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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Marty Makary resigned as head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), easing some political pressure on the agency. However, the next FDA leader will face challenges like political interference, reduced funding, and balancing public health goals with political priorities.
Key Facts
Marty Makary stepped down from his position at the FDA.
Makary was a controversial health leader during President Trump’s administration.
The FDA faces political interference that affects its work.
Funding for the FDA has been cut recently.
The agency must balance public health goals and political demands.
The next FDA chief will encounter similar challenges as Makary did.
The political environment remains difficult for health agency leaders.
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House Republicans disagree about a plan to provide $1 billion for security at a new White House ballroom and other Secret Service needs. Some want to include this funding in a larger bill that also supports Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, but moderate members have concerns.
Key Facts
The White House proposed $1 billion for security upgrades including a new ballroom.
The money is intended for the Secret Service and related security priorities.
GOP lawmakers want to add this funding to a second reconciliation package.
The bill would also fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol operations.
Some moderate Republican members do not fully support including the ballroom security funding.
The disagreement shows a split within the House Republican Party.
The second reconciliation package is part of broader budget and policy negotiations.
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House Republicans feel more hopeful about keeping control of the U.S. House of Representatives after recent important court decisions on redistricting. These court rulings have improved their chances for the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
House Republicans had recent court wins related to redistricting, which is how voting districts are drawn.
These wins are described as “seismic,” meaning very significant or impactful.
The court decisions have boosted Republican confidence about the midterm elections.
Republicans say they are leading in polls and raising campaign money.
These developments may help the party keep control of the House of Representatives.
Redistricting cases were decided in the last few weeks.
The situation involves conflicts over how voting maps are drawn, which can affect election results.
Both parties are preparing strongly for the midterm elections later this year.
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President Trump said he does not consider Americans’ financial troubles when handling issues with Iran. His comment has caused concern among Republican leaders who want to focus on the cost of living in their midterm election message.
Key Facts
President Trump said he does not think about Americans’ pocketbook concerns when dealing with Iran.
He spoke to reporters on Tuesday.
Trump’s remark challenges the Republican Party’s message on affordability.
GOP leaders are worried this could hurt their midterm election campaign.
The issue mentioned relates to preventing Iran from gaining something important.
The cost of living and financial struggles are a key topic for many Americans right now.
The Republican Party wants to focus on these economic issues to win support in the upcoming midterms.
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Republican senators say it will be difficult for President Trump to get approval from the Senate for a large amount of money to fund the war in Iran. They are concerned because there is no clear plan to end the conflict.
Key Facts
Some Republican senators doubt that a big funding request for the Iran war will pass the Senate.
They say patience is running out due to no clear strategy to end the war.
The funding President Trump may request could be in the tens of billions of dollars.
Senators think more money alone won’t solve the conflict.
The issue is causing disagreement among members of the President’s own party.
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The UK government has met a target to treat 65.3% of hospital patients within 18 weeks by March 2026, a goal set as a step toward reaching 92% by 2029. Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the progress, citing government investment and staff efforts, though experts say more improvements are needed in NHS facilities.
Key Facts
The target was for 65% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks by March 2026; the actual figure reached 65.3%.
This target is an interim step toward a 92% treatment goal by 2029.
When the Labour government came to power, the figure was below 59%.
The overall NHS hospital waiting list fell from 7.2 million to 7.1 million in one month.
The achievement occurred despite challenges such as strikes by resident doctors.
Experts warn that old buildings and limited hospital facilities could slow future progress.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the progress as the fastest reduction in waiting times in NHS history.
NHS England CEO Sir Jim Mackey called the achievement a "huge moment" for patient care.
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A court will hear arguments on whether to reinstate President Trump's orders that tried to punish four major law firms for their past work involving his political opponents. Lower courts previously blocked these orders, saying they were unconstitutional, and the Justice Department recently reversed its decision to stop appealing those rulings.
Key Facts
The Court of Appeals will review if President Trump's executive orders against four law firms can be enforced.
The four law firms targeted are Perkins Coie, Susman Godfrey, Wilmer Hale, and Jenner & Block.
Lower courts permanently blocked these orders, finding them unconstitutional.
The orders would have punished the firms by restricting their access to federal properties and security clearances.
The Justice Department initially planned to drop its appeal but then decided to continue fighting it.
Some judges compared the Trump administration’s actions to historical political witch hunts like McCarthyism.
At least nine other law firms made deals with the Trump administration to avoid similar sanctions by providing free legal work.
The law firms said the orders, if enforced, could bankrupt them.
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A federal judge blocked U.S. sanctions against Francesca Albanese, a United Nations expert on Palestinian human rights. The judge said the sanctions punished her for speaking out and that her work is only an opinion without legal power.
Key Facts
Francesca Albanese is a UN special rapporteur monitoring human rights in the West Bank and Gaza.
The U.S. sanctioned Albanese in July 2025 for criticizing U.S. policy on Israel and Palestine.
The sanctions prevented Albanese from entering the U.S., using U.S. banks, and blocked others from doing business with her.
Albanese’s husband and daughter sued the U.S. government in February 2026 to challenge the sanctions.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued a preliminary injunction to temporarily stop the sanctions.
The judge stated the sanctions aimed to punish Albanese for her speech and opinions.
Albanese had recommended war crimes investigations against Israeli and U.S. nationals at the International Criminal Court.
Albanese thanked her family and supporters after the ruling, saying they stand united.
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President Trump said he does not consider Americans' financial situation when deciding how to deal with Iran. He wants to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, even if this risks higher oil prices and inflation, which could hurt the U.S. economy and his political standing.
Key Facts
President Trump stated he does not think about Americans' financial hardships when planning actions on Iran.
He wants to pressure Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.
Rising oil prices linked to tensions with Iran could increase inflation and hurt the stock market.
Trump’s team was close to a deal with Iran, but Iran rejected key U.S. demands.
Trump is considering military options, such as blockades or attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
U.S. officials expect no major moves during Trump’s China trip but possible actions afterward.
Israeli military is ready for coordinated action if Trump decides to escalate the conflict.
Some U.S. analysts believe economic sanctions are putting pressure on Iran but the impact may take months.
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Several Republican-led states, including North Carolina, are requiring their public health agencies to report Medicaid recipients suspected of lacking legal immigration status to federal authorities. These state laws go beyond federal rules and aim to support President Trump's efforts to prevent Medicaid fraud and control illegal immigration.
Key Facts
North Carolina and at least four other states (Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, Wyoming) have passed laws to report Medicaid recipients with questionable legal status to immigration authorities.
Some states, like Tennessee, are considering broader laws that require all state agencies to report suspected undocumented immigrants.
Medicaid provides health coverage mainly for low-income people and children; many immigrants with legal status qualify for it, but undocumented immigrants do not.
These new state laws add risks for immigrants seeking healthcare, as information might be shared with immigration enforcement.
In Louisiana, some mixed-status families hesitate to apply for Medicaid due to fear of deportation.
North Carolina's law was added to a budget bill restoring Medicaid funds and starts in October.
State officials say the laws aim to address Medicaid fraud and abuse.
Studies show immigrants use less welfare and commit less welfare fraud than U.S.-born citizens.
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Corpus Christi, a city in South Texas, is facing a serious water shortage as the levels in its main reservoirs fall to historic lows. City officials say the water supply is not yet exhausted but warn that emergency water restrictions may start soon to manage the limited supply.
Key Facts
Corpus Christi’s main reservoirs, Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi, have dropped to about 10% of their capacity, the lowest in history.
The city may declare a Level 1 Water Emergency by September, which means water demand could soon exceed supply in about six months.
Proposed water restrictions could cut usage by 25% for nearly 500,000 people, including residents and large industrial users.
More than half of the city’s water is used by petrochemical plants and refineries, key to the local economy.
Governor Greg Abbott has eased some pumping limits and sped up permits for new water projects to help delay restrictions.
Reservoir data show a big drop in stored water compared to last year: Lake Corpus Christi went from 54,000 to under 29,000 acre-feet, and Choke Canyon fell from 95,000 to less than 49,000 acre-feet.
The city is investing nearly $1 billion in water infrastructure to improve the system.
If water shortages force industries to stop operating, it could impact jobs and the local economy significantly.
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Republicans in several Southern states have slowed their efforts to redraw voting districts in ways that could reduce the number of Black lawmakers. This pause gives some Black representatives a temporary break from losing their districts after changes to voting law protections. However, some states like Alabama and South Carolina are moving ahead with plans to redraw districts that could affect Black representation.
Key Facts
Republicans planned aggressive redistricting in the South that threatened many Black lawmakers’ seats.
The Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act in April, impacting protections for Black voters.
In Louisiana, Republicans will cut only one Black-majority district instead of two, forcing two Democratic lawmakers to compete.
Mississippi’s governor canceled a special session to redraw districts before the 2027 elections.
Georgia’s governor postponed a redistricting session to 2028, affecting a likely Democratic target.
Alabama proceeded with eliminating one Black-majority district after a legal block was lifted.
South Carolina is expected to call a special session to redraw the district of a prominent Democratic lawmaker.
Overall, Republican-controlled states are using redistricting to try to maintain political power, while Democrats focus on protecting minority representation.
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Angela Rayner was investigated by the tax authority HMRC over a property purchase but was cleared of doing anything wrong on purpose or being careless. She has paid an extra £40,000 in stamp duty after a dispute over whether she should have paid a higher rate.
Key Facts
Angela Rayner bought a flat in Hove in April 2025 and paid £30,000 in stamp duty.
The purchase was partly funded by selling her share of a family home to a trust for her disabled son.
HMRC investigated if she should have paid a higher stamp duty rate for second homes and if she was careless in tax arrangements.
HMRC found she owed the higher rate but did not find her careless, so no fines were applied.
Rayner’s lawyers argued she qualified for an exemption due to her son’s disability and the nature of the trust.
HMRC disagreed, and Rayner chose not to appeal as it would take too long and could hurt her political plans.
She has now paid an additional £40,000 in stamp duty to settle the matter.
The investigation’s conclusion clears the way for Rayner to consider a leadership bid in her party.
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Angela Rayner has been cleared by the UK tax authority HMRC of any wrongdoing in her tax affairs. She suggested that Labour Party leader Keir Starmer should think about whether he should step aside amid discussions of a possible leadership contest within the party.
Key Facts
HMRC cleared Angela Rayner of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness in her tax matters.
Rayner said she does not plan to challenge Keir Starmer for Labour leadership herself.
She believes Labour needs change and wants to see action, not just words.
Rayner mentioned Starmer should reflect on whether to step down.
Andy Burnham, a Labour soft-left politician, might be considered as a possible leader but would need to win a seat in parliament.
Wes Streeting, the health secretary, might announce a leadership bid soon.
The Labour leadership contest discussions follow local elections and economic concerns.
Government and political events are planned for the day, including NHS performance figures and parliamentary debates.
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House Republicans passed a bill to allow selling gasoline mixed with 15% ethanol (called E15) all year long across the U.S. This bill aims to lower gas prices, which have risen above $4.50 per gallon, but it still needs Senate approval before reaching President Donald Trump's desk.
Key Facts
The bill is called H.R. 1346 or the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.
Normally, E15 fuel sales are limited during summer months in half of the country to reduce air pollution.
The House passed the bill with a vote of 218 to 203.
Senate approval requires a 60% majority for the bill to move forward.
Gas prices have increased by about $1.50 since late February and have been above $4.50 per gallon since the start of the Iran war.
The national average gas price on Thursday was $4.53 per gallon, according to AAA data.
Lawmakers hope allowing year-round E15 sales will help drivers by lowering fuel costs during the busy summer season.
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The Victorian Labor government plans to strengthen penalties for young offenders after police dropped 109 charges against a 14-year-old girl due to a law protecting children under 14 from certain criminal convictions. The girl was accused of many crimes, including stealing cars and making antisemitic threats, but prosecutors could not prove she understood her actions were seriously wrong.
Key Facts
A 14-year-old girl faced 109 charges for crimes allegedly committed when she was 13.
Charges included endangering serious injury, car theft, burglary, and antisemitic behavior.
Police dropped the charges because of the doli incapax law, which protects children under 14 unless it’s proven they knew their actions were very wrong.
The girl allegedly committed crimes for two months, sometimes more than once a day.
She was reported to have searched online information about sentencing after hitting a cyclist with a stolen car.
The government said youth crime is becoming more serious and promised tougher laws and punishments.
Opposition politicians criticized the justice system for failing to hold the girl accountable.
Other Australian states are considering changes to the doli incapax law.
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A man named Lu Jianwang was found guilty of acting as an illegal foreign agent by running a secret Chinese police station in New York City's Chinatown. He was also convicted of deleting text messages to hide orders from Chinese authorities that aimed to silence and intimidate pro-democracy activists.
Key Facts
Lu Jianwang, 64, was convicted in a Brooklyn federal court.
He ran a secret Chinese police outpost in Manhattan’s Chinatown starting in 2022.
The outpost was one of 30 secret Chinese police stations reportedly set up worldwide by China’s Ministry of Public Security.
Lu deleted text messages containing instructions from Beijing to harass dissidents.
He was found not guilty of a related conspiracy charge.
Lu is a longtime U.S. citizen who also goes by the name Harry Lu.
He remains free on bail and plans to appeal the verdict.
His potential prison time is up to 10 years for illegal foreign agent activities and 20 years for obstructing justice.
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The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) spokesperson denied reports that the CIA raided Tulsi Gabbard's office to seize files about the MKUltra program and John F. Kennedy's assassination. The spokesperson clarified that the CIA did not raid the DNI’s office.
Key Facts
Claims surfaced that the CIA raided Tulsi Gabbard's office for certain files.
The files reportedly involved the MKUltra program and JFK assassination.
The DNI spokesperson called these claims false on social media platform X.
The CIA did not raid the office of the Director of National Intelligence.
The information was shared in response to a Fox News report.
The story is still developing and may receive updates.
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A tourist named Igor Lytvynchuk has been charged for throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal near Maui, Hawaii. The act violated federal laws designed to protect endangered animals and marine mammals.
Key Facts
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk threw a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal while on vacation in Hawaii.
The incident happened on May 5 near the coast of Maui.
A video of the event led to a federal investigation.
Lytvynchuk faces charges under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson emphasized the importance of protecting Hawaii’s endangered wildlife.
Authorities have promised swift legal action for those who harm protected animals.
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of Hawaii’s endangered species and an important part of its natural heritage.
The story is still developing and more updates are expected.
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Republicans have gained an advantage in the fight to redraw U.S. House voting districts in several states. Court decisions have weakened some protections for minority voters and invalidated Democratic-led maps, allowing Republicans to propose new district lines that could help them win more seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
A Supreme Court ruling struck down a Black-majority congressional district in Louisiana, calling it illegal racial gerrymandering.
This ruling gives Republicans in Southern states a chance to redraw districts with large minority populations that typically vote Democratic.
The Virginia Supreme Court invalidated a Democratic-backed congressional map, citing violations of the state constitution.
Mid-decade redistricting efforts increased after President Donald Trump encouraged Texas Republicans to redraw districts for political gain.
Republicans could gain up to 15 new House seats in states like Texas, Alabama, Florida, and others based on proposed maps.
Democrats could gain up to six seats in states like California and Utah from their own redistricting efforts.
Republicans in Louisiana and South Carolina have proposed new maps aiming to improve their chances in upcoming elections.
Some redistricting plans face legal challenges and disagreements over election timing and authority.
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