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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

First Thing: Democrats express ‘grave concerns’ over secretive ICE deportation flights

First Thing: Democrats express ‘grave concerns’ over secretive ICE deportation flights

May 12, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

A group of 40 House Democrats raised serious concerns about the Trump administration’s secret program using commercial flights for deporting immigrants, asking the FAA to investigate claims of poor and unfair treatment. The number of these ICE deportation flights increased by 84% in 2025 compared to 2024.

Key Facts

  • 40 House Democrats sent a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford about secret deportation flights.
  • The letter demands transparency for ICE’s use of commercial airplanes to move detained immigrants.
  • Democrats criticized attempts to hide these operations as unsafe and inappropriate.
  • A Guardian investigation found that the administration’s deportation flights often violated immigrants’ constitutional rights.
  • ICE deportation flights rose by 84% in 2025 compared to 2024, according to human rights groups.
  • The letter came during President Donald Trump’s administration, which expanded these deportation efforts.
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Guardian US Guardian World
Trump urges House to pass Senate’s housing bill over conservative opposition

Trump urges House to pass Senate’s housing bill over conservative opposition

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump asked the House of Representatives to approve a housing bill that the Senate already passed. The bill focuses on making housing more affordable but faces disagreement in the House over parts like stopping big investors from buying many single-family homes.

Key Facts

  • President Trump supports the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
  • The bill aims to reduce housing costs in the U.S.
  • The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 89-10.
  • The House has not yet approved the bill.
  • A main point of disagreement in the House is a ban on large investors buying single-family homes.
  • The bill is described as "sweeping," meaning it addresses many changes in housing policy.
  • President Trump is urging lawmakers to overcome their differences and pass the bill.
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Prosecutors given access to Tiger's drug records

Prosecutors given access to Tiger's drug records

May 12, 2026 • ESPN

Summary

A judge in Florida allowed prosecutors to get Tiger Woods' prescription drug records. This happened after Tiger Woods was arrested in March for allegedly driving under the influence.

Key Facts

  • A Florida judge made the decision in a recent hearing.
  • Prosecutors requested access to Tiger Woods' prescription drug records.
  • The request was connected to Tiger Woods' March arrest.
  • The arrest was for suspected driving under the influence (DUI).
  • The judge agreed to issue a subpoena, a legal order to obtain the records.
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ESPN
Map Shows States With Highest Gas Taxes That Trump Wants To Cut

Map Shows States With Highest Gas Taxes That Trump Wants To Cut

May 12, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump has proposed stopping the federal gasoline tax of 18 cents per gallon to help lower high gas prices that rose sharply after the recent conflict involving Iran. Several states have already cut or paused their own gas taxes to reduce costs for drivers, but this federal tax suspension would need approval from Congress.

Key Facts

  • The federal gasoline tax is 18 cents per gallon.
  • Gas prices increased by more than 50%, or about $1.50 per gallon, since the start of the Iran conflict.
  • As of May 12, the average gas price in the U.S. was $4.50 per gallon.
  • California has the highest gas price at $6.14 per gallon and the highest total gas taxes and fees at 89 cents per gallon.
  • States like Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Utah have temporarily cut or paused their state gas taxes.
  • Without the federal tax, drivers would save 18 cents per gallon, but prices would still be about 35% higher than before the Iran conflict.
  • President Trump suggested the federal gas tax suspension in March and mentioned it again in a CBS News interview.
  • The federal gas tax suspension requires approval from the U.S. Congress.
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Newsweek
Can a Jew win the Democratic presidential nomination?

Can a Jew win the Democratic presidential nomination?

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article discusses concerns that increasing criticism of Israel within the Democratic Party could make it harder for a Jewish candidate to become the Democratic nominee for president in 2028. This comes even though most Jewish voters tend to support the Democratic Party.

Key Facts

  • The Democratic Party is seen as having more anti-Israel views recently.
  • Some people worry this bias could affect a Jewish candidate’s chances in the 2028 presidential race.
  • Jewish voters generally support the Democratic Party.
  • The article focuses on the possible impact of party views on Jewish candidates.
  • The discussion is about the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
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The Hill
Palestine Action trial lawyer wins appeal against contempt of court charge

Palestine Action trial lawyer wins appeal against contempt of court charge

May 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A human rights lawyer, Rajiv Menon KC, won an appeal against a contempt of court charge related to his speech during a trial of Palestine Action protesters. The court of appeal ruled that the trial judge did not have the power to send Menon for prosecution without an application from the attorney general.

Key Facts

  • Rajiv Menon KC was charged with contempt of court for his closing speech in a trial involving six activists protesting at an arms factory owned by Elbit Systems UK in Filton.
  • The arms factory is linked to an Israeli company.
  • The trial judge, Mr Justice Johnson, claimed Menon broke rules about what lawyers can say to juries, especially regarding jury equity—when juries can decide based on conscience.
  • Menon's case is believed to be the first of its kind against a barrister for a speech to a jury.
  • The court of appeal decided that the judge could not directly refer Menon to the high court for contempt without the attorney general’s approval.
  • Menon’s lawyers said this ruling protects lawyers from being unfairly punished for defending their clients.
  • None of the original defendants were convicted, though four were found guilty after a retrial.
  • Defend Our Juries expressed concern that contempt charges were even brought against Menon, as it could threaten legal rights and justice.
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Guardian World
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Trump to head to China for high-stakes talks with Xi – US politics live

Trump to head to China for high-stakes talks with Xi – US politics live

May 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping for talks focused on trade, Iran, Taiwan, and global supply chains. This visit, his first to China in nearly nine years, comes amid tensions involving Iran and ongoing disputes over Taiwan and trade tariffs.

Key Facts

  • President Trump will visit China for a two-day summit starting tomorrow night.
  • The leaders aim to maintain a fragile trade truce that began after tariffs and counter-tariffs were imposed in 2025.
  • Iran and the Strait of Hormuz are key topics, with the US seeking China’s help to encourage Iran to end the conflict.
  • Taiwan is a major issue, with China wanting the US to oppose Taiwanese sovereignty and limit arms sales; Trump plans to discuss US support for Taiwan’s defense.
  • Trump’s visit includes meetings with top US tech CEOs like Tim Cook, Elon Musk, and others.
  • China requires AI companies to submit models for government review on security and political grounds, showing a stricter approach than the US.
  • The visit will feature cultural events such as a tour of the Temple of Heaven and a state dinner.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Who Is Tyler Brown? Suspect Accused of Gun Attack While Under Supervision

Who Is Tyler Brown? Suspect Accused of Gun Attack While Under Supervision

May 12, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Tyler Brown, 46, is accused of shooting at cars on a street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, injuring two men seriously. He was under supervision by state authorities at the time and was shot by a state trooper and a licensed civilian before being taken to the hospital in custody.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened on Memorial Drive in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  • Tyler Brown allegedly fired 50 to 60 rounds at traffic using an assault-style rifle.
  • Two men were shot and have life-threatening injuries.
  • A state police trooper and a civilian who is a former marine and licensed to carry a gun fired back at Brown.
  • Brown was under supervision by the Massachusetts Probation Department or Department of Parole.
  • He was shot, treated at the scene, and then taken to a Boston hospital while in custody.
  • The shooting lasted only a few minutes before police and the civilian responded.
  • Authorities continue to investigate the event.
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Newsweek
Mayor of Californian city resigns over Chinese agent charge

Mayor of Californian city resigns over Chinese agent charge

May 12, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Eileen Wang, the mayor of Arcadia, California, resigned after the US Department of Justice charged her with acting as an illegal agent of China. She agreed to plead guilty to a felony and could face up to 10 years in prison for sharing pro-Beijing articles without informing US authorities.

Key Facts

  • Eileen Wang, 58, was the mayor of Arcadia, a city in southern California.
  • The US Department of Justice charged her with acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government.
  • Wang pled guilty to a felony count and resigned from her position.
  • She may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
  • Wang was accused of following instructions from Chinese officials and sharing their articles online without notifying the US government.
  • She helped run a website called US News Center, which targeted Chinese Americans in Arcadia.
  • Chinese officials sent her pre-written articles through the encrypted messaging app WeChat.
  • Arcadia city officials said no city resources or decisions were involved, and the investigation focuses on her personal conduct before and shortly after taking office.
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BBC Top Stories BBC US
US workers overwhelmingly support union-backed policies on AI, poll says

US workers overwhelmingly support union-backed policies on AI, poll says

May 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A new poll shows most US workers support rules to protect them from the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) at work. Workers trust labor unions more than political parties or employers to defend their interests regarding AI.

Key Facts

  • Over 90% of workers support policies that require a human to make final decisions affecting jobs involving AI.
  • 92% want strict rules for safe AI use and clear information when employers use AI.
  • 75% of workers back expanding union membership to protect jobs from AI impacts.
  • The poll surveyed 1,588 US workers from April 14 to April 22.
  • Many workers have won contract protections from AI through union negotiations in 2024.
  • Only 7% say their employers clearly explain how AI monitors their work.
  • 94% believe employers should inform workers if AI is used to watch their work.
  • Workers trust labor unions (38%) more than Democrats (17%), Republicans (10%), or employers (6%) to protect them from AI risks.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
Farage faces questions over failure to declare use of donor’s helicopter

Farage faces questions over failure to declare use of donor’s helicopter

May 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is being questioned for not declaring his use of a donor’s helicopter for travel during political rallies. The helicopter belongs to a businessman who donated to the party, and Reform UK says the flights were paid at commercial rates, so no declaration was needed.

Key Facts

  • Nigel Farage used a helicopter owned by Lorenzo Zaccheo, a Reform UK donor, to travel for rallies.
  • Zaccheo donated £25,000 to Reform UK in the previous year.
  • Farage was seen arriving by helicopter after local elections in Kent in May last year.
  • Data shows the helicopter traveled on days when Reform rallies happened.
  • Reform UK states the flights were paid at normal rates and not considered a gift.
  • Questions remain about who exactly paid for the flights, with no detailed answer given.
  • Farage is also under scrutiny for an undeclared £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne.
  • UK rules require MPs to declare flights over £300 that are not personally or publicly paid for within 28 days.
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Guardian World
US government studies into vaccine safety are being suppressed | Robert B Shpiner

US government studies into vaccine safety are being suppressed | Robert B Shpiner

May 12, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stopped releasing several vaccine safety studies even though they were completed by career scientists and accepted by scientific journals. Meanwhile, some claims of vaccine risks with less evidence were publicly shared, raising concerns about political influence on health data transparency.

Key Facts

  • FDA scientists completed large studies on Covid-19 vaccine safety involving millions of people.
  • These studies showed very rare serious side effects like anaphylaxis, febrile seizures, and myocarditis.
  • Political appointees at the FDA instructed scientists to withdraw these safety studies after journal acceptance.
  • The FDA did release a memo linking 10 child deaths to Covid-19 vaccines, but this claim lacks proof.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lost about 25% of its workforce last year and has censored some of its publications.
  • There is concern that vaccine safety information is being selectively shared, with critical claims released more easily than reassuring data.
  • This situation comes as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid a regional measles outbreak.
  • Health officials worry that reduced transparency and staffing cuts may weaken the ability to track and respond to public health issues.
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Guardian US
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The Nancy Guthrie investigation could hang on a strand of DNA

The Nancy Guthrie investigation could hang on a strand of DNA

May 12, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, now 100 days old, is focusing on a DNA sample being examined by the FBI lab in Virginia. Investigators are working with other evidence, including doorbell camera video, but no arrests have been made yet.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1.
  • DNA was collected from her home in Tucson, Arizona, and sent first to a private lab, then to the FBI lab in Quantico for further analysis.
  • Officials have not disclosed what type of DNA sample was found or its exact location in the house.
  • DNA analysis can be slow because it must be very accurate and may involve building family trees.
  • A previous DNA sample from gloves found two miles away was traced to an unrelated person.
  • Doorbell camera video showed a masked suspect at Guthrie’s front door on the night she disappeared.
  • The FBI obtained this video by working directly with Google.
  • Authorities continue to follow leads, review evidence, and ask for public help.
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CBS News
What to know about today's primaries in Nebraska and West Virginia

What to know about today's primaries in Nebraska and West Virginia

May 12, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Voters in Nebraska and West Virginia are holding primary elections to choose candidates for upcoming general elections. Key races include an open Nebraska House seat, Nebraska’s Senate race with Republican Pete Ricketts facing challenges, and West Virginia’s Senate and House contests with multiple candidates.

Key Facts

  • Republican Rep. Don Bacon is retiring from Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, creating an open seat.
  • Several Democrats are competing for the chance to run against Republican Brinker Harding, who has no GOP primary opponent.
  • Nebraska Republican Senator Pete Ricketts, supported by President Trump, faces four primary challengers as he runs for his first full Senate term.
  • Nebraska Democrats endorsed Dan Osborn, who runs as an independent against Ricketts in November.
  • There are two Democrats on the Nebraska Senate primary ballot, with one candidate accused of trying to split the vote to Osborn’s disadvantage.
  • In West Virginia, Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito and five other GOP candidates compete in the primary, alongside five Democratic candidates.
  • Nebraska awards most of its electoral votes by congressional district, giving Democrats a chance to win individual electoral votes even in Republican-dominated states.
  • Legal Marijuana NOW party also has candidates running in Nebraska’s primaries, with internal disputes over candidate legitimacy.
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CBS News
A warning from the UK for America’s political class

A warning from the UK for America’s political class

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A recent survey from the Pew Research Center shows that Americans have low satisfaction with their government, only slightly better than South Africans. This is notable because South Africa has much higher levels of danger and much lower wealth compared to the United States.

Key Facts

  • The Pew Research Center conducted a survey on people's satisfaction with their government.
  • Americans rate their satisfaction with the government only a little higher than South Africans do.
  • South Africa has about twice the danger level compared to the United States.
  • People in South Africa are roughly one-tenth as wealthy as Americans.
  • The comparison highlights concerns about how people in the U.S. feel about their political system despite better living conditions.
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The Hill
Senate Republicans warn Trump against Cuba military attack

Senate Republicans warn Trump against Cuba military attack

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Several Senate Republicans advised President Donald Trump not to carry out military attacks against Cuba. They say the U.S. military is already busy with issues involving Iran and should not add another conflict, especially during a year with important elections.

Key Facts

  • Senate Republicans are warning President Trump against military action in Cuba.
  • They describe Cuba's government as a socialist regime.
  • The U.S. military is currently focused on challenges related to Iran.
  • Opening a new military front could distract from ongoing conflicts.
  • The warnings come during a midterm election year in the United States.
  • Some voters are already concerned about existing military and political issues.
  • Republicans believe adding conflict in Cuba could have negative political effects.
  • The discussion reflects caution about U.S. military involvement abroad during election season.
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The Hill
With few options left in redistricting, Democrats ramp up affordability message

With few options left in redistricting, Democrats ramp up affordability message

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

House Democrats are reconsidering their strategy after the Virginia Supreme Court struck down a new congressional district map that would have helped them in the November elections. Democratic leaders, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are now focusing on promoting policies related to affordability to appeal to voters.

Key Facts

  • The Virginia Supreme Court rejected a new House district map favored by Democrats.
  • The map was intended to increase Democratic chances in the November midterm elections.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is leading the Democratic response.
  • Democrats plan to emphasize affordability issues to connect with voters.
  • The court ruling limits options for Democrats to change districts in their favor.
  • The midterm elections will take place in November.
  • This development presents a challenge for House Democrats’ election strategies.
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The Hill
Ocasio-Cortez turns heads with answer to Axelrod about White House run

Ocasio-Cortez turns heads with answer to Axelrod about White House run

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke at an event with Democratic strategist David Axelrod and did not rule out running for president. She said her goals are not just about holding a specific position or title.

Key Facts

  • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a U.S. Representative from New York.
  • She appeared at an event in Chicago with David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist.
  • When asked about running for president, she did not say no.
  • Ocasio-Cortez said people often assume her ambitions are only about titles or seats.
  • She suggested her political goals may be broader than just holding office.
  • The discussion took place in the context of a possible future White House run.
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Battle for House control heats up in Nebraska as voters head to polls

Battle for House control heats up in Nebraska as voters head to polls

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Voters in Nebraska and West Virginia are voting in primary elections for congressional and state legislative seats. Nebraska’s primary in a key congressional district is especially important because it could influence which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives after the November elections.

Key Facts

  • Nebraska and West Virginia hold primary elections on Tuesday.
  • Voters will choose candidates for both congressional and state legislative positions.
  • Nebraska’s “blue dot” district is a main focus because it could affect control of the House.
  • Primaries decide which candidates will represent their parties in the general election.
  • Control of the House of Representatives will be determined in the November election.
  • This primary is part of the larger national battle for political power.
  • Nebraska’s district has been competitive for both major parties in recent years.
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The Hill
Republicans race for legislative wins ahead of midterms

Republicans race for legislative wins ahead of midterms

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Republicans are working hard to pass more laws this summer as they prepare for the November midterm elections. They want to focus on making things more affordable for people, a topic that could affect voter support. Last year, President Trump and the Republicans passed a large bill with tax and spending cuts that they are promoting during their campaigns.

Key Facts

  • Republicans aim to pass more legislation before the midterm elections in November.
  • Affordability is becoming an important issue for voters and politicians.
  • President Trump and Republicans passed a big bill last year that cut taxes and government spending.
  • GOP lawmakers are using this bill as a key point in their election campaigns.
  • The party sees legislative wins as crucial for their chances in the midterms.
  • The article suggests a sense of urgency among Republicans to deliver results.
  • The focus on affordability reflects voter concerns about costs and the economy.
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