Graham Platner won the Democratic Senate primary in Maine despite several recent scandals involving his personal past. He is now the Democratic nominee and will face incumbent Senator Susan Collins in the general election, a key race for control of the U.S. Senate.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a political newcomer who won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine.
He has faced multiple scandals, including a tattoo linked to a Nazi symbol, controversial online comments about rape, and accusations of marital infidelity.
Despite these issues, Platner has strong grassroots support and has held 83 town halls across Maine.
Platner defeated the party establishment’s preferred candidate, Governor Janet Mills.
Maine’s small population and unique political culture favor direct voter engagement, which has helped Platner’s campaign.
Platner will challenge Senator Susan Collins, who has held her seat for about 30 years.
Maine has not voted for a Republican president since 1988, making this a competitive and important Senate race.
Platner’s nomination highlights ongoing partisan tensions and voter willingness to overlook personal scandals for political goals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new report shows that child well-being in the United States has declined in most states between 2019 and 2024, especially in education. The report ranks New Hampshire as the best state for child well-being and Mississippi as the worst.
Key Facts
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Book assessed child well-being using 16 indicators in economic well-being, education, health, and family and community.
New Hampshire scored highest for child well-being in 2024 with 838 out of 1,000 points.
Mississippi ranked last with a score of 271.
Overall, the national child well-being score dropped from 553 in 2019 to 547 in 2024.
Education showed the largest decline, with 47 states performing worse than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 70% of fourth-graders are not reading at a proficient level, up from 66% in 2019.
Math scores for eighth-graders also worsened, with 73% not reaching proficiency, compared to 67% in 2019.
Southern and Western states appeared more often in the lowest rankings, while Northeastern and Midwestern states ranked higher.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bill Gates will testify before a U.S. congressional committee about his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019. Gates says he regrets knowing Epstein and denies any illegal behavior, though documents show they had contact over several years and include unproven claims about Gates's personal life.
Key Facts
Bill Gates voluntarily agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was a convicted sex offender who killed himself in jail while awaiting trial.
Gates’s name appears thousands of times in more than three million pages of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Photographs show Gates with Epstein and Epstein’s pilot on a private jet.
Some released emails contain unverified allegations about Gates, including involvement with illegal activities and health issues.
Gates admitted poor judgment in associating with Epstein and said he regrets meeting him.
Gates says their relationship was about discussing philanthropy and potential funding for his foundation.
Congressional questions may focus on why Gates maintained contact despite Epstein’s criminal history and what he knew about Epstein’s past.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Graham Platner won the Democratic Senate primary in Maine with 72% of the vote despite past allegations against him. He will challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November general election, which is important for control of the U.S. Senate.
Key Facts
Platner is a 41-year-old Marine veteran and oyster farmer from Sullivan, Maine.
He won the Democratic primary with 72% of the vote, defeating Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign but stayed on the ballot.
Platner faces allegations of exchanging explicit messages and being violent in a past relationship, which he denies.
Platner spoke about personal growth and change, asking voters to believe people can improve over time.
The general election will be between Platner and Republican Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term.
Democrats view this Senate race as key to gaining control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.
Primary elections also took place in Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina on the same day.
President Donald Trump influenced Republican primaries by supporting certain candidates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Aurora Phelps, a 44-year-old woman with U.S. and Mexican citizenship, is accused of using dating apps to drug and rob older men, leading to deaths and millions stolen. She is on trial in Mexico for murder and will be extradited to the U.S. to face federal charges including fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping.
Key Facts
Aurora Phelps allegedly targeted older men through dating apps like Tinder.
She is accused of drugging victims, stealing their money, and using their identities.
Phelps is currently on trial in Mexico for murder related to one victim found dead in 2021.
U.S. prosecutors charged her with 21 counts, including wire fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping.
One kidnapping victim reportedly died, and Phelps could face life in prison if convicted.
FBI says more victims may still be unidentified on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Authorities found evidence linking Phelps to stolen money and attempted stock sales worth millions.
Phelps will be extradited to the U.S., but no date has been set for her transfer yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Postal Service has released a series of special stamps to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. These stamps highlight important symbols, documents, and people from the American Revolution and aim to share American history and values with the public.
Key Facts
The stamp series marks 250 years since the United States declared independence in 1776.
The American Icons collection includes 13 Forever stamps featuring things like the U.S. flag, a hamburger, a pickup truck, a Navajo blanket, and Jackie Robinson’s baseball glove.
Fashion designer Ralph Lauren curated the American Icons stamp set, the first time USPS asked one person to oversee a full stamp program.
Forever stamps stay valid for first-class mail no matter how postage prices change in the future.
A new Declaration of Independence stamp shows the year “1776” shaped like feather quill pens used to write the document.
A public ceremony for the Declaration of Independence stamp will be held on July 4 in Philadelphia.
Another set called Figures of the American Revolution features 25 portraits of important people from the Revolutionary War, including soldiers, leaders, Native Americans, and enslaved individuals.
USPS worked with historians to make sure the stamps accurately represent U.S. history and ideals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A US Navy sailor, Jermiah Copeland, was sentenced to 44 years in federal prison after admitting he strangled and killed a fellow sailor, Angelina Resendiz, at Naval Station Norfolk. Copeland also admitted to assaulting another woman and secretly recording a third woman without permission while serving on aircraft carriers.
Key Facts
Jermiah Copeland killed Angelina Resendiz in his barracks room and later disposed of her body in nearby woods.
Copeland strangled another woman onboard the USS Harry S Truman and took secret videos of a third woman without her knowledge.
He pleaded guilty to unpremeditated murder, aggravated assault by strangulation, making false statements, and indecent recording.
Copeland received a 44-year prison sentence and will be dishonorably discharged, demoted, lose pay, and must register as a sex offender.
The victim’s family is calling for military reforms to better protect women serving in the armed forces.
The case echoes past military sexual assault issues, including the 2020 murder of Army soldier Vanessa Guillén, which led to policy changes.
Copeland met with Resendiz’s mother before sentencing; she has campaigned for greater protections for women in the military.
A psychologist noted Copeland experienced childhood trauma and abuse but did not link that to his actions in the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article tells the story of a woman who, after her father's suicide, struggled with poverty and bullying at school. She found friendship and support in a homeless Vietnam veteran named Jimbo, who helped her learn about life and belonging during a difficult time.
Key Facts
The author lost her father to suicide at a young age.
She grew up in a poor family in San Antonio, Texas, facing financial struggles and grief.
Her home was in a wealthy school district, where she felt isolated and was bullied.
The author began acting out by skipping school and experimenting with substances.
Her sister introduced her to Jimbo, a homeless Vietnam veteran.
Jimbo shared stories from his life and became a close friend for two years.
The friendship helped the author cope with her challenges and find comfort.
The article reflects on themes of grief, poverty, friendship, and survival.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate and will challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. In South Carolina, President Trump’s endorsed candidates had mixed results, with Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette moving to a runoff for governor and Senator Lindsey Graham winning his primary easily.
Key Facts
Graham Platner supports government-funded healthcare, free education, and a wealth tax.
Platner defeated Maine Governor Janet Mills in the Democratic primary after Mills dropped out due to low poll numbers.
Platner aims to win a Senate seat from Republican Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term.
President Trump’s backing helped oust Representative Nancy Mace in South Carolina.
Pamela Evette, supported by Trump, leads the South Carolina governor’s race but must compete in a June 23 runoff.
Senator Lindsey Graham won the South Carolina Senate primary with about 58% of the vote.
James Clyburn, South Carolina’s Democratic Representative, won his primary despite recent challenges.
Trump-backed Republicans have defeated several incumbents opposing parts of his agenda this primary season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced plans to appoint Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence before the current director, Tulsi Gabbard, officially leaves. Pulte has no national security experience, which has raised bipartisan concerns and threatens the renewal of an important surveillance law set to expire soon.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Bill Pulte, a political ally without intelligence experience, to become acting director of national intelligence on June 19.
The current director, Tulsi Gabbard, plans to step down on June 30.
Pulte currently leads a federal mortgage agency and has no military, law enforcement, or national security background.
Congress, including Republicans and Democrats, is worried about Pulte’s appointment and its impact on national security.
Democrats say Pulte’s appointment could stop the renewal of section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, an important surveillance tool.
Section 702 allows surveillance of foreign targets, but some domestic communications can be collected without a warrant, a practice that has been controversial.
Pulte has used his current position to accuse political opponents of mortgage fraud, but investigations have not led to charges.
Senate Republicans want a confirmed nominee instead of an acting director to avoid political conflicts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination for the permanent role faces strong opposition from some Republicans. The disagreement mainly concerns his involvement in setting up President Trump’s $1.8 billion fund aimed at preventing the misuse of government resources.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is currently the acting attorney general.
He has been nominated to become the permanent attorney general.
Some key Republicans are angry about Blanche’s role in creating the new fund.
The fund is worth $1.8 billion and is called the “anti-weaponization” fund.
The fund is intended to stop government resources from being misused or weaponized.
Blanche told Congress that the administration is not moving forward with some related actions.
The nomination process will likely involve debate over Blanche’s involvement with the fund.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republican lawmakers want more detailed information from the Pentagon about the military operation in Iran before supporting funding for it. The campaign has lasted over 100 days and cost about $29 billion so far.
Key Facts
Republicans are hesitant to approve funding for the Iran military conflict.
They want clear details on the goals and costs of the operation from the Pentagon.
The military campaign has been ongoing for more than 100 days.
The expense of the operation is about $29 billion.
The request for funding comes during a challenging election year.
Lawmakers are waiting for answers before giving their support.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Cases of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly, are spreading and threatening the U.S. beef and cattle industry. The Trump administration says the return of the screwworm is linked to the immigration policies of President Biden.
Key Facts
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly harmful to cattle.
The screwworm was eliminated in the U.S. in the 1960s.
The screwworm has recently appeared again and is spreading.
The Trump administration is responding to this problem.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins links the resurgence to immigration policies.
The screwworm outbreak is seen as a threat to the beef and cattle industry.
Officials are discussing who is responsible for the return of the pest.
The situation involves government actions related to agriculture and immigration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some House Republicans are upset because a few members of their party are working with Democrats to use discharge petitions. These petitions force votes on bills, bypassing the decisions of GOP leaders and reducing their control in the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
House Republicans are frustrated with colleagues joining Democrats on discharge petitions.
Discharge petitions force votes on certain bills, skipping party leadership approval.
This tactic was once very rare but is now used more often than before.
The increased use of discharge petitions limits GOP leaders' control over the House floor.
Discharge petitions require a majority of members’ signatures to take effect.
The issue highlights internal conflicts within the Republican Party.
The strategy reflects growing divisions and challenges in managing the House agenda.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s effort to end the war in Iran is facing problems due to missed deadlines and difficulties on the ground. The conflict has lasted longer than he predicted, reaching its 100th day recently.
Key Facts
President Trump called himself a master negotiator aiming to stop the war in Iran.
He had predicted the war would last four to five weeks.
The war has now lasted over 100 days.
The effort to achieve peace is struggling due to delays and setbacks.
Ground conditions in Iran have made negotiations harder.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is increasing his efforts to remove the Senate parliamentarian and advance the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This is creating pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who is facing criticism from Trump supporters known as the MAGA base.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to remove the Senate parliamentarian, an official who advises on Senate rules.
Trump is pushing for the passage of the SAVE Act, which relates to voting rules.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has faced a mixed relationship with President Trump over time.
The MAGA base is criticizing Thune because of his stance or actions on this issue.
Thune represents South Dakota and leads the Senate Republicans.
The fight reflects tensions within the Republican Party over election-related legislation.
The SAVE Act aims to change or protect voter eligibility criteria, according to its supporters.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A mother shares her experience of her son Merrick, who was first diagnosed with autism and ADHD but later found to have Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare genetic disease that causes progressive loss of abilities. The diagnosis gave an explanation for his regression and challenges but also brought difficult realities and limited treatment options.
Key Facts
Merrick was diagnosed with autism and ADHD around age four and a half.
He showed signs of being smart but had trouble communicating and learning as expected.
Around age five, Merrick’s skills began to regress, losing abilities in language, motor skills, and focus.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routines and support, which complicated the family’s efforts to help him.
In June 2024, Merrick was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing progressive loss of mental and physical abilities.
Sanfilippo syndrome is often described as a form of childhood dementia and has no known cure.
By the time of diagnosis, Merrick was too old to qualify for clinical trials that might have helped.
Merrick currently needs constant support, including a one-on-one aide at school and ongoing specialist care.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Susan Collins of Maine is running for her sixth term in the U.S. Senate against Democrat Graham Platner. Collins is known for her ability to balance being part of the Republican Party while also sometimes opposing President Trump, a strategy that has helped her win reelection multiple times. Despite criticism from Democrats, she remains a strong candidate with high name recognition and a record of bringing federal money to Maine.
Key Facts
Susan Collins is a Republican senator from Maine seeking her sixth term.
Her challenger is Graham Platner, a Democrat, combat veteran, and oyster farmer.
Platner has faced criticism over personal issues like controversial online posts and a tattoo linked to a Nazi symbol.
Collins is known for occasionally distancing herself from President Trump, unlike some other Republicans who lost primaries after opposing Trump.
President Trump has criticized Collins in the past but has not campaigned actively against her this election cycle.
Collins has a record of strong attendance and has brought federal funding to Maine for many years.
Democrats see the Maine Senate seat as a key race to try to take control of the Senate in the 2026 elections.
Issues like the economy, war in Iran, and abortion rights are important topics in the race.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Nevada governor’s race is between Republican Joe Lombardo, the current governor, and Democrat Aaron Ford, the state attorney general. The election is seen as a test for Republican governors in key states during a time of economic worries, low approval for President Donald Trump, and shifting voter groups.
Key Facts
Joe Lombardo won the 2022 governor’s race in Nevada by 1.5%.
Lombardo supports some policies linked to President Trump, such as tariffs, despite some economic pain.
Nevada’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which dropped 7.5% last year, and the state has a high unemployment rate.
Lombardo highlights progress in education funding and job growth since he took office.
Aaron Ford focuses on economic issues like housing, healthcare, gas, and food affordability.
Ford has taken legal actions against the Trump administration’s policies, including tariffs.
Ford is supported by Democratic leaders such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto.
Nevada has a growing number of independent voters, making it a key battleground state.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Japanese anime and manga fans have asked President Trump to stop using their favorite characters in his social media posts without permission. A petition with about 20,000 signatures protests the White House’s use of images from series like Dragon Ball, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Naruto in official posts.
Key Facts
About 20,000 people signed a petition called Protect Japanese Manga on Change.org.
The petition opposes the White House X account’s use of anime images without permission.
The Japanese government was asked to address this issue with the U.S. embassy in Japan.
The official Yu-Gi-Oh! account said creators did not approve the use of their material.
A recent image showed President Trump as Naruto, which restarted online criticism and petition efforts.
Fans said they want the U.S. government to respect creators and stop unauthorized use of anime content.
Shueisha, the publisher of Naruto, said copyright is held by the film production committee; the creator Masashi Kishimoto has not publicly commented.
The Guardian reached out to the White House for a response to the petition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
