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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Donald Trump announced the list of performers for a rally in Washington D.C. celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The event will include musical performances by Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio, the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Marine Band, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
Key Facts
President Trump shared the performer list on Truth Social.
Lee Greenwood will perform "God Bless the U.S.A." at the rally.
Christopher Macchio will sing songs including "Nessun Dorma," "Hallelujah," "Ave Maria," and "God Bless America."
The U.S. Army Band, U.S. Marine Band, and Joint Armed Forces Chorus will also perform.
Several performers had previously dropped out of the Freedom 250 celebration events.
President Trump confirmed he will attend the rally and make a speech.
Trump called himself "the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World" and compared his audience size to Elvis Presley’s.
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Six Republican senators joined Democrats to pass a measure blocking President Donald Trump’s plan to restart a $1.8 billion fund. This fund was intended to pay supporters who believe they were unfairly targeted by the Justice Department under President Biden.
Key Facts
Six GOP senators voted with Democrats to approve an amendment by Senator Bill Cassidy.
The amendment prevents the Trump administration from restarting the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
The fund was meant to compensate MAGA allies who say they were wrongly prosecuted.
The Justice Department under President Biden handled the cases the fund targets.
Senators who voted with Democrats include Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan.
The vote happened early on a Friday morning.
The fund's goal was to respond to claims of political weaponization in prosecutions.
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Four Republican senators voted with Democrats to block the SAVE America Act, a bill supported by President Trump that would change voting rules. The bill aimed to require voters to show ID when registering and had been stalled in the Senate for months.
Key Facts
The SAVE America Act is an election reform bill backed by President Trump.
It would require voters to show identification like a passport or birth certificate when registering.
Four Republican senators—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis—voted against it.
These senators joined Democrats to stop attaching the bill to a $70 billion funding package for immigration and border security.
The House of Representatives passed a version of the bill earlier this year, mostly along party lines.
These same four Republican senators also blocked a similar effort in April.
The bill has faced delays and opposition in the Senate over several months.
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A woman named Raya Meredith was awarded $93,000 after being illegally strip-searched by police at a music festival in New South Wales, Australia. The state is appealing the decision, disputing the damages awarded and some legal rulings about police search powers under the Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act (Lepra).
Key Facts
Raya Meredith was strip-searched in 2018 at the Splendour in the Grass music festival in Byron Bay while 27 years old and postpartum.
Police illegally strip-searched her by making her remove clothes, bend over, and remove a tampon; a male officer entered during the search.
No drugs or illegal items were found during the search.
Meredith was awarded a total of $93,000 in damages, including $20,000 for aggravated damages related to police conduct.
The state admitted to unlawfully strip-searching Meredith and withdrew most of its witnesses before the trial.
The state is appealing the court’s decision, arguing the damages were wrongly awarded and that police may use reasonable force to move body parts during searches.
The case centers on NSW’s Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act (Lepra), which restricts when and how strip-searches are conducted.
The court recognized Meredith’s reasonable belief that police would accuse her of lying, which influenced the aggravated damages award.
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Men held at New York’s Rikers Island jail watched the New York Knicks play in the NBA finals, marking the team’s first appearance in 27 years. This event gave inmates a chance to share a moment of excitement together with many New Yorkers outside the jail.
Key Facts
About 30 men at the George R Vierno Center on Rikers Island watched the Knicks play in the NBA finals.
The Knicks had not been in the NBA finals since 1999 and have not won a championship since 1973.
The watching event took place in a housing unit reserved for inmates with good behavior records.
Inmates were allowed snacks, drinks, and stayed out past usual lockdown time as a reward.
The jail complex is one of the largest in New York City, housing many people in custody.
The Knicks’ finals run has attracted wide attention across New York City, including inside the jail.
The atmosphere was described as excited and hopeful, with inmates discussing the game and team performance.
The New York City Department of Correction allowed a journalist to visit the jail to observe this event.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, is holding a major rally despite recent reports about his past behavior with women, including sending explicit messages while married. Although some critics have raised concerns, many Democratic leaders continue to support him as the party aims to win back control of the Senate.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democratic candidate.
Platner’s campaign faces controversy over explicit messages he sent to women while married.
Some women have accused Platner of volatile behavior; he denies some allegations.
Despite scandals, key Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren support him.
Platner’s main rival dropped out, making him the likely Democratic nominee.
He is holding a campaign rally in Bar Harbor with Rep. Ro Khanna and other Democrats.
Democrats hope Platner can help them win the Senate from Republicans in November.
Platner and his wife have had marital difficulties and counseling related to these issues.
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The U.S. job market showed improvement in May with about 105,000 jobs added, but growth remains slow. Despite economic challenges like high energy prices from conflicts in the Middle East, unemployment stayed low at around 4.3%, with healthcare being the main sector adding jobs.
Key Facts
Employers likely added 105,000 jobs in May, a slight decrease from 115,000 in April.
Unemployment rate held steady at approximately 4.3%.
Job growth is much slower than the strong rebound after the pandemic lockdowns.
More than 25% of unemployed people in April had been jobless for over six months.
Fewer people are quitting their jobs, with quits at the lowest since August 2020.
Healthcare companies added over 456,000 jobs in the past year, while other industries cut about 205,000 jobs.
President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax cuts gave many Americans big tax refunds, helping the economy.
High gas prices and an immigration slowdown may be affecting job growth in some industries.
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Scott Pelley, a longtime CBS and "60 Minutes" correspondent, publicly criticized CBS News management, questioning their qualifications and decisions. This outburst led to his firing and attracted attention because it reflected a common feeling among workers who wish they could speak freely to bosses.
Key Facts
Scott Pelley worked as a correspondent for CBS and the TV show "60 Minutes."
Pelley criticized CBS leadership, including new executive producer Nick Bilton and CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
He called Weiss unqualified and accused management of damaging the "60 Minutes" program.
Pelley’s comments happened during a staff meeting and were described as rude and disrespectful by CBS management.
After the confrontation, Pelley was fired from CBS.
Many people related to Pelley’s boldness in speaking out against his bosses.
Other CBS staff had recently been fired, causing tension within the company.
The incident highlights common workplace frustrations about leadership and the desire to challenge authority.
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The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a bill providing over $1 billion in aid to Ukraine and imposing new sanctions on parts of the Russian economy. The bill passed despite opposition from many Republican leaders and signals a disagreement with President Donald Trump’s approach to the conflict.
Key Facts
The bill provides more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid to Ukraine.
It also allows up to $8 billion in loans to support Ukraine’s defense.
The House vote was 226 in favor and 195 against.
Most Republicans opposed the bill, but 18 Republicans and one independent supported it.
The bill was sponsored by Representative Gregory Meeks, a Democrat from New York.
The House used a discharge petition to bring the bill to a vote, bypassing leadership opposition.
This vote was the House’s second recent foreign policy disagreement with President Trump.
Some Republicans argued the bill was outdated or could reduce defense spending by NATO countries.
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Michael Gledhill was arrested for the murder of actor James Handy, who was found stabbed in his front yard in Los Angeles. The police responded to a 911 call and arrested Gledhill at the scene; Handy later died in hospital.
Key Facts
Michael Gledhill, 44, was arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim, James Handy, was 81 years old.
Police were called to a home in Tarzana, Los Angeles.
Handy was found unconscious with a stab wound to his chest.
Gledhill called police himself, saying he was the suspect.
Gledhill lives with his mother, who was Handy's girlfriend.
Bond for Gledhill was set at $2 million.
James Handy appeared in movies like Arachnophobia, Jumanji, and Top Gun: Maverick.
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The U.S. Senate is working overnight to decide on a bill that funds immigration agencies under President Donald Trump and includes a $1.776 billion settlement fund for his allies who claim political persecution. Some Republicans are trying to block or limit this settlement fund, causing debates and delays in passing the immigration funding bill.
Key Facts
The Senate is voting on a bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies like ICE and Border Patrol.
The bill includes a $1.776 billion settlement fund related to President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS.
Some Senate Republicans want to block or limit this settlement fund.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged Republicans to focus on immigration funding without adding complicated provisions.
The vote on the settlement fund was delayed for about three hours as senators decided their positions.
If amendments limiting the settlement fund pass, it could cause problems when the bill goes to the House or lead to a presidential veto.
President Trump called the settlement fund “very important” but was uncertain about its status.
The Acting Attorney General said the settlement fund would not move forward at this time.
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The House Armed Services Committee approved the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a defense policy bill worth nearly $1.15 trillion. The committee debated around 900 proposed changes for 14 hours before passing the bill, which now moves to the full House for a vote.
Key Facts
The House Armed Services Committee passed the fiscal 2027 NDAA.
The bill is valued at about $1.15 trillion.
Committee members debated roughly 900 proposed amendments.
The debate lasted 14 hours.
The bill will now be considered by the entire House of Representatives.
The NDAA is an annual defense policy measure.
It covers funding and policy for the U.S. military and national security.
The committee passed the bill with a 44–[number missing] vote.
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Gareth Southgate says schools should teach boys differently from girls because boys and girls have basic differences. He talks about problems boys face today, like trouble at school, finding work, and mental health, and looks at ways to help, such as having more male mentors and teachers.
Key Facts
Gareth Southgate, former England football manager, says boys need a different teaching approach than girls.
Boys and young men face struggles with education, jobs, identity, and mental health.
Southgate made a BBC documentary on young men having difficulty finding work, especially those who did poorly in school.
He suggests older men volunteering as mentors and encouraging more men to become teachers as solutions.
More than one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training (called NEETs), the highest number in over 12 years.
Since the pandemic, NEET numbers rose 40% for men aged 16-24 but only 7% for women.
Southgate met young men in Middlesbrough struggling with joblessness and mental health, including one who struggled with alcohol and feelings of worthlessness.
The article highlights concerns about a lack of male role models and misleading messages young men get online about success.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has started a safety study on the abortion pill mifepristone. This study reviews many past cases and may affect how the medication is accessed in the future.
Key Facts
The FDA is conducting a retrospective safety study on mifepristone, looking at hundreds of thousands of past cases.
Interim study results could be released in July, but the final timing depends on additional analysis.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in September that the FDA was reviewing the drug’s safety.
Mifepristone was approved in 2000 to safely end early pregnancies and is usually taken with another drug called misoprostol.
The Biden administration had lifted some restrictions, allowing mifepristone to be given by mail and telehealth.
Louisiana sued to challenge the mail delivery of mifepristone, and a federal appeals court briefly required in-person dispensing again.
The Supreme Court paused the appeals court’s ruling, allowing mail delivery to continue while the legal case moves forward.
Depending on the study’s findings, access to mifepristone could become more limited, such as fewer telehealth options or stricter prescription rules.
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Senator Bill Cassidy is working to change the budget deal to stop President Donald Trump’s plan for a $1.8 billion fund aimed at preventing the misuse of weapons. This effort is causing the Senate’s voting session on budget amendments to take longer than expected.
Key Facts
The Senate is holding a vote-a-rama, which is a long series of votes on budget changes.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, wants to change the wording to block President Trump’s anti-weaponization fund.
The fund proposed by President Trump is worth $1.8 billion.
The purpose of the fund is to prevent weapons from being misused or turned into dangerous weapons.
Cassidy has discussed his plan with the Senate Parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, who advises on Senate rules.
Both Republican and Democratic senators note that Cassidy’s actions are causing delays in the voting process.
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The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill providing over $1 billion in aid to Ukraine, including security help and reconstruction funds. The bill passed with most Democrats and 18 Republicans voting for it, showing a split in the Republican Party on support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.
Key Facts
The House voted 226 in favor and 195 against the Ukraine aid bill.
The bill offers more than $1 billion for Ukraine’s security and rebuilding efforts.
It also allows for more defense loans to Ukraine and adds new sanctions against Russia.
Nearly all Democrats supported the bill.
18 Republican lawmakers joined Democrats to pass it, breaking from most GOP members.
The Republican split shows disagreement about foreign aid, with some favoring support for Ukraine and others preferring less involvement.
After passing the House, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
This vote followed another GOP break with leadership on a war powers resolution about Iran.
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Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner denies accusations that he was physically threatening in a past relationship. The New York Times published claims from some of his ex-partners, but Platner rejects the allegations and says they are politically motivated.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine.
A New York Times article reported claims from several women about Platner's past behavior during relationships.
One ex-girlfriend said Platner grabbed her during arguments and blocked her from leaving a room but also said he never hit her.
Platner denies any physical intimidation or abuse, calling the allegations false.
Some former partners described Platner positively, calling him a “gentle giant.”
One accuser, Lyndsey Fifield, works in conservative politics and has ties to Republican groups.
Platner has also faced scrutiny for sending sexually explicit texts and having a controversial tattoo linked to Nazi imagery, which he says he did not understand when he got it.
Despite the controversies, Platner says he is staying in the Senate race.
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Former Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to answer questions about President Donald Trump's involvement in the Justice Department's release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, citing privilege. Bondi said Todd Blanche managed the release of the Epstein files and defended the DOJ’s handling, while distancing herself from the process.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi declined to discuss any conversations with President Trump about the Epstein files during her House Oversight Committee testimony.
Bondi confirmed that then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche led the review and release of the Epstein files.
Trump ordered an investigation into prominent Democrats, but Bondi would not say if Trump directed actions related to the files.
Bondi was not involved in drafting or releasing a DOJ-FBI memo stating no incriminating client list was found in the files.
After Bondi left office, Trump named Blanche acting head of the DOJ and planned to nominate him permanently.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon represented the DOJ during the interview and also declined to answer similar questions.
Bondi expressed pride in the DOJ’s commitment to transparency but distanced herself from daily management of the Epstein file release.
House Oversight Committee members questioned Bondi’s shifting of responsibility to Blanche, whom she praised for his work.
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President Donald Trump plans to nominate Todd Blanche, who is currently the acting Attorney General, to be the permanent Attorney General. Blanche took this role after Pam Bondi left the position.
Key Facts
President Trump will officially nominate Todd Blanche as the permanent Attorney General.
Todd Blanche is currently serving as the acting Attorney General.
Blanche assumed this role following the departure of Pam Bondi.
The announcement was covered by CBS News reporters Olivia Rinaldi and Taurean Small.
Todd Blanche expressed that he feels honored and humbled by the nomination.
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Actor James Handy, 81, was stabbed and killed in a Tarzana neighborhood. His girlfriend’s son, Michael Gledhill, 44, turned himself in and was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Key Facts
James Handy, an 81-year-old actor, was found stabbed on Erwin Street in Tarzana.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded around 9:30 a.m. after a 911 call reporting a killing.
Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, called 911 and admitted to the stabbing.
Gledhill lived in the same home as his mother.
He turned himself in to police at the scene and was arrested for murder.
Gledhill’s bail was set at $2 million.
Handy was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Police said this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
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