Dr. Debra Houry, former chief medical officer at the CDC, resigned after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, fired CDC Director Susan Monarez. Houry spoke about her decision and concerns regarding the new policies under Kennedy Jr.'s leadership.
Key Facts
Dr. Debra Houry was the chief medical officer at the CDC.
She resigned from her position in protest.
Her resignation followed the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez.
Susan Monarez was fired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Dr. Houry discussed her reasons and concerns in an interview with CBS News.
The interview was conducted by Margaret Brennan, a CBS News correspondent.
The events relate to changes in leadership and policies at the CDC and HHS.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released a new satellite image showing how the United States' land has changed since 1976. The image, part of the America 250 celebration marking the country's 250th anniversary, highlights environmental changes like the shrinking Great Salt Lake and different land colors across the country.
Key Facts
The USGS created a detailed satellite photo mosaic of the U.S. using data from Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites.
This is a follow-up to the original 1976 Landsat image made for the country's bicentennial (200 years).
The 2026 image shows more green areas in the eastern U.S. and browner, drier areas in the West.
The Great Salt Lake in Utah has shrunk significantly due to drought, hotter temperatures, and water use by farms and cities.
Shrinking of the lake raises concerns about dust pollution, harm to wildlife, and impacts on businesses relying on the lake.
The Landsat program started in 1972 and provides the longest continuous satellite record of Earth's land.
Farmers, water managers, and emergency officials use Landsat images to help with crops, water supplies, and natural disaster responses.
NASA and USGS are planning the future of the Landsat satellite program to continue monitoring the Earth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new book by reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan gives a detailed look at President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House. The book, titled "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," shares insights from people close to the president who agreed to speak with the authors.
Key Facts
The book is written by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, both experienced reporters.
It focuses on President Donald Trump’s second term as president.
The title of the book is "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump."
The book reveals what it was like inside the White House during this time.
People close to President Trump spoke to the authors for the book.
The reporters aim to explain what those sources wanted readers to understand.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia carried out its biggest attack on Kyiv since the war began. The attacks killed at least 17 people. Experts are analyzing what this means for the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
Russia launched a large attack on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
This was the biggest attack on Kyiv since the war started.
At least 17 people died due to the attack.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is still ongoing.
CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean provided insights on the situation.
The attack represents a major escalation in the war.
The war involves fighting over control and political disagreements between Russia and Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly making threats against New Orleans officials. The governor of Louisiana has promised to quickly pardon her.
Key Facts
Liz Murrill is the Louisiana Attorney General and a Republican.
A grand jury indicted her related to an investigation about threats against officials in New Orleans.
Laurie White, a former judge, confirmed the indictment and is serving as a special prosecutor.
The indictment means the case is now a criminal matter.
The governor of Louisiana has said he will give her a swift pardon.
The specific details or nature of the alleged threats were not included in the information provided.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said that the large profits he made from cryptocurrency, as shown in his recent financial disclosure forms, were not illegal. He also mentioned that he might have known about these profits but did not.
Key Facts
President Trump made significant profits from cryptocurrency.
These profits appeared in his financial disclosure documents released this week.
Trump stated in a CNBC interview that there was nothing illegal about the crypto profits.
He said he might have been aware of the profits but was not certain.
The statement was made on a Thursday interview with CNBC.
The financial disclosure forms are part of the public record for President Trump’s finances.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This year’s Fourth of July holiday is expected to be the hottest ever recorded for many people in the United States. More than half the country will experience very high temperatures due to a weather pattern called a heat dome, which could affect travel plans during the holiday weekend.
Key Facts
The Fourth of July 2024 is predicted to be the hottest on record for millions of Americans.
Over half of the United States will be under a heat dome during the holiday weekend.
A heat dome is a weather situation where hot air is trapped in one area, causing temperatures to rise.
The extreme heat may cause difficulties for people traveling over the holiday.
CBS News reporters Kris Van Cleave and Rob Marciano provided information and forecasts about the situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Trump is moving away from a Biden administration report that highlighted cancer and other health risks from “forever chemicals” on farms. The Trump EPA released a draft guidance criticizing the earlier assessment about using contaminated sludge on farmland.
Key Facts
The Biden administration created a report showing health dangers, including cancer, from “forever chemicals” on farms.
“Forever chemicals” are chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment.
These chemicals were found in sludge (waste material) spread on farm lands.
The Biden-era report warned about risks from this contaminated sludge.
The Trump administration’s EPA issued a new draft guidance that challenges the earlier report’s conclusions.
This new draft guidance criticizes the methods and findings of the Biden-era risk assessment.
The issue concerns how safely to handle waste materials that may contain harmful chemicals on farms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 200 million people in the United States are currently under heat alerts due to very high temperatures. Additionally, a couple who climbed the Empire State Building without permission are facing criminal charges.
Key Facts
Over 200 million Americans are affected by heat alerts.
Heat alerts warn people to be careful because of very hot weather.
A couple climbed the Empire State Building without permission.
Climbing the building is illegal and can be dangerous.
The couple now face criminal charges for their actions.
The Empire State Building is a famous landmark in New York City.
Authorities are responding to both the heat alerts and the illegal climb.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In July 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to declare America’s independence from Great Britain. The article highlights a discussion from the historic room where this decision was made, as part of a series commemorating 250 years of the United States.
Key Facts
The Second Continental Congress met in July 1776.
They officially decided to break political ties with Great Britain.
This vote declared American independence.
The event took place in a specific, historic room linked to the Founding Fathers.
The article is part of a series called Crossroads: America at 250.
The series marks 250 years since the founding of the United States.
The timing connects with celebrations around Independence Day.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prosecutors say a video shows rapper Pooh Shiesty demanding to be released from Gucci Mane’s record label while an armed man blocks a door during a robbery at a Texas music studio. Pooh Shiesty and eight others face kidnapping and extortion charges connected to this incident.
Key Facts
Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., is accused of forcing the owner of 1017 Records, owned by Gucci Mane (Radric Delantic Davis), to sign a release to leave the label.
The incident happened during a January meeting at a music studio in Dallas, Texas.
The owner was reportedly robbed at gunpoint of items worth about $450,000, including a wedding band, watch, earrings, and cash.
Prosecutors submitted video evidence showing Pooh Shiesty pressing for a release and pointing a gun at the label owner’s head.
Another rapper, BIG30 (Rodney Wright), reportedly recorded the video on his phone while a third person blocked the door with a firearm.
Pooh Shiesty was on home confinement with electronic monitoring for a previous firearms-related conviction at the time of the alleged robbery.
The victims and witnesses are cooperating with prosecutors, and cellphone location data places the defendants at the scene.
Pooh Shiesty asked for home confinement pending trial, but prosecutors argue the evidence is strong and want him to remain in custody.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The White House will start new investment accounts called "Trump Accounts" on July 4. These accounts aim to help improve the financial situation for many Americans under 18 years old.
Key Facts
The accounts are called "Trump Accounts."
They will open on July 4.
The program is for children under the age of 18.
Children who turn 18 before the year ends are not eligible.
The accounts are meant to boost financial security for young Americans.
This initiative is led by President Donald Trump’s administration.
It focuses on long-term financial support for minors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani asked residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees to save energy during very hot weather. Some Republicans criticized him for this suggestion.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City encouraged people to set their thermostats to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
The request aims to help conserve energy during a heat wave with temperatures above 100 degrees.
The city’s power grid is under heavy use because of high air conditioning demand.
Republicans have publicly criticized Mayor Mamdani’s advice.
The suggestion is part of efforts to avoid power outages and manage energy resources.
The heat wave is expected to affect New York City over the coming weekend.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Venezuela experienced two earthquakes on June 24, adding to ongoing problems in the country. Before the earthquakes, Venezuela already faced severe shortages in hospitals, frequent power cuts, and millions of people needing help due to a long humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
Venezuela was hit by two earthquakes on June 24.
Hospitals in Venezuela lack medicines and equipment.
The country experiences daily power outages.
At least 8 million people in Venezuela need humanitarian aid.
Venezuela has faced a complex humanitarian emergency for several years.
Problems include weakening democracy, corruption, high inflation, and economic sanctions.
Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in the last ten years.
This mass movement of people is one of the largest displacement crises worldwide according to the United Nations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump earned $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency activities in 2025, according to a financial disclosure. This income could result in tax payments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
Key Facts
President Trump reported $1.4 billion in income from cryptocurrency in 2025.
The income comes from his crypto-related ventures.
The financial disclosure revealing this information is new.
Tax experts say he may owe hundreds of millions in taxes on these earnings.
The report was covered by CBS News and their correspondent Weijia Jiang.
Cryptocurrency involves digital money that can be traded or invested.
Such high earnings in crypto can lead to large tax bills under U.S. tax laws.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Washington, D.C. is preparing for the United States' 250th birthday celebration on the National Mall. Officials have declared the event a national special security event, leading to increased security measures in the city.
Key Facts
The celebration marks 250 years since the founding of the United States.
It will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The event is officially classified as a national special security event.
This classification means extra security steps are required to keep people safe.
Washington, D.C. is expecting hot weather during the celebrations.
Homeland security officials are leading the security preparations.
Ambassador Monica Crowley, U.S. chief of protocol, is involved in organizing the event.
CBS News is covering the security and festivities related to the celebration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Planned Parenthood will once again receive federal funding starting Saturday, a year after Republicans stopped Medicaid money from going to its clinics. This change happens because the Republican ban on funding has expired.
Key Facts
Planned Parenthood lost federal Medicaid funding about one year ago.
Republicans used a law called the One Big Beautiful Bill to cut funding.
The ban on funding was tied to specific Senate rules.
The funding will restart as the GOP ban ends this Saturday.
Medicaid is a government program that helps pay medical costs for some people.
Planned Parenthood provides health services including reproductive care.
The shift affects many clinics that serve low-income patients.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tucker Carlson said in an interview that he wants to help build a new political party in the United States but did not give many details. He also said he does not want to run for office and criticized both major parties for their support of war and finance interests, calling for a party that focuses on the welfare of ordinary Americans.
Key Facts
Tucker Carlson expressed interest in helping create a new political party in the U.S. but gave few details.
He stated he does not want to be a political candidate.
Carlson criticized the Trump administration, especially its approach to the war with Iran.
He claims both Democrats and Republicans are controlled by similar interests, making U.S. politics like a one-party state.
Carlson said the government should prioritize the welfare of American citizens over foreign conflicts.
He recently stopped supporting both major parties and does not plan to back them in upcoming elections.
Carlson has tried to advise President Trump against military action in Iran but has not spoken to him since the war began.
He supports extremely strict immigration limits, citing job loss fears due to automation like AI.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Shoko Kawata, mayor of a town in western Japan, is set to become the country’s first mayor to take maternity leave, sparking a national debate. Japan currently has no legal rules for elected officials taking time off for childbirth, and reactions from the public have been mixed.
Key Facts
Shoko Kawata is the mayor of Yawata, a town in western Japan near Kyoto.
She plans to take maternity leave for two months before and two months after her baby’s expected birth in mid-September.
There is currently no legal system in Japan that allows local elected officials to officially take maternity leave.
Kawata will temporarily delegate her duties to her deputy while on leave.
Public opinion is divided; some support her decision as a positive step for women in politics, while others say it is irresponsible to step away from public duties.
Kawata argues that criticizing maternity leave for politicians excludes women of childbearing age from public office.
Only about 4% of Japan’s 1,720 municipal leaders are women, highlighting gender imbalance in Japanese politics.
The debate is part of a broader conversation about supporting women in leadership roles and creating better systems for work and family life in Japan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Mitch McConnell is still in the hospital and is getting better, according to his spokesperson. He was hospitalized on June 14, the same day emergency medical services responded to a call about an unconscious person at his home, though it has not been confirmed if it was him.
Key Facts
McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 and remains in the hospital as of late June.
Emergency medical responders were called to McConnell’s home for someone unconscious and performing CPR was reported.
The EMS call did not name McConnell, and his team has not confirmed if it was him.
McConnell’s spokesperson said he is recovering and working with his staff while the Senate is not in session.
McConnell is 84 years old and survived childhood polio.
He has had several recent health issues, including a hospital stay in February for flu-like symptoms and a concussion in 2023 after a fall.
He experienced minor injuries in 2024 from another fall.
In May, he appeared in public with a hand bandage during a committee hearing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
