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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

US Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair, replacing Jerome Powell

US Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair, replacing Jerome Powell

May 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The US Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the new chair of the Federal Reserve, replacing Jerome Powell. Warsh will start on May 14 and lead the Fed during a time of rising inflation and pressure from President Trump to lower interest rates.

Key Facts

  • The Senate vote was 54-45, mostly along party lines, with one Democrat joining Republicans.
  • Warsh will serve a four-year term as Fed chair and a 14-year term on the rate-setting board.
  • The Federal Reserve controls interest rates, which affect borrowing costs, spending, and inflation.
  • Warsh took previous roles as a Fed governor from 2006 to 2011 and is known for supporting higher interest rates to fight inflation.
  • President Trump wants the Fed to lower rates despite rising inflation, creating tension with current economic policy.
  • Warsh said he will keep the Fed independent and avoid political influence on monetary policy.
  • Jerome Powell will remain on the Fed board as a voting member for now, delaying his departure as chair.
  • The appointment occurs amid ongoing issues like inflation and international conflicts affecting the economy.
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Kemp calls special legislative session to redraw Georgia's electoral maps

Kemp calls special legislative session to redraw Georgia's electoral maps

May 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has called a special legislative session starting June 17 to redraw the state's election districts. This session follows a Supreme Court decision that said Louisiana's election maps were unconstitutional because they relied too much on race, signaling Georgia must update its maps before the 2028 elections.

Key Facts

  • Governor Brian Kemp officially announced a special session for June 17 to address redistricting.
  • The session responds to a recent Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais that found racial gerrymandering unconstitutional.
  • Georgia's regular legislative session ended on April 3, so a special session is necessary to change election maps.
  • Lawmakers can only work on redistricting for state and federal offices and adjust election code changes during this special session.
  • Kemp said no immediate changes will happen before upcoming 2026 elections since early voting is already in progress.
  • The new maps must be ready by the 2028 election cycle to comply with the court ruling.
  • Republican leaders support redistricting that follows principles like keeping districts connected and compact without racial targets.
  • Some Democrats oppose the court decision and special session, saying it weakens voter representation and democracy.
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CBS News
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates

Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates

May 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve with a vote of 54-45. President Donald Trump had pushed for Warsh’s appointment to lower interest rates, opposing the previous Fed chair Jerome Powell, who will remain on the Fed board.

Key Facts

  • Kevin Warsh was confirmed by the Senate as Fed chair, starting a four-year term on Friday.
  • The vote was 54-45, with one Democrat joining all Republicans to support Warsh.
  • Warsh was also confirmed to the Fed’s Board of Governors until 2040.
  • President Trump has criticized Powell and wants lower interest rates to boost the economy.
  • The Justice Department investigated Powell, but prosecutors dropped the case, allowing Warsh’s confirmation to proceed.
  • Warsh has previously supported both higher and lower interest rates and promises to act independently.
  • The Fed’s recent cautious approach has kept rates steady amid concerns about inflation and economic uncertainties.
  • Powell noted that the Iran conflict is adding uncertainty to the economic outlook.
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CBS News
Wes Streeting: PM-in-waiting or ‘this generation’s David Miliband’?

Wes Streeting: PM-in-waiting or ‘this generation’s David Miliband’?

May 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Wes Streeting, the UK health secretary and member of the Labour Party, was expected by some to challenge Keir Starmer for party leadership. Despite speculation and political maneuvering, Streeting delayed his leadership bid amid doubts about his support in parliament and the party membership.

Key Facts

  • Wes Streeting is the current health secretary in the UK Labour Party.
  • There was talk he might challenge Keir Starmer for Labour party leadership.
  • Some party members worried Streeting could become like David Miliband, who never won leadership despite being a favorite.
  • Starmer survived criticism and a minor leadership challenge with little damage.
  • Streeting’s team downplayed plans for a leadership challenge, calling it preparation rather than plotting.
  • Downing Street sources said Streeting struggled to get enough MP support to trigger a contest.
  • Streeting had a notable meeting with Starmer, seen as more of a formality than a serious negotiation.
  • Supporters of Streeting encouraged MPs not to trust negative media reports about his leadership chances.
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Guardian World
US kids caught in ‘reading recession’ that predates COVID

US kids caught in ‘reading recession’ that predates COVID

May 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Children in the United States have been experiencing a decline in reading skills, a trend that began before the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent study by the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford shows this ongoing "reading recession" affects many students nationwide.

Key Facts

  • The decline in reading skills started before the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford released the data on Wednesday.
  • The study shows that most U.S. children are affected by this reading decline.
  • The term "reading recession" describes the drop in reading proficiency.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic introduced virtual learning, but it is not the main cause of this trend.
  • The study highlights a widespread issue in children's reading progress across the country.
  • The report aims to raise awareness about literacy challenges among U.S. students.
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The Hill
Breakdown of $1 billion request for Trump's White House ballroom project

Breakdown of $1 billion request for Trump's White House ballroom project

May 13, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

The White House has requested $1 billion to fund renovations to the East Wing, including a large ballroom for President Donald Trump. The funding proposal was shared with Senate Republicans by Secret Service Director Sean Curran but has faced skepticism and opposition from some lawmakers and Democrats.

Key Facts

  • The $1 billion request covers security improvements, Secret Service training, and construction of a ballroom near the White House.
  • The breakdown includes $220 million for White House hardening and $180 million for visitor security screening facilities.
  • Other allocations include $175 million each for Secret Service training and protectee enhancements, $150 million for new threats and technology, and $100 million for national event support.
  • The funding request followed an assassination attempt on President Trump at a White House event.
  • Some Senate Republicans question the cost and impact on the federal deficit.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune supports including the funding in a budget reconciliation process, but it faces a tough path to approval.
  • Democrats criticize the proposal, arguing it prioritizes the ballroom over reducing consumer costs.
  • The $1 billion is separate from the annual $3.2 billion budget already allocated to the Secret Service.
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House leaders to take action on process for sexual misconduct claims

House leaders to take action on process for sexual misconduct claims

May 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are creating a bipartisan group to improve how sexual misconduct claims are handled in the House of Representatives. This effort comes after recent resignations linked to such claims and aims to make it easier and safer for staffers to report misconduct.

Key Facts

  • Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are leading a bipartisan task force on sexual misconduct claims in the House.
  • The group will work on improving reporting methods and protecting people who report misconduct, especially young female staffers.
  • The task force is a response to resignations of Rep. Eric Swalwell and Rep. Tony Gonzales related to sexual misconduct issues.
  • Swalwell denies the allegations but faces legal challenges; Gonzales admitted an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide and will not seek reelection.
  • Members of both the Democratic and Republican Women’s Caucuses have been involved in discussions about this issue.
  • The task force aims to change the culture on Capitol Hill and fix problems in the current complaint process.
  • Lawmakers recognize that fear and confusion discourage people from reporting sexual misconduct.
  • The group plans a careful and deliberate approach rather than rushing changes.
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CBS News
Ukraine bill heading to the floor after discharge petition wins 218th signature

Ukraine bill heading to the floor after discharge petition wins 218th signature

May 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Supporters in the U.S. Congress secured enough signatures on a discharge petition to force a vote on a bill providing aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The petition reached the required 218 signatures, allowing the bill to move directly to the House floor for consideration.

Key Facts

  • The bill aims to provide support to Ukraine during its war with Russia.
  • A discharge petition is a process that allows a bill to bypass normal delays and come to a vote in the House.
  • The petition reached 218 signatures, the minimum needed for the petition to succeed.
  • Rep. Kevin Kiley from California, who changed from Republican to independent, supported the petition.
  • The House will now hold a vote on the Ukraine aid bill because of this petition.
  • This action reflects strong support among some lawmakers for assisting Ukraine.
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The Hill
How US donor bodies were sold for Israeli military training

How US donor bodies were sold for Israeli military training

May 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The University of Southern California has been selling bodies donated for science to the U.S. Navy. Some of these bodies are used to train Israeli military surgical teams in Los Angeles without the donors' permission.

Key Facts

  • Bodies donated for research and education at USC were sold to the U.S. Navy.
  • Some bodies were used to train Israeli military surgical teams.
  • The training took place in Los Angeles.
  • Donors did not give consent for their bodies to be used this way.
  • This information was revealed through reports and an AJ+ documentary.
  • The documentary and reports involved several journalists and producers.
  • Social media accounts such as @AJEPodcasts share updates on this story.
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Al Jazeera
Drug addiction counsellor sentenced in Matthew Perry's overdose death

Drug addiction counsellor sentenced in Matthew Perry's overdose death

May 13, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

Erik Fleming, a drug addiction counsellor, was sentenced to two years in prison for supplying ketamine that led to actor Matthew Perry’s overdose death. Fleming is one of five people charged in the case, which involves providing ketamine to Perry and exploiting his drug addiction.

Key Facts

  • Matthew Perry died in October 2023 from the effects of ketamine in his backyard jacuzzi.
  • Erik Fleming pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and was sentenced in 2024.
  • Fleming received two years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $200 fine.
  • Five people, including doctors and Perry’s assistant, were charged with supplying ketamine to Perry.
  • Jasveen Sangha, called the “Ketamine Queen,” was sentenced to 15 years for selling drugs linked to Perry’s death.
  • Dr. Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to 30 months in prison for supplying ketamine to Perry.
  • Dr. Mark Chavez got eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release.
  • Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in May 2024.
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Republican resistance to Iran war grows in the Senate as Murkowski flips

Republican resistance to Iran war grows in the Senate as Murkowski flips

May 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Senate Republicans again blocked a Democratic proposal to stop President Donald Trump’s war with Iran. However, more Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski, voted against continuing the war, showing increasing concern about the conflict. The bill failed by a narrow margin and faces challenges in the House and from President Trump.

Key Facts

  • Senate Republicans stopped a Democratic bill aimed at ending the war with Iran.
  • Senator Lisa Murkowski voted against the war for the first time since it began in February.
  • Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul also oppose the war.
  • The vote was close, 49 against 50, with only one Democrat opposing the bill.
  • Democrats want to pressure President Trump to either end the war or get Congress’s approval.
  • The White House claims it does not need Congress’s approval for the war and says fighting has stopped because of a ceasefire.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. could start attacking Iran again without Congress’s OK.
  • Republican leaders back the war, saying it hurts Iran’s economy, but some GOP senators are uneasy about the high gas prices and political risks.
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AP News
Drug counselor who delivered ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry ketamine that killed him gets 2 years

Drug counselor who delivered ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry ketamine that killed him gets 2 years

May 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Erik Fleming, a licensed drug counselor, was sentenced to two years in prison for giving actor Matthew Perry the ketamine that caused Perry’s death in 2023. Fleming cooperated with investigators and connected Perry to a drug dealer who was later sentenced to 15 years.

Key Facts

  • Erik Fleming was sentenced on May 13, 2026, in federal court in Los Angeles.
  • Fleming was 56 years old and had been a drug counselor before his arrest.
  • He gave Matthew Perry ketamine that led to Perry’s death in a Jacuzzi in 2023.
  • Fleming helped investigators by identifying Jasveen Sangha, nicknamed “The Ketamine Queen,” who sold Perry the drugs.
  • Sangha was sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in the case.
  • Fleming pleaded guilty in August 2024 to distributing ketamine resulting in death.
  • He received a lighter sentence due to his cooperation with prosecutors.
  • Perry was using ketamine treatments for depression before his death and sought more of the drug illegally.
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Who are the 5 people convicted in connection with Matthew Perry’s death

Who are the 5 people convicted in connection with Matthew Perry’s death

May 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Five people have pleaded guilty to supplying actor Matthew Perry with ketamine, the drug that caused his death in 2023. Four have been sentenced, and the last person is scheduled for sentencing soon.

Key Facts

  • Matthew Perry died at age 54 from ketamine effects and drowning.
  • Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, gave him multiple ketamine injections daily and arranged most drug buys.
  • Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death and will be sentenced on May 27.
  • Jasveen Sangha, called “The Ketamine Queen,” sold Perry the fatal ketamine dose and caused another man’s death in 2019.
  • Sangha was sentenced to 15 years in prison for multiple drug-related charges.
  • Sangha had no previous convictions and came from a wealthy, educated background.
  • Prosecutors described Sangha’s drug dealing as motivated by greed and lifestyle.
  • The prosecution aims to hold all involved accountable for their roles in supplying Perry’s fatal drugs.
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AP News
Drug counselor who delivered ketamine dose that killed Matthew Perry gets two years

Drug counselor who delivered ketamine dose that killed Matthew Perry gets two years

May 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A drug counselor named Erik Fleming was sentenced to two years in prison for giving actor Matthew Perry the ketamine that caused his death in 2023. Fleming cooperated with authorities and helped them arrest others involved in supplying the drugs.

Key Facts

  • Erik Fleming, a licensed drug counselor, gave Matthew Perry the ketamine that led to Perry’s death.
  • Fleming was sentenced to two years in federal prison in Los Angeles.
  • He helped investigators by naming Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," who was sentenced to 15 years.
  • Fleming pleaded guilty in August 2024 to distributing ketamine resulting in death.
  • Perry used ketamine to treat depression but got illegal doses through Fleming and others.
  • Perry died in his Jacuzzi in October 2023; the cause was ketamine effects and drowning.
  • Perry’s personal assistant injected him with ketamine from the batch Fleming supplied.
  • Perry was 54 years old and famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the TV show Friends.
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Guardian World
Fatal drug overdoses fall for third straight year: CDC

Fatal drug overdoses fall for third straight year: CDC

May 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that fatal drug overdoses in the United States dropped for the third year in a row in 2025. The number of overdose deaths fell by 14 percent to about 68,632 deaths by the end of 2025.

Key Facts

  • The CDC released provisional data on drug overdose deaths in the U.S. for 2025.
  • Fatal drug overdoses decreased for three straight years, including 2025.
  • In 2025, the number of overdose deaths fell by 14 percent compared to the previous year.
  • The total reported overdose deaths reached approximately 68,632 in 2025.
  • This decline marks a continuing trend after years of rising overdose deaths.
  • The data is provisional, meaning it may be updated as more information becomes available.
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The Hill
‘Hold the line’: Burnham tells allies in parliament he still has options to return

‘Hold the line’: Burnham tells allies in parliament he still has options to return

May 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Andy Burnham told Labour MPs he wants to return to the UK parliament soon, but several potential seats for him are no longer available. Some MPs denied plans to step aside for him, and his allies say time is running out to find a seat before a leadership race starts.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham aims to return to parliament after seats he hoped for fell through.
  • Two MPs, Jeff Smith and Afzal Khan, denied stepping aside for Burnham.
  • Other potential seats in St Helens and Warrington were also ruled out.
  • Some Burnham supporters express frustration and say time is limited.
  • A leadership contest is expected to begin soon, possibly led by Wes Streeting.
  • Burnham has talked with union leaders but faces challenges winning enough support.
  • There is concern Labour’s current leader, Keir Starmer, could remain in power due to the party’s voting system.
  • Burnham is favored by some MPs on Labour’s soft left but may face splits if other candidates run.
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Guardian World
US Senator Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump looms over Louisiana primary

US Senator Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump looms over Louisiana primary

May 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana who voted to convict President Donald Trump during his first impeachment, faces a tough primary election challenge. The race is seen as a test of Trump’s influence over the Republican Party, with Trump supporting Cassidy’s opponent, Julia Letlow.

Key Facts

  • Bill Cassidy is a Republican senator from Louisiana.
  • Cassidy voted to convict President Trump in his first impeachment trial over the January 6 Capitol attack.
  • Cassidy’s decision to convict Trump angered many Republicans and led to a strong primary challenge.
  • Julia Letlow, backed by President Trump, is Cassidy’s main opponent in the upcoming primary.
  • The winner of the Republican primary is expected to easily win the general election in Louisiana.
  • Most Republican senators who voted to convict Trump have since lost elections or left office, except Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.
  • Cassidy has worked with the Trump administration on some policies despite their disagreements.
  • Trump has publicly criticized Cassidy and encouraged voters to remove him in the primary.
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Al Jazeera
A new US military wargame series began by simulating a nuclear weapon in orbit

A new US military wargame series began by simulating a nuclear weapon in orbit

May 13, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The US Space Command has started a new series of secret wargames called Apollo Insight, involving commercial companies and allies. The first exercise simulated a nuclear weapon detonating in orbit, a scenario that would break international rules and harm many satellites.

Key Facts

  • The US Space Command runs military operations in space, separate from the Space Force that supports it.
  • Apollo Insight wargames mix military and commercial expertise to address space threats.
  • The first exercise involved over 60 companies and allies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.
  • The scenario involved a nuclear explosion in low-Earth orbit, which would damage thousands of satellites and disrupt communications.
  • Placing nuclear weapons in orbit is banned by the Outer Space Treaty.
  • US officials believe Russia might be preparing conventional anti-satellite weapons and have launched satellites near US spy satellites.
  • Three more Apollo Insight wargames will happen this year, focusing on space maneuvering, satellite networks, and missile defense.
  • The Pentagon is increasingly relying on commercial technology and partnerships for modern military space operations.
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WATCH: Axios' Future of Health Summit 2026

WATCH: Axios' Future of Health Summit 2026

May 13, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Axios Live hosted its second annual Future of Health Summit in 2026. The event brought together leaders from healthcare, government, and business to discuss changes in the health care field and what they mean for the future.

Key Facts

  • The summit is organized by Axios Live and focuses on the future of health care.
  • Participants included CEOs, health administrators, government officials, and experts from various health-related organizations.
  • Notable speakers included Sen. Roger Marshall, Sen. Peter Welch, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
  • Industry leaders from companies like Bristol Myers Squibb, CLEAR, and Weight Watchers also took part.
  • The discussions covered topics like health data, medical services, pharmaceutical management, and health policies.
  • The goal was to explore how new trends are changing health care and impacting people’s lives.
  • The event included voices from diverse backgrounds, including journalists and founders of health programs.
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Axios
GOP senator calls on Trump to deliver ‘final blow’ against Iran

GOP senator calls on Trump to deliver ‘final blow’ against Iran

May 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Rick Scott from Florida asked President Donald Trump to take strong action against Iran as the ceasefire between the countries remains unstable. Scott believes the U.S. military is close to winning and called on Americans to support the president’s efforts.

Key Facts

  • Senator Rick Scott wrote an opinion piece urging President Trump to act decisively against Iran.
  • The current ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is fragile.
  • Scott says the U.S. military is very close to victory over Iran.
  • He encourages Americans to come together and support President Trump.
  • The call to action aims to deliver what Scott describes as a “final blow” to Iran.
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