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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Man charged with attempted Trump assassination indicted for assaulting Secret Service officer

Man charged with attempted Trump assassination indicted for assaulting Secret Service officer

May 05, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A California man has been formally charged with trying to kill President Donald Trump at a Washington event and with assaulting a Secret Service officer during the incident. The man, Cole Tomas Allen, was armed and rushed a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April, leading to gunfire and an emergency evacuation.

Key Facts

  • Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was indicted on charges including attempted assassination of President Trump and assaulting a US officer with a deadly weapon.
  • He carried a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives during the attack.
  • The incident took place on April 25 at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents Dinner.
  • A Secret Service officer was shot but not seriously injured; questions arose about whether the officer was hit by another agent's crossfire.
  • Allen also faces firearms charges related to transporting and using weapons during a crime.
  • He has not yet entered a plea and remains in custody.
  • Allen sent an email to family before the attack discussing targeting government officials.
  • He could face life in prison if convicted.
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BBC Top Stories BBC US
State moves forward with foreign service officer layoffs in blow to civil service

State moves forward with foreign service officer layoffs in blow to civil service

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. State Department has officially laid off about 200 foreign service officers as part of a larger group of more than 1,300 layoffs in the past year. These job cuts are part of a reorganization effort promoted by the administration.

Key Facts

  • Around 200 foreign service officers were recently laid off by the State Department.
  • More than 1,300 State Department employees have been laid off in the last year.
  • The layoffs are described as part of a reduction in force (RIF), which means job cuts to reduce staff numbers.
  • The changes are part of a major reorganization at the State Department.
  • The administration calls this reorganization "historic," suggesting it is a significant change.
  • The action affects the civil service, which includes government employees who serve in various roles inside and outside the U.S.
  • These layoffs may impact U.S. diplomatic work around the world.
  • The article does not mention plans to rehire or replace the laid off employees.
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The Hill
Rubio insists US is ‘very fortunate’ as Iran war pushes gas price near $4.50

Rubio insists US is ‘very fortunate’ as Iran war pushes gas price near $4.50

May 05, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Senator Marco Rubio said the United States is in a better position than other countries as gas prices rise because the U.S. produces more oil itself and does not rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil. Gas prices in the U.S. have reached nearly $4.50 per gallon, the highest in four years, partly due to disruptions linked to conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Key Facts

  • U.S. average gas prices are about $4.48 per gallon, close to the highest point in four years.
  • Fuel prices have increased after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
  • The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas, has been nearly closed, causing global oil supply problems.
  • Rubio said the U.S. is "very fortunate" because it is a net exporter of oil and less dependent on Middle Eastern supplies.
  • He noted that gas prices in the U.S. would be even higher without this advantage.
  • Rubio said prices could reach $8 or $9 per gallon if Iran had nuclear weapons and chose to block the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Average gas prices were just under $3.17 per gallon a year ago, showing a big increase this year.
  • Some Americans are frustrated by the rising cost of gas, especially drivers who feel the price increases directly impact their daily lives.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Iowa farmer says Trump's "golden age of agriculture" rhetoric "doesn't match the reality"

Iowa farmer says Trump's "golden age of agriculture" rhetoric "doesn't match the reality"

May 05, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

An Iowa farmer says that President Trump's talk about a "golden age of agriculture" does not reflect the real situation farmers face today. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance is visiting Iowa to support Republican Congressman Zach Nunn.

Key Facts

  • An Iowa farmer disagrees with President Trump's positive description of the current farming situation.
  • The farmer believes the reality of farming today is different from what President Trump says.
  • Vice President JD Vance is campaigning in Iowa.
  • Vance is supporting Republican Congressman Zach Nunn.
  • The report comes from CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe.
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CBS News
GOP rep: Iran like a ‘petulant child,’ ‘trying to wait out’ Trump

GOP rep: Iran like a ‘petulant child,’ ‘trying to wait out’ Trump

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Russell Fry of South Carolina compared Iran to a "petulant child" during ongoing tensions with the United States. He said Iran is testing the U.S. government and trying to wait out President Donald Trump's administration.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Russell Fry represents South Carolina as a Republican.
  • Fry made the comment on Monday about Iran’s behavior.
  • He described Iran’s actions as similar to a "petulant child," meaning acting immaturely or stubbornly.
  • Fry said Iran is testing or challenging the current U.S. administration.
  • He believes Iran is waiting for President Trump’s term to end before making bigger moves.
  • The remarks relate to continuing conflict between Iran and the U.S.
  • The statement reflects the viewpoint of a U.S. lawmaker involved in American politics.
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The Hill
FDA blocked studies finding Covid and shingles vaccines safe, HHS official says

FDA blocked studies finding Covid and shingles vaccines safe, HHS official says

May 05, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) blocked the publication of several government-funded studies that found Covid-19 and shingles vaccines to be safe. Agency officials said the studies drew conclusions not fully supported by data, but some experts and insiders criticized the decision, noting the research showed few serious side effects.

Key Facts

  • The FDA blocked several studies on Covid-19 and shingles vaccine safety funded with taxpayer money.
  • These studies analyzed millions of patient records, including 7.5 million people over 65 and 4.2 million people aged six months to 64 years.
  • Researchers found serious side effects from the vaccines were rare; one study found only a rare risk of anaphylaxis at about one in a million for the Pfizer vaccine.
  • Studies were withdrawn after publication acceptance because officials said conclusions were broader than data supported.
  • The decisions did not involve the FDA commissioner or the HHS secretary directly.
  • Some officials and experts said this pattern limits the release of information showing vaccine safety.
  • Public criticism has increased amid concerns about management at the FDA and statements by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed anti-vaccine views.
  • The FDA continues to say the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks despite the withdrawn studies.
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Guardian US Guardian World
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'I have to make my own dog food' - voters counting living costs on eve of election

'I have to make my own dog food' - voters counting living costs on eve of election

May 05, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Rising living costs are causing people in Wales to change how they spend money, including making homemade dog food to save money. Voters say the cost of living is a major issue that will influence their choices in the upcoming Senedd election.

Key Facts

  • India Lerigo makes homemade meals for her dog Luna to save about £100 a month due to expensive allergy-friendly dog food.
  • India also batch cooks her own meals to reduce her food bills from £400-500 a month to about £250.
  • She researched dog nutrition and consulted her vet before making homemade dog food.
  • Rising costs like council tax, petrol, and food are making it harder for people to stretch their budgets despite steady wages.
  • Other residents report cutting back on dining out and feeling constant pressure from increasing bills.
  • Some people are working longer hours or multiple jobs just to cover living expenses.
  • The ongoing increase in prices is seen as driven partly by global events affecting petrol and food costs.
  • The cost of living is a key issue for voters in the Senedd election happening soon.
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BBC Business
Walz demotes Minnesota Human Services chief after 70 days in appointed role

Walz demotes Minnesota Human Services chief after 70 days in appointed role

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reduced Shireen Gandhi’s position from commissioner to deputy commissioner of the state Department of Human Services after she served 70 days. This happened following a dispute with the federal government under President Donald Trump about Medicaid funding and fraud allegations.

Key Facts

  • Shireen Gandhi served as commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services for 70 days.
  • Governor Tim Walz demoted her to deputy commissioner.
  • The change occurred amid a funding dispute with the Trump administration.
  • The federal government paused $259.5 million in Medicaid funds to Minnesota.
  • The pause was linked to allegations of Medicaid fraud in the state.
  • Medicaid is a federal and state program that helps pay healthcare costs for people with low income.
  • The funding issue involved the North Star program, part of Minnesota’s Medicaid system.
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The Hill
Zack Polanski falsely claimed to be British Red Cross spokesperson, charity says

Zack Polanski falsely claimed to be British Red Cross spokesperson, charity says

May 05, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Zack Polanski, who is running for Green party leadership, said he was a spokesperson for the British Red Cross, but the charity says he was not. The Green party is also dealing with antisemitism allegations against some candidates and questions about Polanski’s past work as a hypnotherapist.

Key Facts

  • The British Red Cross said Zack Polanski was never a spokesperson for them.
  • Polanski claimed on his website and social media to work for the British Red Cross and hosted fundraisers for them.
  • The Green party faces criticism over antisemitic comments from some candidates.
  • Two Green candidates in Lambeth council were arrested for allegedly stirring racial hatred online.
  • Former Green leader Caroline Lucas called for immediate action against antisemitism in the party.
  • Polanski’s past as a hypnotherapist, including offering hypnosis to change breast size, has been questioned.
  • Polanski apologized for the hypnosis service but said it was not a regular offer.
  • Labour party critics said Polanski should be honest about his past and his party’s handling of antisemitism.
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Guardian World
House Democrats urge Trump to address Israel’s nuclear program

House Democrats urge Trump to address Israel’s nuclear program

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

House Democrats have asked President Donald Trump’s administration to provide information about Israel’s secret nuclear weapons program. More than 25 members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concerns about nuclear-armed countries near Iran.

Key Facts

  • Over two dozen House Democrats signed the letter.
  • The letter was sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • They want answers about Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons program.
  • The concerns relate to nuclear-armed countries near Iran.
  • Rep. Joaquin Castro from Texas led the effort.
  • The letter connects these concerns to the U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran.
  • The lawmakers seek transparency on nuclear issues in the region.
  • This is part of ongoing discussions about Middle Eastern security.
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The Hill
FDA blocked publication of COVID, shingles vaccine research findings

FDA blocked publication of COVID, shingles vaccine research findings

May 05, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

The FDA blocked the release of research studies about the safety of COVID-19 and shingles vaccines. The Department of Health and Human Services said the studies were withdrawn because the conclusions were not supported by the data.

Key Facts

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stopped the publication of certain vaccine safety studies.
  • The studies focused on the safety of COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.
  • Authors of the studies made broad conclusions that officials said were not backed by the data.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the studies were withdrawn.
  • The FDA said it acted to protect its scientific standards and ensure accuracy.
  • The decision aims to maintain the trustworthiness of research linked to the agency.
  • The news was reported by ABC News and is still developing.
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ABC News
Homan: "Things weren't perfect" in Minneapolis, but ICE not backing down

Homan: "Things weren't perfect" in Minneapolis, but ICE not backing down

May 05, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, admitted that the immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis was not perfect but said the administration fixed the issues and will continue with large deportation efforts. He emphasized a "smarter approach" focused on targeting people with criminal records while still arresting others in the country illegally, and denied that ICE is backing down from its mass deportation goals.

Key Facts

  • Tom Homan called Minneapolis' Operation Metro Surge imperfect but said problems were addressed.
  • Homan discussed improvements with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and acting ICE head Todd Lyons.
  • The Minneapolis operation was scaled back after shootings involving ICE agents sparked backlash.
  • Agents are now focusing more on people with criminal records in targeted operations.
  • ICE still arrests people found illegally in the country, even without criminal histories.
  • Homan denied claims that the Trump administration is reducing mass deportations.
  • He said about 800,000 deportations have taken place since President Trump returned to office.
  • Large-scale immigration crackdowns like Minneapolis are unlikely to return, but mass operations in sanctuary cities will continue.
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CBS News
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Border czar Tom Homan acknowledges "things weren't perfect" in Minneapolis crackdown

Border czar Tom Homan acknowledges "things weren't perfect" in Minneapolis crackdown

May 05, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Tom Homan, who was sent by President Donald Trump to handle immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, said that the operations there were not perfect but improvements were made. He spoke about fixing problems during the crackdown after a deadly shooting incident in the city.

Key Facts

  • Tom Homan was assigned by President Trump to work on immigration issues in Minneapolis.
  • His mission followed the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti.
  • Homan admitted the crackdown efforts had problems.
  • He said they identified the issues and worked to fix them.
  • The comments came during an interview with CBS News.
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CBS News
California ‘failing victims’ of violent crime as financial support plummets

California ‘failing victims’ of violent crime as financial support plummets

May 05, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

California’s Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) has been giving less money and denying more applications to victims of violent crime, even though the program’s budget has grown. Many victims struggle to get help because they don’t know about the program or face difficult rules, and the number of people denied support has doubled since 2019.

Key Facts

  • California started the first victims’ compensation program in the U.S. in 1965 to help victims of violent crime.
  • Since 2019, CalVCB’s payouts dropped from $65 million to about $50 million in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
  • Denied applications nearly doubled from about 5,000 in 2019 to over 10,000 in 2024.
  • CalVCB’s overall budget increased from $56 million in 2019 to nearly $80 million in 2022 and stayed there.
  • Most denials happen because applicants do not submit required documents on time.
  • New application processes, introduced to handle more applicants, have resulted in more denials.
  • Some victims are unaware of the program or stop applying because of the complicated process or bad experiences with denials.
  • Rules require applicants to cooperate with police and not be on parole or probation for violent crimes, which can exclude some victims.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Abortions have increased slightly since Roe v. Wade overturning, study finds

Abortions have increased slightly since Roe v. Wade overturning, study finds

May 05, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A new study shows that the number of abortions in the United States has slightly increased since the Supreme Court ended Roe v. Wade nearly four years ago. This comes as legal fights continue over access to the abortion pill called mifepristone.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade about four years ago.
  • Since then, the total number of abortions in the U.S. has gone up slightly.
  • The abortion pill mifepristone is at the center of ongoing legal debates.
  • Alina Salganicoff, a health policy expert, spoke about the study on CBS News.
  • The study covers nationwide data on abortion numbers.
  • Roe v. Wade was a key legal ruling that previously protected abortion rights.
  • The increase in abortions is a recent development after the court decision.
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CBS News
Trump taunts Indiana ‘RINOs’ on primary day

Trump taunts Indiana ‘RINOs’ on primary day

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized some Republican state senators in Indiana on the day of the state's primary elections. He supports new Republican candidates who are running against seven state lawmakers that did not back his redrawing of voting districts last year.

Key Facts

  • The event took place on primary election day in Indiana.
  • President Trump targeted Republican state senators who opposed his redistricting plan.
  • He endorsed challengers competing against those seven lawmakers in the GOP primary.
  • Redistricting means redrawing the boundaries of voting areas.
  • The seven state lawmakers opposed Trump's efforts last year.
  • Trump’s comments coincided with Indiana voters casting their ballots.
  • The article focuses on political activity within Indiana’s Republican Party.
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The Hill
Marco Rubio gets presidential tryout in White House briefing room

Marco Rubio gets presidential tryout in White House briefing room

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Marco Rubio, who serves as Secretary of State and National Security Adviser under President Donald Trump, spoke at the White House press briefing on Tuesday. He answered questions about the Iran war and foreign policy, showing skills similar to those needed for a president.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio is the Secretary of State and National Security Adviser for President Trump.
  • He appeared in the White House press briefing room on Tuesday.
  • Rubio answered questions about the war with Iran and U.S. foreign policy.
  • His performance resembled a presidential tryout, demonstrating leadership abilities.
  • Rubio previously served 14 years as a U.S. Senator.
  • The briefing covered topics important to national security and international relations.
  • Rubio’s role in the briefing highlights his involvement in high-level government decisions.
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The Hill
Live results: Indiana holds House primary elections

Live results: Indiana holds House primary elections

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Voters in Indiana are casting their ballots in primary elections for several U.S. House seats. Incumbent Republican representatives from multiple districts are competing to secure their party’s nomination for the upcoming general election.

Key Facts

  • Indiana is holding primary elections for U.S. House seats.
  • Several incumbent Republican representatives are running for re-nomination.
  • The districts involved include the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Congressional Districts.
  • This election decides which candidates will represent the Republican party in the general election.
  • Primary elections are a step in choosing party candidates before the main election.
  • Voters in Indiana are participating in these primaries today.
  • The results will determine if current representatives keep their party’s support.
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The Hill
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Live results: Brown seeks primary nod in Ohio Senate race

Live results: Brown seeks primary nod in Ohio Senate race

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Jon Husted and former Senator Sherrod Brown are set to compete in the general election this fall for the Ohio Senate seat. Husted was appointed to the seat earlier in 2024 and has no challengers in the primary election.

Key Facts

  • Senator Jon Husted is currently holding the Ohio Senate seat.
  • Husted was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2024.
  • Husted faces no opponents in the Republican primary.
  • Sherrod Brown, a Democrat and former senator, plans to run in the general election.
  • The election is to fill the remainder of Vice President Vance’s Senate term.
  • The primary results will determine the candidates for the fall general election.
  • This race will decide who represents Ohio in the U.S. Senate for the remaining term.
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The Hill
Live results: Ramaswamy seeks GOP nod in Ohio governor’s race

Live results: Ramaswamy seeks GOP nod in Ohio governor’s race

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Vivek Ramaswamy is running in the Ohio governor primary election against Casey Putsch. Ramaswamy is expected to win and move on to face Democrat Amy Acton in the November general election.

Key Facts

  • Vivek Ramaswamy is a businessman and ran for president in 2024.
  • He is competing in the Republican primary for Ohio governor.
  • His opponent in the primary is Casey Putsch, also a business owner.
  • The primary election took place on a Tuesday.
  • Ramaswamy is likely to win the Republican nomination.
  • Amy Acton is the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor.
  • Amy Acton has no primary challenger and will be in the November general election.
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The Hill
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