The U.S. Justice Department, under President Donald Trump's administration, is trying to stop a lawsuit that accuses Elon Musk’s xAI company of illegally operating natural gas turbines without proper permits. The lawsuit, filed by the NAACP, claims the turbines cause pollution near homes and schools in Mississippi, violating air quality laws. The Justice Department argues the data center is vital for the economy and national security and that Mississippi state officials are responsible for permitting.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed by the NAACP and other groups against xAI for allegedly running natural gas turbines without permits.
The turbines power a $20 billion AI data center in Mississippi near residential areas.
The lawsuit claims this violates the federal Clean Air Act, which requires permits to control pollution.
The Justice Department filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the plant is important for the U.S. economy and military.
Mississippi state officials decided no permit was needed for the facility, according to the Justice Department.
The Trump administration has prioritized AI development and reduced environmental regulations.
Elon Musk financially supports President Trump’s political campaigns and has close ties with his administration.
SpaceX, Musk’s other company, recently completed a record-setting stock offering and holds many federal contracts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Laura Sharp lived at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in Northern Ireland for 17 years, where her parents believe she was abused. A public inquiry and police investigation into abuse and poor care at the hospital are ongoing, involving many patients and staff.
Key Facts
Laura Sharp was admitted to Muckamore Abbey Hospital at age 16 and stayed for more than 17 years.
Laura’s parents suspect she was abused and overmedicated during her time at the hospital.
The hospital cares for people with severe learning and mental health disabilities and is currently closing.
A public inquiry started in June 2022 with over 180 witnesses giving evidence.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is investigating and has reviewed thousands of hours of CCTV footage.
So far, 124 people have been reported to prosecutors, with 58 facing prosecution.
Three people have been prosecuted; some staff have been dismissed or referred to professional councils.
Laura was officially diagnosed with autism only last year, after many years of unclear care.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Vice President JD Vance spoke on ABC’s “The View” about meetings in the White House Situation Room concerning the Jeffrey Epstein files. He said the administration wanted to release the files but needed court approval, and he called himself a conspiracy theorist on the Epstein case while emphasizing a desire for transparency.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance discussed Situation Room meetings that included top advisers to President Donald Trump about Epstein files.
Vance said the administration wanted to release about 2.5 million Epstein files but required court approval first.
He admitted to being labeled a conspiracy theorist regarding the Epstein case.
Vance expressed concern about Jeffrey Epstein’s connections with wealthy and powerful people.
He stated that President Trump cut off ties with Epstein and reported him to authorities around 2006.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, was convicted of sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The administration claims to be committed to full transparency around the Epstein files.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Florida filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the app breaks a state law that stops kids under 14 from using social media. The law also says kids aged 15 and 16 need their parents’ permission to have social media accounts.
Key Facts
Florida’s law bans children under 14 from using social media platforms.
Children aged 15 and 16 must get parental consent to create social media accounts.
The law is called House Bill 3.
Florida’s Attorney General is leading the lawsuit against TikTok.
The lawsuit claims TikTok does not follow the state's child safety and privacy rules.
This is part of Florida’s effort to protect children online.
The case focuses on enforcing state laws related to kids’ internet use.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Boeing B-52 bomber crashed in a fiery accident during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people aboard. The crash happened shortly after takeoff, and the investigation could take up to six months to finish.
Key Facts
The crash occurred at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Eight people died, including Boeing employees, government workers, military personnel, and civilian contractors.
The bomber made a sharp turn and descended very quickly before hitting the runway.
Flight tracking data shows the plane fell about 5,056 feet per minute, much faster than usual for landing.
The investigation may take up to six months and looks into possible flight control or engine failures.
The B-52 was testing a modernized radar system designed to keep it operational through 2050.
Edwards Air Force Base is a key site for testing and developing U.S. Air Force aircraft and systems.
Previous recent Air Force training accidents have involved pilots and cadets in fatal incidents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration is moving two important jobs out of the U.S. Department of Education as part of changes to reduce the agency's role. In other news, crews are working to control a wildfire near Los Angeles, and officials in Britain are looking into reports of a Russian warship firing warning shots at a British civilian yacht.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is transferring two major responsibilities away from the Department of Education.
The goal appears to be reducing the size or influence of the Department of Education.
Firefighters are making progress in containing a wildfire in the Los Angeles area.
British authorities are investigating an incident involving a Russian warship and a UK-registered civilian yacht.
The Russian warship reportedly fired warning shots at the yacht.
The article covers separate events in U.S. education policy, a domestic wildfire, and an international maritime incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Georgia voters are choosing candidates in two important Republican runoff elections. The winners will run against Democratic opponents in the November general elections for governor and Senate.
Key Facts
Georgia is holding Republican runoff elections for governor and Senate.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Rick Jackson are competing for the GOP governor nomination.
Both Jones and Jackson are supported by President Donald Trump.
The winner for governor will compete against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.
Representative Mike Collins and Derek Dooley are running for the GOP Senate nomination.
Collins is also backed by President Donald Trump.
The Senate winner will face Senator Jon Ossoff in the November election.
These races are important for deciding who will represent the Republican Party in Georgia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Officials appointed by President Trump have made large changes at the Justice Department since he took office again. These changes include shifting priorities and challenging traditional legal practices, leading many career lawyers to leave or be removed from their jobs.
Key Facts
President Trump appointed new officials to lead the Justice Department.
These officials changed the main focus of important divisions inside the department.
They questioned and altered some usual legal rules and practices.
Thousands of long-term, career lawyers either resigned or were fired.
Former Justice Department attorneys and leaders were asked to share their thoughts on how these changes affect the future of the department.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Justice Department arrested five people who planned to attack a UFC event at the White House. One suspect, a 19-year-old from Ohio, said the group held extreme religious and anti-government beliefs.
Key Facts
Five people were arrested for planning an attack on a UFC event at the White House.
The plot was uncovered before the event took place.
One suspect is a 19-year-old from Ohio.
The group involved held very strong religious and anti-government views.
The Justice Department made the arrests and disclosed the plan.
The planned attack was scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
The plot targeted a high-profile event at the White House.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Cancer cases are going down across the United States, but Iowa is one of three states where cancer rates are increasing. Iowa now has the second-highest number of new cancer diagnoses in the country.
Key Facts
Nationally, cancer cases are dropping overall in the U.S.
Iowa has the second-highest number of new cancer cases among U.S. states.
Iowa is one of only three states where cancer rates are rising.
Other areas often discussed for high cancer rates include parts of the Deep South and Appalachia.
Smoking rates have been linked to higher cancer rates in some regions.
The recent increase in Iowa’s cancer cases is attracting attention and concern.
The report was made by special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new report from the National Republican Congressional Committee says redrawing political district boundaries has helped Republicans get an advantage for the upcoming midterm elections. Political experts discussed this development on a CBS News program.
Key Facts
The National Republican Congressional Committee released a report about redistricting effects.
Redistricting means changing the boundaries of voting districts.
According to the report, this process has helped Republicans gain an advantage.
The advantage is related to the midterm elections, which happen halfway through a president’s term.
Political strategists Kevin Sheridan and Mo Elleithee talked about the report on CBS News.
The discussion included analysis of how redistricting could influence election outcomes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Oklahoma held primary elections on Tuesday to pick candidates for U.S. Senate and governor. These races are important in a conservative state where President Donald Trump’s influence within the party is being tested before the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
Oklahoma had primary elections on Tuesday.
Voters chose candidates for U.S. Senate and governor.
Both offices are open because current leaders are not running again.
Oklahoma is a deeply conservative state.
President Donald Trump plays a strong role in deciding party candidates there.
The primary results will impact the November midterm elections.
Voters are watching how much influence President Trump still has in Oklahoma politics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The FBI stopped a suspected plan to kill people at the White House during a UFC fight event. At the G7 summit, President Donald Trump criticized Israel and spoke positively about Iran.
Key Facts
The FBI uncovered and stopped an alleged murder plot aimed at the White House.
The plot was connected to a UFC fighting event.
President Donald Trump attended the G7 summit.
At the summit, he criticized Israel’s actions.
He also praised Iran during his talks at the G7 meeting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Raphael Warnock from Georgia spoke about the need for Congress to take a stronger role in decisions related to war with Iran. He also discussed his new book and other topics in an interview with CBS News.
Key Facts
Senator Raphael Warnock represents Georgia in the U.S. Senate.
He defeated Kelly Loeffler to win his Senate seat in 2021.
Warnock is considered a rising leader in the Democratic Party.
He believes Congress should be more involved in decisions about the U.S. war with Iran.
Warnock has written a new book called "The Crooked Places Made Straight."
The interview was conducted by CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett.
The discussion covered topics including the Iran war and Warnock’s book.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
ICE has moved all detainees from Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration jail to other detention centers. The relocation is linked to safety concerns during hurricane season and comes amid reports of harsh conditions and alleged abuse at the facility.
Key Facts
“Alligator Alcatraz” is a detention center in the Florida Everglades that opened in July 2025.
All detainees have been moved out, but ICE has not said how many or their new locations.
The jail is known for difficult conditions and has faced human rights abuse allegations.
Amnesty International reported detainees were punished by being kept in small metal cages without water.
Some detainees said guards gave them bad water with mosquito larvae to pressure them into signing documents in English.
The facility costs Florida taxpayers about $1.2 million daily to run.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the jail was always meant to be temporary, but no exact closing date was given.
ICE and Florida moved the detainees partly because hurricane season was starting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Shockoe Institute in Richmond, Virginia, opened recently to educate people about the lasting effects of slavery. The institute focuses on finding ways to improve civic life today through understanding history and art.
Key Facts
The Shockoe Institute is located in Richmond, Virginia.
It opened in the spring of 2024.
The institute focuses on the enduring impact of slavery.
It aims to find solutions to improve civic life now.
The effort is covered in the Art in Action series by Amna Nawaz.
The coverage is part of a program called CANVAS, which explores the connection between art and democracy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent poll by The Economist/YouGov shows President Donald Trump's approval rating among Hispanic Americans has risen to 37 percent. This marks an increase compared to previous polls and reflects growing support from a group that was important to his 2024 election win.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating among Hispanic Americans is currently 37 percent, with 59 percent disapproval.
This rating is higher than polls from earlier in May and June, where approval ranged between 23 and 33 percent.
The poll surveyed 1,549 U.S. adults from June 13 to June 15, with a margin of error of 3.5 percent.
Hispanic voters played a key role in President Trump’s 2024 election victory.
White House spokeswoman said Trump has worked on policies benefiting Hispanic Americans, including tax cuts and efforts to lower inflation.
Previous polling showed Hispanic support dropped due to strict immigration enforcement and mixed economic results during Trump’s earlier term.
Other polls show mixed approval ratings for Trump among Hispanic voters, such as 29.5 percent in an Emerson College Poll and 42 percent overall approval in a Napolitan News Service Survey.
Political experts note Hispanic voters are important but overlapping with other key voting groups like white voters for Republicans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration is defending Elon Musk’s company xAI in a lawsuit filed by the NAACP, which claims xAI is breaking air pollution laws by running gas turbines without permits in Mississippi. The government argues these turbines are crucial for powering xAI’s AI system, Grok, which supports military operations, and says the lawsuit should be dismissed.
Key Facts
The NAACP sued xAI and its subsidiary for violating the Clean Air Act by operating gas turbines without permits in Southaven, Mississippi.
The number of unpermitted turbines increased from 27 to 57 by mid-May, with plans for two more.
These gas turbines power the Colossus 2 data center, which runs the AI chatbot “Grok.”
The US Department of Justice asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit, citing national security and AI innovation concerns.
The Mississippi environmental agency determined these turbines do not require permits because they are considered “mobile sources.”
Grok supports military targeting operations, including a campaign called Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
The NAACP is represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, which says xAI is polluting illegally and the government’s defense allows breaking the law.
The case is being heard in the US District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Georgia Republican voters are casting their ballots to choose candidates for governor and a U.S. Senate seat. These elections are runoff contests, meaning they happen because no candidate won a majority in the first round.
Key Facts
The runoff elections are for the Republican nominations for governor and an open Senate seat in Georgia.
Runoff elections occur when no candidate gets more than 50% in the initial vote.
These contests will decide who represents the Republican Party in the general elections.
The news report comes from Atlanta, Georgia.
CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry is covering the event.
Voters are actively participating in deciding their party’s nominees.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Voters in Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Washington DC are taking part in primary elections to choose candidates for upcoming Senate, governor, and mayoral races. These elections are important tests of President Donald Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, especially in key races where he has endorsed candidates.
Key Facts
Primary elections are happening in Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Washington DC.
Republican runoffs in Alabama and Oklahoma are deciding who will challenge Democrats in November.
President Trump has endorsed several candidates, including Barry Moore in Alabama and Kevin Hern in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has not elected a Democratic senator since 1990.
In Georgia, Republicans will pick candidates for governor and the Senate.
Trump-backed Burt Jones is running for Georgia governor against Rick Jackson, who has spent over $93 million of his own money on the campaign.
Mike Collins and Derek Dooley are the finalists for the Republican Senate nomination in Georgia.
Washington DC voters are choosing a Democratic candidate for mayor.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
