President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission released a draft report that suggests creating closer connections between church and state. The report emphasizes the importance of Americans understanding and defending their religious rights.
Key Facts
The report comes from President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission.
It proposes building "bridges" between church and state, which means closer relations.
This idea differs from the traditional U.S. principle of keeping church and state separate.
The report encourages Americans to know their religious rights.
It calls on people to stand up strongly when their religious rights are threatened.
The goal is to protect and preserve religious freedom in the country.
The draft was released publicly on a Friday.
This is part of President Trump’s broader focus on religious liberty issues.
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The U.S. military carried out strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage sites, along with coastal radar locations. These actions occurred one day after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The U.S. military targeted Iranian missile and drone storage areas.
Coastal radar sites in Iran were also struck by U.S. forces.
The strikes were conducted by U.S. Central Command (Centcom).
These actions followed an attack by Iran on a Singapore-flagged container ship.
The attack took place in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran carried out the attack on the ship.
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The US military carried out strikes against Iranian targets after President Donald Trump said Iran broke a ceasefire by attacking a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack used a one-way drone but caused no casualties. The US hit missile and drone storage sites and radar stations in response.
Key Facts
A cargo ship was attacked by an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, with no reported casualties.
The US planned to evacuate over 11,000 sailors from the region following the attack.
President Donald Trump called Iran's attack a "foolish violation" of the ceasefire agreement.
US Central Command struck Iranian missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar sites.
Iran and the US had agreed to a ceasefire on June 17, including safe passage for commercial ships.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for oil, gas, and other goods like fertilizer.
Iran closed the strait after US and Israeli attacks started in February, increasing global oil prices.
The US military will continue to help protect commercial ships passing through the strait.
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President Donald Trump received a report from the Religious Liberty Commission, which suggests changing the idea of separating church and state to instead focus on connecting them. The report supports a bigger role for religion in government, schools, and public life and praises recent Supreme Court decisions that allow more religious expression in public areas.
Key Facts
The Religious Liberty Commission was created by President Trump in 2023.
The commission is mostly made up of conservative Christian members.
The report is 224 pages long and combines policy ideas with philosophical arguments.
It proposes replacing the idea of separating church and state with building bridges between them.
The report supports more religious expression in government, schools, and public spaces.
It praises Supreme Court rulings that allow people to opt out of school lessons for religious reasons.
The report was released as a draft on a Friday afternoon.
President Trump received and reviewed the report in the Oval Office.
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Pete Buttigieg faced a false report that led police and child welfare officials to investigate his family, forcing him to stay away from his young children overnight. The report was found to be untrue, and Buttigieg said the incident was a harmful, politically motivated attack.
Key Facts
An anonymous call claimed Buttigieg was a danger to his four-year-old twins.
Police and Child Protective Services investigated but found no evidence supporting the claim.
Buttigieg was told not to be alone with his children during the investigation.
The false report alleged Buttigieg confessed to violent crimes in a town he never visited.
The incident happened shortly after Buttigieg posted Father’s Day photos of his family.
Buttigieg called the attack one of the darkest and ugliest moments of his career.
False emergency calls, often known as “swatting,” have targeted many public officials recently.
These false reports cause dangerous police responses and distress to families.
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The UK Conservative Party proposed a tax cut to encourage more people to join the military reserves, aiming to increase reservists to 50,000. The plan would make the first 30 days of reservist service each year tax-free and is funded by restoring a limit on child benefit payments.
Key Facts
The Conservatives want to increase UK military reservists to 50,000 by recruiting about 18,000 new members.
Reservists who serve up to 30 days per year would pay no tax on their reservist earnings for those days.
This tax cut would be paid for by bringing back the two-child benefit cap, reducing welfare spending.
The UK's current trained and untrained reserves total over 32,000 as of January 2026.
Around 46% of reservists received a tax-free bonus for completing training and tests in 2024/25.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said cutting welfare is necessary to fund the military.
Labour officials criticized the Conservatives for poor management of military recruitment in previous years.
The government’s recent Strategic Defence Review plans to increase the reserve forces by at least 20% in the 2030s and improve recruitment.
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Leon Black testified before a House panel related to files about Jeffrey Epstein. The U.S. military carried out strikes in response to actions by Iran.
Key Facts
Leon Black gave testimony to a House of Representatives panel.
The testimony concerned files connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
The U.S. conducted retaliatory military strikes against Iran.
The strikes were in response to prior actions by Iran.
This news was covered on CBS News on June 26.
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The Trump administration, Israel, and Lebanon announced a three-way agreement to reduce Iran’s influence in Lebanon by limiting its support for the group Hezbollah. The deal also outlines steps for Israel to pull back its forces from southern Lebanon after lengthy talks.
Key Facts
The agreement involves the U.S. government under President Trump, Israel, and Lebanon.
Its goal is to reduce Iran’s control in Lebanon by targeting the support Iran gives to Hezbollah.
Hezbollah is a militant group active in Lebanon, backed by Iran.
The deal includes plans for Israel to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon.
The agreement was reached after three days of discussions between the involved parties.
It aims to promote stability in the region by addressing security concerns.
This framework represents cooperation among the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon on regional security issues.
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The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, has called for an independent investigation into the rising number of deaths in US migrant detention centers during President Donald Trump’s second term. So far this year, at least 19 deaths have occurred, sparking concerns about poor conditions and treatment in these facilities.
Key Facts
The UN rights chief wants a probe into migrant deaths, citing lack of transparency.
At least 19 deaths have happened so far this year in US detention centers, according to government data.
Deaths have increased during President Trump’s second term compared to previous years.
Some detention centers are run by private companies as part of expanded immigration enforcement.
Human Rights Watch reports the death rate in detention under Trump’s second term is more than double previous years and higher than under President Biden.
The people who died ranged in age from 19 to 75 and came from 20 different countries.
Some deaths involved the use of force or were classified as suicides.
The UN expressed concern about solitary confinement being used, which can increase suicide risk and is seen as torture after 15 days.
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Apple has removed key Russian apps like VKontakte and Max from its App Store in Russia, affecting iPhone users there. The Russian government criticized Apple’s actions and encouraged people to switch to Android and local app stores to keep using these services.
Key Facts
In 2025, Russia asked Apple to remove 1,213 apps, the highest number of app removal requests worldwide.
The blocked apps include VKontakte (a popular Russian social network) and Max (a government-mandated messaging app).
Apple removed these apps without prior notice, stopping push notifications and limiting their usefulness on iPhones.
VK Group claims their Android apps are still fully functional and available on several app stores like Google Play and RuStore.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia expects an explanation from Apple and criticized Apple's decisions as unusual.
Peskov suggested Russian users switch to Android or domestic app systems to continue using their favorite services.
Russia aims to create a controlled, spy-friendly internet with domestic apps, while blocking some apps to enforce censorship.
Vietnam was the second highest country requesting app removals from Apple but with far fewer demands than Russia.
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The U.S. military attacked Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz after Iran fired drones at commercial ships passing through the area. President Donald Trump called Iran’s actions a violation of their ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
The U.S. strikes targeted Iranian missile and drone storage sites and coastal radar locations near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran launched drones at several commercial ships, including a Singapore-flagged cargo ship named "Ever Lovely."
The drone attack occurred as ships were moving through the Strait of Hormuz, near the Omani coast.
The U.S. described its strikes as a "powerful response" to Iran’s attack.
President Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran’s attack broke the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
The U.S. Central Command stated it will continue to help protect commercial ships passing through the strait.
The incident raised questions about whether Iran will respond with further military action.
This is the first U.S. strike against Iranian targets since signing a memorandum of understanding declared to end the war last week.
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The U.S. military attacked Iranian sites after Iran used drones to strike a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. These were the first U.S. strikes on Iran since both countries agreed to extend a ceasefire last week.
Key Facts
The U.S. hit Iranian missile, drone storage, and radar locations on Friday.
The strikes responded to Iran's drone attack on a commercial vessel.
The affected attack site was in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
U.S. Central Command described the strikes as a strong reaction to Iran’s actions.
The U.S. accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by attacking commercial ships.
The U.S. and Iran had recently agreed to continue a ceasefire agreement.
This event marks a significant escalation after the ceasefire extension.
The situation is ongoing and updates are expected as more information comes in.
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A federal judge declared a mistrial in the case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting a deadly California wildfire called the Palisades Fire. The jury could not agree on a verdict, and a new trial is scheduled for October 19, with Rinderknecht remaining in jail until then.
Key Facts
Judge Anne Hwang declared a mistrial after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.
Out of 12 jurors, 10 believed Rinderknecht was innocent.
Prosecutors say Rinderknecht started the fire on January 1, 2025, using a barbecue lighter.
The Palisades Fire caused 12 deaths and destroyed neighborhoods north of Los Angeles.
The fire spread after burning unseen in tree roots and was pushed by strong winds through dry areas.
Conditions like drought and more people living near wildlands have made wildfires worse in the Western US.
Prosecutors plan to retry Rinderknecht and aim to prove his guilt before a new jury.
Some jurors felt it was unfair to blame Rinderknecht without proving fire crews’ role or other factors.
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British search and rescue teams have been sent to Venezuela after two large earthquakes hit the country, causing nearly 1,000 deaths. The UK also provided £2 million in aid to help with rescue and relief efforts amid ongoing aftershocks and widespread damage.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela seconds apart.
The epicenter was about 100 miles west of Caracas, the capital city.
Nearly 1,000 people have died, and tens of thousands have been displaced.
A British Royal Air Force plane carried 68 rescue workers, including firefighters, sniffer dogs, drones, and medical staff.
Over 52,000 people were reported missing or uncontactable hours after the earthquakes.
Venezuela declared a state of emergency and stopped airport, rail, and transport services.
More than 215 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes.
Hospitals in the affected areas are short on critical supplies and overwhelmed.
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About 100 people protested in Senatobia, Mississippi, after a police officer shot and killed a one-year-old boy named Kohen Kartier Wiley. The protesters are demanding transparency and the release of video footage from the shooting, which is under investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on June 14 when a police officer fired at a vehicle carrying Kohen Wiley and his mother.
Kohen, who was sitting on his mother’s lap, was killed; the mother was injured.
Police said officers responded to a report of stolen diapers, but no charges were filed, and the diapers were reportedly paid for.
Protesters and the family dispute the police version of events, especially the use of the word “juvenile” for the infant.
Law enforcement used tear gas during an earlier protest at the Walmart where the incident occurred.
Protesters marched through town demanding justice and the release of body camera and security footage.
Police placed barricades to block access to the police station during the protest.
The protests continued despite heat and police attempts to control the march.
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The United States announced a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon aiming to start Israel’s troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. However, the group Hezbollah has publicly refused to support the talks or the agreement.
Key Facts
The US announced a framework deal between Israel and Lebanon.
The deal is the first step toward Israel pulling troops out of southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah opposes the talks and the agreement.
The announcement was reported from Beirut, Lebanon.
The agreement focuses on reducing military presence and tensions in the region.
Hezbollah is a powerful political and military group based in Lebanon.
The framework deal is part of ongoing efforts to improve relations between Israel and Lebanon.
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The Supreme Court made a rare public statement to clear up a misunderstanding between Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Sonia Sotomayor after a disagreement during a court ruling. The court ruled 6-3 to allow the Trump administration to end temporary protection status (TPS) for migrants from Haiti and Syria.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court issued a rare public statement about a misunderstanding between Justices Alito and Sotomayor.
The disagreement happened after a 6-3 ruling to end TPS for Haitian and Syrian migrants.
Justice Sotomayor read a dissenting opinion criticizing the decision from the bench.
Justice Alito said he was surprised by Sotomayor’s decision to read her dissent aloud and would have added more detail if he’d known.
The court confirmed that Alito was told in advance about Sotomayor’s plans, making the misunderstanding solely on Alito’s part.
TPS is a program that protects migrants from deportation when their home countries are unsafe, created by Congress in 1990.
The ruling lets the Department of Homeland Security remove legal protections for about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians.
Public statements about internal Supreme Court disagreements are very uncommon and usually only happen for retirements or health matters.
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Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) are now available for PS5 and Xbox Series X. The game offers a Standard Edition and an Ultimate Edition Upgrade that adds extra story content, vehicles, weapons, and customization, which unlock as players progress in the campaign.
Key Facts
Rockstar Games has not revealed full gameplay details of GTA VI yet, following a usual pattern of late reveals close to launch.
Pre-orders are available on Amazon and official game stores for PS5 and Xbox Series X versions.
The Ultimate Edition Upgrade is an add-on requiring the base game and adds premium vehicles, weapons, outfits, and story-related content.
The upgrade’s content unlocks gradually during the game, enhancing the story with characters Jason and Lucia.
Vehicles include a 1995 Grotti Cheetah sports car, motorcycles, boats, and off-road vehicles.
Weapons include special revolvers and personalized sidearms with unique engravings.
Customization options include exclusive outfits, tattoos, and vehicle modifications.
Pre-order bonuses include the Vintage Vice City Pack and a free month of GTA+ online service.
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Two strong earthquakes struck near Venezuela's capital, killing more than 900 people and injuring over 3,300. Many people are still missing, and rescue teams are searching for them.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes hit near Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.
More than 900 people have died due to the earthquakes.
Over 3,300 people were injured in the disaster.
Thousands of people are still missing after the earthquakes.
Officials and rescue teams are working to find survivors.
The events took place on a Wednesday.
The situation remains critical with ongoing rescue efforts.
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The Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention center in Florida has been closed after one year of operation. Environmental groups, immigrant-rights advocates, and the Miccosukee Tribe are calling for an independent investigation into the environmental harm caused by the facility during its operation.
Key Facts
The detention center operated for 12 months and cost $608 million to build.
It was built near the Everglades and the Big Cypress National Preserve, a large swamp habitat for animals like Florida panthers.
Environmental groups say the center harmed the environment by paving 20 acres without permits and installing bright lights that disturbed local wildlife.
The Miccosukee Tribe joined a lawsuit against the center to protect tribal rights because their villages are nearby.
Despite the closure, trucks still bring hazardous materials to the facility and remove human waste.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended the waste management process and the center's design to minimize environmental impact.
The detention center deported about 21,000 people during the Trump administration’s immigration efforts.
Advocates also raised concerns about the poor treatment of detainees held at the facility.
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