Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, spent several hours answering questions from lawmakers about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who has died. Gates stated that he never witnessed Epstein doing anything illegal.
Key Facts
Bill Gates testified before U.S. lawmakers about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who has since died.
Gates said he never saw Epstein commit any crimes.
The questioning lasted several hours.
The testimony took place in the United States.
Bill Gates is one of the richest people in the world and helped start Microsoft.
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Rescue teams in Orange County, California, searched for a young girl who was swept away by strong rip currents while walking on the beach with her family. The girl's mother and sibling were rescued, but the girl remained missing.
Key Facts
The incident happened on a beach in Orange County, California.
The girl and her family were walking on the sand when waves and strong rip currents pulled them into the water.
Rip currents are strong water flows that can pull swimmers away from the shore.
Rescue teams worked in difficult and dangerous surf conditions to find the girl.
The girl's mother and sibling were safely rescued from the water.
The search took place on a Tuesday night.
The girl was still missing at the time of the report.
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A severe weather outbreak is affecting over 100 million people in the United States. The storm brings risks such as tornadoes, hail, strong winds, and very high temperatures.
Key Facts
The severe storm will last multiple days.
More than 100 million Americans are in the affected areas.
The weather threats include tornadoes.
Hail storms are also expected.
Strong, damaging winds are part of the storm.
Temperatures may rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Forecasters are monitoring the situation closely.
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The United States experienced its highest inflation rate since April 2023 in May, based on the latest data from the government. This means that prices for goods and services increased faster than before during that time.
Key Facts
Inflation in the U.S. reached its highest point since April 2023.
The increase happened in the month of May.
The data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Inflation means a rise in the prices people pay for things.
Higher inflation can affect household budgets and the economy.
The news was reported by Kelly O'Grady for CBS News.
The report is available on the CBS News app and website.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Trump’s administration for increasing inflation after new government data showed prices rising. The Labor Department said the cost of goods and services went up 4.2% over the last year and 0.5% in May.
Key Facts
The Labor Department released new inflation data on a Wednesday.
The consumer price index (CPI), which tracks the cost of everyday items, rose 4.2% over the past year.
Prices increased by 0.5% in May alone.
Senator Chuck Schumer called this situation "Trumpflation."
Schumer blamed the Trump administration for the higher inflation rates.
Inflation means that the prices people pay for goods and services are going up.
Higher inflation can affect the overall economy and household budgets.
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The Florida Supreme Court allowed new U.S. House districts, drawn by Republicans, to be used in the upcoming midterm elections. The court rejected a request to stop these districts amid ongoing legal challenges that claim the map favors one party unfairly.
Key Facts
The Florida Supreme Court voted 6-1 to allow the new congressional districts for the midterm elections.
The districts were drawn by Republicans and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis after a two-day special legislative session.
Opponents argue the new map is a partisan gerrymander, which means it unfairly benefits one political party.
Republicans currently hold 20 out of Florida’s 28 U.S. House seats and may gain up to four more with the new map.
The court said it cannot stop the use of the districts while lawsuits continue in lower courts.
Florida’s 2010 constitutional amendment bans drawing districts to reduce minority voting power and requires districts to be compact and follow boundaries where possible.
Governor DeSantis and his office say racial data was not used to create the new map.
The deadline for candidates to qualify for the August primaries is Friday, which makes the court’s decision important for election plans.
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A federal trial has started for Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of intentionally starting the Palisades Fire in California in January 2025. The fire killed 12 people and destroyed many homes near Los Angeles. Rinderknecht denies the charges and says he tried to help stop the fire.
Key Facts
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, faces federal charges for starting the Palisades Fire.
The fire began on January 1, 2025, smoldered, then grew into a large blaze on January 7.
The fire killed 12 people and destroyed many buildings near Pacific Palisades, north of Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say Rinderknecht was near the fire’s start and deliberately lit it.
Rinderknecht called emergency services 16 times on January 1 and searched for fire-related content on ChatGPT.
His defense argues he tried to stop the fire and helped firefighters by reporting the blaze.
If convicted, Rinderknecht faces 5 to 45 years in prison.
The fire was fueled by dry weather, strong Santa Ana winds, and worsened by climate change and local building development.
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Podcast host Joe Rogan advised President Donald Trump to attend UFC events instead of other public events, as Trump received mixed reactions, including boos, during his appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The NBA event required heightened security and generated strong reactions from fans, highlighting the divided opinions about the president.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan said President Trump should stick to UFC events because he will be booed at other places.
At Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Trump’s image on the big screen got both cheers and boos from the crowd.
President Trump said after the game that he mostly heard cheers and enjoyed the enthusiastic reception.
New York City has strong and divided political views about President Trump, partly because he is a longtime New Yorker.
Rogan mentioned Trump has attended UFC events before and was always cheered there, not booed.
Trump’s presence at the NBA game led to increased security including bag checks, screening, and a large perimeter around Madison Square Garden.
The added security caused the cancellation of the usual outdoor watch party for fans outside the arena.
It is unknown if President Trump will attend another game in the NBA Finals series.
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Bill Gates told members of Congress that his connection to Jeffrey Epstein was a serious mistake. He appeared before the House Oversight Committee, which is looking into how the government managed the Epstein case.
Key Facts
Bill Gates admitted his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was a “grave error in judgment.”
Gates appeared as a witness before the House Oversight Committee.
The committee is investigating the government’s actions related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
The hearing took place on Capitol Hill, where Congress meets.
CBS News reported on this event and provided coverage.
Gates is co-founder of Microsoft.
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Vance Boelter, accused of killing Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, is expected to plead guilty. The Justice Department has decided not to seek the death penalty in this case.
Key Facts
Vance Boelter is charged with killing Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman.
The killings occurred in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in June 2025.
Boelter is expected to enter a guilty plea on Thursday.
The Justice Department agreed not to ask for the death penalty.
The Minnesota State Capitol opened for the public to pay respects to the victims.
The case is ongoing and updates may follow.
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Congress must decide by Friday whether to renew a law that helps the government collect foreign intelligence. Some lawmakers oppose it because they think it can be misused, while others want President Trump to change his nominee to lead U.S. intelligence agencies before they approve the law.
Key Facts
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is set to expire soon.
FISA allows the government to gather information about foreign threats.
Critics from both political sides worry FISA can be abused.
Some lawmakers refuse to extend FISA until President Trump changes his nominee for the top intelligence job.
Republican Representative Mike McCaul from Texas spoke about these issues in a recent interview.
The deadline for Congress to act on this matter is Friday.
The nominee in question is expected to oversee U.S. intelligence agencies.
The debate reflects concerns about balancing national security and privacy rights.
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A Pew Research Center report says American politics is more complex than just red (Republican) versus blue (Democrat). The report divides Americans into nine groups based on their political and cultural beliefs, showing that few people fully support only one party.
Key Facts
The Pew Research Center surveyed over 10,000 Americans.
The survey identified nine different political and cultural groups.
These groups go beyond the usual Democrat and Republican categories.
Most Americans are not completely loyal to just one political party.
The political environment is described as polarized but more diverse than simple two-party division.
The findings were discussed by Amna Nawaz and Jocelyn Kiley.
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Voters in four states took part in primary elections to select candidates for upcoming general elections. The main focus was on Maine’s Democratic Senate race involving Graham Platner, with other results coming from governor and congressional contests in South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota.
Key Facts
Four states held primary elections on Tuesday.
Voters chose their party candidates for various races.
Maine’s Democratic Senate race drew attention because of Graham Platner’s recent scandals.
South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota held primaries for governor and congressional seats.
These primaries decide who will run in the November general elections.
The outcomes will influence the political landscape for the rest of the year.
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The U.S. military has launched new strikes against targets in Iran. At the same time, inflation in the United States reached its highest point in three years as of May.
Key Facts
The U.S. military announced recent strikes against Iran.
Inflation in the U.S. rose to the highest level seen in three years in May.
The military actions and inflation report were both highlighted in recent news coverage.
Inflation means prices are rising, making goods and services more expensive.
These events are part of ongoing developments in U.S. national affairs.
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Inflation increased by 4.2 percent in May, reaching the highest level in three years. This rise affects the cost of living for many Americans and poses challenges for President Trump and the Republican Party during an election year focused on affordability.
Key Facts
Inflation rose 4.2 percent in May.
This is the highest inflation rate in three years.
The increase is linked to the economic impact of the war involving Iran.
Higher inflation makes goods and services more expensive for consumers.
Inflation and affordability are key political issues in the current election year.
President Trump and the GOP face pressure because of these economic concerns.
The Labor Department released this inflation report on Wednesday.
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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testified in a private session before the House Oversight Committee. The committee is investigating Jeffrey Epstein and his connections, including those involving Gates.
Key Facts
Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee for testimony.
The meeting was held behind closed doors, not open to the public.
The hearing focused on Jeffrey Epstein, a late convicted sex offender.
The committee is examining Epstein’s relationships with various people.
Democratic Representative Stephen Lynch attended the testimony.
The session is part of a broader congressional investigation.
Bill Gates’ involvement relates to his past interactions with Epstein.
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U.S. prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for Vance Boelter in a plea deal. Boelter is charged with killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shooting a state senator and his wife.
Key Facts
Vance Boelter is accused of killing Melissa Hortman, the top Democrat in the Minnesota House, and her husband.
Boelter also allegedly shot state Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
The attacks happened on June 14, 2025, when Boelter posed as a police officer using a fake squad car.
Boelter was caught near his home in rural Green Isle after a large search effort.
Federal prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty in a plea agreement.
Boelter faces federal and state charges including murder and attempted murder.
A change-of-plea hearing was scheduled in federal court in Minneapolis.
The decision was authorized by the U.S. Attorney General.
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Two women who previously dated Graham Platner, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, spoke out about how people responded to their accusations against him. Their stories were reported by the Free Press, a news outlet owned by Paramount.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat.
Two women who dated him have made accusations.
These women spoke with the Free Press about the reactions to their claims.
The Free Press is part of Paramount’s news group.
Audrey Fahlberg from the Free Press discussed this topic on a show called "The Takeout."
CBS News provides video coverage of the story.
The women criticized how others responded after they shared their accusations.
The article highlights ongoing discussions about the candidate’s personal behavior.
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As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, discussions about the role of religion and the beliefs of the country's founders are gaining attention again. Journalist Judy Woodruff reports on these renewed questions as part of her series called America at a Crossroads.
Key Facts
The U.S. will celebrate its 250th anniversary next month.
Old questions about religion in America are coming back into focus.
There is renewed interest in what the founders believed about faith.
Judy Woodruff is covering this topic in a series named America at a Crossroads.
The anniversary is prompting reflection on America’s history and values.
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