Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.
Your favorite news sources, one neutral feed — we distill their reporting into fact-first
summaries and always link to the original story. How it works
US News
Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Luigi Mangione has dropped his plan to use a psychiatric defense in his New York murder trial for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This means he could face a murder conviction without the chance to reduce the charge to manslaughter based on his mental state.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is on trial for the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Mangione initially planned to use a psychiatric defense called "extreme emotional disturbance" under New York law.
This defense admits the killing but tries to reduce it from murder to manslaughter by explaining the defendant’s mental state.
Mangione’s lawyers withdrew this defense one day after announcing it in court.
The withdrawal happened after a related sealed hearing transcript was unsealed and the defense was pressured to share psychiatric evidence with prosecutors.
Sharing this evidence risked harming Mangione’s defense in a related federal case, where such a mental health defense is not allowed.
The defense lawyer said the psychiatric defense would force Mangione to admit the killing, which they wanted to avoid.
Mangione remains not guilty and will face trial in September without the psychiatric defense option.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democratic Representative Adriano Espaillat, who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and is known for criticizing President Trump, is facing a challenge in his primary election from a candidate on his left. The challenger has support from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Espaillat said he has strong ties to his neighborhood and seems confident about his position.
Key Facts
Adriano Espaillat is a Democratic U.S. Representative from New York.
He chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, a group focused on Hispanic issues in Congress.
Espaillat has been a strong critic of President Donald Trump since Trump’s first term.
He is facing a primary election challenge from someone further left politically.
The primary challenger has the support of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Espaillat said he has lived in his district for a long time and is familiar with the community.
The discussion took place on CBS News during a program called "The Takeout."
The contest reflects some political shifts within the Democratic Party in New York.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 1-year-old boy named Kohen Wiley was shot and killed by a police officer outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi, after police tried to stop a vehicle following a shoplifting call. The family’s lawyer says police body camera video will show that the officer used too much force, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Key Facts
Kohen Wiley, aged 1, died after being shot by a police officer outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi.
Police were responding to a shoplifting report and tried to stop a vehicle with two women and the child inside.
An officer fired shots at the vehicle after the driver almost hit an officer while trying to leave.
The officer who fired the shot has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is conducting the probe and has not released the bodycam footage yet.
Lawyers representing Wiley’s family say the video will show excessive force by police.
Wiley’s mother was not injured, but her friend was seriously hurt.
The family and community members have expressed concern that the shooting was unnecessary and reckless.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Over 150 military recruits at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas became sick with the flu after the Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, ended the rule requiring flu vaccines for servicemembers. After the vaccine became optional, fewer recruits chose to get vaccinated, and the outbreak affected those living and training close together.
Key Facts
More than 150 recruits at Lackland Air Force Base fell ill with the flu.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the mandatory flu vaccination for military members.
After the vaccine became optional, about 40% of recruits chose to get vaccinated.
Around 46% of U.S. adults received flu vaccines during the 2025-26 flu season.
Lackland Air Force Base is part of Joint Base San Antonio, with 70,000 members.
Recruits live closely together in dorms and eat together, which helps spread airborne illnesses.
One trainee, Keon McDaniel, died after a medical emergency, but it is unclear if it was related to the flu outbreak.
After the outbreak, Air Force officials ordered recruits to get vaccinated as part of efforts to control it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republican Representative Tom Kean from New Jersey has been absent from Congress for over three months due to a medical condition. He is expected to return to Congress at the end of June and plans to explain his illness at that time.
Key Facts
Tom Kean has missed more than 130 votes since March 5 because of a health issue.
Kean has worked remotely but has avoided public appearances, causing speculation.
His office only described his absence as a "medical emergency" without giving details.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Kean’s illness is uncommon but not serious.
Kean’s absence affects a competitive New Jersey district important to control of the House.
Kean won the June primary without opposition and has President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
His Democratic opponent, Rebecca Bennett, has criticized his absence and lack of communication.
Kean plans to return to in-person work and be transparent about his condition by June 30.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Dozens of trainees at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas have gotten the flu after the Defense Department dropped the vaccine mandate. The Air Force is treating sick trainees with medicine and watching others who might have been exposed.
Key Facts
Dozens of basic military trainees at Lackland Air Force Base have flu symptoms.
The flu outbreak started after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed the vaccine mandate.
About 40% of trainees chose to get the flu vaccine after the mandate ended.
The 37th Training Wing trains all new enlisted members of the Air Force, Space Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard.
The Air Force is isolating sick trainees and giving antiviral drugs like Tamiflu.
The Pentagon allows vaccine exceptions based on risk assessments to keep the military ready and safe.
A trainee named Keon McDaniel died after a medical emergency, but officials are still investigating the cause.
The outbreak is being managed in close coordination with medical units at the base.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Comedian Carlos Mencia was charged with criminal business tax fraud in Los Angeles for not reporting $8.7 million in income from 2019 to 2024. He faces 12 felony counts related to both personal and corporate taxes and could go to prison if convicted.
Key Facts
Carlos Mencia’s real name is Ned Arnel Holness.
He allegedly failed to report $8.7 million in income over six years.
Mencia is charged with 12 felony counts: 6 for personal taxes and 6 for corporate taxes.
He is on California’s list of the 500 biggest tax delinquents.
The state says he owes over $300,000 in unpaid state taxes.
The California Tax Franchise Board sent him 78 notices about missing tax returns.
If found guilty, he could get more than 10 years in prison and pay back taxes with interest.
These charges are the first from a new California unit focused on stopping business tax fraud.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Luigi Mangione’s lawyers withdrew their plan to use a psychiatric defense in his state trial for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This means Mangione no longer has to share his mental health records with prosecutors, and the court will keep related documents sealed.
Key Facts
Mangione’s legal team initially planned to argue he had an "extreme emotional disturbance" before the killing.
They withdrew this psychiatric defense one day after announcing it in court.
Because of the withdrawal, Mangione does not have to give his psychiatric records to the Manhattan district attorney.
Judge Gregory Carro kept court documents related to the defense strategy sealed.
Using a psychiatric defense would have meant Mangione admitted to the crime.
Mangione pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges for killing Brian Thompson in December 2024.
His state trial will start on September 8, 2026, and his federal trial is set for next year.
One criminal charge about possessing a large-capacity ammo magazine was dropped by the judge.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago with a celebration attended by former presidents and world leaders. It is a special type of presidential library focused on the legacy of President Barack Obama.
Key Facts
The Obama Presidential Center is located in Chicago.
It officially opened with a grand ceremony on Thursday.
Several former presidents attended the event.
World leaders were also present to celebrate the opening.
The center is dedicated to President Barack Obama’s time in office.
It differs from traditional presidential libraries by including more community and cultural spaces.
The center aims to preserve history and support education about Obama’s presidency.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
H. R. McMaster, who used to be President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, criticized a preliminary deal between the U.S. and Iran. People from both the Republican and Democratic parties are unhappy with the deal.
Key Facts
H. R. McMaster served as President Trump’s national security adviser.
A preliminary deal between the U.S. and Iran was recently made.
McMaster said the deal goes against U.S. interests.
Both Republicans and Democrats have expressed criticism of the deal.
The deal is connected to President Trump’s memorandum of understanding with Iran.
CBS News covered McMaster’s comments and the public reaction.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump claimed that oil supply is strong, stock markets are doing well, jobs are at record highs, and prices are falling. While the stock market recently hit a record high and gasoline prices have fallen from their peak, many people still face high prices and inflation remains above prewar levels.
Key Facts
President Trump said that oil is flowing, stock markets are roaring, jobs are at record levels, and prices are dropping.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record high of 51,999.67 but later fell slightly after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady.
Only about 62% of Americans invest in the stock market; the rest do not see direct benefits from stock gains.
Gasoline prices have fallen to an average of $3.99 per gallon from a high of $4.48 in May, but remain higher than the $2.98 price in February.
The U.S. strategic petroleum reserve is at its lowest level since 1983 and is being refilled, which may limit further gas price drops.
Supply chain costs such as transportation and shipping remain high, keeping prices elevated despite the oil supply stabilizing.
Experts predict gasoline and other prices will not return to prewar levels until late 2027.
Consumer inflation is currently 4.2%, with recent price increases seen in energy and food products.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran on Wednesday night. Republican senators had mixed reactions, with some criticizing the deal and others expressing cautious hope for better outcomes.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran.
The signing took place on Wednesday night.
Senate Republicans reacted differently to the deal.
Some Republicans were critical of the agreement.
Other Republicans expressed cautious hope.
The deal is an initial step and may be improved.
CBS News reporters Weijia Jiang and Nikole Killion covered the story.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Former President Barack Obama opened his presidential center in Chicago, reminding people that America was founded to avoid having kings. At the event, he spoke about democracy and called for unity among Americans.
Key Facts
Barack Obama spoke at the opening of his presidential center in Chicago.
He emphasized that the United States was founded on the idea of no kings or monarchs.
The event featured music from Jennifer Hudson, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder.
Three former U.S. presidents attended the ceremony.
Obama encouraged Americans to come together and find unity.
The center dedication was a high-profile event celebrating Obama’s presidency.
Obama’s message focused on democracy and cooperation in the country.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Cook Political Report, which does not support any party, has changed its ratings for seven U.S. House races, moving them in favor of the Democratic Party. This comes as Democrats aim to regain control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming November elections.
Key Facts
The Cook Political Report is known for providing analysis of election races without favoring any political party.
They updated their ratings for seven U.S. House races to favor Democrats.
Democrats are currently the minority party in the House and want to win back the majority.
Redistricting, which changes voting district boundaries, has affected the races nationwide.
Despite redistricting helping Republicans in some areas, Democrats still have good chances in several contests.
The report was shared by Erin Covey, the House editor at Cook Political Report.
The elections in question will take place in November of this year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran that begins two months of talks. This deal has reopened the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, and lawmakers have shared their reactions to the agreement.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an agreement with Iran to start talks lasting two months.
The Strait of Hormuz is now open again for shipping.
The agreement aims to address issues between the U.S. and Iran.
Lawmakers have responded to the agreement with mixed opinions.
The news was reported by CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
The deal marks a new phase in the relationship between the U.S. and Iran.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Polls have closed in the Makerfield byelection, where Andy Burnham could win a seat and possibly challenge Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party. The campaign saw strong efforts from both Labour and Reform UK, with a large number of volunteers and voter contacts made.
Key Facts
The Makerfield byelection could lead to Andy Burnham entering parliament again.
Andy Burnham is considering a leadership run against Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Reform UK's candidate Robert Kenyon expressed confidence in getting many votes.
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell highlighted a record number of voters contacted during the campaign.
Around 3,000 Labour activists worked on the campaign, making 120 contacts per minute at peak times.
Andy Burnham brought in top economists to advise him, including a former Bank of England chief economist.
Campaign messages from both main candidates thanked voters and supporters after polls closed.
The byelection followed recent general election results in Makerfield, Aberdeen South, and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old mayor of New York City, has quickly gained political influence since taking office six months ago. He is now testing his power by trying to change the Democratic Party in New York and Washington, even if it means opposing his own party leaders.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York City.
He is 34 years old and identifies as a democratic socialist.
Mamdani took office about six months ago.
He was previously criticized by leaders from both parties.
Now, he has support from President Donald Trump and Governor Kathy Hochul, among others.
Mamdani has become a prominent figure in the local sports community's growth.
He aims to influence the Democratic Party’s direction in New York and at the national level.
This effort comes just before New York’s primary elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Former President Barack Obama opened his presidential center in Chicago, calling on Americans to protect democracy. The event included speeches from Obama, Michelle Obama, and appearances by three former presidents, along with performances from famous musicians.
Key Facts
The Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago on June 18, 2026.
Barack Obama emphasized the importance of democracy and shared responsibility as citizens.
The event featured former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
Michelle Obama praised her husband’s leadership and achievements during his presidency.
Celebrities like Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and John Legend performed at the event.
President Donald Trump was not present and had previously criticized the center on social media.
Obama highlighted his personal connection to Chicago and expressed gratitude to the community.
The center cost $850 million to build and aims to inspire hope and unity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration transferred nearly $400 million from a $1.2 billion Secret Service budget to accounts for White House security, raising questions about whether taxpayer money will fund the new White House ballroom. Officials say the money is for security upgrades, but some senators are concerned about potential overlap with the ballroom’s construction, which President Trump says will be privately funded.
Key Facts
About $397 million was moved into Secret Service accounts for White House security.
The funds come from a $1.2 billion allocation passed by Congress last year.
$11 million went to "Operations and Support," and over $385 million to "Procurement, Construction and Improvements."
The money transfer happened in two rounds on June 12 and June 15, 2026.
Congress specified the funds were for Secret Service needs like personnel, training, and technology, not White House improvements.
Senators from both parties worry taxpayer money might be used for the White House ballroom.
A senior official said money will pay for "necessary security upgrades," including visitor screening centers and campus protection.
President Trump says the ballroom construction costs will be covered by private donations.
Estimates suggest the ballroom may cost over $600 million, higher than previously stated.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Representative Tom Kean Jr. from New Jersey announced he will return to Washington, D.C., to participate in House votes on June 30. This return comes shortly before the House takes a break for the Independence Day holiday.
Key Facts
Tom Kean Jr. represents New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives.
He is a member of the Republican Party.
Kean Jr. has been absent for several months before this announcement.
He plans to be back in Washington, D.C. for votes on June 30.
The House will go on recess for Independence Day soon after June 30.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
