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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Mohamed Soliman pleaded guilty to murder charges for a 2025 firebomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, that killed an 82-year-old woman. Meanwhile, groups and lawmakers have called on President Trump’s administration to stop efforts to deport Soliman’s family, who deny any knowledge of the attack and have been held in immigration detention.
Key Facts
Mohamed Soliman attacked demonstrators supporting Israeli captives in Boulder with Molotov cocktails.
An 82-year-old woman, Karen Diamond, died from wounds caused by the attack.
Soliman pleaded guilty to two types of murder charges and faces life sentences; he also faces federal hate crime charges.
Soliman’s family was detained by immigration authorities for about 10 months and denies any involvement or knowledge of the crime.
The family was released, then re-detained, and released again after a court ruled against their deportation.
The family’s lawyer and community groups say the family is being unfairly targeted by immigration officials.
President Trump’s administration says it will continue trying to deport the family, calling them “terrorists and their associates.”
Karen Diamond’s sons asked that Soliman never see his family again, blaming him for their mother’s death.
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The US Treasury Department sanctioned Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Oil, Ali Maarij al-Bahadly, for allegedly helping Iran sell oil illegally. The sanctions also target three leaders of Iran-backed armed groups accused of attacking US personnel. These actions aim to reduce Iran’s influence in Iraq as Washington negotiates with Tehran.
Key Facts
Ali Maarij al-Bahadly, Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister, is sanctioned for aiding Iran’s oil sales.
The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also sanctioned leaders of Iran-backed armed groups Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq.
These groups are held responsible by the US for attacks on US personnel and civilians.
Al-Bahadly allegedly helped divert Iraqi oil to benefit an Iran-affiliated smuggler.
The smuggler was previously sanctioned for selling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi oil to evade sanctions.
The sanctions aim to limit the power of Iran-backed groups in Iraq’s government.
US has paused some military cooperation with Iraq to exclude Iran’s allies from power.
The sanctions come during Iraq’s government formation talks involving Ali al-Zaidi as Prime Minister-designate.
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CBS News analyzed security video related to a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Nicole Sganga explained the details and findings from the footage.
Key Facts
The event was the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
A shooting occurred during or near the event.
CBS News reviewed security camera footage of the incident.
Nicole Sganga provided a detailed explanation of what the video showed.
The analysis was available through CBS News and its app.
The report focused on understanding the shooting through the security video.
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Hantavirus has caused hundreds of confirmed cases in the United States since the CDC began monitoring it. The virus is linked to exposure to rodent droppings and urine.
Key Facts
The CDC tracks hantavirus cases in the U.S.
Hundreds of cases have been confirmed so far.
Hantavirus spreads through contact with rodents or their droppings.
The virus can cause serious lung disease in people.
Avoiding rodent infestations reduces the risk of infection.
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White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles stated that the Trump administration will not choose which artificial intelligence (AI) companies succeed or fail. The administration aims to quickly develop and use safe AI technology to address security threats.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is the White House Chief of Staff under President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration is working on how to introduce advanced AI technologies safely.
Officials say they will not favor any AI companies over others.
The main goal is to deploy AI that is both effective and safe.
The administration wants to use AI to protect against various security threats.
This approach avoids government interference in deciding which AI businesses do well.
The statement was made on a Wednesday during ongoing discussions about AI regulation.
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Social Security benefits have strong legal protections that generally stop most creditors from taking money directly from these payments. However, some types of government debts can bypass these protections. Retirees should understand which debts can and cannot lead to Social Security garnishment.
Key Facts
Social Security benefits usually cannot be garnished by private creditors for debts like credit cards, medical bills, or personal loans.
Credit card companies may sue, but they cannot directly take money from Social Security payments.
If Social Security is deposited into a bank account with other funds, some money above two months’ benefits might be at risk.
Medical debt collectors cannot garnish Social Security benefits directly but can still sue for unpaid bills.
Personal loan and payday loan lenders also cannot legally garnish Social Security payments.
Some government-related debts may override these protections and can lead to garnishment.
Older Americans are carrying more debt than before, making protections important as Social Security becomes a key income source in retirement.
Understanding these rules helps retirees protect their benefits and manage debt risks.
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A recent study shows that lower-income Americans used less gas after the Iran war caused prices to rise, but they still had to spend more money on fuel. Higher-income Americans spent more on gas without cutting back much, while middle-income people were in the middle.
Key Facts
Lower-income Americans reduced their gas use sharply after the Iran war.
Despite using less gas, lower-income households spent more due to higher prices.
Higher-income households increased their gas spending with little reduction in use.
Middle-income households showed a response between the lower- and higher-income groups.
The differences in gas spending patterns between income groups were bigger than during the 2022 gas price spike after the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Four years ago, higher-income people cut back more on gas use than they did after the Iran war.
Government stimulus programs in 2022 helped poorer households more than this time.
Wealthier Americans have had increases in their stock and property values since 2022.
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The FBI said Kash Patel, its director, followed all ethical rules after a report said he gave out custom whiskey bottles as gifts. The FBI explained that giving such commemorative gifts is a common practice and that Patel pays for any personal gifts himself.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the current FBI director.
A report said Patel gave out customized bourbon whiskey bottles with his name and FBI logo on them.
The FBI said giving commemorative gifts is normal and has been done for over ten years.
Patel pays for any personal gifts and has not consumed the alcohol himself.
The bottles were allegedly given out during official duties, including a trip to the Milan Olympics.
Patel was recorded drinking beer with the US men’s hockey team after they won gold.
Patel denied another report claiming he drank excessively and sued the magazine and reporter for defamation, seeking $250 million.
The FBI investigated a New York Times reporter who wrote about security around Patel's girlfriend.
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A prisoner named Rico Gedel stabbed Ian Watkins, the former Lostprophets singer serving a 29-year prison sentence for child sexual offences, at HMP Wakefield prison. The attack happened on October 11 and lasted about 20 seconds. Gedel and another prisoner, Samuel Dodsworth, face trial for murder and possession of a homemade weapon.
Key Facts
Ian Watkins was serving a long sentence for child sexual offences.
Rico Gedel stabbed Watkins in the head and neck with a homemade knife.
The stabbing occurred in Watkins’ prison cell at a high-security prison.
Samuel Dodsworth helped Gedel by watching and disposing of the weapon.
Gedel told guards he was jealous of prisoners convicted of sex offences because they were treated differently.
Watkins died from his injuries shortly after the attack.
Gedel and Dodsworth deny the charges of murder and possession of the weapon.
The trial is ongoing at Leeds crown court.
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Senator Susan Collins of Maine revealed she has had an essential tremor, a condition causing shaking in hands, head, and voice, throughout her nearly 30 years in the Senate. She said the condition does not affect her work as she seeks reelection in a competitive race.
Key Facts
Susan Collins has essential tremor, a common condition that causes involuntary shaking.
She disclosed this health condition for the first time during her 2026 reelection campaign.
The tremor has been present throughout her Senate career since 1996.
Collins said the condition does not interfere with her ability to perform her duties.
Essential tremor affects millions of Americans over age 40 and is not a progressive brain disease.
Collins, 73, is running in a closely watched Senate race in Maine.
Her likely Democratic opponent is Graham Platner, 41, who has openly discussed his own health challenges.
Collins has a nearly perfect Senate voting record, missing only a few votes in her long career.
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New data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows which U.S. states have the highest average student loan debt, with Washington, D.C. having the largest balance at over $56,000 per borrower. The report highlights differences in debt levels across states and links higher debt to graduate degrees, rising tuition costs, and state financial aid policies.
Key Facts
Washington, D.C. has the highest average student loan debt at about $56,280 per borrower.
States like Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and New York also have high average debts, ranging from $36,000 to $41,000.
About 36% of D.C. residents have graduate or professional degrees, which cost more and increase average debt.
Graduate students represent 17% of college enrollment but take on half of all student loan debt.
Georgia ranks third in average borrower debt despite average graduate degree rates due to its merit-based financial aid system, which gives less need-based aid.
Over a quarter of borrowers in some states are behind on loan payments, affecting credit and finances.
Tuition and fees increased by about 3% for the 2025-2026 school year, pushing more students to borrow.
The U.S. Department of Education plans to cap federal loans for graduate programs soon.
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ICE is planning to buy immigration detention facilities from companies instead of renovating warehouses after local protests stopped those warehouse projects. The agency wants to own larger facilities to hold more detainees in fewer locations across the country.
Key Facts
ICE aims to own detention centers rather than lease beds as it did before.
CoreCivic and GeoGroup, two major vendors, are in talks to sell some "turnkey" detention facilities to ICE.
Turnkey facilities are ready-to-use properties that ICE can quickly operate.
ICE previously planned to use 11 large warehouses for detention, but local opposition and lawsuits have stopped those plans.
The warehouse projects in Maryland and Arizona faced legal and environmental challenges, halting their renovations.
ICE currently operates about 200 detention sites and partners with local jails.
The goal from the Trump administration is to have capacity for 100,000 detainees nationwide.
Discussions about selling some purchased warehouses are ongoing as ICE reassesses its plan.
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The US Treasury has sanctioned Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadly and leaders of pro-Iran militias for helping Iran sell oil illegally. The US says these actions support Iran’s oil smuggling to avoid American sanctions and fund terrorism.
Key Facts
Ali Maarij al-Bahadly is Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister and was sanctioned for helping Iran sell oil against US sanctions.
The sanctions also target leaders of pro-Iran militia groups Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.
The US accuses Iran of disguising its oil as Iraqi to bypass sanctions.
US officials claim Iraqi government corruption helped these smuggling operations continue.
Iran uses oil smuggling to earn about $1 billion yearly and avoid restrictions on its banking system.
President Donald Trump warned Iraq against having pro-Iran leaders in power earlier in 2024.
The sanctions come amid tensions between the US and Iran over control of a key oil passage called the Strait of Hormuz.
The sanctions are part of the US "maximum pressure" campaign that started with Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.
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A new poll shows that 83% of Americans support term limits for members of Congress. However, changing this would need a constitutional amendment, which is difficult to achieve because members of Congress must agree to limit their own time in office.
Key Facts
83% of Americans favor term limits for Congress members, while 17% oppose.
Support comes from 78% of Democrats, 89% of Republicans, and 84% of independents.
The poll surveyed 1,322 adults from April 27-30, 2026, with a margin of error of ±3.1%.
The Supreme Court ruled that only a constitutional amendment can impose term limits on Congress (U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton).
Congress members or state legislatures cannot add rules for Congress qualifications beyond the Constitution.
Getting two-thirds of Congress to approve term limits is unlikely because it requires them to limit their own time.
Some members of Congress promised to serve limited terms but later changed their minds after being elected.
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Barack Obama advised Democrats that to regain strong support, especially from working-class voters, they need to communicate in a simple, clear way and show real results through their actions.
Key Facts
Obama spoke about the Democratic Party's need to connect better with working-class voters.
He said Democrats should use plain and easy-to-understand language.
Delivering visible results is important to rebuild trust.
His advice focuses on improving the party’s chances in future elections.
The goal is to build a lasting and effective political coalition.
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A recent poll shows Democrat Tom Begich leading in Alaska’s governor primary race, but he does not yet have enough support to win outright. Alaska’s election uses a unique system where voters rank candidates, and the top four from the primary move on to the November general election.
Key Facts
Incumbent Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy cannot run again because of term limits.
Alaska has 18 candidates for governor in 2026; 11 were included in the poll.
The poll was done by Dittman Research from April 27-30, 2026, with 451 likely voters.
Tom Begich, a Democrat, leads with 21% support in the poll.
The next highest candidates are Republicans Dave Bronson (7%), Bernadette Wilson (6%), and Click Bishop (6%).
Alaska uses a jungle primary where all candidates appear on one ballot, and the top four move to the general election.
In the general election, ranked-choice voting is used: voters rank candidates, and the lowest-scoring candidates are eliminated with their votes shifting to next preferences until a winner has over 50%.
Poll shows 34% support Republicans in the primary, 31% support Democrats, and 31% remain undecided.
Prediction markets give Republicans about a 60% chance to win the governor’s race.
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Chief Justice John Roberts defended the U.S. Supreme Court against claims that it acts like a political body. He said the court makes legal decisions, not political ones, and expressed concern that many Americans do not understand this. The court recently made rulings about race and voting rights, presidential power, and used a fast-track decision process called the “shadow docket,” which has raised questions about transparency.
Key Facts
Chief Justice Roberts has led the Supreme Court since 2005 and was appointed by President George W. Bush.
The court ruled 6-3 against Louisiana’s use of race in drawing congressional districts under the Voting Rights Act.
The court limited President Trump's power to impose tariffs without Congress's approval.
In 2024, the court gave President Trump broad protection from criminal prosecution related to the 2020 election efforts.
The “shadow docket” is a fast decision process the court uses without full opinions, often in urgent cases.
Leaked internal memos revealed the court blocked Obama’s Clean Power Plan in 2016 using the shadow docket before full legal review.
The court’s conservative majority often supports the Trump administration in shadow docket cases.
Critics say the shadow docket lacks transparency because it does not explain the legal reasons for decisions.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against one individual and two Cuban organizations. These sanctions follow a recent executive order aimed at increasing pressure on the Cuban government.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State.
The sanctions target one person and two Cuban entities.
One targeted entity is Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA).
GAESA is a large company controlled by the Cuban military.
These sanctions support an executive order to pressure Cuba’s government.
The goal is to apply more economic and political pressure on Cuba.
The announcement was made on a Thursday.
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Meenu Batra, a Texas mother of four, spent more than six weeks in ICE detention after being arrested at an airport despite having legal documents. A judge ordered her release, ruling her detention had no clear reason, but she remains worried about the chance of it happening again.
Key Facts
Meenu Batra was held in ICE custody for 45 days starting March 17.
She was arrested at a Texas airport while traveling for work.
Batra was born in India and has lived and worked legally in the U.S. for many years.
A federal judge ruled her detention was without a clear reason and ordered her release.
Batra has "withholding of removal" status, allowing her to stay but not apply for citizenship.
Her son recently joined the U.S. Army, which may help her apply for citizenship.
The Department of Homeland Security says Batra entered the U.S. illegally and had a removal order from 2000.
Batra expressed that detention affected her and her family emotionally, especially her children.
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