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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Schools in 9 States Found a Way to Cut Absenteeism—What Worked?

Schools in 9 States Found a Way to Cut Absenteeism—What Worked?

Summary

Schools in nine U.S. states used a data-driven approach to reduce chronic absenteeism, meaning students missing a lot of school. This method helped lower chronic absenteeism by 18% in one year and up to 36% after two years by acting early and involving families.

Key Facts

  • Chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more of the school year.
  • Nearly 1 in 4 students in the studied districts was chronically absent.
  • The study covered 89 school districts across nine states and over 513,000 students.
  • Districts that acted quickly after a few missed days saw the biggest attendance improvements.
  • Involving families through calls, messages, and personal contact played a key role.
  • Longer efforts led to stronger results, with a 36% drop in chronic absenteeism after two years.
  • The strategy focused on preventing absenteeism early, instead of punishing it after it became a big problem.
  • Schools worked with families to solve issues like transportation or health that cause absences.
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House is set to fund Trump’s immigration actions for the rest of his time in the White House

House is set to fund Trump’s immigration actions for the rest of his time in the White House

Summary

The House of Representatives is working to approve nearly $70 billion to fund immigration enforcement agencies for the next three years, supporting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The bill faced delays due to controversial funding requests but now focuses solely on immigration enforcement.

Key Facts

  • The House Republican leadership is seeking about $70 billion for immigration enforcement.
  • This funding would support Homeland Security agencies for three years and cover the remainder of President Trump’s term.
  • The bill had delays because Republicans initially included $1 billion for White House security upgrades and $1.8 billion for a fund to help allies of President Trump under investigation.
  • Those controversial funding requests were removed, focusing the bill entirely on immigration enforcement.
  • The bill allocates $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and $26 billion for the Border Patrol.
  • An additional $5 billion is set aside for unexpected costs related to immigration enforcement.
  • Last year, Congress already approved nearly $140 billion for ICE and Customs and Border Protection as part of tax and spending legislation.
  • Democrats want reforms like requiring agents to show ID during operations and obtaining warrants before entering private property, but the current bill does not include these changes.
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Trump on judge striking down $100K H-1B visa fee: ‘They are giving us a very, very hard time’

Trump on judge striking down $100K H-1B visa fee: ‘They are giving us a very, very hard time’

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge's decision to block a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. He expressed frustration with the court system while speaking to reporters in New York.

Key Facts

  • President Trump proposed a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications.
  • A federal judge struck down this fee, preventing it from being applied.
  • President Trump criticized this legal ruling.
  • He said federal judges are making things difficult for his administration.
  • The comments were made before he boarded Air Force One in New York.
  • The H-1B visa program allows companies to hire skilled foreign workers.
  • The proposed fee was likely meant to limit visa use or raise government revenue.
  • The situation reflects ongoing legal challenges between the administration and courts over immigration policies.
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A cage-fighting arena is just what Trump’s White House lawn needed. I have a suggestion on how to use it | Marina Hyde

A cage-fighting arena is just what Trump’s White House lawn needed. I have a suggestion on how to use it | Marina Hyde

Summary

The US administration, through its embassy in London, advised the UK not to ban social media for children under 16. Meanwhile, a 4,500-seat UFC fighting arena has been built on the White House lawn to host a major event celebrating Independence Day and President Trump’s 80th birthday.

Key Facts

  • The American embassy in London suggested the UK should not ban social media for kids under 16.
  • Gunshot wounds are the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the US.
  • US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a speech at a D-Day event, mentioning current European immigration issues.
  • A new UFC (mixed martial arts) arena, with 4,500 seats, was constructed on the South Lawn of the White House.
  • The UFC event is called "UFC Freedom 250" and will commemorate Independence Day and President Trump’s 80th birthday.
  • One fighter at the event made provocative statements about others, reflecting the confrontational style often seen in UFC promotions.
  • President Trump is considering keeping the UFC arena on the White House lawn after the event.
  • This arena and event represent an unusual use of the White House grounds for a sport-related celebration.
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Watch live: Melania Trump honors student winners of White House AI challenge

Watch live: Melania Trump honors student winners of White House AI challenge

Summary

First Lady Melania Trump presented awards to students who won the White House's first artificial intelligence (AI) competition. The event took place at the White House and celebrated young people’s creativity in using AI technology.

Key Facts

  • The competition was the first AI contest held by the Trump administration for students.
  • First Lady Melania Trump hosted the award ceremony at the White House.
  • The challenge was announced in August of the previous year.
  • Students from across the United States were invited to participate.
  • The competition encouraged kids to use their imagination and show American innovation in AI.
  • Winners were recognized for their creative projects involving artificial intelligence.
  • The event aims to promote student interest in technology and AI development.
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Card games replace smartphones after school ban

Card games replace smartphones after school ban

Summary

A school in Coventry called WMG Academy has banned smartphones on campus. Since the ban, students have started playing card games and talking more, which the head teacher says has improved the school atmosphere.

Key Facts

  • WMG Academy in Coventry stopped students from bringing smartphones and smart devices to school after the May half-term.
  • Students started playing card games like Uno and socializing more during breaks.
  • Phones are only allowed for commuting if they are simple "brick" phones, which must be kept in lockers during school hours.
  • Older students in sixth form may use phones only in special areas.
  • The school's leadership expected resistance but found the ban was accepted well by most students.
  • The head teacher cited research showing smartphones can harm mental health and cause distractions in class.
  • The UK government plans to make a legal ban on smartphones in schools across England.
  • Campaigners suggest children should not get smartphones before age 14 and social media access should wait until age 16.
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How Lindsey Graham Found the Only MAGA Loophole

How Lindsey Graham Found the Only MAGA Loophole

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham is running for a fifth term in South Carolina with President Donald Trump's support, despite some differences with the MAGA movement's usual positions. Unlike Texas Senator John Cornyn, who lost his seat after failing to earn Trump’s backing, Graham has maintained a close relationship with Trump and secured his early endorsement.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham is a four-term senator seeking a fifth term in South Carolina.
  • President Trump has endorsed Graham early in the primary race.
  • Graham’s foreign policy views differ from the “America First” MAGA ideology, especially on issues like Iran.
  • John Cornyn in Texas lost his Senate seat after failing to get Trump’s endorsement.
  • Cornyn supported Ukraine aid and a bipartisan gun safety bill, which distanced him from MAGA supporters.
  • Texas saw a "MAGA purge" when Trump-backed challenger Ken Paxton defeated Cornyn.
  • Graham is close to Trump personally, being a golfing partner and trusted advisor on some foreign policy matters.
  • Unlike Graham, Graham’s Republican challengers in South Carolina have not united to challenge him strongly.
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At the NBA finals, the Very Important President showed his favorite sport is status

At the NBA finals, the Very Important President showed his favorite sport is status

Summary

President Donald Trump attended the first NBA Finals game involving the New York Knicks since he announced his intention to run for office, arriving in a large motorcade and with heavy security. His visit was part of a broader pattern during his second term of attending major sports events and using them to boost his public image and status.

Key Facts

  • President Trump attended the Knicks’ first NBA Finals game in many years in New York City.
  • His arrival involved a half-mile-long motorcade and tight security, including barricades and security checks.
  • Trump has attended various sports events during his second term, including the Super Bowl and college wrestling.
  • He plans to host a UFC event at the White House South Lawn for his 80th birthday.
  • Trump’s presence at sports events often centers on raising his social status and public image.
  • Unlike previous presidents like Barack Obama, Trump’s visits tend to overshadow the event itself.
  • The NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, welcomed Trump’s attendance, emphasizing sports as a unifying activity.
  • The NBA had a tense relationship with Trump in the past, including public disputes with players and teams.
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Watch live: House convenes hearing on Southern Poverty Law Center turmoil

Watch live: House convenes hearing on Southern Poverty Law Center turmoil

Summary

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing about issues involving the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). This followed accusations from the Trump administration that the SPLC was sending money to extremist groups, and an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the group.

Key Facts

  • The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing focused on the Southern Poverty Law Center.
  • The hearing took place on a Tuesday morning.
  • Earlier, the Trump administration accused the SPLC of giving money to extremist groups.
  • The Southern Poverty Law Center announced in April it was being investigated by the Justice Department.
  • In May, the SPLC pleaded not guilty to related charges.
  • The hearing is a response to growing concerns and official investigations into the SPLC.
  • The SPLC is a civil rights organization.
  • The Justice Department is the U.S. federal agency handling the investigation.
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Trump’s vendetta fuels baseless charges against Southern Poverty Law Center

Trump’s vendetta fuels baseless charges against Southern Poverty Law Center

Summary

President Donald Trump has frequently said that people and groups he disagrees with are criminals who should face legal action. These claims have been made without solid evidence.

Key Facts

  • President Trump often accuses his opponents of criminal behavior.
  • He believes these people or groups should be prosecuted by law.
  • The accusations are not backed by proof.
  • The Southern Poverty Law Center is one group mentioned in this context.
  • The article suggests these charges are driven by personal motives, not facts.
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Maine's Graham Platner remains defiant for Democratic primary despite Nazi tattoo, other scandals

Maine's Graham Platner remains defiant for Democratic primary despite Nazi tattoo, other scandals

Summary

Graham Platner is running in the Democratic Senate primary in Maine. He continues his campaign even though reports have revealed a Nazi tattoo and other past scandals.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a candidate in the Maine Democratic Senate primary.
  • Controversies have come up about his past, including a Nazi tattoo.
  • Despite these issues, Platner remains determined to stay in the race.
  • The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns.
  • The information has been shared through CBS News and their app.
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Do Democrats need a better message than being anti-Trump? Join the live discussion

Do Democrats need a better message than being anti-Trump? Join the live discussion

Summary

Democrats are starting to think about their message for the 2028 elections beyond just opposing President Trump. At the same time, voters in Maine will vote in a primary to decide if Graham Platner can defeat Senator Susan Collins. Hunter Biden is also back in the news with new online posts.

Key Facts

  • Democrats are preparing for the 2028 election and considering new messages besides opposing President Trump.
  • Maine has a primary election on Tuesday.
  • Graham Platner is trying to defeat Senator Susan Collins, a Republican.
  • Senator Susan Collins is the current incumbent in Maine.
  • Hunter Biden has recently posted new content online, gaining media attention.
  • The discussion is hosted by The Hill and includes journalist Amie.
  • The focus is on the Democratic party’s strategy for future elections.
  • The article mentions political activity both nationally and in Maine.
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Former Platner campaign aide: ‘The answer to a broken political culture is not to accept it’

Former Platner campaign aide: ‘The answer to a broken political culture is not to accept it’

Summary

A former senior aide to Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner in Maine asked voters to consider supporting a different candidate in the upcoming primary election. The aide, Genevieve McDonald, wrote an opinion piece calling for change in the political culture.

Key Facts

  • Genevieve McDonald worked on Platner’s campaign as political director from August to October last year.
  • She wrote an op-ed published on Monday in The Washington Post.
  • McDonald encouraged members of the Democratic Party in Maine to vote for another candidate in the primary.
  • The primary election in Maine was scheduled for Tuesday.
  • McDonald’s message focused on the need to improve the political culture, rejecting the idea of accepting problems as normal.
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Man sustains injuries to both arms after shark attack at Navy Base marina in Florida

Man sustains injuries to both arms after shark attack at Navy Base marina in Florida

Summary

A man who works at a Navy Base marina in Panama City, Florida, was bitten on both arms by a shark while swimming during his lunch break. He was taken to a hospital for treatment after the attack.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened at a Navy Base marina in Panama City, Florida.
  • The injured person is an employee at the marina.
  • He was swimming during his lunch break when the shark attacked.
  • He sustained injuries to both of his arms.
  • The man was taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.
  • Officials confirmed the attack occurred on a Monday.
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After long waits at the Social Security Administration, its chief says things are getting better

After long waits at the Social Security Administration, its chief says things are getting better

Summary

The Social Security Administration (SSA) commissioner, Frank Bisignano, said the agency is improving after past problems with long wait times and staffing cuts. He will tell Congress that phone wait times have dropped by 75%, more people are being helped, and the agency is fixing website issues.

Key Facts

  • Frank Bisignano is the current commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
  • The SSA has reduced phone wait times by 75% recently.
  • The agency has served 50% more people under Bisignano’s leadership.
  • SSA fixed website problems to improve customer service.
  • Appointments are no longer strictly required to visit SSA field offices.
  • The agency laid off 7,000 workers at the start of President Trump’s administration.
  • Around 2,000 employees were moved to direct-service roles last year to handle calls better.
  • Some unions say certain SSA offices are still very short-staffed.
  • SSA’s Inspector General reports ongoing problems with benefit processing but notes progress in speeding up disability claims.
  • Bisignano also serves as the CEO of the IRS, a role created during President Trump’s administration.
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From tennis to T-ball, the White House’s South Lawn is no stranger to sports. But not like the UFC

From tennis to T-ball, the White House’s South Lawn is no stranger to sports. But not like the UFC

Summary

The White House’s South Lawn has hosted many sports and recreational activities under various presidents, such as golf and T-ball. President Donald Trump is holding a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) cage fight on the South Lawn for his 80th birthday, an event unlike any previously seen there.

Key Facts

  • Past presidents enjoyed sports on the South Lawn, including golf by Dwight D. Eisenhower and T-ball by George W. Bush.
  • President Teddy Roosevelt installed a tennis court on the White House lawn.
  • Other presidents engaged in sports like boxing, bowling, horseshoes, and a personal exercise game named after Herbert Hoover.
  • The South Lawn is usually reserved for low-contact sports and public events like the Easter Egg Roll.
  • President Trump is hosting a UFC fight, which involves cage fighting, in a specially built eight-sided cage with lighting called “The Claw.”
  • This UFC event marks a significant change from traditional White House sports events.
  • President Trump has suggested making the UFC cage a permanent fixture on the South Lawn.
  • Experts note that sports have long been part of presidential life, but the UFC event is unprecedented in scale and intensity at the White House.
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Latest news on Graham Platner's Maine primary and other races to watch today

Latest news on Graham Platner's Maine primary and other races to watch today

Summary

Graham Platner is competing in the Maine Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate nomination while new information about his background is coming out. Important election races are also happening today in South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is running in the Maine Democratic Senate primary.
  • New details about Platner’s past have recently become public.
  • Other key election races are underway in South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota.
  • CBS News reporters Fin Gómez, Skyler Henry, and Anthony Salvanto are covering the elections.
  • The news is available on CBS News platforms including their app and website.
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Watch live: House Republicans give remarks amid FISA, reconciliation crunch

Watch live: House Republicans give remarks amid FISA, reconciliation crunch

Summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders are speaking to reporters as Congress faces deadlines to approve important laws. These include extending government surveillance powers without warrants and passing a spending plan for immigration enforcement.

Key Facts

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson is leading discussions with reporters on Tuesday morning.
  • Congress needs to pass several key laws soon.
  • One priority is extending warrantless spying powers used by the government.
  • Another priority is approving a $69.5 billion budget related to immigration enforcement.
  • The House plans to review this $69.5 billion budget reconciliation bill soon.
  • Republicans are the party pushing these legislative priorities.
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Vance referring Walz, Ellison to DOJ for criminal fraud investigation

Vance referring Walz, Ellison to DOJ for criminal fraud investigation

Summary

Vice President Vance announced he will ask the Justice Department to investigate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for possible criminal fraud. This follows a report by a House committee that found Walz and Ellison knew about fraud and government problems.

Key Facts

  • Vice President Vance made the announcement on Monday.
  • He plans to refer Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to the DOJ.
  • The referral is for a criminal fraud investigation.
  • A House Oversight Committee report prompted this action.
  • The report says Walz and Ellison were aware of widespread fraud.
  • It also notes failures within the government related to this issue.
  • The investigation will be led by the U.S. Justice Department.
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Exclusive: Hudson says Trump won't sink GOP in Midterms

Exclusive: Hudson says Trump won't sink GOP in Midterms

Summary

Republican leader Richard Hudson said President Donald Trump's statement about not caring about the midterm elections was misunderstood. Hudson explained that Trump is focused on making the world safer, especially regarding Iran, and cares about the struggles Americans face.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said during a Cabinet meeting that he does not care about the midterm elections.
  • Trump’s comment was related to his stance on Iran and not yielding to Iran due to domestic pressure.
  • Richard Hudson, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said Trump cares deeply about Americans’ challenges.
  • Hudson said Trump and he often talk about the issues people face.
  • Trump emphasized stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons as his main focus.
  • Prices have risen partly because of tensions with Iran during Trump’s leadership.
  • Polls show Democrats currently lead the generic House ballot by 55% to 40%.
  • Democrats lead on major economic issues like the cost of living and the economy.
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