California takes a long time to count votes because many people use mail-in ballots, which can be returned up to a week after Election Day if postmarked on time. The state also carefully checks signatures and allows time to fix issues to make sure every valid vote is counted.
Key Facts
In the 2024 presidential election, about 13 million of 16 million votes in California were cast by mail.
California sends mail-in ballots to all registered voters automatically.
Mail-in ballots can be counted if postmarked by Election Day and received up to one week later.
Many voters wait until the last minute to mail their ballots, which slows counting.
Signature checks involve machines and manual reviews to confirm voter identity.
California focuses on a careful, strict process to ensure election security and accuracy.
The 2026 primary includes competitive races for California governor and Los Angeles mayor.
Governor Gavin Newsom urged counties to speed up vote counting to reduce misinformation about election security.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three Republican senators—Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—voted in favor of a Democratic proposal to stop Bill Pulte from serving as the temporary director of national intelligence while holding another federal job. The amendment aims to prevent Pulte from leading both the National Intelligence office and the Federal Housing Finance Agency at the same time.
Key Facts
Three Republican senators supported a Democratic amendment on Thursday.
The amendment prevents Bill Pulte from serving as temporary director of national intelligence (DNI).
Bill Pulte is also the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
The amendment bars Pulte from holding both positions simultaneously.
Senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski were the GOP senators who voted for the amendment.
The vote took place in the U.S. Senate.
The national intelligence director oversees agencies that gather and analyze information related to national security.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The New World screwworm fly, which harms cattle by laying eggs in open wounds, has been found again in Texas for the first time since 1966. Officials are working to control its spread to protect the large U.S. cattle industry, especially in Texas.
Key Facts
The New World screwworm fly’s larvae eat live flesh, unlike most flies that eat dead material.
Females lay eggs on open wounds of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, pets, wildlife, and occasionally humans.
The fly was detected in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, about 50 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.
The fly had been eradicated from the U.S. by releasing sterile male flies to reduce their population.
The fly was found in Mexico in late 2024 and has been moving north toward the U.S.
Texas produces $17 billion worth of cattle, making it an important state for the cattle industry.
If untreated, infestations can be deadly to animals, but several treatments are approved and available.
Agriculture officials say the fly does not infect food and expect little impact on beef supply or prices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that Bill Pulte will not be nominated to be the permanent director of national intelligence. This means Pulte will not be officially confirmed for the permanent role.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about Bill Pulte’s role on Thursday.
Bill Pulte will not be nominated for the permanent position of director of national intelligence.
The director of national intelligence is a key government role that oversees intelligence agencies.
This announcement was reported by CBS News.
Nancy Cordes is the chief White House correspondent who covered the story.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said he would be honored to meet with Iran’s supreme leader if a deal is made to end the war. He expressed this during a conversation in the Oval Office, saying he does not want to meet now but would consider it if it helps reach an agreement.
Key Facts
President Trump made the statement on a Thursday in the Oval Office.
He said he does not currently want to meet Iran’s supreme leader.
Trump said he would feel honored to meet if a deal is made to end the war.
The meeting would depend on progress toward a peaceful agreement.
The comment reflects ongoing concerns about conflict involving Iran.
No formal meeting or deal has been announced yet.
Trump’s statement focuses on diplomacy as a way to stop war.
The supreme leader of Iran holds the highest authority in that country.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
John Bolton, who was President Trump's national security adviser, has agreed to plead guilty to a crime for keeping classified information illegally. Other news includes a dangerous insect found in Texas livestock that has not spread, Hezbollah refusing a ceasefire with Israel and Lebanon, and a preview event at the Obama Presidential Center.
Key Facts
John Bolton served as President Trump's national security adviser.
Bolton will plead guilty to illegally holding classified information, which is a serious crime.
A flesh-eating insect was found in Texas livestock.
Officials say the insect has not spread further.
Hezbollah, a group in Lebanon, rejected a ceasefire deal with Israel and Lebanon.
Thousands of people got an early look at the Obama Presidential Center.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Todd Blanche as the permanent attorney general. Some leading Republican politicians have shown doubt about confirming Blanche for this role.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general.
The attorney general is the top lawyer for the U.S. government.
Some prominent Republicans are unsure about confirming Blanche.
The nomination is attracting attention among Republican leaders.
The final confirmation decision will come from the Senate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump's name must be removed from the Kennedy Center by June 12. This order follows a court ruling that said putting his name on the building was against the law.
Key Facts
A memo was sent to Kennedy Center staff telling them to remove President Trump's name.
The name must be removed from email signatures, letterhead, documents, signage, brochures, and the website.
Staff must replace his name with "The Kennedy Center" or "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts."
The deadline for all changes is June 12.
A court ruled that adding President Trump's name to the center was illegal.
The Kennedy Center is a national arts center in the United States.
The order was issued by the center’s general counsel office.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration plans to change how the federal government awards research grants worth billions of dollars. Some researchers worry these changes could let the administration control what scientific projects get funded.
Key Facts
The Trump administration wants to overhaul the federal research grant system.
This system gives billions of dollars to scientific projects across the country.
The changes could increase the administration’s control over which research gets money.
Some scientists are concerned this might limit important scientific studies.
Craig McLean, a former top scientist at NOAA, has spoken about the proposed changes.
The proposal is part of broader government plans under President Donald Trump.
The discussion about these changes is ongoing and involves experts and policymakers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against 14 people in Ohio for allegedly stealing over $50 million in government money. The announcement was made during a news conference by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the FBI Director.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice is leading a statewide effort against fraud in Ohio.
Fourteen individuals have been charged.
The accused allegedly stole more than $50 million in government funds.
The indictment details were made public at a news conference.
The news conference included Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the FBI Director.
The alleged fraud involved state employees in Ohio.
The case shows the government’s focus on stopping large-scale corruption.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to restrict President Trump’s ability to take more military action in Iran. Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania supported this vote and spoke about it and a recent plan to fund efforts against weapon threats.
Key Facts
The House voted on Wednesday to limit President Trump’s military actions in Iran.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, voted in favor of this limitation.
Fitzpatrick discussed his vote during an interview with Amna Nawaz.
There is a new proposal to spend nearly $2 billion on an "anti-weaponization" fund.
The fund aims to address and prevent the spread or use of weapons.
The issue shows some disagreements within the Republican Party regarding military and security policies.
This vote is part of the ongoing debate over the U.S. role in Iran and military decisions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence for a short time. Trump said Pulte will investigate "rigged elections," but Pulte does not have experience in intelligence work. The appointment has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte was named acting director of national intelligence by President Trump.
Pulte will serve temporarily and is not expected to be permanent in the role.
President Trump claims Pulte will look into claims of rigged elections, without providing proof.
Pulte currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and has no background in intelligence.
Both Republican and Democratic leaders have criticized Pulte’s nomination due to lack of experience.
Senator John Thune, a Republican, said the intelligence director should be a professional, not "weaponized."
Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat, said Pulte may use government power for political reasons.
Pulte previously made controversial and politically charged mortgage fraud allegations against public officials.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said he will nominate Todd Blanche to be the head of the police. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shared new pictures about a near-accident at Newark airport.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to nominate Todd Blanche as the top police official.
The role Todd Blanche is nominated for is sometimes called the "top cop."
The NTSB released new images related to a near-accident at Newark airport.
The near-disaster involved aircraft or airport safety concerns.
CBS Evening News covered these updates on June 4th.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States government has imposed new economic sanctions on Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel, his family, and members of the Castro family, including relatives of former President Raul Castro. These sanctions are part of an ongoing U.S. effort, led by President Donald Trump, to increase pressure on Cuba’s government and economy.
Key Facts
The U.S. Treasury Department announced fresh sanctions on Cuba’s current president and his immediate family.
Sanctions also target Raul Castro’s son and grandson, who remain influential in Cuba.
The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and other Cuban entities were included in the sanctions.
President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Cuba and has suggested possible military intervention.
The U.S. already enforces a decades-old embargo on Cuba.
There is a de facto fuel blockade contributing to Cuba’s energy crisis and economic troubles.
Earlier in 2025, the U.S. restricted visas for Cuban officials, including President Diaz-Canel.
The U.S. has indicated Cuba might be the next country to face major pressure following Venezuela.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In the small town of Froid, Montana, longtime resident detention by federal immigration agents caused concern in this rural and conservative community. Although the town has strongly supported President Trump in past elections, the recent arrest prompted local people to respond and take action.
Key Facts
Froid is a small, rural town in northeastern Montana.
The community in Froid is deeply conservative.
The town has supported President Trump in all his previous presidential campaigns.
Federal immigration agents arrested a longtime resident of Froid earlier this year.
This arrest led the local community to push back and take action in response.
The information is reported by Montana PBS and journalist Matt Standal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Election results in Los Angeles and across California are slow because the state counts many mail-in ballots, which take time to sort and verify. California allows ballots to arrive up to a week after election day, and officials have up to 30 days to finish counting all votes.
Key Facts
Every registered voter in California receives a mail-in ballot.
About 80% of California voters use mail-in ballots.
Mail-in ballots are valid if posted by election day and received within seven days after.
County officials have up to 30 days after election day to count all ballots.
Official results must be reported by July 3, and certified by July 10, 2026.
Early results showed Republican Steve Hilton leading in the governor's race with 56% of votes counted.
President Trump claims without evidence that Democrats are trying to steal elections in California.
California officials say delays are normal and urge patience while votes are counted.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Arizona’s attorney general’s office plans to seek new charges against people involved in a “fake electors” scheme linked to the 2020 election. This decision comes after the state’s highest court declined to restart the case earlier.
Key Facts
The Arizona attorney general’s office wants to bring fresh indictments in the 2020 election “fake electors” case.
The case involves a group labeled as “fake electors” who were connected to attempts to challenge the 2020 election results.
Arizona’s highest court refused to revive the case before this new move.
Attorney General Kris Mayes is leading the effort to return the case to a grand jury.
The grand jury will review the evidence to decide if new charges should be filed.
The case is part of wider investigations into attempts to change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
The legal process is ongoing and could lead to formal charges against those involved.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Elias Irizarry, who pleaded guilty to entering the Capitol during the January 6 riot, now holds a sensitive civilian position in the Defense Department with a top-secret security clearance. He expressed remorse for his actions, was sentenced to 14 days in jail, and was later pardoned by President Trump.
Key Facts
Elias Irizarry participated in the January 6 Capitol riot and pleaded guilty to entering a restricted building.
He was sentenced to 14 days in jail and expressed strong regret for his actions.
President Trump pardoned Irizarry during his second term.
Irizarry works as a special assistant in the Defense Department under Assistant Secretary Derrick Anderson.
His job involves the Office of Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict policy.
He holds a top-secret security clearance despite his involvement in the riot.
A Pentagon official described Irizarry as a qualified and patriotic employee.
A judge recognized Irizarry’s remorse and background, calling his sentencing one of the hardest among January 6 cases.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, has been renovated and filled with water again. President Donald Trump started the project to fix leaks, resurface, and paint the pool, originally estimating $2 million but now expected to cost $13.1 million.
Key Facts
The Reflecting Pool renovation began in early April, initiated by President Donald Trump.
The project included resurfacing the pool, fixing leaks, and painting it a color called "American flag blue."
Water has now started flowing back into the pool after the work was completed.
The original estimated cost was $2 million, but federal records now show the cost is expected to be $13.1 million.
The new color of the pool has sparked reactions from visitors and Americans who noticed it looks very dark.
The Reflecting Pool is a famous landmark near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.
The project took several weeks to complete.
The cost increase has been noted as a significant change from the initial projection.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The House of Representatives approved an agriculture and FDA funding bill for fiscal year 2027 by a close vote. This is the second spending bill passed by the House this year as part of the process to fund the government.
Key Facts
The House passed the agriculture and FDA appropriations bill on a Thursday.
The vote was very close, with 213 in favor and 210 against.
The bill funds agriculture, rural development, the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies.
This is the second fiscal year 2027 spending bill passed by the House.
The bill is part of the annual government funding process.
Republican leaders are managing this while handling multiple other legislative priorities.
The House is the lower chamber of Congress involved in approving funding bills before they go to the Senate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
