US News

FDA turmoil deepens as top drug chief departs claiming she was fired

May 16, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Several top leaders at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have left or been fired, including the acting heads of drug and vaccine regulation. The agency currently has no permanent commissioner or deputy commissioner, and a new acting commissioner has been named.

Key Facts

Tracy Beth Høeg, acting head of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said she was fired after six months in the role.
Katherine Szarama, acting head of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, who had just started, is also reportedly leaving.
Jim Traficant, FDA chief of staff, was removed from his position.
Marty Makary, FDA commissioner, resigned earlier in the week.
The agency now lacks permanent leaders in its top positions.
Kyle Diamantas, formerly the top food regulator, is the new acting FDA commissioner.
Michael Davis will act as director of the drug evaluation center.
Karim Mikhail, previously CEO of a pharmaceutical company, will temporarily lead the biologics center.

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Guardian US Guardian World

Trump discloses $220M in financial transactions

May 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. Office of Government Ethics revealed that President Donald Trump reported financial transactions worth at least $220 million in stocks of major U.S. companies earlier this year. The total value of these transactions is estimated to be between $220 million and $750 million.

Key Facts

President Donald Trump disclosed financial transactions in U.S. company securities.
The transactions occurred earlier this year.
The minimum reported amount is $220 million.
The total estimated value could be as high as $750 million.
The transactions involve stocks in major U.S. companies.
The disclosure was made public by the Office of Government Ethics.
This information is part of President Trump’s financial disclosure forms.

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The Hill

Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency

May 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, the acting head of the FDA's drug review center, is leaving her position amid recent departures at the agency. Her exit follows that of FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, who resigned after disagreements over approving flavored e-cigarettes.

Key Facts

Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg led the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) since December.
She is stepping down shortly after Dr. Marty Makary resigned as FDA commissioner.
Makary resigned due to conflicts over the approval of flavored e-cigarettes, which he reportedly opposed.
Høeg has a history of vaccine skepticism, including involvement in a memo linking children's deaths to COVID-19 vaccines without data.
Her leadership at CDER caused concern among some FDA officials.
Dr. Vinay Prasad, former head of the vaccine approval office at the FDA, also left the agency recently.
Høeg said she is committed to honest, science-based decision-making and transparency.
The departures highlight internal tensions and leadership changes at the FDA.

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CBS News

Republicans Lash Out Over Pentagon's Call Against Sending Troops to Poland

May 16, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Some Republican lawmakers are upset with the Pentagon after it decided not to send thousands of U.S. troops to Poland. They claim that Poland and key military leaders were not properly informed, while the Pentagon says the decision was carefully planned and not last-minute.

Key Facts

The Pentagon stopped sending over 4,000 troops from Texas to Poland as part of a planned rotation.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the decision was detailed and involved many leaders, not a surprise.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon said Poland was not told about the troop withdrawal and called the Pentagon’s explanation false.
Other Republicans in the House Armed Services Committee expressed frustration and said they were not consulted about the decision.
The troop pullback has been described as embarrassing and a “slap in the face” to Poland and U.S. allies in the Baltics.
Professor Rajan Menon said Europe is trying to reduce its reliance on U.S. military protection.
President Donald Trump has threatened to reduce U.S. troops not only in Germany but also in Spain and Italy.
The Pentagon is reviewing troop levels in Europe following President Trump’s statements.

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Newsweek

Warren, Shaheen urge Trump administration not to extend Russian oil sanctions waiver

May 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren asked President Trump’s administration not to extend a waiver on sanctions related to buying Russian oil. The current waiver is set to expire just after midnight on Saturday.

Key Facts

The waiver allows some buyers of Russian oil to avoid U.S. sanctions.
The current waiver is about to expire just after midnight on Saturday.
Senators Shaheen and Warren urged the administration not to renew this waiver.
They want to continue pressure on Russia by enforcing oil sanctions fully.
The call reflects concerns over U.S. policy toward Russia and sanctions enforcement.
Senators Shaheen represents New Hampshire, and Warren represents Massachusetts.
The request was made publicly on a Friday before the waiver deadline.

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The Hill

A longtime Atlanta principal retired, then returned to his school as a handyman

May 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

David White retired in 2025 after 33 years working in education, including 15 years as a principal at an Atlanta elementary school. Missing the school community, he returned to the same school in a new role as site manager, where he handles maintenance and upkeep tasks.

Key Facts

David White retired at age 58 after 33 years in education.
He spent 15 years as principal of Burgess-Peterson Academy in Atlanta.
White won Principal of the Year for Atlanta Public Schools during his career.
After retiring, he found retirement lonely and missed the school.
He applied for and accepted the job of site manager at the same school.
His new role includes jobs like power washing bathrooms and inspecting fire extinguishers.
White is happy to continue working in some capacity at the school he cares about.
The current principal, Holly Brookins, supports White’s return in this new role.

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CBS News

Remains of missing 6-year-old boy found years after his alleged murder

May 16, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

The remains of a 6-year-old boy named Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez were found in Texas more than three years after he went missing. His mother, Cindy Rodriguez Singh, who was charged with his murder, fled the country but was arrested in 2025.

Key Facts

Noel was last seen alive in October 2022 in Everman, Texas.
His mother told police he was living with his father in Mexico, but this was false.
Cindy Rodriguez Singh fled to India in March 2023 with other children, except Noel.
She was charged with capital murder in October 2023.
The FBI listed her as a top 10 most wanted fugitive before her arrest in 2025.
Human remains found in a search of Noel’s former home were confirmed to be his.
Cindy was found incompetent to stand trial but may regain competency in the future.
Officials are planning to proceed with a trial once her competency is restored.

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ABC News

School principal retires, but returns as a handyman: "I'm contributing meaningfully"

May 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

David White, a 58-year-old who retired after 33 years in education as an elementary school principal, decided to return to work as a handyman. He wanted to keep contributing in a meaningful way after retirement.

Key Facts

David White is 58 years old.
He worked 33 years in education.
The last 15 years were as an elementary school principal in Atlanta.
He retired from his principal job.
After retiring, he spent time relaxing at home.
He chose to go back to school to train as a handyman.
His goal is to keep contributing in a useful way.
The story was covered by CBS News reporter Steve Hartman.

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CBS News

US plan for Colorado River could cut up to 40% supply for Arizona, California and Nevada

May 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The US government has proposed cutting up to 40% of water supplies from the Colorado River to Arizona, California, and Nevada due to severe drought and low reservoir levels. The plan, which will be finalized in June, could reduce the water flow by up to 3 million acre-feet annually and will be reviewed every two years.

Key Facts

The plan targets Arizona, California, and Nevada, which rely on the Colorado River for water.
Water deliveries could be cut by up to 3 million acre-feet each year, enough to supply 6 to 9 million households for one year.
Cuts will be based on the legal priorities set by the 1922 Colorado River Compact, with California having the highest priority.
The Central Arizona Project, a canal transporting water to central and southern Arizona, may see water flow reduced to zero.
The Colorado River provides water to about 40 million people in the western US.
The seven states that depend on the river failed to reach an agreement on sharing cuts by a February deadline.
The river has lost nearly 28 million acre-feet of groundwater over 20 years due to overuse and drought.
States in the river’s upper basin (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico) resist cuts, saying lower basin states should reduce usage.

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Guardian World Guardian US

After a woman was released from ICE detention, her Army soldier husband speaks out

May 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A woman who was held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was released after one month. Her husband, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier, spoke publicly about the situation.

Key Facts

The woman was detained by ICE for one month.
She is married to a soldier currently serving in the U.S. Army.
Her release happened recently, on a Thursday.
ICE is a government agency that handles immigration enforcement.
The husband shared his views about her detention after her release.
CBS News reported on this story with their immigration correspondent.

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CBS News

2 senators call on FAA to study safety impact of reduced flight attendant staffing

May 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Two Democratic senators have asked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study how reducing the number of flight attendants on long flights might affect passenger safety. They want the FAA to understand any risks before airlines are allowed to have fewer flight attendants on these flights.

Key Facts

Two Democratic senators made the request to the FAA.
The request is about studying reduced flight attendant staffing on long flights.
The senators are concerned about the safety impact of having fewer flight attendants.
The Federal Aviation Administration is the U.S. government agency that oversees flight safety.
Airlines have considered or started using fewer flight attendants on some long-haul flights.
The study would help determine if this change affects passenger safety.
The report was shared by CBS News and its transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave.

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CBS News

"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for May 17, 2026

May 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

CBS News' program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" will feature guests discussing U.S. trade, Taiwan-U.S. relations, defense issues, bipartisan political efforts, and recent CBS News polling. The show airs Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern on CBS and streams later online.

Key Facts

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will appear on the show.
Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., is a guest.
Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates will participate in the discussion.
The show includes a panel with bipartisan members of the Problem Solvers Caucus: Republican Brian Fitzpatrick and Democrat Tom Suozzi.
CBS News polling results will be reviewed with Anthony Salvanto, the executive director of elections and surveys.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" airs on CBS News at 10:30 a.m. ET.
The program streams at 12:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com on Sundays.

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CBS News

DC parents could face jail over ‘teen takeovers’ under Pirro move

May 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, announced plans to increase jail penalties for parents who do not follow curfew laws. This move targets adults whose children participate in what she calls "teen takeovers," involving delinquent behavior.

Key Facts

Jeanine Pirro is the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
She plans to increase jail time penalties for parents who break curfew laws.
The focus is on parents whose teens take part in nighttime trouble or “delinquent acts.”
Adults who know about or allow these acts may face punishment.
The announcement came on a Friday.
The policy targets reducing youth crime related to curfew violations.
“Teen takeovers” refers to groups of teenagers causing disturbances during curfew hours.

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The Hill

‘A watchdog without resources is not a watchdog’: Labor accused of letting key accountability body languish

May 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), a key government watchdog, is receiving only a small funding increase in the recent budget, which may not be enough to meet its audit work goals. Critics, including transparency advocates and Senator David Pocock, warn that without proper funding, the ANAO cannot fully oversee government spending and projects.

Key Facts

The ANAO received $99.8 million in new annual funding, a slight increase from $98.2 million and below inflation.
The ANAO’s staff is expected to decrease from 435 people in 2025-26 to 421 in 2026-27.
The ANAO has run budget deficits for eight years and recorded a $5.3 million loss in 2024-25.
Because of funding problems, the ANAO lowered its audit report targets from 48 to between 38 and 42 reports.
The ANAO may stop producing the Major Projects Report, which monitors costly government defense projects.
Senator David Pocock says a well-funded ANAO helps find government waste and supports accountability.
Transparency experts suggest the ANAO should have independent funding and stronger protections to avoid political pressure.
The budget also included a small increase for the Commonwealth Ombudsman with $6.2 million over four years.

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Guardian World

POV: you’re Jim Chalmers using social media to sell the most ambitious budget of your life

May 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is using social media to share behind-the-scenes moments during the annual federal budget week. He posts videos showing his daily routine, budget work, and casual conversations to make the complex budget more relatable to the public.

Key Facts

Jim Chalmers is the Australian Treasurer responsible for the federal budget.
He is sharing daily activities on social media including running, making coffee, and working late.
Chalmers uses various video styles like slow motion and quick cuts to engage viewers.
Politicians increasingly use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach voters online.
Chalmers’ videos include unboxing the budget documents and informal chats with young people.
The federal budget is a detailed economic report that can be hard for most people to understand.
Other politicians also create social media content to explain or promote the budget.
Chalmers invited social media influencers into the budget lockup to help spread the message.

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Guardian World

WATCH: Toddler emerges from overturned car after police pursuit

May 15, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Police in Arkansas stopped a woman’s car during a high-speed chase using a special police move, which caused the car to flip over. A toddler got out of the overturned car safely, and the mother was taken into custody.

Key Facts

The incident happened in Arkansas.
Police performed a maneuver to stop a speeding car.
The maneuver caused the car to overturn.
A toddler was inside the car during the incident.
The toddler came out of the overturned car unharmed.
The mother driving the car was arrested.
The situation followed a police pursuit.
No reports of other injuries or damages were mentioned.

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ABC News

Supreme court rejects Virginia Democrats’ bid to restore congressional map

May 15, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Virginia Democrats’ request to restore a new congressional map, leaving the current districts in place for upcoming elections. This decision follows a Virginia Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a recent state constitutional amendment related to redistricting.

Key Facts

The Supreme Court denied Virginia Democrats’ bid to bring back a congressional map that would have given them a chance to win four more House seats.
The Virginia Supreme Court struck down a constitutional amendment passed by voters because it was introduced after early voting started.
The amendment aimed to respond to Republican redistricting gains in other states.
The U.S. Supreme Court usually intervenes only when federal law issues are involved.
Virginia’s Democratic leaders argued the election does not count until election day, even if early voting has begun.
Governor Abigail Spanberger’s office confirmed elections will occur under current district lines from 2021.
The Virginia Republican Party supported the Supreme Court’s decision, saying it stops Democrats from trying to divide the state unfairly.
Similar recent Supreme Court decisions have supported Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states like Alabama and Louisiana.

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Guardian World Guardian US

US charges Iraqi militia commander with terrorism offences

May 15, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

The US has charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an Iraqi militia commander, with planning multiple terrorist attacks in North America and Europe. He is accused of targeting Jewish sites and US interests as revenge for conflicts involving Iran and has been arrested and brought to the US for trial.

Key Facts

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi is a commander in Kataib Hezbollah, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the US.
He was arrested in Turkey and handed over to the FBI before being transported to the United States.
Saadi faces six terrorism-related charges connected to planning attacks in Europe, Canada, and the US.
The attacks allegedly targeted Jewish institutions and US or Israeli interests.
Attacks included bombings, arson, and stabbings in cities such as Liège, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, London, Antwerp, Paris, and Munich.
Saadi reportedly coordinated with the late Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani before his death in 2020.
Prosecutors say Saadi tried to hire people to bomb and set fire to Jewish centers in New York City, Los Angeles, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Saadi’s lawyer claims he is politically prosecuted and should be treated as a prisoner of war.

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BBC US

'They took £20,000 I didn't owe': Parents hit by child maintenance errors

May 15, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Many parents in the UK have reported that the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) wrongly took large sums of money from their bank accounts or wages, even when they did not owe the money. The CMS was created to ensure child support payments but some cases involve old or finished arrangements, leading to financial and legal problems for parents like John Hammond and Richard George.

Key Facts

John Hammond had nearly £20,000 taken from his bank account by the CMS even though his child support arrangement ended over 10 years ago.
The CMS took £19,269 from Hammond’s account before he won an appeal to get the money and legal costs returned.
Richard George also had £18,800 taken from his bank by the CMS, causing him shock and distress.
More than 30 parents reported issues such as incorrect arrears, money taken wrongly, and long court fights with the CMS.
The CMS replaced the Child Support Agency (CSA) in 2012 and manages child maintenance payments when parents don’t pay voluntarily.
The CMS uses rules to calculate payments and can take money directly from wages, bank accounts, benefits, or pensions.
The UK government department in charge, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), did not explain why these wrong takings happened.
A House of Lords report raised concerns about the CMS taking money inappropriately, even when parents were trying to pay.

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Wind-driven wildfires rip across Texas Panhandle

May 15, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Strong winds caused wildfires to spread quickly across the Texas Panhandle this week. Firefighters are working nonstop to control and stop the fires.

Key Facts

Wildfires affected the Texas Panhandle region.
Powerful winds made the fires spread faster.
Firefighters are working all day and night.
Efforts are ongoing to control the wildfires.
Weather forecasts are being monitored to track conditions affecting the fires.

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