The Kennedy Center board said it will not restore President Donald Trump’s name on the building before September 8, while legal battles continue. The name was removed following a court ruling that only Congress can rename the center, which is dedicated to President John F. Kennedy.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center board agreed not to take action on President Trump’s name before September 8.
President Trump’s name was added to the venue during his second term but removed after a federal judge’s order.
The center is officially a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and only Congress can change its name.
The board voted to add an inscription “restored and renovated by President Donald J Trump” and to name the plaza after him.
Joyce Beatty, a Democratic lawmaker on the board, sued over the illegal renaming.
The center is covered by scaffolding and tarps for roof repairs, partly protecting the area where Trump’s name was removed.
Lawyers for the board argue the covering is needed for safety and repair work, while opponents say it shows damage to historic marble.
The dispute is ongoing, with concerns about further legal violations if Trump’s name is re-added without congressional approval.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Florida and Alaska held primary elections on Tuesday that have important effects for national politics. CBS News reporters discussed the results and what they mean.
Key Facts
Florida and Alaska held primary elections on the same day.
These primaries influence the selection of candidates for national offices.
CBS News correspondents Zak Hudak and Anthony Salvanto analyzed the outcomes.
The results can impact upcoming general elections.
The coverage was available on CBS News and the CBS News app.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge in Texas was removed from a murder case involving 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of stabbing a fellow student to death. Anthony’s lawyers requested a new trial, arguing the judge showed bias and unfair courtroom rules during the trial.
Key Facts
Karmelo Anthony was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet.
The original judge, John Roach, was removed from the case after defense lawyers questioned his fairness and courtroom restrictions.
Roach had issued a gag order and banned electronics in the courtroom because of the trial’s high public profile.
Defense attorneys pointed to Roach’s public comments after the verdict as evidence of bias.
Prosecutors said the judge acted fairly and accused social media of trying to disrupt the trial.
Judge Sid Harle agreed to remove Roach and take over the case.
Anthony’s lawyers claim issues with the jury instructions, defense rights, and evidence in the trial.
A new hearing on Anthony’s request for a new trial is scheduled soon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US Department of Justice is prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey over an Instagram post showing seashells arranged as “86 47.” Prosecutors claim the post was a coded threat against President Donald Trump, while Comey’s lawyers deny this and say the numbers have other meanings and that the case is politically motivated.
Key Facts
The DOJ says Comey’s “86 47” post can be read as “Kill President Trump.”
“86” can mean “to get rid of” or “throw out,” and “47” refers to President Trump as the 47th president.
Comey’s lawyers say the phrase has been used in protests and merchandise with non-violent meanings.
Comey was charged with threatening the president and sending threats across state lines.
The post was linked to promoting Comey’s upcoming novel called *FDR Drive*.
Prosecutors argue that Comey’s explanation of finding the seashells by chance is doubtful.
Comey’s legal team accuses investigators of misleading judges and withholding information.
The case is seen as part of political tensions, with President Trump targeting opponents like Comey, who led investigations into Trump’s 2016 campaign.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Darline Graham had difficulty answering a question about U.S. national security interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea during a debate. She said national security is "not my thing" and admitted she was not well informed on the topic. This occurred shortly before a runoff election for her South Carolina Senate seat.
Key Facts
Sen. Darline Graham participated in a debate in South Carolina.
She was asked about U.S. national security interests involving Taiwan and the South China Sea.
These topics are important to both Democratic and Republican policies.
Graham struggled to answer the question clearly.
She said national security is "not my thing" and she lacks knowledge in that area.
She was appointed to the Senate seat last month.
The debate was held a week before a runoff election to keep her seat.
Graham is new to politics and is striving to hold onto her position.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Progressive candidates have won several Democratic primary races in states like New York, Colorado, Michigan, and Florida. These wins highlight a left-leaning movement within the Democratic Party focused on progressive issues, mainly in heavily Democratic areas, but their impact on controlling Congress may be limited.
Key Facts
Progressive candidates have won many Democratic primary contests this election cycle.
These candidates often come from deep-blue (strongly Democratic) districts.
Groups like the Democratic Socialists of America and Justice Democrats endorsed many of these winners.
About two-thirds of candidates backed by these groups won their primaries.
Three progressive candidates defeated sitting members of Congress.
Most of these winners will likely represent districts that are already safely Democratic.
Justice Democrats focus on liberal districts rather than moderate or swing districts.
Their policy priorities include healthcare, workers’ rights, and U.S. foreign policy questions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order aiming to deny U.S. citizenship to children born through commercial surrogacy in the United States if neither parent is a U.S. citizen. This order could affect many international parents who use surrogacy in the U.S., a popular destination due to strong legal and medical protections. The order is being challenged in court and may face legal difficulties similar to a recent Supreme Court ruling rejecting a broader citizenship restriction.
Key Facts
President Trump’s order was issued on August 6 and targets birthright citizenship in certain surrogacy cases.
It denies citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents who are not U.S. citizens and who use commercial surrogacy.
About 30% of U.S. surrogacy births involve parents from other countries.
The order follows a June Supreme Court decision that struck down a wider attempt to limit birthright citizenship.
The White House says the order aims to stop “birth tourism,” where people come to the U.S. to secure citizenship for their child.
Implementing the order may be complicated because birth certificates do not indicate if a surrogate was involved.
Many international parents choose U.S. surrogacy for legal protections, medical care, and secure parental rights, not just citizenship.
If the order fails, some U.S. states might restrict or ban surrogacy services for foreign parents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new poll shows Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed leading Republican Mike Rogers by 7 points in Michigan’s Senate race. The poll indicates El-Sayed is gaining support from Democratic voters after a competitive primary.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
Mike Rogers is the Republican nominee for the same seat.
A recent poll shows El-Sayed with 46% support among likely voters.
Rogers has 39% support in the same poll.
The race is closely watched and considered competitive.
El-Sayed appears to be uniting Democratic voters after a tough primary contest.
The poll was conducted by Susquehanna Polling.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Kennedy Center board voted to close the building for two years to complete a $285 million renovation mostly funded by Congress. The board also voted to add President Donald Trump’s name back onto the building in multiple places as part of recognizing his fundraising efforts for the center.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center will close for two years for renovations costing $285 million.
Congress has allocated $256.7 million to help pay for the repairs.
An alternative plan called for partial closures over four years and would cost about $560 million.
The two-year closure plan was preferred because it is cheaper and safer according to consultants.
During closure, events will move to smaller nearby locations and offsite venues.
The Kennedy Center board, mostly appointed by President Trump, voted 23-3 for the closure and renaming.
The board voted to add President Trump’s name back on the building twice, including naming an outdoor space “The President Donald J. Trump Plaza.”
A special endowment fund must raise $100 million before a line will be added crediting Trump on the center’s building.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge appointed by President Obama ordered independent monitors to oversee conditions at immigrant family detention centers, especially in Dilley, Texas. The judge cited past and current problems with how children are treated in these centers, despite fewer migrant families arriving at the border.
Key Facts
Judge Dolly M. Gee ordered independent oversight of ICE family detention centers.
The decision focuses on a center in Dilley, Texas, due to concerns about conditions.
Two monitors were appointed: a former city attorney and a pediatrician.
Monitors will inspect facilities, review records, interview detainees, and report to the court quarterly.
The order is based on the Flores Settlement Agreement, which sets rules for treating immigrant children safely and fairly.
There have been complaints about long detention times, poor conditions like cold and bad lighting, and limited hygiene access.
The judge said this is not a punishment but a step to ensure the government follows court orders.
DHS responded by defending its staff and said detainees receive meals, hygiene items, and phone access.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Darline Graham was asked a question about Taiwan but appeared unprepared to answer it. She has no background in government or foreign policy, only a family connection to someone who worked in Congress.
Key Facts
Darline Graham was questioned about Taiwan.
She did not give a clear or informed response.
She has no experience working in government.
She has no experience in foreign policy.
Her only connection to politics is a relative who worked in Congress.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced he chose Dr. Heidi Overton as the new commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Overton currently works as a top health policy adviser in the White House. She will lead the FDA if the Senate confirms her appointment.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump named Dr. Heidi Overton as FDA commissioner.
Dr. Overton is a physician and senior White House health policy adviser.
The announcement was made on President Trump's social media platform, Truth Social.
The FDA has recently experienced many top staff leaving.
Dr. Overton would lead the FDA after Senate confirmation.
The FDA is responsible for regulating food, drugs, and medical products in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Darline Graham, recently appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, admitted she is "not that informed on national security" during a South Carolina GOP debate. Her lack of experience has drawn criticism from opponents and commentators as she prepares for the Republican runoff election.
Key Facts
Darline Graham has served as senator for six weeks after being appointed following her brother Lindsey Graham’s death.
At a GOP debate, she struggled to answer a question about Taiwan and the South China Sea.
She stated she supports the military but admitted limited knowledge on national security issues.
GOP opponent Ralph Norman criticized her as an "unknown candidate."
Critics say national security expertise is important for a U.S. senator, especially during wartime.
Graham supports bans on China-related matters such as AI and farmland.
She is backed by President Donald Trump.
The Republican runoff election is scheduled for August 25th.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States has reported more than 15,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by a parasite. Some cases are linked to a lettuce outbreak, but not all.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora.
Over 15,000 cases have been reported in the U.S.
Many cases are connected to eating contaminated lettuce.
Some cases have no link to the lettuce outbreak.
The report identifies certain states as being hit harder than others.
Health officials are tracking and investigating the outbreak.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Only three Black men have been elected governor in U.S. history, all Democrats, including the current Maryland Governor Wes Moore. In the upcoming November election, there will be eight major party Black candidates running for governor, from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Key Facts
In 250 years, only three Black men have been elected governor in the U.S.
All three Black governors have been Democrats.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is one of these three.
Eight Black candidates from major political parties will be on the governor ballot this November.
These candidates include men and women from both Democratic and Republican parties.
Florida Republicans nominated U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds as a governor candidate.
Wes Moore is the current chair of the National Governors Association.
Moore says his election reflects ongoing challenges in racial equality in the country.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has decided to put strict limits on building new data centers in the state. These new rules will make it very hard to construct more data centers in Pennsylvania.
Key Facts
Governor Josh Shapiro is leading the decision to restrict data center construction.
New rules will limit how many new data centers can be built.
These restrictions come from progressive political pressure.
The regulations aim to control growth in the data center industry.
The changes could slow down the growth of technology infrastructure in Pennsylvania.
Data centers are facilities that store and manage large amounts of digital information.
The restrictions may affect jobs and investment linked to data centers in the state.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. Air Force C-17 plane flying to Antarctica turned back after receiving a warning about dangerous activity in space. The plane left Christchurch, New Zealand, but returned less than three hours later for safety reasons.
Key Facts
The plane was a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster with callsign ICE28.
It took off around 9:00 a.m. local time from Christchurch, New Zealand.
The flight was headed to Antarctica.
A warning called a "Notice to Airmen" was issued about potentially dangerous space activity.
Due to the warning, the plane returned to Christchurch less than three hours after takeoff.
The exact nature of the space threat involved a Russian missile.
The U.S. military prioritized safety and decided not to continue the mission.
Officials have not reported any damage or further incidents after the plane’s return.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. border agents found endangered reptiles hidden in a car at the Mexico border after noticing a moving pillowcase. Georgina Bribiesca Chavez was arrested on wildlife trafficking charges for allegedly smuggling exotic reptiles with a partner who was also charged.
Key Facts
Chavez was stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border for an outstanding arrest warrant and then taken into custody.
Border agents found a hidden compartment in her car with pillowcases tied and taped shut.
One pillowcase moved, leading agents to call the San Diego Zoo to check the animals inside.
Inside were 60 abronia lizards, 4 venomous palm pit vipers, 3 caimans, a baby crocodile, and an indigo snake.
Several of the reptiles are endangered or protected by international laws.
Three caimans died before getting care; the rest were kept stable at the zoo.
Chavez and her alleged partner, Salvador Pelayo, began smuggling reptiles in 2023 to sell them for profit.
Both Chavez and Pelayo have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump praised the defeat of Alex Vindman in the Florida Senate Democratic primary. He called Vindman a "treasonous creep" and criticized Vindman's opponent, Florida state Representative Angie Nixon.
Key Facts
Alex Vindman lost in the Senate Democratic primary in Florida.
President Trump described Vindman negatively on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump referred to Vindman as a "treasonous creep."
Vindman’s opponent in the primary was Angie Nixon, a Florida state Representative.
Trump also criticized Angie Nixon, calling her a "Radical Left Lunatic."
The event took place during the 2024 election cycle.
The dispute involves political figures connected to Florida and the U.S. Senate elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new poll shows Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leading Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Democrat Gary Peters. The poll, done by TechnoMetrica Institute of Policy and Politics (TIPP), found El-Sayed with 45% support and Rogers with 42%, reflecting a close contest ahead of the November election.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, has a narrow lead over Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race.
The poll was conducted by TIPP, a polling firm known for its accuracy in past elections.
The survey had 1,528 registered Michigan voters and shows El-Sayed at 45% and Rogers at 42%.
About 7% of voters would choose a different candidate, and 6% are undecided.
Michigan has a history of close and unpredictable elections, making this race highly competitive.
The Senate seat is open because Democrat Gary Peters is retiring.
El-Sayed recently won the Democratic primary, defeating Haley Stevens, a candidate supported by party leaders.
The poll was done from August 6 to 10 and has a margin of error of 2.6 percentage points.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
