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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Donald Trump showed reporters the construction of a new ballroom at the White House on the site of the former East Wing. He described the project as a gift to the United States, despite some opposition in Congress about funding it.
Key Facts
The ballroom is being built on the site of the old East Wing of the White House.
President Trump spoke to reporters amid noisy construction work.
The White House asked for $1 billion from taxpayers to improve security on the White House grounds, including the ballroom.
The Senate parliamentarian said the ballroom funding cannot be included in a bill for immigrant enforcement agencies.
Some Republican lawmakers oppose the ballroom’s cost during an election year.
Voters are concerned about rising prices for gasoline, groceries, and other goods linked to the Iran war and oil supply issues.
The project has encountered delays because of the funding dispute in Congress.
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President Donald Trump and the IRS expanded a settlement that stops future tax investigations into him, his family, and his businesses. This new agreement adds to an earlier deal that created a $1.8 billion fund to compensate people targeted by political actions.
Key Facts
The expanded settlement says the IRS cannot investigate or prosecute Trump, his family, or his businesses ever again.
This new document was signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was once Trump’s personal lawyer.
The earlier settlement created a $1.776 billion fund to pay people affected by political "weaponization" or unfair prosecutions.
The original agreement was signed by IRS CEO, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, and Trump’s legal team.
Most federal officials, including the president, usually cannot stop the IRS from investigations, but the attorney general seems to have this power here.
The settlement followed Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS after a former contractor leaked his tax returns to the media.
Critics have raised concerns because it is unusual for a president to make deals limiting an agency he controls.
The Department of Justice did not immediately comment on the expanded settlement.
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Rep. Jason Crow questioned Adm. Brad Cooper, the U.S. Central Command leader, about rules on giving quarter to enemies during a House hearing. The discussion came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. would show "no quarter, no mercy" in the war with Iran.
Key Facts
Rep. Jason Crow is a Democratic representative from Colorado.
Adm. Brad Cooper is the commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The exchange happened during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously said the U.S. would offer "no quarter, no mercy" to enemies in the Iran conflict.
"No quarter" means not sparing or showing mercy to enemies in war.
Rep. Crow challenged the legality and rules around this stance.
The topic relates to U.S. military policy and conduct in potential conflict with Iran.
The hearing occurred on a Tuesday after Hegseth's statement on March 13.
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The CDC has ordered two American passengers exposed to hantavirus on a cruise ship to stay in a quarantine facility in Nebraska. These orders apply to two of the 18 passengers from the M/V Hondius cruise ship.
Key Facts
Two American passengers exposed to hantavirus are required to stay in a quarantine facility.
The quarantine location is in Nebraska.
The passengers were part of a group of 18 from the M/V Hondius cruise ship.
The CDC issued the quarantine orders.
The orders were announced via a CDC social media post.
The situation is being managed under the Trump administration.
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A new study shows that about 5 million fewer people may sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act this year. Those who keep their coverage will likely pay more, with yearly deductibles and monthly premiums both increasing.
Key Facts
Enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace could drop by over 5 million people this year.
This decline would cut the number of participants by more than 20%.
People who stay enrolled will face higher costs for healthcare.
The average deductible (the amount paid before insurance starts to help) has increased by more than $1,000.
The average monthly premium (the monthly payment for insurance) has gone up by about $65.
The information comes from the healthcare research group KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation).
Rising costs may affect the affordability and access to health insurance for many Americans.
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The U.S. government has placed new sanctions on an Iranian currency exchange and 19 ships. These sanctions aim to cut off financial support to Iran’s government as part of efforts led by President Donald Trump to influence Iran's actions.
Key Facts
The U.S. targeted an Iranian currency exchange with new sanctions.
Nineteen ships connected to Iran are also sanctioned.
The sanctions are meant to reduce financial support to the Iranian government.
This is part of President Trump’s ongoing strategy to pressure Iran economically.
The goal is to encourage Iran to meet U.S. conditions to end conflicts.
The sanctions were announced by the U.S. State Department.
The measures are the latest step in the U.S.-Iran tension.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before senators for the first time in his new role. He answered questions about the Justice Department's new "Anti-Weaponization Fund," as well as topics related to Jeffrey Epstein and planned budget cuts.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General.
He appeared before a Senate committee on Tuesday.
This was his first time answering senators' questions since starting his role.
Senators asked about the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" created by the Justice Department.
Questions also covered issues related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Budget cuts within the department were discussed.
The questions came from both Democratic and Republican senators.
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Political commentator Bill O’Reilly explained that President Trump is willing to make some small compromises in his trade deal with China, including letting China buy U.S. farmland. This move goes against Trump’s earlier 2024 campaign promise to keep Chinese buyers out of American farmland, causing some frustration among his supporters.
Key Facts
President Trump agreed to a trade deal with China that allows China to buy U.S. farmland.
This decision reverses a campaign promise made by Trump in 2024.
Trump’s original pledge focused on protecting American farmland from Chinese buyers.
Bill O’Reilly defended Trump’s decision, saying he is willing to give up minor issues for bigger gains.
Some supporters, especially in the MAGA base, were upset about this change in policy.
The deal is part of broader trade negotiations between the U.S. and China.
The farmland provision is seen as a small concession compared to other trade benefits.
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The sheriff of Monroe County in the Florida Keys said people should not worry about reports that Cuba has hundreds of military drones. He is watching the situation but has not received any official warnings.
Key Facts
Rick Ramsay is the sheriff of Monroe County in the Florida Keys, Florida.
Reports said the Cuban government has gotten hundreds of military drones.
Sheriff Ramsay said residents should not be concerned about these reports.
He is monitoring the situation closely.
No government agency has contacted him about any threat.
There is no official confirmation or warning about a missile threat.
Monroe County is located in the southern part of Florida near Cuba.
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Spencer Pratt, running for Los Angeles mayor, criticized Mayor Karen Bass for her handling of recent wildfires, especially the Palisades Fire. He linked wildfire management issues to public safety concerns and uses these points as part of his campaign platform. The Sandy Fire in Ventura County continues to threaten homes and has led to evacuation orders.
Key Facts
Spencer Pratt is an independent candidate for Los Angeles mayor and a former MTV star.
He criticized Mayor Karen Bass for reducing firefighters and poor wildfire response.
Pratt lost his home in the Palisades Fire and focuses on wildfire victims in his campaign.
Mayor Karen Bass removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley about a month after the Palisades Fire.
The Palisades Fire and Sandy Fire are recent major wildfires affecting Los Angeles and Ventura County.
Sandy Fire spread rapidly due to dry, windy conditions and is about 5% contained.
Mayor Bass has been updating residents on safety and evacuation during the Sandy Fire.
Recent polls show Bass leading with 30% support and Pratt growing to 22% among Los Angeles mayoral voters.
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President Donald Trump showed reporters the construction site of a new ballroom being built on the White House grounds where the East Wing once stood. The project is part of a larger $1 billion security plan for the White House, but some lawmakers oppose the funding request, especially during an election year with high prices on everyday goods.
Key Facts
President Trump toured the White House ballroom construction site on May 19, 2026.
The new ballroom is being built where the East Wing used to be.
The administration asked Congress for $1 billion to improve White House security, including the ballroom.
The Senate parliamentarian ruled the funding could not be included in a bill for immigrant enforcement agencies.
Some Republican lawmakers are concerned about the high cost during a year with rising gas and grocery prices.
The ballroom will hold 1,000 people and includes security features like a drone-proof steel roof.
The building extends six stories underground and will contain a military hospital, research spaces, offices for the first lady, and a kitchen.
The design hides air conditioning and other equipment inside walls to improve safety.
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A 56-year-old woman named Donike Gocaj died after falling into an open maintenance hole on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The hole was left uncovered, and officials are investigating why it was open and how the cover came to be missing.
Key Facts
Donike Gocaj parked her car and stepped out onto an open maintenance hole on Fifth Avenue, causing her to fall about 10 feet.
She went into cardiac arrest due to steam after the fall and later died in the hospital.
The maintenance hole cover was found around 15 feet away from the hole.
Con Edison, the city’s electric utility, is investigating whether a truck dislodged the cover.
New York’s Department of Environmental Protection has received over 700 reports of missing maintenance hole covers this year.
Open maintenance holes cause relatively few injuries but remain a safety problem in cities.
Past incidents have led to safety regulations, but maintenance holes still cause accidents.
A study found that 20 to 49 people a year in the U.S. fall into maintenance holes, with about 1% dying from their injuries.
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Two men, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, were identified as victims in a shooting attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. A third man, Amin Abdullah, a security guard who tried to stop the attackers, was also killed. The police are investigating the shooting as a hate crime and said the victims helped protect many children inside the mosque.
Key Facts
Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad were killed in an attack on the San Diego mosque.
Amin Abdullah, the security guard who confronted the attackers, was the third victim.
The two gunmen died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds after the attack.
Kaziha was a longtime mosque employee who made calls for help and ran daily mosque activities.
Awad lived across the street and tried to help by diverting others and drawing attention to the attackers.
Police believe the victims’ actions helped protect about 140 children at the mosque’s school.
The attackers were two teenagers, ages 17 and 18, found after a search that included recovering many weapons.
Officials say there was no direct threat to the mosque but noted hateful remarks by the suspects before the attack.
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Officials in San Diego shared new details about a recent shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. They described how three victims showed bravery by distracting the shooters to protect children inside the mosque.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
Three victims acted heroically during the attack.
These victims helped draw the shooters away from children present at the mosque.
San Diego officials held a news conference to provide updates.
CBS News correspondent Lana Zak reported further on the incident.
The event took place on a Monday, with the news conference held the following day.
The officials answered questions about the shooting during the briefing.
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Harvard University asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. The lawsuit accuses Harvard of antisemitism for not protecting Israeli and Jewish students, citing a law against discrimination.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Justice filed the lawsuit against Harvard in March.
The lawsuit claims Harvard violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Title VI protects students from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in schools receiving federal funds.
The suit alleges Harvard failed to keep Israeli and Jewish students safe from discrimination.
Harvard’s lawyers are asking the judge to throw out the lawsuit.
The case is being handled in federal court.
The dispute involves issues of civil rights and discrimination protections on college campuses.
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President Donald Trump’s administration created a $1.776 billion fund to pay people who say the government unfairly used the legal system against them. The fund is part of a settlement from a lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS and will be managed by a commission until 2028.
Key Facts
The fund aims to compensate people who claim they were targeted by the government’s legal actions.
It stems from a $10 billion lawsuit President Trump filed against the IRS over leaked tax returns.
The Treasury Department will transfer the money within 60 days.
A five-member commission will oversee the fund and decide on compensation until December 2028.
The fund may cover legal and prison costs, but exact eligibility rules are still unclear.
Many lawyers and communications professionals are preparing to help clients apply, including some involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Some settlements under this administration previously compensated Trump allies such as Mark Houck and Michael Flynn.
Critics have raised concerns about the fund’s legality and lack of independent oversight.
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is testifying before a Senate committee about President Trump’s budget request for the Transportation Department for the year 2027. The budget proposal asks for $26.6 billion, and Duffy will also address concerns about a jet fuel shortage that has made airline tickets more expensive.
Key Facts
Sean Duffy is the current Transportation Secretary.
He is testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The testimony focuses on President Trump’s 2027 budget request.
The requested budget for the Transportation Department is $26.6 billion.
There is a jet fuel shortage affecting airline prices.
Airlines have raised ticket prices because of this shortage.
The Senate committee will likely ask questions about these airline price hikes.
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Grant Shapps resigned from his role as chairman of Cambridge Aerospace after concerns that he may have broken rules about former ministers working with certain companies. A government watchdog said he created a perception of improper behavior after the aerospace firm won a missile contract, despite Shapps saying he was not involved in defense work.
Key Facts
Grant Shapps is a former UK defence secretary and Conservative MP.
He resigned as chairman of Cambridge Aerospace on April 30.
The company won a government missile contract called "Skyhammer."
Shapps said he had no role in the missile contract or military projects.
A government ethics watchdog found Shapps allowed a perception of wrongdoing.
Rules said Shapps should avoid defense work for two years after leaving office.
Critics said Cambridge Aerospace's work was mainly defense-related, questioning Shapps' claim.
Shapps apologized for not getting advice when the company moved into defense projects.
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The U.S. Justice Department added a rule that stops the IRS from auditing President Trump’s tax returns and those of his family and related companies forever. This change was included in a secret agreement that also created a $1.776 billion fund to compensate President Trump’s allies after he dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
Key Facts
The Justice Department barred the IRS from examining tax returns filed before the agreement for President Trump, his family, and related companies.
The agreement set up a $1.776 billion fund to pay President Trump’s allies.
The fund is controlled by five people who work at the president’s will and do not have to disclose who receives money or why.
President Trump dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and other government claims as part of this deal.
The IRS wanted to continue fighting the lawsuit but agreed to settle it instead.
Senate Democrats criticized the fund, calling it a secret slush fund without clear rules on who can get money.
The acting Attorney General said criminals from January 6 can apply for the fund, but President Trump and his sons would not get money directly.
Quarterly confidential reports will be given to the Attorney General, but the exact recipients and amounts are expected to become public over time.
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Senator Susan Collins said she is disappointed that President Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican primary. Collins described Paxton as someone with ethical problems and expressed concern about his candidacy against Senator John Cornyn.
Key Facts
President Trump endorsed Ken Paxton for the Texas GOP primary.
Ken Paxton is the Attorney General of Texas.
Senator John Cornyn, the current Texas senator, faces a primary challenge.
Senator Susan Collins from Maine criticized Paxton’s ethics.
Collins said she does not understand why Trump chose to endorse Paxton.
Collins called Paxton “ethically challenged.”
The endorsement is important because it might affect Cornyn’s chances in the primary.
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