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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Graham Platner shrugs off scandals to win Maine Democratic Senate primary

Graham Platner shrugs off scandals to win Maine Democratic Senate primary

Summary

Graham Platner won the Democratic primary for the US Senate in Maine despite past personal controversies. He will face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November election, which is crucial for Democrats trying to win control of the Senate.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a Marine veteran, oyster farmer, and progressive activist without prior elected office experience.
  • Platner faced scandals including inappropriate messages, an alleged past violent incident, and a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism, all of which he denied or explained.
  • He spoke openly about struggles with PTSD and alcohol abuse after military service.
  • Platner’s wife publicly supported him and described negative reports as gossip.
  • Prominent Democrats like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren continued to support Platner.
  • The Maine Senate race is important for Democrats to try to flip the Senate from Republican control.
  • Platner defeated Governor Janet Mills in the Democratic primary before winning the nomination.
  • Republican Senator Susan Collins is running for her sixth term in the Senate.
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AOC calls Platner allegations ‘Hard to stomach,’ emphasizes Maine election is ‘a choice’

AOC calls Platner allegations ‘Hard to stomach,’ emphasizes Maine election is ‘a choice’

Summary

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke about allegations against Maine Senate Democratic candidate Graham Platner before the state's primary election. She said some of the reported behavior is hard to accept but pointed out the election is a choice voters have to make.

Key Facts

  • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democratic representative from New York.
  • Graham Platner is running for Senate in Maine as a Democratic candidate.
  • Allegations have been made regarding Platner's past behavior.
  • Ocasio-Cortez described some of the reported behavior as difficult to accept.
  • The Maine primary election was scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
  • Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that voters in Maine have a choice in the election.
  • She made these comments during an interview with CNN outside the U.S. Capitol.
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Largest ICE detention facility wasted millions and put detainees at risk, report finds

Largest ICE detention facility wasted millions and put detainees at risk, report finds

Summary

A government report found that a large Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Texas was poorly managed, leading to unsafe conditions for detainees and waste of taxpayer money. The report highlighted that three detainees died in six months, and several safety and health problems occurred, including missing evidence in a death case and a tuberculosis outbreak due to inadequate screening.

Key Facts

  • The Camp East Montana detention facility is located at Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas.
  • Three detainees died at the facility in a little over six months, including a 55-year-old Cuban migrant who died after being restrained by guards.
  • Some evidence related to a detainee’s death was lost or destroyed.
  • The camp opened before construction was finished, and ICE did not properly check sanitary or medical conditions.
  • A detainee escaped in October due to poor contractor oversight.
  • A security guard lost a loaded gun inside the facility, and it was never found.
  • The contractor did not properly test detainees for tuberculosis; they used questionnaires instead, causing an outbreak.
  • The Trump administration quickly awarded the $1.3 billion contract to a small company with no prior experience after ICE failed to award it twice.
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Trial for the man charged in Ukrainian woman’s killing on train is delayed for mental health reasons

Trial for the man charged in Ukrainian woman’s killing on train is delayed for mental health reasons

Summary

A man charged with killing a Ukrainian refugee on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina, cannot stand trial right now due to mental illness. A federal judge has ordered him to receive medical treatment to see if he can regain the ability to participate in his trial.

Key Facts

  • The accused is 35-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr.
  • He is charged federally with causing death on a mass transportation system, a crime that can lead to the death penalty.
  • He is also charged with first-degree murder in a separate state case, which is paused for now.
  • A federal judge ruled Brown is currently mentally unfit to stand trial.
  • Brown will spend up to four months in a prison medical center for treatment to restore his trial competency.
  • Mental health examiners say Brown’s condition could improve with medication.
  • Brown claims he is controlled by an unknown force in his body and wants law enforcement to investigate.
  • After treatment, the judge will decide if Brown can face trial, needs more treatment, or cannot be made competent.
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Texas teen who fatally stabbed track athlete at school meet found guilty and sentenced to prison

Texas teen who fatally stabbed track athlete at school meet found guilty and sentenced to prison

Summary

A Texas teenager, Karmelo Anthony, was found guilty of murder for fatally stabbing a 17-year-old track athlete, Austin Metcalf, during a high school meet. The jury rejected Anthony’s claim of self-defense and sentenced him to 35 years in prison.

Key Facts

  • The stabbing happened last year during a high school track meet in McKinney, Texas.
  • Anthony and Metcalf were students at rival schools.
  • The fight occurred after Anthony refused to leave a tent belonging to Metcalf’s team.
  • Anthony is Black; Metcalf was white, but lawyers said race was not part of the crime.
  • Anthony did not testify at trial; only his mother spoke during sentencing.
  • The jury had the option to convict Anthony of a lesser charge but chose murder.
  • The jury took less than three hours to reach a verdict.
  • Prosecutors sought a long prison sentence, emphasizing justice for the victim.
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Judge bars Alabama nitrogen gas execution, says method is unconstitutionally cruel

Judge bars Alabama nitrogen gas execution, says method is unconstitutionally cruel

Summary

A federal judge has blocked Alabama from using nitrogen gas to execute an inmate, saying this method is cruel and violates the U.S. Constitution. The judge allowed the state to use other approved methods, such as lethal injection, the electric chair, or firing squad, while the case is likely to be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Key Facts

  • U.S. District Judge Emily Marks stopped Alabama from using nitrogen gas to execute Jeffrey Lee.
  • Lee’s execution was scheduled for Thursday but is now delayed due to the ruling.
  • The judge said nitrogen gas execution violates the ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
  • Alabama has other execution methods allowed: lethal injection, electric chair, and firing squad.
  • Lee prefers the firing squad method, which the judge permitted the state to use.
  • The ruling came after an appeals court initially said nitrogen gas was allowed.
  • The state may appeal the judge’s decision and is reviewing next steps.
  • Lee was convicted of two murders during a robbery in 1998 and is held at Holman Correctional Facility.
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Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off in California governor’s race

Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off in California governor’s race

Summary

Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will compete in the upcoming California governor’s race. Becerra has experience as California’s attorney general and health secretary, while Hilton, supported by President Trump, aims to bring political change to the state.

Key Facts

  • Steve Hilton is a Republican former Fox News commentator backed by President Donald Trump.
  • Xavier Becerra is a Democrat who served as California’s attorney general and as health secretary under President Joe Biden.
  • The election winner will replace Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
  • California has about 39 million residents and a large economy, with key issues like housing shortages and homelessness.
  • Republicans are about 25% of registered voters in California, while Democrats make up about 45%.
  • Hilton is campaigning as an outsider promising change after over 15 years of Democratic control.
  • Becerra’s campaign highlights his legal challenges against the Trump administration during his time as attorney general.
  • President Trump’s endorsement helped Hilton in the primary but may be a disadvantage in the general election.
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Trump-backed Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson head to runoff in South Carolina GOP governor race

Trump-backed Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson head to runoff in South Carolina GOP governor race

Summary

Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson, both supported by President Trump, have advanced to a runoff in South Carolina’s Republican governor race. The winner is expected to do well in the general election due to the state’s conservative leaning. They will face Democrat Jermaine Johnson, who won his party’s primary.

Key Facts

  • Pamela Evette is South Carolina’s lieutenant governor, and Alan Wilson is the state attorney general.
  • Both candidates have President Trump’s backing in the Republican primary.
  • The Republican winner is favored to win the general election because South Carolina tends to vote conservative.
  • Democrat Jermaine Johnson, a state representative and former professional basketball player, won the Democratic primary.
  • Nancy Mace, a Republican congresswoman, lost decisively in the primary runoff.
  • Evette was chosen as running mate by outgoing Governor Henry McMaster in 2018.
  • Evette is a successful businesswoman who built an HR and accounting software company.
  • Wilson has served as attorney general since 2011 and is a reserve colonel in the National Guard’s legal corps.
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Pamela Evette, Alan Wilson advance to runoff in crowded South Carolina primary, CBS News projects

Pamela Evette, Alan Wilson advance to runoff in crowded South Carolina primary, CBS News projects

Summary

Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson will compete in a runoff election on June 23 for South Carolina’s Republican governor primary because no candidate got more than half the votes. Evette is the current lieutenant governor and has President Donald Trump’s support, while Wilson is the state’s attorney general.

Key Facts

  • Six candidates ran in the South Carolina Republican primary for governor, but none won a majority.
  • Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson are the two candidates in the runoff election.
  • The runoff election will take place on June 23.
  • Pamela Evette is the lieutenant governor of South Carolina.
  • Alan Wilson has been South Carolina’s attorney general for over 15 years.
  • President Trump endorsed Pamela Evette before the primary.
  • Several candidates, including GOP Rep. Nancy Mace, lost the primary.
  • South Carolina has not had a Democratic governor since 2003, and the Republican candidate is expected to win in November.
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GOP Rep. Valadao to face progressive Villegas in key California House district

GOP Rep. Valadao to face progressive Villegas in key California House district

Summary

Republican Representative David Valadao will compete against progressive Democrat Randy Villegas in the November election for California’s 22nd Congressional District. The district race is considered very close, with voters recently choosing Villegas over moderate Democrat Jasmeet Bains in the primary.

Key Facts

  • David Valadao is the current Republican representative for California’s 22nd Congressional District.
  • Randy Villegas, a progressive Democrat, will face Valadao in the general election.
  • The district is heavily Hispanic and has been reshaped by a new congressional map approved last year.
  • Moderate Democrat Jasmeet Bains lost in the primary despite support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
  • The race reflects ongoing debates within the Democratic Party about strategies for winning competitive districts.
  • Valadao was first elected in 2012, lost in 2018, and won his seat back in 2020.
  • If re-elected, Valadao will be the last House Republican who voted to impeach President Trump in 2021 to remain in Congress.
  • The contest is rated as a toss-up by political analysts due to the district's changing political landscape.
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Platner-Collins matchup set in high-profile Maine Senate race

Platner-Collins matchup set in high-profile Maine Senate race

Summary

Graham Platner, a new political candidate and oyster farmer with some controversies, won the Democratic primary in Maine. He will compete in the fall election against Senator Susan Collins, who is running for her sixth term and faced no opposition in her primary.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a progressive oyster farmer and new to politics.
  • Platner’s campaign has faced some controversies.
  • He won the Democratic primary in Maine easily.
  • Senator Susan Collins is a Republican seeking her sixth term.
  • Collins was unchallenged in her party’s primary.
  • The race between Platner and Collins will happen this fall in Maine.
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Trump news at a glance: president returns to old playbook of undermining US election integrity

Trump news at a glance: president returns to old playbook of undermining US election integrity

Summary

President Donald Trump has raised doubts about the integrity of California’s primary election results, claiming fraud without evidence. Experts warn he may increase these unfounded claims as more election results do not favor him, continuing a pattern of questioning election outcomes.

Key Facts

  • President Trump questioned the results of California’s primary elections, saying fraud was involved.
  • He claimed it was “not possible” that Spencer Pratt, a registered Republican, lost the Los Angeles mayoral race.
  • California is the most populous US state and a key test for Trump’s election claims this cycle.
  • Experts say Trump’s actions continue to create doubt about election integrity despite no proof.
  • This approach has been used by Trump before, including after the 2020 presidential election.
  • Trump’s administration includes officials who may support efforts to challenge election results.
  • House Republicans approved a $70 billion bill supporting Trump’s immigration policies.
  • Trump also launched US military strikes against Iran following the downing of a US helicopter.
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Democrat Annie Andrews projected to face off against Sen. Lindsey Graham

Democrat Annie Andrews projected to face off against Sen. Lindsey Graham

Summary

Annie Andrews won the Democratic primary in South Carolina for the U.S. Senate race, and she will compete against Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in November. Graham has held the Senate seat since 2003 and won the Republican primary again.

Key Facts

  • Annie Andrews is a pediatrician and won the Democratic primary in South Carolina.
  • She previously ran for Congress against Republican Nancy Mace and lost.
  • Lindsey Graham has been a U.S. Senator since 2003 and won his party's primary on the same day.
  • Graham beat Democrat Jaime Harrison by 10 points in 2020.
  • No Democrat has won a statewide office in South Carolina since 2000.
  • Andrews says she is willing to be an underdog and wants change in South Carolina.
  • Both candidates are preparing for the general election in November.
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Lindsey Graham’s Chances of Losing to Annie Andrews in South Carolina

Lindsey Graham’s Chances of Losing to Annie Andrews in South Carolina

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham is running for his fifth term in South Carolina against Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews. Although Graham is expected to win based on polls and betting markets, Andrews has gained support and raised significant funds, making the race more competitive.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham is a Republican Senator seeking re-election in South Carolina.
  • His opponent, Dr. Annie Andrews, is a Democrat, pediatrician, and former congressional candidate.
  • Graham won his primary with 58% of the vote; Andrews won her primary with 61%.
  • Polls show Graham leading by about 5 to 6 points, but many voters are undecided.
  • Graham spent over $14 million in the primary to avoid a runoff election.
  • Prediction markets give Republicans about a 78-81% chance to win this race.
  • South Carolina is generally considered a safe Republican seat.
  • Control of the U.S. Senate nationally is close, with Democrats needing four seats to take control.
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Kiley, a Republican-turned-independent, set to fight for political life in California House race

Kiley, a Republican-turned-independent, set to fight for political life in California House race

Summary

Rep. Kevin Kiley, who recently changed from being a Republican to an independent, is competing in a California House race. Early vote counts show Kiley and Democrat Richard Pan are very close in votes as they prepare for the November election.

Key Facts

  • Kevin Kiley is currently the representative for a Californian district.
  • Kiley switched from the Republican Party to being an independent.
  • Richard Pan is a Democrat running against Kiley.
  • Pan is a doctor and owns a small business.
  • Early results show Kiley with about 24.5% of the vote.
  • Pan has about 23.2% of the vote so far.
  • The election race is expected to continue until November.
  • Results come from Decision Desk HQ, a group that tracks election votes.
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Navy admiral fired by Hegseth advances to runoff in Democratic primary for Mace seat

Navy admiral fired by Hegseth advances to runoff in Democratic primary for Mace seat

Summary

Nancy Lacore, a retired three-star Navy admiral who was fired last year by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is moving to a runoff election in the Democratic primary for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. She will compete against Mac Deford, a military veteran, after both won the most votes among several candidates.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Lacore is a three-star Navy admiral who was fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last year.
  • She is running in the Democratic primary for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
  • Lacore and Mac Deford are the top two candidates and will face each other in a runoff election.
  • Mac Deford is a military veteran.
  • The district covers part of the southeast coast of South Carolina.
  • Decision Desk HQ reported the projection for the runoff.
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Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in murder of Austin Metcalf

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in murder of Austin Metcalf

Summary

A jury in Collin County sentenced Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison for the 2025 murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet. The jury convicted Anthony after hearing testimony and arguments about whether the stabbing was intentional or done in sudden passion.

Key Facts

  • Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for the murder of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student.
  • The murder happened at a Frisco Independent School District track meet in April 2025.
  • The jury took about two and a half hours to decide the sentence.
  • Anthony was found guilty of stabbing Metcalf during a confrontation.
  • The defense argued Anthony acted in self-defense and sudden passion, which might reduce the charge.
  • The prosecution highlighted the victim’s age and the impact of his death on his family.
  • Anthony’s mother testified that he regrets what happened.
  • The jury heard from many witnesses including students, investigators, and medical experts.
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Evette, Wilson head to runoff in heated South Carolina GOP governor’s race

Evette, Wilson head to runoff in heated South Carolina GOP governor’s race

Summary

The race for governor in South Carolina among Republicans is expected to go to a runoff election. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson received the most votes, but neither got over half the votes needed to win outright. President Donald Trump supports Pamela Evette.

Key Facts

  • The election is for the Republican nominee for South Carolina governor.
  • Pamela Evette is the current Lieutenant Governor and a Republican candidate.
  • Alan Wilson is the state Attorney General and also a Republican candidate.
  • Neither candidate received a majority of votes, so a runoff election is expected.
  • Pamela Evette has the backing of President Donald Trump.
  • The runoff will decide who gets the Republican nomination for governor.
  • Decision Desk HQ is the source predicting the runoff outcome.
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Prisoners in Western Australia are living in ‘cruel, inhuman or degrading’ conditions, report warns

Prisoners in Western Australia are living in ‘cruel, inhuman or degrading’ conditions, report warns

Summary

A report has found that prisoners in Western Australia are living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions that may be cruel and degrading. The state’s prison system is struggling with growing inmate numbers and staff shortages, leading to limited prisoner services and increased risks to safety and wellbeing.

Key Facts

  • Western Australia's prisons are overcrowded, with some prisoners sleeping on mattresses on the floor.
  • The state’s prison inspector, Eamon Ryan, described conditions as “cruel, inhuman or degrading.”
  • Prison populations grew by 37% over three years, putting strain on facilities and staff.
  • Staff shortages have caused frequent lockdowns, reduced family visits, and limited access to basic services.
  • The prisons Hakea, Melaleuca, and Casuarina accounted for 60% of self-harm incidents reported.
  • Unsafe conditions increase the risk of serious harm and deaths in custody.
  • The report compares current problems to warning signs before a 2018 prison riot in WA.
  • The government has been urged to commit funding and reforms to fix the prison system.
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US Congress approves $70 billion bill to fund Trump’s immigration crackdown

US Congress approves $70 billion bill to fund Trump’s immigration crackdown

Summary

The US Congress passed a $70 billion funding bill to support President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies through fiscal year 2029. The bill provides money mainly for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol and now awaits the President’s approval.

Key Facts

  • Congress approved $70 billion to fund immigration enforcement under President Trump.
  • The bill allocates $38 billion for ICE and $26 billion for Border Patrol.
  • An additional $5 billion is set aside for unexpected costs until 2029.
  • The measure passed mostly with Republican votes in the House and Senate.
  • Democrats opposed the bill, wanting limits on enforcement tactics and more oversight.
  • The funding bill aims to maintain deportation efforts and border security.
  • This follows earlier immigration funds totaling about $140 billion approved last year.
  • The bill’s passage ends stalled negotiations and removes threats of government shutdowns over immigration funding.
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