Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.
Your favorite news sources, one neutral feed — we distill their reporting into fact-first
summaries and always link to the original story. How it works
US News
Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A Miami jury found former Florida Republican Representative David Rivera guilty of secretly lobbying for the Venezuelan government. He and his consultant broke U.S. law by not registering as foreign agents while trying to influence U.S. lawmakers.
Key Facts
David Rivera is a former Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives.
He was convicted of conspiracy and other crimes related to lobbying for Venezuela.
Rivera and his consultant, Esther Nuhfer, did not register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
FARA requires people working for foreign governments to disclose their activities in the U.S.
The lobbying campaign involved millions of dollars.
The case was decided by a federal jury in Miami.
Secret lobbying means trying to influence government officials without telling them who is behind the effort.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A jury found former Florida Congressman David Rivera guilty of working secretly to influence US officials on behalf of Venezuela without registering as a foreign agent. Rivera and his associate were involved in a campaign linked to a Venezuelan state oil company’s US subsidiary to lobby during a tense period between the US and Venezuela.
Key Facts
David Rivera served in the US Congress from 2011 to 2013.
Rivera was convicted of conspiracy, failing to register as a foreign agent, and related crimes.
He worked for a consulting firm hired by a Venezuelan state oil company’s US subsidiary for $50 million.
Rivera and his associate Esther Nuhfer were accused of secretly lobbying US officials, including Senator Marco Rubio and Kellyanne Conway.
Rubio testified he did not know about Rivera’s lobbying work.
Rivera’s defense said the lobbying targeted a US subsidiary and aimed to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, not improve relations.
The trial occurred amid strained US-Venezuela relations during President Donald Trump’s first term, which included sanctions on Venezuela.
Rivera was detained after the verdict due to concerns he might flee.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A whistleblower told House Democrats that a Justice Department lawyer pressured prosecutors to quickly file criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) despite doubts about the case. The SPLC was indicted on fraud and money laundering charges related to an informant program but denies wrongdoing, while lawmakers are now investigating the rush to indict.
Key Facts
Aakash Singh, a Justice Department lawyer, pushed for a quick indictment of the SPLC despite concerns about the case’s strength.
The SPLC faces 11 federal charges, including wire fraud and money laundering.
The charges relate to an informant program where the SPLC paid people to infiltrate extremist groups and shared information with law enforcement.
The SPLC denies all allegations and legal experts say the case appears weak.
Todd Blanche, acting US attorney general, announced the indictment and is seen as trying to impress President Trump for a permanent post.
The Justice Department claims the case was built over years, but a social media post supporting this was later deleted.
Singh reportedly told prosecutors that President Trump was their “chief client” and encouraged aggressive investigations of political opponents.
Lawyers for the SPLC have asked a court to stop the government from making statements that could harm their reputation before trial.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the Secret Service did its job during a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. He explained that the security barriers prevented the attacker from getting closer to the event.
Key Facts
A shooting happened at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
The Secret Service stopped the gunman at the second security perimeter.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised the Secret Service’s actions.
Mullin said the security setup worked as planned.
The barrier system is designed in layers to protect against threats.
The event attracted high-profile attendees, requiring strong security measures.
Officials continue reviewing security procedures after the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Antioch Police Department started a new program to help drivers with autism during traffic stops. The program uses a blue envelope containing important documents and information to help officers communicate calmly and clearly with these drivers.
Key Facts
The program provides a blue envelope for drivers with autism to keep important documents and emergency contacts.
The envelope signals to police officers that the driver may need clear communication and more patience.
It includes contact details for a support person officers can call if help is needed.
The program aims to reduce stress and improve safety during traffic stops for drivers with autism.
Police Chief Geoff Guttschow, who has an autistic son, said this program is both a professional and personal effort.
Blue envelopes are available at the Antioch Police Department for residents who might benefit from the program.
Officers are trained to recognize the envelope and adjust their approach to support positive communication.
The program was announced as Autism Awareness Month ended on May 1.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act could lead many U.S. states to redraw their congressional district maps more often than usual, possibly every few years instead of every 10. Some states, including Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina, are considering or planning new redistricting efforts that may affect upcoming elections.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made a ruling in Louisiana v. Callais that may cause states to redraw congressional maps more frequently.
Normally, redistricting happens every 10 years after the census, but the ruling could change that.
Louisiana postponed its congressional primaries to redraw maps, a move currently challenged in court.
Tennessee's governor may redraw maps to add another Republican seat in Congress.
Alabama is seeking Supreme Court review regarding its 2023 congressional map dispute, hoping to implement a map with more majority-minority districts.
Some states' redrawing efforts are tied up in lawsuits or awaiting court decisions.
Redistricting can affect which political party holds more seats by changing district boundaries.
President Donald Trump encouraged Texas Republicans to pass a new map, favoring Republicans in several states for upcoming elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Treasury Department warned American shipping companies not to pay tolls to Iran for passing through the Strait of Hormuz. They said companies could face penalties if they make these payments, as Iran is demanding tolls for ships to navigate this key waterway.
Key Facts
The Treasury Department issued a warning on Friday.
The warning targets U.S. shipping companies that pay tolls to Iran.
The tolls are demanded by Iran for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) released the advisory.
U.S. shippers could face sanctions if they pay these tolls.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important shipping route.
The advisory reflects concerns over Iran’s control of this passage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal court in New York stopped the government from ending protections for immigrants from Yemen just days before the deadline. The judge paused the decision because of ongoing dangers in Yemen, such as conflict and terrorism.
Key Facts
The court ruling protects 3,235 immigrants from Yemen who had Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
TPS allows immigrants to stay in the U.S. temporarily if it is unsafe to return to their home country.
The government planned to end Yemen’s TPS on May 4.
U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho issued a 36-page ruling to halt the termination.
The judge noted that Yemen is still very dangerous, with war, terrorism, and landmines.
The judge questioned the decision-making process of the former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The Supreme Court recently heard arguments about ending TPS for other countries, like Haiti and Syria.
The Department of Homeland Security had not yet commented on the court’s ruling.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump sent a letter to Congress saying that a ceasefire with Iran affects the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Act for military actions. He explained that the ceasefire started on April 7, 2026, and has been extended, which pauses the countdown toward the deadline.
Key Facts
President Trump informed Congress about the ceasefire with Iran.
The ceasefire began on April 7, 2026, and lasted for two weeks initially.
The ceasefire has been extended beyond the original two weeks.
The War Powers Act requires the President to limit military actions to 60 days without Congress approval.
The ceasefire period does not count toward the 60-day limit.
No fighting has taken place during the ceasefire.
Trump’s letter officially adjusts the timeline set by the War Powers Act because of the ceasefire.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Voting rights groups sued Louisiana officials to stop the state from suspending congressional primary elections after early voting had started. The suspension came after a Supreme Court ruling affected redrawing congressional districts, and the lawsuit argues that delaying elections only usually happens in emergencies, which this is not.
Key Facts
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry suspended the state’s congressional primary election after early voting had begun.
The suspension aims to redraw districts for the 2026 election following a Supreme Court decision.
The Supreme Court ruling found that a majority-nonwhite Louisiana district violated the US Constitution's equal protection rules.
Other races and constitutional amendments will continue on the ballot, but votes for the congressional race will not be counted.
The American Civil Liberties Union, along with voting rights groups like the NAACP and League of Women Voters, filed suit to block the suspension.
Plaintiffs include voters who already cast absentee ballots, saying their votes are at risk.
The lawsuit points out that election delays in Louisiana have only happened before due to emergencies like natural disasters.
A separate federal lawsuit was filed by a Democratic candidate to restore the suspended congressional primaries, citing constitutional and federal election laws.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump informed Congress that active fighting between U.S. forces and Iran has ended, noting that there has been no exchange of fire since April 7, 2026. He cited a ceasefire to argue that the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution has paused, while some lawmakers question whether the military actions comply with this law.
Key Facts
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran began on February 28, 2026, with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
President Trump notified Congress on March 2, 2026, starting a 60-day countdown under the War Powers Resolution, which limits unauthorized military action.
The War Powers Resolution requires the president to end hostilities within 60 days unless Congress approves continuing military force.
On April 7, 2026, a ceasefire was brokered, and President Trump said fighting has stopped since then.
The administration argues the ceasefire pauses the 60-day clock, but some lawmakers disagree and have raised legal and constitutional questions.
Despite the ceasefire, the U.S. maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports, which is considered a hostile act.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the military is ready to resume attacks instantly if ordered.
More than 50,000 U.S. troops remain deployed in the Middle East amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump will speak to seniors in Florida at The Villages to promote his economic plan. He will focus on his proposal to not tax Social Security benefits before the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump is addressing seniors in Florida.
The event will take place at The Villages, a large retirement community.
The speech aims to promote his economic agenda ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
A key part of his plan is to stop taxes on Social Security benefits.
The focus is on appealing to older voters who rely on Social Security.
The event is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
This effort is part of a broader campaign strategy before the upcoming elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police officers in New York responded to a domestic violence call that led to a house explosion in Queens. The officers rescued a child and others from the building, and several people, including seven officers, were treated for minor injuries.
Key Facts
Officers were called to a Queens home after a woman reported her estranged, intoxicated husband forced his way inside with a knife.
Police smelled gas and then a sudden explosion occurred as they entered the home.
Body camera footage shows officers carrying a child to safety after the blast.
The suspect’s body was found in the rubble.
Seven police officers were treated for minor burns and cuts at a hospital and have since been released.
Several other nearby people were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
NYPD Commissioner praised the officers for their bravery and quick action.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced he will raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25 percent. This decision reverses a previous trade deal between the U.S. and EU and could affect the global economy and American consumers.
Key Facts
The new 25% tariff on EU autos will start next week.
The US and EU had an earlier deal setting tariffs at 15%, lower than a previous 30% threat.
President Trump said the EU is not following the agreed trade deal but gave no detailed reasons.
He stated there would be no tariffs on EU cars made in the United States.
Germany’s auto industry leader warned that higher tariffs would hurt U.S. consumers and urged both sides to stick to the existing deal.
The US Supreme Court ruled that the President could not use national emergency powers to justify some tariffs, setting a 10% limit on EU tariffs before this announcement.
The EU expected the trade deal to save European car makers around 500 to 600 million euros each month.
The Trump administration plans to begin refunding billions of dollars in tariffs to companies due to a court order.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Keir Starmer criticized Zack Polanski for sharing a social media post that accused police of excessive force during the arrest of a stabbing suspect in Golders Green. Polanski apologized for sharing the post quickly, and police officials defended their officers’ actions as necessary during a dangerous situation.
Key Facts
Two Jewish people were stabbed in Golders Green, northwest London, and the suspect was arrested by police.
A video showed police officers detaining the suspect, with some footage appearing to show the officers kicking him near the head.
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, shared a post claiming police violently kicked a mentally ill man who was already incapacitated.
Keir Starmer said the police acted under the belief the suspect might have had an explosive device, justifying their quick actions.
Starmer said Polanski’s public criticism was unfair and called him unfit to lead a political party.
Polanski apologized for sharing the post “in haste” and invited police commissioner Mark Rowley to discuss the situation.
Police Commissioner Mark Rowley called the claim inaccurate and praised the officers’ response as extraordinary.
Political leaders from other parties also urged Polanski to apologize.
The Director of Public Prosecutions warned about a rise in antisemitic incidents and vowed to address hate crimes firmly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Graham Platner, running for the U.S. Senate seat from Maine, is withdrawing from all Democratic primary debates. He made this decision after Governor Janet Mills, his main rival, ended her campaign for the Senate seat held by Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
He is a progressive outsider and works as an oyster farmer.
Governor Janet Mills was also running for the same Senate seat.
Janet Mills stopped her Senate campaign this week.
After Mills exited, Platner decided not to participate in any upcoming primary debates.
The seat is currently held by Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Platner was expected to debate Mills before she withdrew.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said the War Powers Act, a law that requires the president to get Congress’s permission for military actions, is unconstitutional. This statement came as the conflict with Iran reached 60 days, a significant time frame under this law.
Key Facts
The War Powers Act requires presidents to get approval from Congress for military conflicts lasting more than 60 days.
The U.S. and Israel started attacks on Iran on February 28.
President Trump officially notified Congress about the military action in early March.
The Iran conflict reached the 60-day mark recently, bringing the War Powers Act deadline into focus.
President Trump questioned the legality of the War Powers Act.
The War Powers Act was created during the Vietnam War era to limit presidents’ military powers without Congress.
This issue raises questions about the balance of authority between the president and Congress over war decisions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Louisiana congressional candidate Lindsay Garcia and voter Eugene Collins sued Governor Jeff Landry to stop the suspension of the state’s House primary elections. This action followed the Supreme Court’s decision that one of Louisiana’s congressional districts was drawn unfairly to reduce Black voters’ influence.
Key Facts
Lindsay Garcia is a Democratic candidate running for Congress in Louisiana.
Eugene Collins is a voter involved in the lawsuit with Garcia.
They sued Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, to stop the suspension of primary elections.
The suspension happened after the Supreme Court ruled Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district was an unconstitutional gerrymander.
Gerrymandering means drawing voting district lines to unfairly favor one group or party.
The plaintiffs argue that the elections were already underway before the suspension.
The case concerns fairness in how voting districts are drawn and how elections proceed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly said it was wrong for President Donald Trump to ask a TV network to fire comedian Jimmy Kimmel. President Trump reacted to jokes Kimmel made about First Lady Melania Trump and called for Kimmel’s dismissal. Kelly defended Kimmel and said the president should not try to get private companies to fire people.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump asked for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired from ABC.
The call came after Kimmel made jokes about First Lady Melania Trump.
Megyn Kelly, a conservative commentator, disagreed with President Trump’s action.
Kelly said it is inappropriate for the president to call for someone to be fired by a private company.
Kelly spoke out in defense of Jimmy Kimmel.
The issue revolves around freedom of speech and the role of the president in influencing private businesses.
The incident has sparked public discussion about limits on presidential influence over media.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent poll shows that 61 percent of Americans think the military action against Iran was a mistake. Many people are concerned about the war's effects on the economy and their daily expenses.
Key Facts
61% of Americans believe attacking Iran was a mistake, while 36% support it.
The poll was conducted by Washington Post, ABC, and Ipsos.
The war against Iran began in late February and has caused thousands of deaths and higher global energy prices.
44% of people have reduced driving and 42% have cut household expenses due to higher gas prices.
People earning less than $50,000 a year reduced driving and spending even more—56% and 59%, respectively.
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are low, partly because of economic concerns linked to the war.
46% believe the attack on Iran goes against Trump’s campaign promise to avoid unnecessary wars.
80% of Republicans support the attack, but they are uncertain or divided on whether the military actions have been successful.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
