Fact-first summaries of the news — stay informed, stay grounded.
Your favorite news sources, one calm feed — fact-first summaries that always link to the
original story. No outrage bait, and we tell you when you're caught up. How it works
US News
Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A new report finds that the ongoing conflict with Iran is reducing the U.S. military’s supply of missiles and other weapons. Experts say the war is using up these weapons faster than expected.
Key Facts
The conflict with Iran has been ongoing for 54 days.
The Pentagon’s stockpile of missiles is shrinking because of the fighting.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) conducted the analysis.
Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at CSIS, spoke about the issue on CBS News.
The use of munitions in this conflict is putting pressure on U.S. military resources.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fast-moving wildfires in southern Georgia have destroyed about 50 homes and forced hundreds of people to evacuate. Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, closed some roads, banned outdoor burning, and mobilized resources to fight the fires.
Key Facts
The Brantley County wildfire burned about 5,000 acres and was about 10% contained by Wednesday night.
Around 50 homes were destroyed, and about 1,000 homes remain at risk in Brantley County.
High winds and extreme drought conditions have caused many fires across the region, with 27,000 acres burning statewide.
Another large fire, the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County, burned about 16,500 acres and was also 10% contained.
Nearly 100 firefighters are working to control the Clinch County fire, and evacuations have occurred in nearby counties.
Governor Kemp issued a burn ban for 91 counties in Georgia due to dry conditions and fire risk.
FEMA resources are expected to assist the state’s firefighting efforts.
Smoke from the fires is affecting air quality and visibility in parts of metro Atlanta.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A group of Senators from both major parties introduced the “Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act” to allow people using SNAP benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chicken. This change would update a 2008 law to include hot rotisserie chicken as an approved food item for SNAP.
Key Facts
The bill is called the “Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act.”
It aims to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients buy hot rotisserie chicken.
The bill would change the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act.
It would add hot rotisserie chicken to the legal definition of food under SNAP.
Senators from both parties support the bill.
SNAP helps low-income Americans buy food.
Currently, hot prepared foods are often not covered under SNAP.
This bill would make it easier for people on SNAP to buy ready-to-eat chicken.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Virginia court blocked new congressional maps that voters had approved to help Democrats win more seats. The judge’s decision came after the Republican National Committee challenged the vote, arguing the timing and wording were illegal. Virginia’s attorney general said they will appeal the ruling.
Key Facts
Virginia voters approved new congressional maps by 51.5% to 48.5%.
The maps aimed to replace the current nonpartisan redistricting process until 2030.
Judge Jack Hurley Jr stopped the state from using the new maps after a lawsuit by the Republican National Committee.
Republicans argued the referendum’s timing and wording broke the law.
Virginia’s Attorney General Jay Jones plans to appeal the judge’s decision.
The Republican National Committee praised the ruling, saying Democrats tried to unfairly gain power.
Democrats criticized the lawsuit and expect the Virginia Supreme Court to decide in their favor.
The dispute follows efforts in other states, like Texas and California, to redraw maps favoring different political parties.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The parents of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University student who was killed last month, spoke publicly for the first time. They said they want accountability for their daughter's death and are not focused on political issues.
Key Facts
Sheridan Gorman was a student at Loyola University.
She was killed last month.
Police say the suspect is an undocumented immigrant.
The victim's parents spoke to CBS News about the tragedy.
They emphasized their desire for accountability.
They said they are not interested in political debates related to the case.
The interview was conducted by CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) with fraud. The DOJ alleges the SPLC wrongly sent millions of dollars to extremist groups, including hate organizations. The SPLC denies these claims and says the charges are politically motivated.
Key Facts
The Southern Poverty Law Center is known for fighting extremist groups like the Ku Klux Klan.
The DOJ has accused the SPLC of committing fraud.
The fraud charge involves millions of dollars allegedly sent to hate groups.
The SPLC calls the DOJ's accusations a political attack.
The SPLC is facing federal charges related to these allegations.
Jan Crawford reported this story for CBS News.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge in Virginia has stopped the state from using new congressional maps right after voters approved them. This means the new district boundaries cannot be used until the legal issues are resolved.
Key Facts
A state judge blocked the use of new congressional maps in Virginia.
The block happened one day after voters approved the new maps.
The maps determine how voting districts are shaped for elections.
The judge's decision temporarily stops the state from moving forward with the new districts.
The case likely involves legal or fairness questions about the redistricting process.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kate Fletcher, an English teacher in Virginia, has organized an annual long-distance run since 2016 to raise money for student scholarships. In one event, she ran 107 miles, helping to raise over $100,000 to support students financially.
Key Facts
Kate Fletcher teaches English at Louisa County High School in Virginia.
She started the “Lion Pride Run” in 2016 to fund scholarships for students.
The event includes running very long distances, like a 107-mile run to Jamestown.
Since starting, she has raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships.
The fundraising helps provide financial support to students for their education.
This run is held every year to continue raising funds.
The effort encourages community involvement and supports student success.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police in Memphis found the remains of three young children believed to have been in a wooded area for several years. Authorities are working to identify the children, who are between three and seven years old, and investigate how they died.
Key Facts
Human remains of multiple young children were found in a wooded area in Memphis.
The discovery started when someone found what looked like a skull while walking a dog in early March.
Police believe the remains belong to three children aged between three and seven years.
The remains have likely been at the site for several years.
No personal items were found with the remains, only bone fragments.
About 170 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI, are involved in the ongoing investigation.
Police found no recent missing children reports matching the remains, and the children might be from outside Memphis.
Officials are asking the public for information to help identify the children.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration is thinking about giving financial help to Spirit Airlines. This possible bailout is important because Spirit Airlines' future could change the prices of airline tickets for many passengers.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is considering a bailout for Spirit Airlines.
A bailout means giving money to help a company stay afloat.
Spirit Airlines is facing financial problems that threaten its future.
The situation could affect airline ticket prices across the whole industry.
Sources close to the administration have confirmed these plans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two natural gas explosions happened hours apart in two homes on the same block in north San Antonio on Tuesday night, injuring five people. Authorities are investigating the cause and why no evacuation was ordered before the second blast.
Key Facts
The first explosion occurred around 6 p.m., and the second about two hours later on the same block.
Both homes had people inside during the explosions.
Five people, including a child, were taken to hospitals with burn injuries.
A family of three was injured in the first explosion and is in stable condition.
Neighbors did not smell gas after the first explosion and were unaware of further danger.
Residents of the second home returned inside before their house exploded.
Gas and power were shut off to the area, and nearby homes were evacuated.
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to investigate the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said he will appeal a court order that stopped the certification of a redistricting referendum approved by voters. He argued that the judge should not overturn the will of Virginia voters.
Key Facts
The referendum involved changing voting district boundaries in Virginia.
Virginia voters approved the redistricting referendum in a recent election.
A court issued an injunction, which is an order stopping the referendum’s certification.
Attorney General Jay Jones is a Democrat.
Jones announced plans to appeal the court’s injunction.
He claimed the judge acted as an "activist" by blocking the voters’ choice.
The dispute centers around the legal process for approving new voting maps.
The issue affects how political districts are drawn in Virginia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Roy Cooper, a former Democratic governor of North Carolina, currently leads Republican Michael Whatley in the race for the state's open U.S. Senate seat. Prediction markets and recent polls show Cooper's chances of winning have increased significantly, making this a key and closely watched election for control of the U.S. Senate.
Key Facts
Roy Cooper is the Democratic candidate for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat.
Michael Whatley is the Republican candidate, supported by President Donald Trump.
North Carolina is considered a battleground state with a very competitive Senate race.
Prediction markets like Kalshi estimate Cooper’s chances of winning at about 87 percent.
A recent poll shows Cooper leading Whatley by about 8 percentage points among likely voters.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate; this seat could affect control of the Senate.
Historically, the party of the president loses seats in midterm elections.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A mother in Orange County, California, has been charged after her 14-year-old son allegedly hit and seriously injured an 81-year-old veteran while riding an electric motorcycle. The mother had been warned months earlier not to let her son ride the motorcycle, which he was not legally allowed to use.
Key Facts
The incident happened on April 16, 2026, when a 14-year-old boy on an electric motorcycle hit an 81-year-old veteran, who was critically injured.
The veteran is a former Marine Corps captain and substitute teacher.
The teenager rode a Surron electric motorcycle, which requires a license and registration.
The mother, Tommi Jo Mejer, was arrested and charged with child endangerment and accessory after the fact.
Mejer had previously admitted to buying her son the motorcycle and was warned by police about the legal risks.
The boy fled the scene after the accident.
The electric motorcycle can reach speeds up to 58 mph and is stronger than legal e-bikes.
The mother faces up to six years and eight months in prison if convicted.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Congress about measles outbreaks, vaccination rates, and health care programs. He defended President Donald Trump’s 2027 budget, which increases defense spending but cuts over 12% from the Health and Human Services Department, saying the cuts are needed to reduce the government’s large deficit.
Key Facts
Health Secretary RFK Jr. attended several congressional hearings over multiple days.
He addressed measles outbreaks and declining vaccination rates in the U.S.
Kennedy promoted initiatives aimed at making health care more affordable.
The hearings involved both Senate and House committees.
President Donald Trump’s 2027 budget proposes raising defense spending.
The budget reduces funding for the Department of Health and Human Services by over 12%.
Kennedy called the budget cuts “painful” but necessary to help lower the $39 trillion federal deficit.
Lawmakers from both political parties expressed concern about cuts to health programs and research.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fifteen South American migrants deported from the United States to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) say they are being pressured to return to their home countries despite safety concerns. Many had sought asylum in the US, citing risks of persecution, but are now facing difficult conditions and unfamiliar surroundings in the DRC.
Key Facts
Fifteen migrants from Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador were deported from the US to the DRC last week.
The deportations are part of a US government agreement to send some migrants to third countries.
Some of the deported individuals had applied for asylum in the US due to threats and persecution at home.
One Colombian woman reported being kidnapped, tortured, and abused before seeking asylum.
A US immigration judge had ruled that this woman faced a high risk of torture if returned to Colombia.
Deportees were shackled during a 27-hour flight to the DRC.
Migrants say they have been given no viable options other than returning to their home countries, despite fearing for their safety.
Legal advocates say this policy is intended to pressure migrants to abandon their immigration claims by placing them in unfamiliar and dangerous locations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Los Angeles Unified School District board voted to limit how much time students can spend on screens during the school year starting in 2026-2027. The policy will set daily and weekly screen time limits by grade, restrict device use during breaks for younger students, and block YouTube on school devices.
Key Facts
The resolution passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote.
LAUSD is the second-largest school district in the U.S., with over 520,000 students.
Students use Chromebooks and iPads for learning in the district.
Limits include no device use during passing periods, lunch, and recess for elementary and middle school students.
YouTube will be blocked on district devices.
The resolution cites research linking too much screen time to anxiety, depression, and lower school performance.
The new policy will start in the 2026-2027 school year, pending final approval.
This follows a 2022 California law requiring every district to limit smartphone use by July 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
US Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his position immediately, the Pentagon announced. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will take over as acting secretary while the US continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports during ongoing conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
John Phelan, US Navy Secretary, is leaving his job effective immediately.
The Pentagon announced Phelan’s departure without giving a reason.
Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran, will serve as acting secretary.
Hung Cao was nominated by President Trump and previously ran for Senate in Virginia in 2024.
Phelan was sworn in as Navy Secretary in March 2025 and had no prior military service.
The change comes amid US-Israel conflict with Iran and a US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a hotspot due to clashes and Iran seizing two ships recently.
White House supports continuing the blockade, seeing Iran as in a weak position.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rep. Cory Mills, a Republican congressman from Florida, said he will not resign amid an ethics investigation. The investigation looks into allegations of sexual misconduct and problems with his campaign finances.
Key Facts
Cory Mills is a Republican congressman from Florida.
He is facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
There are also claims of campaign finance violations against him.
The House Ethics Committee is investigating these allegations.
Mills has publicly stated he will not resign from his position.
The investigation is ongoing.
CBS News reported on the situation with correspondent Nikole Killion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
CBS News Radio is closing in May after nearly 100 years. To remember its history, CBS News shared a clip from 1932 that featured the first radio broadcast of a national political party convention, the Republican National Convention.
Key Facts
CBS News Radio will shut down in May 2024.
The network has operated for almost 100 years.
CBS News shared a clip from 1932 as a tribute.
The clip shows the first-ever radio broadcast of a national political party convention.
The convention featured in the clip is the 1932 Republican National Convention.
Major Garrett, CBS News chief Washington correspondent, introduced the clip.
The tribute is part of a show called "The Takeout."
The clip is available through the CBS News app.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
