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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

What China critics in Maga movement make of Trump's Beijing trip

What China critics in Maga movement make of Trump's Beijing trip

May 15, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

President Donald Trump recently visited Beijing and greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping with friendly words, calling him a friend and speaking positively about trade deals. However, important issues, especially concerning Taiwan and arms sales, remain unresolved, and some hardline critics in Trump's political circle reacted cautiously.

Key Facts

  • President Trump previously used strong anti-China language during his 2016 campaign and 2024 run.
  • Trump’s typical allies, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice-President JD Vance, have accused China of economic theft and drug trafficking.
  • Trade tensions led to high tariffs between the US and China starting in 2025, with both countries imposing taxes on imports.
  • During Trump’s recent visit, China welcomed him with a military band and children waving flags.
  • Trump praised "fantastic trade deals," including approvals for Nvidia chip sales and Boeing aircraft orders, but gave few details.
  • The US sanctioned Chinese firms for helping Iran target US forces shortly before the visit.
  • Taiwan remains a contentious issue; Trump did not clarify a delayed $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
  • Chinese and US official statements after the meeting differed greatly on Taiwan, with China emphasizing the risk of conflict.
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BBC US BBC Top Stories BBC World
Eric Trump says he’ll sue Jen Psaki, MS NOW over report on China trip

Eric Trump says he’ll sue Jen Psaki, MS NOW over report on China trip

May 15, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Eric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, announced he will sue the news outlet MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) and host Jen Psaki. This is because Psaki said on her show that Eric’s business dealings and his trip to China with his father might create a conflict of interest.

Key Facts

  • Eric Trump plans to sue MS NOW and Jen Psaki.
  • The lawsuit is in response to a report aired on Jen Psaki’s show, “The Briefing.”
  • Psaki questioned whether Eric Trump’s business interests combined with his China trip with President Trump was a conflict of interest.
  • MS NOW is the rebranded name of MSNBC.
  • The China trip was described as high-stakes, indicating its importance.
  • Eric Trump denies the suggestion of any conflict of interest.
  • Jen Psaki is the host who made the original statement.
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The Hill
FBI Director Kash Patel took VIP snorkel trip around USS Arizona: Navy

FBI Director Kash Patel took VIP snorkel trip around USS Arizona: Navy

May 15, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel took a special snorkeling tour around the USS Arizona wreck at Pearl Harbor during an official visit to Hawaii last summer. The U.S. Navy confirmed the tour, saying it was arranged as a respectful historical visit and part of Patel’s national security work in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Facts

  • FBI Director Kash Patel visited Hawaii on an official trip last summer.
  • He took a rare VIP snorkeling tour near the USS Arizona wreck, where about 900 U.S. sailors and Marines died in 1941.
  • The U.S. Navy arranged the tour and stressed it included safety briefings and respect for the site as a final resting place.
  • The tour did not appear on Patel’s public schedule during the visit.
  • The FBI called the swim a historical tour to honor the heroes who died on the USS Arizona, not a party.
  • Such snorkeling tours are rare and only arranged occasionally for distinguished visitors.
  • The USS Arizona Memorial is a public site managed by the National Park Service and usually reached by boat.
  • Some critics question whether Patel is using his public office for personal benefits.
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ABC News
High School Student May Be Infected With Hantavirus in New York

High School Student May Be Infected With Hantavirus in New York

May 15, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A high school student in Ontario County, New York, is being investigated for a possible hantavirus infection. Health officials said this type of hantavirus spreads from mice to humans and does not pass between people.

Key Facts

  • The suspected case involves a student at Geneva High School in Ontario County, New York.
  • Health officials clarified it is not connected to a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship.
  • The type of hantavirus in the U.S. spreads only from mice to humans, not from person to person.
  • Public Health Director Kate Ott said sneezing or close contact will not spread the virus.
  • The student suspected of infection will not have to quarantine.
  • The school district is working closely with the county health department.
  • Officials stated there is no risk to other students or staff at this time.
  • The situation is still under investigation and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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Newsweek
Georgia town sues over ICE plan for vast immigration detention center

Georgia town sues over ICE plan for vast immigration detention center

May 15, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Officials in Social Circle, Georgia, sued federal immigration agencies to stop plans for a large immigration detention center in their town. They say the project will strain local services and harm the environment because it was started without required environmental reviews.

Key Facts

  • Social Circle is a small rural town in Georgia with about 5,000 residents.
  • Federal agencies ICE and DHS plan to convert a warehouse into a detention center holding up to 10,000 people.
  • The plan could triple the town’s population and increase the demand on water and sewage systems.
  • Local officials and residents oppose the project due to concerns about infrastructure and environmental harm.
  • The lawsuit accuses federal agencies of breaking laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act.
  • The warehouse was bought by the government in February 2024.
  • The court is asked to pause construction while it reviews the case.
  • Similar plans in other US towns have faced opposition and sometimes were stopped.
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Guardian World Guardian US
House Ethics wants reinforcements as misconduct probes pile up

House Ethics wants reinforcements as misconduct probes pile up

May 15, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The House Ethics Committee is handling many misconduct investigations and says it needs more resources to work faster. Both Republican and Democratic leaders are working together to reform how Congress deals with misconduct allegations.

Key Facts

  • The House Ethics Committee is very busy due to many misconduct claims against lawmakers.
  • Two members, Reps. Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell, resigned recently amid sexual misconduct claims.
  • Reps. Chuck Edwards and Cory Mills are currently being investigated.
  • Ethics Chair Michael Guest wants more resources to speed up investigations.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson supports giving the committee what it needs to work effectively.
  • A bipartisan group led by Reps. Kat Cammack and Teresa Leger Fernández will suggest reforms.
  • Democrats plan to prioritize improving the Ethics Committee if they win the House majority.
  • Some lawmakers, like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, oppose adding more resources, saying the committee needs to prioritize better.
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Axios
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Missing GOP congressman’s father says illness ‘won’t linger’: ‘He will be 100 percent OK’

Missing GOP congressman’s father says illness ‘won’t linger’: ‘He will be 100 percent OK’

May 15, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Tom Kean Sr., the father of GOP Congressman Tom Kean Jr., said his son is ill but will fully recover. Congressman Kean Jr. has been missing from both his campaign activities and work in Congress, causing concern.

Key Facts

  • Tom Kean Jr. is a Republican Congressman from New Jersey.
  • He has been absent from the campaign trail and Congress for an unknown reason.
  • His father, Tom Kean Sr., is a former governor of New Jersey.
  • Tom Kean Sr. said his son is currently seeing a doctor.
  • The elder Kean expressed confidence that his son will be "100 percent OK."
  • No specific details about the illness were provided.
  • The family hopes Congressman Kean Jr. will return soon.
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The Hill
Ukrainian man denies role in Starmer arson plot, court hears

Ukrainian man denies role in Starmer arson plot, court hears

May 15, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A Ukrainian man named Petro Pochynok denies involvement in a plan to set fire to a car connected to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He says he was only helping a friend carry luggage and did not agree to take part in any crime.

Key Facts

  • Petro Pochynok, 35, is on trial with two others for allegedly setting fires linked to Sir Keir Starmer in May 2025.
  • Pochynok says he helped a friend with "heavy suitcases" but found out later the plan was to set a car on fire.
  • The car set on fire was previously owned by Sir Keir Starmer.
  • Pochynok claims he did not agree to or participate in starting the fire and filmed it on a phone before leaving.
  • Another accused man, Roman Lavrynovych, said he was recruited online by someone called "El Money" to commit the arson for money.
  • Fires were also started in two locations connected to Sir Keir Starmer days after the car fire.
  • Pochynok expressed support for Ukraine and said he would not help Russia in causing problems in the UK.
  • Pochynok’s father recently died and was a soldier fighting in Ukraine.
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BBC Top Stories
How team Burnham finally cleared the first of many hurdles on route to Westminster

How team Burnham finally cleared the first of many hurdles on route to Westminster

May 15, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been trying to get a seat in the UK Parliament to enter a Labour Party leadership contest. His team has faced many obstacles, including refusals from current MPs to give up their seats and delays in gaining a parliamentary position.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham aims to enter the UK Parliament to run for Labour Party leader.
  • He has lost in two previous leadership contests.
  • Burnham cannot currently sit in Parliament because no seat is available for him.
  • Several MPs linked to potential seats for Burnham refused to step down.
  • Some Burnham supporters say the team's efforts included offers and pressure on MPs.
  • Labour’s poor election results may open a path for Burnham to enter Parliament.
  • Burnham has been traveling to meet MPs and unions to gain their support.
  • Negotiations about seats are ongoing, with no clear solution yet.
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Guardian World
Iraqi national plotted terror attacks in U.S., officials say

Iraqi national plotted terror attacks in U.S., officials say

May 15, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, is accused of planning several terrorist attacks in the United States. One of the targets mentioned was a Jewish institution in New York. Federal officials have charged him in connection with these alleged plots.

Key Facts

  • The suspect is named Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi.
  • He is originally from Iraq.
  • He faces federal charges in the U.S.
  • The charges relate to plans for multiple terror attacks.
  • One potential target was a Jewish institution located in New York.
  • The information was reported by CBS News journalists Anna Schecter and Jake Rosen.
  • The case involves U.S. federal law enforcement authorities.
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CBS News
FBI offers $200K reward in search for ex-Air Force counterintelligence specialist who defected to Iran

FBI offers $200K reward in search for ex-Air Force counterintelligence specialist who defected to Iran

May 15, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The FBI is offering a $200,000 reward to find and arrest Monica Witt, a former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist. She is accused of spying for Iran and defected to that country about ten years ago. Monica Witt was charged with espionage in 2019.

Key Facts

  • Monica Witt worked in U.S. Air Force counterintelligence.
  • She defected to Iran almost ten years ago.
  • The FBI wants information to help arrest and convict her.
  • The reward offered by the FBI is $200,000.
  • Witt was charged with spying (espionage) in February 2019 by a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C.
  • Espionage means spying or sharing secret information without permission.
  • The FBI continues to seek assistance in finding her.
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The Hill
US eyes indictment against Raúl Castro, AP sources say, as Trump administration pressures Cuba

US eyes indictment against Raúl Castro, AP sources say, as Trump administration pressures Cuba

May 15, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The U.S. Justice Department is preparing to charge former Cuban President Raúl Castro for his alleged role in a 1996 incident where four planes were shot down. President Donald Trump has also increased pressure on Cuba, including threats of possible military action.

Key Facts

  • The Justice Department wants to indict Raúl Castro for his involvement in the 1996 shootdown of four planes operated by a Miami-based exile group.
  • At the time of the shootdown, Castro was Cuba’s defense minister.
  • The indictment must be approved by a grand jury before charges can be filed.
  • Only one person has been convicted in connection to the 1996 shootdown so far.
  • President Trump has threatened military action against Cuba if the island does not open its economy to U.S. investment and remove U.S. adversaries.
  • A special team of prosecutors has been set up in Miami to build cases against top Cuban officials.
  • Raúl Castro was Cuban president from 2011 to 2019 and retired from party leadership in 2021 but still holds influence behind the scenes.
  • U.S. officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, have recently met with Cuban representatives, including Castro’s grandson.
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Jerome Powell's legacy as Federal Reserve chair

Jerome Powell's legacy as Federal Reserve chair

May 15, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Jerome Powell finished his time as chair of the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank. His period in charge included dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, and a difficult relationship with President Trump.

Key Facts

  • Jerome Powell served as chair of the Federal Reserve.
  • His tenure included managing the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • He faced economic instability and turmoil during his leadership.
  • Powell had a tense relationship with President Donald Trump.
  • His last day as chair of the Federal Reserve has now passed.
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CBS News
Bard’s board voted to end Botstein’s tenure as president after independent review of Epstein ties

Bard’s board voted to end Botstein’s tenure as president after independent review of Epstein ties

May 15, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Bard College’s board of trustees ended Leon Botstein’s 51-year tenure as president after an independent review investigated his connection with Jeffrey Epstein. The review found no illegal actions but criticized Botstein for not being fully honest about his relationship with Epstein and for risking the college’s reputation.

Key Facts

  • Leon Botstein served as Bard College’s president for 51 years before the board voted to end his tenure.
  • The decision followed an independent review of Botstein’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
  • Botstein had accepted donations from Epstein and traveled to Epstein’s private island in 2012.
  • The law firm WilmerHale conducted the review, finding no illegal conduct but noting Botstein was not fully truthful about his relationship with Epstein.
  • Botstein announced his retirement effective June 30, presenting it as a planned decision linked to a fundraising campaign.
  • Some board members resigned following the vote, and there is concern among faculty and alumni about the board’s decisions.
  • An alum requested an investigation by the New York attorney general into the board’s handling of Botstein’s presidency.
  • Bard College stated it is focused on the future and maintaining its reputation as a leading liberal arts college.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump administration sued by veterans group over VA abortion ban

Trump administration sued by veterans group over VA abortion ban

May 15, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A veterans group called Minority Veterans of America has sued the Trump administration because the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) banned abortion care and counseling. The group says this ban has hurt its members, including a pregnant woman with serious health problems.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit was filed by Minority Veterans of America.
  • It challenges the Trump administration’s ban on abortion care and counseling at the VA.
  • The ban affects all members of the veterans group.
  • One identified plaintiff is a pregnant member with chronic medical issues.
  • The group claims the ban causes harm to veterans who need abortion-related health care.
  • The VA is part of the U.S. government and provides health services to veterans.
  • The lawsuit seeks to overturn the abortion ban at the VA.
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The Hill
Soldier says ICE released wife after she spent a month in detention

Soldier says ICE released wife after she spent a month in detention

May 15, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose Serrano said his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, was held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for one month. She has since been released and returned home.

Key Facts

  • Deisy Rivera Ortega was detained by ICE for about one month.
  • Jose Serrano, her husband, is an Army Sergeant First Class.
  • ICE is the U.S. agency responsible for immigration enforcement.
  • After a month of detention, Ortega was released.
  • The family is now reunited at home.
  • This situation was reported by CBS News correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez.
  • The case highlights issues related to immigration detention and family separation.
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CBS News
Burnham cleared to run for selection in pivotal by-election

Burnham cleared to run for selection in pivotal by-election

May 15, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been allowed by Labour’s National Executive Committee to try to become the Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election. If he wins, he could enter Parliament and potentially challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for Labour leadership.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham was previously blocked from standing in a by-election but has now been cleared to run.
  • The Makerfield by-election seat became available after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned.
  • The by-election is likely to be held on June 18, with candidate selections closing May 18.
  • To run for Labour leader, Burnham must become an MP first.
  • About 90 Labour MPs have called for Starmer to resign, but a leadership challenge requires support from at least 81 MPs.
  • Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary and is seen as a possible leadership contender.
  • Reform UK plans to strongly contest the Makerfield seat.
  • Labour has traditionally held Makerfield, but recent trends show increased support for Reform UK.
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BBC Top Stories
Texas Supreme Court refuses to remove Democrats who fled state

Texas Supreme Court refuses to remove Democrats who fled state

May 15, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court stopped Governor Greg Abbott's attempt to punish Democratic lawmakers who left the state to try to stop redistricting. These lawmakers fled last summer, and the governor wanted the court to allow penalties against them, but the court rejected that request.

Key Facts

  • Democratic lawmakers left Texas last summer to block a redistricting plan.
  • Governor Greg Abbott filed an emergency request with the Texas Supreme Court.
  • Abbott wanted the court to allow punishment for the Democrats who fled.
  • The Texas Supreme Court is made up entirely of Republican justices.
  • The court decided not to penalize the Democratic legislators.
  • This decision stops the governor’s effort to take action against the lawmakers.
  • The lawmakers’ departure was intended to prevent changes to voting district boundaries.
  • The case involved a rare mid-decade redistricting effort in Texas.
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US to seek death penalty for suspect in killing of Israeli embassy staff members

US to seek death penalty for suspect in killing of Israeli embassy staff members

May 15, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

The US government will seek the death penalty for Elias Rodriguez, who is charged with killing two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington DC last year. Rodriguez faces multiple charges, including murder and hate crimes, related to the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum.

Key Facts

  • Elias Rodriguez, 31, is charged with killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim in May 2025.
  • Prosecutors filed a notice to seek the death penalty for three charges, including murder of a foreign official.
  • Rodriguez allegedly fired 20 shots outside the Capital Jewish Museum and shouted support for Palestine after his arrest.
  • He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
  • Rodriguez is also charged with hate crimes and terrorism-related offenses.
  • Authorities say he planned the attack after traveling from Chicago to Washington DC with a handgun.
  • President Donald Trump supports the use of the federal death penalty and has directed the Justice Department to prioritize it.
  • The Biden administration had previously paused federal executions, but President Trump reversed this policy upon returning to office.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories BBC US
Key Questions After DNI Denies CIA Raid Claim

Key Questions After DNI Denies CIA Raid Claim

May 15, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Some U.S. lawmakers say the CIA took boxes of files related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the MKUltra program from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The ODNI denied there was a raid, and the CIA has not publicly commented on the event.

Key Facts

  • Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna said the CIA took documents connected to JFK and MKUltra files from the ODNI.
  • Luna later clarified the event was not a raid and did not happen recently but was only reported now.
  • CIA whistleblower James Erdman testified that the CIA took 40 boxes of files being prepared for declassification from Tulsi Gabbard’s office at the ODNI.
  • The ODNI press secretary said the claim that the CIA raided the DNI’s office is false.
  • Unnamed intelligence sources told NewsNation the CIA did take files related to JFK and MKUltra last year, but it was not a raid.
  • The files were reportedly taken during last year’s government shutdown and have not been returned.
  • Lawmakers Luna and Eric Burlison visited CIA headquarters to demand the documents be returned and declassified.
  • The effort to disclose these documents is linked to an executive order from President Donald Trump about declassifying JFK-related files.
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