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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Donald Trump wanted to change the color of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to a darker blue for the country's 250th birthday. However, recently the pool has appeared bright green because of an algae bloom.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump planned to paint the Reflecting Pool a darker blue.
The change was meant to celebrate the United States' 250th birthday.
Instead of blue, the pool has turned bright green this week.
The green color is caused by a bloom of algae.
Algae blooms happen when there is a rapid growth of algae in water.
The Reflecting Pool is located at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The reason the algae bloom appeared might be linked to recent changes or conditions affecting the pool.
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House Democrats on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee have asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles about reports that officials in President Trump's administration talked last year about possibly suspending habeas corpus. Habeas corpus is a legal right that protects people from being unfairly detained.
Key Facts
House Democrats sent a letter to Susie Wiles on Wednesday.
The letter asked about discussions in the Trump administration concerning suspending habeas corpus.
These discussions reportedly took place last year.
Habeas corpus is a legal process that helps protect people from unlawful imprisonment.
Susie Wiles is the White House chief of staff under President Trump.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is the group questioning the topic.
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Georgia Republican lawmakers will not discuss changing voting district boundaries during a special meeting called by Governor Brian Kemp. They believe addressing redistricting at this time is not appropriate.
Key Facts
Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp, called a special session starting Wednesday.
The session included redistricting, which means redrawing voting district lines.
Republican lawmakers in Georgia oppose discussing redistricting during this special session.
The House Republicans said redistricting during this session is not the right approach.
Mid-decade redistricting is being postponed or tabled by Georgia Republicans.
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Retired General Jack Keane said the recent agreement between the U.S. and Iran does not meet the goals set by President Donald Trump regarding Iran. He shared his opinion during a radio interview but did not specify in detail how the deal falls short.
Key Facts
Jack Keane is a retired four-star Army General.
The deal mentioned is a tentative agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
General Keane believes the deal does not fulfill President Trump's objectives in Iran.
He expressed his views on the “Cats and Cosby Show” on WABC 770 AM.
President Donald Trump has specific goals relating to Iran, which this deal has not achieved yet.
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The US Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates steady at 3.5 to 3.75 percent after its first policy meeting with new chair Kevin Warsh. Inflation remains high, mainly due to increased energy prices, but the Fed chose not to raise rates for now.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 3.5 to 3.75 percent.
Kevin Warsh recently became the new chair of the Federal Reserve, replacing Jerome Powell.
Inflation hit a three-year high of 4.2 percent, largely driven by a 23.5 percent rise in energy prices.
Oil prices dropped recently after news of a possible peace deal between the US and Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite this, it may take months for energy prices to return to pre-war levels due to supply problems and low fuel stocks.
President Donald Trump opposes rate increases and praised Warsh, saying there is no reason to raise rates.
Some experts expect possible rate hikes later this year or next year, depending on economic conditions.
Goldman Sachs predicts the Fed will likely keep rates steady until mid- to late 2027.
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Rex Heuermann, a 62-year-old architect from Manhattan, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing eight women over more than 30 years. During the sentencing in Riverhead, New York, the victims' families spoke about their loss, and Judge Timothy Mazzei strongly condemned Heuermann.
Key Facts
Heuermann pleaded guilty to murdering seven women and confessed to killing an eighth.
He was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole.
The killings began over 30 years ago, and the victims were linked to the Gilgo Beach case.
The judge called Heuermann “disgusting,” “pathetic,” and a coward during sentencing.
Family members of the victims spoke emotionally about their grief and the effects of the crimes on their lives.
The Suffolk County district attorney accused Heuermann of trying to manipulate others even from jail.
Heuermann had taunted a victim’s sister by calling her from the victim’s phone.
The victims’ families demanded justice and expressed that nothing can undo their loss.
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called for the state to end the death penalty, marking a change from his earlier support. His statement highlights the contrast across the U.S., where some states have stopped capital punishment, while others continue or have paused it.
Key Facts
Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, now supports abolishing the death penalty in Ohio.
DeWine helped bring back the death penalty in Ohio about 45 years ago.
Currently, 23 states and Washington D.C. have abolished the death penalty.
Some states continue executions, while four have paused the practice using executive action.
The U.S. death penalty system resumed in 1976 after a four-year pause due to fairness concerns.
Death sentences and executions have become rare, with many inmates spending decades on death row.
The last execution in Ohio was in 1963; 114 people remain on the state’s death row now.
Alabama and Texas are among the states most active in carrying out executions today.
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Retail sales in the United States rose by 0.9% in May, showing that consumers are continuing to spend despite higher prices. The increase was helped by large government tax refunds and steady job growth, even as some areas like electronics stores and restaurants saw less spending.
Key Facts
Retail sales grew 0.9% in May, up from 0.4% in April.
Sales excluding gas stations rose 0.7% in May.
Higher prices contributed to the increase in total sales figures.
Clothing, accessories, furniture, and online sales showed growth.
Electronics, appliance stores, department stores, and restaurants saw slight declines.
Solid hiring also supported consumer spending.
Large tax refunds in April and May helped boost spending but are expected to decrease soon.
Gasoline prices have leveled off recently, easing some inflation pressures.
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Georgia Republican leaders decided not to redraw the state’s legislative and congressional districts during a special session. They want to wait and study how a recent Supreme Court ruling on race and voting rights will affect redistricting before making any changes.
Key Facts
Georgia’s Republican legislative leaders rejected Governor Brian Kemp’s request for a special session to redraw districts for 2028.
They cited concerns about moving too quickly following a Supreme Court decision that limits race-based considerations in redistricting.
The Supreme Court ruling came from the Louisiana v. Callais case, which struck down a racial gerrymandering map.
This decision affects how states can use race when drawing voting districts.
Governor Kemp and President Donald Trump both supported redrawing districts to benefit Republicans.
Georgia has existing legal challenges concerning current voting maps.
Minority voting rights are important in Georgia, with a significant Black population represented in the state legislature and Congress.
The Republican leaders said they might reconsider redistricting later but want to focus on economic issues for now.
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Rex Heuermann was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a series of murders called the Gilgo Beach serial killings. Heuermann spoke during the court hearing when the sentence was given.
Key Facts
Rex Heuermann pleaded guilty to multiple murders.
The murders are known as the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
Heuermann was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The sentencing happened on a Wednesday.
Heuermann addressed the court during the sentencing hearing.
The case received coverage by CBS News.
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A 1-year-old boy named Kohen Wiley was killed after a police officer fired into a vehicle outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi. The officer was responding to a shoplifting call and has been placed on administrative leave while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation looks into the incident.
Key Facts
Kohen Wiley, a 1-year-old boy, died after being shot by a police officer near a Walmart.
The officer fired into a car that was leaving the store, reportedly after the vehicle almost hit one of the officers.
Kohen’s mother was in the car but was not hurt and is not believed to have been involved in any crime.
Another passenger in the car was seriously injured.
The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the case.
Police promised a full and transparent investigation.
Kohen’s great-grandmother criticized the officer’s actions as reckless and unnecessary.
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Rep. Kevin Hern won the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in Oklahoma. In the race for governor, Republicans Gentner Drummond and Mark Mazzei advanced to a runoff election.
Key Facts
Kevin Hern secured the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma governor's race will go to a runoff between Gentner Drummond and Mark Mazzei.
Both Hern and Mazzei had endorsements from President Donald Trump.
Gentner Drummond is the current Oklahoma attorney general.
Mark Mazzei is a former state senator.
The vote count was nearly complete when these results were reported.
Oklahoma is known as a deeply conservative state.
The primary election showed President Trump’s influence in GOP races.
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The U.S. Department of Labor has told all states to improve their efforts to stop fraud, waste, and abuse in unemployment insurance programs. States that do not take action may lose parts of their federal funding. The department specifically highlighted problems in states run by Democrats like California, Illinois, and New York.
Key Facts
The Labor Department sent letters to all governors demanding action against fraud in unemployment benefits.
States could have administrative funds withheld if they fail to address these issues.
The department pointed to weak oversight, old technology, and poor identity checks as causes of fraud.
California, Illinois, and New York were mentioned for having notable problems in their programs.
California’s governor said the state works well to prevent fraud and criticized federal actions.
The Government Accountability Office estimates 11% to 15% of unemployment funds paid from 2020 to 2023 were lost to fraud.
The Department of Labor will issue more instructions to states soon.
Vice President JD Vance leads a team to fight fraud in social programs, and other federal agencies also plan stricter measures.
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The Justice Department named Alessandra Serano as the national coordinator for human trafficking and child exploitation cases. She will lead efforts to investigate and prosecute these crimes and work with federal agencies and victim support programs.
Key Facts
Alessandra Serano has been appointed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to coordinate human trafficking and child exploitation cases.
Serano has worked as a federal prosecutor since 2003 in various districts including California, the Virgin Islands, and Virginia.
Her role involves overseeing the Justice Department and other federal agencies' efforts on these cases.
She will collaborate with the Office of Justice Programs, which funds victim services and law enforcement efforts.
The position is based in the deputy attorney general’s office, giving it high-level leadership status.
The appointment comes after the DOJ began investigating the whereabouts of 300,000 unaccompanied children who entered the U.S., some feared trafficked.
The DOJ and Homeland Security focus on "super sponsors" who take custody of multiple unrelated children, as some may exploit them.
Serano highlighted trends such as "financially motivated sextortion" and extremist groups coercing children to harm themselves and engage in abuse.
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President Donald Trump held a news conference where he answered questions about the Iran nuclear deal and the situation in the Middle East. Reporters from CBS News covered the event and provided additional analysis.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the Iran nuclear agreement.
He addressed current issues in the Middle East during the conference.
The event included a question-and-answer session with reporters.
CBS News correspondents Weijia Jiang, Nancy Cordes, and Olivia Rinaldi reported on the conference.
The news conference was covered on CBS News and available through their app.
Topics discussed also included other current affairs beyond Iran and the Middle East.
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Georgia lawmakers in the state House have decided not to redraw legislative maps during a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp. They want to focus the session on tax relief and gas tax suspension while studying the impact of a recent Supreme Court ruling related to redistricting.
Key Facts
Georgia’s House leaders sent a letter saying they will delay redrawing maps for the 2028 elections.
The special session was called after the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais.
House leaders want more time for public input and to understand how the court ruling affects Georgia.
Governor Kemp says the current maps are unconstitutional and supports redrawing them soon, but leaves the final decision to the legislature.
Redistricting involves changing district boundaries, which can affect political power by grouping voters differently.
There is concern that redrawing districts could create more competitive areas, particularly near metro Atlanta.
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock said limiting voting rights may cause political backlash and increase voter turnout.
The decision not to redraw maps now means the review will happen later, allowing more discussion and fact-gathering.
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A new poll shows that most Republican voters plan to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday on July 4th. The survey was conducted by Gallup and With Honor in partnership with America250.
Key Facts
88% of registered Republican voters said they will celebrate the 250th anniversary.
The 250th birthday is called the semiquincentennial.
The poll was released on a Wednesday by Gallup and With Honor.
America250 is a group helping organize celebrations for the anniversary.
The poll found that fewer people from other political groups plan to celebrate.
The survey focuses on American citizens’ plans for Independence Day 2026.
The poll highlights differences in how political groups view the anniversary.
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President Trump made a joke that he would blame Vice President Vance if the initial deal with Iran does not succeed. He said that if the deal works, he will take credit.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to Fox News reporter Peter Doocy on Wednesday.
He joked about blaming Vice President Vance if the Iran deal fails.
Trump said he would take credit if the deal is successful.
The deal with Iran is still in a preliminary or early stage.
Vice President Vance was mentioned as responsible if problems arise.
The comments were made in a lighthearted or joking manner.
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Rick Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive, spent $100 million in the Georgia Republican governor primary. He won the runoff election against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who was supported by President Donald Trump. Jackson will run against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November election.
Key Facts
Rick Jackson spent $100 million in the Georgia GOP governor primary.
He defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican runoff election.
Burt Jones was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Rick Jackson is a healthcare executive and a billionaire.
Jackson will face Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democrat, in the November general election.
The election is for Georgia’s governor position.
CBS News reported this information and projections.
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Luigi Mangione, accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, will use a psychiatric defense in his trial. His lawyers say he was in a state of extreme emotional disturbance during the shooting in December 2024, which could lead to a lesser charge like manslaughter instead of murder.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of fatally shooting Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, in midtown Manhattan.
Mangione’s legal team plans to argue he was extremely emotionally disturbed at the time of the shooting.
This defense could reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter, which usually has a lighter punishment.
Emotional disturbance means Mangione admits the act but claims impaired judgment, different from an insanity plea.
Mangione pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges, including stalking.
His state trial starts on September 8, and his federal trial begins on October 13.
Charges that could have led to the death penalty were dismissed earlier, removing that possibility.
Police found ammunition with words referring to complaints about health insurance companies next to Mangione.
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