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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Gas prices in the U.S. have risen sharply, with the national average reaching $4.54 per gallon due to the conflict with Iran. Higher fuel costs are affecting many Americans, especially low-income families, forcing some to cut back on essentials or skip activities like school.
Key Facts
Gas prices in Michigan average $4.80 per gallon, causing difficulties for commuters like Melissa Miles who drives 160 miles daily for school.
The U.S. national gas price rose over $1.50 since February, reaching $4.54 per gallon as of Wednesday.
Diesel prices increased to $5.67 per gallon from $3.54 a year ago, raising costs for goods transported by truck and rail.
President Trump said the U.S. is making good progress with Iran and aims to lower fuel prices through pressure and negotiations.
Economists expect gas prices to remain elevated for months and settle around $3.50 per gallon by the end of 2026, still higher than before the Iran conflict.
Low-income Americans spend a larger share of their income on gas – about 4.2% compared to 2.7% for wealthier households.
Some people, like Sacramento resident Daniel Hock, spend nearly 9% of their pre-tax income on gas due to high prices.
Community health worker Steph Thornton reports her monthly gas spending rose from $320 to about $400 because of the price increases.
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Congressional Democrats are investigating whether some of the pardons and commutations granted by President Donald Trump were influenced by payments or favors. They have sent letters to several recipients, including cryptocurrency billionaire Changpeng Zhao and entrepreneur Trevor Milton, seeking information about possible financial connections to the White House.
Key Facts
Senate and House Democrats launched an investigation into pardons and commutations issued by President Trump.
The probe focuses on potential "pay-to-play" activities, where pardons may have been exchanged for money or favors.
Recipients under review include Changpeng Zhao (cryptocurrency billionaire), Joseph Schwartz (nursing home operator), and Trevor Milton (entrepreneur).
Lawmakers requested contracts, communications, and donation records related to the pardons.
Democrats argue that these clemency actions denied victims compensation and justice by cancelling fines and restitution.
Because Democrats are currently in the minority, they do not have subpoena power to force cooperation.
The investigation may gain stronger tools if Democrats regain control of Congress after the 2024 midterms.
The White House denied any wrongdoing related to the pardons and commutations.
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President Donald Trump wants the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates to help the U.S. economy grow. However, challenges like rising inflation and global issues, including the war in Iran, make it hard to reduce rates quickly. Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee to lead the Fed, has promised to keep monetary policy independent despite hopes he will lower rates soon.
Key Facts
President Trump has urged the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates to boost the economy.
The Senate Banking Committee voted 13-11 to advance Kevin Warsh’s nomination to lead the Fed.
Warsh previously served on the Fed’s Board of Governors from 2006 to 2011 and favors looser monetary policy.
Inflation has increased due to the war in Iran and disruptions in energy supply.
Experts think inflation concerns may limit how much Warsh can cut rates after confirmation.
Warsh told the Senate he would keep monetary policy decisions independent from the president’s influence.
The Fed’s policymaking group includes 12 members who vote equally, which controls the chair’s power.
President Trump criticized current Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not cutting rates fast enough.
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Justice Clarence Thomas is now the second-longest serving member of the U.S. Supreme Court and could become the longest-serving justice if he stays until May 2028. His potential retirement timing is important because Supreme Court vacancies during election years can influence political control of the court.
Key Facts
Clarence Thomas joined the Supreme Court in October 1991 at age 43.
He is now the second-longest serving justice after William O. Douglas, who served over 36 years.
Thomas would break Douglas’ record if he remains on the court until May 20, 2028.
Timing of Supreme Court retirements can affect which president appoints the next justice.
Thomas replaced Thurgood Marshall, switching a liberal seat to a conservative one.
Justices do not have a set retirement age and can choose when to step down.
Past retirements or deaths have led to political battles over nominations during election years.
Recent examples include blocked nomination in 2016 and quick confirmation in 2020.
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A homeless man named Bikram Lama, who came to Australia from Nepal as a student, died alone in Sydney’s Hyde Park. Supporters held a vigil to remember him and called for changes to better help homeless people without permanent residency in Australia.
Key Facts
Bikram Lama came to Australia from Nepal to study computer science in 2013.
He died while sleeping rough in Sydney’s Hyde Park and was not found for up to a week.
His body was in a decomposed state when discovered by station staff near St James station.
Lama’s elderly mother had to travel to Nepal to provide a DNA sample to confirm his identity.
Support workers said his non-resident status made it very difficult to get help to escape homelessness.
A vigil was held in Hyde Park where people remembered Lama and highlighted the struggles of non-resident homeless individuals.
MP Alex Greenwich has asked for an inquest to investigate if government policies contributed to Lama’s death.
Advocates said that current laws and policies may discriminate against homeless people who are not permanent residents in Australia.
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A 56-year-old woman was arrested in Cheney, Washington, after she drove on the sidewalk and chased a boy who was riding his bike there. The boy was not injured but was scared, and the driver left the scene after the incident.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Cheney, a city in the United States.
A 56-year-old woman drove onto the sidewalk where a boy was riding his bike.
She tried to hit the boy with her car.
The boy escaped by riding away on the sidewalk.
The driver chased the boy on footpath before returning to the road.
The boy was not hurt physically.
The boy’s mother said he was frightened by the event.
The woman was arrested after the incident.
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Thirteen women and children linked to Islamic State have returned to Australia after living in a Syrian detention camp since 2019. They were met by police and are expected to face legal actions if needed. The Australian government has prepared for their return and plans to monitor them closely.
Key Facts
The group includes 13 women and children believed connected to Islamic State.
They had been living in the al-Roj detention camp in Syria since 2019.
They arrived in Australia in two groups, landing in Melbourne and Sydney.
One woman is Kawsar Abbas, married to a man suspected of funding Islamic State.
Another woman, Janai Safar, traveled to Syria in 2015 and married an IS fighter.
The government did not officially repatriate them but allowed their return after some delays.
Australian police met the group on arrival, with arrests expected if laws were broken.
Authorities plan to monitor the group and have programs to prevent violent extremism, especially for the children.
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Thirteen Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State have returned to Australia after more than seven years in Syrian detention camps. Australian Federal Police expect to arrest some of the adults on charges related to terrorism and slavery.
Key Facts
Thirteen women and children arrived in Australia from Syrian detention camps linked to Islamic State.
They traveled from Damascus, arriving in Melbourne and Sydney on separate planes.
The women hold Australian passports and have been under investigation by Australian police since 2015.
Possible charges include terrorism offenses and crimes against humanity like slave trading.
The Australian police have collected evidence from Syria to support their investigation.
The children, many born in detention, will receive medical, educational, and psychological support.
About 21 Australians remain in the camps, which are being evacuated and plan to close.
Australian officials say anyone who committed crimes will face legal consequences.
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Pope Leo’s brother John Prevost said he and his other brother Louis, who supports President Trump and the MAGA movement, rarely talk about politics. John said their disagreements do not affect their family bond.
Key Facts
John Prevost is Pope Leo’s brother and the middle sibling.
Louis Prevost, the eldest brother, supports President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
President Trump praised Louis Prevost for being very supportive of MAGA.
John said the brothers do not often discuss politics because their opinions do not change.
Despite disagreements, John said the brothers still love each other and speak regularly.
John described family fights as normal but emphasized the lasting family connection.
These comments were made during a CNN interview.
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The NSW state government has decided to reduce the Moore Park golf course in Sydney from 18 holes to 12 holes instead of cutting it in half as originally planned. This change will free up more space for new public parklands with facilities like walking paths, dog areas, sports courts, and a mini-golf course, with the new park to open in stages from July and be completed by 2028.
Key Facts
Moore Park golf course will be reduced from 18 holes to 12 holes, not 9 holes.
The park will cover 45 hectares and include green spaces for sports and outdoor activities.
Facilities will include running and cycling paths, a dog off-leash area, sports fields, courts, and outdoor fitness gear.
The park plan also has an expanded driving range, putting and chipping greens, and an 18-hole mini-golf course.
The new park will serve nearly 790,000 people living within 5 km in the next five years.
The government states that at least nine golf holes will remain playable until the new 12-hole course opens in 2027.
Golf groups preferred keeping all 18 holes and proposed alternate plans using underused land but were not accepted.
The golf course lease expires in mid-2026, after which the new plan will take effect.
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Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose and a former tech executive, is running for governor of California as a moderate Democrat. He has received significant support and funding from tech leaders but faces criticism from labor unions and some Democrats concerned about his ties to the tech industry.
Key Facts
Matt Mahan entered the California governor’s race in January 2026.
He is a 43-year-old former tech executive and current San Jose mayor.
Mahan has raised more campaign money in three months than many rivals running longer.
Tech leaders have heavily backed Mahan, including funding a Super Bowl ad for him.
He opposes a proposed billionaires’ tax, which some wealthy residents say could prompt them to leave California.
Labor unions and some Democrats question Mahan’s ability to regulate big tech fairly.
Mahan supports taxing AI companies to fund workforce training programs.
His rivals include Democrat Tom Steyer, who is largely self-funding his campaign.
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Tennessee Republican lawmakers are preparing to vote on a new plan to redraw the state's U.S. House districts, including dividing a majority-Black district in Memphis. This redistricting effort follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows changes to voting district maps that weaken protections for majority-Black areas.
Key Facts
Tennessee Republicans plan to vote on redrawing U.S. House districts, impacting the majority-Black district in Memphis.
The redistricting effort is part of a broader Republican strategy to keep control of the House in the upcoming elections.
The Supreme Court recently weakened the federal Voting Rights Act, allowing states to change districts that were drawn to protect minority voters.
Other Southern states like Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina are also considering or acting on similar redistricting plans.
Tennessee’s plan would repeal a law against redistricting in the middle of a decade and reopen candidate qualifications for primaries.
Republicans say the new districts are based on population and politics, not race.
Democrats and civil rights groups say the plan reduces Black voting power and could cause confusion in upcoming elections.
Protests occurred during the Tennessee legislative hearings on the redistricting plan.
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Loan sharks illegally lend money with very high interest and use threats to make people pay back. The Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) in England works to find and stop these criminals, but many victims stay silent because they are scared of violence.
Key Facts
Loan sharks charge very high interest rates and threaten borrowers to get repayment.
The Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) depends on public tips to catch loan sharks.
Victims often don’t report loan sharks due to fear of being hurt or threatened.
A woman named Sarah borrowed money online and ended up paying £20,000 on a loan of less than half that amount.
Loan sharks use personal details and documents like passports to control and intimidate borrowers.
Police raids have seized weapons such as meat cleavers and knuckle dusters during investigations.
One loan shark arrested in Bristol is accused of taking up to £750,000 from roughly 200 victims.
Threats from loan sharks have severely affected victims’ mental health, causing some to attempt suicide.
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A current Metropolitan Police officer and four former officers are being investigated for how they handled sexual abuse reports against Mohamed Al Fayed, who died in 2023. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched the inquiry after complaints from several women about how police responded to allegations of rape, sexual assault, and trafficking linked to Al Fayed.
Key Facts
Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, died in 2023.
Police received complaints from 21 women before his death accusing him of sexual crimes, but he was never charged.
Sexual abuse claims became public after a BBC documentary aired in September 2024.
The IOPC began investigating the handling of these complaints by Metropolitan Police officers in January 2025.
The investigation involves one serving officer and four former officers facing potential misconduct charges.
Reports come from four victim-survivors whose complaints were referred to the IOPC in late 2024 and early 2025.
The Metropolitan Police is cooperating with the IOPC and says the investigation is independent.
Police also continue a separate investigation interviewing suspects over human trafficking and sexual exploitation linked to Al Fayed.
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Braden Eric Peters, known online as Clavicular, was charged with unlawfully firing a gun at a wildlife sanctuary in Florida during a livestream on March 26. Two other men also face charges related to the incident, which may have involved shooting at an alligator, though it is not confirmed if any animal was harmed.
Key Facts
Clavicular is a 20-year-old influencer known for "looksmaxxing," where he tries to improve his appearance using extreme methods.
The incident happened in the Everglades Wildlife Management Area near Miami.
Peters and two others were charged on March 29 with unlawfully discharging a firearm in public.
Florida law allows up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for this offense.
Clavicular’s lawyers say he was following a licensed guide’s instructions and no harm came to people or animals.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission became aware of a video showing gunshots fired at an alligator.
Clavicular was previously arrested on battery charges related to a fight he shared on social media.
He has a large online following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram for his looksmaxxing videos.
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Joel Davis, a neo-Nazi, was charged by New South Wales (NSW) police for publicly inciting racial hatred after a rally outside NSW parliament where protesters displayed an anti-Jewish banner. The charge follows criticism of police for allowing the rally and for not acting sooner under new hate speech laws.
Key Facts
Joel Davis is a prominent neo-Nazi charged with publicly inciting hatred based on race.
The protest took place on 8 November last year outside NSW parliament with about 60 participants.
Protesters held a large banner that said “Abolish the Jewish lobby.”
NSW police investigated the event and arrested Davis at his home in South Penrith.
Davis was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Downing Centre local court on 3 June.
The NSW hate speech law (section 93ZAA) took effect in August 2025 and targets public racial hatred.
Police were criticized for not stopping the march or charging anyone earlier under these laws.
Davis was already on bail for other charges related to harassing a politician who criticized the rally.
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Candidates running to be California’s next governor participated in a debate where discussions about policies turned into arguments. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was a key target of criticism, showing his rise in popularity among voters.
Key Facts
The debate featured candidates competing to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom of California.
The conversation shifted from serious policy issues to personal disagreements.
Xavier Becerra, who was previously the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, received a lot of attention.
Becerra’s support has increased among voters in the governor’s race.
The debate occurred shortly before the California primary election.
Candidates are trying to differentiate themselves in a crowded field.
The current governor, Gavin Newsom, is a member of the Democratic Party.
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New photos of President Donald Trump’s hands showing discoloration and bruising have caused questions about his health. The White House said the marks come from frequent handshakes and aspirin use, and his doctor has said he remains in good health.
Key Facts
Photos circulating on social media show discoloration and bruising on President Trump’s hands.
The White House previously explained these marks as caused by aspirin use and handshakes.
A 2025 White House memo said Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, which is poor blood flow in the veins.
President Trump was 79 when inaugurated, making him the oldest president to start a term.
His doctor reported in April 2025 that he is in excellent health with strong heart, lung, brain, and general function.
The new photo was shared during a Mother’s Day event for military moms at the White House.
Some public figures and media outlets have expressed concern or curiosity about his health based on these images.
The White House spokesman described President Trump as very energetic and frequently meeting and shaking hands with many people daily.
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Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt shared an AI-made political ad that shows the city in a negative light under current leaders. The video, which went viral, features Pratt as a hero and criticizes officials like Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass.
Key Facts
Spencer Pratt reposted an AI-generated ad depicting Los Angeles as troubled under current leadership.
The ad shows flames on the Hollywood sign and a socialist militia on the streets.
It criticizes Governor Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass, and Vice President Kamala Harris as out of touch.
Pratt appears as a Batman-like hero in the video.
The repost happened a day before a mayoral debate featuring Pratt, Bass, and Nithya Raman.
Pratt has criticized Bass and Raman on issues like wildfire response, homelessness, and crime.
The video got 3.6 million views and was praised by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
Experts say AI campaign ads are cheap and fast to make but may not increase voter turnout in Los Angeles, a mostly Democratic city.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told House investigators he met Jeffrey Epstein three times, including once on Epstein’s private island with Lutnick’s family. Lutnick corrected earlier statements about this visit, and House Oversight Chair James Comer warned that lying to Congress is a felony and would lead to accountability.
Key Facts
Howard Lutnick met Jeffrey Epstein three times between 2005 and 2012.
One meeting was a lunch on Epstein’s private island in 2012 with Lutnick’s family.
Lutnick initially said he avoided Epstein after 2005 but later corrected that claim.
Lutnick’s assistant knew he was in the Virgin Islands, which unsettled him.
Lutnick has no criminal charges related to Epstein and denies wrongdoing.
House Oversight Chair James Comer said lying to Congress is a felony and will be punished.
Lutnick said he and Epstein did not have a personal or business relationship.
The investigation raises questions about Lutnick’s credibility and connections with Epstein.
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