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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A U.S. judge refused to immediately block President Donald Trump’s executive order that tightens rules on mail-in voting. The judge said the case is premature because the new rules are not yet in effect but allowed Democrats to challenge the order later.
Key Facts
Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, ruled in Washington, D.C. against stopping the order right away.
Democrats and civil rights groups say the order may be unconstitutional because election rules belong to states and Congress, not the president.
The judge said the government has not finished making rules to enforce the order, so harm from it is only possible, not certain.
Trump’s order requires Homeland Security to make lists of confirmed U.S. citizens eligible to vote and USPS to send mail-in ballots only to those on state voting lists.
Voting rights groups worry the federal databases used may have errors that exclude some legal voters.
Mail-in voting has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic and remains popular across many states.
Democrats say the order could cause confusion close to the November midterm elections and violate the Constitution.
The judge said future government actions based on this order can still be challenged in court later.
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Kathleen Thomas, a woman missing her right hand, was stopped by a Florida deputy and ticketed for supposedly holding a phone in her nonexistent right hand while driving. After bodycam footage went viral, the officer asked to dismiss the ticket, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said the citation was dropped due to unclear regulations.
Key Facts
Kathleen Thomas was pulled over in Lake Worth, Florida, in February for allegedly using her phone with her right hand while driving.
Thomas was born without the lower part of her right arm, so she could not have held a phone there.
Despite this, the deputy issued her a citation for distracted driving.
Bodycam video showed the deputy questioning Thomas and asking her to swear she wasn’t using the phone “hand to God.”
The video went viral on social media and attracted millions of views.
The deputy later asked the court to dismiss the ticket, which was granted.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office explained the dismissal was due to unclear citation software and state rules.
Thomas said the experience was difficult but hopes it will lead to better police training about people with limb differences.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries strongly rejected reports that President Donald Trump’s administration wants to create a $250 bill featuring Trump’s face. Jeffries publicly criticized the idea, telling Trump to "get over yourself."
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration reportedly wants to create a $250 bill with Donald Trump’s face.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the agency that makes U.S. paper money.
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
Jeffries publicly said “Hard No” to the idea of a Trump $250 bill on the social platform X (formerly Twitter).
Jeffries told President Trump to "get over yourself" in response to the reported plan.
Currently, the U.S. does not have a $250 bill in circulation.
This news highlights ongoing political disagreements between Democrats and President Trump’s administration.
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A woman in Florida who was born without a right hand was pulled over by police and accused of holding a phone while driving. Body camera footage showed she could not have held a phone because she has no right hand, and the citation was later dismissed.
Key Facts
A Florida woman named Katie Thomas was stopped by police for allegedly holding a phone while driving.
Katie Thomas does not have a right hand.
Police body camera video of the traffic stop became popular online.
The citation against Katie Thomas was dismissed after the officer requested it.
Katie Thomas spoke out to say that having a limb difference is normal.
The incident was reported and covered by CBS News.
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A 26-year-old man named Jacob Wenske was arrested in Texas after making threats against Erika Kirk and speakers at a Turning Point USA event. The threats included comments about bombing the event and harming Christian nationalists.
Key Facts
Jacob Wenske was arrested for making a terroristic threat.
He wrote on social media about knowing where to bomb a Turning Point USA summit.
Wenske sent an email threatening death to Erika Kirk and all speakers at the event.
The threat mentioned targeting Christian nationalists at future rallies and events.
The San Antonio Police and FBI responded quickly and made the arrest.
Turning Point USA said they have strong security at their events to protect attendees and speakers.
The situation is still developing and more information may become available.
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The White House is asking Congress to approve a new $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump's image, which would require changing a long-standing law that bans living people from appearing on U.S. currency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this bill would celebrate the country's 250th anniversary and that the Treasury is preparing for the possibility if Congress agrees.
Key Facts
Current law prohibits living people from appearing on U.S. money.
The proposed $250 bill would show President Donald Trump’s portrait.
The bill is meant to honor the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the Treasury is ready to produce the bill if Congress approves.
The law change needs a majority vote in the House and 60 votes in the Senate; approval is unlikely in the Senate.
Democrats, including House leader Hakeem Jeffries, oppose the proposal.
The law banning living persons on currency dates back to 1866 after a scandal involving a previous currency official.
Prototypes of the $250 bill have been created by an artist commissioned by Trump’s appointees at the Treasury.
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Nick Bilton has been named the new executive producer of the TV news program "60 Minutes." He replaces Tanya Simon, who took a higher role at CBS News last year. Bilton is the fifth person to lead the show and aims to expand it beyond its traditional Sunday broadcast.
Key Facts
Nick Bilton is the new executive producer of "60 Minutes."
He replaced Tanya Simon, who was promoted within CBS News.
Bilton has worked as a journalist, author, and producer of Netflix documentaries.
CBS leaders want "60 Minutes" to become a multi-platform news product.
The show recently finished its 58th season and has had few executive producers in its history.
The program aims to continue its mission of truthful and fearless journalism.
Recent seasons saw internal challenges, including disputes about political pressure and controversial segments.
An earlier executive producer, Bill Owens, left after a lawsuit involving President Trump and the network.
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President Donald Trump's team is working to have his face placed on a new $250 bill to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. This would be the first time in over 150 years that a living person appears on U.S. currency, but federal law currently forbids this.
Key Facts
Trump’s team is pushing for a $250 bill featuring his face for the U.S. 250th anniversary.
U.S. law since 1866 says only deceased people can appear on paper money.
The Trump administration drafted a bill to allow a living president on currency, but it has not yet been passed by Congress.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision is in the hands of lawmakers and sees no issue with it.
The idea has received a lot of negative reactions from the public online.
Historically, even George Washington chose not to appear on money while alive to avoid seeming like a monarch.
Earlier plans include putting Trump’s face on a $1 coin and printing his signature on future paper money for the anniversary.
Commemorative passports for the anniversary will also feature Trump’s portrait and signature in gold.
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US lawmakers and protesters are calling for the closure of an immigration detention center in New Jersey. Detainees report being given spoiled food with maggots and not receiving proper medical care.
Key Facts
The detention center is called Delaney Hall and is located in New Jersey.
Detainees have complained about receiving rotten food with maggots.
People held there say they do not get enough medical care.
US lawmakers have joined protesters in demanding the center be closed.
The detention center is controversial because of these reported conditions.
The issue is drawing public attention and political involvement.
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A powerful explosion destroyed a Dallas apartment building on Thursday, leaving at least 11 people missing. Firefighters searched through the rubble and brought the fire under control while one person was taken to the hospital.
Key Facts
The explosion happened in an apartment complex in the Oak Cliff area near Dallas’ Bishop Arts District.
The building was two stories tall and mostly destroyed by the blast and fire.
Around 23 people lived in the building, with 11 still missing after the explosion.
Nearly 100 firefighters responded to the scene to control the fire and search for survivors.
Thick black smoke and debris affected neighboring homes nearby.
At least one person was taken to the hospital, but injuries could rise as the search continues.
Witnesses reported a loud explosion that shook nearby homes before the fire started.
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department confirmed the fire was under control by late afternoon.
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Australia’s federal police chief wants to find out who leaked news of Ben Roberts-Smith’s arrest to the media before it happened. Security officials also warned politicians against talking about secret government matters in internet-connected cars because these vehicles can send data back to their makers and could be listened to by others.
Key Facts
Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney airport on April 7 and faces five charges of war crime murder related to his service in Afghanistan.
He denies all allegations against him.
The federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, is investigating how the media learned about Roberts-Smith’s arrest in advance.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission has been asked to look into the leak but has not yet responded.
Australia’s spy agency, Asio, warned politicians and public servants not to discuss secret government information in internet-connected cars to avoid eavesdropping risks.
Internet-connected cars send live data back to their manufacturers, which could potentially be accessed by others.
Flood warnings are active in parts of Australia due to heavy rain and storms.
Guardian Australia won awards for their investigative and news podcasts.
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A former CIA officer was arrested after the FBI searched his home in Virginia and found more than 300 gold bars. The gold bars are estimated to be worth $40 million, according to official documents.
Key Facts
The arrested person used to work for the CIA.
The FBI conducted a raid on his home in Virginia.
Over 300 gold bars were found during the search.
The total value of the gold bars is about $40 million.
The arrest followed information in an official affidavit.
CBS News legal expert Jessica Levinson commented on the case.
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Bruce Springsteen announced a big protest music festival near Washington, D.C., before the midterm elections. He spoke out against the current administration’s policies during a concert, urging people to take action themselves.
Key Facts
Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, and Joan Baez will headline the protest festival.
The festival is planned for the Washington, D.C. area about one month before the midterm elections.
Springsteen and guitarist Tom Morello announced the event during a concert at Nationals Park in Washington.
Springsteen performed political songs, including ones about police shootings and deaths involving federal agents.
He criticized the tactics of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Springsteen called on the American people to take action and fight for what they love.
The announcement was made as Springsteen was finishing his Land of Hope and Dreams American tour.
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The White House has not yet shared the results of President Donald Trump's latest physical exam at Walter Reed National Military Hospital. The president said on social media that his health "checked out PERFECTLY," and an official said a report is expected soon.
Key Facts
President Trump had a physical exam at Walter Reed on Tuesday.
The White House has not announced when it will release the exam summary.
The president posted on Truth Social that his health is perfect.
Previous physicals were done in April and October of last year.
The October report was released two days after the exam; this one has not been released yet.
The visit included routine dental and medical checks.
The president recently had a CT scan for preventive reasons.
He has a condition called chronic venous insufficiency affecting leg veins but no serious problems like blood clots.
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About 150 Democratic lawmakers filed a legal document saying President Trump cannot continue building a new ballroom in the White House East Wing without Congress's permission. They argue that only Congress controls federal property and must approve funding before such construction can happen.
Key Facts
The Democrats say President Trump needs clear approval from Congress to demolish or build on White House grounds.
Congress has only provided about $2.5 million for repairs, not for large construction projects.
The Trump administration claims a law allows routine repairs and says the new ballroom is necessary for national security.
A federal judge halted construction until Congress gives permission, but appellate judges temporarily allowed it to continue.
The new East Wing includes a ballroom, kitchen, and secure spaces.
Ethics groups warn that accepting private donations for the ballroom may cause conflicts of interest.
Architects and preservation experts argue the president does not have the right to demolish historic federal property without Congress.
Senate Republicans dropped a proposal to fund security improvements for the ballroom.
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A U.S. court has ordered the head of Customs and Border Protection to attend a hearing about how tariff refunds are handled under President Trump's administration. The hearing will take place on June 9 in New York.
Key Facts
The U.S. Court of International Trade issued the order on Wednesday.
The order requires the Customs and Border Protection commissioner to testify.
Commissioner Rodney Scott is the official named to appear.
The hearing concerns the process for tariff refunds.
The tariff refund process is part of policies under President Donald Trump's administration.
The hearing is scheduled for June 9 in New York.
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A 2024 report from The Commonwealth Fund compares healthcare in 20 countries and finds the US spends much more money but gets worse health results. The US has high costs, low life expectancy, many avoidable deaths, and lacks universal health coverage compared to similar countries.
Key Facts
The US spends 18% of its economy on healthcare, nearly twice the average of 9.3% in the other 19 countries.
US life expectancy is 79 years, below the average of 81.2 years, with only Mexico and Turkey lower.
The US has the second-highest rate of avoidable deaths and premature deaths among the countries studied.
The US has fewer primary care doctors (0.3 per 1,000 people) than any other country in the study; the average is 1.1.
Many Americans skip medications, tests, or treatments because they cannot afford them.
Maternal death in the US is nearly 19 deaths per 100,000 live births, with Black women experiencing a much higher rate of 50 deaths per 100,000.
Suicide rates in the US are high and increasing, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.
Unlike all other high-income countries studied except Mexico, the US does not have universal health coverage.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent answered questions during a White House press briefing while press secretary Karoline Leavitt was on maternity leave. He declined to comment on any presidential ambitions and spoke about topics including the Trump administration’s talks with Iran and the upcoming launch of “Trump Accounts” for children.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent is the current Treasury Secretary.
He filled in as White House press spokesperson for Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave.
Bessent was asked about his potential plans to run for president but did not provide an answer.
He discussed the Trump administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Bessent talked about the planned launch of “Trump Accounts,” bank accounts designed for children.
The briefing lasted more than 30 minutes.
The news relates to events within the U.S. government under President Trump.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke at a White House press briefing to address a Washington Post article about a new $250 bill featuring President Trump's image. Bessent questioned the accuracy of the article and responded to reporters from the newspaper.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hosted a White House press briefing.
The topic was a Washington Post story about a commemorative $250 bill with President Trump's face.
Bessent expressed confusion about the article's claims.
He directly addressed journalists from the Washington Post during the briefing.
The $250 bill is described as commemorative, meaning it is a special edition and not regular currency.
No official confirmation about the bill's release or details was given in the briefing.
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Larry Kudlow, a Fox Business Network host, called New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani a "pure communist" and compared him to Joseph Stalin, the former Soviet leader. Kudlow said Mamdani’s political views are similar to Stalin’s policies of taking control of businesses.
Key Facts
Larry Kudlow made critical comments about NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Fox Business Network.
Kudlow described Mamdani as a “pure communist.”
He compared Mamdani to Joseph Stalin, who led the Soviet Union in the 1920s-1940s.
Kudlow referenced Stalin’s policy of confiscating the means of production, meaning taking control of businesses and industries.
Zohran Mamdani is a democratic socialist and the current mayor of New York City.
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