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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Social Security back pay is protected like regular benefits and usually cannot be taken by most private creditors. However, the federal government can reduce these payments for unpaid taxes, federal student loans, or court-ordered support. While up to two months’ worth of benefits in a bank account is automatically protected, larger lump sums can be frozen until you claim your exemption.
Key Facts
Social Security back pay has the same federal protections as monthly Social Security benefits.
Most private creditors, like credit card companies or medical providers, cannot garnish Social Security benefits.
The IRS can take part of benefits for unpaid federal taxes.
Defaulted federal student loans and court-ordered child support, alimony, or criminal restitution can also reduce or garnish Social Security payments.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) usually has stronger protections than regular Social Security benefits.
When back pay is deposited in a bank, the bank automatically protects up to two months’ worth of benefits.
Any amount beyond two months’ worth can be frozen temporarily by creditors until you prove the money is protected.
It’s important to address debts early to avoid lawsuits and possible garnishment.
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President Donald Trump plans to invest nearly $700 million to support U.S. coal power plants and coal exports. This includes backing 13 existing coal plants, building new ones in Alaska and West Virginia, restarting a plant in Maryland, and funding a coal export terminal in California.
Key Facts
The investment is about $700 million aimed at boosting the coal industry.
Trump will use an old national defense law from the Cold War to support this effort.
Support will go to 13 coal plants nationwide and new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia.
This will be the first time new coal plants are built in the U.S. since 2013.
A coal-fired power plant in Maryland will be restarted.
A coal export terminal in Oakland, California, will receive funding to resume construction.
The effort is expected to create or support over 14,000 jobs in coal, construction, rail, and shipping.
The announcement is set for 3 p.m. Eastern time and will be live-streamed.
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President Donald Trump announced that the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is finished and that the pool will be filled with water soon. The project involved painting the pool a deep blue color, which has sparked some controversy and legal challenges.
Key Facts
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation was completed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The pool was painted a deep blue color, called “American flag blue” by President Trump.
The pool is expected to be filled with water by Sunday at the latest.
President Trump estimated the renovation cost between $1.5 million and $2 million, but contracts total at least $14.8 million.
The reflecting pool is a historic site located between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
The pool holds about 6.5 million gallons of water and uses a circulation system drawing water from a nearby tidal basin.
A nonprofit group sued to stop the project, arguing that the new color makes the pool look like a theme park attraction.
Critics say President Trump is focusing on projects like this instead of other voter concerns ahead of the November elections.
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Steve Kroft, a former reporter for CBS News’s “60 Minutes,” said in an interview that the show has changed a lot and feels like it does not exist anymore. He mentioned that many people were fired from the program, which has caused big changes.
Key Facts
Steve Kroft worked as a correspondent for “60 Minutes” and retired in 2019.
He spoke to New York Magazine about the current state of “60 Minutes.”
Kroft said the show, as viewers once knew it, no longer exists.
He attributed this change to many employees being fired.
His comments come during a difficult time for CBS News.
“60 Minutes” is a well-known news magazine show on CBS.
The interview suggests the program has undergone major staff and format changes recently.
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John Bolton, who used to be President Donald Trump’s national security adviser and now criticizes him, will accept a plea deal for illegal handling of classified documents. He plans to plead guilty to one charge and pay a fine of more than $2 million.
Key Facts
John Bolton was indicted in October by the Department of Justice for mishandling classified documents.
He is charged under the Espionage Act with 18 counts related to keeping and sharing secret national security information.
Investigators say Bolton gave over 1,000 pages, some top secret, to two family members.
Bolton also faced charges for not fully revealing a hack of his personal email that may have exposed classified data.
Bolton had previously pleaded not guilty but now agrees to a plea deal.
He served as Trump’s national security adviser from 2018 to 2019 and later wrote a book criticizing Trump.
Trump has accused Bolton of releasing classified information in the book and sought to stop its release.
Other Trump critics, like former FBI Director James Comey, have also faced legal charges connected to Trump’s efforts during his current presidency.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested dozens of people at a business in South Carolina. Local officials confirmed the raid took place, but details about the arrests or the business were not provided.
Key Facts
ICE conducted a raid at a business in South Carolina.
Dozens of individuals were arrested during the operation.
Local South Carolina officials confirmed the arrests.
The specific business involved was not named.
CBS News reported the event with a news correspondent on site.
This event involves U.S. immigration enforcement actions.
Further information about the reasons for the arrests was not shared in the article.
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The Hampshire police force is reported to stop and search black people over five times more often than white people, a higher rate than the average in England and Wales. This racial gap has increased recently, raising concerns about possible bias in policing after the murder of Henry Nowak.
Key Facts
Hampshire police stop and search black people 5.1 times more than white people, compared to a 3.8 times average in England and Wales.
The number of stop and searches by Hampshire police rose from 12,000 to 15,000 in recent years.
About 60% of stop and searches in Hampshire lead to no further action or advice.
The police force is overwhelmingly white (96.4%), while the local population is about 90.6% white.
Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old, was stabbed to death, and police initially treated him as a suspect.
Claims of anti-white bias have been made, but some community leaders describe the issue as poor policing affecting all groups.
The Hampshire Police Federation suspended its social media after serious threats were made to officers.
The situation has drawn comparisons to past cases where police errors and racism affected investigations, such as the Stephen Lawrence case.
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Senator John Cornyn has paused a plan to rename a long highway after President Donald Trump following tensions between them during Texas's Republican primary. Cornyn lost the primary to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was supported by President Trump.
Key Facts
John Cornyn lost the Republican primary for his Senate seat to Ken Paxton, backed by President Trump.
Cornyn proposed renaming a major highway (US-287) as "Trump Interstate" or Interstate 47.
The renaming plan covers a nearly 1,800-mile stretch from Texas to Montana.
Cornyn said the bill is no longer a priority and will likely not advance in the next seven months.
Cornyn and Trump had a public falling out, with Trump calling Cornyn "disloyal."
Cornyn plans to support Paxton in the general election despite their conflict.
The highway upgrade was projected to create 46,000 jobs and boost the economy by billions by 2050.
The bill was co-sponsored by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis but now appears stalled.
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A federal judge is reviewing a new rule from the Education Department, created during President Trump's administration, that could tighten which employers qualify for student loan forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). The rule might disqualify some nonprofit and public service employers, creating uncertainty for borrowers who expected loan cancellation after making payments.
Key Facts
The rule is set to start in July and would limit which employers count as eligible for loan forgiveness programs.
It could stop some nonprofits and advocacy groups from qualifying for PSLF, affecting employees there.
Borrowers who made payments expecting forgiveness might lose credit if their employer is no longer eligible.
The Education Department says the rule targets organizations involved in illegal activities.
Critics say the change causes confusion and might discourage people from working in public or nonprofit sectors.
The judge will decide whether to pause the rule while the legal case continues.
If the rule goes into effect, it could affect borrowers immediately starting July 1.
The final outcome of the case might take months and could go through appeals.
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Republican lawmakers have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate sexual assault claims made against hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai and former Miami Beach mayor Philip Levine. These allegations come from Sarah Kellen, a former assistant to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who also said she was abused by Epstein himself.
Key Facts
Sarah Kellen, Epstein’s former assistant, said she was sexually and psychologically abused by Epstein and also accused Fekkai and Levine of sexual assault in the early 2000s.
The House oversight committee, led by Republican James Comer, referred these allegations to the Department of Justice for investigation.
Neither Fekkai nor Levine has been charged with any crimes related to Epstein. Both deny the accusations.
Epstein died in 2019 in jail while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
Levine's name appears over 600 times in Epstein-related files released earlier in 2024, including emails with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Lawmakers describe Fekkai as a close friend of Epstein and say he helped with grooming by providing salon services to women on Epstein’s orders.
Fekkai’s representatives deny all allegations and say he never abused or was involved in illegal behavior.
Levine’s spokesperson states that his client had only one brief, consensual encounter with another adult and denies the allegations of misconduct.
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The Colorado Court of Appeals reversed the criminally negligent homicide convictions of two former paramedics involved in Elijah McClain’s death and ordered a new trial. One paramedic’s second-degree assault conviction was upheld, but his prison sentence was reduced to probation.
Key Facts
Elijah McClain died after police restrained him and paramedics injected him with ketamine in August 2019.
The paramedics are named Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec.
Both paramedics were convicted of criminally negligent homicide in December 2023.
The Court of Appeals reversed these convictions and called for a new trial on those charges.
The court confirmed Cichuniec’s conviction for second-degree assault related to giving drugs unlawfully.
In September 2024, Cichuniec’s five-year prison sentence was canceled and changed to probation.
Body camera footage showed the paramedics injecting McClain.
McClain suffered cardiac arrest in an ambulance and died three days after the incident.
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The Trump administration is marking important anniversaries related to U.S. roads and the country’s founding by promoting a major effort to improve infrastructure. Since the start of President Trump’s term, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded 888 grants and provided $8.4 billion for construction and repair projects.
Key Facts
The Interstate Highway System is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
Route 66, a famous historic road, is 100 years old.
The United States celebrated its 250th birthday.
The Trump administration is focusing on rebuilding and improving infrastructure.
The Federal Highway Administration has given out 888 grants since President Trump took office.
These grants total $8.4 billion in competitive funding.
The funding supports road building and infrastructure projects across the country.
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One person was killed and three others were injured during a shooting at a high school graduation ceremony in Northern California. Police and officials responded to the incident, which caused fear and chaos at the event.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a high school graduation ceremony.
It took place in Northern California.
One person died because of the shooting.
Three people were hurt during the event.
Authorities responded to the shooting at the graduation.
The incident caused panic among attendees.
The report comes from CBS News, with coverage by Jarred Hill.
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Sarah Matthews, who once worked as a spokesperson for President Trump, criticized him for making harsh comments about CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins. She said Collins is a skilled journalist and suggested that President Trump targets her more than other reporters.
Key Facts
Sarah Matthews previously worked as a spokesperson for President Trump.
She spoke out against President Trump's recent comments about Kaitlan Collins.
Kaitlan Collins is a reporter for CNN.
Matthews described Collins as a very good and talented reporter.
Matthews believes President Trump attacks Collins more strongly than other journalists.
The criticism focuses on what Matthews calls "misogynistic attacks," meaning unfair attacks based on gender.
The issue highlights tensions between President Trump and some members of the media.
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Todd Blanche reacted to news that President Donald Trump is expected to nominate him as attorney general. CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang covered the response.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is expected to be nominated as attorney general by President Trump.
The attorney general leads the Justice Department.
CBS News covered Blanche’s reaction to this expected nomination.
Weijia Jiang reported on the story for CBS News.
The news appeared on the CBS News app and website.
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The Republican primary for governor in South Carolina is drawing much attention. Several well-known GOP candidates are competing to replace Governor Henry McMaster, who cannot run again due to term limits.
Key Facts
South Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.
The Republican primary is open and highly competitive.
Key GOP candidates include Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Representative Nancy Mace, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Representative Ralph Norman.
South Carolina is considered a reliably conservative state.
The race is closely watched as it will determine the next governor.
The website 270toWin is tracking and aggregating details about the race.
The primary reflects competition within the GOP to lead the state government.
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A group of Republican senators is increasingly opposing President Donald Trump on various issues as the 2026 midterm elections get closer. Some senators have already shown a pattern of disagreement, while others oppose him on key topics or worry about their chances of reelection if they stay loyal.
Key Facts
Senate Republican leaders worry that supporting President Trump might hurt their chance to keep the Senate majority.
Lisa Murkowski from Alaska is known for frequently opposing President Trump, including voting to convict him after January 6.
Susan Collins from Maine has opposed Trump on Medicaid cuts, war powers, and nomination votes; she is facing a tough reelection fight.
Thom Tillis from North Carolina criticized Trump’s policies and decisions, blocked some administration nominees, and will not run for reelection.
These senators’ opposition falls into three groups: regular critics, issue-based dissenters, and those distancing themselves for political reasons.
Murkowski is not up for reelection until 2028, reducing President Trump’s influence over her.
Collins is in a competitive race in a state that President Trump lost, motivating her to act independently.
Tillis has become one of the most vocal Republican critics of the Trump administration since announcing his retirement.
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Senator John Thune has disagreed with President Donald Trump on his choice for the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and on a fund related to weaponization. This shows that leadership can include speaking out even when it means opposing the president.
Key Facts
John Thune is a U.S. senator.
Thune disagreed with President Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence.
Thune also spoke out against a specific fund about weaponization.
Leadership can mean voicing concerns, not just voting.
This disagreement is notable within U.S. domestic political discussions.
President Donald Trump is currently serving his second term.
The issue highlights different opinions within the same political party.
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New York Democrats approved a measure to change how congressional district lines are drawn in the state. This change aims to make it easier for Democrats to redraw the map before the 2028 elections.
Key Facts
New York Democrats advanced a ballot measure on redistricting.
The measure would make it easier for Democrats to redraw congressional boundaries.
The state passed a constitutional amendment to keep the independent redistricting commission.
The amendment also changes the rules for drawing district maps.
This process affects how districts are shaped for the 2028 elections.
The measure now requires a second vote before it becomes official.
The goal is to create a congressional map more favorable to Democrats.
Redistricting is the process of redrawing political boundaries for elections.
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Senator Bill Cassidy blamed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a rise in diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. Cassidy shared a news report saying hospitals are seeing more cases of these illnesses now.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is from Louisiana and is a Republican.
He criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly.
The criticism was about an increase in illnesses that vaccines can prevent.
Cassidy used the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his views.
A New York Times article reported that hospitals are treating more people with vaccine-preventable diseases.
Doctors report they often see these diseases more frequently now.
The article links the increase in disease cases to policies or statements made by Secretary Kennedy.
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