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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Jerome Powell’s term as chair of the US Federal Reserve ends on May 15, and he will be replaced by Kevin Warsh. President Trump pushed Powell for faster interest rate cuts and threatened to fire him, but Powell prioritized the Fed’s independence and will remain a governor on the board.
Key Facts
Jerome Powell was appointed Fed chair by President Trump in 2018.
Powell’s term as Fed chair ends on May 15, 2024.
Kevin Warsh, also appointed by Trump in the past, will succeed Powell as chair.
Powell faced political pressure from Trump, who wanted quicker interest rate cuts.
Powell defended the Federal Reserve’s independence from political influence.
Trump gave Powell the nickname “Too Late Powell” for delayed rate cuts.
Powell will stay on the Federal Reserve Board as a governor after stepping down as chair.
An investigation into Powell’s office renovations found no wrongdoing and was later suspended.
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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, is pushing for more information about the CIA’s Project MK-Ultra. She says the CIA removed important documents about the program from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. MK-Ultra was a secret CIA project that started in 1953 and involved many institutions across the U.S.
Key Facts
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is leading efforts to uncover details about Project MK-Ultra.
She claims the CIA took documents related to the project from a government office.
Project MK-Ultra began in 1953 and lasted about 20 years.
The program used 80 different institutions in the United States, including 44 unspecified ones.
MK-Ultra involved secret experiments on mind control and behavior.
The project was run by the CIA during the Cold War era.
The search for information is part of congressional oversight of intelligence activities.
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Richard Danker, a top public affairs official in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s office, resigned due to concerns about the FDA approving fruit-flavored e-cigarettes. Danker said these flavored vapes could harm children by causing nicotine addiction and lung damage.
Key Facts
Richard Danker resigned from his public affairs role at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Danker’s resignation letter criticized FDA approval of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes that could expose minors to health risks.
The flavors approved include mango and blueberry varieties made by Glas.
Danker accused senior officials in Kennedy’s office of authorizing these products despite known risks to youth.
The FDA’s approval marks a change from its previous stance focused on removing illegal vapes targeting minors.
Former FDA Commissioner Martin Makary reportedly opposed the decision and left after disagreements with the White House.
The Trump administration’s health campaign stresses improving children’s health and fighting chronic diseases.
An HHS spokesperson said those who disagree with the department’s mission can leave, affirming commitment to public health goals.
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The FBI is offering $200,000 for information that leads to the arrest of Monica Witt, a former U.S. counterintelligence agent accused of spying for Iran. Witt allegedly defected to Iran in 2013 and shared secret U.S. defense information, and she is still missing.
Key Facts
Monica Witt is a former U.S. Air Force intelligence specialist.
She is charged with espionage, which means spying, for Iran.
Witt allegedly defected, or switched sides, to Iran in 2013.
She is accused of giving Iran classified national defense information.
The FBI offered a $200,000 reward to find her.
FBI officials said Witt continues to support Iran’s harmful activities.
The FBI is asking the public to provide any tips about her location.
The case reflects concerns about national security involving foreign enemies.
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Michael Banks, the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, announced his immediate resignation after serving since January 2025. He said illegal crossings at the southwest border have dropped significantly during his time, following a peak during the previous administration.
Key Facts
Michael Banks has been the Border Patrol Chief since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025.
He resigned from his position effective immediately.
Southwest border crossings dropped from nearly 190,000 in March 2024 to about 11,732 in March 2025.
Banks said he helped stabilize border security after a surge in illegal crossings.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Banks for his service and securing the border.
Banks’ resignation follows several Border Patrol controversies, including a fatal shooting involving an officer in Minneapolis.
The Border Patrol is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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Watchdog groups have asked the Senate judiciary committee to investigate Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for owning stock in oil companies while participating in cases involving those companies. The groups argue this could create a conflict of interest and damage public trust in the court’s fairness.
Key Facts
Justice Samuel Alito owns stock in several oil and energy companies, worth between $60,000 and $245,000.
Alito did not recuse himself from a recent Supreme Court case involving oil companies challenging lawsuits by governments over climate change.
Watchdog groups claim Alito’s involvement violates court ethics and undermines public confidence.
Alito has previously recused himself from similar cases in 2023 but reversed that decision this time.
Alito’s financial disclosures and ties to billionaire donor Paul Singer, who benefits from oil company shares, raise further conflict of interest concerns.
The Supreme Court adopted its first formal ethics code in 2023, which recommends justices recuse themselves in cases where they have a financial interest.
Alito has defended not recusing himself, stating there was no duty to do so in these cases.
The Senate has been asked to investigate these potential ethical breaches by Alito.
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John Worboys, a black-cab driver convicted of multiple sexual offenses, has been denied parole for the second time because he is still considered a danger to women. He is serving a life sentence for drugging and attacking women between 2000 and 2008. The parole board said he does not currently meet the conditions for release.
Key Facts
John Worboys was convicted in 2009 for attacking 12 women between 2006 and 2008.
He later received a life sentence after more victims reported abuse from 2000 to 2008.
Worboys lured women by pretending to celebrate winning money and gave them drinks spiked with drugs.
The parole board ruled he still poses a high risk of further sexual offenses.
The decision to deny parole was made without a public hearing because Worboys did not want one.
Carrie Johnson, who was targeted by Worboys, expressed relief at the parole denial.
Worboys is also known as John Radford in custody.
A TV drama about Worboys’ crimes is currently airing on ITV.
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A healthcare business owner named Brett Blackman was convicted for leading a Medicare fraud scheme in Florida that involved fake doctor orders and unnecessary medical supplies. The scheme, which operated from 2015 to 2020, resulted in over $1 million stolen from Medicare and could lead to Blackman facing up to 30 years in prison.
Key Facts
Brett Blackman was found guilty of healthcare fraud and wire fraud related to a Medicare scam in Florida.
The scheme targeted hundreds of thousands of Medicare patients, especially in Florida.
It involved fake doctors’ orders for orthotic braces and other medical items that were not medically needed.
Medical companies used an online platform to create fake orders without proper patient examinations.
The fraud operated mainly through telemarketing and ads that tricked patients into sharing personal information.
False claims submitted to Medicare totaled nearly $2 billion, with over $639 million paid out.
Blackman’s co-conspirator, Gary Cox, was sentenced to 15 years for his role.
The Justice Department described the fraud as large-scale theft targeting vulnerable elderly and sick patients.
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A federal policy change could harm the U.S. organ donation and transplant system. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should consider a gradual change to protect the system while finding better ways to judge organ procurement organizations (OPOs).
Key Facts
The U.S. organ donation system may face risks from new federal policy changes.
Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) are groups that collect donated organs for transplant.
The current policy could destabilize the donation process and infrastructure.
CMS oversees the regulation of OPOs and the organ donation system.
Experts suggest CMS use a phased or gradual approach to implementing new policies.
A phased transition allows time to find better methods to evaluate how well OPOs perform.
Protecting the donation system is important to save lives through organ transplants.
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Andy Burnham, a three-time mayor of Greater Manchester and former Labour MP, is preparing to run for Parliament again to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for Labour party leadership. He has found a Labour MP willing to step down to allow him to stand in a by-election, but he still needs to be selected by local party members and win in an area where his party faces strong competition.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was Labour MP for Leigh from 2001 and has been mayor of Greater Manchester, winning three elections there.
He previously tried twice to become Labour leader but was unsuccessful.
He is not currently an MP, which is required to stand as Labour leader.
A Labour MP in Makerfield has agreed to step down to allow Burnham to run in a by-election.
He still needs selection approval from the local Labour party and must win the by-election.
The Makerfield seat is competitive; Reform UK came second in the 2024 general election there by over 5,000 votes and has recent strong local election results.
Burnham plans to run on his record as mayor and vows to regain voter trust and improve the Labour party.
He has had a long career in politics starting as a researcher and later serving as a cabinet minister under Tony Blair.
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Admiral Daryl Caudle, head of Naval Operations, said the U.S. Navy might have to cut training, usual missions, and personnel by July if extra money isn’t provided for the war in Iran. He told a House committee that the current budget does not include funds for Operation Epic Fury.
Key Facts
Admiral Daryl Caudle is the Chief of Naval Operations.
The U.S. is involved in an operation called Epic Fury related to the war in Iran.
The fiscal year 2026 budget does not include funding for this operation.
Without additional money, the Navy may reduce training and regular missions.
Personnel cuts could also happen if funding is not increased.
The warning was given at a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
These changes could start as soon as July.
Supplemental funding means extra money beyond the regular budget.
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The U.S. Central Command chief told senators that Operation Epic Fury has greatly weakened Iran’s military, especially its navy and missile production. However, Iran still poses some threats in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, and U.S. military options remain available if needed.
Key Facts
Operation Epic Fury damaged or destroyed over 85% of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval weapon factories.
U.S. forces have removed more than 90% of Iran’s naval mines meant for the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s ability to block shipping in the strait has been greatly reduced but not eliminated.
The conflict continues despite a ceasefire reached on April 7, with U.S. blockades and sporadic fighting ongoing.
Iran would need a generation to rebuild its navy and several years to restore missile and drone production.
The U.S. Central Command warned of increased Iranian missile production efforts in late 2025, a factor for the strike campaign.
Senators raised concerns about the lack of access to legal opinions that justified the U.S. strikes against Iran.
Questions about China and Russia potentially sharing intelligence with Iran were deferred for classified discussion.
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The mother of Valdo Calocane, who killed three people in Nottingham in 2023, told an official inquiry that the mental health care system failed her son. Despite multiple hospital admissions and warnings from his family, Calocane, who has paranoid schizophrenia, did not get adequate help before the attack.
Key Facts
Valdo Calocane killed three people and tried to kill three others in June 2023.
He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was sectioned (detained for mental health treatment) four times between 2020 and 2023.
Calocane’s mother, Celeste, repeatedly alerted medical professionals to her son’s dangerous behavior but felt no action was taken until a crisis occurred.
Doctors discharged Calocane earlier than his family wanted, and important warnings about his violent behavior were not always communicated to his mother.
Family members collected evidence of Calocane’s threats and paranoia, but doctors did not respond effectively.
Celeste Calocane said she was not informed about the full risks and had to manage many concerns herself without professional support.
On the morning of the attack, Calocane told his brother it would be the last time they spoke, implying harm to himself.
The inquiry is investigating what happened before and after the attacks to understand mental health system failings.
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Richard Glossip, a man who spent nearly 30 years on death row in Oklahoma, has been released on bond while awaiting a new trial for a 1997 murder case. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned his original conviction last year due to unfair trial practices, and the state plans to retry him without seeking the death penalty.
Key Facts
Richard Glossip was arrested nearly 30 years ago for a 1997 murder in Oklahoma City.
He was sentenced to death and scheduled for execution nine times but was never executed.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that Glossip’s original trial violated his right to a fair trial because a key witness gave false testimony.
An Oklahoma judge approved a $500,000 bond to release Glossip under strict conditions, including electronic monitoring and travel restrictions.
The state plans to retry the murder case but will not seek the death penalty again.
Glossip’s case gained support from celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Susan Sarandon.
Glossip’s attorney expressed hope for his eventual exoneration and praised the court’s decision.
Issues with execution drugs led to a pause in Oklahoma executions for nearly seven years.
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U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks is retiring after working in the agency for about 18 months. He shared the news in an email to his coworkers, calling his job a great honor during his long public service career.
Key Facts
Mike Banks served as the U.S. Border Patrol Chief for nearly 1.5 years.
He announced his retirement through an email to his colleagues.
Banks described his role as a great honor.
He has more than 37 years of public service experience.
Banks is leaving his position voluntarily.
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A new bipartisan group of U.S. House lawmakers is launching a U.S.-Mexico caucus to improve trade, security, and cultural ties between the two countries. This effort comes during a time of rising tension, including a State Department review of Mexican consulates and concerns over drug violence and security cooperation.
Key Facts
The U.S.-Mexico caucus will be co-chaired by Democrat Rep. Joaquin Castro and Republican Rep. Rudy Yakym.
The caucus aims to focus on trade, security, migration, and cultural relations.
The launch is supported by the American Mexican Leadership Council (AMLC), a new organization promoting Mexican American leadership and U.S.-Mexico collaboration.
The U.S. State Department is reviewing all 53 Mexican consulates in the U.S., potentially closing some due to tensions.
Tensions have increased after the deaths of two American CIA officers in a drug operation in northern Mexico.
The caucus will include 10 members evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
The group plans to strengthen cooperation on agriculture, immigration, trade, and fighting illegal drugs like fentanyl.
The first joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is scheduled for July 1, 2026, highlighting the economic importance of the relationship.
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A young person has died and two others are sick after a meningitis outbreak in Berkshire, UK health officials reported. Close contacts of the sick have received antibiotics to prevent further spread, and health experts say the risk to the general public is low since the disease spreads only through close contact.
Key Facts
One young person died from meningitis in Berkshire; two others are being treated.
The outbreak comes after a similar meningitis outbreak in Kent earlier in the year.
One confirmed case is meningitis B (MenB); more test results are pending.
Health officials are giving antibiotics to people who were in close contact with the sick person to prevent the disease from spreading.
Meningitis spreads only through very close contact, so large outbreaks are rare.
Symptoms include fever, headache, fast breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, cold hands and feet, and a rash that does not fade when pressed.
People should check if they have received meningitis vaccines, such as MenACWY, which is free up to age 25 but doesn't protect against all strains.
Meningitis affects mainly babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults and needs quick treatment.
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Representative Ilhan Omar said that many members of Congress use marijuana. She made this comment while talking about marijuana laws and research during an interview in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
Ilhan Omar is a Democratic Representative from Minnesota.
She co-chairs the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, a group focused on marijuana issues.
Omar said she believes many people in Congress use marijuana.
The comment was made during a discussion about changes to marijuana research and laws.
The interview took place in Washington, D.C.
Omar was responding to a question about members of Congress and marijuana use.
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Turning Point USA (TPUSA) canceled an event at the University of Washington due to threats against speaker Chloe Cole, who is a detransition activist. The threats came from local Antifa groups reportedly planning protests, raising concerns about safety and free speech on campus. The cancellation happened shortly after a transgender student was murdered nearby, an event still under investigation.
Key Facts
TPUSA planned an event at the University of Washington featuring Chloe Cole, a speaker who advocates detransition perspectives.
The event was canceled because of alleged threats from local Antifa groups and protests.
Chloe Cole mentioned people online saying, "I hope you get Kirked," referencing Charlie Kirk, TPUSA’s former leader who was assassinated last year while speaking at a university.
The university confirmed protests were being organized but said no direct threats were reported to them.
A 19-year-old transgender woman was found murdered near campus recently; this case is under active investigation with one suspect in custody.
This student is the seventh known transgender person killed in the U.S. so far in 2026, highlighting ongoing violence against transgender people.
The canceled TPUSA event was part of a free speech initiative called “Pick Up the Mic.”
The cancellation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding free speech, political activism, and campus safety issues.
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