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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Rep. David Scott, a Democrat from Georgia who served in Congress for over 20 years, has died at the age of 80. He was known for being the first Black lawmaker to chair the House Agriculture Committee starting in 2021.
Key Facts
David Scott represented Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives.
He was first elected to Congress in 2002.
Scott served more than two decades as a member of Congress.
In 2021, he became the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
The Congressional Black Caucus confirmed his passing.
He was 80 years old at the time of his death.
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President Donald Trump said on social media that the Democratic-appointed justices on the Supreme Court always vote together. CBS News fact-checked his claim and provided details about the recent Supreme Court decisions.
Key Facts
President Trump made a statement about Supreme Court justices being aligned by their political appointments.
He said Democratic-appointed justices "stick together like glue."
The statement was shared on social media platforms.
CBS News reporter Jan Crawford reviewed the accuracy of the claim.
The fact-check relates to recent rulings made by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court consists of justices appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents.
Justices on the Supreme Court are expected to decide cases based on law and the Constitution, not solely on political views.
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The US Supreme Court decided that Michigan’s lawsuit to shut down part of an old oil pipeline will stay in state court. The case involves a section of Line 5, a pipeline under the Great Lakes, and centers on safety and environmental concerns.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled Michigan’s case against Enbridge’s pipeline must remain in state court.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that Enbridge tried too late to move the case to federal court.
Line 5 is a 4.5-mile pipeline section under the Straits of Mackinac, linking Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Michigan’s Attorney General sued to cancel the easement allowing the pipeline’s operation in 2019.
A judge had temporarily stopped the pipeline in 2020 but allowed it to run under strict safety conditions.
Enbridge claims federal officials, not the state, control pipeline safety and challenges Michigan’s attempts to shut it down.
Michigan revoked the pipeline’s easement in 2020, but a federal judge blocked this move; the state is appealing.
Enbridge plans to build a protective tunnel for the pipeline; environmental groups and tribes oppose this and have filed lawsuits.
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President Donald Trump has been attending sporting events and visiting golf courses. Critics say these activities take time and money away from official government work.
Key Facts
President Trump spends time at sporting events.
He also visits golf courses regularly.
Some people say these activities use taxpayer money.
Critics believe this keeps him from focusing on his presidential duties.
The concerns come from those watching how he manages his time and resources.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that changes to the Florida congressional map could hurt the Republican Party. He said Democrats have recently won several local elections in Florida, suggesting the new map might have unintended results for Republicans.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
He spoke to reporters about the Florida congressional map on Wednesday.
Jeffries believes efforts to redraw the map will backfire on the Republican Party.
Democrats have flipped several local election seats in Florida recently.
He directly challenged Florida Republicans regarding the new map changes.
The discussion is about how changing district boundaries affects political power.
The comments suggest Democrats see a chance to gain more seats in Florida.
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New rules under President Trump have made it harder to get H-1B visas, which allow foreign workers to come to the U.S. for certain jobs. These changes include a $100,000 fee for many applicants and a new system that prefers higher-paid job offers, reducing chances for entry-level and overseas applicants.
Key Facts
The H-1B visa lets employers hire foreign workers for jobs needing a bachelor’s degree or similar experience in areas like healthcare, engineering, and technology.
New rules include a $100,000 fee for workers applying for H-1B visas from outside the U.S., starting September 21, 2025.
This fee does not apply to people already in the U.S. who switch to H-1B status.
The new system selects H-1B applicants based on wages, favoring higher-paid jobs.
The number of foreign applicants applying from abroad has dropped sharply, with only 85 people paying the fee by February 2026.
The U.S. government says these changes prioritize American workers first.
A government effort called “Project Firewall” is increasing checks on employers to prevent violations in the H-1B program.
Some lawmakers want to exempt healthcare workers from the $100,000 fee.
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The FBI and President Donald Trump are investigating a possible conspiracy after reports that at least 10 scientists linked to U.S. nuclear secrets and rocket technology have gone missing or died under unclear circumstances. Republican lawmakers have asked several government agencies for details and actions taken related to these cases.
Key Facts
At least 10 scientists connected to U.S. nuclear and rocket technology secrets have disappeared or died mysteriously in recent years.
Republican lawmakers James Comer and Eric Burlison sent letters to the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, FBI, and NASA asking for information by April 27.
The letters raised concerns about threats to national security and safety of scientists with sensitive knowledge.
President Donald Trump is working with the FBI to review all cases together to find any common links.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is looking for connections involving classified information or foreign actors.
NASA said it is cooperating with agencies but currently sees no national security threat related to these cases.
Some scientists mentioned include Michael David Hicks, who died in 2023, and Monica Reza, who went missing in 2025.
More information is expected within the next week and a half, according to President Trump.
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A new report from the American Lung Association shows that nearly half of Americans breathe unhealthy air. The report highlights air quality problems in many parts of the country and was released on Earth Day.
Key Facts
The American Lung Association publishes an annual report called “State of the Air.”
The 2024 report was released on Earth Day, April 22.
It found that 44 percent of Americans, or over 152 million people, live in places with unhealthy air.
Unhealthy air means there are pollution levels that can harm people’s health.
Some areas in the U.S. have worse air quality than others.
The report aims to raise awareness about air pollution and its effects on health.
Breathing polluted air can cause or worsen lung diseases and other health problems.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, said he would investigate President Donald Trump if he is elected. He also suggested the possibility of impeaching some Supreme Court justices during his potential time in office.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate from Maine as a Democrat.
Platner wants to investigate President Donald Trump if he wins the Senate seat.
He spoke about impeaching certain Supreme Court justices.
Platner expressed strong opposition to the current White House leadership.
These plans would take place over the next two years if he is elected.
The focus is on holding high-level government officials accountable.
Platner’s ideas are part of his campaign platform.
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Three members of the U.S. House of Representatives have resigned within the past week. One of them, Florida Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, stepped down before an ethics hearing about alleged misconduct. These resignations are affecting the balance of power in the House.
Key Facts
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democratic representative from Florida, resigned on Tuesday.
She resigned before facing an ethics hearing on misconduct allegations.
She is the third member of the House to resign in the last week.
The resignations are changing the number of members in the House, which can affect party control.
The exact reasons for the other two resignations were not detailed in the article.
These changes could influence decisions and voting in the House of Representatives.
The information was reported by CBS News and correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns.
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There is a shortage of estrogen patches in the United States, which are commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause. The shortage comes after increased demand following the FDA's removal of a warning label on these medications, and several celebrities have shared advice about managing the shortage.
Key Facts
Estrogen patches deliver hormone therapy through the skin to help with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
The FDA removed a black box warning about dementia, heart disease, and breast cancer risks from estrogen patches after 20 years.
After the warning was removed, demand for estrogen therapy rose by 26 percent.
The increased demand has caused shortages of estrogen patches in the U.S. since early 2024.
Doctors expect these shortages to continue or worsen before improving.
Celebrities like Amy Schumer have warned women to get a three-month supply and explore other forms of estrogen like gels or creams.
Some stars suggested asking doctors about compounded estrogen creams as alternatives.
Estrogen therapy not only treats menopause symptoms but also offers other health benefits like protecting bones and supporting memory.
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The article discusses the need for a nationwide guidebook to improve oversight in hospices. Such a guide would help prevent fraud and protect patients by increasing transparency and accountability in hospice care.
Key Facts
Hospices provide care for people nearing the end of life.
Some hospices have been involved in fraudulent activities.
Current oversight varies by state and can be inconsistent.
A national "Blue Book" would standardize rules and monitoring for hospices across the country.
Real-time visibility means regulators can see activities as they happen.
Increased accountability can help stop problems before patients are harmed.
The goal is to improve patient safety and trust in hospice care.
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The Trump administration is in advanced talks to provide a loan of up to $500 million to Spirit Airlines in exchange for a government ownership stake. This bailout aims to help the struggling airline remain operational, but no final decision has been made yet.
Key Facts
The Trump administration may loan Spirit Airlines up to $500 million.
The government could gain a significant ownership stake in Spirit Airlines through this deal.
The bailout discussions are not finalized but could conclude soon.
Spirit Airlines is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and employs about 15,000 people.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the situation is urgent but undecided.
Supporting a single airline with government funds is unusual but has happened after 9/11 and during the COVID pandemic.
Spirit Airlines has recently cut some routes, causing ticket prices in those markets to rise significantly.
Budget airlines like Spirit help keep airfares low by providing competition to larger carriers.
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The US Army has introduced a new fitness test that includes seven different events. The test replaces the older fitness test, which mainly had running, push-ups, and sit-ups.
Key Facts
The new test has seven separate fitness events.
Previous tests focused mainly on running, push-ups, and sit-ups.
The new test reflects changes in how the Army measures fitness.
The update aims to better assess soldiers' overall physical ability.
Fitness test changes have happened before, showing gradual evolution.
The new test is now the standard for Army fitness assessments.
Options might be included to adapt the test to different soldier roles or needs.
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A 2-year-old child was attacked and pulled into the water by a river otter, according to the child's mother. The family will receive $350,000 in compensation for the incident.
Key Facts
The victim is a 2-year-old toddler.
The child was attacked and pulled into the water by a river otter.
The incident was described as an accident.
The child’s mother reported what happened.
The family will receive $350,000 as compensation for the attack.
The attack involved a wild animal, specifically a river otter.
The payment is likely meant to cover damages related to the accident.
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The White House is finalizing a loan package of up to $500 million to support Spirit Airlines, which is facing financial troubles due to rising costs. The federal government may receive a stake in the airline in exchange for the aid, as Spirit has struggled with bankruptcy and a blocked merger with JetBlue.
Key Facts
The White House plans to provide up to $500 million in loans to Spirit Airlines.
Rising fuel costs, linked to the conflict with Iran, have hurt Spirit’s finances.
Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy twice in the last two years.
A $3.8 billion merger between Spirit and JetBlue was blocked by a judge in 2024 due to concerns about less competition.
In exchange for the loan, the federal government may get warrants, which could lead to owning part of Spirit.
President Donald Trump expressed support for federal help to save Spirit Airlines and preserve its 14,000 jobs.
A White House spokesperson said the Biden administration hurt Spirit by blocking the JetBlue merger.
Spirit Airlines has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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A group of lawmakers has introduced a bill to stop members of Congress convicted of serious crimes or sexual misconduct from receiving taxpayer-funded pensions. The bill aims to increase accountability amid public demands for better ethics standards in Congress.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 2026.
It was introduced by a bipartisan group of Representatives from both parties.
The bill would block pensions for members convicted of crimes like rape, sexual assault, bribery, election fraud, and other serious offenses.
It also covers lawmakers found guilty of sexual harassment or abuse of Congressional staff.
The bill applies pension restrictions after a conviction, House misconduct findings, or leaving office.
Supporters say the current law allows some convicted members to keep getting pensions, which upsets the public.
This proposal comes during a time when several House members have resigned amid misconduct scandals.
Lawmakers want to hold members accountable and improve public trust in Congress.
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The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a challenge by Catholic preschools in Colorado that want access to a state-funded preschool program without following the state's nondiscrimination rules. The case focuses on whether the government can require religious schools to admit all children equally to receive public funds. This legal fight highlights a shift in cultural conflicts from free speech issues to battles over government money and funding conditions.
Key Facts
Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK) provides taxpayer money to public and private preschools.
Private providers must agree to a rule that all children have equal enrollment opportunities, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or other factors.
Catholic preschools want to receive funds without following this nondiscrimination rule because it conflicts with their religious beliefs.
The Supreme Court is reviewing if the state’s rule is lawful under existing First Amendment and religious freedom cases.
The Tenth Circuit court previously upheld Colorado’s rule, saying it supports equal access and aligns with the Constitution.
The case is not about free speech but about who can qualify for public money under state rules.
This reflects a broader trend where culture war disputes now focus on funding and eligibility rules instead of free speech and censorship.
At the same time, the Health Secretary is pushing a budget that cuts spending but funds new health initiatives, showing the administration’s use of fiscal power to influence culture.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that President Donald Trump uses a different method to calculate percentage reductions in prescription drug prices. At a Senate hearing, Kennedy explained that Trump described a price drop from $600 to $10 as a “600% reduction,” which is not a standard way to calculate percentages.
Key Facts
President Trump described a price cut on a $600 drug to $10 as a “600% reduction.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explained this as a different way of calculating percentages.
This explanation was given during a U.S. Senate hearing about prescription drug prices.
Senator Elizabeth Warren said that by normal math, the price drop would be about a 98% reduction.
Warren warned that using inflated percentages could confuse or mislead people about the savings they get.
The Trump administration was asked to clarify how these drug pricing claims are calculated and shared with the public.
The discussion focused on the federal website TrumpRx, which helps Americans find lower prices on brand-name drugs.
The article reports breaking news and updates may be added later.
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