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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A group called Energy for Australians ran ads against the Labor party in the recent federal election. It was revealed that this group received over $1 million from a coal industry lobby group called Coal Australia, which includes major coal mining companies.
Key Facts
Energy for Australians described itself as an independent, community-driven group focused on energy independence.
Coal Australia, a lobby group for coal miners, gave Energy for Australians over $1 million in funding.
The group spent more than $800,000 on political ads criticizing the Labor party’s energy policies.
The ads ran on Facebook and focused on the cost of energy, urging people to "switch off Labor."
Experts say Energy for Australians is an example of "astroturfing," where a group pretends to be community-led but is backed by corporate interests.
Coal Australia members include major coal companies like Yancoal, Peabody, New Hope, and Whitehaven.
The group’s website, now offline, promoted a mix of nuclear, coal, gas, and renewable energy.
The public officer registering the group said he only approved the campaign material after basic checks but had no further involvement.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to speed up research and approval of psychedelic drugs like ibogaine for mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and addiction. The announcement took place at the White House with several officials and public figures present, aiming to provide new treatment options especially for veterans.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, to promote research on psychedelic drug therapies.
The order focuses on drugs like ibogaine, which is currently a Schedule 1 controlled substance with restrictions due to potential risks and limited research.
Psychedelic drugs are being studied for mental health issues including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Officials present at the signing included Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and podcaster Joe Rogan.
Joe Rogan privately lobbied President Trump to take action on easing restrictions on these therapies.
The order aims to help veterans who face severe mental health challenges by providing new treatment options.
Ibogaine has serious safety concerns like heart rhythm problems and other side effects, though some evidence hints at potential benefits.
Psilocybin, from magic mushrooms, has stronger research support and FDA recognition for treating depression but is still federally restricted.
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President Donald Trump signed a short-term extension to continue a federal surveillance program known as Section 702 until April 30. This comes after Republican lawmakers failed to agree on a longer renewal, delaying decisions on privacy and security rules.
Key Facts
Section 702 allows U.S. agencies to collect overseas communications without a warrant.
Americans’ communications can be incidentally collected if they contact foreign targets.
Officials say the program helps stop terrorism and spying, but critics want stronger privacy protections.
Republicans could not agree on an 18-month or five-year extension with changes to the program.
After votes failed late at night, a 10-day extension was passed to avoid lapse.
The next deadline to decide on the program’s future is April 30.
Some GOP members opposed the renewal due to civil liberties concerns.
The program has faced past misuse, including improper searches related to January 6 and protests.
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A US appeals court has allowed construction to continue on President Donald Trump's White House ballroom after a lower court had stopped the work. The project, which includes underground bomb shelters and medical facilities, is part of a $400 million plan funded by private donors.
Key Facts
The White House ballroom project includes both underground and above-ground construction.
A US District Judge had halted above-ground construction, saying Congress approval was needed.
The appeals court granted a stay, allowing work to continue until a hearing on June 5.
The project is described as important for national security and military operations.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the White House for starting construction without proper approvals.
The East Wing of the White House, built in 1902, was demolished in October to make way for the ballroom.
The ballroom will hold up to 1,350 guests and cost about $400 million, funded by private donors.
President Trump said the ballroom is needed now and criticized the judge's efforts to block it.
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New York’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is being sued because it uses race to decide who can join. The lawsuit says this rule treats white and Asian-American students unfairly and breaks the Constitution’s rule that everyone must be treated equally.
Key Facts
The program is called the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP).
STEP uses racial rules to decide who is allowed to participate.
White and Asian-American students say these rules discriminate against them.
The lawsuit claims this breaks the Constitution’s equal protection guarantee.
The case challenges the use of race in school program admissions in New York.
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A federal appeals court allowed construction on President Trump’s White House ballroom to continue through June. This decision reversed a recent federal judge’s order that had limited the work to below-ground levels only.
Key Facts
A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit made the ruling.
The court granted a stay to the Trump administration, letting construction proceed.
The project involves building a ballroom at the White House.
A previous federal judge had restricted the work to only below-ground parts.
The appeals court’s decision means above-ground construction can continue until June.
The ruling came one day after the lower court’s limitations were imposed.
The case involves the ongoing development plans under President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for their recent comments about religion. President Trump posted an AI-generated image that looked like him as Jesus Christ, which upset some of his supporters, leading him to remove the image.
Key Facts
Megyn Kelly is a conservative commentator.
She criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The criticism focused on their recent remarks about religion.
President Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself resembling Jesus Christ.
Some supporters were upset by this image.
President Trump removed the image after the backlash.
The controversy involved religious themes and public reactions.
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The U.S. military plans to board and seize ships linked to Iran in international waters to increase economic pressure on Tehran as part of Operation Economic Fury. This operation aims to stop Iran from using its oil revenue to continue conflict while negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing.
Key Facts
Operation Economic Fury is a U.S. campaign to pressure Iran economically.
The U.S. will target ships connected to Iran, including those trying to evade sanctions by using "dark fleet" tactics.
The operation expands a naval blockade that started earlier, aiming to cut off Iran’s oil income.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, has been a focus because Iran has controlled and restricted access there.
The U.S. may also impose penalties on countries and banks that support Iranian oil trade.
Since the blockade began, U.S. forces have diverted 23 vessels linked to Iran.
President Donald Trump said talks with Iran are ongoing and expects updates soon.
This operation follows a bombing campaign aimed at Iranian targets from the previous month.
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Two US Army soldiers were injured by a brown bear during a training exercise in Arctic Valley, near Anchorage, Alaska. The soldiers used pepper spray on the bear and received medical care; the incident is under investigation.
Key Facts
The incident occurred during a land navigation training exercise on Thursday.
It took place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s training area in Arctic Valley.
Both soldiers were treated for injuries and their conditions have not been publicly shared.
The soldiers used pepper spray on the bear during the encounter.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is investigating the attack, which appears to be defensive by a bear recently out of its den.
The area near the incident has been closed for safety reasons.
Investigators collected samples to identify the bear’s species and gender.
The base covers 100 square miles and is home to many wild black and brown bears.
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Two soldiers were hurt by a brown bear during a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. Both soldiers used bear spray and are receiving medical care while an investigation continues.
Key Facts
The attack happened during a land navigation training session at the Army base in Anchorage, Alaska.
Both soldiers carried and used bear spray during the incident.
The bear was likely defending itself after coming out of hibernation.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game could not find the bear after searching the area.
The Army base is home to over 40,000 people, including many active military members.
Bear attacks at this base are not new; a soldier died in a bear attack there in 2022.
Alaska has about 100,000 black bears and 30,000 brown bears.
From 2000 to 2017, 68 people were hospitalized from bear attacks in Alaska, with most attacks caused by brown bears.
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Physicist Michio Kaku has raised concerns about a rising number of scientists who have died or gone missing under unexplained circumstances. Many of these scientists worked on sensitive national security projects, leading to calls for a coordinated government investigation.
Key Facts
Multiple scientists with access to sensitive research have died or disappeared recently without clear explanations.
These scientists worked in areas like nuclear technology, aerospace, and classified defense research.
Retired Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, linked to nuclear weapons research, disappeared earlier this year.
Cases include people tied to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and private companies on government projects.
Lawmakers, including Representative Eric Burlison, want the FBI and other federal agencies to investigate.
The White House is reviewing the situation to check for connections between these cases.
President Donald Trump said he hopes these incidents are coincidences but expects more information soon.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration is aware and consulting agencies, but no links have been confirmed yet.
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Teen driver deaths have increased by 17.2% over the past two years. Summer is identified as the most dangerous time for these accidents, with some places experiencing higher risks than others.
Key Facts
Teen driver deaths rose by 17.2% in the last two years.
Summer is the season when teen driving accidents are most common.
Certain areas have higher rates of teen driver fatalities during summer.
The increase in deaths highlights a growing safety concern for teen drivers.
Understanding where and when these accidents happen can help improve road safety for teens.
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The U.S. military is preparing to board ships connected to Iran and capture commercial vessels in international waters. This action is part of President Trump’s plan to increase a naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Key Facts
The U.S. military will board ships linked to Iran soon.
They plan to seize commercial vessels in international waters.
President Trump is expanding a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important passage for global shipping.
A source familiar with the military’s plans spoke anonymously to The Hill.
The preparations aim to strengthen control and pressure around Iran-related shipping.
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Late-night host Bill Maher criticized former California Representative Eric Swalwell after Swalwell faced sexual misconduct accusations. Maher said he did not like Swalwell and noted that many Democrats defended him before Swalwell resigned.
Key Facts
Bill Maher is a late-night TV host.
Eric Swalwell is a former Representative from California.
Swalwell faced sexual misconduct allegations.
Maher criticized Swalwell strongly, calling him a "creep."
Maher noted that many Democrats supported Swalwell despite the accusations.
Swalwell resigned from his position following the allegations.
Swalwell had previously appeared as a guest on Maher’s show.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to speed up the review of certain psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, which some groups use to treat mental health issues. Podcaster Joe Rogan, a supporter of ibogaine, joined Trump during the signing and shared how he previously talked with the president about the drug.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order to quicken the review of psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine.
Joe Rogan, a popular podcaster, attended the signing and promotes ibogaine as a treatment for conditions like PTSD.
The order directs $50 million to states working on programs involving psychedelics for serious mental illness.
Ibogaine is derived from a West African plant and has been used in traditional rituals.
The FDA is preparing to speed up approval for some psychedelics and allow human trials of ibogaine in the US.
Research into psychedelics has support from both political parties despite federal drug bans.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously promised to ease medical access to psychedelics.
Marcus Luttrell, a former Navy SEAL, praised ibogaine for improving his life during the ceremony.
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A recent Politico poll found that 51% of Americans believe President Trump's immigration policies are too forceful. Meanwhile, 26% think the policies are appropriate, and 11% feel they are not strict enough.
Key Facts
51% of Americans say President Trump’s immigration agenda is too aggressive.
26% of people believe the immigration policies are about right.
11% feel the immigration policies are not aggressive enough.
The poll was conducted by Politico and released on a Saturday.
The survey reflects public opinion on President Trump’s approach to immigration.
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FBI Director Kash Patel denies reports that he drinks heavily and has been unreachable during work hours. The claims come from government officials and include concerns about his leadership and behavior, while the White House praises his role in reducing crime.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the FBI director.
A report alleges Patel drinks too much and has been hard to contact at times.
Patel threatens to sue the Atlantic magazine over these claims.
Officials say Patel has caused meetings to be delayed because of his drinking.
Patel has faced criticism for improper use of government jets and early public statements.
Some past and current FBI agents say Patel lacks the knowledge needed for his job.
White House says crime has dropped sharply since President Trump took office and supports Patel’s work.
There are worries Patel’s behavior could pose a risk during a security crisis.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce U.S. restrictions on research involving psychedelic drugs. This includes drugs like ibogaine, which some countries use to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Key Facts
President Trump signed the executive order on a Saturday.
The order makes it easier to conduct research on psychedelic drugs in the U.S.
Ibogaine is one of the psychedelics mentioned in the order.
Ibogaine is used in some countries to help treat PTSD.
The change aims to promote scientific study of these drugs.
Psychedelic drugs can affect a person’s mind and perception.
Past U.S. laws placed strict limits on such research.
This move might lead to new treatments for mental health conditions.
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President Donald Trump signed an order to speed up the review of certain psychedelic drugs, such as ibogaine, to explore their use for medical treatments. These drugs are currently banned as high-risk substances, but the administration aims to make research and access easier for conditions like severe depression.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate reviews of some psychedelic drugs.
Ibogaine, a psychedelic, has gained attention from combat veterans and some lawmakers.
These psychedelics are currently banned under the strictest federal drug category.
The order aims to ease rules to promote research into medical uses of these drugs.
Potential treatments could help people with serious symptoms like severe depression.
President Trump said the move could "dramatically accelerate" access to these treatments.
The administration hopes this will improve the lives of people with difficult health conditions.
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Three people in Los Angeles were sentenced to jail for staging fake attacks on expensive cars while dressed in a bear costume to commit insurance fraud. The scam was uncovered after they claimed a "bear" damaged a Rolls-Royce and submitted video evidence, which investigators proved was a person in a costume.
Key Facts
The scam involved pretending that a person in a bear suit attacked luxury cars like a Rolls-Royce and Mercedes.
The insurance claims were made in 2024, including one for a car parked at Lake Arrowhead in San Bernardino.
A video showed the "bear" inside a vehicle, but experts and investigators identified it as a human in a costume.
Investigators found the bear costume during a search of one suspect’s home.
Three suspects—Alfiya Zuckerman, Ruben Tamrazian, and Vahe Muradkhanyan—pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud.
Each of the three was sentenced to 180 days in jail.
Zuckerman and Tamrazian were ordered to pay over $52,000 each in restitution; Muradkhanyan’s restitution amount is pending.
A fourth suspect, Ararat Chirkinian, will have a court hearing in September.
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