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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer asked Jes Staley, a former executive at JPMorgan Chase, to meet for an interview about Jeffrey Epstein. The request is part of the committee's investigation into Epstein, who was a sex offender and is now deceased.
Key Facts
James Comer is the Chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Jes Staley is a former executive at JPMorgan Chase, a major bank.
Comer sent a letter asking Staley to participate in an interview.
The interview relates to an ongoing probe into Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died in 2019.
The investigation involves reviewing public reports and documents from the Department of Justice.
The committee is looking into Epstein’s connections and financial dealings.
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The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed Alabama to use a new congressional map with only one majority-Black district, overturning a lower court’s order to use a map with two majority-Black districts. This decision came just days before Alabama’s primary elections and raised concerns about potential voter confusion and whether the court followed the Purcell principle, which aims to prevent last-minute changes to election rules.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court lifted a lower-court order that required Alabama to use a congressional map with two majority-Black districts.
The new map approved by the Supreme Court only has one majority-Black district and was drawn by Republicans in 2023.
The court’s decision came less than a week before Alabama’s primary elections were scheduled to start.
The Purcell principle advises courts not to change voting rules close to an election to avoid confusing voters and causing problems with election management.
The Purcell principle stems from a 2006 Supreme Court case, Purcell v. Gonzalez, involving last-minute changes to voter ID laws in Arizona.
Alabama’s maps have been challenged for possibly violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which protects against racial discrimination in voting.
The Supreme Court’s recent 2024 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais changed how Section 2 is applied to race-based district maps, influencing the Alabama case.
Some Supreme Court justices, including Justice Sonia Sotomayor, criticized the timing of the decision, warning it could confuse voters just before the election.
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A CBS News investigation found that Uber, DoorDash, and Lyft driver accounts are being bought and rented online, often by people who fail or avoid background checks. Lawmakers and experts worry this creates safety risks for customers, and calls are growing for stronger identity checks on drivers.
Key Facts
Driver accounts for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash can be bought or rented online without showing ID.
This practice lets people who might not pass background checks drive or deliver with fake or stolen identities.
Sellers on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram advertise these accounts and sometimes offer ways to bypass checks.
A longtime rideshare driver confirmed this has been a problem for years and said it raises safety concerns.
A Michigan congresswoman is pushing for better verification, including possibly checking driver IDs in person.
Uber reported handling about 3.6 billion rides and deliveries in early 2026, making in-person checks challenging.
The California Public Utilities Commission received only a few official complaints about stolen identity accounts in two years.
Uber acknowledges fraud is complex and says it works to fight identity theft but cannot eliminate it entirely.
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President Donald Trump has nominated Kari Lake to be the US ambassador to Jamaica. Lake currently leads the US Agency for Global Media but has faced legal challenges over her role there.
Key Facts
President Trump nominated Kari Lake to be the US ambassador to Jamaica.
Kari Lake was a TV anchor before entering politics in Arizona.
She ran for Arizona governor in 2022 and for the US Senate in 2024 but lost both elections.
Lake currently leads the US Agency for Global Media, which manages Voice of America (VOA).
A judge ruled in March that Lake was unlawfully serving as head of the agency because she was not confirmed by the Senate.
The ruling voided her actions, including firing hundreds of VOA employees.
Lake thanked President Trump and expressed eagerness to strengthen US-Jamaica relations if confirmed.
Some staffers see her nomination as a shift following the legal challenges to her management at USAGM.
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The former mayor of Arcadia, California, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of working secretly for the Chinese government without permission. The U.S. Justice Department announced this case involving illegal foreign agent activity.
Key Facts
The person involved is the former mayor of Arcadia, California.
She is charged with acting as an illegal foreign agent for China.
She agreed to plead guilty to the charges.
The U.S. Justice Department made the announcement.
Acting as a foreign agent means working for a foreign government without notifying the U.S. government.
The case involves secret activities on behalf of China in the United States.
This is a legal matter related to national security and foreign influence.
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Two foreign companies and a ship supervisor have been charged by the U.S. federal government for their involvement in the 2024 crash of a cargo ship that caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The crash resulted in the deaths of six construction workers.
Key Facts
The incident involved the cargo ship M/V Dali.
The crash caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Six construction workers died in the collapse.
Two foreign companies related to the ship were indicted by federal prosecutors.
A shoreside supervisor of the M/V Dali was also charged.
The event occurred in 2024, and the indictments were announced in May 2026.
The crash caused significant damage and was a major infrastructure accident in Maryland.
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Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse will participate in a congressional hearing near Epstein’s former home in Palm Beach, Florida, to discuss his crimes and a controversial legal deal from 2008. The hearing, led by Democratic lawmakers, will also explore allegations involving President Donald Trump, who denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
The hearing takes place near Epstein’s former mansion in Palm Beach, where he abused underage girls.
Democratic House members and survivors will attend; there is no Republican involvement or subpoena power.
Epstein escaped federal charges in 2008 due to a deal with Florida prosecutors, which Democrats call a “sweetheart deal.”
Some victims were allegedly recruited from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, where Epstein and Trump were once acquaintances.
Emails released in 2023 suggested Trump knew about Epstein’s activities, but the president denies these claims.
Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Virginia Giuffre, a key Epstein survivor, claimed she was recruited at Mar-a-Lago; she died by suicide in 2025.
The hearing will be streamed live and aims to raise attention to Epstein’s crimes and support victims.
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The operator of the container ship MV Dali that crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024 is facing federal criminal charges. The crash killed six workers and caused the bridge to collapse. The charges relate to using improper fuel pumps and making false statements during the investigation.
Key Facts
The ship MV Dali lost power and hit the Key Bridge, killing six highway construction workers.
The incident happened on March 26, 2024, early in the morning.
Synergy Marine's Singapore and India operations and technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair were indicted.
Charges include conspiracy to defraud the U.S., failure to inform the Coast Guard, false statements, and obstruction.
The crew used a flushing pump to supply fuel to generators, which was not the proper pump and was unsafe.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found two power outages caused by equipment failures and the inappropriate use of the flushing pump.
Synergy and the ship owner previously settled civil claims for over $100 million but still face lawsuits.
A major bridge replacement project is planned, expected to cost billions and take until the end of the decade.
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A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that part of President Trump’s government reorganization plan was unconstitutional. Although this was a loss for President Trump in court, the decision might actually help him in other legal or political battles.
Key Facts
President Trump often criticizes federal courts when they rule against him.
In March, a federal judge in the District of Columbia made a decision against part of Trump’s government reorganization plan.
The court found that part of the plan was unconstitutional, meaning it violated the U.S. Constitution.
This court ruling is considered a setback for President Trump’s government changes.
Despite the court loss, the ruling could become important in helping President Trump in other situations.
The article suggests this decision may have unexpected effects on President Trump’s efforts in Iran-related matters.
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Reports say President Donald Trump is thinking about a deal that would let China invest $1 trillion in the United States. Some conservative Republicans are worried about this plan because it might affect national security rules on Chinese investments.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is considering a deal with China involving $1 trillion in investment.
China offered to increase its investments in the U.S. starting last October.
The deal may require the Trump administration to ease national security rules on Chinese business deals.
Conservative Republicans, including public figures Greene and Ingraham, are concerned about the potential risks.
The national security rules are meant to protect important U.S. industries from foreign control.
The proposed investment deal is seen as unusually large compared to past Chinese investments in the U.S.
Discussions about this deal have recently gained public attention through news reports.
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Americans who were exposed to hantavirus on a cruise ship have returned to the United States. They are receiving medical care or being watched closely in hospitals in Nebraska and Georgia.
Key Facts
People exposed to hantavirus on a cruise ship have come back to the U.S.
They are receiving treatment or observation for possible illness.
Medical care is happening in Nebraska and Georgia.
Hantavirus is a rare virus that can cause serious lung disease.
The outbreak happened aboard a cruise ship.
CBS News reported on this situation.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine are testifying before House and Senate committees about the Iran war and the Trump administration's proposed 2027 military budget. Lawmakers are questioning the length of the Iran conflict and concerns about military funding and readiness.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine are testifying to congressional committees on defense spending and the Iran war.
Hearings are held by House and Senate Appropriations subcommittees that oversee defense budgets.
The 2027 military budget proposed by President Trump’s administration is $1.5 trillion, a historic amount.
Some Republicans worry the Iran war has gone on too long without Congress approving it.
Lawmakers are concerned about the impact of the Iran conflict on military weapons supplies and funding.
Rep. Ken Calvert highlighted threats from China’s military growth, Russia’s war actions, and ongoing threats from Iran and its allies.
Discussions also consider how the war affects political issues like fuel prices during midterm elections.
President Trump criticized the Iran ceasefire, calling it weak or "on life support."
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Some Americans on a ship were exposed to hantavirus and are now in quarantine. Dr. Céline Gounder explained what will happen next to keep them safe and monitor their health.
Key Facts
A group of Americans on a ship may have been exposed to hantavirus.
They are currently in quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus.
Dr. Céline Gounder provided information about the situation on CBS Mornings.
Health officials will watch the quarantined people closely for any symptoms.
Hantavirus is a virus that can cause serious lung illness.
Quarantine helps stop the virus from spreading to others.
Monitoring will continue until it is clear the virus is under control.
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President Donald Trump said he is thinking about pausing the federal gas tax to help Americans dealing with higher gas prices. This possible pause comes as gas prices rise partly due to conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump is considering a temporary stop on the federal gas tax.
The federal gas tax is a tax added to each gallon of gasoline sold.
Gas prices have increased recently.
The rise in gas prices is linked to ongoing tensions involving Iran.
The pause on the gas tax aims to reduce the cost of fuel for American drivers.
It is uncertain if this temporary measure will fully address the problem of high gas prices.
President Trump discussed this possibility during an interview with CBS News.
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Sixteen Americans who may have been exposed to hantavirus on a cruise ship are now quarantined at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Two other passengers are being quarantined at Emory University in Atlanta.
Key Facts
The group was exposed to hantavirus while on a cruise ship.
Sixteen passengers are quarantined in Nebraska.
Two passengers are quarantined in Georgia.
Both quarantine locations are at medical centers.
Hantavirus is a disease spread by rodents.
Medical teams are monitoring the passengers closely.
The quarantine aims to prevent the possible spread of the virus.
The passengers have returned to the United States for quarantine.
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Some states are using experimental drug mixes for assisted suicide that can have unexpected problems. There are calls for Congress to stop these state programs because they may not be safe.
Key Facts
Assisted suicide involves helping someone end their life through medical means.
Some states allow assisted suicide under certain rules.
Experimental drug combinations are being used in these cases.
These drug mixes may cause unpredictable complications.
There is concern about the safety and regulation of these practices.
Calls have been made for Congress to intervene and stop these state programs.
The goal is to ensure better oversight and protection for patients.
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CBS News reporter Jonathan Vigliotti released a new book called "Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn, and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild L.A." The book discusses what Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass knew before the disastrous California wildfires.
Key Facts
Jonathan Vigliotti is a CBS News reporter who covered the California wildfires.
He published a book about the wildfires and the city’s response.
The book is titled "Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn, and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild L.A."
It highlights information about what Mayor Karen Bass knew before the fires happened.
The book also talks about efforts to rebuild Los Angeles after the fires.
California experienced severe and destructive wildfires.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not clearly say whether she plans to run for president in 2028 when asked during a talk with a Democratic strategist. This raised questions and excitement about her possible future plans. People were invited to join a live discussion and ask questions.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Representative from New York and a member of the Democratic Party.
She spoke with a Democratic strategist named David.
During their talk, she did not deny the possibility of running for president in 2028.
This unclear answer has led to speculation about her future political ambitions.
The event included a live video chat where viewers could ask questions by entering their names.
The discussion focused on her potential role in future elections.
No official announcement about her running for president has been made yet.
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Jen Kiggans, a Republican congresswoman from Virginia, faced calls from Democrats to resign after agreeing with a radio host who used the racist phrase “cotton-picking” to criticize House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries. Kiggans said she did not support the offensive language but agreed Jeffries should not interfere in Virginia politics.
Key Facts
Radio host Rich Herrera used the phrase “cotton-picking hands off of Virginia” to tell Hakeem Jeffries to stay out of Virginia politics.
Jen Kiggans said she agreed with the idea that Jeffries should stay out but did not support the racist wording.
The phrase “cotton-picking” is considered offensive due to its connection to slavery and Black history in the US.
Democrats, including Katherine Clark and California Governor Gavin Newsom, called for Kiggans to resign over the incident.
Kiggans represents Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District and is running for re-election in the November midterm elections.
The incident comes amid political battles in Virginia over congressional district maps and control of the US House and Senate.
Virginia’s Supreme Court recently invalidated a Democratic-drawn congressional map aimed at increasing Democratic chances in the midterms.
The controversy involves tensions between Republicans and Democrats ahead of important upcoming elections.
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