • During this time, he missed more than 100 votes.
  • Kean plans to return and speak on the House floor on Tuesday.
  • His staff says his absence is due to a medical condition.
  • The details of the medical condition have not been disclosed.
  • This return will mark the end of his long absence from Capitol activities.
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Trump to gas companies ‘Drop your price!’

Trump to gas companies ‘Drop your price!’

Summary

President Donald Trump asked gas companies to lower their prices on Monday. He said prices at the pump are too high, even though oil prices have dropped to $68 per barrel.

Key Facts

  • President Trump made the statement on the social media platform Truth Social.
  • He urged gasoline retailers to bring down their prices immediately.
  • Gas prices remain high despite some recent decreases.
  • The oil price was about $68 per barrel when he spoke.
  • The U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran began in February and is mentioned in connection with gas prices.
  • Trump’s message focuses on the cost of gasoline for consumers.
  • The call comes amid ongoing concerns over energy prices in the United States.
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Trump calls bipartisan housing bill "a yawn," insists on SAVE America Act passing

Trump calls bipartisan housing bill "a yawn," insists on SAVE America Act passing

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized a housing bill passed by both parties in Congress, calling it uninteresting. He strongly supported the passing of his own proposal called the SAVE America Act, which focuses on voter eligibility.

Key Facts

  • President Trump called the bipartisan housing affordability bill "a yawn."
  • The housing bill was passed by Congress with support from both political parties.
  • President Trump promoted the SAVE America Act, a law related to voter eligibility.
  • The SAVE America Act aims to safeguard voting rules.
  • CBS News reported on President Trump’s comments and the legislative context.
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Live updates: Supreme Court set to issue rulings on birthright citizenship, transgender athletes

Live updates: Supreme Court set to issue rulings on birthright citizenship, transgender athletes

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to announce decisions on important cases involving birthright citizenship, participation of transgender athletes in sports, and rules on campaign funding. These rulings are expected on Tuesday morning as the court ends its current term.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court will release final decisions on major cases Tuesday morning.
  • Cases include birthright citizenship, transgender athletes in sports, and campaign finance laws.
  • Birthright citizenship means automatically granting citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.
  • The court’s rulings will impact immigration, sports policies, and election funding rules.
  • Top U.S. officials like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are currently in Doha, Qatar.
  • Iran’s foreign ministry has denied reports of direct talks taking place in Doha.
  • These court decisions mark the end of the current Supreme Court term.
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Supreme Court birthright citizenship, transgender athlete bans rulings imminent, could reshape U.S.

Supreme Court birthright citizenship, transgender athlete bans rulings imminent, could reshape U.S.

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce important rulings soon. These decisions will focus on birthright citizenship and rules about transgender athletes competing in sports.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court will release its final opinions for the current term on Tuesday.
  • One case involves birthright citizenship, which is about who is automatically a U.S. citizen by being born in the country.
  • Another case concerns bans on transgender athletes participating in sports.
  • These rulings could change laws and policies across the United States.
  • CBS News legal expert Rebecca Roiphe discussed the expected decisions.
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Trump wants to join the list of bloodthirsty dictators he calls ‘great men’

Trump wants to join the list of bloodthirsty dictators he calls ‘great men’

Summary

President Donald Trump shared a document claiming he is more powerful than several historical leaders, including Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Stalin, Mao, and Hitler. The document compares his influence to these famous and violent rulers.

Key Facts

  • President Trump released a document to highlight his power.
  • The document compares him to well-known historical leaders who caused mass deaths.
  • Leaders mentioned include Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Stalin, Mao, and Hitler.
  • These leaders are often remembered for their violent actions and control.
  • The comparison aims to place President Trump among these “great men.”
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Starmer warns Burnham not to borrow to fund defence as he reveals £15bn plan

Starmer warns Burnham not to borrow to fund defence as he reveals £15bn plan

Summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a £15 billion plan to increase military spending by shifting funds from energy, transport, and housing projects. He advised his likely successor, Andy Burnham, not to borrow more money to pay for defence but to find other sources of funding.

Key Facts

  • The government will spend an extra £15 billion on defence investment over the next four years.
  • The £15 billion is being taken from capital budgets in other departments like roads, energy, and military housing upgrades.
  • Over £8 billion will be spent on a new stealth fighter jet, and more than £63 billion on nuclear weapons systems.
  • More than £5 billion will be spent on drones, with some money reallocated from other defence budget parts.
  • Starmer warned against using borrowing to fund defence because it could increase interest rates and public debt costs.
  • The Ministry of Defence originally asked for £28 billion, so this plan provides just over half of that.
  • Starmer aims to reach 3% of GDP on defence spending during the next parliament.
  • Andy Burnham is expected to become prime minister in July and is likely to continue the defence investment plan.
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WATCH:  Countdown to America 250: Alaska

WATCH: Countdown to America 250: Alaska

Summary

ABC News reporter Trevor Ault is traveling to Alaska as part of a series called "50 States in 50 Weeks," which marks the lead-up to America's 250th birthday celebration in 2026. The coverage aims to showcase each state before the nation's milestone anniversary.

Key Facts

  • Trevor Ault from ABC News is currently on a trip to Alaska.
  • His trip is part of a series called "50 States in 50 Weeks."
  • The series highlights all 50 U.S. states.
  • This project is timed just before the 250th anniversary of the United States.
  • The celebration will occur in 2026.
  • The coverage focuses on American states and their unique stories.
  • ABC News is providing live updates and streams during this series.
  • The broader project aims to engage viewers in the country's history and present.
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