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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A New York judge declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial because the jury could not agree on a verdict. The trial was the third attempt after previous convictions were overturned or ended without a decision. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg will decide in June whether to try the case again.
Key Facts
The mistrial happened after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.
The charge involved allegations that Weinstein raped Jessica Mann in 2013.
Weinstein’s lawyers said the encounter was consensual.
This was Weinstein’s third trial on the same rape charge.
His 2020 conviction was overturned by an appeals court.
A previous retrial on the charge also ended without a verdict.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg will decide on a fourth trial on June 24.
Weinstein is still in prison for other convictions.
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U.S. officials report that more Americans are being watched for hantavirus after an outbreak on a cruise ship. The virus caused several illnesses, and health authorities are tracking those who may have been exposed.
Key Facts
A hantavirus outbreak occurred on a cruise ship.
The outbreak has led to several people becoming sick.
U.S. officials are monitoring a growing number of Americans for possible infection.
Hantavirus can cause serious lung illness.
Health authorities are working to track and control the spread.
Monitoring includes people who may have been in contact with infected individuals or environments.
The situation is ongoing, and health updates are expected.
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The Pentagon is stopping the deployment of about 4,000 U.S. troops to Poland and Germany as part of a plan to reduce the number of troops in Europe by 5,000. This decision follows President Donald Trump's order and reflects tensions between the U.S. and some European allies about the approach to the Iran conflict.
Key Facts
The U.S. canceled the deployment of the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team to Poland.
A battalion trained to fire long-range rockets and missiles was also not deployed to Germany.
The troop reduction is part of a presidential order to cut about 5,000 troops from Europe.
The decision has caused questions and some criticism in both Poland and the U.S.
Polish leaders say the troop cut was logistical and does not weaken Poland’s security.
The troop reduction mainly targets forces in Germany but also affects planned deployments to Poland.
The move comes amid disagreements between President Trump and European NATO allies about supporting the Iran war.
Pentagon officials describe this as a carefully planned process, not a sudden decision.
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Harvey Weinstein’s New York retrial on a rape charge ended without a verdict because the jury could not agree. This is the third trial related to this charge, and Weinstein is already in jail for other sex crimes.
Key Facts
The New York retrial concerned a rape charge involving Jessica Mann.
The jury was mostly male and deadlocked, saying they couldn’t reach a unanimous decision.
Weinstein’s lawyers said the encounter was consensual; Mann said he forced sex after she said no.
Previous trials in New York related to this charge also ended without a final verdict.
Weinstein has been convicted in other states and is currently in jail.
The judge asked the jury to keep discussing before declaring the mistrial.
Mann testified for five days during the three-week trial; Weinstein did not testify.
Mann agreed to be named in reports, though sexual assault victims are usually kept anonymous.
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Joe Rogan criticized a tech company, Palantir Technologies, for suggesting the U.S. should return to a military draft and require all young people to serve in the military. Rogan and his guest called the idea scary and questioned why a tech company would want to force more people into military service.
Key Facts
Palantir Technologies proposed that the U.S. should consider universal national service, meaning everyone would have to serve in the military.
Joe Rogan rejected this idea and spoke against bringing back conscription (the military draft).
Palantir stated that sharing the risk and cost of war among all citizens is important.
Rogan argued that many military conflicts since World War II have not made sense.
Palantir is a tech company that works with the Pentagon and provides software for military intelligence and operations.
The U.S. currently uses an all-volunteer military since 1973 but still maintains a Selective Service System to register potential draftees.
There is a planned move to register most draft-eligible men automatically by December 2026.
The proposal sparked debate about the influence of private defense tech companies on government policies.
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The US Justice Department will seek the death penalty for Elias Rodriguez, who is accused of killing two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington. He faces hate crime and murder charges after allegedly shooting the victims while shouting pro-Palestinian statements.
Key Facts
Elias Rodriguez is charged with murder and federal hate crimes for shooting two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, DC.
The victims were Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen working in the US, and Sarah Milgrim, a US citizen.
The attack occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in May 2025 as the victims were leaving an event.
Rodriguez reportedly shouted “free Palestine” during the shooting and later said he did it “for Palestine” and “for Gaza.”
Prosecutors say the attack was planned; Rodriguez flew from Chicago with a handgun in his luggage.
Surveillance showed Rodriguez shooting the victims, reloading, and then fleeing.
After the shooting, he entered the museum and declared he was unarmed and claimed he was motivated by Palestinian causes.
The death penalty pursuit means prosecutors must prove Rodriguez was motivated by antisemitism linked to a hate crime.
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Eighty House Republicans voted for a plan to cut $481 million from U.S. funding for NATO. The proposal was part of a larger military spending bill but was rejected by most members, with 333 against it.
Key Facts
The vote took place on an amendment that aimed to reduce NATO funding by $481 million.
The amendment was included in a broader bill covering Veterans Affairs and military construction.
80 Republicans supported the amendment, while 333 members of the House opposed it.
President Donald Trump and his administration have expressed doubts about the U.S. role in NATO and other members’ contributions.
Representative Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, led the effort to cut NATO funding.
Steube said opposing the amendment means continuing to send U.S. tax money to NATO instead of focusing on U.S. troops and military bases.
The measure failed and the funding for NATO remains unchanged.
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Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee questioned Army leaders about the Pentagon’s sudden decision to cancel sending 4,000 troops to Poland. The committee, led by Mike Rogers, expressed dissatisfaction and said they want more information about the change.
Key Facts
The Pentagon decided to cancel the planned deployment of 4,000 Army troops to Poland.
The decision appeared to happen with little advance notice.
Republican lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee are unhappy with how the Pentagon handled the situation.
Mike Rogers, the committee chair, said they do not understand why the deployment was canceled.
The committee is seeking answers from Army leaders about the change.
The planned deployment was supposed to be temporary.
The issue highlights concerns about U.S. military commitments in Eastern Europe.
The discussions took place on a Friday hearing.
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Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen announced he will not seek re-election after Republican lawmakers redrew his district to favor their party. He plans to challenge the new district boundaries in court and said he might run again if the court restores the old map.
Key Facts
Steve Cohen is a Democratic representative from Tennessee.
Tennessee Republicans redrew the congressional map to weaken Cohen’s majority-Black district.
The new district map favors Republican candidates, aligned with President Trump’s strategy.
Cohen has served his Memphis-based district for about 20 years.
He is challenging the redistricting in court and may re-enter the race if successful.
Tennessee was the first state to redraw districts after the Supreme Court limited federal minority voting protections.
Cohen warned Tennessee could lose Democratic representation and influence in Washington.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Cohen’s record on civil rights and public service.
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British politicians often use jogging as a way to show they are energetic and healthy while promoting their political image. Many well-known leaders, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Boris Johnson, have been seen running publicly to connect with voters and support charity causes.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, was photographed jogging after announcing his bid for parliament.
Politicians often use exercise like running to symbolize energy and readiness for political challenges.
Tony Blair took part in charity runs and emphasized exercise for health during his time in office.
Gordon Brown was also seen jogging in public parks during his period as prime minister.
David Cameron ran frequently around London parks, often unnoticed by the public.
Michael Gove was photographed jogging as he pursued his plans to become prime minister.
Boris Johnson was known for his colorful and unusual running outfits, combining casual and formal wear.
Jogging has become a common political metaphor and tool in British politics to signal fitness and determination.
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A jury in Manhattan could not agree on a verdict in the rape retrial of Harvey Weinstein, leading the judge to declare a mistrial. Weinstein faces one count of third-degree rape related to an incident with Jessica Mann in 2013, but other charges against him have resulted in convictions.
Key Facts
Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial ended in a mistrial after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.
The charge involved an alleged 2013 rape of Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor.
Weinstein’s lawyers said the sexual encounter was consensual.
Mann testified that while some sexual contact was consensual, Weinstein forced sex on one occasion after she said no.
Weinstein was convicted of other sexual crimes on the East and West coasts of the U.S. and remains in jail.
The current retrial is the third trial related to these specific New York charges.
Weinstein did not testify during the retrial; Mann testified for five days.
An earlier 2020 New York conviction involving Mann was overturned by an appeals court, leading to these retrials.
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A judge declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s New York rape retrial after the jury could not agree on a verdict. This was the third trial related to the rape charge, and prosecutors will decide whether to try the case again.
Key Facts
The jury in Weinstein’s rape retrial said it was deadlocked and could not reach a unanimous decision.
The case involves an accusation of third-degree rape by Jessica Mann, who said Weinstein forced unwanted sex in 2013.
Weinstein’s lawyers argued the encounter was consensual and noted Mann continued to see Weinstein afterward.
This retrial follows two previous trials related to the same charge, with one conviction overturned on appeal.
Weinstein has been convicted of other sex crimes on different charges and remains in jail.
The judge asked the jury to keep discussing before declaring the mistrial.
A hearing is scheduled for June 24 to decide if prosecutors will attempt a fourth trial.
Jessica Mann testified for five days during the trial, but Weinstein did not testify.
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Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen announced he will retire after his district was divided in a redistricting process. The changes came after a Supreme Court ruling that limited the use of race in drawing voting districts, which led to Tennessee's 9th district being split into three parts.
Key Facts
Steve Cohen is a Democratic representative from Tennessee.
He will not run for reelection and plans to retire at the end of his current term.
His Memphis-based congressional district, the 9th district, was split into three by state lawmakers.
The redistricting followed a Supreme Court decision that found race-based district drawing unconstitutional.
Cohen and civil rights groups have filed lawsuits against the new map.
Tennessee’s redistricting may help Republicans win the seat currently held by Cohen.
Cohen has represented a majority-minority district as a white congressman.
He is the 22nd Democrat to decide not to run again in this election cycle.
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A 19-year-old transgender student, Juniper Blessing, was stabbed over 40 times and found dead in a University of Washington off-campus laundry room. The suspect, 31-year-old Christopher Leahy, turned himself in and faces first-degree murder charges.
Key Facts
Juniper Blessing was a transgender student at the University of Washington.
Blessing suffered more than 40 stab wounds to multiple parts of the body.
The killing happened in the laundry room of the Nordheim Court student housing.
Christopher Leahy, 31, surrendered to police and was booked for first-degree murder.
Surveillance video showed the suspect returning to the laundry room and inspecting the area.
Witnesses identified the suspect, including his brother and a friend who recognized him in photos.
Blessing was a talented singer studying atmospheric science, music, and philosophy.
Blessing’s family described them as highly intelligent and deeply caring.
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The House Committee on Ethics is investigating Representative Chuck Edwards from North Carolina. The investigation is about sexual harassment claims made against him.
Key Facts
Rep. Chuck Edwards is a Republican from North Carolina.
The House Committee on Ethics is conducting the investigation.
The probe concerns sexual harassment allegations.
The allegations have prompted official action.
CBS News reporter Taurean Small is covering the story.
The investigation is part of congressional ethics oversight.
No conclusions or outcomes have been announced yet.
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The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will end on May 21 as CBS cancels the program due to financial losses. The final episodes will feature guests such as Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, David Byrne, and Bruce Springsteen.
Key Facts
Stephen Colbert’s Late Show is ending after a long run on CBS.
The last episode will air on May 21.
CBS decided to cancel the show because it was losing money.
The final week includes special guests Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, David Byrne, and Bruce Springsteen.
The announcement was made as part of CBS’s public release.
This marks not only Colbert’s departure but the end of the Late Show on CBS.
The show has been a major part of late-night TV for many years.
The lineup also promises musical performances and surprises.
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A fire and explosion happened at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine, injuring at least five people. Officials called it a "mass casualty event" and sent emergency teams from nearby areas to help, while the cause is still being investigated.
Key Facts
The explosion took place at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine.
At least five people were hurt in the incident.
Authorities declared a "mass casualty event," meaning many injuries.
Emergency responders came from multiple areas due to the scale of the event.
Maine State Police and fire marshal are investigating the cause.
The 911 Director said many resources are being used at the site.
Governor Janet Mills told people to stay away while emergency crews work.
The lumber mill is about 95 miles from Portland, Maine.
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A couple from Nottingham took their underage sons to Pakistan in 2023 to marry them, breaking a new UK law that bans child marriage. The couple received suspended prison sentences and unpaid community work for causing their children to enter into marriage under the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022.
Key Facts
The couple took their sons, who were under 18, to Pakistan for marriage in early 2023.
The law changed in February 2023, making it illegal to cause anyone under 18 to marry, even abroad or in religious ceremonies.
The bride was originally to marry one son, but ended up marrying the other son after the first rejected her.
The couple admitted guilt and received two-month suspended sentences and 100 hours of unpaid work each.
Police were alerted by a place of education, leading to the couple’s arrest in June 2023.
Messages on the parents’ phones showed they were actively seeking marriage proposals for their sons before the trip.
The court found no evidence of violence or threats but said the couple acted on misguided cultural beliefs.
The marriage is recognized under Islamic and Pakistani law but not automatically legal in the UK without registration.
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Organizers in Southern states are planning a series of marches and events this summer to protest changes in voting laws and new political district maps. These actions respond to recent court decisions and Republican-led efforts to redraw maps, which critics say weaken voting rights, especially for Black communities.
Key Facts
Activists have planned a "Summer of Action" with marches starting this weekend across Southern states.
The Supreme Court recently limited the Voting Rights Act, making it harder to challenge district maps based on racial discrimination.
Republican-led state governments in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi are redrawing voting districts, often targeting areas with Black voters.
Demonstrations in Selma, Alabama, connect to civil rights history, including the legacy of Bloody Sunday and the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
Organizers expect the summer protests to be part of a larger, ongoing movement for voting rights beyond just elections.
Some Hispanic groups plan to join protests, expressing concern about voting rights and immigration policies.
Experts warn that these changes may result in the loss of 10 to 15 seats held by Black members of Congress.
President Donald Trump has gained some support from Black voters despite criticism over his rhetoric and policies related to race and voting rights.
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President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen to record low levels on both the economy and healthcare, according to recent national polls and analysis by CNN. These declines show that key areas Trump previously relied on politically are now causing problems for his support ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Trump’s disapproval rating is 65% on healthcare and 70% on the economy, the highest for any president this century on these issues.
Economic approval ratings for Trump are stuck in the low 30% range, with negative net ratings between -24 and -40 in major polls.
Approval on the economy has dropped more than 30 points since early in Trump’s current term.
Many Americans now believe the economy is getting worse and costs are increasing.
Healthcare disapproval is also very high, with Trump surpassing previous peaks seen under Presidents Obama and Bush.
Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” health agenda faces challenges as its coalition weakens, partly due to controversial vaccine messaging.
Democrats lead by 16 points on vaccine policy, an area where Republicans are vulnerable.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., linked to Trump’s health policy efforts, has lost favorability among voters, especially independents.
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