President Donald Trump said the Kennedy Center might close or be torn down if his administration’s name is not added to the building. This comes after a federal judge blocked the center's board from adding a tribute to Trump, leading to tensions about funding and recognition for the arts center.
Key Facts
A federal judge stopped the Kennedy Center from adding President Trump’s name or tribute to the building.
Trump said the center could close or be “ripped down” without recognition for his administration.
President Trump said the Kennedy Center was struggling financially before his involvement.
Congress approved $257 million last year for renovating the Kennedy Center.
After the judge’s ruling, the board, controlled by Trump appointees, voted to close the center immediately for renovations due to safety issues.
The safety concern arose after a piece of plaster fell from the ceiling during a heavy rainstorm.
Fencing was installed around the main entrance of the Kennedy Center on Wednesday.
Rep. Joyce Beatty criticized Trump for his reaction, calling it a “tantrum” and saying he is in contempt of court.
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White House adviser Peter Navarro criticized the Federal Reserve's recent decision to raise interest rates to between 3.75% and 4%. The Federal Open Market Committee, led by Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, voted unanimously on this increase.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%.
The decision was made unanimously by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).
The FOMC is led by Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh.
Peter Navarro is a White House adviser who disagreed with the rate increase.
Navarro said the Fed's decision is a "bad decision."
Interest rates affect borrowing costs for individuals and businesses.
Higher interest rates can slow down economic growth by making loans more expensive.
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The US House of Representatives passed a major sanctions bill against Russia related to its war in Ukraine. The bill gives President Donald Trump new powers to impose tariffs on countries buying Russian energy and targets Russian officials and banks with sanctions.
Key Facts
The House voted 262 to 159 to pass the sanctions bill; the Senate had already approved it.
The bill allows tariffs up to 100% on countries like China and India importing Russian energy.
It also imposes sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and a fleet of tankers helping Russia sell energy.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy supported the bill and pushed for its passage.
Some Democrats opposed the bill due to concerns over new tariff powers for the president.
The bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who helped negotiate support.
House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the bill for increasing pressure on Russia and Putin.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law soon.
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Lena Dunham and her husband Luis Felber have welcomed their first child through surrogacy. Dunham shared the birth news and her journey with fertility struggles in an article for Vogue.
Key Facts
Lena Dunham had a baby girl via a surrogate mother.
She announced the birth in an op-ed published by Vogue magazine.
Dunham has spoken about her fertility challenges and chronic illness.
She had a hysterectomy at age 31, which affected her ability to have a child naturally.
Dunham described meeting her surrogate and the moment her daughter was born.
She has written about the emotional process of seeking a child through surrogacy and adoption.
Dunham previously discussed expanding her family but kept details private until now.
She has shared thoughts on parenting despite fertility loss in earlier essays and her memoir.
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The Federal Reserve raised interest rates to between 3.75% and 4% for the first time in over three years to help reduce inflation. This move goes against President Donald Trump's wishes, as he wanted the rates to be lowered.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve increased interest rates from 3.5%-3.75% to 3.75%-4%.
This is the first rate hike in more than three years.
The goal is to slow down rising prices (inflation).
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said rates might go up again later this year.
President Trump wanted interest rates to be lowered instead.
The president accused the Federal Reserve of acting against him for political reasons.
Kevin Warsh was chosen by President Trump to lead the Federal Reserve.
The rate decision is part of the Federal Reserve’s job to manage the U.S. economy.
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A patient attacked workers in a Miami hospital emergency room. One nurse who tried to stop the patient was hit multiple times and is now suing the hospital for $5 million.
Key Facts
The attack happened in a Miami hospital’s emergency room.
Hospital workers, including an emergency room nurse, were attacked by a patient.
The nurse was hit several times while trying to intervene.
The injured nurse has filed a lawsuit against the hospital.
The lawsuit asks for $5 million in damages.
The incident highlights safety concerns for hospital staff.
No information was given about the patient’s condition or charges.
The hospital’s response or security measures were not detailed in the report.
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Federal agencies in the U.S. spent $9.5 billion on salaries for employees who were placed on administrative leave in 2025. This rise in spending is linked to the government's efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
Key Facts
Federal agencies spent $9.5 billion on salary costs for administrative leave in 2025.
Administrative leave means employees are paid but temporarily not working.
This spending increased compared to previous years.
The increase is connected to a push to reduce federal workers.
The information comes from a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The GAO is a government agency that reviews federal spending and programs.
CBS News reported on the findings of the GAO report.
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The family of Tierra Walker, a pregnant woman who died in Texas in 2024, sued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and others. The lawsuit claims Walker was denied an abortion that could have saved her life and challenges the state's abortion ban as unconstitutional.
Key Facts
Tierra Walker died in December 2024 when she was 20 weeks pregnant.
She had pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure.
Walker and her family asked for an abortion due to her severe medical condition but were refused treatment.
The lawsuit names Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Texas Medical Board director, hospitals, doctors, and a local district attorney.
Texas has a near-total abortion ban with limited exceptions and penalties for providers.
The lawsuit was filed by Amplify Legal and the Marynell Maloney Law Firm.
The family seeks financial compensation and a legal ruling that Texas’s abortion ban is unconstitutional.
Walker had multiple chronic health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, and asthma.
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Speaker Mike Johnson ended the House session early so lawmakers could campaign for upcoming midterm elections. This move blocked GOP Rep. Thomas Massie’s efforts to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and to get more files released in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Massie criticized Johnson for not addressing important issues before leaving.
Key Facts
Speaker Mike Johnson ended the House session early on a Wednesday.
The early recess allows lawmakers to focus on midterm election campaigns.
Rep. Thomas Massie wanted to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war.
Massie also pushed to release more files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Johnson blocked votes on Massie's impeachment resolution and file release efforts.
Massie gave a lengthy speech criticizing Johnson and House Republicans for stopping work.
Massie argued Congress should stay in session to address urgent issues like justice and war.
The House has been closely divided and faced challenges during this two-year Republican majority.
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A new video shows first responders quickly arriving at a Florida motel that was on fire. They rushed into the burning building and helped save people inside.
Key Facts
The fire happened at a motel in Florida over the weekend.
First responders arrived quickly at the scene.
The video shows flames spreading through the motel.
The responders entered the building despite the danger.
They rescued people trapped inside the burning motel.
Cristian Benavides interviewed two of the first responders.
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Michael Whatley, the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, responded to farmers who criticized tariffs and high gas prices. President Donald Trump is visiting North Carolina to support Whatley's campaign.
Key Facts
Michael Whatley is the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina.
Farmers have expressed concerns about tariffs and the cost of gasoline.
Whatley addressed these concerns in an interview.
President Donald Trump plans to visit North Carolina to campaign for Whatley.
The interview was conducted by CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes.
The news was featured on CBS News and their app.
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Vice President Kamala Harris will campaign with Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, in Michigan. CBS News confirmed this event as part of the election campaign.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States.
Abdul El-Sayed is running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in Michigan.
Harris and El-Sayed will campaign together in Michigan.
The campaign event is part of the upcoming elections.
CBS News reported and confirmed this information.
Political experts Ofirah Yheskel and Greta Joynes provided analysis on the campaign.
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The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that imposes sanctions on Russia. The bill was originally supported by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and will now be sent to President Donald Trump for approval.
Key Facts
The bill focuses on new sanctions against Russia.
Senator Lindsey Graham, who supported the bill, has passed away.
The U.S. House passed the bill on a Wednesday evening.
After the House, the bill moves to President Trump's desk.
President Trump has the power to sign the bill into law or reject it.
The bill is part of ongoing efforts to respond to Russia’s actions.
CBS News reported on this development with coverage by reporter Taurean Small.
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A news helicopter crashed in Los Angeles on Tuesday night while covering a bus accident. Three people died, including two NBC LA employees and one person on the ground.
Key Facts
The crash happened in Los Angeles on a Tuesday night.
The helicopter was reporting on a deadly bus accident.
Two employees from NBC LA died in the crash.
One person on the ground was also killed.
The incident was reported by CBS News reporter Carter Evans.
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CBS News is focusing on important congressional races that could change which party controls Congress. Their election expert, Anthony Salvanto, explains which races are key to watch before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
The article discusses upcoming midterm elections in the United States.
Control of Congress is uncertain and could change based on these races.
Anthony Salvanto is CBS News’ director of elections and surveys.
Salvanto identifies key congressional races that could decide the balance of power.
The midterm elections will influence which party leads in Congress.
CBS News provides coverage and analysis of these important races.
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The Eradicate Hate Global Summit is taking place in Pittsburgh to focus on stopping hate-related violence. Brette Steele, the president of the nonprofit group Eradicate Hate, said the organization must find new ways to work because federal funding has been reduced.
Key Facts
The Eradicate Hate Global Summit is happening in Pittsburgh.
The summit focuses on preventing hate-fueled violence.
Brette Steele is the president of Eradicate Hate.
The nonprofit group has received less money from the federal government.
Due to these funding cuts, the group needs to be creative in how it operates.
Steele spoke about these challenges on CBS News' program called "The Takeout."
The goal is to stop future tragedies caused by hate violence.
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The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since July 2023. President Donald Trump said he believes interest rates should be at 1% or lower.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve increased interest rates on Wednesday.
This was the first rate increase since July 2023.
Interest rates are the cost banks pay to borrow money, which affects loans and credit for people and businesses.
Higher interest rates usually mean higher borrowing costs.
President Donald Trump said interest rates should be at 1% or less.
The Federal Reserve adjusts rates to manage the economy and control inflation.
This rate change marks a shift in the Fed’s policy after several months of no increases.
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A top Democrat in Congress, Gregory Meeks, has announced he will not support a $2.8 billion US arms sale to Israel that includes heavy 2,000-pound bombs. He is concerned the bombs could be used in ways that violate international law, especially in crowded areas like Gaza and Lebanon, but the Trump administration can still approve the sale without Congressional approval.
Key Facts
Gregory Meeks is the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The proposed arms sale to Israel is worth $2.8 billion and includes 2,000-pound bombs.
Meeks worries these bombs may be used unlawfully in crowded civilian areas.
President Donald Trump can approve the sale even if Congress objects.
The US informs Congress about large arms deals but can bypass them under emergency rules.
Israel has used these large bombs in Gaza, leading to international criticism.
The bomb shipments were paused by President Biden in 2024 but resumed after Trump took office again.
The arms sale uses Foreign Military Financing, a US program that funds weapons purchases by allies like Israel.
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