South Carolina voters are choosing candidates in important races for governor and U.S. Senate. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is seeking a fifth term with President Donald Trump’s endorsement, while Republicans try to keep a winning streak in the state.
Key Facts
South Carolina Republicans have won statewide races for many years.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Trump, is running for a fifth Senate term.
President Trump endorsed Graham before his campaign started.
In the governor’s race, Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette over other GOP candidates.
Democrats have not won a statewide race in South Carolina in 20 years.
Rep. Nancy Mace and other Republicans also sought Trump’s endorsement.
Some candidates criticized Trump or supported others, showing some divisions within the party.
Graham supports Trump’s policies on the Iran conflict and often communicates with the president.
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A parasite called the New World screwworm, which is a type of fly larva that eats living flesh, has been found in new cases beyond Texas, including New Mexico. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to control the outbreak by quarantining affected areas and using sterile flies to stop the pest from spreading and harming cattle and other animals.
Key Facts
The New World screwworm larva feeds on living flesh and infects animals through open wounds.
Five cases have been confirmed: three calves and a goat in Texas, and a dog in New Mexico.
The dog case in New Mexico is the first ever reported there, and the pet had not traveled to infected regions.
Authorities have set up 12-mile quarantine zones around each confirmed case to limit spread.
The USDA breeds sterile male flies and releases them to mate with wild females, reducing population growth.
Scientists are concerned about the impact on cattle, livestock, and wild deer in Texas.
Officials warn that more cases may appear as monitoring increases, but this does not mean the parasite is spreading rapidly.
Investigations are ongoing in New Mexico to assess local fly populations around the infected dog’s property.
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The U.S. government is working on refunding billions of dollars in tariffs that importers paid before the Supreme Court ruled those tariffs illegal. There is a legal dispute about which companies are allowed to apply for these refunds, and a court hearing will soon discuss details about speeding up and expanding the refund process.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump on goods from most countries.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has collected about $166 billion in these tariffs.
The agency started refunding tariffs on April 20, focusing first on recent payments.
As of June 1, CBP accepted refund claims totaling about $89.6 billion and issued $20.6 billion in refunds.
A judge wants to make all importers who paid these tariffs eligible for refunds, not just those involved in lawsuits.
The Justice Department disagrees and says only companies involved in lawsuits can get refunds.
The case is now with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
A hearing will include testimony from a top CBP official about the refund process and its timeline.
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Voters in Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, and North Dakota are holding primary elections on Tuesday. The biggest focus is on Maine, where Democratic candidate Graham Platner aims to secure his party’s Senate nomination despite recent controversies, while President Trump’s influence will be tested in other states through his endorsed candidates.
Key Facts
Primary elections are taking place in Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, and North Dakota.
In Maine, Democrat Graham Platner is expected to easily win the Senate nomination despite scandals involving inappropriate messages and past relationship allegations.
Platner’s main rival, Governor Janet Mills, stopped her campaign but remains on the ballot, leading some voters to consider her as a protest choice.
The Democratic Party is watching closely to see how Platner handles the controversy and if he can shift attention to the Republican incumbent, Senator Susan Collins.
President Donald Trump has endorsed candidates in states like South Carolina and Nevada, testing his control over the Republican Party.
Democrats aim to gain momentum in Nevada, focusing on winning governor’s seats to strengthen their position.
Some candidates running in Maine and South Carolina have strong family political backgrounds, drawing attention to political legacies.
Overall, these primaries are important for setting the stage for the November midterm elections.
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Emily Cullen, a poet from Galway, discovered that a poem she wrote about her son seven years ago appeared on his Irish Junior Cycle English exam paper. The poem, inspired by a chalk message her son wrote when he was eight, surprised both mother and son during the exam.
Key Facts
The poem is called *Envoi in Chalk* and was written by Emily Cullen.
It was inspired by a message her son Lee wrote in chalk saying “The world is great.”
The poem appeared on the Irish Junior Cycle English exam paper, similar to GCSEs.
Emily did not know the poem would be on the exam; selections are usually kept secret until exam day.
Lee smiled after the exam because he recognized his mother’s poem on the paper.
Lee decided to answer the exam question in the third person to avoid confusion.
The poem was first published as an Irish Times Poem of the Week and is included in Cullen’s third poetry book.
Cullen believes poetry adds important, positive messages to life, especially during hard times.
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A paddleboard company owner was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for causing the deaths of four people during a dangerous paddleboarding trip in Wales in 2021. Her attempt to reduce the sentence was rejected by the Court of Appeal, causing additional distress to the victims’ families.
Key Facts
Four people died in October 2021 while paddleboarding on the Western Cleddau river in hazardous conditions.
The victims were Paul O’Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, and Nicola Wheatley.
Nerys Bethan Lloyd, owner of the paddleboard company Salty Dog Co Ltd, pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter.
Lloyd was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison in March 2025.
The Court of Appeal rejected Lloyd’s appeal to reduce her sentence.
Families expressed ongoing pain and anger over the deaths and the failed appeal.
A Marine Accident Investigation Branch report called the deaths “tragic and avoidable,” citing many errors on the day.
Lloyd was criticized for poor health and safety practices during the fatal trip.
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Republican Steve Hilton is heading to the general election for California governor against Democrat Xavier Becerra. Hilton aims to become the first Republican governor in California in 15 years, following the term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
Key Facts
Steve Hilton, a Republican, qualified for the general election ballot for California governor.
He will face Democrat Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.
Governor Gavin Newsom cannot run again due to term limits.
Hilton currently holds around 25.1% of the primary vote, placing second behind Democrat Tom Steyer with 22.4%.
Polls show Hilton is a contender but faces challenges due to California's majority Democratic voters.
President Donald Trump supports Hilton and praised his advancement on social media.
Hilton campaigns on lowering taxes, fighting crime, and opposing Democratic policies.
The last Republican to win California governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
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The UK government is proposing "Hugh’s law" to give parents who care full-time for seriously ill children financial support and job protections. The law aims to help these parents take paid leave and secure the right to return to work after intense caregiving periods.
Key Facts
"Hugh’s law" is named after Hugh Menai-Davis, who died from a rare cancer in 2021 at age six.
The law would allow parents to take paid time off work during a family health crisis.
It includes job protections similar to those for premature birth and bereavement.
Around 11,000 children a year in the UK have serious health conditions needing major care.
About 4,000 families have children in hospital for at least two months requiring full caregiving.
Current support for parents caring for seriously ill kids is limited.
The government started a consultation on these proposals to get public feedback.
Other countries like Sweden, Canada, and France offer longer paid leave options for caregivers.
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The UK government is considering banning London councils from moving homeless families far away from the city to cheaper housing in poor areas. Ministers are concerned this practice forces vulnerable people, including abuse survivors, into unsafe situations or homelessness. They plan to limit how far councils can send families and crack down on councils breaking the law.
Key Facts
London councils have been moving homeless families hundreds of miles away to cheaper homes due to the housing crisis.
Some people forced to move have returned to abusive partners or had to rely on emergency shelters.
The government is reviewing this policy and may ban long-distance moves, with exceptions for those needing to leave London.
Law requires councils to find housing in their local area if possible and to notify other areas when sending homeless people there.
Several London councils have been found by courts to have acted unlawfully by sending families far away.
Private companies like Reloc8 are paid millions to help councils move homeless families out of London, often providing basic, unfurnished homes.
The number of homeless families moved out of London has doubled in the last two years.
MPs, charities, and council leaders say this practice harms communities and vulnerable people, and call for stronger laws.
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Edward Bartlett, a university student, overcame his video game addiction by taking up birdwatching. He found this new hobby helped him focus on the real world and improved his mental health.
Key Facts
Edward Bartlett used to play video games up to 20 hours a day.
He felt addicted and isolated, avoiding real-life interactions with friends.
Mental health challenges, including depression, were part of his struggle.
A hospital stay and a holiday in nature helped him shift his focus to birdwatching.
Bartlett joined the University of Sheffield Birdwatching Society, which grew from 10 members in 2025 to over 50 in 2026.
Birdwatching is now the second fastest growing hobby among people in Gen Z.
Members enjoy watching local birds like peregrine falcons nesting on a church.
Many young people seek hobbies like birdwatching to reduce screen time and relax.
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A report revealed that children placed at Skircoat Lodge, a council-run care home in Halifax, West Yorkshire, were likely to suffer serious harm. Since the abuse was uncovered, 135 people have made claims for compensation, and the former home manager and his assistant have been found guilty of sexual abuse and other offenses.
Key Facts
An expert report said children at Skircoat Lodge were likely to face significant harm.
135 people made compensation claims related to abuse at the home; 14 claims have been settled so far.
The former home manager, Malcolm Phillips, was found guilty of sexually abusing children over decades but was deemed unfit to stand trial in 2025 and received an absolute discharge.
Phillips’ assistant, Linda Brunning, was found guilty of indecent assault and facilitating abuse and sentenced to 25 years in jail.
The report documented many types of mistreatment including forced punishments, physical abuse, neglect, and a hostile environment among staff.
The home operated from 1976 to 1996 and was run by Calderdale Council.
Survivors have spoken publicly about the daily abuse they experienced at Skircoat Lodge.
The abuse was first formally investigated by the NSPCC in 1994, but justice for some victims came many years later.
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A Brisbane woman, Kylie Ellina Truswell-Mobbs, who gave lethal medication to her terminally ill husband with motor neurone disease, has been released on bail after being charged with murder. She is set to stand trial for his death, which occurred at their home in December 2023.
Key Facts
Kylie Truswell-Mobbs is charged with murdering her 56-year-old husband, David Ronald Mobbs.
David Mobbs was suffering from motor neurone disease, a serious neurological illness, diagnosed in April 2023.
His condition worsened quickly, leaving him bedridden and unable to speak by December 2023.
Mobbs told family he would not want to live if he became unable to use the toilet and faced severe loss of dignity.
Truswell-Mobbs admitted to injecting a lethal mixture of medications into her husband’s feeding tube.
A palliative care team had advised the family on options for managing pain and allowing a natural death or applying for voluntary assisted dying, which would take time.
Truswell-Mobbs was denied bail in April 2025 but was granted bail recently due to new evidence and changes in circumstances.
She must not live with or discuss the case with her sons, who are witnesses, and is due to face trial in Brisbane Supreme Court.
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A new poll shows Democratic candidate Graham Platner slightly ahead of incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the Maine Senate race. Platner faces allegations from former partners, which he denies, calling them politically motivated.
Key Facts
A Tavern Research poll of 1,642 Maine voters shows Platner with 51% support and Collins with 49%, within a 2.8% margin of error.
Platner is competing in a primary against David Costello to be the Democratic candidate.
Allegations from former partners claim Platner engaged in threatening behavior, which he denies.
One accuser said Platner twisted her arm and blocked her in a room but did not hit her; the New York Times reported but could not confirm these claims independently.
Platner has spoken publicly about his struggles with PTSD and asked for support amidst the accusations.
Other polls show Platner leading Collins by similar margins, though some were sponsored by Platner’s campaign.
Collins’ favorability rating is 41% with 57% unfavorable; Platner’s favorability is 42% with 51% unfavorable.
The primary to select the Democratic Senate candidate is scheduled for Tuesday.
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President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, leading to heightened security and mixed reactions from fans. Videos showed both booing during the national anthem and "USA" chants, which supporters said showed patriotism. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Trump, emphasizing sports as a unifier, while some fans and political figures criticized his presence for causing disruptions.
Key Facts
President Trump, a lifelong New York Knicks fan, attended the NBA Finals game but watched from a private, glass-enclosed suite for security reasons.
Increased security caused long lines and blocked streets near Madison Square Garden, making entry difficult for fans.
Some fans booed Trump during the national anthem when his image appeared on the arena screen.
Other fans chanted "USA" before the anthem, a chant linked with Trump's rallies and seen by supporters as patriotic.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Trump is welcome as a lifelong fan and that sports should unite people.
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s attendance, suggesting Trump should focus on improving the country instead.
Ticket prices for the game were very high, sometimes over $10,000, which upset some Knicks fans.
Some fans and local residents felt the event’s disruptions prevented celebrating the Knicks’ first Finals appearance in 27 years.
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President Donald Trump attended the NBA Finals game in New York, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so. His visit led to heavy security, long lines, and some booing from fans, while the New York Knicks played against the San Antonio Spurs.
Key Facts
President Trump watched the New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs game at Madison Square Garden.
This was the first time a sitting U.S. president attended an NBA Finals game.
Security was very strict, causing long lines and street closures around the arena.
Fans and local businesses were disrupted by the security measures.
Some Knicks fans booed President Trump when he appeared on the arena’s large screen.
Trump attended with his granddaughter, Knicks owner James Dolan, and members of his administration.
Celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, Tina Fey, and Spike Lee also attended the game.
The Knicks were playing in their first NBA Finals since 1999 and had strong local fan support.
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The Justice Department under President Donald Trump has filed more cases to take away citizenship from naturalized citizens who committed crimes than the previous Biden administration did. Since the start of President Trump's second term, 52 cases have been filed, compared to 24 during Biden's four years.
Key Facts
The Trump administration filed 52 civil complaints to denaturalize citizens since the start of its second term.
The Biden administration filed 24 such complaints during its four years.
The Department of Justice is currently moving to strip citizenship from 17 naturalized individuals convicted of crimes such as sex offenses and drug dealing.
To denaturalize someone, the government must prove the person lied or hid prior crimes during their naturalization process.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the administration has a zero-tolerance policy for criminals abusing the citizenship process.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized that citizenship is a privilege and will be revoked if earned dishonestly.
Citizenship removal cases depend on court processes and timelines.
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Vice President Vance expressed doubts about the fairness of the Los Angeles mayoral primary election, where two Democratic candidates will compete in November. He questioned how one candidate, Karen Bass, came in first place in the election results.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance made comments on Monday about the LA mayoral primary election results.
He described the election result as "pretty shady," implying possible unfairness or irregularities.
Two Democrats are set to face each other in the November mayoral election.
Karen Bass was reported to be in first place in the primary election.
The comments focused on the election process and its transparency.
No specific evidence was mentioned to support the accusation of unfairness.
This discussion is about a local election in Los Angeles, California.
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Francesca Hong, a Wisconsin state representative and democratic socialist, is running for governor in Wisconsin. Early polls show she is one of the leading candidates in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 11.
Key Facts
Francesca Hong is a member of the Wisconsin state legislature.
She identifies as a democratic socialist.
Hong began her campaign for governor last year.
Many considered her a long-shot candidate at the start.
Current polls show her as one of the top contenders in the Democratic primary.
The Democratic primary will take place on August 11.
Hong recently spoke with CBS News about her campaign.
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The Trump administration is working on a large plan to take away U.S. citizenship from 17 people. These people are accused of committing serious crimes, and the government says this is the biggest effort of its kind.
Key Facts
The effort aims to remove citizenship from 17 U.S. citizens.
These individuals have been accused of serious crimes.
The government describes this as the largest attempt to revoke citizenship.
The process to remove citizenship is called "denaturalization."
This initiative is led by the Trump administration.
The news was reported by CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez.
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A report by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has been sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a full criminal investigation into possible fraud in Minnesota's social-service programs during Governor Tim Walz's time in office. The report alleges that state officials, including Governor Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, knew about fraud but did not act quickly enough to stop it.
Key Facts
The House Committee released a 205-page report on fraud in Minnesota's federally funded social-service programs.
The report recommends a DOJ criminal investigation into whether crimes were committed from 2019 to the present.
Vice President JD Vance confirmed the case was referred to the DOJ for a full criminal investigation.
The report alleges that fraud concerns, including suspicious payments, were ignored or mishandled by senior state officials.
Minnesota agencies had the power to stop payments to providers suspected of fraud but often did not use it.
Approximately $300 million in child-nutrition funds and possibly billions more in Medicaid funds were at risk or lost due to oversight failures.
Whistleblowers who tried to report fraud experienced retaliation and intimidation.
Governor Walz said he has worked to stop fraud but did not comment further on the investigation.
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