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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Kalshi, a prediction market platform, has penalized three U.S. political candidates for betting on their own election outcomes, which is considered insider trading. Each candidate received fines and was suspended from the platform for five years as part of new enforcement measures.
Key Facts
Kalshi punished three U.S. political candidates for betting on their own election races.
The candidates involved were from Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district, Texas’s 21st congressional district, and Virginia’s U.S. Senate primary.
Fines ranged from about $540 to over $6,200, and all three candidates were suspended from Kalshi for five years.
Kalshi took these actions after introducing new safeguards to detect illegal trading on their platform.
Prediction markets let people bet on various events, including politics, but concerns exist about insider trading on these sites.
Senators and Representatives have proposed legislation to regulate prediction markets better due to worries about misuse and unfair advantages.
Some lawmakers link insider trading on these platforms to information leaks from the government, including claims about White House involvement.
The federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission currently oversees these markets, but some states want local rules too.
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The Trump administration is planning to reorganize the National Weather Service (NWS) and change how weather forecasts are done. A union leader says these changes might lead to cuts in staff at local Weather Forecast Offices.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service provides local weather forecasts and severe weather warnings.
The Trump administration is making changes to the NWS’s structure and forecasting methods.
These changes are part of a reorganization effort.
A union official warned that staff reductions could happen as a result.
The staff affected work at Weather Forecast Offices around the country.
Employees at these offices have been informed about potential staffing changes.
The goal of the reorganization is not fully detailed in the article.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that stops local governments from funding or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The law allows residents to sue local officials who support DEI and can remove officials from office if they violate the law. DeSantis also signed a law banning climate change initiatives at the local level.
Key Facts
The new law prohibits local Florida governments from spending money on DEI programs.
Residents can sue local governments if they break this law.
Local officials funding DEI initiatives can be removed from office.
DeSantis said white men and Asian American students were discriminated against by DEI programs.
The law is part of DeSantis’ ongoing efforts against DEI, after similar laws for public universities in 2023.
DeSantis called DEI an “ideological construct” harming certain groups.
Another law signed bans local governments from requiring businesses to pay carbon taxes or promoting climate change policies.
DeSantis described climate sustainability plans in some counties as “radical” and said the new law stops these efforts.
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Senate Republicans voted against a Democratic proposal that would stop President Trump from continuing military actions against Iran. This was the fifth time Senate Republicans blocked efforts to end the military operations.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans mostly voted together to defeat the resolution.
The resolution was sponsored by Democrats.
The resolution aimed to stop President Trump’s military actions against Iran.
The Senate voted 46 in favor and 51 against the motion to move the resolution forward.
This is the fifth time Republicans have blocked a similar resolution.
The vote was on a war powers resolution, which involves Congress’s authority over military actions.
The resolution did not pass, so military operations can continue.
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Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that is expected to favor Democrats with a 10-to-1 advantage. This map redraws the boundaries for congressional districts in the state.
Key Facts
Virginia recently approved a new congressional district map.
The new map is expected to give Democrats a strong advantage, about 10 districts to 1.
Congressional maps determine the boundaries that decide which areas elect which representatives.
Redistricting happens regularly to reflect population changes.
This change could impact the balance of political power in Virginia’s U.S. House representatives.
The approval was decided by voters in the state.
Political analysts are examining what this means for future elections in Virginia.
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Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina spoke about the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, saying it is difficult to clearly know the current situation. He commented during an interview 53 days after the U.S. began military actions related to the conflict.
Key Facts
The U.S. started military action involving Iran 53 days ago.
Senator Thom Tillis is a Republican from North Carolina.
He discussed the conflict in an interview on "The Takeout."
Tillis said it is hard to know exactly where the U.S. stands in the conflict right now.
The interview aired on CBS News.
The topic is related to U.S. military and foreign policy.
No new specific developments or outcomes were detailed in the comments.
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Deb Haaland is currently leading the Democratic race for governor of New Mexico, according to a recent poll. The survey shows that about 40% of Democratic primary voters support her.
Key Facts
Deb Haaland is the former U.S. Interior Secretary.
She is running in the Democratic primary for New Mexico governor.
An Emerson College Polling/KRQE News 13 poll measured voter support.
Around 40% of Democratic primary voters back Haaland.
Haaland has a background as a Democratic lawmaker.
She served in the Biden administration overseeing conservation of public lands.
The poll reflects current voter preferences for the governor’s race.
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John Phelan has left his job as Navy Secretary immediately. The Undersecretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, will take over temporarily as the Navy’s civilian leader.
Key Facts
John Phelan stepped down as Navy Secretary right away.
Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesman, announced the change.
Hung Cao, the Undersecretary of the Navy, is now acting Navy Secretary.
This is part of several recent high-level departures in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Other military leaders, including the Army Chief of Staff and head of Southern Command, have also left recently.
Three Cabinet secretaries have left since last month, including Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The Navy is important in current U.S.-Iran tensions and enforces a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
President Donald Trump suggested that Navy ships could escort oil tankers in a key shipping area called the Strait of Hormuz.
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President Donald Trump claimed without evidence that the recent Virginia redistricting election was unfair and rigged. Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that may help Democrats gain up to four House seats, potentially affecting control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that could give Democrats four more House seats.
President Trump said the election was "rigged" but provided no proof of fraud.
The redrawing of voting districts happens after population counts, usually every ten years.
Redistricting can influence which party wins elections; it is illegal only if done based on race.
The current House balance is 217 Republicans, 212 Democrats, and one independent.
Midterm elections often reduce the number of seats held by the sitting president’s party.
Governor Abigail Spanberger said Virginians rejected Trump’s claims and voted fairly.
Trump is pushing for new voting rules requiring proof of citizenship to vote and faces lawsuits over mail-in voting.
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The Pentagon announced that John Phelan, the Secretary of the Navy, is leaving his position immediately. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as the acting secretary, following Phelan’s sudden departure.
Key Facts
John Phelan was the Secretary of the Navy, the top civilian leader of the Navy.
The Pentagon said Phelan is leaving "effective immediately."
Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will take over as acting Navy Secretary.
Phelan left just one day after speaking at the Navy’s annual conference in Washington, D.C.
His departure follows other recent changes in military leadership, including the firing of Army officers by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Phelan had no previous military service or leadership experience in the military before being nominated by President Donald Trump in late 2024.
Before this role, Phelan was a major donor to President Trump’s campaign and founded a private investment firm called Rugger Management LLC.
Phelan’s military experience was limited to an advisory role in a nonprofit supporting Ukraine and Taiwan’s defense.
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The Pentagon said that John Phelan, the Secretary of the Navy, is leaving his job immediately. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will take over as acting secretary.
Key Facts
John Phelan was the top civilian leader of the Navy.
The Pentagon announced his departure on a Wednesday.
Phelan's departure is effective immediately.
Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will become acting Navy secretary.
Phelan spoke at the Navy’s annual conference just one day before leaving.
The announcement was made by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.
The decision was shared through a statement on social media.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Senators that Medicaid spending will rise over the next decade and denied it was being cut. However, Democrats and health experts say that despite overall spending increases, there are nearly $1 trillion in reductions compared to previous projections, which could lead to coverage losses for low-income Americans.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Medicaid spending will increase over the next 10 years.
Critics say that total spending growth mainly reflects inflation and population changes, not more benefits.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates about $1 trillion less federal Medicaid spending in the next decade versus prior forecasts.
Changes include work requirements and new rules that could reduce coverage for low-income adults.
Past Medicaid work requirement programs caused many people to lose coverage due to administrative problems.
The Kaiser Family Foundation and RAND Corporation warn these cuts may hurt hospitals and care providers.
Kennedy argues the reforms are needed to reduce federal deficits and improve the program.
Opponents say these cuts will harm families and states that rely on Medicaid services.
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John Phelan, the Secretary of the Navy, is leaving his position immediately, according to the Pentagon. It is not clear if he chose to leave or was asked to leave.
Key Facts
John Phelan served as the Secretary of the Navy.
The Pentagon announced his departure as effective immediately.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell gave the announcement.
The reasons for Phelan’s departure are not yet known.
It is unclear if Phelan resigned or was removed.
The news is ongoing, and updates may follow.
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John C. Phelan has stepped down as Secretary of the Navy, effective immediately. The Pentagon announced that Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as Acting Secretary of the Navy until a permanent replacement is named.
Key Facts
John C. Phelan resigned from his role as Secretary of the Navy.
The resignation was effective immediately, with no further details given.
Pentagon leadership thanked Phelan for his service to the Navy and the Department of Defense.
Undersecretary Hung Cao will act as the temporary Secretary of the Navy.
Phelan took office on March 25, 2025, after Senate confirmation.
The Navy is heavily involved in operations in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran.
The leadership change occurs during a critical time of naval deployments and regional security challenges.
No timetable has been announced for choosing a permanent successor.
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Two 27-year-old doctoral students at the University of South Florida, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, have been missing since April 16. Authorities are actively searching for them in the Tampa area, and their families are very worried because this is out of the ordinary for both students.
Key Facts
Both missing students are originally from Bangladesh.
Zamil Limon studies AI in environmental science and was about to present his doctoral thesis.
Nahida Bristy studies chemical engineering.
They were last seen on April 16 in the Tampa area, with Limon last at his residence and Bristy at the USF campus.
Authorities from the University of South Florida Police and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office are investigating and searching in multiple counties.
Friends and family say their disappearances are unusual because they maintained regular contact and had planned to travel to Bangladesh later.
Limon had asked family not to contact him before his thesis presentation to focus on his work.
Anyone with information is asked to contact university authorities at 813-974-2628.
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The Senate voted against a Democratic resolution that aimed to limit President Trump's power to use military force in Iran without Congress’s permission. The resolution would have required the U.S. to stop military actions against Iran unless Congress approved a war or specific military authorization.
Key Facts
The Senate vote was 46 in favor and 51 against, failing to move the resolution forward.
This was the fifth time Democrats tried to limit President Trump’s war powers on Iran since the conflict started eight weeks ago.
The resolution was led by Senator Tammy Baldwin and would have required U.S. forces to stop hostilities against Iran unless Congress approved.
Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, voted with Republicans against the measure; Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, voted with Democrats for it.
President Trump extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran just before the Senate vote.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will keep pushing for war powers votes each week until Republicans support limiting the president.
The 1973 War Powers Resolution limits unauthorized military actions to 60 days, but the president can extend that by 30 days if he says there is an unavoidable military need.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans are waiting to see how the situation develops before deciding on supporting any military authorization.
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Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi sent a letter to the Department of Justice opposing talks about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell was convicted for her role in crimes connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is a Democrat from Illinois.
He wrote a letter to the DOJ on Wednesday.
The letter opposes a possible pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.
Maxwell was Jeffrey Epstein's longtime partner and was convicted of crimes.
The DOJ reportedly considered pardoning Maxwell.
Krishnamoorthi expressed strong disapproval of this idea.
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Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his job after slightly more than a year in office. The Pentagon announced his departure and thanked him for his service to the Navy and the Department of Defense.
Key Facts
John Phelan served as Navy Secretary for just over one year.
The Pentagon announced his resignation on a Wednesday.
Pentagon officials expressed gratitude for Phelan’s work.
Phelan worked for the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense.
The announcement mentioned both the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War titles.
Phelan’s departure will require a replacement to lead the Navy.
The timing of his resignation is 13 months after he started the role.
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Podcaster Joe Rogan said President Donald Trump called him a liberal at a White House event. The event focused on speeding up research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine. President Trump signed an executive order during the event.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan is a popular podcaster.
President Trump called Rogan a liberal at a White House event.
The event was about speeding up research on certain psychedelic drugs.
One drug mentioned is ibogaine, which is used in some treatments.
President Trump signed an executive order related to this research.
Rogan shared this information during his podcast.
Another guest, Luis J. Gomez, said some people were upset by President Trump’s remarks at the event.
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A recent poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating among Republicans has fallen below 80 percent for the first time during his second term. Overall, his national approval rating is 39 percent, with the highest support coming for border security.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among Republicans is now 78 percent, down 11 percent since the start of his second term.
His overall national approval rating is 39 percent, while 60 percent of people disapprove of his job performance.
The approval rating has declined since February 2025 (48%) and January 2026 (42%).
The poll surveyed 982 adults from April 8 to April 16 with a margin of error of 3.4 percent.
President Trump has a positive net approval only on border security (52% approve, 47% disapprove).
Approval ratings on immigration, the economy, the war in Iran, and cost of living are all negative.
White House spokesman emphasized Trump’s 2024 election win and ongoing efforts on jobs, inflation, and housing.
Declining approval among key voter groups like Gen Z and independents could affect the Republican Party's chances in upcoming elections.
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