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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
The wife of Army soldier Sgt. First Class Jose Serrano was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after an immigration appointment. She will be released from federal custody, according to her husband.
Key Facts
Deisy Rivera Ortega, wife of Sgt. First Class Jose Serrano, was arrested by ICE on April 14.
Her arrest happened during an appointment for a program called Parole in Place, which is meant to protect military family members from deportation.
Rivera Ortega is originally from El Salvador and has lived in the U.S. for about 10 years.
Sgt. Serrano has served in the Army for 27 years, including three tours in Afghanistan.
ICE said she was arrested because of a deportation order from 2019 related to a misdemeanor conviction for entering the U.S. illegally.
She was previously given legal protection from deportation to El Salvador but could have been sent to a third country like Mexico.
Sgt. Serrano said he was informed she will be released from an ICE detention center in El Paso.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately comment on her release.
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In 2025, US libraries banned 5,668 books, the most ever recorded, according to the American Library Association (ALA). Many challenges targeted books about LGBTQ+ people and people of color, with most efforts driven by pressure groups and government officials rather than local community members.
Key Facts
The ALA reported 5,668 books banned in US libraries in 2025, making up 66% of all challenged books.
An additional 920 books were censored by restricting access, like moving them to different shelves.
The most banned book was *Sold* by Patricia McCormick, about sex trafficking in India.
Over 4,200 different book titles were challenged, the second highest total in over 30 years.
About 40% of challenged materials related to LGBTQ+ or people of color.
92% of book challenges came from organized groups, officials, or pressure groups, not parents or individuals.
Several states, including Florida and Texas, passed laws limiting books about sexual orientation or gender identity in schools.
The ALA distinguishes “challenge” as an attempt to remove or limit access, and “ban” as actual removal from the library.
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Wildfires in south-east Georgia and north-east Florida have destroyed at least 50 homes and forced many people to evacuate. A historic burn ban was placed on 91 counties in Georgia due to extreme drought and wildfire risk, with firefighters working hard to control multiple fires.
Key Facts
Wildfires destroyed 50 homes in south-east Georgia and caused evacuations in Florida.
Georgia issued its first-ever mandatory burn ban covering 91 counties.
Drought conditions in the US are the worst for this time of year since 2000, affecting over 61% of the lower 48 states.
Two major Georgia wildfires have burned more than 31 square miles combined.
Florida is experiencing exceptional drought and battling 131 wildfires, mostly in the northern region.
Firefighters and emergency services are coordinating across multiple counties with more evacuations expected.
Smoke from fires affected air quality in Atlanta, Savannah, and Jacksonville.
Officials urge residents to follow safety guidance and prepare for possible evacuations.
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Five members of the current U.S. Congress have died while still in office since January 2025. These members served in the House of Representatives and were between 65 and 80 years old.
Key Facts
Democratic Rep. David Scott of Georgia died at 80; he served in Congress since 2002 and was the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee.
Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California died at 65 during surgery in January 2026; he was known for supporting rural and farming issues.
Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia died in May 2025 after announcing he would not seek reelection due to cancer.
Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona died in March 2025 after battling cancer; he had been absent from votes early in the 119th Congress.
Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas died in March 2025 shortly after starting his term; he was previously Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024.
The 119th Congress began with many members over age 70, and the deaths reduce the already narrow majority held by Republicans in the House.
These deaths affect the balance of power in the House, where small changes in membership can influence whether laws pass.
During the previous 118th Congress, four members also died in office, including Senator Dianne Feinstein, who served until age 90.
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President Donald Trump has set multiple deadlines for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and avoid U.S. attacks on Iranian infrastructure during an ongoing conflict. However, he has repeatedly extended or postponed these deadlines, choosing instead to continue ceasefire talks and a naval blockade without setting firm new dates.
Key Facts
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has lasted nearly eight weeks as of April 2026.
Trump first demanded Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours on March 21, threatening major attacks on Iran’s power plants.
He delayed the planned attacks multiple times, citing ongoing talks and “productive conversations” with Iran.
On April 21, Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely without setting a new deadline.
Iran has refused to negotiate under threat or force, according to its ambassador to Pakistan.
The U.S. continues a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during these talks.
Tensions remain high as both sides fire at ships in the area.
Trump has used social media to announce deadlines and decisions frequently during this period.
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Senator Elizabeth Warren disagreed strongly when a CNBC anchor compared her criticism of the Federal Reserve to that of President Donald Trump. Warren said her views and approach to the Fed are very different from those of President Trump.
Key Facts
Senator Elizabeth Warren is from Massachusetts and a member of the Democratic Party.
CNBC anchor Sara Eisen said Warren has been very outspoken about what the Federal Reserve should do.
Eisen compared Warren’s comments on the Fed to those of President Donald Trump.
Warren responded with surprise and disagreement at this comparison.
The discussion happened during a CNBC program called “Squawk on the Street.”
Warren emphasized that her views on the Fed differ from President Trump’s.
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The Trump administration is discussing a plan to help Spirit Airlines, which has filed for bankruptcy two times in the last two years. President Trump, along with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, met to find a way to support the struggling airline.
Key Facts
Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy twice in the past two years.
The Trump administration is working on a rescue plan for Spirit Airlines.
President Donald Trump held a meeting with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The goal of the meeting was to help Spirit Airlines avoid collapse.
Spirit Airlines is a U.S.-based low-cost airline facing financial trouble.
The negotiation is part of the government’s effort to support the airline industry.
The Wall Street Journal reported on these ongoing discussions.
No final rescue deal has been announced yet.
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The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) plans to lay off nearly 300 workers due to a $162.5 million budget cut proposed by Mayor Karen Bass. Employees worry these layoffs will hurt services for homeless people and fear losing their own jobs, while the budget shift has become an important issue in the upcoming mayoral race.
Key Facts
LAHSA will reduce its staff by almost half, laying off nearly 300 employees starting June 30.
Mayor Karen Bass proposed cutting LAHSA’s funding by 17%, or $162.5 million, while increasing police budget.
LAHSA workers sent a letter warning layoffs could cause chaos and harm homeless residents.
The layoffs are part of a larger restructuring aimed at adjusting spending to actual funds used.
The budget includes about $104 million for the Inside Safe program, which moves homeless individuals into hotel and motel rooms.
Bass defends her spending approach, saying it eases demands on emergency services.
Critics, including mayoral challenger Spencer Pratt, oppose the budget cuts and question the effectiveness of Bass’ homelessness programs.
The mayoral race is competitive with 40% of voters undecided two months before the June primary.
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David Scott, an 80-year-old Democrat who served Georgia's 13th District in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 20 years, has died shortly after casting his final vote. He was known for being the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee and was seeking a 13th term before his death.
Key Facts
David Scott represented Georgia’s 13th District for more than two decades.
He died at age 80, shortly after voting in the House on a hydropower bill.
Scott was the first African American to chair the House Agriculture Committee, starting in 2020.
He was running for re-election and had said he felt healthy and ready to keep working.
Scott is the fifth member of Congress to die in office since last year.
His death gives Republicans a slight majority in the House, with 217 Republicans, 212 Democrats, and 1 independent.
Georgia law requires a special election within 10 days after a seat becomes vacant, with the election held at least 30 days later.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Scott’s dedication and service to his district and state.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Donald Trump for the Justice Department’s recent legal case against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Schumer called the DOJ a "Department of Vengeance" because of this move.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s administration is involved in a legal case against the SPLC.
The SPLC is a civil rights organization known for tracking hate groups.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke against the DOJ’s action toward the SPLC.
Schumer described the DOJ under President Trump as acting out of revenge.
The DOJ’s legal move against the SPLC is seen as a significant political event.
The charges or details of the indictment were not specified in the brief.
Schumer represents the Democratic Party in the Senate.
The situation reflects tensions between the current administration and civil rights groups.
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Senator Bill Cassidy asked Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the drop in public trust in vaccines over the past year. Cassidy also questioned Kennedy about the department’s plans to manage possible disease outbreaks, like measles, during the World Cup.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is a Republican from Louisiana.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Public trust in vaccines has decreased in the last year.
Senator Cassidy challenged Secretary Kennedy on this issue.
The discussion included concerns about possible outbreaks of diseases such as measles.
The timing of the potential outbreaks is related to the upcoming World Cup event.
The focus was on how the HHS plans to prevent or handle such outbreaks.
The conversation was covered by CBS News.
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Senator Rick Scott is delaying hundreds of promotions in the U.S. Coast Guard because of concerns about contracts with a Florida shipbuilding company called Eastern Shipbuilding Group. He wants more information about what happened with these contracts since President Donald Trump took office.
Key Facts
Senator Rick Scott represents Florida and is a member of the Republican Party.
He is blocking promotions in the U.S. Coast Guard.
The delay involves hundreds of promotions.
The issue is related to contracts with Eastern Shipbuilding Group, a company in Florida.
Scott says he has questions about the contracts that have not been answered.
These concerns focus on the time since President Trump became president.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group builds ships for the Coast Guard.
The situation is causing a hold-up in Coast Guard personnel progress.
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A Colorado immigration officer has been charged with third-degree assault and criminal mischief after an investigation into a protest outside an ICE facility. The officer was seen on video putting a protester, Franci Stagi, in a chokehold and carrying her across the street during a protest related to the detention of Colombian asylum seekers.
Key Facts
The incident occurred outside an ICE facility in Durango, Colorado, in late October.
Protesters were reacting to the detention of three Colombian asylum seekers, including two children.
Video showed a masked federal agent placing Franci Stagi in a chokehold and moving her across the street.
Stagi said the agent grabbed her by the hair, put her neck in his arm, and threw her down an embankment.
The officer involved is named Nicholas Rice.
Charges include third-degree assault and criminal mischief.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigations looked into the case after a request from the local police chief.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed the officer was under investigation but did not respond to questions about the charges.
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President Donald Trump pushed for redistricting to help Republicans keep their slim House majority, but the new maps now favor Democrats in more districts. Recent changes in states like Virginia and California give Democrats a better chance of winning more House seats, while some Republican hopes depend on upcoming actions in Florida and court decisions.
Key Facts
Redistricting is the process of redrawing voting district boundaries, often to help one political party.
Virginia's new district map could change its House seats from 6 Republicans and 5 Democrats to 10 Democrats and 1 Republican.
Democrats could flip several seats in California and Utah; Republicans aim to gain seats in Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, and Missouri.
After Virginia's vote, analysts see 217 districts leaning Democratic, 205 leaning Republican, and 13 as toss-ups.
Florida’s redistricting remains uncertain; recent Democratic wins have made Republicans worried.
The Supreme Court is set to rule on a case that could affect protections against racially biased redistricting.
Court decisions and voter turnout in November will ultimately decide which party wins new seats.
Redistricting can reduce competition and affect election outcomes, but results depend on many factors beyond map lines.
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Florida Republicans are preparing to redraw congressional district maps in a session next week. They aim to counter new maps drawn by Democrats in Virginia before the November midterm elections. Some Republicans warn that this redistricting effort could come with significant risks.
Key Facts
Florida lawmakers from the Republican Party will meet next week for redistricting.
This session is seen as the GOP’s last chance to change district boundaries before the midterm elections in November.
The goal is to respond to new congressional maps created by Democrats in Virginia.
Redistricting means changing the borders of voting districts, which can affect election outcomes.
Some Republicans express concerns that the redistricting process in Florida may lead to problems or unintended consequences.
The effort reflects ongoing political competition between Republicans and Democrats ahead of the elections.
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Virginia voters approved a new constitutional amendment to change the state’s congressional districts, which challenges Republican plans led by President Trump to redraw maps in the middle of the decade. This change strengthens Democrats’ chances to win several House seats in the 2026 elections, countering GOP efforts in other states.
Key Facts
Virginia voters passed a constitutional amendment to reshape congressional districts.
This move weakens Republican efforts to redraw maps in states like Texas and North Carolina.
Democrats could gain up to four new seats in Virginia and five in California due to redistricting.
Republicans aimed to pick up nine seats across several states through redistricting.
Mid-decade redistricting is rare and is being used to try to secure party advantages before the 2026 midterms.
Political experts say this outcome is a setback for President Trump’s redistricting strategy.
The redistricting battle reflects a larger competition ahead of the expected volatile 2026 midterm elections.
Some districts in California and other states remain competitive with uncertain outcomes.
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Two people died and more than 20 were treated after a chemical leak occurred at Catalyst Refiners in Kanawha County, West Virginia. The leak released hydrogen sulfide gas, prompting a shelter-in-place order and emergency response to secure the area.
Key Facts
The chemical spill happened Wednesday morning at Catalyst Refiners in the Institute area of Kanawha County.
Two people died and 21 others sought medical care; one person remains in critical condition.
Seven of those affected were emergency medical workers who were treated as a precaution.
Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic and fast-acting gas, was released during a chemical reaction involving nitric acid and m200A.
The incident led to a mile-wide shelter-in-place order, including nearby neighborhoods and West Virginia State University’s campus.
The shelter-in-place order at the university was lifted early Wednesday after air quality improved.
Emergency teams are still on site monitoring air quality and investigating the cause of the chemical reaction.
Officials are notifying families of the deceased and will provide more updates as the situation develops.
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President Donald Trump's administration is in advanced talks with Spirit Airlines about providing a bailout loan. The loan could be as much as $500 million, and the government might get ownership shares in return.
Key Facts
The talks involve a possible bailout loan to Spirit Airlines.
The loan amount could be up to $500 million.
The government would receive warrants, which allow it to own part of the airline.
The negotiations are described as advanced.
The information comes from sources speaking to CBS News.
The bailout is being discussed under President Donald Trump's administration.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped below 40 percent ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. His current popularity is lower than that of recent presidents at similar times before midterms, making him the second-most-unpopular president out of the past nine midterm periods.
Key Facts
Trump’s approval rating is under 40 percent, according to Nate Silver’s analysis.
This rating is lower than Trump’s approval before the 2018 midterms, when Democrats gained many House seats.
The Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in the House (217-214) and the Senate (53-47).
The only president less popular before midterms was George W. Bush in 2006, with about 34-35 percent approval.
Typically, the party not holding the presidency gains seats in midterm elections.
Trump is no longer fully supported by some important figures in his own party but still has many supporters.
President Biden’s approval rating was around 38-41 percent in the months before recent midterms.
The political situation may change due to ongoing events like the war in Iran and new domestic policies.
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Recent data shows that illegal border crossings between the United States and Mexico are at very low levels compared to history. CBS News reported on this trend at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Key Facts
Illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border are at historic lows.
The information comes from recent data shared by authorities.
CBS News correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez covered the story.
The report was accessible through CBS News and its app.
These low numbers indicate fewer attempts to cross the border without authorization.
The border discussed is between the United States and Mexico.
No specific reasons for the low crossings were given in the report.
The report focuses on current trends at the U.S.-Mexico border.
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