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A pastor from one of China's largest underground churches has returned to the United States after spending 266 days in a Chinese prison. He has now reunited with his family in the U.S.
Key Facts
The pastor was imprisoned in China for more than eight months.
He belongs to a large underground church in China.
The total time in prison was 266 days.
After release, the pastor traveled back to the United States.
He has successfully reunited with his family in the U.S.
The news was reported by CBS News and The Free Press.
The Free Press is a publication owned by Paramount.
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China tested a missile in the Pacific Ocean, which it says was routine military training and followed international law. The United States and Australia disagree, saying China gave too little notice and violated rules around missile testing, causing concern among Pacific nations.
Key Facts
China launched a strategic missile with a dummy warhead from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific.
Chinese officials say the test was routine, safe, and not aimed at any country.
The US and Australia say China gave only a few hours’ notice before the launch.
Australia says the missile test did not follow the Hague Convention, which requires more warning.
The missile reportedly flew over the Philippines and passed near Micronesia and Palau before landing south of Nauru.
Taiwan called the test a provocation that destabilizes the Indo-Pacific region.
Australian officials expressed concern over China’s expanding nuclear missile capabilities launched from submarines.
China’s growing military power without clear explanations is seen as destabilizing by some countries in the region.
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A new study finds that women over 49 have lower chances of successful pregnancy with donor eggs, partly due to changes in the womb lining. While donor eggs improve fertility, they do not fully reverse all age-related effects on pregnancy outcomes.
Key Facts
The study analyzed 1,774 women undergoing IVF with donor eggs.
Women aged 49 and older had about half the chance of pregnancy and live birth compared to women aged 35 to 40.
Miscarriage rates doubled for women 49 and older compared to those aged 35-40.
Age-related changes in the womb lining likely reduce pregnancy success despite young donor eggs.
Live birth rates were 46% for women in their 30s but dropped to 32% for those 49 or older.
Womb lining thickness stayed similar with age, but its quality declined.
Experts say donor eggs remain helpful but should not create false hope about age limits.
UK law has no upper age limit for IVF, but some European countries do have age restrictions.
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Amazon did not allow a breastfeeding mother to bring her baby to an in-person business course at one of its warehouse sites in Scotland because children under six are not allowed on site. Amazon apologized for not informing her of this rule earlier and said it will improve communication to prevent similar problems.
Key Facts
Rachel Bews wanted to attend a business course at an Amazon warehouse in Dunfermline, Scotland, while breastfeeding her 20-week-old baby.
Amazon’s policy does not allow children under six years old at its fulfillment centers for safety reasons.
Bews was told about the policy only while traveling to the event, not in advance.
Amazon apologized for the communication mistake and said it is reviewing its process.
There was a lactation room available at the event, but Bews was not prepared to express milk for her baby.
Bews said attending in person was important for networking and business opportunities she missed by joining online only.
The NHS recommends that breastfeeding mothers let their employers know about their needs before returning to work.
Amazon offers a six-week business course with both in-person and online parts.
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Some women are choosing to transform their old engagement or wedding rings into new "divorce rings" to mark a new chapter after divorce. These rings often carry new designs and meanings, serving as symbols of independence, financial control, and personal growth.
Key Facts
Deb Marino from Florida had her engagement ring redesigned into a new gold ring with diamonds and a sapphire to represent her daughter, costing about $3,000.
Divorce rings are becoming popular worldwide as a way to reuse old jewellery instead of selling it, since ring resale values are often about 30% of the original price.
Wearing divorce rings can symbolize financial independence and making spending decisions alone after the upheaval of divorce.
Ceri Evans from Wales bought a new diamond ring for about £3,000 as a "declaration of independence" after her divorce.
Alex Proie from Pennsylvania had her five-year anniversary ring reshaped into a new design with diamonds to represent life’s ups and downs after separating.
Some women keep their old rings as protection against unwanted attention, while others discard them in various ways.
UK company Amicable highlights that buying a divorce ring can be the first major solo financial choice a woman makes after divorce.
The trend is described by fashion media as part of a larger cultural moment embracing confidence and new beginnings after divorce.
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Russian forces launched deadly strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine, just before a NATO summit in Turkey. The attacks add tension to the meeting, which brings together leaders from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries.
Key Facts
Russia struck Kyiv with deadly attacks shortly before the NATO summit.
The NATO meeting is taking place in Turkey this week.
The strikes increase urgency for discussions among NATO leaders.
NATO is an alliance of countries from North America and Europe focused on mutual defense.
The strikes may reflect Russia’s message or strategy ahead of the summit.
CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean provided expert commentary.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense due to ongoing conflict with Russia.
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The UK's biggest banks have struggled to help their most vulnerable customers access basic bank accounts designed for people who cannot open regular accounts. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found many banks pushed these customers toward unsuitable online applications, but banks have now agreed to make access easier and more suitable for those in need.
Key Facts
Basic bank accounts are free and do not allow overdrafts; they help people who cannot open normal accounts.
Over four million people in the UK use basic bank accounts.
Nine major UK banks and building societies offer these basic accounts, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander.
The FCA conducted tests on banks and rated about one-third of their customer experiences as poor or very poor.
Problems included failing to offer accounts to people without a fixed address and pushing vulnerable customers to online processes not suited to them.
Banks have agreed to give the right account at the first try and make it easier to open accounts without standard ID or a fixed address.
Banks will also offer alternatives to online applications for vulnerable people.
A previous scheme, Breaking the Cycle, helped banks work with a housing charity to support those without a fixed address.
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Fighting around the Sudanese city of el-Obeid has forced over 5,500 children to leave their homes, with many more at risk. The battles have caused a shortage of food, water, and medicine, worsened by crowded living conditions and a disease outbreak.
Key Facts
More than 5,500 children have been displaced by conflict near el-Obeid, Sudan.
El-Obeid is a key city with over half a million people and important for humanitarian aid.
The city is under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who control the Darfur region.
Drone attacks have hit fuel stations and water tankers, causing shortages of these essentials.
Overcrowding and fighting have worsened a cholera outbreak, with 300 cases confirmed.
Children displaced make up about 55% of Sudan’s total displaced population.
Many children are suffering psychological harm after witnessing violence or losing family members.
The UN Human Rights Council condemned RSF attacks on el-Obeid amid fears of mass violence like in nearby el-Fasher.
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Jocelyn Samuels, a former commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), dropped her lawsuit challenging her firing by President Donald Trump after a Supreme Court ruling increased the president’s power to remove heads of independent agencies. The EEOC under Trump has changed its focus on civil rights enforcement, including plans to stop collecting some workplace demographic data and changing rules about language use at work.
Key Facts
Jocelyn Samuels, a Democrat, was fired from the EEOC by President Trump before her term ended.
Samuels sued President Trump over her dismissal but dropped the lawsuit after a Supreme Court decision.
The Supreme Court ruling allows presidents more freedom to fire members of independent agencies.
President Trump’s actions shifted the EEOC’s focus away from some diversity and inclusion efforts.
The EEOC plans to stop collecting annual demographic data from workplaces and change rules about English-only policies at work.
The EEOC currently has two Republicans and one Democrat serving as commissioners.
The EEOC says it supports President Trump’s civil rights agenda and aims for fair enforcement of civil rights laws.
The EEOC chair Andrea Lucas, nominated by President Trump, welcomed the Supreme Court ruling as confirming the EEOC is part of the executive branch.
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A court is holding a five-day preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Witnesses have started giving their testimony as part of this hearing process.
Key Facts
The hearing is preliminary, which means it is an early step before a full trial.
It is scheduled to last five days.
The accused is charged with killing Charlie Kirk.
Witnesses are testifying during the hearing.
Charlie Kirk is a conservative activist.
The hearing is being covered by CBS News.
This is a legal proceeding in the United States.
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President Donald Trump will attend the NATO summit in Turkey this week. During the summit, he is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Key Facts
The NATO summit is happening in Turkey this week.
President Donald Trump is traveling to the summit on Monday night.
He will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday.
The Russia-Ukraine war is expected to be a main topic at the NATO summit.
CBS News is reporting on these events with correspondent Nancy Cordes.
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Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate from Maine, is facing a sexual assault allegation from a woman who dated him five years ago. Platner denies the claim and says he is taking time to think about his campaign.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat.
A woman who dated Platner five years ago has accused him of sexual assault in a Politico report.
Platner denies the allegation.
He said he is taking time to reflect on his candidacy in light of the accusation.
CBS News political director Fin Gómez reported on the situation.
The news was shared on CBS News and through their app.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got married at Madison Square Garden on Friday. Details about the wedding have recently become available through a news report.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift is a popular singer and songwriter.
Travis Kelce is a professional football player for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Their wedding was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The event took place on a Friday.
CBS News reporter Carlos Greer provided information about the ceremony.
The wedding was highly anticipated by fans and media.
Details of the event were shared through a news segment.
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President Donald Trump is having a granite helipad built on the White House South Lawn for Marine One helicopters. The project, costing about $5 to $6 million, will be paid for by Sikorsky Aircraft, the company that makes the presidential helicopters.
Key Facts
The new helipad is made of carved granite and will have the White House seal on it.
Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is covering the full cost of the helipad construction.
Lockheed Martin said their contribution was made to the National Park Service and follows all laws and ethics rules.
The White House has used older helicopters that damage the South Lawn grass during landings and takeoffs.
Sikorsky delivered a new fleet of VH-92A Patriot helicopters in 2024, which are safer and more reliable.
The Navy awarded Sikorsky a $1.24 billion contract under the Obama administration to replace the Marine One fleet.
The helipad is part of several recent White House construction projects under President Trump, including a new ballroom and patio areas.
Trump said the work reflects care and attention being given to the White House grounds and facilities.
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A judge has started a hearing to decide if there is enough evidence to hold a trial for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The hearing will last five days.
Key Facts
The accused man faces charges related to the killing of Charlie Kirk.
A judge is reviewing the evidence to decide if it is sufficient for a trial.
The hearing began on Monday and will last five days.
Charlie Kirk is known as a conservative activist.
CBS News legal expert Jessica Levinson is providing analysis on the case.
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Two Democrats, Representative Ro Khanna and Senator Ruben Gallego, have taken back their support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a woman he dated accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies these allegations.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
A woman who dated Platner has accused him of sexual assault in a Politico interview.
Representative Ro Khanna of California withdrew his endorsement of Platner.
Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona also withdrew his endorsement.
Platner denies the sexual assault accusation.
The news was reported by CBS News.
Political analysts Ameshia Cross and Marc Short provided commentary on the situation.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats called on Graham Platner to quit the Maine Senate race after allegations of sexual assault emerged. The Maine Democratic Party may choose a new candidate by mid-July if Platner withdraws, but Platner denied the accusations and is still deciding whether to stay in the race.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged Platner to immediately withdraw from the Senate race in Maine.
Allegations of sexual assault against Platner from 2021 were reported by Politico.
Platner denied the allegations but is considering his next steps.
Maine Democrats have until July 13 for Platner to withdraw and replace him with another candidate.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) will not fund Platner’s campaign if he stays on the ballot.
Some prominent Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Ruben Gallego, withdrew their endorsements of Platner.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders had not called for Platner to quit at the time of reporting.
Platner became the Democratic nominee after Gov. Janet Mills ended her campaign.
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Hasan Piker, a left-wing Twitch streamer, said the political career of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is likely over after a report. The report said a woman accused Platner of sexually assaulting her in 2021.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat.
Politico published a report about a sexual assault accusation against Platner.
The alleged incident happened in 2021.
The accuser is a former girlfriend of Platner.
Hasan Piker read the story on his Twitch livestream soon after it came out.
Piker said it was “curtains” for Platner, meaning his campaign is probably finished.
The news came out during the 2024 U.S. election season.
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Leading Democrats have withdrawn their support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies the accusations but is reconsidering his campaign amid the controversy.
Key Facts
Jenny Racicot accused Graham Platner of forcing nonconsensual sex in late 2021 at her home in Maine.
Platner denied the allegations and said he is reflecting on his campaign’s future.
Top Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna and Senator Ruben Gallego, have withdrawn their endorsements of Platner.
The Maine Democratic Party and political group End Citizens United called for Platner to drop out.
Platner won the Democratic primary in April and is set to run against Republican Susan Collins.
Maine law allows Platner to be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by July 13, with a replacement named by July 27.
Platner is a Marine veteran and has faced past controversies, including a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and past social media posts.
Leftist commentator Hasan Piker, previously a supporter, said the new allegations are “verifiable” and “irredeemable.”
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A UK parliamentary committee criticized the government for comparing student loan repayments to small monthly phone contracts, calling it misleading. The report also highlighted that students were not properly informed about changes to loan repayment terms and urged the government to reconsider freezing the income level at which graduates begin repaying loans.
Key Facts
A committee of UK MPs said comparing student loan repayments to phone contracts was misleading and like mis-selling.
The government froze the repayment threshold for Plan 2 student loans at £29,385 from 2027 to 2030, which means some graduates will start repaying sooner or pay more over time.
Plan 2 loans apply to students in England from 2012 to 2023 and still to students in Wales.
Graduates repay 9% of earnings above the threshold automatically.
The committee referenced an investigation showing the government used a £30 per month phone contract analogy to explain loans to teenagers.
The student loan system is exempt from consumer protection laws, but the committee called for fairness.
Graduates like Laura-May Nardella report making high monthly payments and seeing their total debt increase due to interest rates.
Groups like the National Union of Students want immediate reforms, including raising the repayment threshold and lowering repayment rates.
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