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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
The Department of Homeland Security plans to build a main wall along the southern U.S. border from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico by mid-2027. At the same time, federal agents conducted drug raids in Los Angeles, seizing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine linked to gangs and Mexican cartels.
Key Facts
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced the goal to complete the primary border wall by April to June 2027.
The wall will stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico across the southern border.
A secondary wall will also be constructed alongside the primary barrier before President Trump’s term ends.
Mullin mentioned that enforcement efforts at the border might push criminal activity northward, especially where local authorities have limited cooperation, like in sanctuary cities.
Federal agents arrested 18 people in Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park in a large drug raid targeting fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution.
About 40 pounds of fentanyl were seized from one residence during the raids.
The operation involved over 200 federal and local law enforcement personnel.
The raids focused on breaking up drug supply chains linked to the 18th Street Gang and Mexican cartels, highlighting connections between border security and drug distribution in U.S. cities.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new U.S. sanctions on key Cuban military and economic entities under President Trump's executive order. The sanctions target Cuba's military-run businesses and leaders to pressure the Cuban government over national security concerns and alleged exploitation of resources.
Key Facts
The sanctions were announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a Thursday.
They target GAESA, a large Cuban military-controlled company that runs important parts of Cuba’s economy, including hotels.
Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, a senior leader or board member of GAESA, is also sanctioned.
MOA Nickel SA, a mining company partly owned by Cuba and a Canadian firm, is targeted for exploiting resources that were taken from U.S. owners.
The sanctions are part of a May 1 executive order by President Donald Trump focused on those connected to repression in Cuba and threats to U.S. national security.
The U.S. is increasing military and disaster-preparedness efforts in South Florida near Cuba.
Rubio and President Trump have not ruled out possible military actions, and they expect to announce more sanctions soon.
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Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, participated in a debate for the Los Angeles mayoral race. He debated against current Mayor Karen Bass and councilmember Nithya Raman.
Key Facts
Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles.
He has a background as a reality TV star.
The debate took place on a Wednesday.
Current Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also took part in the debate.
Councilmember Nithya Raman was the third candidate in the debate.
The debate was covered by CBS News Los Angeles.
The event was reported by CBS News reporter Tom Wait.
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Advocacy groups have raised concerns about overcrowding in immigrant detention centers during President Donald Trump’s administration. They accuse the government of poor conditions related to these crowded facilities.
Key Facts
Immigrant detention centers are places where people who enter the U.S. without permission are held.
Advocacy groups monitor and report on the treatment of immigrants in these centers.
These groups claim the centers are overcrowded under President Trump’s administration.
Overcrowding can lead to unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
The Trump administration has focused on strict immigration enforcement.
Detention is a key part of how the U.S. enforces immigration laws.
The debate involves how to balance security with humane treatment of immigrants.
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Chief Justice John Roberts said the Supreme Court justices are not only political figures. His remarks came after the court made an important decision about the Voting Rights Act.
Key Facts
Chief Justice John Roberts spoke about the role of Supreme Court justices.
He said the justices are not simply political actors.
The comment came after a key ruling involving the Voting Rights Act.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States.
The Voting Rights Act is a law aimed at protecting voting rights.
The court’s decisions can impact American laws and policies.
Roberts emphasized that the court’s role is different from making policy choices.
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Christy Turlington Burns, who leads the nonprofit Every Mother Counts, talks about her new documentary on maternal healthcare in the United States. She highlights concerns about the risks women face after the Supreme Court ended Roe v. Wade, which protected abortion rights.
Key Facts
Christy Turlington Burns is the founder and president of the nonprofit Every Mother Counts.
She has released a documentary focused on maternal healthcare in the U.S.
The documentary looks at the changes and challenges after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Roe v. Wade was a Supreme Court decision that protected abortion rights.
Burns says this issue is very personal to her.
The state of maternal healthcare in the U.S. is currently a topic of concern.
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Indiana State Senator Greg Walker, a Republican, said he does not regret opposing a state redistricting plan supported by President Donald Trump last year. Walker believes he made the right choice, even though it probably caused him to lose his seat.
Key Facts
Greg Walker is an Indiana State Senator and a member of the Republican party.
Walker voted against a redistricting plan in Indiana that had President Trump's support.
Redistricting means redrawing political district boundaries, which can affect elections.
Walker appeared on NBC News’s “Meet the Press NOW” to discuss his vote.
Despite likely losing his job because of this vote, Walker stands by his decision.
The redistricting plan was a key political issue in Indiana.
Walker said he does not regret opposing the plan, emphasizing his belief in doing the right thing.
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Authorities continued searching a home linked to Paul Flores, who was convicted of killing college student Kristin Smart in 1996. Smart’s body has never been found, and investigators are trying to locate her remains to bring closure to her family.
Key Facts
Kristin Smart disappeared in 1996 from California Polytechnic State University after attending a party.
Paul Flores was convicted in October 2022 for her murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
Her remains have never been found, and she was declared legally dead in 2002.
Authorities searched a home in Arroyo Grande belonging to Flores’ mother starting Wednesday and planned to continue on Thursday.
Paul Flores and his father, Ruben Flores, were arrested in 2021; Ruben was acquitted of related charges.
Prosecutors believe Kristin’s body was initially buried on Ruben Flores’ property but later moved.
Paul Flores has been physically attacked in prison and ordered to pay over $350,000 in costs to Kristin Smart’s family.
The family said they would drop restitution if Flores revealed where Kristin’s remains are, but Flores’ attorney says they do not know.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults for the first time. This decision is controversial because studies show these flavored e-cigarettes can encourage young people to start smoking.
Key Facts
The FDA granted approval for fruit-flavored e-cigarettes to be sold to adults.
This is the first time the FDA has approved these flavored vaping products.
Research shows that fruit flavors in e-cigarettes attract younger users.
Critics worry that these products might increase youth smoking rates.
The FDA's decision aims to balance adult smokers’ access with youth protection.
Medical experts and news reporters are discussing the pros and cons of this choice.
The approval only applies to sales for adults, not minors.
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Los Angeles County spends millions each year to provide naloxone, a medicine that reverses opioid overdoses, for free to save lives. Data from the L.A. Fire Department shows about 96% of people given naloxone since 2022 survived overdoses, while overdose deaths in the county have dropped, including among homeless people.
Key Facts
Naloxone can quickly reverse overdoses from heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids.
Since 2022, 24,503 out of 25,461 people given naloxone by L.A. firefighters survived an overdose.
Overdose deaths in L.A. County have decreased, with a 37% drop in fentanyl-related deaths since 2014.
The county offers naloxone and fentanyl test strips for free through clinics, libraries, and vending machines.
California spent over $130 million on a state project to distribute naloxone for free.
Some critics argue free naloxone enables drug use and increases crime in areas like MacArthur Park.
Federal agents recently arrested 18 people and seized fentanyl during an operation near MacArthur Park.
Officials say naloxone distribution is part of harm reduction programs that also provide treatment and support.
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Senator Susan Collins of Maine revealed she has a medical condition called essential tremor, which causes shaking in her hands, arms, and head. She said this condition does not affect her ability to work or serve as a U.S. senator.
Key Facts
Susan Collins is a 73-year-old Republican senator from Maine, serving her fifth term since 1996.
She has a benign essential tremor, a common neurological condition causing uncontrollable shaking.
Collins said the tremor does not affect her daily work or her ability to serve in the Senate.
Essential tremor most often affects people over 40 and can cause shaking during simple tasks.
The condition is not related to more serious diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or memory decline.
Collins has not missed a Senate vote in 30 years and describes herself as hardworking.
She faces a competitive re-election race in November against Democrat Graham Platner.
Some critics question her health because of visible shaking in recent videos and public appearances.
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The 60-day limit set by the 1973 War Powers Resolution for U.S. military action in Iran has ended. Congress is asking the administration to explain why it continues Operation Epic Fury. Public opinion is largely against President Trump’s approach to Iran.
Key Facts
The War Powers Resolution limits military actions without Congress approval to 60 days.
The 60-day period for U.S. operations in Iran has now expired.
Congress is demanding explanations for continuing Operation Epic Fury.
Operation Epic Fury is a U.S. military operation involving Iran.
Many voters disapprove of how President Trump is managing the situation with Iran.
The War Powers Resolution aims to balance military action and Congressional oversight.
This issue highlights tensions between the executive branch and Congress over military decisions.
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Influencer Braden Eric Peters, known as Clavicular, was charged in Florida for allegedly shooting a dead alligator during a livestream. He faces misdemeanor charges for firing a gun in a public place and will appear in court on May 20.
Key Facts
Clavicular’s real name is Braden Eric Peters.
He allegedly shot an already dead alligator while on a boat in Florida.
Peters was charged with unlawfully discharging a firearm in public.
The video evidence is unclear, and Peters’ attorney says no one was harmed.
Discharging a firearm in public in Florida can result in fines, jail, or probation.
Two other people, Andrew Morales and Yabdiel Anibal Cotto Torres, were also charged in the incident.
All three defendants will appear in court for arraignment on May 20.
Peters is known for being part of the Looksmaxxing community, which focuses on improving physical appearance.
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The Justice Department under President Donald Trump is investigating UCLA’s medical school for admitting Black and Hispanic students with lower Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores than Asian and white students. The case raises questions about how race is considered in admissions and whether focusing only on test scores captures a student’s full potential in medicine.
Key Facts
UCLA admitted Black and Hispanic medical students with median MCAT scores around 506-507, while Asian and white students had higher median scores around 514-515.
The DOJ claims UCLA used a holistic review process to include race through essays and interviews, potentially violating Supreme Court rules against affirmative action.
The DOJ argues that UCLA’s admissions may prioritize racial diversity over test-based merit.
UCLA says their admissions are based on merit and follow state and federal law.
The Supreme Court ruling states that race cannot be used as a separate factor but experiences affecting the individual can be considered.
The investigation is part of a larger fight by the Trump administration against diversity policies at universities.
The case also discusses how the admissions process affects patients because doctors need more than just test scores to provide good care.
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A report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) showed that New York, California, and New Jersey had the highest numbers of antisemitic incidents in 2025. Although the total incidents dropped by 33% from 2024, the year 2025 was still one of the highest on record for antisemitism in the U.S.
Key Facts
New York had 1,160 antisemitic incidents in 2025, down 19% from 2024; Manhattan and Brooklyn had many of these incidents.
California recorded 817 incidents, down 39% from 2024; almost half occurred in Los Angeles County.
New Jersey reported 687 incidents, a 4% decrease from 2024, spread fairly evenly across the state.
Florida, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts also had high numbers of antisemitic incidents (319, 281, and 279 respectively).
The ADL documented 6,274 total incidents in 2025, down from 9,354 in 2024 but still among the highest since 1979.
Decreases were partly due to fewer incidents on college campuses and at anti-Israel rallies, though campus incidents remained nearly three times higher than in 2021.
In New York City, there were several recent swastika graffiti incidents on homes and synagogues, condemned by the mayor.
The ADL clarified that criticism of Israel or pro-Palestinian activism is not counted as antisemitism in their report.
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Meenu Batra, a mother of four and experienced court interpreter, was held in ICE custody for over six weeks. After her release, she shared her experience to highlight concerns about immigration enforcement in the United States.
Key Facts
Meenu Batra has worked as a certified court interpreter for more than 20 years.
She was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for more than six weeks.
Batra is a mother of four children.
After being released, she spoke publicly about her experience in ICE custody.
Her story is part of a broader conversation about the safety and treatment of immigrants in the U.S.
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The South Carolina state House voted to extend its legislative calendar. This move could allow more time to redraw congressional district boundaries following a recent Supreme Court decision. The state Senate still needs to approve the extension.
Key Facts
South Carolina’s state House approved extending its legislative calendar on Wednesday.
The extension aims to allow more time for redistricting, which means redrawing political district lines.
This action follows a major ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court related to redistricting.
The Supreme Court decision has caused uncertainty and changes in how states draw districts.
The state Senate must agree to the calendar extension for it to take effect.
If approved, South Carolina may revise its congressional district maps again.
The state’s efforts are part of ongoing political work related to election boundaries.
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Alabama’s governor has called a special meeting to redraw the state’s congressional districts. The goal is to change the map in a way that could help Republican candidates win more seats in the 2026 elections.
Key Facts
Alabama is holding a special session to rethink its congressional district lines.
This redistricting could affect which party has more representatives from Alabama in Congress.
The main aim is to create a map that benefits the Republican Party.
Redistricting happens every ten years after the census, but special sessions can occur to adjust maps.
The changes will influence elections starting in 2026.
Congressional districts determine which voters are grouped together to elect members of Congress.
The move is part of broader efforts in some states to shape districts for political advantage.
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Four U.S. states—Virginia, Georgia, California, and Arizona—are monitoring people who returned from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak. So far, none of the monitored individuals show signs of illness, and health officials say the risk to the public is low.
Key Facts
The hantavirus outbreak happened on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which started its trip from Argentina about a month ago.
Three people have died and several others have fallen ill from the virus on the ship.
At least four U.S. states are watching passengers who returned home from the cruise for signs of infection.
The virus spreads through contact with rodents or their urine and feces.
There is no specific cure, but early medical help improves survival chances.
The World Health Organization confirmed five cases, including the deaths, and says the public health risk is low.
Some passengers left the ship nearly two weeks after the first death.
A flight attendant in Amsterdam who had contact with an infected passenger is being tested for hantavirus.
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Virginia State Senate leader L. Louise Lucas said she will not give in after the FBI searched her office and a cannabis dispensary she co-owns. She and others say the investigation is politically motivated.
Key Facts
L. Louise Lucas is the leader of the Virginia State Senate.
The FBI searched her office and a cannabis dispensary she part-owns.
The search is part of a federal investigation.
Lucas described the investigation as focused on power and more than just one person.
She has vowed not to back down in response to the FBI actions.
The dispensary involved is related to the cannabis business.
Federal authorities conducted the raid on a Wednesday.
The situation has political implications according to Lucas and supporters.
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