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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

‘Jilly, I had no choice’: Jill Biden recalls pressure Joe Biden faced to drop out of 2024 race

‘Jilly, I had no choice’: Jill Biden recalls pressure Joe Biden faced to drop out of 2024 race

Summary

Jill Biden spoke about the pressure President Donald Biden faced after a poor debate performance in 2024, which led him to leave the presidential race. She also shared personal moments from their lives, including concerns about his health and their son Hunter Biden's battle with addiction.

Key Facts

  • Jill Biden said President Biden felt he had no choice but to drop out of the 2024 presidential race after a bad debate.
  • The debate performance raised worries among Democrats and caused some to publicly criticize him.
  • Jill Biden attended a book event in New York where she discussed these events and her new memoir.
  • She said she supported President Biden whether he stayed in or left the race but said the decision was his alone.
  • After the debate, Jill Biden feared President Biden might be having a stroke due to his confusing statements.
  • President Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May 2025, which has spread to his bones.
  • Jill Biden openly discussed their son Hunter Biden’s past struggles with drug addiction and acknowledged many families face similar challenges.
  • Hunter Biden celebrated seven years of sobriety on social media in 2024.
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Haaland wins Democratic primary in New Mexico’s governor race

Haaland wins Democratic primary in New Mexico’s governor race

Summary

Deb Haaland, the former Interior Secretary, is expected to win the Democratic primary to become New Mexico’s next governor. She served under President Biden and worked on protecting public lands and investigating harm to Native American children in government programs.

Key Facts

  • Deb Haaland is a Democrat and former U.S. Interior Secretary.
  • She is projected to win the Democratic primary for New Mexico governor.
  • The current governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, is not running again.
  • Haaland worked under President Biden’s administration.
  • She supported conservation of public lands.
  • Haaland led a federal investigation into abuse of Native American children in government boarding schools.
  • This is her bid to succeed the New Mexico governor’s seat.
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Iowa primary elections: Josh Turek to face Ashley Hinson for US Senate seat

Iowa primary elections: Josh Turek to face Ashley Hinson for US Senate seat

Summary

Iowa held primary elections to choose candidates for key races ahead of the November midterms. Josh Turek won the Democratic nomination for the US Senate seat and will run against Republican Ashley Hinson, who has President Trump’s endorsement.

Key Facts

  • Iowa voters chose candidates in primary elections on Tuesday.
  • Josh Turek won the Democratic primary for the US Senate seat.
  • Turek is a state house representative from a conservative area in western Iowa.
  • He defeated Zach Wahls, a state senator from a liberal area in eastern Iowa.
  • Turek received over $5 million in outside spending from a group called VoteVets.
  • Zach Wahls criticized Turek for being backed by party leaders like Chuck Schumer.
  • Ashley Hinson, a Republican US representative, won her primary and is endorsed by President Donald Trump.
  • The US Senate seat is open because Republican Joni Ernst is retiring.
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Democrat Christina Bohannan to take on Iowa GOP Rep. Miller-Meeks for third time

Democrat Christina Bohannan to take on Iowa GOP Rep. Miller-Meeks for third time

Summary

Christina Bohannan won the Democratic primary in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, setting up her third race against Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the November election. This district has had very close races in recent years, with Miller-Meeks currently holding the seat by narrow margins.

Key Facts

  • Christina Bohannan is a University of Iowa law professor and former state representative.
  • Bohannan defeated Travis Terrell, a healthcare worker, in the Democratic primary.
  • The district covers the southeastern part of Iowa and is known for tight election results.
  • Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks won her first term in 2021 by just six votes.
  • Miller-Meeks beat Bohannan by about 20,000 votes in 2022 but won by less than 800 votes in 2024.
  • Both candidates have similar amounts of campaign money according to recent federal data.
  • Republicans currently hold all four Iowa House seats, both Senate seats, and the governor’s office.
  • Democrats hope issues like gas prices, the war in Iran, and trade tariffs will help them win more seats.
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Miller-Meeks, Bohannan set for House rematch in Iowa

Miller-Meeks, Bohannan set for House rematch in Iowa

Summary

Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democrat Christina Bohannan will compete again for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District seat in the November election. Both candidates won their party primaries easily on Tuesday.

Key Facts

  • Mariannette Miller-Meeks is the current Republican representative for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District.
  • Christina Bohannan is a Democrat and a former member of the Iowa House.
  • Both candidates won their primary races against David Pautsch (Republican) and Travis Terrell (Democrat).
  • The November election will be the third time Miller-Meeks and Bohannan compete against each other.
  • The source for the election projections is Decision Desk HQ.
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Iowa Senate race set between Democrat Josh Turek, Republican Ashley Hinson

Iowa Senate race set between Democrat Josh Turek, Republican Ashley Hinson

Summary

Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek won their primaries and will compete in the November Senate race in Iowa. They aim to replace Senator Joni Ernst, who is not running again. Hinson is endorsed by President Trump, while Turek is promoted as a moderate Democrat in a state that leans Republican.

Key Facts

  • Ashley Hinson, a Republican and U.S. House member since 2021, won the GOP primary for U.S. Senate in Iowa.
  • Josh Turek, a Democratic state representative and former Paralympian, won the Democratic primary.
  • The seat is open because Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican, decided not to run for reelection.
  • President Trump endorsed Ashley Hinson, making her the leading GOP candidate.
  • Turek focuses on economic issues and on winning in a mostly conservative state.
  • Iowa has not elected a Democratic senator since 2008 and supported President Trump by 13 points in 2024.
  • Political groups are spending millions on ads for the race; Republicans have reserved $29 million, Democrats $13.4 million.
  • The race is rated likely Republican but could become more competitive if Turek gains momentum.
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60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley fired by CBS News after clash

60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley fired by CBS News after clash

Summary

Scott Pelley, a longtime correspondent for the CBS News program 60 Minutes, was fired after a heated meeting with new management. The network recently made major staff cuts to the show, including other correspondents and producers, causing significant changes ahead of the new season.

Key Facts

  • Scott Pelley worked on 60 Minutes since 2004 and joined CBS News in 1989.
  • CBS News fired several key 60 Minutes staff members last week without giving clear reasons.
  • Pelley clashed with the new executive editor Nick Bilton and criticized opinion editor Bari Weiss during a meeting.
  • After attempts to talk with Pelley failed, Bilton terminated him "for cause" immediately.
  • Pelley publicly praised former colleagues who were let go and expressed disappointment about current leadership.
  • With Pelley and other departures, 60 Minutes now has three full-time correspondents left before its 59th season.
  • The network plans to use more correspondents from other CBS News programs in the future.
  • Anderson Cooper also announced he is leaving 60 Minutes earlier this year.
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Josh Turek's Chances of Beating Ashley Hinson, According to Polls

Josh Turek's Chances of Beating Ashley Hinson, According to Polls

Summary

Josh Turek won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Iowa and will face Republican Ashley Hinson in the general election. Polls show a close race in a state that usually votes Republican, with experts saying Democrats now have a better chance than before to win this Senate seat.

Key Facts

  • Josh Turek is a two-term Iowa state representative and a Paralympic gold medalist.
  • He won the Democratic primary with 64 percent of the vote.
  • Ashley Hinson won the Republican primary with 76 percent of the vote.
  • Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is retiring, leaving an open Senate seat.
  • Polls from Echelon Insights and GBAO show Turek slightly ahead by one point.
  • Prediction markets give Republicans about a 60% chance to win and Democrats about 40%.
  • The Cook Political Report changed the race rating from "likely Republican" to "lean Republican."
  • Turek’s campaign focuses on appealing to independent voters and some Republicans by addressing economic issues.
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Hinson, Turek set to vie for Ernst Senate seat in Iowa

Hinson, Turek set to vie for Ernst Senate seat in Iowa

Summary

Rep. Ashley Hinson (Republican) and state Rep. Josh Turek (Democrat) are expected to compete for the Iowa Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst this fall. Hinson won the Republican nomination by beating Jim Carlin, while Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, won the Democratic nomination.

Key Facts

  • Sen. Joni Ernst (Republican) is retiring from her Senate seat in Iowa.
  • Rep. Ashley Hinson, a Republican from northeastern Iowa, won her party’s nomination.
  • Hinson defeated former state Rep. Jim Carlin for the Republican nomination.
  • Josh Turek, a Democrat and two-time Paralympic gold medalist, won the Democratic nomination.
  • The election for the Senate seat will take place this fall.
  • Ashley Hinson has been a member of Congress since 2021.
  • The seat is important because it was previously held by a Republican senator.
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Watch: Blanche refuses to put end of "anti-weaponization" fund in writing

Watch: Blanche refuses to put end of "anti-weaponization" fund in writing

Summary

During a House hearing, Representative Grace Meng asked Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about the Justice Department’s "anti-weaponization" fund. Blanche said the department would not continue with the fund but refused to give a written promise about ending it.

Key Facts

  • The topic was the Justice Department’s "anti-weaponization" fund.
  • The hearing took place in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Rep. Grace Meng questioned Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
  • Blanche confirmed the department was stopping the fund.
  • Blanche did not agree to write down the promise to end the fund.
  • The fund was related to preventing misuse of government resources for political aims.
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California primary vote count could take days or even weeks — Here’s why

California primary vote count could take days or even weeks — Here’s why

Summary

California voters cast their ballots on Election Day, but the final results for races across the state may take days or weeks to be announced. This delay happens because mail-in ballots are accepted if they are postmarked by Election Day and arrive up to two weeks later.

Key Facts

  • Election Day in California is on a Tuesday.
  • Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to count.
  • Mail-in ballots can arrive up to June 9 and still be counted.
  • This means election officials continue counting ballots for several days after Election Day.
  • The process applies to races throughout the state.
  • Voters can also return ballots in person before or on Election Day.
  • The late arrival of mail-in ballots can slow the vote counting process.
  • Final race results may take a long time because of these rules.
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Supreme Court lets Alabama use House map that favors GOP in midterms

Supreme Court lets Alabama use House map that favors GOP in midterms

Summary

The Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map drawn by Republicans in 2023, despite a lower court ruling that the map discriminated against Black voters. This map favors Republicans by creating one majority-Black district out of seven, likely increasing GOP seats in the 2024 midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court paused a lower court's decision that blocked Alabama’s 2023 congressional map for midterms.
  • The 2023 map has only one majority-Black district out of seven total districts.
  • The lower court ruled the map intentionally reduced Black voters’ influence, violating voting rights laws.
  • The previous map used for 2024 elections had two majority-Black districts, with five Republicans and two Democrats likely to win.
  • Under the new 2023 map, Republicans are likely to win six seats and Democrats one.
  • Alabama GOP argued the map aimed to help Republicans and keep the Gulf Coast region united in one district.
  • The Trump administration supported Alabama’s effort, stating courts should not interfere with state-drawn maps.
  • Voting rights groups, including the NAACP and ACLU, opposed the map, arguing it dilutes Black voting power and creates confusion before elections.
  • This case relates to a recent Supreme Court decision that weakened protections under the Voting Rights Act for majority-Black districts.
  • Alabama's redistricting battle follows the 2020 Census and includes legal challenges over race and voting rights.
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Supreme Court clears way for Alabama Republicans to use congressional map for midterms

Supreme Court clears way for Alabama Republicans to use congressional map for midterms

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama Republicans to use a new congressional map that removes the state's second majority-Black district for the upcoming midterm elections. The decision, which was a 6-3 vote, overturned a lower court's block on the map.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Alabama Republicans on Tuesday.
  • The ruling lifts a block on the state's new congressional district map.
  • The new map removes Alabama’s second majority-Black district.
  • This change gives Republicans a better chance to win that district.
  • The vote on the Supreme Court was 6 to 3.
  • Alabama officials criticized the lower court for delaying the use of the map.
  • The new map will be used for the 2024 midterm elections.
  • The case involves issues of voting rights and district boundaries.
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Supreme court approves Alabama map that erases majority-Black district

Supreme court approves Alabama map that erases majority-Black district

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Alabama can use a new congressional map that removes one of the state’s two majority-Black voting districts in the upcoming midterm elections. This decision comes after years of legal fights over whether Alabama’s voting maps discriminate against Black voters.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court allowed Alabama’s redrawn map, which eliminates one majority-Black district.
  • The decision was made in a 6-3 vote on Tuesday.
  • Alabama originally had two majority-Black districts after the 2020 census but made a plan with only one.
  • Black voters sued, claiming the map violated the Voting Rights Act by reducing their voting power.
  • A lower court ordered Alabama to have two majority-Black districts, and a special map with two such districts was used in the 2024 election.
  • After a Supreme Court ruling made it harder to prove racial discrimination in voting cases, Alabama tried to switch back to the map with one majority-Black district.
  • A three-judge panel blocked Alabama’s attempt, calling the 2023 map discriminatory before the Supreme Court’s latest ruling allowed it.
  • The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a major change in how voting district laws are handled with regard to race.
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Nunn, Trone Garrett to face off in Iowa House election

Nunn, Trone Garrett to face off in Iowa House election

Summary

Republican Representative Zach Nunn and Democratic State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott will compete in the November election for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. Both candidates ran without any opposition in their party primaries.

Key Facts

  • Zach Nunn is the current Republican U.S. Representative for Iowa’s 3rd District.
  • Sarah Trone Garriott is a Democratic State Senator from Iowa.
  • Both Nunn and Trone Garriott did not face any challengers in their party primaries.
  • The election will take place in November.
  • Zach Nunn serves in the Iowa Air National Guard.
  • Nunn has previously served in the Iowa House of Representatives.
  • The contest is for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Decision Desk HQ made the projection of this matchup.
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Iowa 2026 live primary election results

Iowa 2026 live primary election results

Summary

Voters in Iowa took part in primary elections on June 2, 2026. They voted for candidates for governor, the U.S. Senate, and the House of Representatives. Polls have now closed, and live election results are available.

Key Facts

  • The primary elections in Iowa were held on June 2, 2026.
  • Elections included races for governor, U.S. Senate, and House seats.
  • Polling stations closed on the evening of June 2.
  • Live updates on the results were provided.
  • The event is part of the broader U.S. midterm election process.
  • Other states, such as South Dakota, California, and Montana, also held primaries around the same time.
  • The White House correspondents' dinner was rescheduled for July 24, 2026.
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GOP Rep Kean to face Bennett as Dems seek to oust absent GOP N.J. incumbent

GOP Rep Kean to face Bennett as Dems seek to oust absent GOP N.J. incumbent

Summary

Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District and will run against Republican Tom Kean Jr. Kean has been absent from Congress for almost three months due to a personal medical issue, and the district is seen as a key battleground for control of the House during President Trump’s second term.

Key Facts

  • Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th District on Tuesday.
  • She will challenge GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in the November general election.
  • Tom Kean Jr. has not been present in Congress since early March because of a personal medical issue.
  • Kean’s staff and family say he is expected to recover fully.
  • Kean won the seat in 2022 after redistricting made the district more favorable for Republicans.
  • President Trump endorsed Kean and praised his efforts to support the president’s goals.
  • The Cook Political Report classifies the district as a "toss-up," meaning it could go to either party.
  • Kean has said he plans to return to in-person work in Washington in the coming weeks and will share more about his health then.
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Rubio has combative moments about Iran war in congressional hearings

Rubio has combative moments about Iran war in congressional hearings

Summary

Senator Marco Rubio faced difficult questions during two congressional hearings about the conflict with Iran. The hearings took place on Capitol Hill and focused on U.S. policy and actions regarding the situation in Iran.

Key Facts

  • Senator Marco Rubio participated in two congressional hearings on the same day.
  • The discussions were about the war or conflict involving Iran.
  • The hearings occurred on Capitol Hill, where the U.S. Congress meets.
  • Rubio faced tough and challenging questions during these sessions.
  • The hearings aimed to review U.S. involvement and decisions related to Iran.
  • CBS News reporter Olivia Gazis covered the event and shared updates.
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Why the U.S. is watching California, Iowa races

Why the U.S. is watching California, Iowa races

Summary

Voters in six states, including California and Iowa, are taking part in primary elections. These races are important because they help choose party candidates for upcoming national elections.

Key Facts

  • Six states are holding primary elections on the same day.
  • California and Iowa are among the states with key races.
  • Primary elections determine which candidates will represent political parties.
  • These elections influence who will run in the general national elections.
  • CBS News is covering these election events.
  • Anthony Salvanto, CBS News election expert, provides analysis on the races.
  • Voters cast ballots to show their preference for candidates within their party.
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'We do not accept it': Family reacts to acquittal in fatal shooting of 14-year-old

'We do not accept it': Family reacts to acquittal in fatal shooting of 14-year-old

Summary

A South Carolina jury found Chikei Rick Chow not guilty in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. The victim’s family expressed sadness and said they will continue fighting the case in civil court.

Key Facts

  • Cyrus Carmack-Belton, age 14, was shot in the back by Chikei Rick Chow in May 2023 outside Chow’s convenience store in Columbia, South Carolina.
  • Chow, 61, was charged with murder but was acquitted by a jury on June 1, 2026.
  • Video showed Carmack-Belton running away and returning water bottles he was accused of stealing.
  • Prosecutors said Chow acted on a mistaken belief that Carmack-Belton had shoplifted.
  • The defense said Chow shot to protect his son after Carmack-Belton allegedly pointed a gun.
  • A 9mm pistol was found near Carmack-Belton, which prosecutors said he carried during the chase.
  • The victim’s family said they do not accept the verdict and plan to sue in civil court.
  • They linked their loss to broader issues of violence against Black families and injustice in the legal system.
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