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Billionaire Leon Black testified before the House Oversight Committee, denying that he knew about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. He said he paid Epstein for business reasons connected to Epstein’s network and only learned about the crimes in 2019.
Key Facts
Leon Black is a billionaire who paid Jeffrey Epstein tens of millions of dollars.
Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Black said his payments to Epstein were for legitimate business purposes related to Epstein’s connections.
He claimed he only found out about Epstein’s illegal activities in 2019.
Black described his relationship with Epstein like knowing Dr. Jekyll but not Mr. Hyde, meaning he knew the public side but not the criminal side.
He criticized committee members for making accusations without facts.
Black gave this testimony before the U.S. House Oversight Committee.
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Canada’s official residence for the prime minister, 24 Sussex Drive, has fallen into serious disrepair and has been unlivable for over ten years. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a plan to restore the building through a design competition and public donations, avoiding full public funding.
Key Facts
24 Sussex Drive has been the official home for 10 Canadian prime ministers and hosted famous leaders like Queen Elizabeth II.
The building was constructed in the 19th century but now has problems like asbestos, mold, and rodent infestations.
It has been uninhabitable for over a decade due to lack of maintenance.
Prime Ministers Carney and Trudeau have lived at nearby Rideau Cottage instead.
Restoration costs are estimated at over C$100 million (about $71 million US).
The government will hold a design competition for renovations, with a winner chosen by July next year.
Funding will come from a national public fundraising campaign led by the Rideau Hall Foundation, limiting donations to individuals and philanthropic groups.
Public donors and amounts will be made public to ensure transparency.
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The U.S. Supreme Court recently showed unusual public tensions among justices during the announcement of major rulings, including two immigration cases favoring President Donald Trump. Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly disagreed with the court’s decision limiting asylum applications at the southern border, while Justice Samuel Alito defended the ruling and expressed surprise at her remarks.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court quickly released major decisions, including two that support President Trump’s immigration policies.
Justice Alito read the majority opinion allowing border officials to delay asylum seekers’ entry until processing is safe and orderly.
Justice Sotomayor gave a rare vocal dissent, comparing the ruling to a tragic historical event involving Jewish refugees in 1939.
Sotomayor argued the decision could lead to more deaths by blocking people from seeking asylum.
Alito said the policy has been used by both the Obama and Trump administrations.
Alito expressed surprise and mild irritation when Sotomayor spoke after his summary.
The court is preparing for more important rulings on issues like birthright citizenship and the power of the president over independent agencies.
This term has seen unusual public disagreements, including apologies and debates among justices about emergency orders related to President Trump’s agenda.
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A powerful double earthquake hit Venezuela on June 24, 2026, especially damaging La Guaira State. Satellite images show a lot of destruction, and more than 589 people have died while nearly 3,000 have been injured.
Key Facts
Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026.
La Guaira State was the hardest-hit area.
Satellite images reveal a large amount of damage.
Rescue teams are still searching for survivors.
At least 589 people have died because of the quakes.
Nearly 3,000 people have been hurt.
Experts say an earthquake this big would challenge any country.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a national minimum tax on billionaires and a federal fund that would give all Americans a share in the wealth created by artificial intelligence (AI). He opposes a state-level billionaire tax on the November California ballot, saying that taxing the ultrawealthy should be handled by the federal government, not by individual states.
Key Facts
Newsom wants a federal minimum billionaire tax that ensures the richest pay at least the same tax rate as their workers.
He opposes California’s state billionaire tax measure, arguing it is better handled nationally to prevent billionaires from avoiding taxes by moving to other states.
California’s billionaire tax revenues would mainly fund Medicaid, but Newsom believes the money should be allocated by the state legislature for broader needs like schools, housing, and child care.
Newsom proposes ending tax strategies that let billionaires avoid income tax by borrowing against stock and passing wealth to heirs without taxes.
He calls for raising corporate tax rates to pre-2017 levels and closing loopholes that allow companies to move profits offshore.
Newsom wants a new federal AI public equity fund to share AI-generated wealth with workers and support those displaced by AI through benefits like severance and retraining.
The AI fund would also help finance universal child care, free higher education, health care, and programs to build the economy for the “AI century.”
Newsom is term-limited as California governor and is seen as a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028.
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Idaho is facing two contrasting weather alerts this weekend due to the same low-pressure system. Parts of the state have a wildfire warning because of dry conditions and thunderstorms, while higher mountain regions have a winter storm watch for heavy snow.
Key Facts
Idaho has both a Red Flag Warning for wildfire risk and a Winter Storm Watch for snow this weekend.
The Red Flag Warning runs from Friday noon to midnight in some forest areas and around Boise, with a risk of fire from dry/wet thunderstorms and strong winds.
The Winter Storm Watch is for areas above 6,500 feet in western Lemhi County and warns of up to 6 inches of wet snow.
This weather pattern is unusual but occurs every few years, with the last heavy summer snow in June 2024.
Wildfire danger grows in late June as dry fuels and thunderstorms increase, while snow can still fall in the mountains due to cooler air.
Thunderstorms with gusty winds up to 50 mph may spread any fires and create safety hazards.
Heavy snow may block roads and increase hypothermia risk for hikers or campers not prepared for cold conditions.
These alerts reflect how the same weather system can cause both fire and snow dangers depending on elevation and location.
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A recent McLaughlin poll shows changes in support among possible Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential primary. Vice President Kamala Harris still leads but with a smaller margin, while California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have increased their support.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris leads with 26% support in the new poll.
Gavin Newsom has 16% backing, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has 9%.
Other candidates include Pete Buttigieg (8%), JB Pritzker, Cory Booker, and Josh Shapiro (5% each).
17% of respondents remain undecided about their preferred candidate.
The poll surveyed 1,000 voters between June 17-23.
Past polls showed Harris with a stronger lead, but her support has decreased somewhat.
Different polls show varying leads, with AtlasIntel polling Ocasio-Cortez ahead and Harvard/Harris polling Harris ahead.
Some possible candidates like Jon Ossoff and Andy Beshear were not included in this poll.
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Debt forgiveness, also called debt settlement, can help reduce credit card debt by negotiating with creditors to pay less than what is owed. For a $45,000 credit card debt, borrowers could have between $13,500 and $22,500 forgiven, depending on their financial situation and how late their payments are.
Key Facts
Credit card interest rates average nearly 22%, causing high monthly interest charges.
Credit card debt over $40,000 can make minimum payments take up a large part of a monthly budget.
Debt forgiveness means settling debt for less than the full amount owed, often between 30% and 50% less.
For $45,000 debt, settlement amounts usually range from $22,500 to $31,500.
Creditors negotiate settlements mainly if accounts are delinquent (payments missed or late).
Demonstrating financial hardship increases chances of creditors accepting less debt repayment.
Debt forgiveness can impact credit scores, cause late fees, and may have tax consequences.
Debt relief programs usually help borrowers who are struggling financially, not those comfortably paying their bills.
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The cost of owning a home is rising, with higher prices for buying and additional expenses for repairs. Kelly O'Grady shares tips on how to save money when working on home projects.
Key Facts
Home prices are currently higher than they have been before.
Owning a home involves more costs than just buying it, including repair expenses.
Most homes need repairs at some point.
Kelly O'Grady offers advice on reducing costs during home improvement projects.
The article is part of CBS News coverage and can be viewed in the CBS News App or browsers.
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A Turkish court convicted three pest control workers and a hotel owner for causing the deaths of a German family poisoned by insecticide in an Istanbul hotel. The family suffered poisoning from a toxic gas used to kill bedbugs, and the court sentenced the accused to prison terms between 12 and 18 years.
Key Facts
The Bocek family from Germany died after being exposed to insecticide gas at Harbour Suites Old City hotel in Istanbul.
The family fell ill in November and passed away over several days, with two children dying first, followed by their parents.
Investigators ruled out food poisoning and linked their deaths to phosphine gas used for bedbug fumigation in the hotel.
The gas likely traveled through a bathroom ventilation duct between rooms in the hotel.
The hotel owner was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months, while three pest control workers received sentences of 12 to 18 years.
The convicted individuals plan to appeal their sentences.
Inspections found phosphine gas on towels, masks, and other items in the hotel rooms.
The case raised concerns about hotel safety and led to calls for better regulations in Turkey.
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Nearly 50 Senate Democrats and independents oppose a proposed change to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits that could reduce payments for veterans with sleep apnea and tinnitus. The proposed rule would base compensation on how well conditions are managed by treatment rather than the condition itself.
Key Facts
The group of senators sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins opposing the changes.
The proposal affects how disability ratings for sleep apnea and tinnitus are calculated.
Sleep apnea ratings currently give about 50% disability if veterans use a CPAP machine, but the change would lower ratings if treatment works well.
Tinnitus currently receives a 10% disability rating but might no longer get standalone benefits under the new rule.
The VA tried to enact a similar rule in February but withdrew it after backlash from veterans.
The changes are part of a larger legislative package called the “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act.”
Some veterans’ groups worry that expanding benefits for some will cause cuts for others.
More than 1 million veterans could be affected by these proposed changes.
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A long-term certificate of deposit (CD) account lets you save a fixed amount of money, like $40,000, for a set time while earning interest at a steady rate. Current rates are above 4%, which means the money you put in can grow significantly, but you must keep it locked in for the full term to avoid penalties.
Key Facts
Long-term CDs have fixed interest rates, often over 4% right now.
A $40,000 CD can earn from about $2,500 in 18 months to over $20,000 in 10 years.
CDs protect your initial money (called the principal) and are insured up to $250,000.
Interest rates on CDs won’t change during the term, even if market rates go up or down.
Early withdrawal from a CD usually means paying a penalty, so the money should stay in the account until it matures.
Terms for long-term CDs start around 18 months and can go up to 10 years or more.
Shopping online can help you find the best CD rates and terms from different banks and lenders.
With current interest rates steady, savers can take time to compare options without rushing.
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John Bolton, former U.S. national security adviser, pleaded guilty to mishandling classified information by sharing more than 1,000 pages of sensitive notes with family members who lacked security clearance. He faces sentencing in October and has agreed to pay a fine as part of a plea deal that reduces the original charges.
Key Facts
Bolton admitted to mishandling classified information related to national security.
He shared sensitive notes through a personal email and messaging app with his wife and daughter, who were not cleared to see this information.
The notes were for his 2020 memoir, published during President Trump's first term.
The original indictment included 18 charges with up to 10 years in prison each.
The plea deal could result in probation or a prison sentence up to five years and includes a $2.25 million fine.
Bolton reported that a hacker linked to Iran accessed his emails containing the notes.
The investigation started during Trump’s administration and continued under President Biden.
Justice Department officials said Bolton’s actions endangered U.S. national security and trust.
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Andy Burnham worked for a year to return from being mayor of Greater Manchester to a seat in the UK Parliament. His campaign involved creating support groups, building alliances with Labour MPs, and positioning himself as an alternative leader within the party. This effort ended with widespread support from members of parliament at Westminster Hall.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham spoke at a Labour conference in May 2025 to rally left-wing support.
Labour leader Keir Starmer was facing criticism during welfare policy debates.
Burnham's return was helped by groups like Compass and Mainstream, which pushed for leadership change.
Burnham signed a statement supporting Mainstream’s goals, signaling his leadership ambitions.
Labour MPs were unhappy with current leadership and considered Burnham a strong alternative.
Louise Haigh and Anneliese Midgeley helped connect Burnham with influential MPs.
Josh Simons, once a Starmer supporter, began discussing replacing Starmer with Burnham.
The campaign to bring Burnham back to Parliament was seen as chaotic but ultimately successful.
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The recent cases of Texas screwworm highlight the risks to U.S. agricultural security. Experts warn that future threats to crops and livestock might appear suddenly without early warning signs.
Key Facts
Texas screwworm is an insect that damages livestock by laying eggs in open wounds.
This recent outbreak shows weaknesses in U.S. biosecurity measures.
Agricultural biosecurity means protecting farms from pests and diseases.
Past outbreaks like the screwworm have caused serious economic damage.
Experts say new threats may emerge quickly and unexpectedly.
Early detection and quick response are important to prevent spread.
The U.S. government and farmers need to improve monitoring systems.
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed that he strongly disagrees with Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist who recently won a House primary in New York by defeating a long-term incumbent. This highlights growing disagreements within the Democratic Party as the midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
Governor Josh Shapiro is a Democrat from Pennsylvania.
Darializa Avila Chevalier is a democratic socialist.
Chevalier won a New York House primary election.
She defeated Adriano Espaillat, a five-term representative and leader of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Shapiro stated he has “profound differences” with Chevalier’s political views.
These differences show divisions within the Democratic Party.
The announcement came just days before the midterm elections.
The primary race reflects a shift toward more progressive candidates in some areas.
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Utah’s governor has limited fireworks and declared a state of emergency due to several large wildfires growing quickly in dry, windy weather. The Iron Fire and Cottonwood Fire have burned tens of thousands of acres, causing evacuations and damage, while fire risks remain high across the southwestern United States.
Key Facts
The Iron Fire in Juab County, Utah, has burned 63 square miles and is 26% contained.
The Cottonwood Fire in southern Utah covers nearly 111 square miles and remains uncontained.
The fires forced evacuations, including the town of Eureka and areas near the Eagle Point ski resort.
Utah’s governor restricted fireworks through July 5 to reduce fire risk during holiday celebrations.
The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning for extreme fire danger.
Dry, windy weather and severe drought are helping fires spread across Utah and neighboring states.
Similar fire warnings and high risks are in place for parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Rocky Mountain Power warned of possible power shutoffs to prevent fires in central, southern, and eastern Utah.
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The European Union has restricted visas for Somali citizens to pressure Somalia into accepting the return of people living illegally in Europe. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said his country will accept genuine Somali returnees but noted some people claiming Somali identity are not actually Somali.
Key Facts
The EU stopped issuing multiple-entry visas to Somali citizens.
The visa fee waiver for diplomatic passport holders from Somalia was removed.
Visa processing times for Somalis have increased from 15 to 45 days.
Somalia was found to be not cooperating enough in taking back nationals refused stay in Europe.
President Mohamud said some people returned as Somalis were not Somali and spoke no Somali language.
Somalia is recovering from decades of conflict and faces ongoing attacks from the al-Shabab group.
Many Somalis travel through dangerous routes, including Libya, to reach Europe.
The EU has used similar visa restrictions on other countries like The Gambia and Ethiopia.
The United States also imposed travel bans affecting Somalia under President Trump’s administration.
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to screen about 18.7 million air travelers from June 30 to July 6. This period includes the busy July 4 holiday weekend when many people travel by air.
Key Facts
TSA expects to screen nearly 19 million air travelers over seven days.
The dates covered are June 30 through July 6.
This timeframe includes the July 4 holiday weekend.
The TSA is responsible for airport security screening.
Air travel usually increases during holiday periods.
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