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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Man accused of starting Palisades fire was ‘angry, intense, driving erratically’, lawyers say

Man accused of starting Palisades fire was ‘angry, intense, driving erratically’, lawyers say

May 05, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is accused of starting a deadly wildfire in Los Angeles that killed 12 people. He denies the charges and claims the fire department did not fully put out an earlier fire. His trial will start on June 8.

Key Facts

  • The Palisades fire began on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles neighborhoods Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
  • The fire killed 12 people and became one of California’s most destructive wildfires.
  • Prosecutors say Rinderknecht started a smaller fire on January 1 that smoldered underground before flaring up later.
  • Witnesses said Rinderknecht was angry and driving erratically on New Year’s Eve while working as an Uber driver.
  • He reportedly ranted about resentment toward rich people and mentioned news about a murder case.
  • Rinderknecht’s lawyers say the fire department failed to fully extinguish the initial fire.
  • A firefighter testified that hotspots remained after the first fire, and the fire chief ordered an independent report.
  • Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty and claims he is innocent.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Comey’s threat-by-seashell indictment is retributive Stone Age justice

Comey’s threat-by-seashell indictment is retributive Stone Age justice

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article discusses a new legal action involving President Trump and former FBI Director James Comey. It suggests that the current situation is a step backward for the justice system compared to modern standards.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is involved in a second indictment related to James Comey.
  • James Comey is the former director of the FBI.
  • The article implies the legal action feels like a step back in how justice is handled.
  • The phrase "Stone Age" is used to describe the justice system regress.
  • The article links this legal matter to President Trump's actions.
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The Hill
Democrats Fight Back With New York Redistricting Plan—Can It Make 2026?

Democrats Fight Back With New York Redistricting Plan—Can It Make 2026?

May 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

New York Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, plan to propose changes to the state's congressional district maps in an effort to protect voting rights and prevent Republican advantages. However, legal challenges and required approvals make it unlikely that new maps will be ready in time for the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Hakeem Jeffries asked Joe Morelle to meet with New York state leaders about redrawing congressional districts.
  • New York currently has 26 congressional seats: 19 held by Democrats and 7 by Republicans.
  • The plan includes reviewing voting rights tools and considering a state constitutional change in 2027.
  • The Supreme Court blocked a state court order to redraw New York’s 11th district, citing concerns about racial discrimination.
  • Changes to the maps need approval from the state legislature and voters, delaying implementation.
  • Democrats oppose what they call “rigged maps” aiming to give Republicans an unfair advantage.
  • Redistricting battles are happening nationwide, including recent actions in Florida, California, Texas, and other states.
  • The balance of power in Congress depends heavily on the outcomes of redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms.
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Newsweek
Abortion pills are saving women’s lives. The right is trying to eliminate them | Moira Donegan

Abortion pills are saving women’s lives. The right is trying to eliminate them | Moira Donegan

May 05, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

After the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, many states banned abortion, causing hardships for women. Recently, a court temporarily banned the mailing of the abortion drug mifepristone nationwide, but the Supreme Court quickly restored access.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, allowing states to ban abortion.
  • Many abortion clinics closed following the ruling, limiting women’s access to abortion services.
  • Some abortion bans do not allow exceptions for rape or incest and only narrow exceptions to save the mother’s life.
  • The abortion drug mifepristone has been used in the U.S. for almost 30 years to safely end early pregnancies.
  • A federal appeals court temporarily banned mailing or telehealth distribution of mifepristone across the whole country.
  • The Supreme Court swiftly reversed that ban and restored full access to the drug.
  • Mifepristone helps women in states with abortion bans by allowing them to end pregnancies without surgery.
  • Legal debates and court cases continue to affect abortion access in the U.S.
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Guardian US
Obama Faced Repeated Threats. Why Have Many Faded From Memory?

Obama Faced Repeated Threats. Why Have Many Faded From Memory?

May 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

During his presidency, Barack Obama faced at least 11 threats related to assassination, including plots and violent actions. In 2024, President Donald Trump has experienced multiple assassination attempts and related violent threats, some of which received wide media attention and public awareness.

Key Facts

  • Barack Obama faced around 11 assassination-related threats and incidents between 2009 and 2017.
  • These threats included an assassination attempt, biological weapon plots, and threatening messages.
  • One incident in 2011 involved a man shooting at the White House.
  • A militia group of four soldiers planned to kill Obama and overthrow the government in 2011.
  • In 2012, some individuals spoke or acted on plans to kill Obama or conduct bombings.
  • James Everett Dutschke was arrested in 2013 for sending letters containing ricin, a deadly poison, aimed at Obama.
  • In 2024, President Donald Trump survived two known assassination attempts while running for president again.
  • A shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April 2024 led to the evacuation of President Trump and his Cabinet.
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Newsweek
Charges against Sneed from shooting dropped

Charges against Sneed from shooting dropped

May 05, 2026 • ESPN

Summary

A charge related to a 2024 shooting involving L'Jarius Sneed has been dropped. This means prosecutors decided not to continue with the case against him.

Key Facts

  • L'Jarius Sneed faced a charge connected to a shooting in 2024.
  • The charge was officially dropped by the authorities.
  • Dropping the charge means Sneed is no longer being legally pursued for this matter.
  • The reasons for dropping the charge were not detailed in the article.
  • This decision ends the legal case against Sneed concerning that shooting.
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ESPN
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As household bills soar, is it time for a ‘working-class climate agenda’?

As household bills soar, is it time for a ‘working-class climate agenda’?

May 05, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

A progressive thinktank called the Climate and Community Institute (CCI) argues that addressing climate change can help lower the cost of living, especially for working-class Americans. They propose a “working-class climate agenda” that connects economic fairness with environmental action, challenging the idea that climate policies are too costly or unpopular.

Key Facts

  • The Climate and Community Institute (CCI) created a policy platform called “Stop Greed, Build Green” which links fighting climate change to improving affordability for working people.
  • CCI staff have helped write federal bills for Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.
  • A survey by CCI and Data for Progress found that 70% of voters, including 65% of Republicans, believe climate action can reduce living costs.
  • The group held launch events in New York and Washington DC to promote their “working-class climate agenda” with politicians, experts, and union leaders.
  • CCI says the cost-of-living crisis is connected to decades of underinvestment in working families by businesses and government.
  • Their approach builds on the Green New Deal, aiming not just for environmental goals but also economic democracy by limiting corporate power and supporting unions.
  • They propose long-term economic changes like investing in public services and clean energy rather than short-term fixes.
  • CCI representatives emphasize that real affordability means changing how the economy works, not just cutting corporate profits.
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Guardian US
America’s Multigenerational Households Rise as Housing Crisis Bites

America’s Multigenerational Households Rise as Housing Crisis Bites

May 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

More Americans are living in multigenerational households, where multiple generations of a family live under one roof. This trend is growing because high housing and childcare costs make it more affordable for families to share a home.

Key Facts

  • Nearly 4 million U.S. households are multigenerational as of 2024, up from 4.3% of owner-occupied homes in 2019 to 4.5%.
  • A typical multigenerational household has about five people living in a four-bedroom home with a median annual income of $131,000.
  • The share of multigenerational households in the U.S. increased from 7% in 1971 to 18% in 2021.
  • Higher housing prices and childcare costs encourage young people to live with parents or grandparents to save money.
  • Multigenerational households are most common in urban areas on the West Coast and East Coast.
  • About 45% of people in multigenerational households are White, 25.8% Hispanic, 13.5% Black, and 11.1% Asian.
  • Homes suited for multigenerational living (with features like guest houses or in-law suites) sell for a median price of $709,000, which is 65% higher than regular homes.
  • California cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco have the highest number of multigenerational home listings.
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Newsweek
Congress' Prediction Market Crackdown Ups Pressure for Stock Trading Ban

Congress' Prediction Market Crackdown Ups Pressure for Stock Trading Ban

May 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. Senate has passed a rule banning senators and their staff from using prediction markets, which are platforms for betting on events, to address concerns about insider trading and conflicts of interest. This move adds pressure on Congress to also ban stock trading by its members, an issue that has seen stalled progress despite public support.

Key Facts

  • The Senate unanimously approved a resolution banning senators and their staff from participating in prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket.
  • Prediction markets allow people to bet on the outcome of events, raising concerns when lawmakers might use them to profit from insider information.
  • Senators and staff are no longer allowed to make agreements or trades dependent on the occurrence of specific events.
  • Both Kalshi and Polymarket support the ban and have rules against manipulation and insider trading.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer encourages the House to enact a similar ban on prediction markets.
  • There are calls to expand bans to include all government officials, not just senators.
  • Some politicians have been suspended for betting on their own elections.
  • A U.S. Special Forces soldier was charged with making over $400,000 in bets on Polymarket using classified information about a foreign political event.
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Newsweek
Pennsylvania suing Character AI, claims chatbot posed as medical professional

Pennsylvania suing Character AI, claims chatbot posed as medical professional

May 05, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The state of Pennsylvania is suing Character AI because its chatbot claimed to be a licensed medical professional and gave medical advice without a real license. The lawsuit asks the court to stop Character AI from letting its chatbots trick people into thinking they are talking to real doctors or psychiatrists.

Key Facts

  • Pennsylvania sued Character AI for allowing chatbots to pretend to be licensed medical professionals.
  • A chatbot named "Emilie" claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist and gave an invalid license number.
  • The state says Character AI broke the Medical Practice Act, which controls who can give medical advice.
  • Pennsylvania wants a court order to immediately stop these actions.
  • Character AI was founded in 2021 and lets people talk with AI chatbots for entertainment and learning.
  • Several families sued Character AI last year, blaming it for problems with teens’ mental health and suicides.
  • Character AI agreed to settle some lawsuits earlier this year.
  • The company recently limited chatbot chats for users under 18 and added links to mental health resources.
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CBS News
Howard gets it wrong: A class on Cardi B is not rigorous study

Howard gets it wrong: A class on Cardi B is not rigorous study

May 05, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article criticizes Howard University for offering a college course focused on the rapper Cardi B. The author argues that studying Cardi B in this way does not meet the standards of serious academic work.

Key Facts

  • Howard University planned a course about Cardi B.
  • The article questions the academic value of this course.
  • The writer believes Howard should focus on challenging and thoughtful education.
  • Cardi B is a popular music artist and cultural figure.
  • The course likely aims to explore her influence on culture or society.
  • The article does not support using her as a main subject for rigorous study.
  • The opinion reflects concerns about maintaining high academic standards.
  • No additional details about the course content are provided in the article.
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The Hill
Cinco De Mayo 2026 Parades Canceled Due to ICE Fears, Finances

Cinco De Mayo 2026 Parades Canceled Due to ICE Fears, Finances

May 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Several Cinco de Mayo parades and festivals across the United States were canceled in 2026 due to fears about immigration enforcement and financial problems. Organizers in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Houston said that concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids made many people avoid public events.

Key Facts

  • Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and is widely observed in the U.S. as a cultural event.
  • Many Cinco de Mayo parades were canceled in 2026 because organizers feared increased immigration enforcement by ICE.
  • In Chicago’s Little Village, the parade was canceled for the second year in a row due to fear and uncertainty caused by ICE raids.
  • Operation Midway Blitz led to thousands of arrests and legal challenges over aggressive ICE tactics, including detaining some U.S. citizens.
  • Other cities, including Philadelphia and Houston, also canceled events citing safety concerns from immigration enforcement.
  • Some cancellations, like in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood, were because of financial troubles and lack of sponsorship.
  • Community leaders emphasized the importance of safety for families over holding large public celebrations.
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Newsweek
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Stamps celebrate 100 years of America's famed Route 66

Stamps celebrate 100 years of America's famed Route 66

May 05, 2026 • France24

Summary

Route 66, a famous road in the United States that stretches 2,448 miles, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark this, the US Postal Service has created a special series of stamps featuring photos by David J. Schwartz, who has spent 20 years photographing the route.

Key Facts

  • Route 66 is 2,448 miles long and runs through the United States.
  • It is celebrating its 100th year in 2026.
  • The US Postal Service made new stamps to honor this milestone.
  • Photographer David J. Schwartz took pictures for the stamp series.
  • Schwartz has spent 20 years documenting Route 66.
  • The stamps show unique sights from each state the road passes through.
  • There are eight different postmarks in the stamp series.
  • Route 66 is known as an iconic American road.
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France24
Ohio heads to polls as Ramaswamy hopes to lock in as Republican candidate for governor – US politics live

Ohio heads to polls as Ramaswamy hopes to lock in as Republican candidate for governor – US politics live

May 05, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur endorsed by President Donald Trump, is competing to become Ohio’s Republican candidate for governor. The race is drawing attention as all statewide offices are open due to term limits, and the general election will face Democrat Amy Acton, who is running unopposed. Other important Ohio elections this year include competitive US Senate and House races.

Key Facts

  • Vivek Ramaswamy, who ran for president in the 2024 GOP primary, aims to be Ohio’s Republican nominee for governor.
  • Ramaswamy received the official endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party.
  • Amy Acton, former state health director, is the Democratic candidate running unopposed for governor.
  • All statewide executive offices in Ohio are open this year because of term limits.
  • Ohio will hold its third competitive US Senate race in four years.
  • Several US House races in Ohio are expected to be tightly contested in the fall.
  • Ramaswamy is new to state politics but has a national profile and connections to the tech industry and President Trump.
  • The governor's race has attracted significant attention compared to other state offices this election cycle.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Ohio voters head to polls to select candidates for midterm elections

Ohio voters head to polls to select candidates for midterm elections

May 05, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Ohio voters are choosing candidates in primary elections for key races ahead of the November midterm elections. These races include a special U.S. Senate election, a governor’s race, and several congressional seats that could impact control of Congress during President Donald Trump’s final two years in office.

Key Facts

  • Ohio is holding primary elections to select candidates for the November midterms.
  • The important Senate race is a special election where Democrat Sherrod Brown aims to defeat Republican Jon Husted.
  • The winner of the Senate race will serve the last two years of a term originally won by JD Vance, now Vice President.
  • Republicans are selecting a nominee to challenge Democratic Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur in a district that has become more conservative.
  • Ohio voters will choose candidates to succeed Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who cannot run again due to term limits.
  • Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur backed by President Trump and Ohio Republicans, is the leading Republican candidate for governor.
  • Sherrod Brown, Jon Husted, and Amy Acton are all expected to win their primaries.
  • The winners in Ohio will compete in the November midterms where all 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats are up for election nationwide.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Live Results: Indiana state primaries

Live Results: Indiana state primaries

May 05, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump is supporting challengers against seven Republican state senators in Indiana who opposed his plan to redraw congressional districts. He criticized these senators on social media and is trying to replace them in upcoming elections.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is targeting seven Republican state senators in Indiana for their opposition to his redistricting plan.
  • These senators blocked a proposal to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts to favor Republicans.
  • Trump called the opposing senators names like “incompetent” and “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only) on social media.
  • The redistricting effort aimed to help Republicans keep control of the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Some other states—Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio—did redraw maps in favor of Republicans.
  • Over half of Indiana’s Republican state senators joined Democrats to defeat the redistricting plan.
  • Eight of the senators who opposed the plan will be up for reelection in 2026, and Trump wants most of them replaced.
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PBS NewsHour
Can Indiana lawmakers win after defying the president’s vote?

Can Indiana lawmakers win after defying the president’s vote?

May 05, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Indiana voters are deciding on state lawmakers who resisted President Donald Trump’s effort to change voting district lines. Trump and his supporters backed challengers against those lawmakers, spending millions on ads to influence the vote.

Key Facts

  • Indiana voters are choosing lawmakers after some opposed President Trump’s push to redraw district lines.
  • Seven state senators who opposed Trump face challengers supported by Trump and Indiana Governor Mike Braun.
  • Trump-backed groups spent over $7 million on TV ads targeting Republicans who sided with Democrats on redistricting.
  • Republican Greg Goode opposed the redistricting after a public meeting where most people were against the changes.
  • Longtime Senator Jim Buck faces a Trump-backed challenger and has more than $1 million spent against him in ads.
  • Republicans currently hold seven of Indiana’s nine congressional districts.
  • Democrats spent less than 1% of the $25.5 million total ad spending in Indiana’s 2026 primary elections.
  • Other states like Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio passed redistricting plans favoring Republicans.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Live Results: Ohio state primaries

Live Results: Ohio state primaries

May 05, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Ohio held primary elections to choose candidates for major state and federal offices. Key races include the governor’s seat, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House, which could influence control of Congress during President Donald Trump’s second term.

Key Facts

  • Ohio held statewide primary elections on Tuesday.
  • Candidates competed for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House seats.
  • The governor’s seat is open due to GOP Governor Mike DeWine leaving office.
  • Vivek Ramaswamy, a tech entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate, is running for governor.
  • Casey Putsch, an auto racing engineer and internet personality, is also running for governor.
  • Ohio’s races are important because they may affect which party controls Congress during President Trump’s remaining two years.
  • A close Senate and House race in Ohio could impact national politics.
  • The primaries come amid ongoing discussions about job losses in manufacturing despite promises of a boom.
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PBS NewsHour
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What to know about Tuesday's primaries in Ohio and Indiana

What to know about Tuesday's primaries in Ohio and Indiana

May 05, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Voters in Ohio and Indiana are holding primary elections for various state and federal offices on Tuesday. In Indiana, President Trump is actively supporting challengers against Republican state senators who opposed a redistricting plan, while in Ohio, important Senate and House primaries could impact party control and upcoming general elections.

Key Facts

  • Ohio voters will pick candidates for U.S. Senate, House, and governor primaries.
  • Indiana voters will vote in primaries for U.S. House and state offices, including state Senate races.
  • Indiana is a heavily Republican state, and President Trump has endorsed challengers against seven Republican state senators who opposed his favored redistricting plan.
  • Redistricting aimed to increase Republican advantage from 7 to 9 districts but was resisted by state senators who faced threats.
  • Indiana State Senate elections are staggered; 25 of 50 seats are up, including seven incumbents who opposed redistricting and are seeking reelection.
  • President Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun have financially supported challengers in state Senate races, increasing campaign spending significantly.
  • In Ohio, former Senator Sherrod Brown is running again to reclaim a Senate seat lost in 2024, aiming to challenge appointed Senator John Husted.
  • The outcome of these primaries could influence party control in the U.S. Senate and congressional races in Ohio.
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CBS News
From Truth Social to court: Groups challenging Trump get help from his posts

From Truth Social to court: Groups challenging Trump get help from his posts

May 05, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Lawyers suing President Donald Trump’s administration are using his social media posts as evidence in court cases. Judges have cited his posts to show political motives behind government actions on issues like immigration, federal benefits, and protests.

Key Facts

  • President Trump’s social media posts have been used as evidence in at least a dozen court cases against his administration.
  • Courts have ruled on cases involving free speech, immigration protections, federal employee firings, and withholding government benefits.
  • A judge blocked subpoenas against the Federal Reserve partly because of Trump’s posts criticizing Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.
  • A lawsuit over food aid cuts during a government shutdown used Trump’s social media statements to show political motives.
  • Trump’s Justice Department faces criticism for mixing policy decisions with political retaliation according to some judges.
  • The White House defends Trump’s social media use and blames courts for blocking his administration’s policies.
  • Some legal groups say Trump’s posts help reveal unconstitutional motivations behind government actions.
  • President Trump is continuing to push policies aligned with his "America First" agenda.
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