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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is under pressure after criticism about how his office handled the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie. A sergeant in the sheriff’s department said the first week of the investigation was very disorganized. The FBI also raised concerns about delayed cooperation and handling of evidence.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, 84, went missing on January 31 near Tucson, Arizona; she is still missing.
Pima County Sergeant Aaron Cross, representing the deputies, said the investigation started with poor communication and lack of leadership.
Drops of Guthrie’s blood were found on her porch, and authorities believe she was taken against her will.
Thousands of officers and the FBI have searched, but no major progress or suspects have been announced.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI was kept out of the investigation for the first four days.
DNA evidence was sent to a lab in Florida instead of the FBI lab in Virginia, despite the FBI offering quick transport.
The sheriff’s department said Sheriff Nanos provided immediate leadership and that an FBI task force member was present early on.
The criticism focuses on coordination issues within the sheriff’s department, rather than intentional exclusion of the FBI.
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Stanley Burkhardt, a convicted child molester and former New Orleans police investigator, refused to answer questions over 700 times by invoking his right to avoid self-incrimination during a recent deposition. The questioning was part of a civil lawsuit involving alleged sexual abuse and also touched on unsolved murders of several youths from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Key Facts
Stanley Burkhardt used his constitutional right to remain silent (pleaded the fifth) more than 700 times during a deposition.
The deposition was connected to a civil lawsuit by a man claiming Burkhardt sexually abused him.
Burkhardt is a former investigator of child sex crimes for the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).
Investigators have long considered Burkhardt a person of interest in several unsolved murders of teenagers in New Orleans from 1978 to 1982.
A retired NOPD officer testified that the police suspected Burkhardt in the 1982 death of teenager Eddie Wells.
Another victim publicly accused Burkhardt of admitting to Wells’s death.
Authorities have reopened cases around the deaths of Eddie Wells and three other teens, linking them to potential murders by the same person or people.
A true-crime podcast explored Burkhardt’s connections to these deaths and allegations of sexual abuse.
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President Trump is facing political challenges related to the situation with Iran and rising gas and food prices in the U.S. These economic and foreign policy issues may influence upcoming elections and are leading to increased tensions in his public communication. His recent social media posts and actions show efforts to assert control amid these pressures.
Key Facts
Iran is unlikely to give in to U.S. economic pressure from sanctions or blockades.
Gas prices in the U.S. have risen to nearly $4.50 a gallon, affecting public opinion.
Rising prices and dissatisfaction with the war increase chances that Democrats may win more seats in Congress during the midterm elections.
President Trump has made aggressive posts on social media, including attacks on Democrats and public figures.
He posted AI-generated images portraying himself and other politicians with altered appearances.
Trump criticized the pope over Iran and attacked the German chancellor after comments about U.S. humiliation by Iran.
The Defense Department plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, and Trump announced higher tariffs on European vehicles.
Trump is investing in personal monuments, such as a ballroom and commemorative coins, and wants his signature to appear on U.S. paper money for the first time in history.
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Barack Obama and his wife chose to live near Washington, D.C. after leaving the presidency. Obama has stayed active in politics and public discussions, supporting Democratic causes and criticizing the Republican Party and President Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
Barack Obama is the fourth progressive president of the U.S., following Wilson, Roosevelt, and Johnson.
After his presidency, Obama settled in Washington’s Kalorama neighborhood, close to the White House.
Obama remains involved in politics, unlike some former presidents who retire from public life.
He has publicly supported Democratic efforts, such as Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s redistricting plan in Virginia.
The redistricting plan aims to increase Democratic representation but is challenged in court.
Obama has criticized Republicans and President Trump on issues like respect for judicial independence.
He has been active in political commentary and endorsements since leaving office.
Obama was previously against gerrymandering, but supported redistricting efforts helping Democrats.
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Democrats hope to win a Senate seat in Florida during the upcoming elections. The current Republican president, President Donald Trump, has low approval ratings partly due to an unpopular war in Iran and high gas prices, which could affect voter choices.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are around 35%.
The U.S. is involved in a war with Iran that many Americans do not support.
Gas prices have risen above $4 per gallon in the U.S.
Historically, low president approval boosts the opposing party’s chances in midterm elections.
Florida has a Republican incumbent senator currently holding the seat.
Democrats see this as an opportunity to gain a Senate seat in Florida.
The political climate in Florida is influenced by President Trump’s popularity and actions.
Midterm elections are seen as a way for voters to react to the president’s policies.
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House Republican leaders are preparing for a difficult fight over government spending for the 2027 fiscal year. This budget battle is expected to be the last big issue before the November midterm elections. Last year’s spending talks caused two government shutdowns and took a long time to resolve.
Key Facts
The 2027 spending debate is set to be a major political challenge for House GOP leaders.
This fight follows a tough 2026 budget process that included two government shutdowns.
Speaker Mike Johnson is involved in leading the House Republicans through this spending fight.
The spending decisions will happen before the November midterm elections.
The budget covers how the federal government will allocate money for various programs and departments for the new fiscal year.
Past disagreements over spending have caused delays and shutdowns, showing high political stakes.
The new fight will shape government priorities and affect political campaigns this year.
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Kayla McClellan, a teacher from Missouri, returned to her former middle school to mentor students after she was once removed from the school as a student. She now works to inspire and support the students in her hometown.
Key Facts
Kayla McClellan was once a student at a Missouri middle school.
She was removed from that school during her time as a student.
McClellan has returned to that same school, this time as a teacher.
She is mentoring and inspiring the current students.
Her work focuses on giving back to the community where she grew up.
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Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, named her newborn daughter Viviana, which matches a prediction made by mentalist Oz Pearlman at the White House Correspondents' Dinner weeks before the birth. The dinner was interrupted by a shooting event targeting President Donald Trump, which overshadowed the moment when Pearlman revealed the name.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary appointed by President Donald Trump in 2024.
Mentalist Oz Pearlman predicted the name "Viviana" or "Viviany" during his performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25.
The prediction happened just before a shooting aimed at President Trump interrupted the event.
The shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump and faces life in prison if convicted.
Karoline Leavitt announced the birth of her daughter Viviana on May 1 via a social media post.
Viviana is Leavitt’s second child; she also has a son named Nicholas with her husband Nicholas Riccio.
The name Viviana has Italian and Latin origins and has grown in popularity among younger generations, ranking 359th for girls born in the U.S. in 2023.
Gen Z parents, including Leavitt, are choosing more unique and vintage names for their children.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated rules for stores that accept SNAP benefits, requiring them to carry more types of staple foods starting in fall 2026. The goal is to improve access to healthier foods for SNAP recipients, but some worry the new rules could challenge small stores in low-income areas.
Key Facts
SNAP stores must currently stock at least 3 varieties in 4 staple food groups (dairy, protein, grains, fruits and vegetables).
The new rule increases this to 7 varieties per category, more than doubling the minimum requirement.
Certain snack and junk foods like candy, chips, and ice cream will no longer count toward stocking requirements.
Large supermarkets are mostly already meeting these rules; smaller stores may struggle to comply.
Approximately 38 million people in the U.S. use SNAP benefits.
The USDA says stricter rules will encourage healthier food options and reduce fraud among retailers.
Critics say about 5,000 smaller stores in underserved areas might be removed from the program, reducing food access there.
The rule is the first major change since the 2014 Farm Bill and takes effect in fall 2026.
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The U.S. economy added an estimated 55,000 jobs in April, a slowdown from March’s gains, as rising gas prices caused by the war with Iran impact consumers. The conflict has raised fuel costs and borrowing rates, creating uncertainty about economic growth and potential future interest rate increases.
Key Facts
The April jobs report is expected to show 55,000 new jobs added, down from 178,000 in March.
The unemployment rate was 4.3% in March, considered low historically.
The war with Iran began on February 28, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
Gas prices in the U.S. have jumped 52% since the war started, reaching $4.55 per gallon.
The U.S. produces more oil than it uses but still experiences price changes due to global oil markets.
Higher oil prices may increase costs for many goods, affecting consumer spending.
The Federal Reserve has kept interest rates steady recently but may consider hikes to control inflation.
Current benchmark interest rates are between 3.5% and 3.75%, higher than pandemic lows but lower than 2023 peaks.
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Cole Tomas Allen, accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at a White House event, has requested two Department of Justice lawyers to step back from his case due to potential conflicts of interest. The lawyers argue that these DOJ officials were present during the incident and have close ties to President Trump, which might affect their fairness.
Key Facts
Cole Tomas Allen is accused of trying to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 25.
Allen allegedly brought weapons including a shotgun, knives, a pistol, and ammunition to the event.
Allen’s lawyers filed a request for DOJ attorneys Jeanine Pirro and Todd Blanche to recuse themselves from the case.
Pirro and Blanche were reportedly at the scene of the incident.
Pirro is known to have a close personal friendship with President Trump, including spending holidays and trips with him.
Allen is charged with four crimes: assaulting a federal agent, attempting to assassinate the president, carrying guns to commit a felony, and firing a shotgun.
The lawyers argue that prosecutors must remain impartial and their involvement here might look biased.
The legal team questioned how the justice system can allow someone involved as a victim or close friend of the victim to also prosecute the case.
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California is facing big problems with housing, public safety, and wildfire response despite long Democratic control. These issues have made voters frustrated and are affecting the races for governor and Los Angeles mayor, where candidates struggle to convince people they can lead well.
Key Facts
California has major trouble providing basic needs like housing and public safety.
The state has been hit hard by COVID and devastating wildfires in recent years.
In the governor's race, no Democrat has emerged as a strong leader since Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Xavier Becerra is now the leading Democrat candidate after Eric Swalwell left the race amid allegations.
Billionaire Tom Steyer has spent over $132 million of his own money to support his campaign.
Republicans are unlikely to win statewide but may qualify for the top-two election.
Steve Hilton, endorsed by President Trump, leads the Republican field with criticism of Democratic rule.
In the Los Angeles mayor race, incumbent Karen Bass faces challenges after recent fires and new opponents, including Spencer Pratt, a reality TV figure gaining support with strong criticism of current leaders.
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The U.S. government is increasing efforts to stop birth tourism, where pregnant foreign nationals travel to the U.S. to give birth so their children gain citizenship. Federal agencies are investigating networks that help with these practices, focusing on visa fraud and other crimes, while President Donald Trump has signed an order to limit automatic birthright citizenship, a move currently challenged in the Supreme Court.
Key Facts
Birth tourism is when people travel to another country to give birth so their child gets citizenship there.
About 26,000 births in the U.S. each year may be linked to birth tourism, out of 3.5 million total births.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched a "Birth Tourism Initiative" investigating networks that aid pregnant foreign nationals in obtaining visas under false pretenses.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is targeting organized groups involved in visa fraud and other crimes related to birth tourism.
Giving birth in the U.S. is not illegal, but lying on visa applications and other fraud are against the law.
In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to restrict automatic birthright citizenship for certain children born in the U.S.
The executive order has led to legal challenges currently before the Supreme Court.
The 14th Amendment grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., but this is under review due to the executive order.
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Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and former Marine, won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine after his main opponent, Governor Janet Mills, dropped out. Despite controversies over past social media posts and a tattoo linked to the Nazi SS, Platner maintained support and secured the nomination by focusing on grassroots organizing.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a 41-year-old oyster farmer and former Marine with no prior elected office experience.
Platner’s main opponent, 78-year-old Governor Janet Mills, unexpectedly withdrew from the race.
Platner launched his campaign in August 2025 with a strong anti-oligarchy message.
He received an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders.
Past social media posts and a tattoo linked to the Nazi SS caused controversy for Platner.
Platner apologized for the posts and covered up the tattoo.
Many Democratic leaders opposed Platner’s candidacy, fearing he was an unknown risk against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Platner credited his win to years of grassroots organizing, not just the campaign itself.
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A US trade court ruled that President Donald Trump's 10% global tariffs, applied under a 1974 trade law, were unjustified. However, the court blocked these tariffs only for two private importers and the State of Washington, leaving the levies in place for others while appeals continue.
Key Facts
The US Court of International Trade issued a 2-1 ruling against Trump’s latest 10% global tariffs.
The tariffs were imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The court blocked the tariffs only for two private importers and the State of Washington.
The tariffs remain for other importers until any appeals are resolved.
The tariffs are temporary and set to expire in July 2026.
The court declined a request to block tariffs nationwide, stating that most states suing lacked standing since they were not importers.
President Trump criticized the ruling and said the administration will try a different legal approach under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
This ruling follows the US Supreme Court striking down previous global tariffs imposed under a national emergencies law.
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Labour suffered heavy losses in recent local elections across England, losing many council seats to the Reform UK party and other opponents. These results have raised questions about Labour leader Keir Starmer’s future as party leader, as some MPs call for a leadership change while others urge unity.
Key Facts
Labour lost every council seat it contested in Hartlepool to Reform UK.
Labour lost control of councils in several areas including Hartlepool, Tameside, Redditch, and Tamworth.
Labour lost more than 229 council seats, over half of those it was contesting.
Reform UK gained 305 council seats, becoming the biggest winner in the elections.
Conservatives lost 122 council seats to Reform UK but regained control of Westminster council from Labour.
Labour performed better in London, holding onto Hammersmith and Fulham and winning in Merton.
Some senior Labour MPs, including Deputy Labour Leader David Lammy, urged members to remain loyal to Starmer.
The poor results affect key Labour figures' local areas, like Angela Rayner’s and Andy Burnham’s councils.
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Early results from local elections in parts of England show the Reform party gaining many seats, especially at the expense of Labour. Labour is losing a large number of seats in areas they previously held, while no single party is winning a majority in many councils.
Key Facts
The Reform party is leading in vote counts and winning about one-third of declared seats.
Labour is losing nearly half of the seats it tried to keep, defending the most seats overall.
Labour suffered big losses in places like Tameside and Wigan, losing most or all seats there to Reform.
Many councils remain under no overall control, with no party having full power.
The Liberal Democrats gained small wins and control of councils like Stockport and Portsmouth.
Conservatives are losing seats but have prevented Labour from controlling some councils, like Wandsworth.
Voter turnout is higher than recent local elections, at about 43%.
The Green Party is performing well but with fewer overall changes in control.
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Alabama lawmakers may change the state’s congressional primary rules if courts allow new voting district maps drawn by Republicans. These new maps could reduce the number of majority-Black districts, affecting elections ahead of the November midterms.
Key Facts
Alabama lawmakers are voting on a plan to change U.S. House primary elections if court rulings permit new district maps.
The plan follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened protections for minority voters under the Voting Rights Act.
Republicans want to use a 2023 district map that would lower Black voter percentages in a key district from about 48% to 39%.
Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures won his seat from a majority-Black district created under Voting Rights Act protections.
The Alabama House passed the legislation on a party-line vote, and the Senate is considering it.
If approved, some current May 19 primaries would be canceled and new primaries scheduled under the new district lines.
This move is part of a wider redistricting fight in Southern states, with Republicans aiming to gain more U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterms.
Republicans believe court opinions may have shifted after the Supreme Court’s ruling in a similar Louisiana case, potentially allowing these new maps.
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Communications Minister Anika Wells repaid over $10,000 after an audit found four mistakes in her travel expense claims dating back to 2022. The audit did not find any misconduct, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended her, saying she followed the rules by repaying the money and apologizing.
Key Facts
Anika Wells repaid $10,116.11 after an audit revealed four incorrect travel claims worth about $8,093.
The repayment included a 25% penalty for the incorrect claims.
The audit covered nearly 250 trips over four years and found no ethical violations.
Mistakes included travel by Wells’ husband for reasons not allowed under the rules.
Wells’ large official trip to a UN event in New York was found to follow the rules.
Prime Minister Albanese supported Wells and said she had acted properly.
New rules introduced restrict taxpayer-funded family travel and business-class flights for politicians’ families.
The changes were made after public concerns about politicians’ travel expenses.
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The US State Department will start taking away passports from Americans who owe more than $2,500 in child support. People who lose their passports will not be able to get a new one until they pay their owed child support.
Key Facts
Parents owing more than $2,500 in child support could have their passports revoked.
Passport revocation means the passport cannot be used for travel.
People must pay their child support debt to prevent losing their passport.
The policy enforces a 1996 federal law that was rarely used before.
Now, the State Department will actively find those with unpaid child support and revoke passports, not just during passport renewal.
The State Department will work with the Department of Health and Human Services to identify people with debt.
Those outside the US when their passport is revoked must get an emergency travel document at a US embassy or consulate to return.
The new policy was reported to begin on Friday, though the exact start date was not officially confirmed.
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