Scott Pelley, a longtime journalist for the TV program 60 Minutes, was fired after a conflict with new leadership. Pelley said the new management wanted him to include false information and bias, while the new editor-in-chief said the team needed trust and respect to work well together.
Key Facts
Scott Pelley was fired from 60 Minutes after a meeting with new executive producer Nick Bilton.
Bilton said Pelley’s negative attitude toward the future of the show led to his immediate termination.
Pelley claimed management asked him to add falsehoods and bias to a politically sensitive story, prompting his departure.
New CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss said trust was broken, and attempts to resolve issues with Pelley failed.
Several other 60 Minutes reporters and producers were also recently fired or left amid concerns about political bias.
Some journalists expressed worry that editorial independence at CBS is being reduced and fear of censorship is growing.
This series of changes comes after Bari Weiss’s appointment as editor-in-chief and a recent merger involving CBS’s parent company.
The controversy involves accusations that critical stories about the Trump administration’s immigration policies were delayed or altered.
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Senator Marco Rubio stated during a congressional hearing that the war in Iran has ended. Representative Sara Jacobs questioned him about the war and who won based on his comments.
Key Facts
Senator Marco Rubio spoke before lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Rubio claimed that the war in Iran is over.
California Representative Sara Jacobs asked Rubio about the war and the outcome.
The discussion took place during an official testimony.
The news was covered by CBS News.
The exact details of the war or conflict involving Iran were not detailed in the article excerpt.
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Senate Republicans removed a proposal to allocate up to $1 billion for security upgrades to a large White House ballroom from a budget bill. They agreed to take this money out before the Memorial Day break.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans initially included up to $1 billion for security upgrades to a White House ballroom.
The ballroom in question is 90,000 square feet in size.
This funding was part of a revised budget reconciliation bill.
Before Memorial Day recess, Senate Republicans decided to remove this funding from the bill.
The ballroom is associated with President Donald Trump’s White House.
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The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday with many events, including a long state fair, a fireworks show, and a UFC fight at the White House lawn. Some events are organized by a group created by President Donald Trump, which has caused some artists to cancel performances and raised questions about politics in the celebrations.
Key Facts
The 250th birthday events include a 16-day State Fair on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10.
All 56 US states and territories will be part of the State Fair exposition.
Some singers canceled their shows after learning about the event’s connection to President Trump’s group, Freedom 250.
President Trump suggested replacing the concerts with a "Make America Great Again" rally.
A UFC fight is planned for June 14 on the White House South Lawn, coinciding with President Trump’s 80th birthday.
The UFC fight is organized by Freedom 250 but paid for by the UFC company.
A 40-minute fireworks show on July 4 in Washington will feature over 860,000 fireworks, much larger than a typical display.
Celebrations will take place nationwide, including a ball drop in Times Square on July 4.
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The Trump administration has proposed new tariffs of up to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 countries due to concerns that they do not adequately prevent goods made with forced labor. Some affected trading partners, including the European Union, have rejected these claims and called the tariffs unjustified. The U.S. Trade Representative opened a public comment period ahead of the potential tariff imposition.
Key Facts
The U.S. plans tariffs up to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries accused of not stopping forced labor goods.
The tariffs follow a legal review under Section 301, a U.S. law addressing unfair trade practices.
A previous set of Trump administration tariffs was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in February.
Countries like Canada, the EU, Mexico, and others may face 10% tariffs, while China, India, and others face 12.5%.
The EU criticized the U.S. investigation as "utterly absurd" and said their own laws ban forced labor goods.
The USTR will accept public comments until July 6, with a hearing on July 7.
The action supports President Trump’s goal to protect American workers from unfair global competition.
The new tariffs come before a previous temporary 10% tariff expires on July 24.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is reviewing contracts signed by his predecessor Kristi Noem that might involve her allies. He told a House committee he will provide a list of any contracts that have been canceled.
Key Facts
Markwayne Mullin is the current Homeland Security Secretary.
He is examining contracts made during Kristi Noem’s time in the position.
Some contracts might have connections to Kristi Noem’s allies.
Mullin spoke about this during a House panel hearing.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, asked questions about these contracts.
Mullin promised to share a list of contracts that were canceled or rejected.
Kristi Noem was Mullin’s predecessor in the Homeland Security role.
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The Trump administration reduced funding and resources for public health, which weakened the U.S. ability to respond to the Ebola outbreak. Experts say Congress needs to take specific actions to rebuild the country’s capacity to handle such health emergencies and protect people’s lives.
Key Facts
The Trump administration cut funding for public health programs.
These cuts have damaged the U.S. ability to control Ebola outbreaks.
The current Ebola outbreak shows the effects of reduced public health resources.
Congress is urged to take immediate action to improve outbreak response.
Restoring outbreak control is crucial to save lives.
Experts have outlined six key steps Congress should follow.
Strong public health infrastructure is important to manage infectious diseases.
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A new Gallup poll shows that support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. has dropped to 65 percent, down from a recent high of 71 percent. This marks the first decline in years after steady growth since 1996, with decreases seen across political groups, especially among Republicans.
Key Facts
Support for legal same-sex marriage fell from 71% in 2022-2023 to 65% in 2026.
The poll shows 62% of Americans now say gay and lesbian relationships are morally acceptable, the lowest since 2016.
Declines in support occurred among Democrats, independents, and Republicans, with Republicans dropping sharply to about 37% support.
Democrats still show strong support at 87%, with only a slight decrease recently.
The survey was conducted in May 2026 with over 1,000 U.S. adults.
The decline interrupts more than 20 years of growth in acceptance of same-sex marriage.
Experts say some people may be less willing to express their views publicly due to political or social pressures.
Reduced LGBTQ representation in media may also influence public attitudes.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating on how he handles inflation has dropped sharply according to three recent polls. Inflation remains a top concern for voters, and these low ratings could cause problems for Trump and the Republican Party in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Three polls from Marquette Law School, The Harris Poll and HarrisX, and The Economist/YouGov show Trump's net approval on inflation at -56, -30, and -48 respectively.
The Economist/YouGov poll found only 24% approve and 72% disapprove of Trump's handling of inflation.
Inflation is a key issue for voters and is seen as important ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Gas prices have risen due to a conflict involving Iran, and grocery prices remain high despite some slowing of inflation.
The U.S. Consumer Price Index showed prices rose 0.6% in April, pushing annual inflation to 3.8%, the fastest during Trump’s terms.
Polls also show Trump’s overall approval ratings are negative, with net approval scores ranging from -10 to -26 in these surveys.
A CNN poll in May found 66% disapprove of Trump’s overall performance, the highest in his two terms.
White House spokesperson stated President Trump was working on jobs, inflation, and housing affordability, highlighting achievements.
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California State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is likely to replace Representative Julia Brownley in the U.S. House of Representatives. Irwin secured one of the top two positions in the primary election for California’s 26th Congressional District and will advance to the November general election.
Key Facts
Jacqui Irwin is currently a member of the California State Assembly.
Julia Brownley, the current representative for California’s 26th Congressional District, is leaving her seat.
Decision Desk HQ reports Irwin has about 40% of the vote in the primary election.
Irwin is one of the top two candidates moving on to the November election.
The November election will decide who fills Brownley’s vacated seat.
The race is for California’s 26th Congressional District.
Both Irwin and Brownley are members of the Democratic Party.
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During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Representative Ted Lieu questioned Senator Marco Rubio about President Donald Trump’s health. Lieu showed videos that seemed to show President Trump sleeping during meetings and raised concerns about his mental and physical condition.
Key Facts
Representative Ted Lieu asked Senator Marco Rubio questions about President Trump’s health.
Lieu showed video clips where President Trump appeared to be asleep during meetings.
The discussion took place at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.
Lieu mentioned President Trump’s repeated medical visits.
The exchange focused on concerns about President Trump’s mental alertness and physical health.
Senator Rubio was challenged to respond to these concerns in the hearing.
The event was covered by CBS News.
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A large severe weather system is moving across the central United States, threatening over 25 million people with damaging storms, large hail, flash flooding, and possible tornadoes. The storms will continue to shift eastward through the Plains and Midwest over several days, potentially disrupting travel and daily activities.
Key Facts
More than 25 million people are at risk from severe storms in the central U.S.
The storms include threats like large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, and isolated tornadoes.
The weather system is driven by a dip in the jet stream, warm air, and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
The highest risk area extends from New Mexico and Texas through the Dakotas.
Severe weather is expected to move east into states like Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri.
Past days have seen golf ball-sized hail in places like Denver, Colorado.
Weather forecasts warn of repeated rounds of storms over several days.
Officials advise people to stay alert, seek shelter indoors, avoid flooded roads, and monitor weather updates.
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In April, layoffs decreased and job openings increased in the United States overall, but some job sectors still face higher than average layoffs. Industries like construction and transportation have more layoffs due to seasonal changes, higher costs, and shifting demand, even though many jobs remain available.
Key Facts
Layoffs in the U.S. have stayed steady this year, with more people quitting jobs than being laid off.
The construction industry has a 1.5% layoff rate, above the national average of 1.1%.
Construction jobs are often seasonal and sensitive to changes in the housing market and material prices.
Alaska, Mississippi, and New Jersey saw the biggest job losses in construction.
The transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector has a 1.8% layoff rate, higher than average.
This sector grew during the pandemic due to online shopping but is now adjusting staffing as demand normalizes.
Many jobs in these sectors require little training, making it easier for companies to hire or lay off workers quickly.
Despite layoffs, job openings in these industries increased in April compared to March.
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Actor Shia LaBeouf pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery for hitting three men during a February incident at a New Orleans bar. He was sentenced to probation, alcohol rehabilitation, sensitivity training, and anger management classes.
Key Facts
LaBeouf was arrested after punching two men and head-butting a third at a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras.
The victims included at least one person identifying as queer and another who dresses in drag.
LaBeouf used homophobic slurs during the incident, which was recorded on video.
He pleaded guilty to battery charges on May 21 and accepted responsibility in court.
His sentence includes two years probation, substance abuse treatment, anger management, and sensitivity training.
LaBeouf was required to post a $105,000 bond after his arrest and was briefly jailed.
His attorney said the incident was a minor bar fight, not motivated by bias.
LaBeouf has a prior history of legal issues related to public disturbances and rehab for substance abuse.
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Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner says his campaign is strong despite a recent sexting scandal. He points to good fundraising and strong poll numbers to show he can still win the Senate race in Maine against Senator Susan Collins.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
Platner is a newcomer in politics and speaks plainly.
He recently faced a sexting scandal that caused negative news coverage.
A new poll shows that about one-quarter of President Trump's loyal supporters do not want his face on a proposed $250 bill. The bill idea is part of a plan to honor America's 250th anniversary, but there are legal limits on who can appear on U.S. currency and what bill sizes exist.
Key Facts
About 26% of President Trump's MAGA supporters oppose putting his face on a $250 bill.
Around 48% of MAGA supporters approve of the plan, and 26% are unsure.
Among all Republicans, 35% oppose the idea, 40% approve, and 24% are unsure.
A congressional ally of President Trump has proposed a $250 commemorative note to mark the U.S. 250th anniversary.
Current law bans showing living people on U.S. currency and defines currency in only certain amounts, not including $250.
Treasury officials requested images of the $250 bill as preparation if Congress changes the rules.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department will follow the law and not make the bill without congressional approval.
The poll surveyed 1,604 U.S. adults with a margin of error of ±3.5% during May 29 - June 1.
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President Donald Trump said he plans to make Todd Blanche the permanent attorney general but did not say when he would officially nominate him. Trump praised Blanche’s performance as the acting attorney general during a recent interview.
Key Facts
President Trump indicated Todd Blanche may become the permanent attorney general.
Blanche is currently serving as the acting attorney general.
Trump described Blanche as very talented and doing a good job at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
No official timeline was given for when Blanche might be nominated.
Trump made these comments during an interview on a show called “Pod Force One.”
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Some privacy-focused Republicans in the House disagree with a Senate plan that links a temporary stop on making a digital dollar (CBDC) with a long extension of government spying without warrants. Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley support extending these surveillance powers while discussing the digital currency ban.
Key Facts
Privacy-minded conservatives in the House oppose a Senate proposal.
The proposal combines a 3-year ban on central bank digital currency (CBDC) creation with extended government surveillance powers.
CBDC is a digital form of the U.S. dollar controlled by the central bank.
The government’s warrantless spying means surveillance without a judge’s approval.
Sen. Tom Cotton leads the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Sen. Chuck Grassley is the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The opposition concerns privacy and government overreach.
The issue reflects a conflict between digital currency regulation and civil liberties.
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President Trump said that Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be a strong team if they ran together in the 2028 presidential election. He mentioned this during an interview but did not say who he wants to succeed him as president.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested a joint ticket with Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for 2028.
He praised both Vance and Rubio in an interview with The New York Post’s podcast “Pod Force One.”
Trump did not clearly say whom he prefers as his successor.
The comment came during a recent podcast episode released on Wednesday.
The suggested team is from the Republican Party.
No official campaign announcements have been made by either Vance or Rubio yet.
This discussion relates to the U.S. presidential election scheduled for 2028.
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Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats for saying that President Donald Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence might threaten the renewal of spying powers. These spying powers, which let the government watch foreign communications, are set to expire soon.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte was appointed by President Trump as acting director of national intelligence.
The government has special spying powers called FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) that need renewal next week.
Democrats warned that Pulte’s appointment could risk the renewal of these spying powers.
Speaker Mike Johnson called the Democrats’ warnings “absolutely outrageous.”
Johnson accused Democrats of using this issue for political purposes.
The spying powers allow the government to monitor foreign communications for security reasons.
The renewal of these powers is important for ongoing intelligence and national security operations.
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