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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
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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The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to redraw its congressional district boundaries. This decision affects voting areas that have many Black residents. Marc Morial, head of the National Urban League, spoke out against this ruling.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court approved Alabama’s plan to change its congressional districts.
The redistricting impacts districts with mostly Black voters.
Marc Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League.
Morial criticized the Supreme Court’s decision on this matter.
The decision could affect representation for Black communities in Alabama.
The ruling was announced recently and covered by CBS News.
Redistricting means changing the lines that separate voting areas for elections.
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Newt Gingrich said President Donald Trump will face a tough decision about Iran when he returns from China. Gingrich spoke about the serious situation between the U.S. and Iran during an interview on Fox News.
Key Facts
Newt Gingrich is a former Speaker of the House.
Gingrich spoke on Fox News during the show “Outnumbered.”
He talked about the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
Gingrich said President Trump will have a difficult choice regarding Iran’s situation.
The comments came just before President Trump’s return from China.
The topic concerns possible U.S. actions involving Iran.
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A leading barrister, Rajiv Menon KC, won a legal challenge against contempt of court charges related to his behavior during a trial of six activists from Palestine Action. The Court of Appeal stopped the contempt case because it was started in the wrong way, but the issue could be reopened if handled differently.
Key Facts
Rajiv Menon KC defended six Palestine Action activists accused of criminal damage for breaking into Elbit Systems, a British subsidiary of an Israeli defense company.
In the first trial, the jury did not convict any of the defendants, but the second trial convicted four activists.
Menon was accused of contempt of court for allegedly misleading the jury during closing speeches in the first trial.
The judge had ordered that lawyers could not mention "jury equity," a legal idea where jurors decide based on their own sense of justice rather than strict law.
Menon referenced a historic case that supported jury independence, which the judge said encouraged jurors to ignore directions, leading to the contempt complaint.
The contempt case was stopped by the Court of Appeal because it was not properly referred to the Attorney General or dealt with during the trial.
Menon's legal team welcomed the decision, but the case could resume if the trial judge forwards it to the Attorney General.
Rajiv Menon has worked on many important legal cases involving human rights and public inquiries.
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Senator Lindsey Graham said that reports of Pakistan working with Iran may require rethinking Pakistan’s role as a go-between in peace talks between President Trump’s administration and Iran. CBS News said Pakistan allowed Iranian military planes to use its airfields.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham spoke on Monday about Pakistan’s role in peace talks with Iran.
Reports say Pakistan has allowed Iranian military planes to use its airfields.
This information comes from CBS News.
Graham said these reports could lead to a full review of Pakistan’s role as mediator.
The peace talks involve President Donald Trump’s administration and Iran.
Pakistan had been acting as a mediator or go-between in these talks.
The news could affect how the U.S. sees Pakistan’s trustworthiness in these discussions.
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The article explains that many Americans still feel worried and uncertain after the COVID-19 pandemic ended. This ongoing sense of crisis affects how people live their daily lives, as they expect disruptions and emergencies to happen often.
Key Facts
A recent hantavirus outbreak caused people to react with concern similar to early COVID-19 days.
Health officials say the wider risk from hantavirus remains low.
The author is a doctor who has worked in many crisis situations, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and COVID.
People have adapted to living with ongoing uncertainty and disruptions in daily life.
COVID-19 changed many Americans’ mindset, making them expect plans and routines to be unstable.
Constant exposure to news and events worldwide adds to the feeling of continuous crisis.
This lasting state of alertness can hurt society’s long-term mental health and trust.
While being prepared is important, living in a constant emergency mode is not healthy.
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US inflation rose to 3.8% in April, the fastest increase since May 2023, mainly due to higher energy and food prices. The US-Iran conflict and disruption of a key shipping route caused gasoline prices to jump, affecting overall consumer costs.
Key Facts
Inflation reached 3.8% in April, up from 3.3% in March.
Nearly half of the inflation increase came from rising energy prices.
Gasoline prices hit a national average of $4.50 per gallon, the highest since July 2022.
The US-Israel conflict in Iran led to the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping lane.
Food and housing costs also contributed to the rise in prices.
Airfare and clothing prices increased over the past year.
The price of new cars fell slightly.
Higher inflation makes it less likely the Federal Reserve will reduce interest rates this year.
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Many essential workers in Los Angeles, such as nurses, teachers, and firefighters, cannot afford to live near their jobs because housing prices are very high. This forces them to endure long commutes and expensive rents, making daily life difficult.
Key Facts
Home ownership used to be common in the United States as part of the "American dream."
In Los Angeles, housing prices have become very expensive.
Essential workers include nurses, teachers, and firefighters.
Many of these workers have to live far from their workplaces.
High rents and long travel times are causing stress and hardship.
The situation reflects a broader housing crisis affecting many Americans.
This issue is making it hard for cities to keep essential workers nearby.
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Inflation in the U.S. rose to 3.8% in April, the highest level since May 2023, mainly due to higher energy prices linked to the war in Iran. President Trump announced plans to suspend the federal gas tax temporarily to help lower fuel costs, while experts expect inflation to continue rising through the summer before easing later in the year.
Key Facts
Inflation increased to an annual rate of 3.8% in April, up from 3.3% in March.
The rise in prices is largely due to higher energy costs caused by the war in Iran.
Gas prices reached their highest levels since July 2022 because of limited oil supplies from the conflict.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures price changes in goods and services bought by consumers.
President Trump plans to suspend the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents for diesel temporarily.
Experts warn the gas tax suspension may offer only limited relief to drivers.
Airlines have raised ticket prices due to increased jet fuel costs and are not expected to receive a government bailout.
Economists predict inflation could keep rising through summer before dropping to about 3.3% by the end of the year.
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U.S. consumer prices increased by 3.8% over the past year, mainly due to higher energy costs caused by the ongoing war involving Iran. Gasoline prices rose sharply, pushing up overall inflation, while other goods showed smaller price increases.
Key Facts
U.S. consumer prices rose 3.8% from April 2025 to April 2026.
Gasoline prices increased 5.4% between March and April 2026.
Gas prices are over $4.50 per gallon on average, 44% higher than last year.
Energy price hikes are linked to the 10-week war with Iran and Tehran closing the Gulf of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
Core inflation (excluding food and energy) rose 0.4% monthly and 2.8% yearly, showing limited spread of inflation beyond energy costs.
Grocery prices went up 0.7% from March to April, with meat prices rising after a slight fall the previous month.
Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target despite falling from a peak of 9.1% in mid-2022.
President Trump has criticized the Federal Reserve for not cutting interest rates and has nominated Kevin Warsh as the new Fed chair; his approach to rates amid the conflict is uncertain.
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Stateside with Kai and Carter is a podcast hosted by Kai Wright and Carter Sherman. They discuss important topics in the United States, such as history, politics, gender, and social issues.
Key Facts
Kai Wright is a Peabody award-winning host and writer known for exploring American history and identity.
Wright previously hosted Notes From America and created award-winning podcasts about topics like the AIDS epidemic and juvenile justice.
Wright is also an author focusing on Black American history and culture.
Carter Sherman leads coverage on gender, power, and politics in the US, with a focus on reproductive rights.
Sherman has worked at Vice News and contributed to several major magazines and media outlets.
Sherman wrote a book about how young people are dealing with issues of sex and identity after changes in abortion laws.
Stateside with Kai and Carter airs three times a week and is available on several podcast platforms.
The podcast is part of the Guardian's US news team and offers opportunities for advertising and sponsorship.
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Stateside with Kai and Carter is a video podcast by the Guardian that focuses on current news and important issues in the United States. The show is hosted by journalists Kai Wright and Carter Sherman and releases new episodes three times a week.
Key Facts
The podcast is called Stateside with Kai and Carter.
It is produced by the Guardian.
Hosts are award-winning journalists Kai Wright and Carter Sherman.
Episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The show covers topics like politics, civil rights, climate change, gender and reproductive rights, corporate power, and media.
It also talks about culture, wellness, and soccer.
The show features interviews with newsmakers, journalists, and cultural voices.
It is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
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