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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
House Democrats gathered enough signatures to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and force a vote on a bill providing military aid to Ukraine and new sanctions on Russia. The bill faces challenges in the Senate and White House and may not become law.
Key Facts
Democrats used a discharge petition to bypass the House Republican leader and bring the Ukraine aid bill to a vote.
The petition got 218 signatures, including all 215 House Democrats and 3 Republicans who support Ukraine.
The bill proposes $1.3 billion in military aid, up to $8 billion in loans for Ukraine, and new sanctions on Russia.
This is the eighth time in three years that a discharge petition was used to bypass GOP leadership in the House.
The vote on the Ukraine bill will likely happen after Memorial Day.
Despite House support, the bill faces opposition in the GOP-led Senate and concerns from the White House.
The bill is intended to support Ukraine amid its war with Russia and help with diplomacy efforts.
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New polling in Michigan shows Democrat Jocelyn Benson leading Republican John James by five points in the race for governor. Independent candidate Mike Duggan is drawing significant support, mostly from Republican voters, which may weaken James’s chances.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted May 3-11 with 600 likely voters and has a margin of error of ±4%.
Benson leads with 34.2% support compared to James’s 29.2%.
Benson’s support increased by 6.2 points since February, while James’s support stayed about the same.
Independent Mike Duggan has 23% overall, pulling 24.3% of Republican votes but only 16.3% of Democratic votes.
Benson leads men by a smaller margin but leads women voters by 16.3 points.
Benson’s gains come mostly from Democrats who lean toward the party but are not strong partisans.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating in Michigan has dropped to 37.1%, with 56.8% disapproving.
Trump’s approval among independent voters in Michigan is especially low at 21.9%.
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A couple living in Trump Tower Chicago sued the building's management and staff after a neighbor secretly recorded a private sexual conversation in their apartment. The lawsuit accuses the condominium association and managers of sharing the recording, harassment, discrimination, and invasion of privacy. The defendants have asked the court to dismiss all claims, saying the complaint lacks legal merit.
Key Facts
Clint and Georgia Litle filed a lawsuit claiming a neighbor secretly recorded a private conversation in their bathroom.
The recording was allegedly shared among Trump Tower Chicago staff and residents.
Plaintiffs say this led to offensive comments and ongoing harassment by building employees.
The lawsuit alleges discrimination, invasion of privacy, defamation, and emotional distress.
The complaint targets Trump Chicago Residential Manager LLC, the condominium association, and two staff members.
Defendants filed a motion to dismiss all claims, arguing the allegations are legally insufficient.
The couple also reported incidents of monitoring noise, intimidation, fines for rule violations, and eviction pressure.
The case is underway in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
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The U.S. Justice Department said it is against the Constitution for states to deny undercover license plates to Homeland Security officers. The department claims some states are refusing these plates, which the Justice Department says harms federal law enforcement work.
Key Facts
The Justice Department issued a statement on Wednesday about undercover license plates.
The statement said some states will not give license plates to federal law enforcement officers.
These license plates are used by Department of Homeland Security officers for undercover work.
The DOJ called the refusal unconstitutional, meaning it goes against the law.
Brett Shumate, a senior lawyer at the Justice Department, made the statement.
The DOJ said this refusal is dangerous for law enforcement officers’ safety.
The issue involves the balance of power between state governments and the federal government.
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Three Republican senators joined Democrats to support a bill that would limit President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct war against Iran without Congress’s approval. The bill did not pass, with a close vote of 50-49, but the result shows some disagreement within the Republican Party about the conflict.
Key Facts
Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul voted with Democrats to restrict President Trump’s war powers in Iran.
The vote was 50 in favor and 49 against, so the bill failed.
The disagreement happened as the 60-day limit passed for the president to conduct military actions without Congress’s okay.
Senator Murkowski had opposed similar bills before but changed her position this time.
This vote signals possible increasing pressure on the White House from lawmakers.
The debate is part of ongoing concern about U.S. involvement in Iran.
The article mentions the need for congressional oversight on war actions.
This is breaking news and may have further updates.
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President Donald Trump posted over 50 messages in less than three hours on his social media site late at night, targeting political opponents and sharing various claims and images. His frequent posts come amid rising gas prices, a meeting with China’s president, a dispute at the FDA, and political actions in southern states.
Key Facts
President Trump made more than 50 posts after 10 pm ET on his social media platform in one session.
His posts included attacks on Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and the New York Times.
Trump shared false or unsupported claims about election fraud involving Dominion voting machines and Georgia ballots.
He mentioned plans to put himself on the $100 bill and discussed Hillary Clinton’s emails.
Trump threatened Iran over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, linking it to rising gas prices.
The FDA director resigned after disagreements about fruit-flavored vaping products.
Southern states are redrawing voting maps in ways that may reduce the voting power of Black citizens.
Experts discussed Trump’s late-night posting behavior as unusual for a sitting president and analyzed what it might suggest about his state of mind.
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Two writers, Malcolm Gladwell and Dana Perino, say that American politics is very divided and tiring. They believe people can feel better if they accept that not everything has a clear answer and learn to handle disagreements, which was part of the original plan by America's Founding Fathers.
Key Facts
American politics is currently very divided and causing fatigue.
Malcolm Gladwell and Dana Perino are the authors discussing this issue.
They suggest loosening the need for absolute certainty.
Accepting disagreement is seen as a way to improve political discussions.
The Founding Fathers designed the political system to allow for disagreement.
Embracing different views could help reduce political polarization.
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The South Carolina Supreme Court canceled the murder convictions of Alex Murdaugh, who was found guilty in 2023 of killing his wife and son. The court ordered a new trial, citing concerns about improper actions by the county clerk involved in the case.
Key Facts
Alex Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife and son in 2021.
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned these murder convictions.
A new trial has been ordered for Murdaugh.
The court raised concerns about improper conduct by the county clerk, Becky Hill.
Becky Hill later wrote a book about her experience working on the trial.
The decision highlights issues with how the trial was handled initially.
The case attracted significant media attention due to its unusual details.
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A temporary exhibit in New York shows 3.5 million pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The display includes a timeline of connections between Jeffrey Epstein and President Donald Trump, along with a memorial for Epstein’s victims.
Key Facts
The exhibit is created by the ‘Institute of Primary Facts.’
It is located in New York and is a pop-up style, meaning it is temporary.
The exhibit features 3.5 million pages of documents about Jeffrey Epstein.
A timeline highlighting interactions between Jeffrey Epstein and President Donald Trump is part of the display.
There is a memorial to honor the victims of Jeffrey Epstein.
The organizers aim to inform people about corruption and risks to democracy.
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Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. from New Jersey has been absent from Congress since early March due to a personal health issue, without giving voters clear updates. Democratic candidates are using his absence to question his transparency and push to win his House seat in the upcoming election.
Key Facts
Tom Kean Jr. has not voted in the House since March 5 because of a personal health matter.
His office has not said when he will return to Congress.
Democrats say voters deserve more information about his absence.
Kean has raised over $600,000 from corporate political action committees (PACs) during his absence.
One Democratic candidate criticized Kean for not informing his constituents about his absence.
The race in this New Jersey district is competitive ahead of the November election.
Democratic candidates hope to use this issue to persuade voters to choose a new representative.
This news is developing and may be updated as more information becomes available.
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President Donald Trump has a letter ready for Vice President JD Vance in case Trump dies or is assassinated, according to a senior White House counterterrorism official. This was revealed amid concerns about Trump's security as he travels abroad near his 80th birthday, following multiple recent assassination attempts.
Key Facts
President Trump keeps a letter on the Resolute Desk addressed to Vice President JD Vance for use if Trump dies or is killed.
The letter’s contents have not been disclosed.
The information came from Sebastian Gorka, a senior White House counterterrorism official, during a podcast interview.
Trump has survived three publicly known assassination attempts in less than two years, including one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was wounded.
Trump will turn 80 next month, and his age and health are significant subjects in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump was visiting China and meeting President Xi Jinping when this information was shared.
The U.S. Constitution’s 25th Amendment states that the vice president becomes acting president if the president dies or is incapacitated.
Security concerns for President Trump have increased after several assassination plots were made public recently.
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Republican senators met with the U.S. Secret Service director to get more information about a $1 billion security plan for the White House. The plan includes $220 million to secure the new East Wing ballroom and other funds for visitor screening and agent training.
Key Facts
The security plan requests $1 billion for White House upgrades.
$220 million is proposed to secure the new East Wing ballroom.
Security measures for the ballroom include bulletproof glass and drone detection.
The plan includes chemical and threat detection systems.
$180 million is requested for a new visitor screening facility.
$175 million is planned for training Secret Service agents.
The Secret Service director, Sean Curran, met privately with Republican senators.
Some Republican senators have questioned the security request recently.
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Republican-led states in the South have changed the boundaries of congressional districts before the 2026 midterm elections. These changes have reduced Democrats’ chances of winning a majority in the House of Representatives, according to prediction markets.
Key Facts
Republican-controlled southern states redrew congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The Supreme Court struck down a majority-Black district in Louisiana, influencing other states' redistricting.
These changes may help Republicans win several House seats by altering district lines.
Prediction markets showed Democrats’ chances to take the House fell from around 85% to about 75% recently.
States involved in redistricting shifts include Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Historically, the party in the White House tends to lose seats in the midterm elections.
Despite lowered chances, prediction markets still slightly favor Democrats to win the House.
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The Senate voted 50-49 against a Democratic resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to use military force against Iran. Three Republican senators joined most Democrats to advance the measure, while one Democrat opposed it. The War Powers Resolution requires the president to get congressional approval or end military actions within 60 days, but the Trump administration says the clock stopped after a ceasefire with Iran.
Key Facts
The Senate rejected a Democratic effort to restrict President Trump’s military actions in Iran.
The vote was 50 against and 49 in favor of advancing the resolution.
Republicans Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski voted with Democrats to move the measure forward.
Democrat John Fetterman opposed advancing the resolution.
The resolution would require U.S. forces to be removed from hostilities with Iran unless Congress approves military action.
The War Powers Resolution limits unauthorized military actions to 60 days without congressional approval.
The Trump administration said the 60-day limit does not apply since a ceasefire was reached on April 7.
Democrats disagree with the administration, saying the conflict could still escalate and congressional approval is needed.
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Louisiana state Senate lawmakers voted early Wednesday to remove one of two majority-Black congressional districts in the state. This vote is part of an ongoing disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over how voting districts should be drawn.
Key Facts
The vote happened at 4:30 a.m. on a Wednesday.
The Senate and Government Affairs Committee voted 4-3, strictly along party lines.
The effort to redraw district lines is led by Republicans (GOP).
The redistricting plan would eliminate one majority-Black voting district out of two in Louisiana.
The decision is part of a larger political struggle between Republicans and Democrats over voting rights and district boundaries.
Majority-Black districts are areas where most voters are Black, which can affect political representation.
The redistricting changes could impact future elections in Louisiana.
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Rep. Chuck Edwards has been accused of making a young female staffer uncomfortable through unwanted attention and behavior. The staffer raised concerns about possible retaliation after declining to have dinner with him. These allegations are part of a broader investigation by the House Ethics Committee into Edwards’ conduct toward female aides.
Key Facts
A female staffer did not want to have dinner with Rep. Chuck Edwards in May 2025 due to rumors about their interactions.
Edwards told the staffer it was "disappointing" that their relationship had become complicated.
The staffer reported feeling uncomfortable and objectified after Edwards complimented her appearance.
She worried about retaliation if she complained and later spoke with Edwards’ chief of staff about her concerns.
Edwards has denied any wrongdoing and said the Ethics Committee investigation will clarify facts.
Edwards wrote a poem and goodbye note for the staffer, which made the office staff uncomfortable.
The congressman invited the staffer to multiple drinking outings where he pressured her to take shots.
The House Ethics Committee is investigating Edwards based on multiple allegations and reports.
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Republican Representative Reid Ribble from Wisconsin says the Republican Party should work with both parties to change immigration laws. He believes this is important for the economy and to keep families together, and he supports a plan called the Dignity Act.
Key Facts
Reid Ribble is a Republican lawmaker from Wisconsin.
He wants immigration reform for economic and moral reasons.
Ribble thinks keeping families together is a key goal.
He supports bipartisan efforts, meaning cooperation between Republicans and Democrats.
The Dignity Act is a proposed law aimed at helping immigrant families and reducing government costs.
Ribble urges the Republican Party to take action on immigration issues after the midterm elections.
He believes immigration reform can also help lower the federal deficit, which is the amount the government owes over what it earns.
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Three Republican senators voted with Democrats to support a resolution aiming to end U.S. military involvement in Iran unless Congress approves further action. The resolution is based on the 1973 War Powers Act, which limits the president’s ability to engage in war without Congress’s consent.
Key Facts
Three Republican senators—Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul—voted to advance the resolution.
The resolution is sponsored by Democrats.
It invokes the 1973 War Powers Act.
The Act requires Congress to approve extended military action.
The vote opposes the current Senate Republican leadership’s position.
The goal is to stop the ongoing conflict with Iran unless Congress agrees to continue it.
Almost all Senate Democrats supported the resolution as well.
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Some kinds of unpaid debts can reduce the Social Security benefits that retirees receive. Private companies usually cannot take money from these benefits, but federal agencies and court-ordered payments like taxes, student loans, child support, and alimony can cause a part of the benefits to be withheld.
Key Facts
Most private debt collectors cannot take money from Social Security benefits.
The IRS can take up to 15% of Social Security payments to cover unpaid federal income taxes.
Federal student loan debts in default can lead to garnishment up to 15%, but the remaining benefit must be at least $750 per month.
Child support and alimony payments can result in 50% to 65% of Social Security benefits being withheld.
Social Security Act protects most benefits from garnishment by private creditors.
The average Social Security payment is a little over $2,000 per month, with a maximum of about $5,181 in 2026.
Many seniors rely heavily on Social Security for their retirement income, with about 27% depending on it entirely.
Wage garnishment rules for Social Security differ depending on the type of debt owed.
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Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves canceled a special session planned to redraw the state supreme court districts but said lawmakers will still redraw congressional and legislative districts before the 2027 elections. Reeves wants to redraw congressional lines, focusing on the district of Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson, and is working with President Donald Trump's administration on the timing and process.
Key Facts
Governor Tate Reeves canceled a special legislative session to redraw the state supreme court districts.
Reeves expects redistricting of congressional and legislative maps before the 2027 elections.
Redrawing congressional districts now could affect the results of the March primary elections.
Reeves is aiming to redraw district lines to challenge Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson.
Bennie Thompson represents Mississippi’s second district, a mostly Black area about 275 miles long.
Thompson is Mississippi’s only congressional Democrat and the longest-serving Black elected official from the state.
Reeves is coordinating with President Donald Trump’s administration on redistricting plans.
The redistricting talks come after a Supreme Court ruling that changed key voting rights protections.
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