US News

Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions overturned, appeal for new trial granted

May 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son and sentenced to two life terms in 2023. Recently, his murder convictions were overturned, and he has been granted a new trial.

Key Facts

Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his wife and son.
He received two life sentences for these crimes in 2023.
A court has now overturned these murder convictions.
Murdaugh has been allowed to have a new trial.
The case will be re-examined in court.

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The Hill

Becerra holds slim lead over Steyer, Hilton in California governor’s race, new poll finds

May 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Xavier Becerra, former Health and Human Services Secretary, is slightly ahead in the race to become California’s next governor, according to a recent poll. The survey shows Becerra leading with 19% support among a crowded field of candidates.

Key Facts

Xavier Becerra is running for governor of California.
A new poll shows Becerra leading with 19% support.
The poll was conducted by Emerson College Polling and Inside California Politics.
Steve Hilton, a Republican, and Tom Steyer, a Democrat, are also top candidates but trail Becerra.
The race to be California’s next governor includes many candidates.
The poll results were released on a Wednesday.
Becerra previously served as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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The Hill

Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions overturned by South Carolina supreme court

May 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions because a court clerk improperly influenced the jury during his trial. The court ordered a new trial for the 2021 killings of Murdaugh’s wife and son.

Key Facts

Alex Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 for killing his wife, Maggie, and his son, Paul.
He received two life sentences for these murders.
The South Carolina Supreme Court found that a court clerk interfered with the jury during the trial.
Due to this interference, the court reversed the denial of Murdaugh’s request for a new trial.
The decision was unanimous among the justices.
Murdaugh is also serving separate state and federal sentences for financial crimes.
The court emphasized they had no choice but to order a new trial despite the time and effort already spent on the case.
The ruling means the murder trial will be held again, consistent with the court’s opinion.

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Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, orders new trial

May 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

South Carolina's highest court canceled the murder convictions of Alex Murdaugh, who had been found guilty of killing his wife and son in 2021. The court ordered a new trial, citing issues with how part of the original trial was handled.

Key Facts

Alex Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul.
He received consecutive life sentences for these convictions.
The state supreme court overturned these convictions in April 2024.
The court ordered a new trial for the murder charges.
Murdaugh also pleaded guilty to multiple financial crimes and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
His lawyers argued that the county clerk’s conduct during the original trial was improper.
The county clerk later wrote a book about her experience working on the trial.
This case is ongoing and more updates are expected.

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CBS News

Palestinian peak body refused leave to appear at royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion

May 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (Apan) was denied permission to speak at the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion in Sydney. Apan argues this exclusion risks missing important Palestinian perspectives on antisemitism, especially regarding criticism of Israel, which they say is often wrongly labeled as antisemitic.

Key Facts

Apan is the main Palestinian advocacy group in Australia.
They wanted to appear at a royal commission hearing about antisemitism and social cohesion.
The commission declined their request, saying Apan did not have a "direct and substantial" interest in the hearing.
Apan submitted a detailed 259-page report with expert testimonies on antisemitism and Middle Eastern issues.
Apan believes criticism of Israel is frequently unfairly treated as antisemitic, which they say hurts honest discussion.
The commission’s first hearing focuses on understanding antisemitism and its effects on Jewish Australians.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry said criticism of Israel is not always antisemitic, but context matters.
Apan expressed disappointment, saying excluding their voices harms social cohesion and democracy.

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Guardian World

Man dies in Sydney prison unit that watchdog wanted shut down because it ‘cannot provide a safe environment’

May 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A 19-year-old man died by hanging while on remand at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC) in Long Bay prison, Sydney. An independent watchdog had previously recommended closing the MSPC because it was unsafe and in poor condition.

Key Facts

The man was awaiting court processes when he died on Sunday at Long Bay correctional centre.
Staff tried to help him, but paramedics pronounced him dead.
NSW police and Corrective Services NSW are investigating the death.
The prison watchdog recommended closing MSPC due to unsafe conditions like poor ventilation, mould, and ligature points (places to tie something for hanging).
There were record numbers of adults on remand and Indigenous people in custody in NSW last year, with a record high of Indigenous deaths in custody.
NSW had 39 deaths in custody in 2025; 22% were by hanging despite efforts to remove ligature points.
A $16 million program is currently removing ligature points from cells across NSW prisons.
A previous attempt to close MSPC and similar units was blocked by the government.

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Guardian World

Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions and orders new trial

May 13, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

A South Carolina court has overturned Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions from 2023 and ordered a new trial. The state’s highest court said the local court clerk unfairly influenced the jury, denying Murdaugh a fair trial.

Key Facts

Alex Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 for killing his wife Maggie and son Paul in June 2021.
He is currently serving two life sentences plus 40 years for federal financial crimes.
The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled 5-0 to overturn the murder convictions.
The court said the Colleton County Clerk of Court, Rebecca Hill, biased the jury with comments during the trial.
A juror stated that Hill’s comments led her to believe Murdaugh was guilty.
The original trial was high profile and televised, attracting worldwide attention.
The court emphasized the need for a fair trial with an impartial jury.

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Alex Murdaugh murder convictions overturned by South Carolina Supreme Court

May 13, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court canceled Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions and ordered a new trial. Murdaugh was originally sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife and son but remains in jail for other financial crimes.

Key Facts

Alex Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 for the 2021 murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul.
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned these murder convictions and called for a new trial.
The court found problems with Mary Rebecca "Becky" Hill, a court clerk charged with lying under oath and interfering with justice.
Hill allegedly pressured the jury against Murdaugh and misled the trial court regarding a juror.
Murdaugh is still in jail for multiple financial crimes unrelated to the murder case.
He is serving 27 years for state crimes and 40 years for federal financial crimes.
The murder retrial will happen in the future as the legal process continues.

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ABC News

Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions overturned in South Carolina Supreme Court ruling

May 13, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court canceled the murder convictions and life sentence of lawyer Alex Murdaugh. The court found problems with how the trial was handled, especially that the court clerk’s actions hurt Murdaugh’s credibility and that the judge allowed too much evidence about his financial crimes.

Key Facts

The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions.
The murders involved his wife and younger son.
The ruling was unanimous.
The court said the clerk’s behavior harmed Murdaugh’s credibility with the jury.
The trial judge allowed evidence about Murdaugh’s financial crimes, which the court said was excessive.
Alex Murdaugh is 57 years old.
He pleaded guilty to stealing about $12 million from his clients.
Murdaugh is currently serving a 40-year federal prison sentence.

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PBS NewsHour

Florida AG continues push against Rooney Rule

May 13, 2026 • ESPN

Summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has taken further steps against the NFL by issuing an investigative subpoena. This action follows his earlier warning in March about possible legal action regarding the Rooney Rule.

Key Facts

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has targeted the NFL over the Rooney Rule.
In March, he warned the NFL about possible civil legal action.
On Wednesday, he issued an investigative subpoena to the NFL.
A subpoena is a legal document that requires an organization to provide information.
The Rooney Rule is a policy aiming to increase diversity in NFL coaching and management jobs.
This move indicates that the Florida Attorney General is actively investigating the NFL’s compliance with the rule.
The NFL faces legal scrutiny from a state official, highlighting tensions over diversity policies.

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ESPN

South Carolina Supreme Court overturns Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions in deaths of wife and son

May 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court canceled the murder convictions and life sentence of lawyer Alex Murdaugh for killing his wife and son. The court found that a court clerk wrongly influenced jurors and that the trial judge allowed unfair evidence, though Murdaugh remains in prison for stealing millions.

Key Facts

Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife and younger son.
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned these murder convictions and the life sentence.
The court clerk in charge of the trial influenced jurors and hoped to boost her book sales.
The clerk pleaded guilty to lying about her actions during the trial.
The trial judge allowed evidence of Murdaugh’s financial crimes, which the court said was unfair.
No physical evidence like DNA or blood linked Murdaugh to the murders.
Murdaugh is serving a 40-year federal sentence for stealing about $12 million from clients.
Prosecutors argued the clerk’s comments were brief and evidence against Murdaugh was strong.

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AP News

US Midterms Tracker: Where the Most Competitive Races Stand Six Months Out

May 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The 2026 U.S. Senate races are beginning to take shape, with key contests in Maine and Michigan attracting attention. Democrats show early strength in some battleground states, while Republicans hold solid support in others, but many races remain uncertain.

Key Facts

The 2026 midterm elections will decide control of the U.S. Senate.
In Maine, Republican Senator Susan Collins is seen as vulnerable but has a strong record of winning.
Governor Janet Mills ended her Democratic Senate campaign, making Graham Platner the likely Democratic nominee.
Polls and prediction markets show Maine leaning Democratic, but the race is still very competitive.
In Michigan, Senator Gary Peters is retiring, creating an open seat.
The Democratic primary in Michigan is not decided, with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed currently leading.
Michigan is considered a tossup, with a chance for Republicans to gain the seat.
Outside political spending is already influencing key races like Michigan.

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Newsweek

Raffensperger received threat before bomb scare

May 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was evacuated from a campaign event in Macon because of a credible bomb threat. Authorities found a suspicious object in a vending machine at the event location, leading to the evacuation and investigation.

Key Facts

Brad Raffensperger is Georgia’s Secretary of State and a Republican candidate for governor.
The incident occurred at a campaign event on Tuesday in Macon, Georgia.
Authorities discovered a suspicious object inside a vending machine at Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office warned of a credible bomb threat before the event.
Raffensperger and others were safely evacuated due to the threat.
Investigators are looking into the object and the circumstances surrounding the threat.
No explosions or injuries were reported related to this incident.
The event was temporarily disrupted but later could continue after safety checks.

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The Hill

Trump urged to rule out ‘unlawful’ Cuba takeover and stop using Guantánamo Bay for migrant detention

May 13, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

More than 30 members of the U.S. Congress have asked President Donald Trump’s top officials to stop using the Guantánamo Bay naval base to hold migrants and to reject any military plans against Cuba. They warned that such actions could worsen the situation for people in Cuba and increase migration to the U.S.

Key Facts

Over 30 Democratic lawmakers, led by Representative Delia Ramirez, sent a letter to U.S. defense, state, and homeland security secretaries.
They want the Trump administration to end migrant detention at Guantánamo Bay.
The lawmakers oppose any U.S. military action against Cuba, calling it unlawful and harmful.
President Trump has suggested taking over Cuba and imposed sanctions that have worsened the Cuban humanitarian crisis.
A U.S. fuel blockade ordered by President Trump contributed to issues like halted garbage collection in Cuba.
The lawmakers believe U.S. policies have caused suffering and migration from Cuba.
The U.S. military base at Guantánamo Bay was proposed as a migrant camp in case of a crisis.
Guantánamo Bay was historically used in the 1990s to detain migrants from the Caribbean.

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Trump calls redistricting efforts "a wonderful process" as states review congressional maps

May 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump described efforts to redraw congressional district boundaries as "a wonderful process." Several states are reviewing these maps, which could influence which political party has an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of voting districts.
This process can affect which political party has more power in Congress.
Several states are currently reviewing and updating their congressional maps.
President Trump spoke positively about these redistricting efforts.
The changes could impact the 2026 midterm election results.
Midterm elections happen halfway through a president’s term and often change control of Congress.

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CBS News

Murdaugh Convictions Struck Down, Will Be Retried for Wife and Son's Murder

May 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court canceled Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions and life sentence for the 2021 deaths of his wife and son. The court ordered a new trial because it found a court clerk improperly influenced jurors and that some financial crime evidence was unfairly presented.

Key Facts

Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife and son in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison.
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned these murder convictions in a unanimous 5-0 decision.
The court said Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill improperly influenced the jurors during the trial.
The court also criticized the use of Murdaugh’s separate financial crime evidence in the murder trial.
Murdaugh will stay in prison due to other federal financial crime convictions.
Prosecutors must now decide if and how to retry Murdaugh for the murders.
The court noted the trial involved a lot of time, money, and effort but found the new trial necessary.

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Newsweek

New Coin With Donald Trump's Face Is Going Down to the Wire

May 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A legal case is underway over a special gold coin planned to feature President Donald Trump's face for the United States' 250th anniversary on July 4. The lawsuit claims that U.S. law forbids living people from appearing on currency, and delays in court may push a decision until close to the anniversary date.

Key Facts

The coin is a 24-karat gold commemorative coin planned for the U.S. semiquincentennial (250th anniversary).
The lawsuit was filed by Matthew Rickher, a retired lawyer and coin collector, in federal court in Oregon.
Rickher argues that federal law bans living people from appearing on U.S. currency, and President Trump's image on the coin breaks this law.
The U.S. Mint says the coin is allowed because it is a special commemorative coin, not regular currency.
Congress has also separately prohibited living people from appearing on coins related to the 250th anniversary.
The case has seen delays due to procedural issues and requests from both sides, pushing back important court decisions.
A judge has delayed the government’s formal response until after a ruling on a temporary block of the coin, making that ruling critical.
The coin design shows President Trump in a suit and tie, with the word “LIBERTY” above his head.

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Newsweek

‘Failed experiment in human suffering’: Alligator Alcatraz immigration jail to close

May 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Alligator Alcatraz immigration jail in the Florida Everglades is set to close soon due to high costs and legal pressure. The facility, praised by President Trump and Governor DeSantis for its strictness, faced criticism for harsh conditions and environmental damage.

Key Facts

The Alligator Alcatraz jail is located 50 miles west of Miami in the Everglades.
It opened in summer 2025 and held up to 1,400 detainees in metal cages.
The jail cost $1.2 million per day to operate, as revealed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
President Trump supported the facility and compared it to the real Alcatraz prison.
Human rights groups reported cruel treatment, including torture, forced disappearances, and denial of legal help.
Environmental groups sued to close the jail due to harm caused to the fragile Everglades wetlands.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it regularly reviews detention needs but declined detailed comment.
The site’s future includes possible restoration to protect endangered wildlife and preserve the land.

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Guardian World Guardian US

Bass says Pratt AI ads in LA mayor race ‘taking on a violent trend’

May 13, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized AI-generated ads by mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt for showing the city as very unsafe and violent. Pratt’s ads portray himself as a Batman-like hero fighting against masked agents representing the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Key Facts

Karen Bass is the current mayor of Los Angeles and a Democrat.
Spencer Pratt is running for mayor as a Republican candidate.
Pratt’s campaign released AI-created ads showing him in a superhero role.
The ads depict Los Angeles as dangerous and filled with crime.
Pratt fights against masked agents labeled “DSA,” referring to the Democratic Socialists of America.
Mayor Bass said these ads promote a violent and negative image of the city.
Spencer Pratt is known for his past work as a reality TV star.

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The Hill

AP Exclusive: Senate Democrats plan to force votes on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rollbacks

May 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Senate Democrats plan to force votes on rollbacks made by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) under President Donald Trump’s administration. These votes aim to bring attention to the undoing of consumer protection rules and put pressure on vulnerable Republican senators in an election year.

Key Facts

Senate Democrats are preparing 20 votes targeting changes made by the CFPB since February 2025.
The CFPB’s acting director, Russell Vought, has rolled back 67 policies and seeks to dismantle the agency.
These votes use the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to overturn federal regulations.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a founder of the CFPB, is leading this effort.
The rollbacks affect rules on debt collection, buy now-pay later services, overdraft fees, and other consumer finance areas.
The CFPB’s staff currently remain under orders not to work, and its budget is shrinking due to recent tax and spending cuts.
The move is seen as a way to highlight the administration’s impact on consumers and challenge vulnerable Republican senators during the 2026 elections.
The CFPB was created after the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers in financial markets.

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