The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., recently renovated and painted blue by order of President Donald Trump for the 250th U.S. independence anniversary, is currently covered with algae. Despite efforts by the National Park Service to clean the pool, the algae remains, and the blue paint is peeling, drawing attention from tourists and protesters.
Key Facts
The Reflecting Pool was renovated and painted blue at a cost of over $14.65 million.
The paint on the pool floor, called "American flag blue," is peeling off.
Algae has bloomed in the pool and turned the water green and murky.
National Park Service workers are actively cleaning the pool by pumping out algae and using vacuuming methods.
The Department of the Interior is treating the water with hydrogen peroxide and ozone technology to reduce the algae.
Tourists are photographing the algae-covered pool, and some protesters have brought signs highlighting the issue.
The pool’s problems appeared shortly after reopening and have persisted for several days.
Officials say algae issues are common after Reflecting Pool reopenings and cleaning may take several days.
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The CBS News show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" will feature guests on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The guests include Senator Lindsey Graham, Representative Jason Crow, energy expert Amos Hochstein, and Kevin Book from ClearView Energy Partners.
Key Facts
The show airs Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina will appear.
Representative Jason Crow from Colorado is a guest.
Amos Hochstein, a former White House adviser on energy and infrastructure, will join.
Kevin Book, managing director at ClearView Energy Partners, will also be featured.
The program airs at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on CBS News.
It streams later at 12:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com.
Additional guests may appear during the broadcast.
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Dylan Mwaniki, a teen from Kansas City, was diagnosed with late-stage kidney cancer and given eight months to live. With the support and friendship of his doctor, Mary Austin, he completed chemotherapy, beat cancer, and is now a high school graduate.
Key Facts
Dylan was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer at age 14 in 2022.
Doctors initially gave him only eight months to live.
Dr. Mary Austin treated Dylan and became a close friend, encouraging him through his cancer fight.
Austin promised to attend Dylan’s graduation to motivate him to keep fighting.
Dylan completed 52 weeks of chemotherapy and is now cancer-free.
Austin now works at Seattle Children’s Hospital, far from Kansas City.
Austin made a surprise visit to Dylan’s graduation, showing the strength of their bond.
Dylan’s parents believe the friendship and kindness from his doctor played a key role in his recovery.
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A doctor made a special promise to a teenage cancer patient and worked hard to keep it. The story highlights the strong bond between the doctor and patient during a difficult time.
Key Facts
The article features a teenage patient battling cancer.
A doctor promised to do something meaningful for the teen.
The doctor took extra steps beyond typical medical care.
The story ends with a surprising and positive outcome.
This story was covered by CBS News on the program "On the Road."
It shows the personal side of healthcare and patient support.
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The Reflecting Pool on the National Mall has faced problems with its water turning green. The Trump administration said the water is perfectly clear and blue, but reports and videos show otherwise.
Key Facts
The Reflecting Pool water has remained green and murky for several days.
The Trump administration claimed the water was clear and blue.
The Reflecting Pool is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Independent checks suggest the water is not clear but still green.
The issue started after renovations done under President Donald Trump's administration.
The green color indicates algae growth or poor water quality.
The National Mall is a significant location with monuments and memorials.
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President Donald Trump gave a rare dual endorsement to Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in the South Carolina Republican governor runoff race. Polls show Wilson leading Evette, and Trump's endorsement puts him in a strong position to influence the outcome regardless of who wins.
Key Facts
President Trump initially endorsed Pamela Evette before the June 9 primary.
On June 16, Trump endorsed both Evette and Alan Wilson for governor in the runoff.
Both candidates are seen as supporters of Trump’s “MAGA” and “America First” policies.
The runoff election is to replace outgoing Governor Henry McMaster.
Polls show Alan Wilson leading in the runoff with about 59-63 percent support compared to Evette’s 25-28 percent.
Evette finished first in the June 9 primary and shared this on social media.
Trump’s endorsements in recent elections have had mixed success.
The dual endorsement places Trump in a favorable position regardless of which candidate wins.
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Authorities in Lexington County, South Carolina, found the body of Elena Katherine Moore, a 39-year-old woman reported missing on June 12. An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of her death, and investigators continue to gather details.
Key Facts
Elena Katherine Moore was reported missing by her husband after she was last seen on June 11 at a Planet Fitness gym.
Her body was found on June 17 near Old Cherokee Road and Northlake Drive in Lexington County.
The body is identified as a white female matching Moore's description.
An autopsy is scheduled at the Medical University of South Carolina to find the cause and manner of death.
Police released photos showing Moore walking in a parking lot shortly after leaving the gym.
Additional images were shared from a doorbell camera taken a week before she disappeared.
Investigators used drones in the search for Moore.
Moore worked as a personal trainer at Wolf’s Fitness Center in Lexington.
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President Donald Trump revealed a new Air Force One aircraft that was given as a gift by Qatar. At the same time, fighting broke out between Israel and Lebanon just before they agreed on a new ceasefire.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced a new Air Force One plane.
The aircraft was a gift from the government of Qatar.
Air Force One is the official plane used by the President of the United States.
Fighting occurred between Israel and Lebanon recently.
A new ceasefire agreement was signed between Israel and Lebanon after the clashes.
The event took place at the White House.
The news was reported by CBS News.
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Texas investigators released a detailed report on the deadly flood at Camp Mystic on July 4, 2025. The report found that the camp’s leaders did not properly handle safety, emergency actions, or reuniting families during the disaster.
Key Facts
The flood at Camp Mystic happened on July 4, 2025.
A 115-page report was published by Texas investigators.
The report criticized the camp’s leadership for failing in safety measures.
Emergency response by the camp was inadequate.
The camp did not manage family reunifications well after the flood.
The report’s findings highlight serious issues in disaster management at the camp.
This investigation was covered by CBS News.
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President Donald Trump endorsed both Republican candidates running in the South Carolina governor runoff election. This unusual move came shortly before voters were set to decide between the two finalists.
Key Facts
President Trump backed both candidates in the South Carolina GOP governor runoff race.
The runoff election was coming up in a few days.
Trump had originally supported Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette fully.
The dual endorsement is an uncommon action in elections.
The race is to choose the Republican nominee for governor of South Carolina.
The endorsement was announced on a Friday before the runoff vote.
This decision allowed Trump to support the entire GOP field rather than just one candidate.
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A U.S. judge has rejected President Joe Biden’s request to keep private recordings he made for his 2017 memoir. The judge ruled the recordings can be released to the Heritage Foundation, a conservative group, despite concerns about Biden’s privacy and reputation.
Key Facts
President Biden asked the court to block the release of his memoir recordings, citing privacy concerns.
U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, appointed by President Trump, allowed the release to the Heritage Foundation.
The recordings were made with Biden’s ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer, for the memoir "Promise Me, Dad."
The Justice Department obtained the recordings during a special counsel investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents.
The special counsel found no criminal charges were justified against Biden, partly due to lack of evidence and Biden’s perceived sympathetic image.
The judge acknowledged Biden’s privacy and reputation could be harmed but said public interest in disclosure outweighs that harm.
Biden’s age and memory have been topics of public and political scrutiny, especially during the 2024 election.
Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, and Kamala Harris lost to President Trump after taking his place.
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President Donald Trump introduced a new, temporary Air Force One aircraft, a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar. The jet will serve as an interim presidential plane until two new custom aircraft arrive in 2027 and 2028, while the older Air Force One planes are retired.
Key Facts
The new Air Force One is a converted Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, called VC-25B.
The plane’s paint features red, white, dark blue, and gold colors.
The gift from Qatar, valued at $400 million, exceeds the usual federal gift limit of $50.
Conversion of the Qatari 747 cost about $1 billion.
Two new, purpose-built presidential planes are delayed until 2027 and 2028, with costs rising from $3.7 billion to $5 billion.
The old Boeing 747s in use since 1990 are being retired, with one already sent to a museum.
President Trump said the new jet helps keep U.S. presidential planes competitive with modern foreign leaders’ aircraft.
The new VC-25B will lead a large July 4th flyover over Washington, D.C., for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
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The Obama Presidential Center has opened in Chicago for visitors. President Obama wants the center to show an ongoing story about America, not just act as a traditional museum or shrine.
Key Facts
The Obama Presidential Center is located in Chicago.
It is now open to the public.
President Obama does not want the center to feel like a shrine or typical museum.
The center aims to represent a continuing American story.
Yale historian Beverly Gage discussed the center’s goals with Ali Rogin.
The center reflects President Obama’s vision for how presidential legacies can be shared.
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David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart discussed recent political events, including a preliminary deal with Iran, President Donald Trump's record-low approval rating on the economy, and some Republicans in Congress disagreeing with the President.
Key Facts
David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart appeared on a political news program with Amna Nawaz.
They talked about a preliminary agreement involving Iran.
President Donald Trump has reached a record-low approval rating for his handling of the economy.
Some Republican members of Congress are distancing themselves from President Trump.
The discussion covered key political developments from the week.
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Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett is unsure if she will actively support James Talarico’s Texas Senate campaign after he won the primary against her. Crockett is focusing on other races and has questioned Democratic unity in Texas ahead of the November general election against Republican Ken Paxton.
Key Facts
Jasmine Crockett lost the Democratic primary for Texas Senate to James Talarico.
Talarico will face Republican Ken Paxton in the November general election.
Crockett said she has “no idea” if she will actively support Talarico’s campaign.
Crockett is focusing on down-ballot races, which are smaller, less prominent elections.
Crockett described her invitation to the Texas Democratic Party convention as an “afterthought,” but party officials said she was invited months ago.
Talarico’s campaign offered Crockett a chance to be the keynote speaker at the convention.
Crockett expressed concerns about whether Democrats, especially Black voters, are fully behind Talarico and the statewide ticket.
Experts say Crockett’s hesitation could show divisions within the Texas Democratic Party before the general election.
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Problems at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool continue even after President Donald Trump funded a costly renovation. A New York Times reporter has been investigating these ongoing issues.
Key Facts
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has had problems that remain unresolved.
President Donald Trump paid for a multimillion-dollar makeover of the pool.
Despite the renovation, issues with the pool still exist.
David Fahrenthold, a reporter for the New York Times, has been covering this story.
The report was featured on the CBS News show "The Takeout."
The news is accessible through CBS News and its app.
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A new Fox News poll shows that public trust in the federal government is at its lowest point in over 20 years. About two-thirds of U.S. voters are unhappy with the direction the country is heading.
Key Facts
The Fox News poll was released on a Wednesday.
Only 25% of registered voters said they generally trust the federal government.
Nearly 66% of U.S. voters are dissatisfied with the country’s direction.
This is the lowest level of trust in the federal government in more than two decades.
The poll reflects voters’ opinions about the government and the nation’s path.
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Lawyers for Luigi Mangione have decided not to use a psychiatric defense in his murder trial in New York. He is accused of killing Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is on trial for murder in New York state.
The victim is Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Mangione’s lawyers initially planned to use a psychiatric defense.
A psychiatric defense means arguing the defendant was not mentally responsible for the crime.
Mangione’s lawyers have now dropped this psychiatric defense plan.
CBS News legal analyst Jessica Levinson explained this decision.
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The article compares the mood in the United States during its 250th anniversary in 2026 with the mood during the 200th anniversary in 1976. It notes similar challenges like high inflation, political division, and international conflicts in both periods.
Key Facts
The U.S. is celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026.
In 1976, the country marked its 200th anniversary.
Both years face economic problems such as rising inflation and gas prices.
The country is experiencing political division and cultural conflicts now, similar to 1976.
International conflicts are ongoing in both time periods.
President Donald Trump in 2026 has lower approval ratings, similar to President Richard Nixon’s struggles in the 1970s.
Issues with government trust appeared in both eras, with past controversies like Watergate and current concerns about political use of the Justice Department.
A historian described the similarities between the two anniversaries as "eerie."
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President Donald Trump told Axios reporter Marc Caputo that he believes there are no limits to his power during the conflict involving Iran. He also said that Israel follows what he directs. This conversation took place after President Trump returned from the G7 summit.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke with Axios reporter Marc Caputo after the G7 summit.
He said he sees no limits to his presidential power during the Iran war.
President Trump stated that Israel acts according to his instructions.
The interview was featured on CBS News and involved a detailed discussion with Caputo.
The topic centered around President Trump’s role and influence relating to the conflict with Iran.
The comments highlight President Trump’s view of his control over international and military actions.
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