Pastor Willy Rice was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) at their 2026 meeting. His leadership marks a shift toward more conservative views in the denomination and he has criticized the church’s recent focus on social justice issues.
Key Facts
Willy Rice is the senior pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida.
He won the SBC presidency with about 57% of the vote, defeating Josh Powell.
Rice supports traditional views like banning women pastors and stricter church doctrines.
He has criticized the church for being too influenced by social justice movements, calling it “woke.”
Rice’s election is seen as a win for conservatives who want the church to return to older values.
He previously withdrew from the 2022 SBC presidential race due to a sexual misconduct issue involving a church deacon.
Rice was supported by a staff member from President Donald Trump’s administration.
He has been a pastor for over 35 years and holds advanced degrees in theology.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
California Representative Ro Khanna said that Maine voters gave Senate candidate Graham Platner a second chance after he won the Democratic primary election. Platner emphasized the importance of earning voters' trust and expressed gratitude for their support.
Key Facts
Graham Platner won the Democratic primary election for the Maine Senate seat.
Voters in Maine gave Platner what Khanna called a "chance at redemption" or a second chance.
Platner spoke about the need to earn votes and appreciated the voters’ support.
Ro Khanna, a California Congressman, commented on the primary result.
The primary election took place on a Tuesday evening.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Michigan appeals court overturned Joseph Morrison’s conviction related to the 2020 kidnapping plot against Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The court ruled that kidnapping is not a violent felony that supports a terrorism charge under state law. Prosecutors have said they will appeal the decision.
Key Facts
Joseph Morrison was originally convicted in 2022 for supporting a terroristic act as part of the Wolverine Watchmen group.
The 2020 plot aimed to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, but she was never physically harmed.
Morrison, Pete Musico, and Paul Bellar were accused of conducting gun training with key plot members.
Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., leaders of the group, were sentenced to 16 years in prison.
The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed Morrison’s conviction in a 3-0 decision, saying kidnapping is not a violent felony under the state terrorism law.
Michigan Attorney Dana Nessel described the ruling as flawed and plans to appeal.
Undercover FBI agents were involved in the investigation that led to 14 arrests in 2020.
Of the 14 men charged, nine were convicted and five were acquitted or had charges dropped.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Steve Hilton, a former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and a Fox News host, will advance to the November election for California governor. He will face Democrat Xavier Becerra, former health secretary under President Biden, in the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom.
Key Facts
Steve Hilton secured his place to run for California governor after the primary election in June.
Hilton is backed by President Donald Trump and would be the first Republican governor in California in 15 years if elected.
Xavier Becerra, a Democrat and former California attorney general and U.S. health secretary, is Hilton’s opponent in the general election.
More than 60 candidates mostly Democrats competed in the primary to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited.
Becerra would be California’s first Latino governor since 1875; Latinos are about 41% of the state’s population.
The race is the most expensive governor’s contest in California history, involving heavy spending and support for other Democratic candidates.
Hilton moved from the UK to the U.S. in 2012, became a U.S. citizen in 2021, and hosted a Fox News show from 2017 to 2023.
President Trump has expressed strong support for Hilton, claiming he will improve California and work well with the federal government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Texas teenager named Karmelo Anthony was found guilty of killing another student, Austin Metcalf, during a high school track meet in April 2025. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after a trial that focused on whether he acted in self-defense or was the aggressor.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Frisco, Texas, during a high school athletic event.
Both Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf were 17 years old at the time.
Anthony was charged as an adult under Texas law.
Prosecutors said Anthony threatened and intentionally killed Metcalf; the defense claimed self-defense.
A medical examiner testified that Metcalf had a large stab wound that pierced his heart.
The trial lasted several days and included nearly two dozen witnesses, including students and a track coach.
Anthony had high academic achievement with a 4.0 GPA.
The jury found Anthony guilty in under three hours and sentenced him to 35 years.
No jurors in the case were Black, noted a civil rights group that had supported Anthony.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study found that sick babies who were considered "unadoptable" were left to die at St Monica’s Maternity Home, a church-run home for unmarried mothers in Cumbria. Judith, a mother who lost her disabled baby there in 1964, was denied proper medical care for her son because he was disabled and born out of wedlock.
Key Facts
St Monica’s Maternity Home operated from 1918 to 1970 in Kendal, Cumbria, and was run by the Church of England.
Babies born to unmarried mothers were often hidden from society and sometimes forcibly adopted.
Judith’s son Stephen was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, serious medical conditions, and died after 11 weeks without hospital care.
A report by Dr. Michael Lambert found that disabled babies like Stephen were denied proper medical treatment because they were seen as unsuitable for adoption.
The culture at the home prioritized secrecy and giving healthy babies up for adoption over medical care for sick infants.
After losing her son, Judith became a nurse but was deeply traumatized and died by suicide in 2006.
The report and findings have been passed on to Cumbria Police for further investigation.
At least 400 babies were adopted from St Monica’s during its operation, but some were allowed to die because they were "undesirable."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The state of New South Wales has admitted that a police officer punched protester Hannah Thomas in the eye during a pro-Palestine rally and that she was falsely imprisoned. The state has offered to cover her medical costs but denies claims of malicious prosecution and official misconduct.
Key Facts
Hannah Thomas was punched in the eye by Senior Constable Christopher Davis while he held a torch during a protest in Sydney in June 2025.
She was arrested, charged, and later all charges were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The punch caused serious injuries, including a ruptured eyeball and fractured eye socket, requiring three surgeries.
The state admitted the officer’s use of force was a battery (illegal physical contact) and accepted responsibility for harm and damages.
Police officer Pir Ali Noohpoto also grabbed Thomas before the punch, an action the state admitted as battery.
Other officers used “reasonable force” to control the protest, which the state says was lawful and defensive.
Thomas was kept from leaving the area after the incident despite visible injury, constituting false imprisonment.
The state denies accusations of malicious prosecution and public office misconduct relating to Thomas’s arrest.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, lost in the Los Angeles mayoral primary election. After the final votes, Pratt posted a photo on social media without any comment, marking his first public post since the results were announced.
Key Facts
Spencer Pratt ran for mayor of Los Angeles but did not advance to the runoff election.
Nithya Raman and incumbent Mayor Karen Bass will compete in the November runoff.
The final vote counts showed Bass with 34.3%, Raman with 29%, and Pratt with 25.5%.
Pratt’s campaign received a lot of media attention due to his unconventional style.
Pratt posted a photo of a duck and sunset on social media after the election results.
The photo had over 335,000 views and 1,000 replies shortly after being posted.
Pratt was critical of city leadership after last year’s deadly LA County fires, which destroyed his home.
Newsweek confirmed this was Pratt’s first permanent social media post since the election results.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Graham Platner won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine and will face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election. Platner is a political newcomer, an oyster farmer, and military veteran, focusing his campaign on economic issues like housing and healthcare.
Key Facts
Graham Platner won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine.
He will compete against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Platner is an oyster farmer and a combat veteran with little political experience.
He has received early support from Senator Bernie Sanders and calls himself a progressive.
Platner plans to address economic issues including housing and healthcare.
Susan Collins is a powerful and moderate Republican senator, first elected in 1996.
Collins was unopposed in the Republican primary.
Platner criticized Collins for supporting wars and conservative Supreme Court justices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tom Steyer, a progressive candidate, lost the California governor primary race and publicly supported Democrat Xavier Becerra. Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will compete in the general election for California governor.
Key Facts
Tom Steyer ran for governor of California but lost in the primary election.
After losing, Steyer gave his endorsement to Xavier Becerra.
Xavier Becerra is a Democrat running for governor of California.
Steve Hilton is the Republican candidate who also advanced from the primary.
Becerra and Hilton will face each other in the general election.
The primary results were projected by Decision Desk HQ.
The election is for the position of California governor.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democrat Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary and will face Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. The race is important because it could affect which party controls the Senate next year. Platner’s campaign has faced several allegations of misconduct, which he denies.
Key Facts
Graham Platner won the Democratic primary in Maine with little opposition.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican, was unopposed in her primary.
Collins is a five-term senator known for sometimes breaking with her party.
Platner is a 41-year-old veteran and oyster farmer who campaigns against wealthy elites.
Allegations against Platner include sending sexually explicit texts and claims of abusive behavior, which he denies.
Maine Governor Janet Mills, backed by national Democrats, dropped out of the race in April.
Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer and Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren support Platner.
Platner has apologized for past controversial internet posts and covered up a tattoo tied to Nazi symbolism.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Graham Platner won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine. He will compete against Senator Susan Collins in the November general election.
Key Facts
Graham Platner won the Democratic Senate primary in Maine.
The primary win was announced by CBS News projections.
Platner will challenge Senator Susan Collins in the general election.
Senator Susan Collins currently holds the Senate seat.
Platner faced several scandals in the weeks before the primary.
The election will take place in November.
The news was covered in a CBS News special report.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In South Carolina, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, supported by President Donald Trump, and Attorney General Alan Wilson will compete in a runoff for the Republican governor nomination. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and Rep. Ralph Norman did not advance. Lindsey Graham is projected to win the Republican Senate primary and will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Key Facts
Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson are moving to a runoff for South Carolina’s Republican governor primary.
Evette is backed by President Donald Trump.
Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman lost in the Republican governor primary.
Nancy Mace supported Trump but also voted to release Jeffrey Epstein files, opposing some Trump supporters.
The winner of the runoff will run against Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson.
Lindsey Graham is projected to win the Republican Senate primary.
Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, is projected to win the Democratic Senate primary.
The general election for Senate in South Carolina is set for November.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Graham Platner won the Democratic primary in Maine and will face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November midterm elections. Platner, a political newcomer and former marine, overcame several controversies during the race, including issues with a tattoo and past comments.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is an oyster farmer and former combat marine running for Senate in Maine.
Platner won the Democratic primary and will challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
Platner faced scandals including a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and past inappropriate comments.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Platner.
Platner apologized for the tattoo and said he did not know its meaning.
Susan Collins has been a senator for nearly 30 years and has recently supported President Trump’s nominees.
Collins voted to convict President Trump during his second impeachment trial but later aligned more closely with him.
Primary elections were also held in Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina ahead of the midterms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Political strategists Kendra Barkoff Lamy and Sarah Chamberlain discussed recent political news on CBS News’ show "The Takeout." They talked about the House passing a bill to fund ICE and an interview with Jeffrey Epstein’s assistant.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives passed a bill to provide funding for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
ICE is a government agency that enforces immigration laws.
An interview with Jeffrey Epstein’s assistant was featured in the news.
Democratic strategist Kendra Barkoff Lamy and Republican strategist Sarah Chamberlain shared their views on these topics.
The discussion took place on the CBS News show called "The Takeout."
The news focused on current political events in the United States.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Randy Villegas, a progressive Democrat, is expected to face Republican David Valadao in the election for California’s 22nd Congressional District. Villegas, who is a teacher and activist, surpassed Jasmeet Bains, another Democrat, to advance in the race.
Key Facts
Randy Villegas is a progressive candidate running as a Democrat.
David Valadao is the current Republican representative for California’s 22nd District.
Villegas is an educator and activist by background.
Jasmeet Bains, a California State Assemblymember and Democrat, was eliminated from the race.
Neither Villegas nor Bains reached 60% support, which would have secured the Democratic nomination outright.
The election is for a House seat in a competitive district in California.
The prediction comes from the election results reported by Decision Desk HQ.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra will compete in the November election for California governor. Hilton received 25% of the vote and Becerra 27.9%, making them the top two candidates in the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom.
Key Facts
Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra are the final two candidates for California governor.
The race had 61 candidates, including many Democrats who dropped out before the final vote.
Vote counting included mail ballots postmarked by Election Day, causing a delay.
Hilton led early on but his lead decreased as counting continued, although he stayed in second place.
Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot run again.
Hilton is a Fox News host and plans to clear illegal homeless camps, allow offshore drilling, and set a flat 7.5% tax rate.
Nearly half of California’s registered voters are Democrats.
Several well-known candidates, including Tom Steyer and Katie Porter, lost in the primary.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Graham Platner won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate race in Maine. Despite several controversies, he remains the party’s candidate against Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November election.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Marine combat veteran with several campaign controversies, including a Nazi-linked tattoo and alleged inappropriate messages.
Platner won the Democratic primary easily, facing only minor competition after Maine Governor Janet Mills ended her campaign.
Some Democrats worry Platner’s scandals will harm the party’s chances to win the Senate seat in Maine.
Platner has no prior political office experience but gained support with promises to challenge wealthy elites and large campaign crowds.
Prominent progressives like Senator Bernie Sanders support Platner, while some traditional Democrats hope he will drop out.
Republican groups have criticized Platner’s past social media posts, which he has apologized for.
Maine is seen as a critical battleground state for control of the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterms.
Senator Susan Collins is the only Republican senator up for reelection in a state that voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Steve Hilton, a British-born Republican, finished second in California’s primary for governor and will face Democrat Xavier Becerra in the November runoff. Hilton is trying to change California’s Republican party by focusing on issues like housing and cost of living in a state that has been dominated by Democrats for many years.
Key Facts
Steve Hilton is originally from Britain and has lived in the U.S. for 14 years.
He previously worked in British Conservative politics, as an entrepreneur, policy analyst, and Fox News host.
Hilton finished second in California's open primary system, which advances the top two vote-getters no matter their party.
The frontrunner is Xavier Becerra, a Democrat and former California attorney general.
Hilton earned about 25% of votes, close behind Becerra and ahead of billionaire candidate Tom Steyer.
He aims to revitalize the California Republican party, which hasn't won statewide office in 20 years.
Hilton supports change on issues like housing shortages and high living costs, blaming long Democratic control.
Although endorsed by President Donald Trump, Hilton has started to distance himself from Trump to appeal more broadly in California.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democrat Graham Platner will compete in Maine’s U.S. Senate race in November after winning their party nominations. Recent polls show a very close race, with Democrats hoping to flip the seat, but Platner’s recent personal scandals have raised questions about his chances.
Key Facts
Susan Collins won the Republican nomination unopposed.
Graham Platner won the Democratic nomination with 75% of the vote.
Maine uses a ranked-choice voting system where voters rank candidates by preference.
Early polls show a tight race, with Platner slightly ahead or tied with Collins.
Platner’s recent personal scandals have created concerns among some Democrats.
Collins has previously won tough elections due to her popularity and bipartisan work.
Prediction markets give Democrats about a 58-62% chance to win the seat.
Maine is known for being hard to poll because of its independent voters and rural population.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
