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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Florida’s top prosecutor has started a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its AI chatbot ChatGPT to see if they influenced a man accused of a mass shooting at Florida State University last year. The investigation focuses on whether ChatGPT gave advice to the shooter and if OpenAI is responsible in any way.
Key Facts
Florida’s state attorney general, James Uthmeier, announced a criminal probe into OpenAI and ChatGPT.
Subpoenas have been issued to OpenAI as part of the investigation.
The probe examines if ChatGPT gave advice to Phoenix Ikner, the accused shooter at Florida State University.
Ikner is charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder and pleaded not guilty.
Lawyers for one victim’s family claim Ikner communicated frequently with ChatGPT before the shooting.
Uthmeier said ChatGPT allegedly advised on guns and ammunition relevant to the shooting.
OpenAI denies responsibility and says ChatGPT only gave factual answers available publicly.
OpenAI is cooperating with authorities and shared information connected to the suspect’s ChatGPT account.
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The Supreme Court heard arguments about whether fines imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) violate the right to a jury trial. AT&T and Verizon were fined $104 million for selling customers' location data without consent and claim the FCC's fine process denies them a jury trial. The court suggested fines are “nonbinding” and may require court approval to be enforced.
Key Facts
AT&T and Verizon were fined a total of $104 million by the FCC for selling real-time location data without customer consent.
The companies argue that the FCC’s method of imposing fines violates their Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial.
Supreme Court justices said carriers could refuse to pay fines and wait for the government to sue in court, where a jury trial is possible.
The FCC and court officials indicated that FCC fines do not automatically have to be paid and need a court’s approval to be enforced.
Government lawyers said the FCC may rewrite its fine procedures to clarify that fines aren’t due before a jury trial.
The Trump administration is defending fines issued during the Biden administration.
AT&T previously had one fine overturned by the appellate court, while Verizon lost an appeal.
The government argues that without the FCC’s power to fine, important rules on privacy and security might not be enforced.
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A new book reveals differing opinions among former Supreme Court clerks about Justice Elena Kagan’s management style. Some clerks describe her as emotionally demanding and harsh, while others defend her as having high standards and good relationships with her former clerks. The book also notes that Kagan remains popular with the American public despite mixed views inside the Court.
Key Facts
The book "Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution" was published recently.
Some former clerks describe Justice Kagan as "emotionally abusive" and demoralizing in her treatment of clerks.
Other former clerks disagree and say the negative views are exaggerated and reflect differences with tough bosses.
Kagan is known for her strong legal skills and ability to work with conservative justices.
Kagan’s favorability rating among the American public is relatively high, second only to Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Among Republicans, Kagan has a higher favorability than other liberal justices, despite a slightly negative rating.
The book contrasts Kagan’s mixed reviews with very positive views of Justice Samuel Alito, who is described as smart, meticulous, and courteous to his clerks.
The Supreme Court did not provide a comment on the book by the time of publication.
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President Donald Trump will share a video of himself reading a Bible passage, 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, during a weeklong event called “America Reads the Bible.” The event is streamed online and includes many Republican leaders and Christian figures. This comes after Trump deleted a social media post showing an AI-generated image of him as Jesus, which caused criticism from evangelical supporters.
Key Facts
Trump recorded a 2½-minute video reading the Bible passage 2 Chronicles 7:11–22.
The video will be shown at the Museum of the Bible and streamed on Pure Flix at 6 p.m. ET.
The passage includes a prayer for God to heal the land if people humble themselves and pray.
Trump deleted an AI-created image showing him as Jesus healing someone after criticism from evangelical leaders.
Trump’s Bible reading was planned before the controversial social media post was deleted.
Nearly 500 people, including top Republicans and evangelical leaders, are participating in the “America Reads the Bible” event.
Other participants include Trump’s chief of staff, several Cabinet members, and well-known religious and political figures.
The event aims to promote prayer and faith among Americans during difficult times.
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The Australian government plans to use savings from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to improve aged care services like showering and dressing support for older people. Separately, police have charged a fourth man in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian.
Key Facts
The government will redirect some savings from the NDIS to help older Australians with personal care services.
Services like showering, dressing, and continence management are considered essential for aging with dignity.
Changes to aged care services removing out-of-pocket costs will take effect from October 1, 2024.
Independent senator David Pocock supports a 25% tax on gas exports to help fund Australian needs and lower domestic prices.
Chris Baghsarian disappeared on February 13, 2024, and his remains were found on February 24 near Pitt Town.
Police believe Baghsarian was kidnapped by mistake and have charged four men over his kidnapping and murder.
The most recent arrest was a 19-year-old man charged with murder and ransom-related offenses, who was denied bail.
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Investor Mark Cuban said he does not want Kamala Harris to run for president in 2028. Cuban previously supported Harris in the 2024 presidential race against President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Mark Cuban is an investor known for his public political opinions.
Kamala Harris ran for president in the 2024 election.
Mark Cuban was one of Harris’s supporters during the 2024 campaign.
In 2028, Harris has not officially announced any plans to run for president.
At a recent event, Cuban was asked if he wanted Harris to run in 2028, and he said “no.”
The question was asked during Politico’s Health Care Summit.
Cuban’s current position differs from his earlier support in 2024.
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The FBI is looking into cases involving at least 10 workers at secret government laboratories who have died or gone missing. This investigation aims to find out what happened to these staff members.
Key Facts
At least 10 staff members at secret government labs have died or disappeared.
The FBI is leading the investigation into these cases.
The labs involved are government-run and operate in secret.
CBS News reporter Anna Schecter provided details on the investigation.
The reasons behind the deaths and disappearances are currently unknown.
The investigation is ongoing to uncover any possible connections or causes.
The story was reported by CBS News and is accessible on the CBS News app.
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A federal appeals court stopped an order that required the dismantling of the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration facility in Florida. The court ruled that the Trump administration did not have enough federal control over the construction to require an environmental review.
Key Facts
The "Alligator Alcatraz" is an immigration detention facility in Florida.
Environmental groups sued, asking for the facility to be dismantled.
A federal judge had ordered the facility to be taken down.
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals suspended this order.
The appeals court held a 2-1 vote in favor of the Trump administration.
The court said there was not enough federal authority to force a federal environmental review before construction.
The decision allows the immigration facility to remain open for now.
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Lawmakers held a hearing to address hospice fraud, which is costing taxpayers millions and affecting Medicare hospice programs. They discussed fraud cases involving fake billing and stolen identities and sought ways to improve oversight and protect patients.
Key Facts
Hospice fraud is causing the loss of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.
Fraudulent operators use fake or stolen names to bill Medicare for hospice care not needed.
A CBS News investigation found over 700 out of about 1,800 hospices in Los Angeles County showed signs of possible fraud.
One doctor’s name appeared on Medicare claims for nearly 2,800 patients across 126 hospices in 2024.
Victims of hospice fraud can struggle to unenroll and lose access to other necessary medical care through Medicare.
Experts suggest better enforcement when hospices enter the system is needed to prevent fraud.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers agree fraud happens in states led by governors from both parties.
There is concern about protecting honest hospice providers who offer essential end-of-life care services.
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Voters in Virginia went to the polls on Tuesday to decide whether to change the state’s congressional district boundaries before the November midterm elections. This vote is one of the last chances for Democrats to redraw the maps after President Trump pushed for new district maps in Texas last year.
Key Facts
The election took place in Virginia on a Tuesday in April.
Voters decided on a referendum about changing congressional district maps.
The redistricting decision affects the upcoming November midterm elections.
Democrats see this vote as their last chance to redraw districts in Virginia.
The push for new maps started after President Trump called for changes in Texas last year.
Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries.
This election is unusual because it happened outside the normal election schedule.
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating big meatpacking companies to see if they broke laws by working together unfairly. The companies under investigation include Cargill, JBS, National Beef, and Tyson Foods.
Key Facts
The DOJ's antitrust division is conducting the investigation.
The focus is on possible criminal anti-competitive behavior.
Companies involved are Cargill, JBS, National Beef, and Tyson Foods.
Cargill and Tyson Foods are U.S.-based companies.
JBS is an international company with significant U.S. operations.
The investigation follows allegations related to price manipulation in the meat industry.
This inquiry aims to ensure fair business practices and protect consumers.
The inquiry was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter.
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Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier has started a criminal investigation into OpenAI’s ChatGPT to see if it helped a gunman plan a deadly shooting at Florida State University. Prosecutors reviewed chat logs to find out if the AI gave advice related to the crime.
Key Facts
The investigation focuses on whether ChatGPT advised gunman Phoenix Ikner on weapons and attack details.
Prosecutors said if a person had given this advice, they would be charged with murder.
Florida’s Attorney General’s office has subpoenaed OpenAI for records about how it handles threats and crime-related content.
OpenAI says ChatGPT only gave factual answers based on public information and did not promote illegal actions.
This is an unusual legal case exploring AI’s possible criminal responsibility.
ChatGPT conversations are part of growing concerns and lawsuits about AI’s influence on harmful behavior.
Phoenix Ikner faces charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder and could face the death penalty.
Attorney General Uthmeier was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
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In 2025, the US saw many requests for legal help related to pro-Palestine activism, despite threats and penalties from President Trump’s administration. Universities faced pressure to curb protests, but support for Palestinian rights remained strong on campuses.
Key Facts
Palestine Legal received 1,131 legal aid requests in 2025 related to pro-Palestine advocacy.
This number is lower than the 2,184 requests in 2024, but still much higher than in 2022.
Most requests came from students and faculty at universities.
There were also 122 cases related to immigration and border issues.
President Trump has threatened to punish universities supporting pro-Palestine protests by cutting federal funding.
Five universities, including Columbia, agreed to changes after facing pressure from the Trump administration.
About 80 Columbia students involved in protests faced serious academic punishments like suspensions or expulsions.
The Trump administration has targeted pro-Palestine activists through immigration enforcement, but some deportation cases were stopped.
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The Pentagon's 2027 budget request includes funding for design work and early materials for a new battleship, part of President Donald Trump's "Golden Fleet" plan. The budget also supports new ships, drones, and infrastructure, with total defense spending near $1.5 trillion.
Key Facts
The 2027 budget requests money to design and start preparing for a new battleship called the BBG(X), to be built starting in 2028.
The "Golden Fleet" plan includes two new ship classes: the FF(X) Frigate and BBG(X) Battleship.
The budget asks for $65.8 billion to buy 18 Battle Force Ships and 16 Support Ships under the Golden Fleet initiative.
It includes $427 million to buy three medium-sized unmanned surface vehicles (ships controlled without a crew).
The Navy describes the battleship as smaller, faster, and versatile, capable of carrying different weapons and controlling drones for various missions.
Defense spending includes more than $74 billion for drones and related technology, the largest investment in U.S. drone warfare history.
The budget sets aside funds for critical munitions ($30 billion), nuclear forces ($71.4 billion), and homeland defense ($2.3 billion).
The budget proposal aims to strengthen U.S. military power and shows commitment to defense under President Trump’s leadership.
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A former CIA analyst claimed that President Donald Trump wanted to use nuclear codes against Iran during an emergency meeting, but General Dan Caine opposed him. While the general reportedly refused the order, experts say the president cannot be blocked from using the codes. There are reports of tension between President Trump and his military advisors concerning actions toward Iran.
Key Facts
Larry Johnson, ex-CIA analyst, said President Trump tried to use nuclear codes against Iran in an emergency meeting.
General Dan Caine reportedly told President Trump "No" and refused to authorize the action.
Technically, no one can overrule the president’s command regarding nuclear weapons.
There are conflicting reports about President Trump and military leaders’ views on military action against Iran.
President Trump was reportedly excluded from a Situation Room operation due to his volatile behavior.
Military officials limited his access because they believed his impatience could be harmful.
President Trump claimed in February that General Caine thought a war with Iran could be easily won; reports say that was not Caine’s advice.
The situation has raised concerns about the president’s mental state and decision-making in crises.
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Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts described Verizon and AT&T’s challenge to fines from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as mainly a public relations issue during a court hearing. The FCC fined major wireless companies for sharing customers’ location information without permission, and the companies say the penalty process is unfair. The Supreme Court is expected to decide on the case by late June.
Key Facts
The FCC fined Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile in April 2024 for sharing customers’ location data without consent.
Sprint and T-Mobile merged after the investigation began.
Verizon and AT&T argue that the FCC’s penalty process is unconstitutional because it limits their chance to defend themselves in court.
Chief Justice Roberts suggested the problem may be more about public image than legal issues.
The government says the fines help enforce regulations and companies can challenge them in appeals court after paying.
If companies refuse to pay, a federal lawsuit with a possible jury trial can occur.
The Supreme Court justices expressed doubts about the companies’ arguments during oral arguments.
A decision from the Supreme Court is expected by late June 2024.
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The Supreme Court heard a case about big fines given by federal regulators to Verizon and AT&T. The companies were fined over $100 million for selling customers' location data without proper protections, and they are challenging how the penalties were decided.
Key Facts
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined Verizon and AT&T more than $100 million combined.
The fines were for selling customers' location data without safety measures.
Verizon and AT&T argue the penalty process is unconstitutional.
They say the process does not give them enough chance to defend themselves in court.
During the hearing, justices showed doubt about limiting the FCC’s power.
Chief Justice John Roberts suggested the issue might be more about public relations than legality.
The case is about how much power federal regulators have over companies.
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Thirty former staffers of Rep. Katie Porter wrote a letter praising her for supporting her team. This letter was made after Porter faced criticism for harshly addressing a staffer and a journalist in separate events. Porter is now focusing on her campaign to become governor.
Key Facts
Thirty former staff members of Rep. Katie Porter signed a letter in her support.
The letter describes Porter as someone who cares for and supports her team.
Porter had received criticism earlier for her treatment of a staffer and a journalist.
These criticisms happened on two different occasions.
The letter aims to defend Porter’s reputation amid the backlash.
Porter is currently working on her campaign to become governor of California.
Katie Porter is a Democrat and a representative from California.
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A study found that at least 30 US lawmakers have faced 53 allegations of workplace sexual harassment over the past 20 years. Most accused lawmakers are no longer in office, but nine still serve, and the issue affects both political parties. Some lawmakers have resigned recently amid ongoing ethics investigations and calls for reform.
Key Facts
Fifty-three sexual harassment allegations were made against at least 30 members of the US House and Senate in the last two decades.
Most accused lawmakers come from 13 states and Guam; nine still hold office.
The National Women’s Defense League (NWDL) says most cases involve male lawmakers harassing women, mostly legislative staff.
60% of allegations are against Republicans, 40% against Democrats.
The real number of harassment instances is likely higher, as many victims do not report publicly.
Lawmakers who resign can avoid ethics investigations but keep benefits like pensions and access to the House floor.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed openness to improving rules to protect staff from misconduct.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman and labor secretary, announced her resignation amid multiple misconduct allegations.
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President Trump has extended a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely until talks between the U.S. and Iran are finished. He made this decision after Pakistan requested the extension and said Iran’s government is divided, which is slowing progress.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran.
The extension is granted at the request of Pakistan.
Iran’s government is described as "seriously fractured," causing delays.
The U.S. military will keep the blockade active and stay ready for action.
The original ceasefire was set to end after two weeks but has now been extended.
President Trump previously said he did not want to extend the ceasefire and expected to resume bombing.
Iran has not publicly responded to the ceasefire extension.
The extension will last until Iran submits a unified proposal and talks conclude.
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