The IRS managed to send out most tax refunds on time in 2026 despite big staff cuts and many tax law changes under President Trump’s new tax bill. However, experts warn that the agency faces problems ahead, especially with fewer workers available to help taxpayers who need assistance.
Key Facts
The IRS workforce dropped by about 27-28%, losing around 28,000 employees since last year.
The agency processed 138.6 million tax returns and issued 90.4 million refunds in 2026, both higher than in 2025.
Nearly all tax returns (98%) were filed electronically, allowing more automation to handle returns smoothly.
The new tax law, called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, caused over 100 changes to the tax code and led to unusually large refunds.
Staffing cuts led to longer wait times for help, with the average phone hold time rising to 14 minutes from 8 minutes in 2025.
The IRS did not do its usual seasonal hiring to support the busy tax season in 2026.
Experts warn that challenges will get worse in 2027 if the IRS does not prepare for more tax law changes and fewer workers.
The agency faced delays in answering taxpayer questions and resolving complex issues because of fewer experienced employees.
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Two strong earthquakes, each with a magnitude over 7, hit Venezuela on Thursday night. At least 164 people died, and rescue teams are working to reach areas badly damaged by the quakes.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes, both stronger than magnitude 7, struck Venezuela.
The earthquakes happened back-to-back on Thursday night.
At least 164 people have died so far.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach more areas.
The earthquakes caused severe damage in affected regions.
CBS News reported on the event with updates and expert analysis.
A geophysics expert from Stanford University provided insights on the earthquakes.
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The Box museum in Plymouth won the 2026 Art Fund museum of the year award, receiving £120,000. The museum is praised for its strong community connections, large collection, and positive impact on the city’s economy and wellbeing.
Key Facts
The Box is a museum, gallery, and archive in Plymouth with over 2 million artworks and objects.
It opened in 2020 and has hosted more than 1.3 million visitors since then.
The museum has helped boost Plymouth’s economy by £244 million and created over £100 million in health and wellbeing benefits.
It works with local schools, engaging with 89% of them.
The Art Fund prize includes £120,000 for the winner and £20,000 for each of the four finalists.
The Box focuses on including overlooked histories and creating welcoming spaces for learning and creativity.
The museum started with a £48 million investment and aims to be both nationally recognized and loved locally.
Its 2025 and 2026 programs include exhibitions about colonial history, archives, and accessibility.
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Florida’s immigration detention center called “Alligator Alcatraz” is closing less than a year after it opened. Governor Ron DeSantis said the facility was a temporary solution and that the federal government can now handle immigration detention without Florida’s help.
Key Facts
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center opened in July last year and is located in the Everglades, Florida.
Governor DeSantis announced the facility is permanently closing because it fulfilled its temporary purpose.
The center supported federal immigration efforts and was praised by President Donald Trump.
The facility was criticized for environmental risks and poor conditions for detainees.
Florida spent $406 million from its emergency fund on immigration efforts linked to the center between August and February.
The emergency fund is running low, dropping from $47 million to $25.6 million recently.
The center is being repurposed to become a training airport for pilots.
Florida officials want to restore the Everglades area to a protected state after closing the facility.
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Four French NGOs have taken the energy company TotalEnergies to court, saying it must follow French climate laws. They argue that big polluters have legal duties to reduce greenhouse gases and cannot leave climate action only to governments.
Key Facts
The NGOs, including "Notre Affaire à Tous," brought a climate lawsuit against TotalEnergies.
They believe companies causing large emissions have legal responsibilities under French law.
The case views climate litigation as a way to enforce rules on corporations, not just as a protest.
The NGOs want the remaining amount of carbon emissions allowed globally to be shared based on social needs.
They say businesses must be held accountable independently of government actions.
French courts are starting to recognize these corporate legal duties regarding climate change.
The discussion shifts focus from technology limits to political and ethical decisions about climate priorities.
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The National Park Service (NPS) reported damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, saying the pool’s bottom liner was cut with a sharp object. This follows President Donald Trump’s claims that vandals caused harm to the recently renovated reflecting pool in Washington, DC.
Key Facts
The damage was reported on June 9, after the reflecting pool renovation was almost finished.
The liner along the pool bottom was cut with a sharp knife or razor, according to the NPS.
About 70 fence post tops were also thrown into the pool water.
The reflecting pool will be drained after Independence Day to assess and repair the damage.
President Trump claimed multiple people were arrested for vandalism, but only one person, David Hearn, has been arrested so far and denies the claims.
The blue coating applied during the renovation started peeling, and an algae bloom turned the water green shortly after completion.
Government documents show the cuts found were in foam sections under the pool and not clearly linked to the peeling coating or algae.
US Park Police are asking the public for help identifying a person involved in destruction of government property at the pool on June 19.
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Analyst Andreas Krieg told Al Jazeera that Iran has strong geographic and military control over the Strait of Hormuz. He believes that the future of this important waterway will be decided through diplomacy and regional talks, not by military action.
Key Facts
Iran controls a key location called the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global trade.
Iran has strong military and geographic advantages there.
No foreign power can force a solution on Iran in this area.
Diplomacy and negotiations among regional countries will decide the future of the waterway.
Military force is unlikely to change control of the strait.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing many buildings to collapse and leaving at least 188 people dead. Rescue workers are searching for survivors while several countries have offered help to the Venezuelan government.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale.
The shaking caused buildings to break apart, especially in areas near Caracas and the state of La Guaira.
At least 188 people have died, but experts warn the death toll might be much higher.
Many people are sleeping outside or in their cars due to fear of more damage.
Rescue teams are searching through rubble to find survivors.
Some services like phone lines and electricity are still down in many places.
International aid has been offered by countries including the US, Mexico, Ecuador, and others.
Social media platforms like X have been partially unblocked to help people share information about missing loved ones.
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Tucker Carlson, a conservative commentator, admitted that his past anti-Muslim statements were wrong and said he was "hysterical" in believing them. He also expressed a changed view of Israel and has recently distanced himself from President Trump and the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Carlson previously made strong anti-Muslim remarks, blaming Islam and Muslims for violence, which he now says were untrue.
He criticized his earlier views during a Sky News interview, saying he believed false ideas in the past.
Carlson’s opinion of Israel has shifted; he feels sorry for modern Israel and no longer supports his old views.
He has publicly withdrawn support for President Trump and left the Republican Party in 2026.
Carlson hosted Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a critic of Islam, and promoted negative ideas about Muslim voters and policies.
Advocacy groups like CAIR have called for Fox News to fire him due to his history of anti-Muslim and racist rhetoric.
His criticism of Israel has led to accusations of antisemitism, which he denies.
Public opinion on Islam and Israel in the U.S. has changed recently, with more partisan differences in views on Muslims.
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The Rolling Stones will release their 25th album, "Foreign Tongues," on July 10. They have released two new singles, "Jealous Lover" with a music video, and "Divine Intervention," featuring Robert Smith from the Cure.
Key Facts
The album "Foreign Tongues" will be out on July 10 via Capitol Records.
Two singles were released on June 25: "Jealous Lover" and "Divine Intervention."
"Jealous Lover" has a music video starring actors Anya Taylor-Joy and Charles Melton.
Robert Smith adds vocals to "Divine Intervention," giving it a gothic style.
The album includes previous singles "In the Stars" and "Rough and Twisted."
Producers and guest artists on the album include Andrew Watt, Paul McCartney, Chad Smith, and the late Charlie Watts.
Guitarist Keith Richards said the band might not tour but could do a residency show in places like London or New York.
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Country singer Miranda Lambert will release her new album, "Crisco," on October 1 through MCA Records. The album features a mix of themes like heartbreak, hope, and reflections on country music, with a new single, "Till the Going's Gone," coming out on June 26.
Key Facts
Miranda Lambert announced her album "Crisco" will be released on October 1.
The album will be released by MCA Records.
A single from the album, "Till the Going's Gone," will be released on June 26.
The album includes themes such as heartbreak, hope, highways, and honky-tonks (country bar music scenes).
Miranda Lambert co-produced the album with Jesse Frasure.
Lambert says she followed her instincts while making the album to create a fun and honest record.
She worked with longtime songwriters like Aaron Raitiere, Josh Osborne, Natalie Hemby, Ashley Monroe, and Waylon Payne.
The album aims to highlight various sounds and stories within country music without changing its core style.
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The Supreme Court made two important decisions on immigration cases involving President Donald Trump's policies. One decision allows the government to bring back a strict rule on asylum seekers, and the other lets the president remove deportation protections for people from Syria and Haiti.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court issued rulings on two major immigration cases.
One ruling allows the Trump administration to reinstate a strict rule limiting asylum claims.
This asylum rule restricts who can apply for asylum in the United States.
The second ruling permits the president to end deportation protections for Syrians and Haitians.
These decisions support policies from President Donald Trump's administration.
The rulings could affect many people seeking protection or living in the U.S. from these countries.
CBS News legal expert Jessica Levinson explained the decisions in detail.
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Inflation rose by 4.1 percent over the past year, the fastest rate in three years, according to federal data. Prices increased 0.7 percent in May, mainly due to higher energy costs, creating difficulties for President Trump and government decision-makers.
Key Facts
Inflation increased 4.1 percent over the last 12 months.
The May inflation rise was 0.7 percent for that month alone.
This is the fastest annual inflation rise in three years.
Much of the price rise was caused by higher energy costs.
The data was released by the federal government on a Thursday.
Inflation is measured by the Federal Reserve’s preferred price index.
The rising prices create challenges for President Trump and policymakers.
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A British TikTok influencer, Brooke George, is accused of killing a man in Dubai and may face execution if found guilty. She says she acted in self-defense after the man became abusive during her visit.
Key Facts
Brooke George, 23, from Kent, England, has been charged with premeditated murder in Dubai.
The man she allegedly killed was 26 years old and met her through Facebook.
Dubai police arrested her on June 22, and she is currently held at Bur Dubai police station.
George claims the man became controlling and abusive during her visit.
She says she stabbed him with a kitchen knife to defend herself after he attacked her.
If convicted, Dubai law could allow execution by firing squad.
George was reportedly forced to strip in front of male officers with no female officers present.
Her family says she contacted them in panic after the attack and was frightened before the incident.
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Apple is raising prices on several MacBook and iPad models because the cost of computer parts, like memory and storage, has gone up a lot due to high demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Apple has so far avoided price increases but now needs to pass some of the higher costs on to customers.
Key Facts
Apple announced price increases for MacBooks and iPads due to rising component costs.
The MacBook Neo price rose from $599 to $699.
MacBook Air 512GB increased from $1,099 to $1,299; MacBook Pro 1TB went from $1,699 to $1,999.
iPad Air 128GB now costs $749, up from $599.
Prices for iPhones have not been raised yet, but an increase is expected later.
The surge in AI data centers has caused higher demand for computer chips, creating shortages and price rises.
Experts say the chip shortage may continue until 2027.
Apple’s stock price fell 5.6% after the price hike announcement.
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated the situation is unusual and unsustainable despite efforts to limit price increases.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin became angry during a House panel hearing when questioned about immigration policies under President Trump's administration. The questions focused on family separations of children during detention and deportation processes.
Key Facts
Markwayne Mullin is the Homeland Security Secretary.
He got upset during a congressional hearing with Representative Rosa DeLauro.
The discussion was about immigration policies from President Trump's time in office.
Family separation of children from parents during immigration detention was a key issue.
The hearing took place in a House panel, a group that reviews government actions.
The incident was covered by CBS News, including video footage.
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Olly Robbins, who was removed from his job at the Foreign Office due to a security clearance issue involving Peter Mandelson, is in talks to take a national security adviser role under Andy Burnham, the likely new UK prime minister. Robbins’s return is controversial because he overturned security advice against Mandelson, raising concerns among some Labour officials.
Key Facts
Olly Robbins lost his Foreign Office role after a scandal involving security vetting for Peter Mandelson.
Robbins overturned a recommendation to deny Mandelson security clearance.
Mandelson was linked to controversial figures, including those connected to convicted criminal Jeffrey Epstein.
Robbins is in early talks with Andy Burnham’s team for a national security adviser position.
Some senior Labour figures are alarmed by Robbins’s return to a top government role.
Robbins was supported by some civil servants who said he acted on No 10’s wishes.
Robbins has considered legal action over damage to his reputation.
The national security adviser advises the prime minister on security matters and reports to the Cabinet Office.
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A sharp knife or razor was used to cut the liner at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool earlier this month, the National Park Service said. The U.S. Park Police responded to the report and are investigating the damage.
Key Facts
The liner is located at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
It was cut with a sharp knife or razor.
The incident happened earlier in the same month.
The National Park Service reported the damage.
The U.S. Park Police are involved in the investigation.
A sworn declaration about the incident was filed on Wednesday.
The damage could affect the pool’s water and maintenance.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other House Democrats are holding a forum to talk about threats to elections. They plan to discuss voting rights and proposed laws backed by Republicans, such as President Trump’s SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voting.
Key Facts
House Democrats are hosting a forum focused on election threats.
The event is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
The forum will look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats want to discuss concerns about voting access.
They will talk about Republican proposals to change voting rules.
One key proposal is President Trump’s SAVE America Act.
The SAVE America Act would require voters to prove their citizenship.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is leading the forum.
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Anthropic accused Chinese company Alibaba of illegally copying its AI model called Claude by making millions of fake interactions to steal its capabilities. This activity happened despite President Trump’s warnings against such actions, and Anthropic wants stricter laws to stop foreign companies from stealing U.S. AI technology.
Key Facts
Anthropic claims Alibaba created almost 25,000 fake accounts to interact more than 28.8 million times with Claude between April 22 and June 5.
The goal was to copy Claude’s advanced functions like reasoning and software engineering without paying for research and training.
Alibaba used methods to hide their identity online and avoid being detected.
This copying effort continued even after President Trump warned China about industrial-scale AI theft.
Anthropic said these attacks waste billions of dollars of U.S. investment and give unfair advantages to foreign competitors.
Alibaba is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and has U.S. business ties but is accused of ignoring U.S. regulations.
Alibaba is suing the Trump administration to remove a blacklist designation, denying any military connections.
Anthropic urged Congress to create stronger laws to protect American AI technology and prevent future attacks.
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