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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that many Americans think Democrats do not strongly oppose Republicans or President Trump. At the same time, many believe Republicans support President Trump too much. The poll asked open-ended questions about what people dislike most about each party.
Key Facts
10% of Americans said the worst thing about Democrats is they are weak and do not stand up to Trump or for what is right.
12% said the worst thing about Republicans is their loyalty to President Trump or mentioned Trump himself.
Some Americans think Democrats are too liberal or "too woke" (12% combined).
About 7% said they see no negative traits in Republicans.
Common criticisms of Democrats include being corrupt, too focused on being against Trump, and out of touch with regular people.
Criticisms of Republicans include dishonesty, cruelty, corruption, and being authoritarian or hostile.
Republicans mainly describe Democrats as too liberal or socialist and accuse them of being anti-American or dishonest.
The poll was conducted from April 24 to 28, 2026, using Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated longtime Senator John Cornyn by 28 points in the Republican primary runoff, with President Donald Trump's endorsement playing a key role. This large loss for Cornyn could create challenges for Republicans in the upcoming November Senate election.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton won the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff against John Cornyn by 28 points.
This is the largest primary defeat for a sitting U.S. senator in almost 50 years.
President Trump endorsed Paxton, influencing the election results.
Cornyn usually supports Trump but was seen as not fully pushing Trump's agenda.
Republican leaders worry about raising enough money to defeat Democrat James Talarico in November with Paxton on the ticket.
Paxton has a history of legal and ethical issues, which some Republicans believe makes him vulnerable.
Cornyn may act independently in the Senate after losing the primary and before his term ends.
Voter turnout was low in the runoff, but Trump’s endorsement helped Paxton win most counties in Texas.
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President Donald Trump has made deals and legal moves that critics say show corruption by using public money for personal or political gain. A recent deal with the IRS created a $1.776 billion fund to pay his supporters, while also protecting Trump from future tax penalties and lawsuits. This arrangement faces legal challenges, but it is unclear how or if it can be stopped.
Key Facts
President Trump considered suing the government for $230 million in compensation over federal investigations against him.
He demolished part of the White House East Wing to build a private ballroom, promising private funding, but later sought public money for construction.
A hardened bunker was added to the ballroom project, increasing costs to $1 billion, which Republicans later removed from a security bill after concerns.
Trump sued the IRS for $10 billion over alleged leaks of his tax returns but dropped the suit in exchange for a $1.776 billion fund to pay his friends and supporters.
The deal with the IRS waives $100 million or more in penalties and blocks future IRS actions against Trump and his businesses.
The Supreme Court granted Trump what is referred to as “presumptive immunity” from criminal prosecution for actions taken during his presidency.
Legal experts warn this deal could give Trump permanent immunity from tax or regulatory investigations.
The fund has caused lawsuits and criticism, but there is little political willingness in Congress to challenge it, and recipients may remain anonymous.
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President Donald Trump will hold his 12th cabinet meeting of his second term on Wednesday at the White House instead of Camp David due to bad weather. The meeting comes as talks to end the war with Iran continue, with conflicting messages about how close a deal is.
Key Facts
The meeting was originally planned for Camp David, a presidential retreat known for past Middle East talks.
Weather forecasts of heavy rain caused the meeting to move back to the White House.
Topics will include recent government successes in the economy, fraud elimination efforts, and foreign policy updates.
President Trump said last weekend that a deal to end hostilities with Iran was near.
U.S. forces struck Iranian targets on Monday, killing four members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Talks with Iran are ongoing despite those attacks and mixed signals from the White House.
Trump criticized media outlets for saying the possible deal might favor Iran.
Tulsi Gabbard, who recently announced she is resigning as director of national intelligence, is expected to attend the meeting.
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The article discusses California’s environmental challenges, including high living costs and poor forest management that have contributed to severe wildfires and increased carbon emissions. It argues that California’s government focuses too much on restrictive rules that raise costs without effectively improving the environment and suggests more attention to natural solutions like better forest and wetland care.
Key Facts
California faces rising gas and electricity prices and high housing costs affecting families.
Poor forest management has led to dangerous fuel buildup, causing catastrophic wildfires.
The 2020 wildfires released double the greenhouse gas pollution that the state had reduced over 16 years.
Current policies include regulations on gas stoves, car usage, and expensive green technologies.
California imports oil on large ships that burn dirty fuel, possibly increasing global emissions.
The author calls for focusing on natural carbon removal through forest and wetland restoration.
The article criticizes political efforts in Sacramento for emphasizing symbolic actions over effective environmental results.
California’s strict regulations have not led to meaningful improvement but have increased living costs.
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Some Senate Republican aides report that more Senate Republicans want to remove Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate parliamentarian, after she rejected a plan to fund $1 billion for the White House ballroom. This ruling has upset President Donald Trump and could significantly change how the Senate works.
Key Facts
Elizabeth MacDonough is the Senate parliamentarian, an official who advises on Senate rules.
She ruled against a proposal to allocate $1 billion for the White House ballroom.
This decision has caused frustration among some Senate Republicans.
There is increasing support within the Senate Republican group to remove her from her position.
President Donald Trump expressed strong displeasure with the parliamentarian’s decision.
Removing the parliamentarian would change how the Senate operates.
The debate is happening within the Senate GOP conference, which includes Republican senators and their aides.
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The Trump administration is planning to reduce Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services at international airports in cities that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. This plan could affect major airports in sanctuary cities like New York and Los Angeles and might disrupt international travel and trade, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching.
Key Facts
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said officials are planning to stop CBP processing for international travelers and cargo at airports in sanctuary cities.
Sanctuary cities are places where local governments limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Potentially affected airports include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Newark, and Denver.
The move aims to pressure these cities for their immigration policies.
The proposal is still under review and has not been put into action.
Reducing CBP services could disrupt airline operations, tourism, and global trade.
The change might happen after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring millions of visitors to U.S. cities.
Industry groups have warned that the proposal could cause serious problems for travel and commerce.
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A 13-year-old boy named Reco David-James Puttock drowned in Leadbeater Dam near Halifax, West Yorkshire. Police said there are no suspicious circumstances, and his school and local rugby clubs offered condolences and support to their communities.
Key Facts
Reco David-James Puttock was 13 years old and drowned near Halifax in Leadbeater Dam.
Emergency services were called just before 3:20 p.m. on Monday, and he was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The boy’s school, Lightlife Academy, said he was a popular student and promised support for others affected.
Two rugby clubs in the area expressed condolences and highlighted the impact on their teams.
Police are investigating but have found no signs of suspicious activity.
His death is part of several open water drownings during a recent hot weather period in England.
Other recent drowning victims include a 12-year-old in Lancashire, a teenage boy in South Yorkshire, a 16-year-old girl in Warwickshire, and a 15-year-old near Lincoln.
Families and officials are raising awareness about the dangers of playing near water during hot weather.
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A chemical tank exploded at a packaging plant in Washington state, causing one death and leaving nine people missing. The explosion also overturned several vehicles at the site.
Key Facts
A chemical tank holding hazardous liquid ruptured and imploded at a packaging facility in Washington state.
One person died because of the incident.
Nine people are still missing after the explosion.
Several vehicles were flipped over during the event.
The accident was captured on drone video showing the damaged tank from the air.
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In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican Senate nomination after being supported by President Donald Trump, setting up a race against Democrat James Talarico, a Christian progressive. The election highlights contrasting ideas about masculinity and faith, with Paxton representing traditional conservative values despite scandals, and Talarico offering a religiously grounded, progressive approach.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas, defeating Senator John Cornyn.
President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton as a strong supporter of his policies.
Paxton’s campaign focuses on conservative issues like border security, opposition to abortion, and resisting transgender rights.
Paxton was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 over allegations including bribery but acquitted by the Texas Senate.
Personal scandals, including allegations of extramarital affairs and a divorce filed by Paxton’s wife, have affected his image.
James Talarico is a Democratic state representative and a Presbyterian seminarian running on a platform combining faith with progressive policies.
Talarico supports abortion rights, LGBTQ protections, and keeping religion separate from public schools and government spaces.
The contrast in the candidates reflects differing views on religion, masculinity, and political identity in Texas.
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Matthew Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is set to be sentenced for giving Perry ketamine that caused his death in 2023. Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and faces up to 15 years in prison.
Key Facts
Kenneth Iwamasa was Matthew Perry’s live-in assistant.
Iwamasa injected Perry with ketamine multiple times before Perry died on October 28, 2023.
Prosecutors say Iwamasa was aware Perry had a history of drug addiction but continued giving him ketamine illegally.
Perry was found dead face down in a jacuzzi after receiving a fatal dose of ketamine.
Iwamasa admitted to destroying evidence and hiding drug use from police after Perry’s death.
He cooperated with the investigation and helped provide information about others involved.
Defense lawyers claim Iwamasa was acting under Perry’s direction and did not abuse his role.
Iwamasa faces a possible sentence of up to 15 years but prosecutors requested about 3.5 years in prison.
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President Donald Trump is changing Washington DC by putting his name and image on various important buildings and places. This includes renaming institutions, renovating historic sites, and creating new rooms in the White House.
Key Facts
President Trump is renaming several Washington DC institutions with his name.
The Trump Kennedy Center and the Donald J Trump United States Institute of Peace are among the places renamed.
Renovations and new constructions, like a ballroom in the White House, are underway.
The new ballroom will have security features to protect against drones.
President Trump says the building will include a hospital and research facilities.
These changes are visibly adding his presence throughout the city.
BBC’s North America editor Sarah Smith visited these sites to report on the changes.
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Jillian Segal, the antisemitism envoy, awarded a $200,000 contract to Society Advisory Pty Ltd, founded by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s adviser Yaron Finkelstein, without a public bidding process. Department officials said the company’s expertise in Australian antisemitism issues was unique and necessary for work during a royal commission.
Key Facts
Society Advisory Pty Ltd received a 12-month, $200,000 contract ending in April 2027.
Yaron Finkelstein, a former adviser to Scott Morrison, leads Society Advisory.
The contract was awarded without a public tender because the department said only this company had the needed expertise.
The work involves strategic communications and support related to antisemitism during a royal commission.
The government’s procurement rules allow single-source contracts when only one provider is suitable.
Independent Senator David Pocock questioned the limited tender process at a Senate hearing.
The Department of Home Affairs did market research before the contract but did not approach other firms.
Jillian Segal declined to comment and is scheduled to appear at Senate estimates hearings.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate, defeating Senator John Cornyn. Paxton received about 64% of the vote, while Cornyn got about 36%, marking the first time a Texas Republican senator lost a primary seeking re-election.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas with about 64% of the vote.
John Cornyn, a four-term senator first elected in 2002, received about 36% and lost the primary.
President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton, calling him a “true MAGA warrior,” which helped Paxton’s win.
Cornyn was seen as a traditional Republican but struggled to gain Trump supporters despite trying to align with Trump’s agenda.
Cornyn is the first Texas Republican senator to lose a primary while seeking re-election, likely ending his Senate career.
Paxton has faced legal controversies, including impeachment and corruption allegations, but was acquitted by the Texas Senate.
Democrats view Paxton’s nomination as a chance to make the Texas Senate race more competitive in the November midterm elections.
Democratic candidate James Talarico focuses on centrist voters, corruption, education, and economic concerns.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican primary runoff against longtime Senator John Cornyn. Paxton’s victory shows strong support from grassroots Republican voters and reflects ongoing changes within the party.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn, a four-term incumbent, in the Texas GOP primary runoff.
Cornyn outspent Paxton about four to one but still lost.
President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton during the campaign and called him a "true MAGA Warrior."
Paxton focused on grassroots organizing and precinct-level support rather than relying on big spending or establishment backing.
Cornyn was supported by many lawmakers and organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce but lacked strong grassroots backing.
The Texas Republican Party favored Paxton, showing tension between traditional party leadership and the more populist MAGA wing.
Youth groups like Turning Point Action helped Paxton by using their grassroots networks.
Paxton has faced controversies such as allegations of adultery and bribery, but these did not prevent his victory.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, supported by President Donald Trump, won the Republican Senate primary run-off against Senator John Cornyn. This result shows President Trump’s strong influence within the Republican Party in Texas.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton is the Texas Attorney General.
John Cornyn is a four-term U.S. Senator from Texas.
Paxton received an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Paxton defeated Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary run-off.
The primary run-off was part of the process to choose the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate.
The victory reflects President Trump’s influence in Texas Republican politics.
The election will determine who represents the Republican Party in the upcoming Senate race.
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Christian Menefee won a Democratic primary runoff in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, beating longtime Representative Al Green. The race followed redistricting that placed both incumbents in the same district, ending Green’s more than 20-year career in Congress.
Key Facts
Christian Menefee defeated Al Green in the Democratic primary runoff on May 26, 2024.
The race happened because Texas Republicans redrew district lines, forcing two Democrats to compete for one seat.
Al Green has served in Congress since 2005 and was seeking his 12th term.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel group, praised Menefee and criticized Green for his views on Israel.
Green was known for opposing some Israeli policies and military aid, as well as supporting Palestinian statehood efforts.
Green was also a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, frequently opposing him in Congress.
Menefee is a newer member of Congress, sworn in earlier in 2024.
The result reflects how redistricting is changing political representation and highlights divisions over U.S. policy on Israel.
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Billionaire Tom Steyer is spending more money on ads than anyone else in the 2026 California governor race, with over $195 million used to promote his campaign. His spending is much higher than other candidates, giving him more visibility as the election approaches.
Key Facts
Tom Steyer has spent or booked over $195 million on TV, radio, and cable ads for the California governor race.
His ad spending is the highest in the U.S. for any governor race in 2026 and more than 20 times that of his closest rival, Xavier Becerra.
The second highest ad spender is Rick Jackson in Georgia, with about $83 million in his primary campaign.
Steyer’s spending broke the previous California record set by Meg Whitman in 2010, who spent $178.5 million in her governor race.
Critics say Steyer is using his personal wealth to try to "buy" the governor’s office.
Seven Democrats, including Katie Porter, are running in the California race against Steyer, but she and others have less money for ads.
Steyer’s heavy advertising has helped him stay competitive but he has not pulled far ahead of other top candidates yet.
The primary election will be held on June 2, with mail voting already started.
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Tony Blair said Labour won the 2024 UK election because it was seen as an acceptable choice, not because people agreed with its full plan. Some current Labour ministers disagreed and said Blair was repeating old debates that no longer apply today.
Key Facts
Tony Blair wrote a long essay criticizing Labour's current direction and leadership before their official leadership contest started.
Blair warned the Labour party risks losing future elections by moving away from the political center.
Blair said Labour's 2024 election win was due to voters rejecting Conservatives, not because of Labour’s manifesto.
Junior Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson responded respectfully to Blair but said the party has moved beyond old Labour debates from the 1990s.
Blair suggested Labour should focus more on adapting to new challenges like AI (artificial intelligence).
Some in Labour find Blair’s call for a “radical centre” unclear or vague.
Blair's views overlap in some ways with Tory politician Kemi Badenoch, though she has not commented yet.
The current Labour leadership, including Keir Starmer, is actively defending its record and strategy in the lead-up to the leadership contest.
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Millions of people in parts of California, Illinois, and Indiana are advised to reduce driving and limit outdoor activities through Wednesday because of poor air quality. The National Weather Service issued alerts due to high levels of ground-level ozone and windblown dust, which can cause health problems, especially for children, older adults, and people with lung or heart conditions.
Key Facts
Air quality alerts cover Chicago and surrounding counties in Illinois, northwest Indiana including Gary and Hammond, and parts of Southern California like the Coachella and Imperial Valleys.
In Illinois and Indiana, pollution comes mainly from ground-level ozone, formed by emissions reacting with sunlight during hot, calm weather.
In California’s desert regions, strong winds lift dust and soil into the air, causing particle pollution.
Both ozone and dust particles can harm the lungs and worsen conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and respiratory infections.
Vulnerable groups include children, older adults, people with lung or heart diseases, and those active outdoors.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, limit outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, and use air conditioning or air purifiers.
To help reduce pollution, people should avoid unnecessary driving, carpool, use public transport, and delay using gas-powered tools.
The alerts are part of wider concerns about air pollution affecting many parts of the U.S.
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