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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
The death of Representative David Scott, age 80, has raised concerns among Democrats about the party’s older leaders and how their age and health affect their ability to serve. His passing reduces the Democratic vote in the House during a closely divided Congress, prompting calls for younger candidates to take over.
Key Facts
Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) died at age 80 after serving more than 20 years in Congress.
Scott’s health had been a concern, leading to his removal as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee in 2024.
He was running for reelection, facing younger and well-funded challengers in the Democratic primary.
Scott is the eighth House member to die in office in the last two years; seven of them were Democrats aged 70 or older.
Democrats hold 212 House seats, while Republicans have 218, making every vote crucial.
The death comes shortly after Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) resigned amid allegations of misusing COVID aid funds.
Some Democrats express that older members should consider stepping down if they cannot fully perform their duties.
Others argue that age alone should not be a disqualifier and mention several prominent older Democrats currently serving.
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The Pentagon announced that John Phelan, the secretary of the navy, is leaving his position immediately, with the navy undersecretary, Hung Cao, stepping in as acting secretary. This change happens amid increased tensions involving the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and other upheavals within the Pentagon’s leadership.
Key Facts
John Phelan, the navy’s top civilian official, is leaving his job immediately.
Hung Cao, the navy undersecretary, will become acting secretary of the navy.
The Pentagon did not give a reason for Phelan’s sudden departure.
The U.S. navy has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports amid a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war.
Iranian forces seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil supply.
The Pentagon recently fired other top military leaders including the army’s chief, Gen Randy George.
Polls show President Trump’s approval ratings slipping in areas like the economy, immigration, and the Iran conflict.
The White House is working on a possible $500 million loan package to help Spirit Airlines amid rising fuel costs.
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Deisy Fidelina Rivera Ortega, the wife of an active-duty U.S. Army sergeant, was detained during a routine immigration interview and faces deportation to Mexico. She was initially told she would be released but was later informed she would be deported instead, despite holding a valid work permit.
Key Facts
Rivera Ortega was arrested on April 14 in El Paso during an immigration interview related to "Parole in Place," a program for undocumented military family members.
She is married to Sgt. 1st Class Jose Serrano, who has served 27 years in the U.S. Army and been deployed to Afghanistan three times.
Rivera Ortega has a valid work permit through 2030 and had previously been granted withholding of removal from El Salvador.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said she has a final order of removal issued in 2019 and was convicted for illegal entry.
Rivera Ortega and her attorney say she is entitled to a credible fear interview, which screens for risks if deported.
Her lawyer filed legal motions to try to stop her deportation and get her released.
Sgt. Serrano reports that his wife leads a normal life, working and attending church.
Serrano is undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and has been affected by his wife’s detention.
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President Donald Trump claimed without proof that the recent Virginia vote to redraw congressional districts was rigged. A judge blocked the new map, saying the process did not follow the proper rules, and legal challenges to the vote are ongoing.
Key Facts
Virginia voters approved a redistricting plan favoring Democrats, potentially helping them win up to four Republican House seats.
President Trump called the election "rigged" and blamed mail-in ballots without providing evidence.
A Virginia county judge blocked the new map due to issues with the constitutional amendment process and misleading ballot language.
Virginia’s Attorney General plans to appeal the judge’s order to allow certification of the vote results.
The Supreme Court of Virginia allowed the referendum but may later invalidate it.
The Republican National Committee sued to block the new map.
The redistricting fight is part of a larger national effort to influence control of the House before midterm elections.
President Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on election results he disagrees with, despite no proof of widespread fraud found by courts or election officials.
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Police are searching for a man who left a baby girl alone in a stroller in Times Square just before midnight. The baby appeared to be safe and unharmed when found.
Key Facts
A baby girl was abandoned in a stroller in Times Square before midnight.
Police found the baby unharmed.
Authorities have started a search for the man who left the baby.
The incident occurred on April 22, 2026.
Times Square is a busy area in New York City.
The police are actively investigating the situation.
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The Senate is holding many votes to approve a plan by Republicans to fund immigration agencies, including ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection, without Democratic support. This plan uses a special budget process that requires only a simple majority and aims to fund these agencies through most of President Trump's current term.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans introduced a budget plan to fund immigration enforcement agencies for over three years.
The funding would come through a process called budget reconciliation, needing only a simple Senate majority.
The budget resolution could allow spending up to $70 billion for ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection.
Democrats oppose the plan, demanding reforms to immigration enforcement before funding the agencies.
A "vote-a-rama" began, where senators can propose unlimited changes and vote repeatedly.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will offer many amendments to oppose the GOP plan.
DHS funding stalled after deadly shootings by federal agents and failed talks on reforms.
The Department of Homeland Security is currently shut down, with President Trump ordering temporary pay for workers.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune hopes the House will approve DHS funding soon to avoid the agencies running out of money.
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A Boston Globe reporter named Emily Sweeney became popular on the internet because of her strong Boston accent. She talked about her experience going viral while appearing on "The Daily Report."
Key Facts
Emily Sweeney is a reporter for the Boston Globe.
She has a strong Boston accent that people noticed online.
A video of her speaking went viral on the internet.
She appeared on a show called "The Daily Report" to discuss this attention.
The Boston accent was described as "wicked cool" in the coverage.
The story was shared by CBS News and is available on their app.
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The U.S. Justice Department has filed almost a dozen federal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center. These charges include fraud and are being explained by CBS News legal expert Jessica Levinson.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is charging the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
There are nearly 12 federal charges in total.
One of the main charges is fraud. Fraud means cheating or lying to gain money or benefits.
CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson is providing an explanation of the charges.
The news coverage is available on the CBS News app and website.
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a well-known organization, often involved in civil rights work.
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The Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division has asked all U.S. attorney offices to assign a local prosecutor to support a new Washington-based fraud office. This move aims to help fight fraud across the country more effectively by using local prosecutors who know their districts well.
Key Facts
Each U.S. attorney's office must assign one prosecutor to the new fraud division starting July 1.
These prosecutors cannot take on new cases without approval from the fraud division.
The new fraud division was created to focus on criminal fraud in areas like health care, taxes, benefits, and corporations.
The Justice Department is offering $300 million in grants to state and local governments to hire prosecutors who will help with fraud cases, especially involving public benefits and people living in the U.S. illegally.
The Justice Department is facing staff shortages due to many departures and hiring challenges.
The Trump administration has focused on fraud investigations related to government benefit programs in states like Minnesota and California.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the new fraud division will combine several offices that handle criminal fraud cases.
The division may accept criminal referrals from the White House, which is a change from past practice designed to avoid political influence in criminal investigations.
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About 135,000 families in England are living in temporary homes, many in poor conditions with problems like mould and overcrowding. These conditions have caused health issues such as skin rashes, breathing problems, and sleep difficulties, especially in children. A government report calls for stronger housing rules and better inspections to improve these homes.
Key Facts
Around 135,000 families, including about 176,000 children, live in temporary housing in England.
Many temporary homes have mould, damp, pests, and overcrowding issues.
A baby developed skin rashes linked to mould and damp in her flat.
Another child experienced hearing loss and sleep apnea due to poor housing conditions.
Councils sometimes place families outside their local areas due to high housing demand.
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee calls for updated laws and mandatory inspections.
Awaab’s Law requires urgent repairs of serious hazards in social housing within 24 hours.
The law was named after a child who died from mould exposure in poor housing.
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California prisons are using a program where inmates take care of puppies being trained as service dogs. This effort aims to help inmates learn responsibility and prepare for life after prison, as most prisoners will return to their communities.
Key Facts
96% of people in prison will eventually return to their communities.
California prisons have started programs where inmates raise puppies.
The puppies are trained to become service dogs for people with disabilities.
Inmates take care of the dogs as part of their rehabilitation.
This program helps inmates develop skills like responsibility and empathy.
The goal is to reduce reoffending by supporting inmates' personal growth.
The program runs inside certain California prison facilities.
CBS News Bay Area reported on this rehabilitation effort.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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