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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Ex-DoJ prosecutor charged with sending sealed Jack Smith Trump report to personal email

Ex-DoJ prosecutor charged with sending sealed Jack Smith Trump report to personal email

May 21, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A former Department of Justice prosecutor named Carmen Mercedes Lineberger is charged with crimes for sending a secret report about President Donald Trump from her work email to her personal email. She allegedly tried to hide the document by renaming it as a cake recipe on her government computer.

Key Facts

  • Carmen Mercedes Lineberger worked as a managing assistant US attorney in Florida.
  • She received a sealed report about a federal criminal investigation related to President Trump.
  • In December 2025, she sent the report from her official email to her personal email account.
  • Lineberger renamed the file “Bundt_Cake_Recipe.pdf” to hide it on her government computer.
  • The report was blocked from public release by a judge’s order.
  • The investigation was led by Jack Smith and involved Trump’s handling of White House documents and allegations about the 2020 election.
  • Both investigations ended after President Trump won his second term because of a policy protecting sitting presidents.
  • Lineberger faces felony charges and could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
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Guardian World Guardian US
TX Dem under fire after saying she'd make ICE jail a "prison for American Zionists"

TX Dem under fire after saying she'd make ICE jail a "prison for American Zionists"

May 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A Democratic candidate in Texas, Maureen Galindo, faced criticism for social media posts saying she would turn an immigration detention center into a "prison for American Zionists" if elected. Both Democrats and Republicans condemned her comments as antisemitic, and some Democrats say her campaign may be secretly supported by conservative groups.

Key Facts

  • Maureen Galindo is running in the Democratic primary for Texas' 35th Congressional District.
  • She posted that she would turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for "American Zionists" and former ICE officers.
  • Galindo also called support for Zionism antisemitic and made other critical remarks about Zionists.
  • Texas Democrats and national Democratic leaders condemned her comments as hateful and antisemitic.
  • Some Democrats allege conservative groups are backing Galindo with large campaign spending through Lead Left PAC.
  • Lead Left PAC, founded recently, has spent over $800,000 supporting Galindo and opposing her rival.
  • The PAC says it is anti-Trump but may be connected to Republican fundraising platforms, though this is not confirmed.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democrats called on Republicans to stop supporting Galindo’s campaign.
  • Republican leaders denied any involvement, with House Speaker Mike Johnson saying he was unaware of Galindo before the controversy.
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CBS News
Jan. 6 officer suing to block Trump fund: "These people... should not be rewarded by the government"

Jan. 6 officer suing to block Trump fund: "These people... should not be rewarded by the government"

May 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A police officer who defended the Capitol during the January 6 riots is suing to stop the government from giving nearly $1.8 billion to a fund linked to President Trump’s administration. The officer argues that the people involved in the January 6 events should not receive government money.

Key Facts

  • Daniel Hodges is a Metropolitan Police officer who was at the Capitol on January 6.
  • Hodges is suing to block a government fund of about $1.8 billion.
  • The fund is called the "anti-weaponization" fund and is connected to President Trump’s administration.
  • The lawsuit claims that people involved in the January 6 events should not get government rewards.
  • Hodges is one of two officers taking legal action against this fund.
  • The legal action is related to how the government is handling money tied to the January 6 riot aftermath.
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CBS News
Trump news at a glance: US indicts Raúl Castro, ratcheting up Cuba tensions

Trump news at a glance: US indicts Raúl Castro, ratcheting up Cuba tensions

May 21, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

The United States indicted Raúl Castro, Cuba’s former president, on charges including conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals and murder related to a 1996 incident where Cuban forces shot down aircraft on a humanitarian mission. This move increases tensions between the U.S. and Cuba amid ongoing political and economic conflicts. President Trump stated there would be no escalation but hinted at stronger U.S. influence in the region.

Key Facts

  • Raúl Castro and five others were indicted in federal court in Miami.
  • Charges include conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens, four counts of murder, and destruction of aircraft.
  • The case relates to a 1996 event where Cuban military shot down planes on a humanitarian mission, killing four men.
  • Castro was Cuba’s defense minister when the incident occurred and is accused of ordering the attack.
  • The indictment is part of the Trump administration’s campaign against Cuba’s communist regime.
  • President Trump said there would be no need to escalate tensions with Cuba.
  • Trump mentioned the U.S. aims to stop illegal activities and foreign interference from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic.
  • Cuba faces an energy crisis and protests due to a U.S. oil embargo.
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Guardian US
DHS to tighten Ebola-related flight restrictions for some foreign travelers

DHS to tighten Ebola-related flight restrictions for some foreign travelers

May 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will start new rules requiring travelers who have been in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the last 21 days to enter the U.S. only at Washington-Dulles International Airport. This is to improve health checks and reduce the risk of spreading Ebola during the current outbreak in these countries.

Key Facts

  • Travelers from Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan who have been there within 21 days must enter the U.S. through Washington-Dulles Airport.
  • These new rules start on Thursday and apply only to passenger flights, not cargo flights.
  • DHS is increasing health screenings and monitoring at this airport to control Ebola risks.
  • The new DHS rule was directed by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued travel restrictions for people without U.S. passports who recently visited these countries.
  • The current Ebola outbreak was confirmed by African health officials on May 15, with over 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths.
  • The Ebola strain involved, called Bundibugyo, has no approved vaccines or treatments.
  • The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern but not a pandemic emergency.
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CBS News
5/20: The Takeout with Major Garrett

5/20: The Takeout with Major Garrett

May 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

CBS News covered Tuesday's primary elections, highlighting a Republican candidate who distanced themselves from President Trump but lost. The U.S. also announced legal charges against Raúl Castro.

Key Facts

  • The news discussed the results of recent primary elections in the United States.
  • One Republican candidate who opposed or broke with President Trump did not win.
  • The U.S. government indicted Raúl Castro, a former Cuban leader.
  • The coverage was part of "The Takeout with Major Garrett" on CBS News.
  • The report focused on political developments and legal actions connected to U.S. interests.
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"Patriotic Kenny": The Navy vet who donated mobility scooters to other veterans (2022)

"Patriotic Kenny": The Navy vet who donated mobility scooters to other veterans (2022)

May 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Kenny Jary, a Navy veteran and social media personality known as "Patriotic Kenny," passed away at the age of 84. He was known for raising money and donating mobility scooters to help other veterans.

Key Facts

  • Kenny Jary was a Navy veteran.
  • He gained attention on social media for spreading positivity.
  • He raised funds to donate mobility scooters to veterans who need them.
  • He appeared on CBS News with Steve Hartman on November 11, 2022.
  • Kenny Jary died in 2022 at the age of 84.
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CBS News
US envoy: Greenland ‘was not on a map’ until Trump ‘put it on a map’

US envoy: Greenland ‘was not on a map’ until Trump ‘put it on a map’

May 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said that Greenland was not shown on maps until President Donald Trump highlighted it during discussions about buying the island. These remarks relate to President Trump’s recent interest in acquiring Greenland.

Key Facts

  • Governor Jeff Landry made the statement about Greenland missing from maps.
  • He credited President Donald Trump with bringing attention to Greenland.
  • President Trump has expressed interest in buying Greenland.
  • Greenland is a large island located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans.
  • The comment came amid ongoing discussions and media coverage about the idea of purchasing Greenland.
  • Greenland has been on maps for centuries, but gained renewed focus due to President Trump’s remarks.
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The Hill
Influencer charged with plot to kill child's father during custody dispute

Influencer charged with plot to kill child's father during custody dispute

May 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Gabriela Gonzalez, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and former boyfriend Faron Cordrey were charged with planning to kill Jack Avery, the father of Gabriela’s child, during a custody fight. They allegedly tried to hire a hitman, who was actually an undercover FBI agent, to carry out the murder.

Key Facts

  • Gabriela Gonzalez is a 24-year-old social media influencer.
  • Jack Avery is a former member of the boy band Why Don't We and the father of Gabriela’s 7-year-old daughter.
  • Charges include attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder.
  • The plot started during a custody dispute in 2020.
  • The group tried to make Avery’s death look like an accident or shooting.
  • Gabriela’s father gave $10,000 and later $4,000 to Cordrey to pay the supposed hitman.
  • The hitman was actually an undercover FBI agent.
  • If found guilty, each faces 25 years to life in prison.
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CBS News
Trump's priorities are in deep trouble after his revenge tour

Trump's priorities are in deep trouble after his revenge tour

May 21, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Congressional Republicans are pushing back against President Donald Trump's influence in their primary races. Meanwhile, a $1.8 billion fund linked to Trump is facing strong criticism and may face legal limits from both parties in Congress.

Key Facts

  • President Trump had political wins selecting primary winners but is facing legislative challenges.
  • House Democrats are close to passing a vote limiting war powers in relation to Iran, gaining some Republican support.
  • A nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund tied to Trump is under scrutiny for lack of oversight and accountability.
  • Some Republicans, including Senators and Representatives, want to restrict or kill the fund.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson urges party unity, but some GOP members openly criticize the “yes-man” attitude toward Trump.
  • Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) are leading efforts to limit or block the fund.
  • Senate GOP plans to introduce a $70 billion bill to fund border agencies for over three years.
  • Democrats plan to propose amendments to restrict the use of the funds they call a "slush fund," with voting possibly starting soon.
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Axios
Florida GOP senator says US won’t need to use military in Cuba

Florida GOP senator says US won’t need to use military in Cuba

May 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Rick Scott from Florida said on Wednesday that the United States does not need to send military forces to Cuba. He believes that the Cuban people will take action on their own.

Key Facts

  • Senator Rick Scott is from Florida and a member of the Republican Party.
  • He spoke on a program called "The Hill with Blake Burman" on the network NewsNation.
  • Scott was asked about the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Cuba.
  • He said he does not think military action by the U.S. will be necessary.
  • Scott said he expects the Cuban people themselves to rise up.
  • This comment relates to current tensions or issues involving Cuba.
  • No specific plans for U.S. military action in Cuba were mentioned.
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The Hill
3 dead and first responders decontaminated in New Mexico after exposure to unknown substance

3 dead and first responders decontaminated in New Mexico after exposure to unknown substance

May 21, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Three people died after being found unresponsive in a rural New Mexico home, and first responders who came to help were exposed to an unknown substance. More than a dozen responders were checked and treated for possible symptoms, and authorities are investigating the cause, possibly linked to drugs.

Key Facts

  • Three of four people found unconscious in a home east of Albuquerque died; one person is in the hospital.
  • First responders experienced symptoms like nausea and dizziness after exposure to an unknown substance.
  • 23 people exposed to the substance were evaluated and cleaned (decontaminated) at University of New Mexico Hospital.
  • Two first responders were in serious condition; one EMS chief was hospitalized for observation.
  • Health officials ruled out carbon monoxide or natural gas as the cause of the illness.
  • Authorities suspect the substance might be spread by touch, not through the air.
  • The investigation points to drugs as a possible factor but sees no threat to the public.
  • Local officials said addiction and substance abuse are ongoing issues in the community and state.
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PBS NewsHour
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WATCH: Tennessee high school seniors look back after documenting their lives since 6th grade

WATCH: Tennessee high school seniors look back after documenting their lives since 6th grade

May 21, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A group of Tennessee high school seniors have looked back on their lives after documenting their experiences every year since 6th grade. Their project, started in 2019 by two boys, became a seven-year record showing their friendship and growing up together.

Key Facts

  • The project began in 2019 with two 6th grade boys documenting their lives.
  • It continued for seven years, capturing their friendship and personal growth.
  • The students are now high school seniors in Tennessee.
  • This project acts like a time capsule showing their experiences over time.
  • The initiative gives a unique view of growing up from early adolescence to late teens.
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ABC News
The Papers: 'Don't cap food prices' and '20ft from WW3'

The Papers: 'Don't cap food prices' and '20ft from WW3'

May 21, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The UK government considered capping food prices to help with the cost of living but faced strong opposition from supermarkets and officials. Following this backlash, the government abandoned the plan. Separately, a close encounter between Russian and British jets near the Black Sea raised safety concerns and drew criticism.

Key Facts

  • The UK government proposed capping food prices to reduce costs for shoppers.
  • Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey warned that price caps could harm the economy.
  • Supermarkets, including Marks & Spencer, said price caps would cause them to lose money.
  • The government dropped the plan for voluntary price caps on groceries.
  • The UK Chancellor decided not to proceed with price caps after criticism.
  • Russian jets flew dangerously close—about 20 feet—to a British RAF plane over the Black Sea.
  • The incident was called a "near miss" and criticized by UK Defence Secretary John Healey.
  • The political situation includes concerns about Russia’s war on Ukraine and related fuel price effects.
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BBC Top Stories
WATCH: Rep. Thomas Massie's full concession speech after defeat in Kentucky GOP primary

WATCH: Rep. Thomas Massie's full concession speech after defeat in Kentucky GOP primary

May 21, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Ed Gallrein won the Republican primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, defeating the current Representative Thomas Massie. President Trump supported Gallrein after Massie disagreed with him on some issues. Massie gave a concession speech and mentioned pro-Israel groups spent a lot of money to try to beat him.

Key Facts

  • Ed Gallrein won the Republican nomination in Kentucky’s 4th District.
  • Incumbent Representative Thomas Massie lost his primary race.
  • President Trump chose to back Gallrein after Massie broke with him on several topics.
  • One issue of disagreement involved the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Massie gave a full concession speech publicly.
  • Massie noted that pro-Israel groups spent millions to try to defeat him.
  • Massie joked that it took time to find Gallrein in Tel Aviv to concede the race.
  • Trump commented that things don’t go well when GOP members vote against him.
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PBS NewsHour
Colorado Supreme Court orders children's hospital to resume gender-affirming care for minors

Colorado Supreme Court orders children's hospital to resume gender-affirming care for minors

May 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The Colorado Supreme Court has ordered Children's Hospital Colorado to restart gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. The court ruled that stopping treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy violated state antidiscrimination laws, despite federal pressure threatening the hospital's funding.

Key Facts

  • Children's Hospital Colorado stopped gender-affirming medical treatments for patients under 18 in January.
  • The hospital paused care after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began investigating its treatments.
  • Four transgender girls, ages 10 to 17, sued the hospital claiming discrimination based on gender identity and gender dysphoria.
  • Gender dysphoria means distress caused when someone's gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
  • The Colorado Supreme Court ruled 5-2 that stopping care broke state antidiscrimination laws.
  • The court prioritized the immediate harm to the patients over possible federal consequences to the hospital.
  • HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had declared such treatments unsafe for minors, prompting the investigation.
  • A federal judge previously blocked Kennedy's declaration for Colorado and other states, saying it went too far.
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PBS NewsHour
Mom who drowned 3 kids on Coney Island beach sentenced to 20 years to life

Mom who drowned 3 kids on Coney Island beach sentenced to 20 years to life

May 20, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A Brooklyn woman, Erin Merdy, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for drowning her three young children near Coney Island’s boardwalk. She pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the deaths of her 7-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter, and 3-month-old baby in 2022.

Key Facts

  • Erin Merdy is 34 years old and from Brooklyn, New York.
  • She drowned her three children: ages 7, 4, and 3 months old.
  • The crime occurred in September 2022 near Coney Island’s boardwalk.
  • Merdy pleaded guilty earlier in 2026 to first-degree murder charges.
  • Police found Merdy soaked and barefoot two miles from her home after a call from relatives expressing concern for the children’s safety.
  • The children’s bodies were found on the shore near the ocean close to the boardwalk and a local baseball stadium.
  • The medical examiner ruled the deaths as homicides by drowning.
  • Video evidence showed Merdy walking toward the ocean with the children right before 1 a.m. on the night of the incident.
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ABC News
Trump flexes political muscle in Republican primary races

Trump flexes political muscle in Republican primary races

May 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump supported certain candidates in Republican primary races on Tuesday. The candidates he backed won, while those who opposed him lost. However, President Trump’s approval ratings are falling as the midterm elections approach in six months.

Key Facts

  • President Trump endorsed candidates in Republican primary races.
  • His preferred candidates won their primary contests on Tuesday.
  • Republican critics of President Trump were defeated in these primaries.
  • President Trump’s approval ratings are declining.
  • The midterm elections are six months away.
  • The coverage was reported by CBS News and Weijia Jiang.
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Lawsuit accuses Massachusetts schools of segregating students of color in low-income districts

Lawsuit accuses Massachusetts schools of segregating students of color in low-income districts

May 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A lawsuit in Massachusetts claims that the state's practice of assigning students to schools based on where they live creates racial segregation, concentrating Black and Latino students in poorer districts with fewer resources. The case argues the state is not providing equal educational opportunities and seeks changes to improve funding and access to better schools for these students.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit was filed on behalf of nine students and four community groups from segregated districts in Massachusetts.
  • It challenges the policy of assigning students to schools solely based on their home address.
  • Many Black and Latino students attend high-poverty schools with lower graduation rates and fewer chances to attend college.
  • Massachusetts schools in many areas are segregated or intensely segregated, according to a 2024 state report.
  • The state education department says it cannot change district boundaries or force districts to accept students from other areas.
  • Plaintiffs want more investment in under-resourced schools and expanded access to regional magnet and vocational schools.
  • The lawsuit seeks to compel the state to fix educational disparities caused by housing and school assignment policies.
  • Similar lawsuits have been filed in New Jersey and Minnesota to address segregation linked to residential patterns.
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PBS NewsHour
Sinkhole opens near LaGuardia runway ahead of Memorial Day weekend

Sinkhole opens near LaGuardia runway ahead of Memorial Day weekend

May 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A sinkhole appeared near a runway at LaGuardia Airport just before the busy Memorial Day weekend travel period. This event caused disruptions for travelers at the airport as many people were preparing to travel.

Key Facts

  • A sinkhole opened near a runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York.
  • The event happened shortly before the Memorial Day weekend.
  • About 45 million Americans planned to travel during this weekend.
  • The sinkhole caused delays and problems for travelers at the airport.
  • Other travel disruptions were reported on trains and railways as well.
  • Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times in the U.S.
  • LaGuardia Airport is a major airport serving New York City.
  • The news was reported by CBS News and included video coverage.
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