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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
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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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV amid tensions over President Trump’s bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites. The Vatican criticized the attacks, while President Trump and Vice President JD Vance responded with accusations against the pope, leading to strained relations between the U.S. administration and the Catholic Church.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio met Pope Leo XIV in Rome to discuss international issues.
The Vatican condemned President Trump’s recent bombings of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Pope Leo XIV and senior Vatican officials called the attacks immoral and urged peace.
President Trump falsely accused the pope of wanting Iran to have nuclear weapons.
Vice President JD Vance was excluded from the Vatican visit due to previous criticisms from popes.
The Vatican’s official statement on the meeting was short and suggested disagreement.
The conflict over Iran has caused division among Catholics who support President Trump.
Catholic leaders and groups oppose the war and aerial bombings condemned by the pope.
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Senate Democrats sent a letter to Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), asking him to cancel an order requiring ABC to apply early for license renewals. They said the order was an abuse of power linked to complaints about ABC's content and President Donald Trump’s reaction to a comedian’s joke.
Key Facts
Brendan Carr is the FCC chair and is described as aligned with President Trump.
The FCC ordered ABC to apply early for renewal of eight TV station licenses, originally due between 2028 and 2031.
The order came shortly after President Trump and the First Lady criticized ABC’s comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
Senate Democrats consider the early renewal demand an abuse of the FCC’s powers and a First Amendment violation.
The letter was led by Senators Markey, Schumer, Cantwell, and Luján, with eight more senators signing.
The FCC is investigating ABC on other issues, including a 2024 complaint about presidential debate moderation and possible equal time rule violations.
Senators asked Carr for details on how and why the early renewal order was made and if there was communication with the White House.
Carr denied any outside pressure influenced the FCC’s decision.
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Prediction markets have recently increased the chances that Republicans will keep control of the U.S. Senate after the 2026 midterm elections. The race remains very close, with Republicans currently holding a slim majority and key states expected to be competitive.
Key Facts
Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket show a growing chance (around 51-58%) that Republicans will hold the Senate in 2026.
These markets shifted from favoring Democrats to favoring Republicans since mid-April.
Republicans currently have a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
Democrats need to gain at least four seats to take full control in 2027.
The Senate balance is expected to be very close, with some states acting as battlegrounds, including Alaska, Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, Maine, and Michigan.
Traditional election forecasting models predict a narrow Republican edge, with both parties close to splitting Senate seats almost evenly.
The vice presidency could decide control if the Senate is tied 50-50.
Recent changes in race ratings have slightly favored Republicans in some states due to stronger incumbent positions.
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President Donald Trump has called for criminal charges against Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, accusing him of inciting violence. Trump linked Jeffries’ past comments about political conflict to a recent assassination attempt at the White House press dinner, though Jeffries said his words referred to electoral map disputes and not violence.
Key Facts
President Trump demanded criminal charges of “incitement to violence” against Hakeem Jeffries.
Trump shared a post connecting Jeffries’ words to a shooting attempt targeting the White House press dinner.
Jeffries talked about “maximum warfare” in the context of fights over state voting maps, not political violence.
The shooting incident happened three days after Jeffries’ comments.
Republicans used Jeffries’ remarks to accuse Democrats of violent language.
Jeffries defended his comments, calling criticisms from Republicans “phony.”
Trump has previously pushed for criminal charges against other political opponents, including former FBI Director James Comey.
The First Amendment protects free speech, which complicates charges based on speech.
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Conservative radio host Mark Levin criticized a reported U.S. plan meant to end conflict with Iran, calling it harmful if put into action. The proposal includes a 14-point agreement and was reported shortly after President Trump paused a military operation near the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Mark Levin is a conservative radio host commenting on U.S. policy toward Iran.
A 14-point draft memorandum was reported by Axios as a proposal to end the Iran conflict.
The proposal details came out a day after President Trump paused a naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
Levin described the proposed deal as potentially disastrous for the U.S.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway important for global shipping and military activity.
The discussion reflects ongoing U.S. government efforts to address tensions with Iran.
President Trump is involved in decisions related to military and diplomatic approaches to Iran.
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President Donald Trump has proposed painting the outside of the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building white. A federal agency called the National Capital Planning Commission will hold a hearing to review this plan as part of broader efforts to change the White House area.
Key Facts
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building is a 19th-century historic landmark next to the White House.
President Trump wants to cover the building’s exterior with white paint.
The National Capital Planning Commission will review and possibly approve this plan.
This painting project is part of a larger effort to improve the look of the White House and its surroundings.
Trump is also planning to demolish the East Wing to add a large ballroom for 1,000 people.
Lafayette Park nearby is closed for renovations, including restoring the fountains.
The hearing by the National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT.
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The Trump administration reduced the role of the State Department by using personal aides instead of experienced diplomats. This change led to problems in understanding and managing complex global security issues.
Key Facts
The State Department is responsible for diplomacy and international relations.
The Trump administration preferred personal fixers over career diplomats.
This shift weakened the expertise available in foreign policy decisions.
It caused mistakes in handling global security challenges.
Using personal aides bypassed normal government procedures.
The change affected the United States’ ability to engage effectively worldwide.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the birth of her second child, a baby girl named Viviana. She is currently on maternity leave, and other members of the Trump administration are handling press briefings in her absence.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump.
She announced the birth of her baby girl, Viviana, on May 1.
Viviana is Leavitt’s second child; her son Nicholas ("Niko") will turn two in July.
Leavitt is on maternity leave and had briefly returned during a recent White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting to update the press.
Other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are filling in for her during briefings.
It is not yet known how long Leavitt will be on maternity leave.
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Senator Susan Collins and her Democratic opponent, Graham Platner, have released new campaign ads after Governor Janet Mills ended her run in the Maine U.S. Senate race. The ads highlight their positions and respond to the changes caused by Mills’s exit.
Key Facts
Senator Susan Collins is the Republican candidate running for U.S. Senate in Maine.
Democrat Graham Platner is Collins’s current challenger.
Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, recently withdrew from the Senate race.
Collins released a new campaign ad on Tuesday featuring praise from Chris Gardner, Eastport Port Authority’s executive director.
The ads from both candidates came out shortly after Mills announced she was leaving the race.
The end of Mills’s campaign has changed the dynamics of the Maine Senate contest.
Both candidates are trying to connect with voters through their messaging in the ads.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the birth of her daughter Viviana on May 1st. She shared a photo and said the baby is healthy and perfect.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary.
She gave birth to a daughter named Viviana, also called "Vivi."
Viviana was born on May 1st.
Leavitt shared a photo of her newborn on the social media site X.
She described her daughter as healthy and perfect.
Leavitt expressed that her family felt immediate love for Vivi.
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A CBS News visual investigation uncovered new information about a reported attempt to attack President Donald Trump at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner. The investigation used video evidence to examine what happened during the event.
Key Facts
The incident took place at the 2024 White House Correspondents' Dinner.
There was an alleged assassination attempt targeting President Donald Trump.
CBS News conducted a visual investigation using video footage.
The investigation revealed new details about the attack.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner is an annual event attended by journalists and political figures.
No official statements about the outcome or suspects were included in the report.
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Candidates and political parties in the UK reported abuse, threats, and intimidation during the 2026 local and devolved elections. Officials and groups called for action to stop such behavior, which affects democracy and has targeted people across different political parties.
Key Facts
Elections took place in councils in England, and governments in Scotland and Wales in 2026.
Many candidates faced abuse in person and online, including death threats and harassment.
The Green party said this was the worst campaign year in memory for abuse and intimidation.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis condemned the abuse, saying it threatens democracy.
Women and ethnic minority candidates reported higher levels of intimidation and harassment.
The Electoral Commission will release a report on 2026 elections and abuse in autumn.
Incidents of racial and Islamophobic harassment were reported during the campaign.
Police investigated two harassment reports related to incidents in Birmingham.
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Supreme Court justices may soon testify before a congressional committee about their budget requests, the first time since 2019. This comes amid low public trust in the court and ongoing debates about its role and decisions.
Key Facts
Supreme Court justices might appear before the House Appropriations Subcommittee to discuss their annual budget.
The Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government handles the court’s funding.
The Supreme Court has asked for an extra $14.6 million to improve security for the justices.
Recent polls show only about 22% of registered voters have strong confidence in the Supreme Court.
Justices Samuel Alito and Elena Kagan last testified before Congress on budget issues in 2019.
Some lawmakers, including Representative Johnny Olszewski, want to impose term limits on Supreme Court justices.
President Donald Trump, who appointed three conservative justices, has publicly criticized some court decisions.
House leaders say any testimony should focus on administrative topics, not political issues.
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Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie said First Lady Melania Trump agrees with him that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein did not act alone. Massie co-sponsored a law that led to the public release of Epstein-related documents. President Donald Trump supports a primary challenger against Massie after disagreements on policy.
Key Facts
Thomas Massie claims Melania Trump agrees Epstein "did not act alone."
Massie helped pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act, releasing over three million pages of documents.
Melania Trump denied involvement with Epstein and called for survivors to testify publicly.
President Trump backed Ed Gallrein to run against Massie in Kentucky’s 4th congressional district primary.
Trump criticized Massie as disloyal and called him the "Republican Party’s Worst Congressman."
Massie criticized Trump for blaming former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene for receiving death threats.
Polls show a close race between Massie and Gallrein for the Republican primary.
Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress earlier this year after splitting with Trump on several issues.
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A federal appeals court questioned the Department of Defense’s plan to discipline Senator Mark Kelly and lower his retirement rank because of a controversial video. The court appeared doubtful about the Pentagon’s claim that Kelly is still under military rules for this issue.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Kelly is a retired Navy captain.
The Department of Defense wants to censure Kelly and reduce his retirement rank.
This action relates to Kelly’s involvement in a controversial video.
A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit reviewed the Pentagon’s case.
The court showed skepticism about the Pentagon’s argument that Kelly is subject to military authority now.
The hearing took place on a Thursday.
The case concerns whether a retired military officer can be disciplined for actions after leaving active service.
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Rapper Kodak Black, whose real name is Bill Kapri, was arrested in Orange County, Florida, on May 6, 2026. He faces a drug trafficking charge related to a November 2025 police search where officers found MDMA and cannabis in a vehicle connected to him.
Key Facts
Kodak Black was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on May 6, 2026.
The arrest is for drug trafficking involving MDMA found during a vehicle search on November 24, 2025.
Police responded to a 911 call about gunshots and searched cars near the scene.
During the search, officers found 56 grams of cannabis and a pink pill that tested positive for MDMA.
A bag with Kodak Black’s ID, money, and a bottle of Promethazine Hydrochloride was discovered.
Kodak Black did not claim ownership of the bag or substances during the investigation.
He was waiting for a court hearing scheduled for May 7, 2026.
His attorney did not provide a comment to the news outlet.
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The CMA Foundation honored band director Elmer Feliciano and 29 other teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. They received the Music Teachers of Excellence Award for their work in music education.
Key Facts
The CMA Foundation gives awards to music teachers.
The awards recognize excellent music teaching.
Elmer Feliciano, a band director in Nashville, was one of the recipients.
A total of 30 teachers received the award this year.
The recognition occurred during Teacher Appreciation Week.
The award highlights the importance of music education in schools.
The event took place in Nashville.
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