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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Donald Trump has filed a new defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, accusing the newspaper of publishing false claims about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit focuses on a story about a birthday letter to Epstein that Trump says he never signed, and he is seeking at least $10 billion in damages.
Key Facts
President Trump refiled his defamation lawsuit in a federal court in Miami.
The lawsuit targets The Wall Street Journal, its publisher Dow Jones, News Corporation, CEO Robert Thomson, and two reporters.
The disputed article claimed Trump signed a birthday letter to Epstein, which Trump says is fake.
A judge dismissed the original lawsuit for not proving "actual malice," but allowed a revised filing.
The new complaint adds details alleging the defendants ignored warnings that the story was false.
Rupert Murdoch, owner of Dow Jones and News Corp, allegedly told Trump he would "handle it" before publication.
Trump’s legal team argues that Murdoch’s response shows awareness the story was disputed.
Before publication, White House staff told the Journal reporters the story was false and sent a cease-and-desist letter.
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Hundreds of people detained at the Delaney Hall ICE center in Newark, New Jersey, have been on a hunger strike since mid-May. They are protesting against poor conditions, including bad food, delayed medical care, and long detention times. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security deny there is a hunger strike or poor treatment.
Key Facts
About 300 detainees started refusing food and work on May 22, 2026.
The protest is over issues like rotten food, lack of air conditioning, and medical neglect.
The detainees say they want freedom, not just better conditions.
Protests outside the facility grew and included attempts to block vehicles.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and members of Congress visited the site during the protests.
DHS officials called the hunger strike claims false and said conditions are not abusive.
There were clashes between protesters and ICE agents, with some officials reporting being pepper-sprayed.
DHS said protesters blocked law enforcement and did not follow commands during the confrontation.
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Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico said his campaign raised over $3 million in one day. This fundraising surge happened after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican runoff election against Senator John Cornyn.
Key Facts
James Talarico is running for U.S. Senate in Texas as a Democrat.
His campaign raised more than $3 million in 24 hours.
The fundraising spike followed the GOP runoff election results.
Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, won the Republican runoff contest.
Paxton defeated Senator John Cornyn in the runoff.
The money raised came from many people across Texas.
Talarico's campaign described the fundraising as breaking grassroots records.
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Vice President JD Vance will speak at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony for the class of 2026 on Thursday. President Donald Trump recently gave the commencement speech at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the Vice President of the United States.
Vance will speak at the U.S. Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony.
The ceremony is for the Air Force Academy's class of 2026.
The event will happen on Thursday.
It is traditional for the president or vice president to speak at one military academy graduation each year.
President Donald Trump spoke at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy last week.
This was the first time President Trump gave a speech at a military academy graduation since sending U.S. troops to a new war.
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A former CIA official named David Rush has been charged with stealing hundreds of gold bars worth over $40 million from the federal government. He was arrested after federal agents searched his home as part of their investigation.
Key Facts
David Rush worked at the CIA and had top secret security clearance.
He is accused of stealing gold bars belonging to the federal government.
The stolen gold is valued at more than $40 million.
Rush was charged with criminal theft of public money.
Federal officials searched his home during their inquiry.
He was arrested last week following the search.
The case involves theft from the U.S. government.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the crime.
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The Justice Department has started an investigation to see if E. Jean Carroll lied during her civil case against President Donald Trump. Carroll had accused Trump of sexually assaulting her 30 years ago, a claim Trump denies.
Key Facts
The investigation is about whether Carroll lied under oath during her lawsuit against President Trump.
It is led by federal prosecutors in Chicago and not by the acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was once Trump’s personal lawyer.
Carroll says Trump sexually assaulted her in 1996 in a New York department store, an allegation Trump calls false.
A 2023 jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and ordered him to pay $5 million.
In 2024, another jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million for defamation after Trump made social media attacks on her.
The payment to Carroll is on hold while the U.S. Supreme Court considers the case or an appeal is resolved.
Trump had to post a $7.4 million bond to cover possible extra costs during the payment delay.
This investigation is part of other Justice Department inquiries seen as connected to people who oppose Trump.
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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) responded harshly to criticism from White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller about Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. The DNC told Miller to “shut up” on the social media platform X, showing strong support for Talarico’s campaign.
Key Facts
Stephen Miller is the White House deputy chief of staff.
Miller criticized James Talarico, who is running for the Texas Senate as a Democrat.
The DNC responded to Miller’s criticism on the social media platform X.
The DNC’s response included the phrase “shut up,” targeting Miller.
The DNC expressed enthusiasm for Talarico’s campaign with the phrase “Fired up. Ready to go. It’s time to take back Texas.”
This exchange took place publicly on X, which is formerly known as Twitter.
The article highlights a political dispute involving prominent political figures and party organizations.
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A former senior CIA official, David Rush, has been charged with stealing over $40 million worth of gold bars from the government. He was arrested after an investigation found gold bars, cash, and luxury watches at his home, and accusations that he lied about his military and educational background.
Key Facts
David Rush is a former senior CIA official with top secret clearance.
Rush was arrested on May 19 after a joint CIA and FBI investigation.
Over 300 gold bars worth more than $40 million were found at his home.
Rush also had about $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches.
He allegedly stole these items by requesting them as work-related expenses.
Rush lied about having degrees and military ranks he never earned.
He claimed military leave and compensation after his Navy discharge in 2015.
Gold is sometimes used by the US government for covert operations and untraceable payments.
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President Donald Trump’s 2024 election year is underway with Beto O’Rourke praising Texas state Representative James Talarico as the best political candidate he has seen in Texas. O’Rourke made the remark during an interview on the show MS NOW.
Key Facts
Beto O’Rourke is a former U.S. Representative from Texas.
James Talarico is a current Texas state Representative.
O’Rourke said Talarico is the best political candidate he has seen in Texas during his lifetime.
The statement was made on the TV program MS NOW.
Jen Psaki was the host interviewing O’Rourke.
The comment focused on Talarico’s qualities as a politician.
The news relates to Texas state politics.
President Donald Trump is currently serving his second term in 2024, framing the political environment.
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Texas Republican Ken Paxton won a runoff election against Senator John Cornyn. After Paxton’s win, Texas Republicans have increased their criticism of Democratic state Representative James Talarico. CBS News reporter Ed O’Keefe talked with Talarico about the situation.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton, a Texas Republican, won a runoff election against incumbent Senator John Cornyn.
After the runoff, Republicans in Texas focused more attacks on Democratic Representative James Talarico.
James Talarico is a state representative from the Democratic Party in Texas.
The increased criticism comes directly after Paxton’s runoff victory.
CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe interviewed Talarico about these events.
The runoff election was important in deciding who would move forward as the Republican candidate.
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The U.S. Justice Department has started an investigation into whether E. Jean Carroll, who accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault and successfully sued him, lied during the legal case. The investigation is led by federal prosecutors in Chicago and excludes the acting Attorney General due to a conflict of interest.
Key Facts
E. Jean Carroll accused President Trump of sexually assaulting her about 30 years ago in a Manhattan store.
Carroll won a civil lawsuit against President Trump for sexual abuse and defamation.
The Justice Department is now investigating if Carroll lied during that lawsuit.
The investigation is a federal perjury (lying under oath) inquiry.
Federal prosecutors in Chicago are handling the investigation.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is not involved because he previously worked as President Trump's personal lawyer.
Carroll’s lawyers have not yet commented on the investigation.
The source confirming the investigation spoke anonymously because the case is ongoing.
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The U.S. military has killed nearly 200 people in strikes against suspected drug boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean since September 2025. These operations aim to stop drug trafficking routes but have faced criticism for potentially violating international law and causing civilian deaths.
Key Facts
Two people were killed in a recent U.S. strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The strikes target vessels on known drug trafficking routes overseen by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
Nearly 200 people have died in these strikes over about nine months.
President Donald Trump's administration says the campaign fights drug cartels and protects American lives.
Critics, including international experts and human rights groups, say the strikes may be illegal and cause wrongful deaths.
Amnesty International called the attacks "extrajudicial killings at sea" and urged Congress to stop them.
The Pentagon's inspector general is investigating whether proper rules were followed during these strikes.
U.S. military presence in the Caribbean grew after capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who now faces charges in New York.
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The White House posted a tribute on social media to mark 10 years since the death of Harambe, a gorilla who was shot at the Cincinnati Zoo after a child entered his enclosure. The post called Harambe a “true patriot” and said his story became part of internet culture and American history.
Key Facts
Harambe was a 400-pound western lowland gorilla shot by zoo staff in May 2016.
A three-year-old boy fell into Harambe’s enclosure, leading to the gorilla’s death.
The boy was rescued with minor injuries after video showed Harambe interacting with him.
The incident became a viral sensation, inspiring memes, tributes, and calls for name changes in sports.
The Cincinnati Zoo improved safety measures and reopened the gorilla enclosure a year later.
The White House posted a memorial calling Harambe a symbol of loyalty, strength, and unity.
Harambe was born in a Texas zoo in May 1999 and would have turned 27 in 2023.
In 2016, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump commented on the incident, saying the zoo staff “had no choice” in shooting Harambe.
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The article is a satirical diary entry imagining the campaign day of a British politician named Robert Kenyon. It describes his daily activities and interactions with political figures and supporters, focusing on his controversial views and humorous personal anecdotes.
Key Facts
The story is set on a hot day during a political campaign.
Robert Kenyon expresses skepticism about climate change and net zero policies.
He receives emails from public figures and political allies, including Carol Vorderman and Danny Kruger.
The article references political debates on immigration and social housing policies.
Kenyon meets with his campaign team at a local cafe and makes jokes about northern English culture.
The tone is humorous and ironic, highlighting certain political attitudes and social commentary.
It mentions other political figures such as Tony Blair, Robert Jenrick, and Andy Burnham.
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In April, inflation in the U.S. rose to its highest level in three years, mainly due to higher gas and food prices. This increase in costs is reducing people's incomes when adjusted for inflation and may affect decisions by the Federal Reserve and political outcomes in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Inflation increased to 3.8% in April compared to a year ago, up from 3.5% in March.
April's monthly price rise was 0.4%, lower than the 0.7% rise in March.
Gasoline and food prices are major contributors to the inflation increase.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, rose to 3.3% in April.
This is the highest core inflation rate since November 2023.
Consumer incomes did not increase from March to April and fell by 0.1% after adjusting for inflation.
Inflation is currently above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
The Federal Reserve may keep interest rates steady or possibly increase them to control inflation.
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The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is investigating the transfer of student loan services from the Department of Education to the Department of the Treasury under President Donald Trump's administration. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders raised concerns that this shift may harm students and cause administrative problems.
Key Facts
The GAO, a nonpartisan government watchdog, will examine the student loan transfer this summer.
The transfer involves moving the nearly $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio to the Treasury Department.
Senate Democrats Warren and Sanders say the transfer may illegally reduce Education Department functions and hurt students.
Defaulted student loans, those unpaid for over 9 months, could be affected by this change, potentially impacting borrowers’ credit and benefits.
The Education Department says the move is needed to improve loan management and serve borrowers better.
The Department of Labor supports agreements with Education, saying they improve program delivery.
President Trump promised to reduce federal education bureaucracy and give states more control over education.
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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated Eid al-Adha by wearing a special thobe designed with the Arsenal football team’s 2025-26 away kit. This showed his support for Arsenal, who recently won the English Premier League.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York.
He celebrated the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.
Mamdani wore a thobe, a traditional long garment.
The thobe was custom-made using the design of Arsenal’s 2025-26 away soccer kit.
Arsenal recently became champions of the English Premier League.
The outfit combined cultural tradition with support for a sports team.
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Inflation in the U.S. rose to 3.8% in April, the highest level in nearly a year, driven by increasing gas and food prices. This rise means Americans’ incomes are not keeping up with price increases, reducing their spending power.
Key Facts
Inflation increased to 3.8% in April compared to a year ago, up from 3.5% in March.
This is the highest inflation rate since May 2023.
Prices rose 0.4% from March to April, slower than the 0.7% rise the previous month.
Gas prices and food costs are major factors pushing prices higher.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased to 3.3% in April.
Core prices grew 0.2% from March to April, showing slower monthly growth.
Americans’ incomes stayed the same from March to April, but after adjusting for inflation, they fell by 0.1%.
Higher inflation may affect decisions by the Federal Reserve and political challenges for congressional Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.
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Jill Biden said she feared her husband, President Joe Biden, was having a stroke during his only debate in the 2024 presidential race. After the debate, President Biden explained his poor performance by saying he was exhausted from travel and illness, and he denied having any serious medical problem.
Key Facts
Jill Biden was scared during the 2024 debate because President Biden acted very differently than usual.
She thought he might be having a stroke on stage.
President Biden’s debate performance was weak, leading some Democrats to ask him to drop out of the election.
About three weeks after the debate, President Biden ended his 2024 campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
President Biden said he felt tired and was recovering from a bad cold and international travel at the time of the debate.
He denied having any serious health condition, calling the debate a "bad episode."
Jill Biden's interview about the debate will be in her new memoir, "View from the East Wing," releasing June 2, 2026.
Both President and Jill Biden reassured supporters that he could still serve effectively as president despite the debate performance.
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Jake Austin, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Makerfield by-election, said his party can help people by cutting energy bills and easing the cost-of-living crisis. He supports controlled immigration and a customs union with the EU, and criticized other parties for not offering real solutions.
Key Facts
The Makerfield by-election will take place on June 18.
Jake Austin wants to halve energy bills if the Liberal Democrats get into power.
He sees the cost of living as the main issue people face.
Austin supports immigration with controls, highlighting its benefits like NHS workers.
He said people do not want to revisit Brexit but favors a customs union with the EU to boost the economy.
Austin criticized Labour and Reform UK for failing to represent voters properly.
The by-election was called after the previous MP, Josh Simons, stepped down.
Andy Burnham may challenge Keir Starmer for Labour leadership if he wins the by-election.
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