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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A California law that helps survivors of childhood sexual abuse sue for justice is causing financial problems for many school districts. The law has uncovered abuses that were hidden for years, but the resulting lawsuits and settlements are making insurance more expensive and forcing some schools to cut programs and jobs.
Key Facts
California passed a law (AB-218) in 2019 that extended the time survivors have to file childhood sexual abuse lawsuits.
Many survivors, like Joelle Casteix, have come forward after decades to seek accountability for past abuse.
School districts are facing high costs from legal settlements linked to abuse cases from many years ago.
Some districts share insurance, so claims in one district can raise costs for other districts statewide.
Sierra Sands Unified School District paid $1.42 million to settle a lawsuit from abuse in 1974-75.
District leaders say these costs reduce funding for current students by forcing cuts in teachers and programs.
The age of cases makes investigations hard due to missing records and the passage of time.
Districts often settle claims to avoid costly court trials that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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The U.S. Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the new chair of the Federal Reserve. The Trump administration paused some new Medicare enrollments. Health officials in Spain and Italy reported at least 17 people tested negative for hantavirus.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh was confirmed by the Senate to lead the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve is the U.S. central bank that manages money and interest rates.
The Trump administration stopped some new enrollments in Medicare, the U.S. health insurance program for older adults.
At least 17 people in Spain and Italy were tested for hantavirus and found negative.
Hantavirus is a virus that can cause serious lung disease.
The news covers government, health, and financial updates on the same day.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be present at this summer’s FIFA World Cup for security reasons but will not be there to round up undocumented immigrants. While ICE may still make arrests related to criminal activity or immigration law violations, its main focus at the event will be on issues like counterfeit goods and serious criminal targets.
Key Facts
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin spoke about ICE’s role at the 2024 FIFA World Cup in the U.S.
ICE will focus on security duties such as stopping counterfeit goods rather than mass immigration arrests.
The World Cup will bring millions of visitors and teams from many countries to 11 U.S. cities.
ICE agents may target criminals wanted for serious offenses or people on terrorist watchlists.
ICE has a history of presence at major sporting events like the Super Bowl.
ICE could still make immigration-related arrests but will not conduct mass "round-ups."
A new interim ICE director, David Venturella, will take over after acting director Todd Lyons departs.
DHS recently ended its longest government shutdown in history, which affected operations.
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The House of Representatives passed a bill to allow the sale of E15 ethanol fuel all year long. The vote was close and split many Republicans, with some supporting and others opposing the bill.
Key Facts
The bill supports year-round sales of E15, a fuel blend with 15% ethanol.
The bill was favored mostly by members from states that grow a lot of corn.
The House vote was 218 in favor and 203 against.
Among those voting yes were 122 Republicans, 95 Democrats, and 1 independent.
Among those voting no were 90 Republicans and 113 Democrats.
The bill caused divisions within the Republican Party.
E15 fuel has more ethanol than standard gasoline, which is usually E10 (10% ethanol).
Supporters see this as good for farmers; opponents have concerns about fuel regulations or costs.
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Alex Murdaugh, a former South Carolina prosecutor convicted of killing his wife and son, had his murder conviction overturned by the state’s Supreme Court. The court said the conviction was thrown out because a court clerk interfered with the jury during the trial.
Key Facts
Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his wife and son.
The case attracted national attention for its connection to power and privilege in the South.
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh’s double-murder conviction.
The reason for overturning the conviction was jury interference.
The interference came from a court clerk involved in the trial.
Jury interference means someone improperly influenced the jury's decision.
The overturning means Murdaugh’s conviction is no longer valid unless retried.
Lisa Desjardins and Valerie Bauerlein discussed the developments related to this case.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen asked FBI Director Kash Patel to take a test to check for a drinking problem. Patel agreed, but said Van Hollen should take the test first. Van Hollen shared his test results publicly.
Key Facts
Senator Chris Van Hollen is from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party.
He challenged FBI Director Kash Patel to take an alcohol test.
Kash Patel responded that he would take the test if Van Hollen did first.
Van Hollen took the test and posted his results online.
The event was discussed by reporters on CBS News.
The exchange happened over two days, from Tuesday to Wednesday.
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Markwayne Mullin recently became the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. In an interview, he explained that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency had a role in security during the World Cup games.
Key Facts
Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security less than two months ago.
ICE is part of the Department of Homeland Security and deals with immigration enforcement and security.
Mullin gave an exclusive interview about ICE’s involvement during the World Cup games.
The interview was conducted by CBS News correspondent Nicole Sganga.
The World Cup games were a major international sports event requiring security measures.
Homeland Security oversees agencies like ICE to protect the country and manage safety at large events.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified that he did not know for years that his neighbor Jeffrey Epstein was a registered sex offender. He described only a few encounters with Epstein, including a family visit to Epstein’s private island in 2012, and said he ended their relationship after a disturbing comment during a meeting in 2005.
Key Facts
Lutnick was Epstein’s next-door neighbor in New York City and bought his property in 1997 but moved in 2005.
He met Epstein only three times, including a 2012 visit to Epstein’s Caribbean island with his family.
Lutnick said Epstein made a crude remark about massages that made him and his wife uncomfortable.
Lutnick and Epstein were both investors in an advertising company called Adfin as recently as 2014, though Lutnick said he did not know Epstein invested in it.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee criticized Lutnick for allegedly giving misleading testimony about his relationship with Epstein.
Republicans on the committee said the investigation was politically motivated to harm President Trump.
Many prominent figures have also testified in the Epstein investigation after being mentioned in the released files.
Lutnick said he cut ties with Epstein in 2005, before Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution charges in Florida.
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President Donald Trump’s visit to China highlights the relationship between the U.S. and China. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing group in the U.S., but their experiences and struggles with discrimination have often been ignored in American history.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump recently visited China, showing ongoing ties between the two countries.
Asian Americans are the fastest-growing demographic group in the United States.
Their history in America includes facing discrimination.
Many stories of Asian Americans have not been widely recognized.
The history of Asian Americans shapes current discussions about belonging in the U.S.
Judy Woodruff’s series, America at a Crossroads, explores these themes.
The article connects current U.S.–China relations with the broader Asian American experience.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to Congress about concerns over U.S. weapons supplies and Iran’s military strength. Some lawmakers remain worried about whether the U.S. has enough weapons and how powerful Iran’s forces really are.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before House and Senate budget committees.
The discussion focused on U.S. weapons stockpiles amid the Iran conflict.
Hegseth said U.S. military stockpiles are strong.
Some Democratic lawmakers questioned Hegseth’s confidence in the stockpiles.
There is ongoing debate about how much military power Iran has.
The issue relates to ongoing concerns about the Iran war.
Congress is closely watching U.S. readiness and Iran’s capabilities.
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The House Oversight Committee made public the transcript of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s testimony about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick answered lawmakers’ questions after reports showed he had been Epstein’s neighbor and exchanged emails with him. The committee is investigating how the federal government handled cases involving Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Key Facts
Howard Lutnick testified behind closed doors on May 6 before the House Oversight Committee.
Lutnick had previously given conflicting statements about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
He was Epstein’s neighbor and had exchanged emails with him, which were made public by the Department of Justice in February.
The committee also released the deposition transcript of Ted Waitt, Maxwell’s former boyfriend and co-founder of Gateway Inc.
Congress is reviewing the federal government’s handling of cases related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Other high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Bill Gates, have been or will be asked for testimony.
Bill Gates is scheduled to give a deposition next month.
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Howard Lutnick, the U.S. commerce secretary, told lawmakers he met Jeffrey Epstein only three times and did not have a personal or professional relationship with him. Lutnick said his meetings with Epstein were brief and unimportant, and he condemned Epstein’s illegal actions.
Key Facts
Howard Lutnick met Jeffrey Epstein three times: in 2005, 2011, and 2012.
The 2005 meeting was a coffee visit at Epstein’s home with Lutnick’s wife.
In 2011, Lutnick briefly discussed scaffolding at Epstein’s residence.
The 2012 meeting involved a lunch invitation on Epstein’s private island with family and friends.
Lutnick said he never saw any illegal behavior during these meetings.
He condemned Epstein’s crimes and those who took part in them.
Lutnick’s statements were questioned because he had previously said on a podcast that he ended ties with Epstein in 2005.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Senator John Fetterman for voting to confirm Kevin Warsh as the Federal Reserve chair, even though Fetterman is a Democrat and broke with his party. Bessent thanked Fetterman and Republican senators for prioritizing the country's interests over party politics.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh was confirmed as the new Federal Reserve chair.
Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, voted in favor of Warsh's confirmation.
Fetterman broke with most Democrats by supporting Warsh.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly praised Fetterman’s vote.
Bessent also thanked Republican senators who supported the confirmation.
The praise was shared in a post on the social media platform X.
Bessent emphasized putting country before political ideology.
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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has asked the state lawmakers to meet in a special session starting June 17 to redraw electoral district maps for the 2028 elections. This session will focus on changing the boundaries that decide state voting districts.
Key Facts
Governor Brian Kemp is from the Republican Party.
He called for a special legislative session to start on June 17.
The session’s purpose is to redraw Georgia’s electoral district maps.
These maps determine voting districts in Georgia.
The new maps will be used for the 2028 elections.
Lawmakers may create new laws, change existing ones, or remove outdated ones related to districts.
Redistricting is a process that happens to reflect changes in population or political decisions.
This action follows usual procedures after census data or political needs arise.
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Dalton Eatherly, known as an online influencer, was detained in Tennessee after a shooting near the Montgomery County courthouse. Both men involved were injured and taken to hospitals, and authorities are reviewing the case for possible charges.
Key Facts
The incident happened outside the Montgomery County courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Dalton Eatherly, age 28, also known online as Chud the Builder, was involved in the confrontation.
Shots were fired, and both men involved were wounded and hospitalized in stable condition.
Eatherly reportedly shot himself in the arm during the event.
Law enforcement is investigating and may bring formal criminal charges against Eatherly.
Eatherly is known for live streaming videos where he uses racial slurs to provoke reactions.
Days before, he was arrested for refusing to pay nearly $400 at a Nashville steakhouse, with charges including disorderly conduct and theft of services.
The Montgomery County sheriff’s office praised deputies for acting quickly and preventing the situation from worsening.
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The United States has renewed a $100 million aid offer to Cuba to help during its worsening economic crisis and power blackouts. At the same time, the U.S. has tightened sanctions against key parts of Cuba’s state-controlled economy, increasing pressure on the Cuban government.
Key Facts
The U.S. offered $100 million in aid to Cuba, including humanitarian support and funding for free internet access.
Cuba is experiencing severe power shortages, with 65% of the country facing blackouts at once.
The Cuban government denies rejecting the U.S. aid offer and blames the U.S. for an energy blockade causing the crisis.
The U.S. recently imposed new sanctions targeting a Cuban military group that controls about 40% of the economy.
Cuba’s fuel supply has dropped after the U.S. removed Venezuela’s leader in January, reducing fuel shipments to Cuba.
The U.S. aims to promote political reforms in Cuba and support dissidents through increased internet access.
President Trump’s administration previously gave $6 million in aid through the Catholic Church.
Cuban officials question the U.S. offer and call for an end to the fuel blockade instead.
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The CDC said hantavirus is still a low health risk for the public. Passengers from a cruise ship with a hantavirus case are encouraged to stay home, but they are not required by law to quarantine and can go out if they want.
Key Facts
The CDC considers hantavirus a low risk to public health.
American passengers from the affected cruise ship are encouraged to isolate at home.
There is no official quarantine order for these passengers.
Passengers may go into public places if they choose, despite the encouragement to stay home.
The announcement was made by the CDC on a Wednesday.
The guidance applies specifically to passengers connected to the infected cruise ship.
Hantavirus is transmitted mainly through contact with rodent droppings or urine.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation but has not increased restrictions.
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Recent court decisions have shifted the advantage in drawing voting district maps toward Republicans in several southern US states. These changes could help Republicans win more seats in the House of Representatives ahead of the midterm elections, but overall election outcomes still depend on wider voter support and President Trump's popularity.
Key Facts
Republicans were initially expected to lose seats in the House based on polling and recent events.
The Virginia Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved map that would have favored Democrats.
The US Supreme Court ruled that states do not have to create districts giving minority voters proportional representation unless there is clear racial discrimination.
This ruling allows partisan gerrymandering, where district lines can be drawn to favor one party.
Several southern states like Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, and potentially South Carolina are redrawing maps to favor Republicans.
Florida also approved a redistricting plan benefiting Republicans.
The Republican Party currently has a narrow majority of 218 to 212 in the House.
Despite map advantages, election results could still be affected by President Trump's popularity and overall voter sentiment.
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Representative Darin LaHood, a Republican from Illinois, has proposed creating a bipartisan federal commission to address funding problems in Social Security and the national debt. The commission would meet for a year, then submit reform proposals for Congress to approve or reject without changes. Social Security faces possible insolvency by 2031 or 2032, meaning it may not have enough money to pay full benefits.
Key Facts
Social Security may run out of enough money to fully pay benefits by 2031 or 2032.
The U.S. national debt is around $39 trillion.
LaHood’s proposed commission would include members from both political parties in the House and Senate.
The commission would meet for one year and suggest changes to Social Security and government debt.
Congress would vote on the commission’s recommendations without making changes.
Changes to Social Security might include raising the retirement age, increasing taxes on high earners, or changing benefits.
LaHood compared his idea to the Simpson-Bowles Commission, a similar bipartisan group formed in 2010.
The Simpson-Bowles Commission proposed large deficit cuts but failed to get enough support from Congress.
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President Trump announced a plan to hold 30,000 migrants facing deportation at Guantanamo Bay. One year later, documents show the facility remains largely empty and has not been used as planned.
Key Facts
President Trump promised to detain 30,000 migrants at Guantanamo Bay.
The migrants being detained were those facing deportation from the United States.
After one year, the facility at Guantanamo Bay has not housed the expected number of migrants.
Official documents reveal the site is mostly empty.
CBS News reported on this development, including details from immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez.
The plan has not been put into action as originally stated.
Guantanamo Bay is a U.S. naval base in Cuba, often known for holding detainees in terrorism cases.
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