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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Texas teen sentenced to 35 years for killing fellow student at track meet

Texas teen sentenced to 35 years for killing fellow student at track meet

Summary

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.
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My wife's 'unadoptable' baby was left to die at unmarried mothers' home

My wife's 'unadoptable' baby was left to die at unmarried mothers' home

Summary

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."
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NSW admits pro-Palestine protester Hannah Thomas was assaulted by police officers and falsely imprisoned

NSW admits pro-Palestine protester Hannah Thomas was assaulted by police officers and falsely imprisoned

Summary

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.
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Spencer Pratt Posts New Picture on Social Media After LA Mayoral Defeat

Spencer Pratt Posts New Picture on Social Media After LA Mayoral Defeat

Summary

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.
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Graham Platner wins the Democratic primary for US Senate in Maine, will face GOP Sen. Susan Collins

Graham Platner wins the Democratic primary for US Senate in Maine, will face GOP Sen. Susan Collins

Summary

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.
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Steyer endorses Becerra after losing California gubernatorial primary

Steyer endorses Becerra after losing California gubernatorial primary

Summary

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.
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Graham Platner to win Maine Democratic Senate primary and face Sen. Susan Collins

Graham Platner to win Maine Democratic Senate primary and face Sen. Susan Collins

Summary

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.
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Graham Platner wins Maine Democratic Senate primary, CBS News projects | Special Report

Graham Platner wins Maine Democratic Senate primary, CBS News projects | Special Report

Summary

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.
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South Carolina primary results: Trump-backed Evette in runoff for governor

South Carolina primary results: Trump-backed Evette in runoff for governor

Summary

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.
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Platner wins Maine primary to challenge Collins

Platner wins Maine primary to challenge Collins

Summary

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.
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Political strategists on House-passed bill to fund ICE, Epstein assistant interview, more

Political strategists on House-passed bill to fund ICE, Epstein assistant interview, more

Summary

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.
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Valadao to show down against progressive in California House battleground

Valadao to show down against progressive in California House battleground

Summary

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.
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Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra to face off in California governor's race

Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra to face off in California governor's race

Summary

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.
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Graham Platner wins Democrats' nomination in key Maine Senate race

Graham Platner wins Democrats' nomination in key Maine Senate race

Summary

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.
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Who is Steve Hilton, the Briton who could become California’s next governor?

Who is Steve Hilton, the Briton who could become California’s next governor?

Summary

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.
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Susan Collins’ Chances of Losing to Graham Platner in Maine Senate Race

Susan Collins’ Chances of Losing to Graham Platner in Maine Senate Race

Summary

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.
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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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