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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Jacqueline Smith, the ombudsman for the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, is suing the Pentagon. She says her firing in April was punishment for criticizing new Pentagon rules, and that it violated her right to free speech.
Key Facts
Jacqueline Smith worked as an ombudsman for Stars and Stripes.
She was fired in April after criticizing new Pentagon restrictions on the paper.
Smith filed a lawsuit against the Defense Department on Thursday.
The complaint was made in federal court in Washington, D.C.
She claims her firing was retaliation for speaking out.
Smith says her First Amendment rights, which protect free speech, were violated.
The firing happened 10 days after her public criticism of the Pentagon’s policy changes.
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North Carolina Governor Josh Stein criticized a display at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., that showed the North Carolina state flag altered with the Confederate battle emblem. The display was part of the fair's celebration of America's 250th anniversary but was seen as misrepresenting the state and prompting some sponsors to withdraw.
Key Facts
The Great American State Fair included a North Carolina booth displaying altered state flags with the Confederate battle emblem.
Governor Josh Stein's office said the display does not represent North Carolina and asked for it to be removed.
The official North Carolina flag has never included the Confederate battle flag in any version of its design.
North Carolina joined the Confederacy during the American Civil War but its flag design did not incorporate the Confederate symbol.
The controversy led to criticism from historians, political groups, and businesses involved in the exhibit.
Mt. Olive Pickle Company withdrew its sponsorship of the exhibit after learning about the Confederate flag display.
The Great American State Fair is part of America's 250th-anniversary celebrations.
Fair organizers had not responded publicly to the controversy at the time of the report.
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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is holding hundreds of local events across the United States this weekend to address concerns about the rising cost of living under President Donald Trump. These events include food drives, school supply giveaways, and voter engagement activities aimed at encouraging people to vote in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
The DNC is organizing many community events nationwide focused on affordability issues.
Events include giving out school supplies, running food bank drives, going door to door, and training organizers.
The DNC wants to connect with voters who care about rising prices and economic challenges.
Democratic leaders say costs have become too high under President Trump and the Republican Party.
Inflation and higher prices remain a concern, with key measures hitting a three-year high.
Two years ago, Democrats were criticized for not addressing inflation, but now they blame President Trump.
The DNC aims to register and mobilize voters for elections at different government levels.
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Utah Governor Spencer Cox has declared a state of emergency and banned personal fireworks in the state until July 5 due to severe wildfires. The ban allows local fire officials to permit fireworks only if conditions are safe, as the fires have caused evacuations and major damage.
Key Facts
Utah is facing an intense wildfire season with nine active fires burning over 143,000 acres.
The governor issued an order banning personal fireworks statewide until July 5, suspending a 2024 law limiting such bans in cities.
Local fire chiefs can allow fireworks in certain areas if weather conditions improve.
Human activity caused most of Utah’s 373 wildfires this year, with only 100 started by natural causes.
The Cottonwood fire is the state’s most destructive wildfire ever, burning nearly 72,000 acres and not yet contained.
The fire has led to the closure of Eagle Point ski resort and damaged multiple buildings nearby.
Salt Lake City’s weather service issued a rare "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning due to fire risk.
Smoke from the fires is affecting air quality even at distant national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon.
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A judge in Utah found prosecutors in contempt of court for speaking to the media about the Charlie Kirk murder case against Tyler Robinson. The judge said the prosecutors broke court rules by making statements that could unfairly influence jurors but did not remove the death penalty as a possible punishment.
Key Facts
Judge Tony Graf held prosecutors in contempt for media comments about defendant Tyler Robinson.
The comments went against court limits on what parties can say publicly before trial.
Prosecutor Christopher Ballard spoke to the media about ballistics evidence and said they had enough proof to convict Robinson.
Defense lawyers said Ballard’s media statements might influence the jury unfairly.
The judge decided not to remove the death penalty as punishment for the misconduct.
Robinson, 23, is charged with killing Charlie Kirk, a supporter of President Donald Trump, at a university event.
DNA matching Robinson’s was found on items related to the murder weapon.
The judge stressed his ruling was about enforcing court rules, not about Robinson’s guilt or innocence.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson said that if Democrats win the 2026 midterm elections, the biggest threat will not be another impeachment of President Trump. Instead, Johnson warned Democrats would focus investigations on Trump’s family, donors, friends, and Cabinet members.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the current Speaker of the House.
Johnson spoke at the Faith and Freedom Coalition conference about the 2026 midterm elections.
He said impeachment of President Trump is not the main concern if Democrats take control of the House.
Johnson warned Democrats would target Trump’s associates and allies through committees.
Johnson promised to protect Republicans from these investigations.
The White House supported President Trump’s agenda and efforts to keep Republican control of Congress.
Democrats responded on social media supporting the idea of investigations.
A Columbia University professor said investigations could motivate voters but may not guarantee Democrat wins in the future.
Midterm elections are elections held in the middle of a president’s term to choose members of Congress.
Impeachment is a formal process to charge a government official with wrongdoing.
Committees are groups in Congress that investigate and oversee government activities.
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President Donald Trump criticized the Democratic Party during a speech at a conservative conference, calling them "godless communists" and warning they threaten traditional American values. He focused on recent Democratic wins by leftwing candidates in New York to argue that the party is moving toward extreme views.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference in Washington, D.C.
He described Democrats as "godless communists" and said they want to harm Christians and American traditions.
Trump cited leftwing candidates winning recent New York elections as evidence of the party’s shift to the far left.
He claimed, without evidence, that Democrats support violence including assassinations against opponents.
Trump defended his past actions, including his approach to Iran, and repeated claims of election fraud.
Republicans are currently behind in polls but hope to use the rise of leftwing Democrats to gain support.
Trump said the Democratic party establishment is too weak to resist the far-left influence.
He emphasized that communists are against religion, particularly targeting Christianity.
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The U.S. carried out air strikes targeting missile and drone storage areas and radar sites one day after Iran attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. JD Vance stated that any violence will be answered with violence.
Key Facts
Iran attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. responded with air strikes the following day.
The strikes targeted missile and drone storage locations.
Coastal radar sites were also targeted in the U.S. strikes.
JD Vance said "violence will be met with violence" in response to the attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international shipping.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed the targets of the strikes.
CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd provided information on the situation.
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A Michigan couple has been charged with second-degree murder after their seven-year-old son died weighing over 250 pounds. Authorities said the boy was not taken to doctors as needed and lived in unsafe conditions.
Key Facts
The boy, Casper O’Brien, was seven years old and weighed 255 pounds at his death.
Casper was 4 feet, 2.5 inches tall, much heavier than typical children his age.
His parents, Damien (40) and Jessica O’Brien (41), were charged with second-degree murder.
Authorities said the couple did not provide proper medical care or a safe home.
Casper was last seen by a doctor in February 2024 but missed a specialist appointment.
Casper’s diet reportedly consisted mainly of potato chips and fries due to texture issues.
The family had health insurance through Damien O’Brien’s job.
The couple also faces child abuse charges involving their five-year-old daughter, found in poor conditions and medically obese.
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The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians. Ohio, with over 10,000 Haitian migrants, could be strongly affected. Governor Mike DeWine said the decision is wrong and spoke about its impact on Ohio communities.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of ending TPS for people from Haiti and Syria.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program that protects people from certain countries facing danger or disaster.
Over 10,000 Haitian migrants live in Ohio, making the state one of the most affected.
Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, opposes the decision.
DeWine discussed the ruling and its effects on Ohio communities in an interview with Amna Nawaz.
Ending TPS could cause some migrants to lose their protection from deportation.
The ruling supports the Trump administration’s plan to remove this protected status.
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Investigative journalist Catherine Herridge faces an $800 daily fine after being held in contempt for not revealing her sources about a government investigation. Herridge has asked the US Supreme Court to pause the fine while the case continues, arguing that revealing sources would harm press freedom.
Key Facts
In 2017, Herridge wrote stories about a government investigation involving scientist Yanping Chen.
In 2021, a district court held Herridge in civil contempt and ordered an $800 daily fine if she didn't reveal her sources.
Herridge has appealed multiple times but has faced defeats in lower courts.
She filed a petition with the US Supreme Court to stay the ruling and delay the fine.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts granted a temporary pause to allow time for a response.
Fox News supports Herridge and defends the principle that reporters should protect their sources.
The case highlights the lack of a federal shield law protecting journalists from revealing sources.
Past similar cases include reporter Judith Miller spending jail time for refusing to name sources.
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The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest in the U.S., has introduced strict limits on how much screen time its 400,000 students can have. This move reflects a wider trend in many school districts across the country to reduce technology use in classrooms.
Key Facts
Los Angeles Unified School District is the second-largest school district in the nation.
It serves about 400,000 students.
The district recently set strict rules to limit how much students use screens at school.
This decision is part of a larger nationwide reaction against too much technology in classrooms.
Nick Melvoin, a member of the Los Angeles School Board, discussed the reasons for the new rules.
The focus is on balancing screen use with other learning methods.
Schools are reconsidering how technology affects student health and attention.
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Tristan Schukraft is the founder of MISTR, a free online health service that helps people get medicine to prevent and treat HIV more easily and privately. He also owns queer-focused hotels and a famous gay bar, aiming to support LGBTQ+ health and community spaces.
Key Facts
MISTR offers free access to PrEP, a daily pill that prevents HIV infection, and HIV treatment online.
The service allows patients to consult doctors by video and get tested at home or locally.
MISTR ships medication discreetly to patients’ homes.
About 70% of MISTR users have insurance, and 30% do not; insured users help fund free care for uninsured patients.
Tristan Schukraft also owns Tryst Hotels, designed for queer travelers, with locations in the US, Mexico, and plans for Brazil.
He acquired the Abbey, a well-known gay bar in West Hollywood.
Around 100 people are diagnosed with HIV daily in the United States.
MISTR now handles 600 patients a day and provides 20% of all PrEP prescriptions in the U.S.
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David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart discuss recent political events, including President Trump influencing the Republican agenda in Congress, progressive Democrats winning primary elections in New York, and Vice President JD Vance defending former President Richard Nixon.
Key Facts
President Trump disrupted the Republican Party’s plans in Congress again.
Progressive Democrats won several primary races in New York.
Vice President JD Vance made comments supporting Richard Nixon.
The discussion took place on a political talk show hosted by Geoff Bennett.
David Brooks writes for The Atlantic, and Jonathan Capehart works with MS NOW.
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The June 28, 2026, episode of CBS News' "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" will feature Republican Senator Bill Cassidy and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine as guests. Jan Crawford, CBS News Chief Legal Correspondent, will also appear, with additional guests expected. The show airs Sunday mornings on CBS and streams online.
Key Facts
The episode airs on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana will be a guest.
Senator Cassidy leads the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia will also appear.
Jan Crawford, CBS News Chief Legal Correspondent, is a guest.
More guests are likely to join the show.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" airs at 10:30 a.m. Eastern on CBS.
The program streams at 12:30 p.m. Eastern on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com.
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Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, warned that President Donald Trump will try to interfere with upcoming elections. Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern about attempts by the Trump administration to collect voter data and have cited President Trump’s false claims about fraud in the 2020 election.
Key Facts
Rep. Robert Garcia spoke on Thursday about election interference risks.
Democrats are worried about efforts to access voter data from many states.
These concerns come before the midterm elections in the U.S.
President Trump has made false claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.
Democrats believe these actions could affect the fairness of future elections.
The warnings were repeated by multiple Democratic lawmakers.
The focus is on protecting election integrity during upcoming votes.
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Texas public schools will require students to read Bible passages starting in the 2030-31 school year, following a decision by the Republican-controlled Texas State Board of Education. Other states like Utah, Louisiana, and Oklahoma have also passed laws to include Bible-related content or displays in schools, sparking a national debate about religion in public education and the constitutional separation of church and state.
Key Facts
Texas will mandate Bible readings, including passages from Job and the New Testament, as part of a required reading list starting in 2030-31.
The Texas State Board of Education, controlled by Republicans, approved this new reading list alongside traditional literature like Charles Dickens.
Utah will include selected Bible passages in public school social studies starting in the 2028-29 school year, focusing on academic use rather than religious teaching.
Louisiana requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom but does not mandate Bible reading.
Oklahoma has also moved to expand Bible-related content in public education.
President Donald Trump publicly supports the expansion of Christian teachings in American schools.
Critics argue these laws weaken the separation of church and state and reduce teachers’ control over curriculum choices.
Supporters say the Bible is important for understanding history and literature, not as religious worship.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a new tax that would apply to billionaires across the United States. The idea is to create a national tax specifically targeting very wealthy individuals.
Key Facts
Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California.
He suggests a new tax for billionaires at the national level.
The proposal aims to tax very wealthy people more.
This idea is being talked about by political strategists from both parties.
The discussion appeared on a CBS News program called "The Takeout."
The proposal is part of broader conversations on how to address wealth inequality.
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JD Vance said that if the Watergate scandal happened today, it would only last as a news story for about 12 hours. This comment was made during a discussion on CBS News with political strategists who also talked about recent New York City primary election results.
Key Facts
JD Vance made a statement about the Watergate scandal’s coverage in today’s media.
He said it would be a "12-hour news story" if it happened now.
The discussion included a Democratic strategist and a Republican strategist.
They talked about the meaning of Vance’s comment on modern news cycles.
They also discussed recent primary election results in New York City.
The conversation took place on a CBS News segment called "The Takeout."
The focus was on how news and politics move quickly in the current media environment.
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The Texas State Board of Education approved a required reading list for public schools that includes passages from the Bible alongside classic literature. This new list will apply to over 5 million students and is the first in the U.S. to mandate religious texts in public school reading assignments.
Key Facts
The Texas education board is controlled by Republicans and approved the list on Friday.
The required reading list includes Bible passages and works like Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations."
The new rule starts with elementary students in 2030 and covers all grade levels.
Texas public schools educate about one in ten U.S. students.
Critics say the list lacks diversity and violates the separation of church and state in the Constitution.
Supporters argue Judeo-Christian traditions are important to American history and should be taught.
Texas already allows school chaplains, Ten Commandments displays, and optional Bible-related lessons.
The board is also considering a social studies curriculum that connects Bible stories to U.S. history.
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