A Colorado appeals court has reversed the homicide convictions of two paramedics involved in the death of Elijah McClain, a Black man who died after police restrained him and paramedics gave him ketamine. The court ordered new trials because of problems with jury instructions, while upholding one assault conviction.
Key Facts
Elijah McClain died in 2019 after police restrained him and paramedics injected him with ketamine.
Paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec were found guilty in 2023 of criminally negligent homicide; Cichuniec was also convicted of felony assault.
Cooper was sentenced to 14 months in jail with work release and probation; Cichuniec received five years in prison.
The Colorado appeals court reversed the homicide convictions and ordered new trials due to faulty jury instructions.
The court kept Cichuniec’s felony assault conviction.
Cichuniec was released early in 2024 after his sentencing was reduced to probation.
The judge noted Cichuniec had to make quick decisions during the incident as the top paramedic on the scene.
The case is connected to broader public discussions about police treatment of Black individuals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sarah Kellen, a former assistant to Jeffrey Epstein, told the House Oversight Committee that she was sexually abused by Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and two other men. Lawmakers have asked the Justice Department to investigate allegations against Philip Levine, a former mayor of Miami Beach, and celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai.
Key Facts
Sarah Kellen testified in a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee on May 21, 2026.
Kellen said she was abused by Jeffrey Epstein for over ten years and also by Ghislaine Maxwell.
She named Philip Levine and Frédéric Fekkai as additional alleged abusers.
Philip Levine was a wealthy businessman and later became mayor of Miami Beach.
The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, requested the Justice Department investigate these allegations.
Both Levine and Fekkai have denied the accusations.
Kellen was included in Epstein’s 2007 non-prosecution agreement without being interviewed by law enforcement until after Epstein’s 2019 arrest.
Kellen voluntarily appeared before the committee but limited her answers to her own experiences and did not discuss other victims or details about Epstein’s recruiting scheme.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to stop President Trump from creating a $1.8 billion fund to pay his allies. The proposal caused disagreement within the Republican party, and the issue remains unsettled as debates continue over related immigration funding.
Key Facts
Democrats tried to add a rule to a bill to stop President Trump’s $1.8 billion fund for paying allies.
The vote failed narrowly, 49-50, with three Republican senators joining Democrats to support the rule.
The fund is linked to paying people connected to the January 6 insurrection.
The fund is part of a larger $70 billion bill to finance immigration enforcement agencies ICE and CBP through 2029.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the administration would not move forward with the fund.
Senate Republican divisions on this fund complicated agreements on immigration enforcement funding.
Senator Thom Tillis proposed a different amendment to block the fund and redirect money to fight fraud, but it also failed.
The debate is ongoing, with Democrats pushing for a permanent law to block the fund’s money from being spent.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that his administration is investing nearly $700 million to support the coal industry. He described this action as a major step to lower energy prices and reduce living costs for Americans.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is providing close to $700 million to the coal industry.
President Trump made the announcement during a speech in the Oval Office.
The funds include money authorized under wartime powers.
Coal is one of President Trump’s preferred energy sources.
The investment aims to lower energy prices for Americans.
This move is part of broader efforts to reduce the cost of living.
The funding supports coal production and related activities.
The announcement highlights the administration’s focus on energy policy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rep. Andy Ogles said that a staff member sent an offensive post about homosexuality to his social media account. He did not clearly state if he agreed with the post, which said homosexuality should not be accepted in America.
Key Facts
Rep. Andy Ogles represents Tennessee as a Republican.
A staffer sent him a post about homosexuality that Ogles called inappropriate.
The post was shared during Pride Month, a time that celebrates LGBTQ+ people.
Ogles posted a message saying “Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.”
He did not clearly say if he personally agreed or disagreed with the post.
The incident raised questions about Ogles’s views on homosexuality.
The matter was discussed publicly after the post was shared on social media.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced plans to build a walkway called a "promenade" that will connect the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River. He mentioned that some people want to name it the "Trump Promenade," but he has not decided on the name yet.
Key Facts
The project is intended to create a promenade linking the Lincoln Memorial and the Potomac River.
President Trump made the announcement while speaking in the Oval Office.
The name "Trump Promenade" has been suggested, but the president has not confirmed it.
The Lincoln Memorial is a famous monument located in Washington, D.C.
The announcement was made on June 4, 2026.
The plan is part of President Trump's administration efforts to enhance the area around the memorial.
The article is from ABC News and reflects ongoing developments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lawyers at the Kennedy Center told staff to start removing President Trump’s name from the building after a federal judge blocked plans to rename the center in his honor. Staff were given a deadline of June 12 to complete the removal from things like email signatures and letterhead.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center planned to rename itself to include President Trump’s name.
A federal judge stopped this renaming from going forward.
Following the judge’s decision, Kennedy Center lawyers instructed staff to remove President Trump’s name.
The removal includes email signatures, letterhead, and other official items.
Employees were given a deadline of June 12 to finish removing the name.
The details came from an internal memo seen by CBS News.
The action happened under the current administration of President Donald Trump.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Justice Department charged four people in Ohio with a $30 million fraud scheme involving false health claims for behavioral health services. The money from the fraud was used to buy luxury cars and fund lavish lifestyles. Additionally, the Justice Department announced a list of top fraudsters and highlighted cooperation with local authorities to fight fraud.
Key Facts
Four people, including two Ohio state employees, were charged with fraud involving $30 million.
The fraud targeted the state's behavioral health department by submitting false claims for services never provided.
Two defendants owned businesses that claimed to serve young adults in summer camps and church groups.
When one organization's accreditation was invalid, they allegedly conspired to submit false claims anyway.
The fraud money funded expensive items, including 14 luxury vehicles worth $800,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche promised strict action against fraudsters.
FBI Director Kash Patel encouraged the public to help by providing any information about fraud.
The Justice Department also charged five people in a separate $15 million romance fraud targeting elderly Americans, involving AI-generated false stories to gain their trust.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two senators from different parties asked a court to keep blocking the Justice Department’s $1.7 billion "anti-weaponization fund" because they believe it threatens the Constitution and could pay people involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. The Justice Department created the fund as part of a deal to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump, but some lawmakers oppose it strongly.
Key Facts
Senators Bill Cassidy (Republican) and Cory Booker (Democrat) filed a legal brief asking a court to continue blocking the fund.
The fund is meant to compensate people who claim they were unfairly targeted by government actions, including some connected to the January 6 attack.
A judge temporarily stopped the Justice Department from moving forward with the fund while deciding whether to extend that block.
The senators say the fund violates parts of the Constitution related to government spending and appointments.
The Justice Department announced the fund as part of settling President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns.
The settlement allows five people appointed by the Attorney General to decide who receives money from the fund.
Some people convicted of January 6 crimes and Trump supporters have said they want to apply for money from the fund.
The Justice Department said it would pause work on the fund and follow the court’s block but has not formally written this down.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal appeals court stopped an order that would have forced the head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to testify about tariff refunds. The Trump administration argued that the judge’s order was too strong and should be reversed.
Key Facts
A federal appeals court paused an order for the CBP chief to testify next week.
The testimony request relates to tariff refunds. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott was ordered to appear in a New York City court.
The Trump administration challenged this judicial order.
They said the judge went too far in forcing the commissioner to testify.
This is part of a bigger legal dispute over tariff refund issues.
The appeals court's decision means the testimony is delayed for now.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A bill called the Block the Bombs Act aims to limit the U.S. from sending certain weapons to Israel. Support for this bill has grown from 21 to 73 Democratic members in the House, but it has not yet reached a majority or received a vote because Republican leaders are blocking it.
Key Facts
The Block the Bombs Act was introduced by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez in June 2025.
The bill seeks to restrict the shipment of heavy bombs and artillery ammunition from the U.S. to Israel.
Initially supported by 21 Democrats, the number of co-sponsors has increased to 73 within one year.
The bill challenges the long-standing bipartisan support for Israel in Congress.
Republican leaders in the House have blocked the bill from advancing to a vote.
Public opinion polls show declining U.S. support for sending weapons to Israel without restrictions.
Supporters say more lawmakers should follow voters’ views and reduce unconditional aid to Israel.
Critics argue U.S. resources should be invested more in domestic priorities like healthcare and housing rather than foreign military aid.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent poll by Quinnipiac University found that 57 percent of Americans think the U.S. democracy system is not working well. Meanwhile, 37 percent believe it is working, and 7 percent did not give an opinion.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by Quinnipiac University.
57% of Americans feel the democratic system in the U.S. is not functioning properly.
37% of Americans believe the democracy system is working.
7% of people surveyed did not express an opinion on the matter.
The survey reflects public opinion on how well democracy is working in the United States.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article explains the history and meaning of the song "This Land is Your Land." It shows how the song has inspired many Americans and is part of a series celebrating 250 years of American history and culture.
Key Facts
"This Land is Your Land" is a well-known American song.
The song has a story behind its creation and message.
It is highlighted in a series called "USA to Z."
The series marks 250 years of American history.
CBS Mornings shared this information about the song.
The song is seen as inspiring to many people in the United States.
The article is part of CBS News coverage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will open to the public on June 19, 2026. It is a nearly 20-acre museum and campus that highlights President Barack Obama’s life and presidency using digital exhibits, a replica of the Oval Office, and community spaces like a basketball court.
Key Facts
The Center is located on Chicago’s South Side and cost about $850 million to build.
It will be the first fully digital presidential museum with no physical papers on display.
Visitors can explore campaigns, key presidency moments, and life at the White House through high-tech and interactive exhibits.
A life-sized Oval Office replica allows visitors to sit behind the Resolute Desk and see personal items like Obama’s BlackBerry phone.
The museum includes spaces for reflection and encourages visitors to think about how they can make changes in their communities.
The campus also features a library, basketball court, and picnic area with grills.
The Center is expected to attract up to 1 million visitors each year.
The opening day, June 19, is also Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Six Republican senators joined Democrats to support a proposal that would stop the building of President Trump’s large White House ballroom unless Congress approves it. The plan would prevent the use of federal money or private funds for the project without Congress’s permission.
Key Facts
Six GOP senators voted with Democrats on the proposal.
The proposal was sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon.
The project involves building a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House.
The amendment requires Congress to authorize any new White House ballroom construction.
It forbids using federal funds or private money for the ballroom without Congress’s approval.
The proposal aims to give Congress sole control over the ballroom’s construction.
The vote shows some Republicans opposing President Trump’s ballroom plan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Six Democratic senators asked two tobacco companies for information about their contacts with President Donald Trump’s administration after the FDA relaxed rules on vaping products. The FDA recently approved marketing for four flavored vape items and gave new instructions that affect vaping regulations.
Key Facts
Six Democratic senators sent letters to two tobacco companies.
The letters requested details about the companies’ interactions with the Trump administration.
The inquiry follows the FDA’s decision to ease vape product restrictions.
The FDA recently approved marketing for four flavored vaping products.
The FDA also issued new guidance that changes how vaping products are regulated.
The senators want to understand the tobacco firms’ lobbying efforts during this policy change.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
John Bolton, who served as President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, is expected to plead guilty to one count related to mishandling classified documents. He will pay a $2.25 million fine and may avoid jail time, but the final sentence will be decided by a judge.
Key Facts
Bolton was indicted last year on 18 counts for improper handling of classified documents.
He will plead guilty to one count of retention of national defense information.
Bolton is expected to enter his plea on June 26 at a court hearing.
The charge could have led to up to 5 years in prison, but the plea deal recommends no jail time.
The classified documents involved included highly secret “diary-like” entries from Bolton’s time as national security advisor (April 2018 – September 2019).
Some documents were passed to relatives while Bolton was writing a book about his time in the Trump administration.
Bolton’s case differs from others involving Trump critics because he has admitted guilt and accepted responsibility.
The Department of Justice must approve the plea deal, and a judge will issue the final sentence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two former police officers, Christi Hill and another, have gone into hiding after being wrongly identified on social media as involved in the arrest of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. Bodycam footage shows Henry being handcuffed while saying he couldn't breathe, but Hill had left the police force over a year before the incident and the other officer was out of the country.
Key Facts
Christi Hill is a former police officer who has left the force more than a year before Henry Nowak’s arrest.
Another officer, PC Tristan Parsons, was not in the country during the arrest.
Social media users wrongly identified Hill and Parsons as the officers who arrested Henry Nowak.
Henry Nowak is an 18-year-old who was handcuffed by police while saying he couldn’t breathe.
Because of the mistaken identity and misinformation, Hill and another officer feel unsafe and have gone into hiding.
The bodycam footage of the arrest was released recently.
The misinformation spread on social media caused serious personal safety concerns for the officers wrongly named.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Steve Bannon, who advised President Trump in the White House, said he thinks the Republican Party will lose its control of the U.S. Senate in the midterm elections this fall. He said on his podcast that he has noticed less enthusiasm among Republican voters as the election approaches.
Key Facts
Steve Bannon was an adviser to President Trump in the White House.
Bannon made his prediction on his Thursday “WarRoom” podcast.
He expects the Republican Party to lose the Senate majority in the midterms.
The midterm elections will be held this November.
Bannon noted a drop in interest or excitement from Republican voters.
The Senate is one of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress.
Controlling the Senate gives a party more power to pass laws.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new study shows that wildfires have stopped the progress the US made in reducing ground-level ozone pollution since 2015. Wildfire smoke releases gases that increase ozone, harming air quality and causing hundreds of premature deaths every year.
Key Facts
Wildfires in the US have increased pollution that forms ground-level ozone, which harms health.
Before 2015, ground-level ozone levels were decreasing, but since then, they have started to rise again.
Wildfire smoke spreads far from where fires burn, affecting air quality hundreds of miles away.
The study links increased ozone from wildfires to about 318 premature deaths annually since 2013.
Monitoring data for ozone levels is limited, so researchers used satellite data and computer models to study the trend.
California has experienced deadly and destructive wildfires, including a fire in 2025 that killed 31 people and destroyed over 16,000 buildings.
Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles (PM2.5) that can enter lungs and blood, causing serious health problems.
Scientists say fighting climate change and preventing wildfires can improve air quality and public health.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
