House Republicans on the Armed Services Committee voted to officially rename the Department of Defense as the "Department of War." This change was proposed by Rep. Ronny Jackson and passed along party lines during the discussion of the annual defense policy bill.
Key Facts
The House Armed Services Committee is working on the yearly defense policy bill.
Republicans proposed renaming the Department of Defense to the "Department of War."
The amendment was introduced by Representative Ronny Jackson from Texas.
The vote on this amendment was largely along party lines, with Republicans supporting it.
The decision occurred during a long session of debate on defense issues.
This move would officially change the name of the U.S. military’s main defense department.
The Department of Defense has been its title since 1947.
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Paul Quinn was sentenced to 24 years in prison for a rape he committed in 2003, a crime for which Andrew Malkinson was wrongly jailed for 17 years. DNA evidence later cleared Malkinson, and Quinn was also found guilty of strangulation and causing serious harm to the victim.
Key Facts
Paul Quinn attacked a woman in Salford in 2003, causing serious injuries and raping her.
Andrew Malkinson was wrongly convicted in 2004 for this crime and spent over 17 years in prison.
Quinn’s DNA was found on the victim’s clothing, which led to Malkinson’s conviction being overturned in 2023.
Quinn was sentenced to 21 years in prison with an additional 3 years on licence, making a total of 24 years.
Quinn will be eligible for parole after serving 14 years, which is less time than Malkinson served.
The victim expressed the lasting impact the attack has had on her life, including visible scarring.
Police are investigating if Quinn is linked to other unsolved sex crimes.
The judge praised the victim’s bravery and acknowledged the injustice suffered by Malkinson.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, currently leads in polls due to strong support from women voters. However, recent reports about his past behavior with women have raised questions that could weaken his campaign ahead of the primary election.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Two recent polls show Platner with a double-digit lead among women voters.
Some women have accused Platner of being insulting, volatile, or unfaithful; one alleged he physically restrained her during an argument.
Platner denies the allegations and calls them politically motivated.
Platner has faced other controversies, including past offensive social media posts and a previously covered Nazi symbol tattoo.
Women voters are a crucial group in this race and have historically supported Collins.
The primary election is scheduled for June 9.
Political experts say these allegations could influence female voters enough to change the race outcome.
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Two important elections in California are still too close to call several days after voting ended, with mail-in ballots still being counted. President Donald Trump has criticized the slow process, accusing Democrats of cheating without proof.
Key Facts
California uses a "top-two" system where the two candidates with the most votes move to the November election, regardless of party.
In the Los Angeles mayoral race, incumbent Karen Bass is in first place; Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman are competing closely for second.
In California’s governor race, Republican Steve Hilton, Democrat Xavier Becerra, and Democrat Tom Steyer are all close, with vote counts still ongoing.
Mail-in ballots that arrive up to seven days after Election Day can still be counted, slowing final results.
Election workers must verify millions of ballots’ signatures, which can take weeks in close races.
President Trump has accused Democrats of “cheating” and trying to steal the elections without offering evidence.
California officials say the slow count prioritizes accuracy and voter access over speed.
No federal investigation into the vote count delay has been confirmed.
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An NPR reporter said that Representative George Santos from New York threatened him in a phone call, using the phrase "a gun in your face." This happened after the reporter published a story about the Justice Department investigating Santos for possible insider trading.
Key Facts
NPR reporter Bobby Allyn claims George Santos threatened him during a phone call.
Santos allegedly said the phrase "a gun in your face" in the call.
The call occurred one day after Allyn published a report on a DOJ investigation into Santos.
The investigation involves potential insider trading by Santos.
George Santos is a current member of Congress representing New York.
The incident highlights tensions between media and the politician.
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Senate Republicans approved funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supporting President Donald Trump's administration. They also prevented a ban on funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Key Facts
Senate Republicans passed funding specifically for ICE.
The funding win supports the efforts of President Trump’s administration.
Republicans avoided a ban on money for the DOJ.
This decision was part of a series of votes called a "vote-a-rama."
The vote impacts key law enforcement agencies in the U.S.
The result is seen as a political success for President Trump.
The funding helps continue operations within ICE and DOJ.
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President Donald Trump announced plans to build a new walkway, called a "promenade," that will link the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River. This project is part of his ongoing efforts to change and update famous places in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
President Trump revealed the plan on a Thursday.
The new walkway will connect the Lincoln Memorial with the Potomac River.
The project is named the "promenade."
Some people want to call it the "Trump Promenade."
This project is one of several aimed at changing well-known landmarks in Washington.
The promenade will be for pedestrians, meaning people walking.
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Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting New Orleans in August to speak at a Democratic fundraiser and address concerns about a Supreme Court ruling that may reduce Black representation in Congress. She plans to discuss how Democrats can respond to this ruling ahead of the midterm elections and beyond.
Key Facts
Vice President Harris will be the main speaker at the Louisiana Democratic Party’s fundraiser on August 7.
She is focusing on the impact of the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling, which can lead to fewer Black-majority congressional districts.
The ruling allows states to redraw voting maps in ways that may reduce Black representation in the House of Representatives, especially in the South.
Harris has called the decision a form of "backdooring racism through politics."
She is meeting privately with lawmakers, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus affected by the ruling.
Harris is seen as preparing for a possible presidential run in 2028 and is working to secure support from Black voters.
This visit to Louisiana follows a prior trip in January for a book event and the New Orleans mayor's swearing-in ceremony.
Harris has also participated in calls organized by groups that support Black women leaders.
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The article explains the idea of "two-tier policing" in the UK, which claims that police treat white people more harshly than ethnic minorities. It traces the origin of this term, discusses recent debates on the topic, and presents official data showing that Black people are more likely to experience police use of force and stop-and-search than white people.
Key Facts
The term "two-tier policing" first appeared in 2012, used by far-right figures who said Muslims are treated more favorably than non-Muslims.
In 2023, Suella Braverman criticized police for "double standards" regarding a pro-Palestine march held on Armistice Day.
In 2024, claims increased that far-right white protesters were policed more harshly than Black Lives Matter or pro-Palestinian protests.
Critics say this comparison is inaccurate since Black Lives Matter and pro-Palestinian protests were mostly peaceful and organized, unlike violent riots.
Data from England and Wales show Black people are three times more likely to face police use of force than white people.
Black people are also almost four times more likely to be stopped and searched by police than white people.
The police inspectorate called Suella Braverman’s 2023 comments about double standards "unfair."
Asian people face mixed treatment: they are less likely than white people to have force used against them but more likely to be stopped and searched.
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The US Senate approved over $70 billion to fund immigration agencies under President Donald Trump for the next three years. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives, and if they agree, it will be sent to President Trump to sign into law.
Key Facts
The $70 billion funding will support agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
The Senate vote was 52 in favor and 47 against, mostly along party lines.
One Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski, voted against the bill, while one Democrat did not vote.
Democrats tried but failed to pass amendments to limit a controversial $1.8 billion fund linked to President Trump.
The $1.8 billion fund was intended to compensate people harmed by government actions but faced criticism as possibly benefiting Trump’s allies.
Earlier, $1 billion for a new White House ballroom was removed from the bill.
The bill was passed using a procedure that requires only a simple majority vote.
The funding follows earlier disputes that led to a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after deadly shootings involving immigration officers.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, is facing new allegations concerning his past relationships. These allegations were reported by The New York Times and have raised concerns during his campaign.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine as a Democrat.
The New York Times published a report about his past relationships.
The report described some of these relationships as "unsettling."
These new claims have emerged during Platner’s campaign.
CBS News is covering the story and reporting on the allegations.
The information could affect Platner’s political standing.
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Officials in Florida have ruled that an unborn child who can survive outside the womb has legal rights that the state must protect. This decision affects the legal rights of pregnant women by limiting their control over medical decisions during pregnancy.
Key Facts
Florida officials recognize that a viable unborn child has legal rights.
Viability means the baby can live outside the womb.
This ruling can limit a pregnant woman's freedom to make medical choices.
The decision prioritizes the unborn child's rights over the mother’s autonomy.
The mother’s interests and rights may be overlooked due to this legal framework.
The issue relates to medical ethics and legal rights during pregnancy.
The ruling could lead to cases where women are required to have medical procedures like C-sections against their wishes.
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New federal student loan rules will start on July 1 and could change repayment plans and eligibility for borrowers. Borrowers should check which repayment plan they have, understand new rules, and consider how the changes might affect their monthly payments before the deadline.
Key Facts
Federal student loan changes take effect on July 1.
These changes may affect which repayment plans borrowers can use.
Eligibility requirements for some repayment programs will change.
Borrowers should confirm their current repayment plan now.
Some repayment options may become harder to access after July 1.
Understanding these changes can help borrowers avoid losing access to better repayment plans.
The changes can impact monthly budgets and long-term financial plans.
Borrowers should review their loan servicer accounts and prepare before the new rules start.
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The CBS News program "Sunday Morning" airs on Sundays and covers topics such as the Broadway revival of the musical "Ragtime," the challenges young Americans face when looking for jobs, and the ongoing construction of the Sagrada Familia church in Spain. The show also features a segment on honey expert Marina Marchese and remembers notable figures who recently passed away.
Key Facts
"CBS News Sunday Morning" airs Sundays at 9:00 a.m. ET and streams later on the CBS News app.
The musical "Ragtime" is nominated for 11 Tony Awards and discusses themes like race and the immigrant experience in America.
Young job seekers in the U.S. face difficulties with a high unemployment rate and the impact of artificial intelligence on hiring.
The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona has been under construction for nearly 150 years and recently became the tallest church in the world.
Marina Marchese is America’s first honey sommelier, an expert who identifies different types of honey.
The program honors recently deceased notable individuals, including Marjane Satrapi, author of the graphic novel "Persepolis."
Experts discuss adjustments job seekers should make and highlight jobs that need more workers.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, faces several controversies including past comments, a tattoo linked to a Nazi symbol, and allegations about his personal behavior. Despite these issues, Democratic leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders continue to support him, focusing on winning the seat to regain control of the Senate.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine.
Platner has a tattoo that resembles the death’s-head symbol used by the Nazi SS; he said he did not know its meaning and covered it up.
Past online posts from Platner included disrespectful comments about rural Mainers and sexual assault; he apologized and explained it was linked to mental health issues.
Reports revealed Platner exchanged explicit messages with women while married, which his wife informed the campaign about last year.
Some former partners described volatile relationships; one claimed he was physically threatening, which Platner denies.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of winning the Maine seat to regain the Senate majority.
Senator Bernie Sanders publicly supports Platner, arguing that voters should focus on issues like healthcare and the economy.
Platner leads in recent polls, making the seat critical for Democrats in the Senate balance of power.
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President Donald Trump announced new musical performers for the Freedom 250 rally. This announcement followed many previously planned artists leaving or deciding not to participate in the Great American State Fair event.
Key Facts
President Trump made a public announcement about musical acts for the Freedom 250 rally.
Many originally scheduled performers withdrew from the Great American State Fair event.
Some artists chose to distance themselves from the event rather than officially cancel.
The Freedom 250 rally is linked to the Great American State Fair.
The new lineup aims to replace the acts that left or pulled back.
President Trump expressed a desire for talented singers to perform at the rally.
The changes to the musical lineup happened shortly before the event.
The situation highlights challenges in organizing entertainment for the rally.
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In 2026, the United States has reported over 2,000 measles cases for the second year in a row, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most cases are among children and teenagers who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.
Key Facts
So far in 2026, 2,030 measles cases have been confirmed in 39 states and Washington, D.C.
In 2025, there were 2,288 confirmed measles cases in the U.S.
Measles cases have not exceeded 2,000 in the U.S. since 1992 before these recent years.
Most measles cases are among children and teenagers aged 19 and younger.
About 92% of cases are in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Around 4% of cases are in people with one dose of the measles vaccine, and another 4% had received two doses as recommended.
Only 10 measles cases so far in 2026 have been linked to international travelers.
The data is from the CDC, which tracks and reports disease cases to help protect public health.
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An ex-girlfriend of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, Lyndsey Fifield, criticized The New York Times for how it reported on her and others’ experiences dating Platner. The article included allegations about his behavior, which Fifield disagrees with and says makes her feel betrayed.
Key Facts
Lyndsey Fifield dated Graham Platner, a Maine Senate candidate.
The New York Times published a story about Platner’s alleged troubling behavior in dating.
Fifield was quoted in the article but feels the coverage was unfair.
She describes the article as a “set up” and is frustrated by how she was portrayed.
The story included accounts from multiple people who dated Platner.
Platner is running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat.
The issue is part of a political and personal controversy around Platner’s public image.
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The Trump administration has directed the removal or review of many plaques and signs at U.S. National Park Service sites that mention slavery, racial inequality, and other difficult historical topics. This effort follows a 2025 executive order aimed at eliminating material seen as portraying the U.S. negatively, but it has faced legal challenges and criticism for potentially erasing important history.
Key Facts
The National Park Service removed three quotes at Boston’s Bunker Hill Monument reflecting on slavery, immigration, and anti-war views.
These removals respond to a visitor complaint and are part of a policy targeting what the administration calls “corrosive ideology.”
Panels about enslaved people at George Washington’s President’s House in Philadelphia were dismantled but later reinstated after a court ruled the removal likely broke federal law.
A sign explaining the racist legacy of Senator Francis G. Newlands was removed from a memorial fountain in the Washington, D.C. area, prompting a lawsuit.
Since a 2025 executive order, numerous signs and exhibits covering topics like slavery, civil rights, Native American history, and climate change have been reviewed or removed across many National Park sites.
Researchers found hundreds of signs under review, some related to events like John Brown’s 1859 raid.
Critics, including 17 U.S. senators, historians, and advocacy groups, argue these removals risk hiding the full history of the United States.
Lawsuits are ongoing, challenging the administration’s actions as attempts to rewrite or erase history.
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