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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Michigan’s lawsuit to shut down a section of an old pipeline under the Great Lakes will stay in state court. The court said the Enbridge company waited too long to move the case to federal court.
Key Facts
The pipeline, called Line 5, has carried crude oil and natural gas liquids since 1953 between Wisconsin and Ontario.
Michigan sued Enbridge in 2019 to cancel the permission to operate a 4.5-mile section under the Straits of Mackinac, linking Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
A judge blocked the pipeline from operating in 2020, but allowed it to continue after safety steps were met.
Enbridge tried to move the case to federal court in 2021, claiming it involved U.S. and Canadian trade.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals returned the case to Michigan state court in 2024 due to missed filing deadlines by Enbridge.
There are growing concerns about the pipeline’s safety after damage to its protective coating and a boat anchor incident.
Michigan revoked the easement allowing the pipeline in 2020, and Enbridge is challenging this in another federal case.
The company plans to enclose the pipeline section in a tunnel but still needs permits from federal and state agencies.
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Michigan lawmakers are considering a proposal to ban the sale of soda and candy in public schools beyond just meal programs. The plan is part of the state's education budget and aims to improve student health by restricting sugary snacks and certain food additives on school grounds.
Key Facts
The proposed ban would extend to all school areas, including vending machines, not just meals.
It is included in Michigan's $21.5 billion education budget for fiscal year 2027.
The plan would also ban some food additives like bromated vegetable oil and titanium dioxide in school meals.
The proposal is inspired by the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative promoted by the Trump Administration.
Some Democratic lawmakers and school officials have concerns about how practical or effective the ban would be.
Many schools contract out food services, making ingredient control challenging.
Critics note that other sugary foods like baked goods are not covered by the ban.
The education budget must pass through more legislative steps before becoming law.
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Podcaster Joe Rogan said President Donald Trump was not angry with him at a recent UFC fight and that they have a friendly relationship. Rogan shared that he influenced President Trump’s executive order to speed up research on psychedelic drugs like ibogaine for mental health treatments.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan and President Trump remain on good terms despite some public disagreements.
Rogan talked to Trump about ibogaine, a psychedelic drug, and its potential medical benefits.
President Trump signed an executive order to speed up research and approval of psychedelic-based treatments.
The executive order focuses on treatments for patients with serious mental illnesses who did not respond to current therapies.
Ibogaine is still a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S., meaning it is highly restricted.
Some U.S. veterans have traveled abroad, especially to Mexico, to receive ibogaine treatment for PTSD and depression.
Small studies, including ones connected to Stanford Medicine, suggest ibogaine may help with PTSD and anxiety in veterans.
Rogan was present when President Trump signed the executive order in the Oval Office.
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Cabinet ministers have expressed worries about Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to fire Olly Robbins, the top official at the Foreign Office, after a scandal involving Peter Mandelson’s vetting. Ministers urged Starmer to avoid conflict with civil servants and keep good relations within the government.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer sacked Olly Robbins over a scandal involving Peter Mandelson’s security clearance.
Robbins was responsible for vetting Mandelson, who failed the checks but was still appointed ambassador.
Several cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, criticized the decision to sack Robbins.
Ministers warned against creating a divide between government officials and civil servants.
Robbins admitted to MPs he did not inform Downing Street about the vetting officials’ advice against Mandelson.
Starmer said Robbins made an error but praised his professionalism and integrity.
The Mandelson appointment and Robbins’ sacking raised questions about Starmer’s judgment and government stability.
Former senior officials have called for Robbins to be reinstated.
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke to the Senate about President Donald Trump's budget request. He emphasized efforts to pressure Iran by blocking its ports to limit its oil trade and revenue.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent is the U.S. Treasury Secretary.
He testified before a Senate committee about President Trump's budget request.
Bessent highlighted actions to pressure Iran's economy.
The U.S. is blocking Iranian ports to reduce Iran's oil exports.
This blockade aims to cut off Iran’s main source of money.
Bessent said Iran’s oil storage on Kharg Island will fill up.
He mentioned fragile Iranian oil wells may be forced to shut down.
The testimony is part of the broader U.S. economic and foreign policy efforts on Iran.
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Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin said that FBI Director Kash Patel is avoiding contact, possibly because of issues with heavy drinking while leading the FBI. Recent reports from Justice Department and FBI officials highlighted concerns about Patel’s alcohol use during his time in charge.
Key Facts
Rep. Jamie Raskin made comments about FBI Director Kash Patel being hard to reach.
Raskin suggested Patel might be trying to avoid contact.
Reports claim Patel consumed a lot of alcohol while leading the FBI.
These claims came from officials in the Justice Department and FBI.
The Atlantic published these accounts last week.
The story raises concerns about Patel’s behavior during his FBI leadership.
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A 78-year-old woman died in Northern California after being bitten three times by a venomous snake. She was bitten on April 8 in Redwood Valley, hospitalized, and passed away two days later, marking the third fatal snake bite in California this year.
Key Facts
The woman was bitten three times by a venomous snake on April 8 while walking in a rural part of Redwood Valley, Northern California.
She died on April 10 despite receiving hospital treatment.
This is the third fatal snake bite case in California in 2026.
Earlier deaths included a 25-year-old man bitten while mountain biking in Irvine and a 46-year-old woman bitten while hiking at Wildwood Regional Park.
Rattlesnake bite season in California typically runs from April to October.
About 7,000 to 8,000 venomous snake bites occur annually in the U.S., but only around five people die from them each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife warns that rattlesnake bites increase during the warmer months.
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The Los Angeles school board has voted to limit the use of screens in classrooms, becoming the first major U.S. district to set such rules. The new policy bans devices for first graders and younger and will restrict certain apps like YouTube on school devices starting next school year.
Key Facts
Los Angeles Unified School District serves about half a million students.
The policy requires screen-time limits based on students’ grade levels.
Students in first grade and younger are banned from using devices in class.
The district will block video streaming platforms like YouTube on school devices.
Parents can choose to opt their children out of certain digital tools.
Research cited links excessive screen time in children aged 8 to 11 to risks such as obesity, depression, and lower test scores.
The new rule follows a 2024 ban on mobile phones and social media in classrooms.
Advocates see this as a major change in how schools use technology, aiming to protect students’ well-being.
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A bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to stop sitting presidents from naming public buildings after themselves. This proposal came after President Donald Trump’s name and image were added to several federal buildings and programs during his second term, causing criticism and legal challenges.
Key Facts
The bill, H.R. 8388, was introduced by Democratic Representative Raul Ruiz of California on April 20.
It would prevent a sitting president or anyone acting for them from naming public buildings after that president.
The bill has been sent to two House committees but has not progressed or gained co-sponsors yet.
The measure responds to recent moves by President Trump’s administration to add his name to institutions like the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
These renaming efforts have led to lawsuits and bipartisan criticism for politicizing public spaces.
Other Trump-related initiatives include Trump-branded government programs and proposals to rename places and put his image on currency or Mount Rushmore, though none of these have advanced.
Critics argue that public landmarks should not be used for personal or political promotion by presidents while in office.
Similar bills were introduced after the Kennedy Center renaming controversy in late 2025 but did not pass.
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Olly Robbins testified in parliament about his decision to grant Peter Mandelson security clearance despite warnings from the official vetting agency. Robbins said he relied on an oral briefing and believed the case was "borderline," while the vetting agency had formally recommended denial due to serious concerns.
Key Facts
Olly Robbins defended his decision to approve Peter Mandelson’s security clearance.
The UK Security Vetting agency had marked Mandelson’s clearance with "red flags," recommending denial.
Robbins did not see the vetting file himself but was briefed orally by the Foreign Office security director.
Robbins described the case as "borderline," suggesting there was debate about clearance.
MPs were briefed that the official recommendation was to deny clearance due to risks.
Robbins said the Foreign Office has the authority to grant clearance, even against UKSV advice.
Some senior civil servants supported Robbins’ testimony and called for the prime minister to reinstate him.
The case raises questions about UK security clearance procedures and transparency.
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The Los Angeles Unified School District decided to limit how much time students spend using screens in classrooms. The school board says this change is based on research and aims to set a good example for other schools.
Key Facts
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) passed a rule to limit screen time in classrooms.
LAUSD is the second largest school district in the United States.
The goal is to reduce the amount of time students use technology like computers and tablets during class.
The school board refers to their decision as thoughtful and based on research.
The resolution aims to make LAUSD a leader in managing student screen use.
This policy applies to all classrooms within the district.
The decision was made by the school board.
The resolution is intended to balance technology use with other learning methods.
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Recent polls show President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are falling, especially about the economy, immigration, and the conflict with Iran. These drops could cause problems for Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections in six months.
Key Facts
Three polls show Trump’s approval ratings around 33-36%, near his lowest levels.
Only 30% approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, down from 38% in March.
76% disapprove of how Trump is managing the cost of living.
52% of Americans are less likely to support candidates who back Trump’s migrant deportation policies.
Trump’s immigration policy approval has dropped from 50% after January 2025 to 40% now.
63% of adults disapprove of Trump’s overall job performance; 83% of Republicans still approve.
67% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the war with Iran, with strong disapproval among Democrats and independents.
Most Americans (61%) say the US should not take more military action in Iran.
75% support requiring government-issued photo ID to vote; 61% want proof of citizenship included.
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The Senate voted 52-46 to start a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and end the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history. Republicans want to use a special budget process called reconciliation to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, after Democrats blocked money for these agencies since February.
Key Facts
The vote was 52 in favor and 46 against.
The goal is to reopen the DHS and end the partial government shutdown.
Democrats have blocked funding for ICE and Border Patrol since mid-February.
Democrats want policy changes after two protesters were fatally shot by federal agents.
Republicans are using budget reconciliation to try to pass the funding.
Budget reconciliation is a complex way to pass bills without needing Democratic votes.
The Senate passed a bipartisan bill to reopen the rest of DHS already.
House Republican leaders refuse to act until the Senate shows progress on ICE and Border Patrol funding.
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Matt Drudge compared President Trump's approval ratings to those of former President Jimmy Carter, highlighting a low rating of 32 percent for Trump. This comparison referred to a poll by the American Research Group.
Key Facts
Matt Drudge made a comparison between President Trump and former President Jimmy Carter.
The comparison focused on their approval ratings, specifically low points.
President Trump's approval rating was reported as 32 percent.
The source of this approval rating is a poll by the American Research Group.
Jimmy Carter's approval ratings were low during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The comparison appeared on the Drudge Report website early Wednesday morning.
The article did not provide additional context or analysis beyond the comparison.
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Lawmakers held a hearing on Capitol Hill to discuss fraud in the hospice care system. They called for more accountability and reforms to protect taxpayers and Medicare benefits from being stolen.
Key Facts
The hearing involved members of both political parties (bipartisan).
Lawmakers want answers about fraud connected to hospice care services.
The focus is on stopping misuse of tax dollars and Medicare funds.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith led the hearing.
Smith is a Republican from Missouri.
Lawmakers stated fraudsters have been operating without enough oversight.
The goal is to increase transparency and protect government healthcare programs.
The hearing took place on a Tuesday (specific date not given).
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There was a major leak at the Supreme Court, which has brought attention to how courts and politics interact. Legal reporters discussed the possible effects of this leak and the efforts to discipline lawyers connected to President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
A significant leak occurred at the Supreme Court.
The leak has raised questions about the future of the courts, which usually keep their work private.
Legal experts and reporters are analyzing how courts relate to politics.
Bar associations are working to discipline lawyers involved with President Donald Trump.
The discussion was led by legal reporters from The Hill, Ella Lee and Zach Schonfeld.
The event was presented as a live conversation to inform the public.
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President Donald Trump criticized Democrat strategist James Carville for suggesting that Democrats should add new states and increase the number of Supreme Court justices if they regain power. Carville supports making Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia states and changing the Supreme Court's size to favor Democrats.
Key Facts
President Trump called James Carville a “wacko” for his political ideas.
Carville is an 81-year-old Democratic political consultant.
Carville proposed that Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., become new states.
He also suggested increasing the number of Supreme Court justices, a process called "court packing."
These ideas aim to help Democrats gain more political power.
President Trump disagreed strongly with these suggestions.
The discussion revolves around potential political changes if Democrats win future elections.
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An independent inquiry found no proof of antisemitism at Bristol Brunel Academy after the school postponed a visit by Jewish MP Damien Egan due to safety concerns about planned protests. The school delayed the visit to protect students, staff, and the MP, not because of any political bias.
Key Facts
Damien Egan, Jewish MP for Bristol North East, was set to visit Bristol Brunel Academy (BBA) to speak about democracy.
The visit was postponed after news of a planned protest involving pro-Palestine activists.
An independent review and an Ofsted inspection found no antisemitism or political bias at the school.
The postponement was based solely on safety concerns for students, staff, and the MP.
The school did not fully follow its visitor procedures, missing some social media checks.
Recommendations include better security, clearer guidelines for political visits, and stronger cooperation with police and local authorities.
The MP’s visit was finally rescheduled and took place on February 5.
The Department for Education said antisemitic incidents in schools have more than doubled nationally since October 2023 and announced a national review to address hate in schools.
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Twenty-two towns in Massachusetts have passed local laws that stop people born after a certain date, usually January 1, 2000, from ever buying tobacco products there. These laws, called Nicotine Free Generation ordinances, raise the legal smoking age by one year each year and do not prohibit smoking itself, only sales to future generations.
Key Facts
The laws ban tobacco sales to anyone born after a specific cutoff date, most commonly January 1, 2000.
These laws do not make smoking illegal or criminalize possession of cigarettes.
The movement started in Brookline, Massachusetts, which passed the first law in 2020.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in 2024 that towns have the legal right to pass such laws.
As of March 2026, 22 Massachusetts towns with over 600,000 people have adopted these ordinances.
This approach differs from the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill that bans tobacco sales to those born on or after January 1, 2009.
The local laws increase the legal purchase age by one year every year, making smoking tobacco products illegal to buy for future generations.
Smoking rules in the US vary by state, with many states banning smoking in certain workplaces, but no other places matching this generation-based sales ban.
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Several scientists and workers connected to advanced U.S. research, including a retired Air Force general and a NASA engineer, have gone missing in recent months. The FBI, Department of Energy, Department of War, and other agencies are investigating these disappearances, but no confirmed links between the cases have been announced.
Key Facts
Retired Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland was last seen on February 27 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Monica Reza, a NASA aerospace engineer, disappeared while hiking in California on June 22, 2025.
Anthony Chavez, a retired engineer from Los Alamos National Laboratory, was last seen on May 8, 2025, in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Melissa Casias, who had security clearance at Los Alamos Lab, went missing in June 2025 in New Mexico.
Steven Garcia, a government contractor at the Kansas City National Security Campus, was last seen on August 28, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The House Oversight Committee has requested information about people linked to U.S. nuclear secrets and rocket technology who have died or vanished recently.
President Donald Trump described the situation as serious but hoped the cases were coincidental.
NASA said it is cooperating with agencies and sees no current national security threat related to the disappearances.
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