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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
The U.S. Supreme Court allowed a wounded veteran to continue his lawsuit against a government contractor linked to a suicide bombing. The veteran, Winston Hencely, was hurt in 2016 at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan while stopping a bomber from attacking a race.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Winston Hencely.
Hencely is a former Army Specialist wounded in Afghanistan in 2016.
The injury happened while he stopped a suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest.
The bomber was working for a government contractor at the time.
The attack occurred during a Veterans Day weekend 5K race at Bagram Airfield.
The ruling allows Hencely to sue the contractor involved in the bombing.
The case involves government contractor liability for actions of its employees.
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President Donald Trump urged Republican lawmakers to unite behind using budget reconciliation to pass funding for immigration enforcement agencies. This method allows Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition, who demand reforms on immigration practices before approving the spending.
Key Facts
President Trump called for Republicans to work together to fund immigration enforcement through budget reconciliation.
Budget reconciliation is a special process that lets the Senate approve bills with a simple majority, avoiding a filibuster.
The funding focuses on agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Democrats oppose the funding without immigration reforms, including clearer agent identification and measures to prevent racial profiling.
The current partial government shutdown affects the Department of Homeland Security, which includes TSA and FEMA.
Senate voted 52 to 46 to start the budget reconciliation process for funding ICE and CBP.
Republican leaders like John Thune and Lindsey Graham support the reconciliation effort despite some reservations.
Democrats criticize the move as partisan and say it ignores concerns about violence and misconduct by immigration agents.
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The Hill plans to air a live broadcast of the California governor primary debate on Wednesday night. Two news anchors, Nikki Laurenzo and Frank Buckley, will moderate the event.
Key Facts
The event is a primary debate for the governor of California.
The coverage will last about two and a half hours.
The broadcast will be live.
The debate is presented by The Hill.
Nikki Laurenzo, a news anchor from KTXL FOX40 in Sacramento, will moderate.
Frank Buckley, a morning news anchor from KTLA in Los Angeles, will also moderate.
Nexstar Media Inc. is involved as the platform airing the debate.
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A Chilean man was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing a purse from then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last year. After serving his sentence, he will be deported from the United States. The case brought attention to the security around Noem and was used by President Donald Trump’s administration to support crime and immigration enforcement efforts in Washington, DC.
Key Facts
Mario Bustamante Leiva, 50, was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing Kristi Noem’s purse.
After prison, Bustamante Leiva will be deported from the U.S.
Bustamante Leiva targeted women at restaurants in Washington, stealing purses and using stolen credit cards quickly.
The theft happened while Noem was dining at Capital Burger with her family in April 2025.
Noem’s purse had several credit cards and about $3,000 in cash.
A co-defendant, Cristian Montecino-Sanzana, was sentenced to 13 months in prison and supervised release, and will also be deported.
The case raised questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service protection for Noem.
President Trump used this case to support his push for strong immigration enforcement and military presence in Washington, DC, to fight crime.
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In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a heavily Catholic area, the recent war with Iran and conflict between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV have sparked discussions among local Catholics and politicians. Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who supports the pope’s call for peace, differs from President Trump’s harsh criticism of the pope, reflecting tensions within the community during the midterm election year.
Key Facts
Bucks County has 33 Catholic parishes and over one-third of its residents identify as Catholic.
In the 2024 presidential election, Catholic voters helped President Trump win Bucks County for the first time in 36 years.
Pope Leo XIV criticized the U.S. war with Iran and condemned President Trump's threats against Iran.
President Trump responded by attacking the pope, calling him "weak on crime" and "very liberal."
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick defended the pope, describing Trump’s remarks as disrespectful and sacrilegious.
The Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez supports the pope’s peace message and condemned Trump’s attacks.
Local politics in Bucks County show a shift: Democrats now hold 11 of 12 county seats, despite Trump’s popularity in national elections.
Some Catholic voters, including Republicans, are reconsidering their support for Trump and local Republicans based on the war and related issues.
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Young teens in northwest England shared their views on whether social media should be banned for those under 16 in the UK. While some worry about the mental health impact of harmful content online, UK lawmakers have voted against a full ban and are still consulting the public on how to protect children better.
Key Facts
Thirty-three children aged 12-18 took part in a BBC debate about social media use by under-16s.
Isaac, 13, watches about four hours of TikTok daily, enjoying football, superheroes, and gaming videos.
Iga, 14, expressed concern over young children seeing videos about serious mental health issues that could harm them.
UK MPs voted against banning social media for under-16s for the third time, but the government is still consulting the public.
The UK government plans a legal ban on phones in schools to help protect children.
Australia banned social media accounts for under-16s six months ago, but many affected teens still access accounts.
Some teens believe banning social media for under-13s might work better than banning for all under-16s.
Features like autoplay and unlimited scrolling worry some teens, who suggest limits could help reduce harm.
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President Donald Trump said the Supreme Court’s three liberal justices always vote together, criticizing the conservative justices for not doing the same. However, the three liberal justices often vote together but sometimes disagree on cases, so they do not always stick together.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority.
The three liberal justices are Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.
These liberal justices usually vote together but have differences on some cases.
For example, Kagan and Sotomayor disagreed with Jackson in a case about banning conversion therapy for minors.
In another case, Kagan voted differently from the other liberals on counting late mail ballots.
A 2022 Harvard Law Review study showed the liberal justices agreed 84% to 93% of the time, not 100%.
All three liberal justices voted against President Trump’s tariffs earlier in the year.
President Trump criticized the court’s conservative justices for not always voting as a group.
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President Donald Trump claimed the recent Virginia election was "rigged" after voters narrowly approved a referendum to redraw the state’s congressional map, but he did not provide evidence for this claim. The new map could benefit Democrats, and the result faces possible legal challenges over how the referendum was worded and introduced.
Key Facts
Virginia voters approved a referendum to redraw the state’s congressional districts with 51.45% in favor.
The redistricting could affect which party controls seats in the US House of Representatives.
President Trump stated the election was "rigged" due to last-minute mail-in ballots but gave no proof.
Courts and election officials have confirmed past election results despite similar claims by Trump since 2020.
Legal challenges are expected to argue the referendum wording might have been unclear or the process improper.
Redistricting usually follows the census every 10 years, but mid-decade redraws are happening as both parties seek advantage.
Both Democrats and Republicans have spent nearly $100 million on this redistricting fight, including money from groups that do not disclose their donors.
Control of the US House depends on winning at least 218 seats, making redistricting a high-stakes issue for both parties.
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The Department of Education has given mixed messages about whether loans for graduate school will count toward a new borrowing limit starting this summer. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) says the guidance from the department changed quickly, causing confusion.
Key Facts
The Department of Education is setting a new borrowing limit for student loans that starts this summer.
It is unclear if graduate student loans are included in this new limit.
NASFAA reported that the Department of Education changed its guidance on this issue on Monday.
The sudden reversal by the department has caused confusion among financial aid administrators.
NASFAA is a group that supports student financial aid offices and helps manage information about loans.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, refused to promise he would support vaccine advice from the next CDC director, Erica Schwartz, who is respected for backing vaccines. Kennedy’s team reportedly discarded scientific data showing COVID-19 vaccines reduce hospital visits, raising concerns about interference in vaccine policy.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the U.S. Health Secretary with an anti-vaccine stance and no medical background.
Kennedy refused to commit to following vaccine guidance from the next CDC director, Erica Schwartz.
Erica Schwartz is nominated by President Donald Trump and is respected for supporting vaccines.
The previous CDC director, Susan Monarez, was removed after opposing Kennedy’s anti-vaccine advisors.
The CDC dropped a scientific study showing the COVID-19 vaccine cut emergency visits by 50% and hospitalizations by 55%.
Acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya blocked the study’s publication over concerns about study methods.
Critics argue the study used standard methods, and other similar studies have been published.
There are fears Kennedy may continue to interfere with vaccine policies despite scientific evidence.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump wants a single, clear proposal from Iranian negotiators, amid divisions within Iran. She noted that President Trump is willing to be flexible while waiting for that unified offer.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary.
She spoke about ongoing negotiations involving Iran.
President Donald Trump seeks a unified proposal from Iranian negotiators.
Iran is facing internal divisions that affect its negotiating position.
President Trump is open to flexibility during the negotiation process.
The comments were made in a briefing with reporters on a Wednesday.
The topic relates to the situation around the Iran war.
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Mario Bustamante Leiva was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing the purse of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Washington, D.C. He pleaded guilty to this theft and other related crimes that happened last spring.
Key Facts
Mario Bustamante Leiva is 50 years old.
He stole Kristi Noem’s purse at a restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C.
The theft was part of a series of thefts that took place last spring.
Leiva pleaded guilty to the crimes.
He was sentenced in federal court.
His prison term is 36 months (3 years).
Kristi Noem is a former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary.
The sentencing took place recently, on a Wednesday.
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Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl, died from stab wounds, according to an autopsy report. Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, has been charged with her murder and other crimes but pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body was found dismembered and decomposed in bags in a Tesla in Hollywood Hills in September.
The autopsy showed she died from sharp object wounds to her torso.
D4vd (David Burke), a 21-year-old alt-pop singer, was charged with first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilating a dead body.
Prosecutors say he killed her because she threatened to expose their sexual relationship that began when she was 13.
Burke denies causing her death and plans to defend his innocence.
The autopsy report had been sealed by court order but was recently released with prosecutors' consent.
Los Angeles County’s Chief Medical Examiner emphasizes transparency and independence from law enforcement.
D4vd became popular on TikTok and music charts with songs blending indie rock and pop.
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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester asked Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sharp questions about how he plans to handle measles outbreaks in the U.S. During the discussion, Kennedy accused Senator Blunt Rochester of trying to make a political show.
Key Facts
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the HHS Secretary, about measles outbreaks.
The discussion took place on a Wednesday.
Kennedy responded by accusing Senator Blunt Rochester of grandstanding, meaning he said she was acting to gain attention.
The measles outbreaks are currently an issue in the United States.
The exchange was covered by CBS News.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Senator Blunt Rochester is a U.S. senator involved in health policy discussions.
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Connecticut lawmakers approved a budget plan to provide free public bus rides for military veterans statewide. The plan includes $1 million in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and aims to help veterans access healthcare, jobs, and other daily needs.
Key Facts
Connecticut plans to offer free bus transportation for veterans across the entire state.
The budget includes $1 million to cover free bus fares for eligible veterans.
This policy could reduce transportation barriers for veterans needing medical care, mental health services, and employment.
Connecticut would be the first state to provide free statewide bus transit for veterans.
Previous reduced-fare programs were limited and often unfunded; this plan offers full free rides.
The Department of Veterans Affairs in Connecticut will manage the program.
The plan is part of a new state budget and is expected to begin later this year if fully approved.
Details on how veterans can prove eligibility for free rides have not yet been announced.
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The US Navy denied reports that sailors on its warships in the Middle East are suffering food shortages, after photos showing small, unappealing meal portions went viral. The Navy said the claims are false and confirmed the ships have more than a month of food supplies available.
Key Facts
Photos circulated online showing small, mostly empty food trays on the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli.
The images included limited portions like boiled carrots, a dried meat patty, shredded meat, and a single tortilla.
These photos were reportedly sent by naval officers to their families, raising concerns about food shortages.
Postal deliveries to the Middle East have been suspended, so care packages from families are not reaching the ships.
Some sailors reportedly have to ration food, and fresh produce and hygiene products are said to be low.
The US Navy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly denied the shortages, calling the reports “fake news.”
The Navy provided pictures showing fresh meals and full food service on the ships.
The ships are part of the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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Senator Maggie Hassan had a sharp exchange with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about rising grocery prices and his views on the herbicide glyphosate. The discussion took place during a public event and focused on how these issues affect consumers.
Key Facts
Senator Maggie Hassan criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over high grocery prices.
The argument included Kennedy’s stance on glyphosate, a common weed-killing chemical.
Glyphosate is often debated because of concerns about its safety and impact on health.
The exchange was described as heated, indicating strong disagreement.
The conversation happened publicly and was reported by CBS News.
The issue relates to food affordability and chemical use in farming.
Both Hassan and Kennedy play roles in shaping or discussing health and economic policies.
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The U.S. State Department advised American citizens in Iran to leave the country. This alert came as Iran’s airspace partially reopened following a ceasefire between the two nations.
Key Facts
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the warning on Wednesday.
Americans currently in Iran are advised to depart as soon as possible.
Iran has partially reopened its airspace after a ceasefire agreement.
The U.S. government warned that Iran might block Americans from leaving.
Iran could also charge an "exit fee" for U.S. citizens trying to depart.
The situation follows recent tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The warning aims to protect U.S. citizens amid uncertain travel conditions.
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A report says people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) add about $29 billion every year to the U.S. economy and pay nearly $8 billion in taxes. The report comes just before the Supreme Court will hear cases on the Trump administration’s moves to end TPS for Syrians and Haitians.
Key Facts
TPS allows people from unsafe countries to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
About 1.3 million people had TPS at the start of President Trump's second term.
TPS holders contribute roughly $29 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
They pay nearly $8 billion in federal, payroll, state, and local taxes combined.
The Trump administration has tried to end TPS for people from 13 countries, including Syria, Haiti, Venezuela, and Yemen.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on April 29 about ending TPS protections for Syrians and Haitians.
The House recently passed a bill to protect Haitian TPS holders, supported mostly by Democrats and some Republicans.
TPS does not lead to U.S. citizenship but allows people to work legally while their home countries remain unsafe.
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Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate health committee, questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his plans for abortion pills and the U.S. measles outbreak during a congressional hearing. Cassidy asked how Kennedy intends to address these health issues.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is a Republican from Louisiana.
Cassidy leads the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before Congress for a hearing.
Cassidy asked about policies related to abortion pills.
He also questioned efforts to handle a measles outbreak in the U.S.
The hearing was one of Kennedy’s final appearances before Congress this week.
The discussion focused on public health challenges.
The article does not provide details of Kennedy’s responses or plans.
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