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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A recent survey shows that Pope Leo XIV is still popular among U.S. Catholics but has lost some support, especially among Republican Catholics and those who attend church less often. The change follows public disagreements between Pope Leo and President Donald Trump, with political views starting to influence opinions about the pope.
Key Facts
78% of U.S. Catholics view Pope Leo XIV favorably, down from 84% last year.
Support among Republican Catholics dropped 12 points to 72%.
Support among Democratic Catholics fell 5 points to 84%.
Catholics who rarely attend Mass show the lowest favorability for the pope at 73%.
51% of Catholics believe President Trump has been too critical of Pope Leo.
Among Catholic Democrats, 70% say Trump is too critical of the pope.
Catholic Republicans are split, with 32% criticizing Trump’s tone and 39% saying the pope is too critical of the administration.
Outside Catholics, Pope Leo is more popular than Trump among most voter groups, except Republicans.
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The newly renovated floor of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has started peeling less than two weeks after completion. The pool’s water has also turned green due to algae growth, raising questions about the $14 million renovation project overseen by the Trump administration.
Key Facts
The Reflecting Pool renovation cost $14 million and was finished earlier this month.
A blue coating was applied to the pool bottom but has started lifting and peeling.
The pool water has quickly developed an algae bloom, turning it green.
The project was done by a Virginia contractor named Atlantic Industrial Coatings.
The renovation is part of the Trump administration’s preparations for the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations.
Experts think the peeling may be due to a mix of environmental, chemical, and construction issues.
A lawsuit challenges the pool redesign, claiming it violates rules for preserving the National Mall.
Government officials argue the changes do not cause harm and are within their authority.
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President Donald Trump said in an interview that he sees no limits to his presidential power. He made this statement when asked about what he learned from the conflict in Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump gave an interview to Marc Caputo from Axios.
He was asked if the Iran war showed him any limits to his power.
President Trump responded that he has not learned about any limits to his power.
The statement reflects his view on the authority he holds as president.
The discussion took place in the context of Middle East conflicts involving Iran.
No details were given about specific actions or decisions related to the Iran war.
The interview focused on his perspective about presidential power during foreign conflicts.
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Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Donald Trump’s deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying it favors Iran more than the United States. Schumer called the deal "the art of the surrender," challenging Trump’s claim of being a skilled negotiator.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump made a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the deal.
Schumer said the deal benefits Iran more than the U.S.
He described the deal as "the art of the surrender."
The criticism relates to Trump’s reputation as a dealmaker.
The Strait of Hormuz is strategically important for international trade, especially oil.
The issue reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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State Sen. Joe Baldacci, supported by House Democratic leaders, lost the primary election in Maine’s 2nd district to Matt Dunlap, a progressive candidate. This is the second recent primary loss for Democrats backed by their campaign committee in key districts.
Key Facts
Joe Baldacci was the preferred Democratic candidate for Maine’s 2nd district but lost to Matt Dunlap.
Matt Dunlap is Maine’s state auditor and identifies as a progressive.
This marks the second time recently that a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)-backed candidate lost a primary.
Another recent DCCC-backed candidate, Jasmeet Bains in California, also lost a primary to a progressive rival.
The DCCC spent only $7,500 advertising with Baldacci, while his own campaign spent about $250,000.
Outside group Real Change PAC, possibly linked to Republicans, spent $500,000 attacking Baldacci.
Matt Dunlap will run against Republican former Governor Paul LePage in the general election.
The district voted for President Trump by nine points in 2024 and is a top target for Republicans.
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Janice Nix was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 1978 death of her 5-year-old stepdaughter, Andrea Bernard, who died after being forced into very hot bath water. The case was reopened after Andrea’s brother reported it to police in 2022, leading to Nix’s conviction for manslaughter and cruelty.
Key Facts
Andrea Bernard died in 1978 from severe burns after being forced into hot bath water by her stepmother, Janice Nix.
Nix was found guilty of manslaughter and cruelty to Andrea’s brother, Desmond Bernard.
Andrea’s death was originally treated as an accident until 2022 when her brother contacted police.
Nix was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court to 12 years in prison and must serve at least two-thirds before being eligible for release.
Desmond Bernard gave a victim impact statement, describing how Nix’s actions affected him and his sister.
The incident happened in Thornton Heath, south London.
Evidence included testimony that Nix forced Andrea into the bath while knowing how hot the water was and heard her screams.
Nix was also convicted of cruelty toward Desmond Bernard between 1975 and 1978.
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The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, which cost $850 million to build, was officially opened to the public on Friday. President Obama led the dedication ceremony on Thursday before the center's opening.
Key Facts
The Obama Presidential Center is located in Chicago.
It cost $850 million to construct.
The center opened to the public on a Friday.
President Barack Obama led the dedication ceremony on the Thursday before the opening.
The dedication event included notable guests and was described as star-studded.
The center is expected to serve as a public space dedicated to President Obama’s legacy.
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Luigi Mangione’s lawyers have decided not to use a psychiatric defense in his New York state murder trial. The case involves the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is on trial in New York state for murder.
The victim is Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Mangione pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
Lawyers initially planned to use a psychiatric defense claiming extreme emotional disturbance.
The legal team has since withdrawn this psychiatric defense.
A judge had previously disclosed that the defense would include the claim of extreme emotional disturbance.
CBS News legal expert Caroline Polisi commented on the case.
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Severe flooding affected many communities along the Gulf Coast, causing water levels to rise and leading to numerous rescues. Dozens of people were saved from dangerous floodwaters as the situation impacted millions.
Key Facts
Heavy flooding occurred along the Gulf Coast region.
Water levels rose enough to flood many communities.
Dozens of people had to be rescued from the floodwaters.
The flooding affected millions of residents in the area.
Rescue efforts were underway to help those trapped by the flood.
The flooding caused disruptions and potential dangers for local populations.
CBS News covered the story and provided updates on the situation.
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The Trump administration proposed a new rule that would give political appointees control over federal research funding instead of scientific experts. This has raised concerns among scientists, who say the rule could harm important research projects, including international collaborations, and make grant funding serve political goals.
Key Facts
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed the rule on May 29, led by director Russ Vought.
The rule would require all federally funded research grants to align with the president’s policy priorities.
The rule could ban research involving international cooperation and anything seen as promoting "anti-American values."
Colette Delawalla, founder of Stand Up for Science, is leading efforts to oppose the rule, including meeting with over 30 members of Congress.
Stand Up for Science encourages the public to comment on the rule before the July 13 deadline and is exploring legal challenges.
As of a recent count, nearly 31,000 comments were made on the government’s page about the rule.
Only a few lawmakers, like Senator Chris Van Hollen, were familiar with the rule's details.
Scientists worry the rule would disrupt the US science system and turn grant money into a political tool.
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On January 6, 2023, during a tense House speaker election, Rep. Mike Rogers appeared to lunge at Rep. Matt Gaetz, leading Rep. Richard Hudson to intervene and hold Rogers back. This incident occurred amid a prolonged vote struggle, with Gaetz and other far-right Republicans opposing Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become speaker.
Key Facts
The clash happened during the 14th round of voting for House speaker on January 6, 2023.
Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama moved toward Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida in a heated moment.
Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina stepped in and pulled Rogers away from Gaetz.
Gaetz was part of a far-right group blocking McCarthy’s election, demanding concessions.
Gaetz wanted to chair a subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee, a post Rogers was expected to get.
McCarthy’s team refused to delay the vote despite Gaetz’s suggestion to pause until after the weekend.
After intense debates and votes, McCarthy was elected speaker later that night.
Gaetz and Rogers apologized and reconciled days after the incident.
McCarthy’s tenure as speaker was unstable, ending in October 2023 when the House removed him, with Gaetz involved again.
The incident and election drama are detailed in John Leganski’s book about the behind-the-scenes efforts to elect a speaker.
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President Donald Trump often refers to the unofficial Marine Corps motto, "No better friend. No worse enemy," showing how he sees his relationships. His approach to politics continues to influence the Republican Party, making it challenging for GOP members to follow his lead clearly.
Key Facts
President Trump uses the Marine Corps motto to describe his style with allies and opponents.
The motto is "No better friend. No worse enemy."
His political style affects how the Republican Party operates.
GOP leaders find it difficult to keep up with his actions and statements.
The discussion about Trump's impact was featured in a live show on TheHill.com.
Political analysts Chris Stirewalt and Bill Sammon commented on this topic.
The article centers on internal Republican Party dynamics under President Trump’s influence.
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Hannah Pingree, a Democrat, and Bobby Charles, a Republican, are expected to compete in the November election for Maine governor. They are running to replace the current governor, Janet Mills, who is retiring. Several candidates from both parties tried to win their party’s nomination for the governor race.
Key Facts
Hannah Pingree is the Democratic candidate for Maine governor.
Bobby Charles is the Republican candidate for Maine governor.
The current governor, Janet Mills, is stepping down and not running again.
Five Democrats competed for the governor nomination.
Eight Republicans competed for the governor nomination.
Hannah Pingree is the daughter of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
The election will take place in November.
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Juneteenth 2026 will be on a Friday. Many businesses and government offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. It is a good idea to complete errands before that day.
Key Facts
Juneteenth falls on Friday in 2026.
Some businesses will close for the holiday.
Government offices will also be closed.
People often use the day to remember the end of slavery in the U.S.
Planning ahead can help avoid inconvenience from closures.
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Scammers are pretending to be jury officials to trick people into giving them money. Local and federal authorities in the United States are warning the public to be careful about these fraudulent calls or messages.
Key Facts
The scam uses the idea of jury duty, which is a legal responsibility in the U.S.
Scammers call or message people saying they failed to show up for jury duty.
They threaten fines or arrest if money is not paid immediately.
The scammers ask for payment through unusual methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
Real jury summons come by mail, not by phone or email.
Authorities advise not to share personal or financial information over the phone.
People should report scam calls to local police or federal agencies.
Jury duty scams are part of a wider trend of frauds exploiting public duties or fears.
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The Trump administration announced a plan to lower interest rates on some student loans. Not all borrowers will get this benefit; only those who meet certain rules can qualify.
Key Facts
The administration is reducing interest rates on student loans.
The change is not for every borrower.
Borrowers must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify.
This move aims to ease the cost of student loans for eligible people.
Details about which loans or who qualifies were not fully explained in the article.
The policy is part of President Donald Trump’s approach to student loan management.
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A recent national poll shows that former President Barack Obama is the most popular living U.S. president, with a 57% favorability rating. President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have lower favorability ratings, at 34% and 30% respectively, reflecting deep political divisions in the country.
Key Facts
The CNN/SSRS poll surveyed 2,480 U.S. adults in May 2024.
Barack Obama leads with 57% favorability, the highest among living presidents.
President Trump has a 34% favorability rating, the lowest of his second term so far.
President Biden’s favorability rating is 30%, continuing a downward trend.
Obama is popular across independents (56%) and has some support from Republicans (about 20%).
Trump and Biden have very little support outside their own parties (around 5%).
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have more balanced ratings, with Bush at 42% favorable.
The poll shows that presidential reputations can change after leaving office but remain influenced by party loyalty.
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A critical care doctor with over 40 years of experience writes that recent changes in U.S. government programs and policies are reducing protections and support for children. These include fewer required vaccines at birth, cuts to nutrition and education programs, and weaker oversight of children's health and rights.
Key Facts
The routine childhood vaccines required at birth have been reduced from 17 diseases to 11, removing the hepatitis B birth dose.
Hepatitis B infection caught in infancy often causes lifelong serious liver disease, which is why the vaccine is given on the first day of life.
Refusals of the vitamin K shot, which prevents dangerous newborn bleeding, nearly doubled from 2017 to 2024.
The government plans to cut the WIC program’s fruit-and-vegetable benefit for small children from $26 to $10 per month.
Head Start, a program for poor preschoolers, faced proposed elimination or funding freezes, and federal staff were reduced by about 20%.
Two million fewer children are enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program compared to when President Donald Trump took office.
A large reduction to food stamps has pushed 4 million people, including many parents, off the rolls recently.
Oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will move from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services, and civil rights enforcement to the Department of Justice without clear explanation.
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The Scottish Conservative Party won a surprise victory in the Aberdeen South by-election, taking the seat from the Scottish National Party (SNP). This win breaks a recent pattern of declining election results for the Conservatives in Scotland and shows strong campaign effort focused on local economic issues.
Key Facts
The Conservative candidate, Douglas Lumsden, won the Aberdeen South seat from the SNP.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch visited Aberdeen multiple times during the campaign.
The Conservatives narrowly came second in another Scottish by-election in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry behind the SNP.
The election campaign focused on job losses in Aberdeen's North Sea oil and gas industry and criticized support for net zero policies.
SNP faced challenges due to controversy involving former chief executive Peter Murrell’s guilty plea on embezzlement charges.
Labour’s vote share dropped nearly 20% in both Scottish by-elections.
These by-elections were held because SNP MPs elected to the Scottish Parliament gave up their Westminster seats.
SNP leader John Swinney and some party members may need to reconsider their strategy after these results.
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