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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Kouri Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole for poisoning her husband with a deadly dose of fentanyl. She was found guilty of murder and other charges, including insurance fraud, after a trial in Utah.
Key Facts
Kouri Richins was convicted of aggravated murder for giving her husband a lethal amount of fentanyl.
Her husband, Eric Richins, died in March 2022 from fentanyl poisoning at about five times the lethal dose.
Prosecutors said she tried to kill him earlier with a fentanyl-laced sandwich two weeks before his death.
She took out a $100,000 insurance policy on her husband’s life using his forged signature.
The jury found her guilty on all charges after about three hours of deliberation.
She addressed her three children at her sentencing, apologizing and expressing love for them.
Richins, 35, is a mother of three and had previously self-published a children’s book about grieving.
She was sentenced in Park City, Utah, and will spend the rest of her life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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The Trump administration is investigating over 120 biological laboratories funded by U.S. taxpayers in more than 30 countries. This review focuses on stopping risky gain-of-function research, which involves changing organisms to make them more dangerous, especially in labs abroad like in China and Ukraine.
Key Facts
The investigation was ordered by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
It follows President Trump's 2025 executive order banning federal funding for gain-of-function research in foreign countries without proper oversight.
More than 120 U.S.-funded biolabs are located in over 30 nations, including Ukraine.
Gain-of-function research aims to increase the abilities of viruses or bacteria, which can pose health risks.
The labs have conducted research on dangerous and contagious pathogens.
There are concerns over the ethics, finances, and security of clinical trials happening in these labs.
Officials claim previous administrations, including Biden’s and Obama’s, neglected oversight of these labs and research activities.
The investigation aims to identify lab locations, the pathogens studied, and details of ongoing research to prevent threats to global health and security.
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Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves canceled a special session that was planned to discuss new voting maps for the state's Supreme Court districts. He announced this decision after a recent ruling from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Key Facts
Governor Tate Reeves is from the Republican Party.
The special session was meant to review voting maps for three Supreme Court districts in Mississippi.
Reeves announced the cancellation on Supertalk Radio’s show “Mornings with Richard Cross.”
The decision came after a U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on the matter.
The court's decision affected the need for the special session on redistricting.
Redistricting means redrawing boundaries for voting areas.
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Kevin Warsh was confirmed by the US Senate to become the new Federal Reserve chair, replacing Jerome Powell. The vote was close and mostly divided by party, with Warsh facing pressure from President Trump to lower interest rates amid rising inflation and economic challenges.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh was confirmed as Federal Reserve chair in a Senate vote of 54 to 45.
Only one Democrat, Senator John Fetterman, voted to confirm Warsh.
Warsh replaces Jerome Powell, whose term ends this Friday.
Warsh has previously served as a Fed governor from 2006 to 2011.
Inflation in the US rose to 3.8% in April, driven mainly by higher energy prices due to the conflict involving Iran.
President Trump wants Warsh to lower interest rates to support the economy despite rising inflation.
Warsh promised during his confirmation hearing to keep the Fed independent from political pressure.
The confirmation vote was the closest for a Fed chair since 1977 and highlights the political divisions in the Senate.
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The FBI denies claims that Director Kash Patel has changed policies to increase arrest numbers artificially. The bureau says these claims are false and that their crime reduction efforts and arrests of dangerous fugitives show real progress.
Key Facts
A report alleged that Kash Patel, FBI Director, pushed policies to raise arrest numbers artificially.
The FBI called these allegations false and said the report tries to harm the bureau’s record.
An FBI spokesperson highlighted recent arrests of eight "Ten Most Wanted" fugitives as proof of real results.
Kash Patel was appointed by President Donald Trump and has faced both support and criticism for his leadership style.
Critics say the focus on arrest numbers may affect the FBI’s choice of investigations.
Patel recently testified before a Senate committee about the FBI’s operations.
Previous accusations against Patel, including claims of misconduct, were denied and described by the FBI as politically motivated.
The situation is ongoing and more updates are expected.
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The U.S. Senate voted unanimously to move forward a bill that would stop paying senators during government shutdowns. The bill aims to hold senators’ pay until the government reopens and could start after the November 2026 election.
Key Facts
The Senate voted 99-0 to advance the resolution; one Republican senator did not vote.
The bill would pause senators' paychecks during any future federal government shutdowns.
Payments would be released only after the shutdown ends.
The resolution was introduced by Republican Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana.
Similar bills exist in the House of Representatives but their fate is uncertain.
The proposal follows recent long government shutdowns where many federal workers lost pay while senators continued to receive theirs.
The bill addresses concerns about lawmakers being paid during shutdowns when federal workers and citizens face financial hardship.
The bill is expected to pass with strong support when it comes up for final approval.
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The U.S. Senate voted 50-49 and narrowly failed to pass a bill that would limit President Donald Trump’s power to launch attacks on Iran without Congress’s approval. Three Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the bill, showing some Republican opposition to the president’s war powers, but the measure did not pass in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Key Facts
Three Republican senators voted with Democrats to restrict President Trump’s ability to strike Iran without Congress’s consent.
The vote was very close, with 50 senators in favor and 49 against, but the bill did not pass.
It was the seventh vote on this issue since the war began and had the highest support so far.
President Trump has not asked Congress to approve attacks on Iran, although the Constitution gives Congress that power.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was created to limit presidents from starting wars without Congress’s approval.
Some Republicans supporting the bill include Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul, who want to limit the president’s war powers.
Public opinion polls show most Americans feel President Trump has not clearly explained the reasons for the conflict with Iran.
The conflict and related actions have caused higher oil prices and inflation in the U.S. economy.
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Vice President JD Vance announced that the Trump administration will delay $1.3 billion in Medicaid payments to California due to fraud concerns. The administration is also freezing some new Medicare enrollments for six months and urging states to investigate Medicaid fraud risks.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is delaying $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements to California.
Vice President JD Vance leads a task force focused on detecting fraud in federal health programs.
There is a six-month freeze on some new Medicare enrollments as part of these efforts.
States are warned to investigate Medicaid fraud to avoid losing federal funding.
The task force aims to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure funds reach low-income individuals who need health care.
These actions come before the November elections and are being highlighted in political campaigns.
The administration says cracking down on fraud will preserve resources for those most in need.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz called the deferral the largest ever made in Medicaid funds.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services Secretary, had his top spokesperson, Rich Danker, resign due to disagreements over promoting flavored e-cigarettes. Danker was concerned these flavored products might lead to addiction among children.
Key Facts
Rich Danker was the chief spokesperson for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Danker resigned from his position on Wednesday.
His resignation was due to conflicts over supporting flavored e-cigarettes.
Danker worried that flavored vapes could cause addiction in children.
The resignation happened shortly after a related announcement from FDA Commissioner Marty.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently serving as the HHS Secretary.
The issue involves government efforts related to e-cigarette flavor regulation.
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At Princeton University, about 30% of students admitted to cheating on exams or assignments, mostly by using AI tools. The school’s honor code relies on students to monitor each other, but many do not report cheating, leading faculty to now require professors to watch exams starting July 1, 2025.
Key Facts
Nearly 30% of Princeton seniors said they cheated on at least one test or assignment in 2025.
Engineering students reported cheating more (40.8%) than arts students (26.4%).
Most cheating involves generative AI, which makes it easier to cheat using devices like phones.
Princeton’s honor code bans professors from watching exams, relying on students to pledge honesty and report cheating.
Almost 45% of seniors saw cheating but chose not to report it.
Social pressures and fear of backlash on social media discourage students from reporting cheating openly.
Faculty voted to require professors to proctor all in-class exams starting July 1, 2025.
The new policy aims to address the widespread cheating made easier by AI and technology.
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The Senate voted 49-50 against a Democratic proposal to end US involvement in the conflict with Iran. Some Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure, but most opposed it, continuing the debate over Congressional authorization of the military action.
Key Facts
The Senate rejected a resolution by Senator Jeff Merkley to end US involvement in the Iran conflict.
The vote was very close: 49 in favor and 50 against.
Nearly all Democrats supported the resolution except Senator John Fetterman, while a few Republicans, including Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Susan Collins, also voted for it.
Most Republicans opposed the resolution, supporting President Trump’s strategy.
Congress has not formally authorized the US campaign against Iran with an official law.
Senator Murkowski is working on a new authorization request similar to past ones after 9/11 and the Iraq war, but it is not yet ready.
The 1973 War Powers Act requires Congress to approve military conflicts after 60 days, but the Trump administration says a ceasefire with Iran means that deadline does not apply.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for not holding the president accountable.
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A man from Missouri has been charged for posting online tutorials that showed how to make explosives. These instructions helped a terrorist carry out a deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day 2025.
Key Facts
Jordan Derrick, 40, of Sweet Springs, Missouri, is charged with making explosives without a license, possessing an unregistered destructive device, and illegally sharing bomb-making instructions.
The terrorist, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, attacked New Orleans’ Bourbon Street on January 1, 2025, killing 14 people and injuring many others.
Jabbar used explosives based on Derrick’s posted tutorials but failed to detonate two bombs he planted.
Derrick shared detailed instructions dating back to September 2023 on how to make military-grade explosives like RDX, TNT, and PETN.
The FBI linked the explosives used by Jabbar to Derrick’s online materials.
Derrick’s arrest gained urgency after a 2026 explosion in Odessa, Missouri, where a person said they followed Derrick’s tutorials to make the bomb.
Convictions could lead to up to 20 years in prison for sharing explosive information and up to 10 years for illegal manufacturing or possession charges.
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Millions of Americans with student loans have recently fallen into default after federal protections ended. The government has resumed collecting unpaid loans directly from wages and tax refunds, affecting many borrowers' finances.
Key Facts
About 3.6 million student loan borrowers have defaulted since the end of 2025.
Pandemic-era protections that stopped wage garnishments and tax refund seizures are now lifted.
Default means the government can take up to 15% of a borrower's disposable wages.
Borrowers in default risk damaged credit scores and reduced Social Security benefits.
Many borrowers missed notices or did not enroll in income-driven repayment plans.
The Department of Education restarted involuntary collections under policies from President Trump’s administration.
Default levels are higher in the southern U.S. and among borrowers around 40 years old.
The pause on federal student loan collections ended, causing a shift from relief to enforcement.
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Rep. Joe Neguse questioned Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about a $13 million contract for fixing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Neguse wanted to know why the contract was given without a competitive bidding process during the budget hearing for President Trump’s 2027 fiscal year plan.
Key Facts
The contract was for renovating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The contract amount was $13 million.
It was awarded to a company named Atlantic Industrial Coatings.
The contract was given without a competitive bidding process, sometimes called a “no-bid” contract.
Rep. Joe Neguse is a Democrat from Colorado.
Doug Burgum is the Interior Secretary.
The questioning happened during a House Natural Resource Committee hearing.
The discussion was part of the review of President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request.
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A lawsuit was filed against Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for sending work emails that include religious messages about Jesus Christ. The complaint says this breaks the First Amendment rule that stops the government from promoting a specific religion.
Key Facts
The National Federation of Federal Employees and seven USDA workers sued Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The lawsuit claims she frequently mentioned Jesus Christ and Christian beliefs in official emails.
Examples include emails about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with Christian messages.
The suit says this practice pressures employees to share the Secretary’s religion.
Some employees say they feel unwelcome or afraid to complain because of these messages.
The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits the government from favoring one religion or forcing religious beliefs on others.
A USDA spokesperson said they would keep the plaintiffs in their prayers but did not directly comment on the lawsuit.
The lawsuit was filed in California and focuses on religious freedom at work.
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The U.S. government will not require foreign visitors from World Cup qualifying countries who have tickets to pay a security bond to enter the country. This decision applies to fans from five countries with teams in the tournament and aims to make travel easier for those attending the World Cup in the U.S.
Key Facts
Foreign visitors from countries qualified for the World Cup who bought tickets are exempt from paying up to $15,000 bonds to enter the U.S.
The bond requirement was introduced last year for travelers from 50 countries with high rates of visa overstays or security concerns.
Five countries with this requirement—Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia—have qualified for the World Cup.
Players, coaches, and some staff were already exempt from the bond to speed up visa processing.
The waiver applies to fans who bought tickets and joined the FIFA Pass system for faster visa appointments after April 15.
The World Cup begins on June 11 and is hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
This exemption is a rare easing of immigration rules during a time of stricter travel controls by the Trump administration.
Some countries still face travel bans or restrictions, and certain new rules like social media checks for travelers have not yet started.
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Vice President JD Vance said he does not want to talk about the idea of running for president or vice president with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in 2028. This came after President Donald Trump called them a "dream team," but Vance wants to avoid early talks about future campaigns.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance dismissed talk of a 2028 ticket with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
President Donald Trump described Vance and Rubio as a potential "dream team" for 2028.
Vance said he has little interest in discussing the topic.
Vance thinks voters would not like a candidate focusing on a job two and a half years ahead.
Vance made these comments during a news conference at the White House.
This discussion comes early in the 2028 campaign cycle.
The remarks aim to downplay speculation about future Republican ticket plans.
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Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who has often disagreed with President Donald Trump, is behind Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in the primary race for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. The primary will take place on May 19, and it will test how much influence President Trump has within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Thomas Massie is seeking his eighth term in the House of Representatives.
Ed Gallrein has been endorsed by President Trump and appeared with him at a rally in March.
A recent Quantus Insights poll shows Gallrein leading Massie 48.3% to 43.1%, with about 7.6% undecided.
Gallrein has more support from women voters, while Massie leads among men.
The primary race has become one of the most expensive House primaries, with over $25 million spent on ads.
In previous polls from April, Massie was ahead, showing a shift in voter sentiment toward Gallrein.
Prediction markets suggest a very close race, with some showing Massie slightly ahead.
The May 19 primary will decide who moves on to the November general election.
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Vice President JD Vance answered questions from reporters about new plans to fight fraud, issues related to Iran, and the 2028 elections. He spoke publicly after announcing these anti-fraud initiatives.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance held a press session on Wednesday.
Vance introduced new measures to prevent fraud.
Reporters asked him about topics including Iran and the 2028 U.S. elections.
The event was covered by CBS News.
Vance’s comments followed the announcement of anti-fraud efforts.
The discussion included a range of political and security issues.
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The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh’s convictions for murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul, granting him a new trial due to unfair jury issues. Meanwhile, Maggie’s friends want people to remember her as a loving mother and friend, not just as a murder victim.
Key Facts
On May 13, 2026, the South Carolina Supreme Court threw out Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions and ordered a new trial.
The court ruled Murdaugh did not get a fair trial because the county clerk of court acted improperly.
Alex was originally found guilty on March 2, 2023, of killing his wife Maggie and son Paul, and sentenced to two life terms.
Maggie Murdaugh’s friends say she should be remembered for her love of family and her personality, not just the way she died.
Maggie was called "Magnolia" by her sister and described as a devoted mom and wife.
The trial included testimony from 76 witnesses and key evidence like a video from Paul Murdaugh.
Alex Murdaugh faced other charges related to financial crimes and was disbarred from practicing law.
Maggie’s friends have known her since college and want her memory to be about the good times they shared.
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