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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Prime Minister Keir Starmer was not informed for several months about Peter Mandelson failing a security vetting process before becoming UK ambassador to Washington. Senior civil servants, including cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo and Cabinet Office permanent secretary Catherine Little, delayed telling Starmer while they assessed the risks of sharing the sensitive information.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson failed a UK security vetting process in January 2025 before his ambassador appointment.
The Foreign Office granted Mandelson security clearance despite advice to deny it.
Prime Minister Starmer was not told about the vetting failure until a few days before the news broke.
Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo and Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary Catherine Little knew of the failure by March 2025.
Officials and lawyers spent weeks assessing how to share the sensitive information without harming national security.
The UK Security Vetting (UKSV) agency recommended denying Mandelson clearance due to concerns.
The delay in informing the prime minister raised questions about government transparency and control.
Foreign Office Permanent Secretary Olly Robbins resigned after the controversy.
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Six-year-old Bryce Morrison, who has a rare genetic disorder, was discharged from Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla, New York. The hospital held a "clap-out" ceremony to celebrate his release and honor his time as a patient.
Key Facts
Bryce Morrison is six years old and has a rare genetic disorder.
He was treated at Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla, New York.
Bryce was known by staff as a cheerful and positive child during his stay.
The hospital organized a "clap-out" ceremony for Bryce’s discharge.
A "clap-out" ceremony is an event where hospital staff applaud a patient leaving the hospital.
The event recognizes patients' courage and progress during treatment.
The ceremony took place on or before April 17, 2026.
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Rep. Mark Takano questioned Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about President Donald Trump’s mental fitness at a House committee hearing. Takano asked Kennedy to call for a mental health test for President Trump and to consider using the 25th Amendment, which allows removal of a president who is unable to do their duties.
Key Facts
Rep. Mark Takano is a Democrat from California.
He questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health Secretary, during a House Education and Workforce Committee meeting.
The hearing focused on the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Takano showed posters of President Trump’s recent social media posts as part of his questioning.
Takano pressed Kennedy to say that President Trump should take a mental fitness test.
The 25th Amendment is a rule that lets the government remove a president if they are not mentally or physically able to perform their duties.
Kennedy did not immediately agree to Takano’s demand during the hearing.
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David Anthony Burke, a 21-year-old singer known as D4vd, was arrested in Los Angeles after the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of his Tesla car. Authorities say the teen was reported missing multiple times before her body was discovered, and Burke and Hernandez had communicated online since 2022. Burke’s lawyers deny he caused her death, and the case is under investigation.
Key Facts
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, age 14, was found dead in the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla in Los Angeles in September.
Hernandez had been reported missing multiple times before her body was found.
The singer’s real name is David Anthony Burke; he was arrested seven months after the body was discovered.
Messages show Burke and Hernandez communicated online as early as October 2022.
Hernandez’s family described her as a hardworking and intelligent young girl.
Burke’s lawyers say there is no proof he murdered Hernandez or caused her death.
Burke is held without bail on suspicion of murder while prosecutors review the case.
An online fundraiser for Hernandez’s family raised over $24,000 as of Friday.
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Dr. Cerina Fairfax, a dentist and mother, was found dead alongside her estranged husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, in their Virginia home. Police believe Justin Fairfax shot Cerina and then killed himself during their divorce process.
Key Facts
Cerina Fairfax was a 49-year-old dentist who ran a family dentistry practice in Fairfax, Virginia.
She was remembered as a caring mother and devoted family member by friends and colleagues.
Justin Fairfax was Virginia’s lieutenant governor and was ordered by a judge to move out due to their divorce.
Police believe Justin Fairfax fatally shot Cerina and then took his own life at their home in Annandale, Virginia.
Cerina Fairfax was recognized for her dental work and community service, receiving awards from her dental school and the Virginia Dental Association.
The couple met in college at Duke University and married in 2006.
Justin Fairfax’s political career ended after sexual assault accusations and he left office.
They had two teenage children, who were described as the people Cerina cherished most.
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A new bill in Congress aims to allow certain military veterans and active-duty members to carry concealed guns anywhere in the United States. The law would give these service members a right similar to what retired police officers already have, overriding different state gun rules.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act.
It applies to eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel.
The bill would let them carry concealed firearms nationwide, ignoring state-by-state differences.
Supporters say military training makes these individuals highly qualified to carry guns safely.
Representative Pat Harrigan of North Carolina introduced the bill.
The bill does not create new rights, but extends existing ones used by retired police officers.
Some gun control groups worry it could reduce state control over gun laws and affect public safety.
The bill must pass committees and votes in Congress before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk.
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The Trump administration has planned an auction on June 5 to sell rights to drill for oil in a wildlife refuge in Alaska called the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This area is known for its natural environment and has been the subject of debate about drilling and conservation.
Key Facts
The auction is set for June 5.
Companies will bid for the rights to drill oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a protected natural area in Alaska.
Drilling in this refuge has been controversial because of environmental concerns.
The Trump administration organized this auction.
The administration has not yet provided full details about the auction process or its impact.
This decision marks a change in policy regarding drilling in protected wildlife areas.
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An 86-year-old French widow named Marie-Thérèse was held by U.S. immigration authorities (ICE) because she overstayed her visa. After detention in Alabama, she was released and returned to France, where her family reunited with her.
Key Facts
Marie-Thérèse is from Nantes, France, and moved to the U.S. in 2023 to live with her American husband, Billy.
Billy died in January 2025, leaving Marie-Thérèse’s immigration status unclear as she was awaiting a green card.
She was arrested in Alabama earlier in June 2025 for overstaying her visa.
Her son said she was treated harshly while detained, including being handcuffed with hands and feet.
Marie-Thérèse was released and arrived safely back in France, confirmed by the French Foreign Minister.
ICE is part of U.S. Department of Homeland Security and works to deport people who stay in the country illegally.
Since President Donald Trump began his second term, ICE’s role and budget for deportation efforts have increased.
The French government has expressed concerns about ICE’s detention methods in general.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to reduce the number of daily flights at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport this summer to prevent delays. The daily limit will be set at 2,708 flights, down from the current peak of 3,080 flights planned for busy days.
Key Facts
The FAA announced the flight cuts on a Thursday.
The cut aims to reduce summer travel delays at O’Hare Airport.
The new daily flight limit is 2,708 flights.
Currently, there are 3,080 planned flights on the busiest summer days.
The restrictions will only apply during the summer travel season.
O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the United States.
The FAA oversees and manages flight schedules to ensure safety and efficiency.
These changes are intended to improve passenger experience by reducing flight delays.
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A recent Texas poll shows Attorney General Ken Paxton leading Senator John Cornyn in the Republican runoff for Senate. Democratic candidate James Talarico tends to perform better against Paxton than Cornyn in general election matchups, though the race remains competitive.
Key Facts
A Texas Public Opinion Research poll surveyed 1,225 likely Republican voters in the runoff.
48% supported Paxton, 40% supported Cornyn, and 11% were undecided.
Paxton has a higher net favorability rating (+25) compared to Cornyn (+3).
President Donald Trump’s endorsement influences many voters; 49% said it affects their choice somewhat or a great deal.
Among Cornyn supporters, 24% would vote for Talarico if Paxton is the nominee, while 10% of Paxton supporters would vote for Talarico if Cornyn is the nominee.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick warned Republicans might struggle to keep their majority in the Texas House during upcoming elections.
Patrick urged the losing candidate in the Republican runoff to support the winner to help down-ballot races.
Previous polls show a close race between Paxton and Cornyn, and competitive matchups between Talarico and both Republicans.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that lawsuits against oil and gas companies over coastal land loss in Louisiana should be heard in federal court, not state court. This decision came after a state jury ordered Chevron to pay over $740 million for environmental damage.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made an 8-0 decision to send the case to federal court.
The lawsuits claim oil and gas companies caused coastal damage in Louisiana over many years.
Chevron was ordered by a state jury to pay more than $740 million for cleanup.
The companies argued they worked under federal supervision during World War II to increase aviation fuel supply.
The court agreed these cases are related to federal efforts and belong in federal court.
Louisiana has lost over 2,000 square miles of coastal land in the past century, with oil infrastructure as a major factor.
The ruling affects 11 of 42 similar cases filed against oil companies since 2013.
Justice Samuel Alito did not participate in the case due to financial ties to an energy company.
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Singer David Burke, known as D4vd, was arrested on suspicion of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed body was found in his abandoned Tesla in Hollywood Hills last year. Authorities are reviewing evidence to decide whether to file charges, and Burke's lawyers say he is innocent.
Key Facts
David Burke (D4vd), aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of murder in the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Celeste, age 14 when killed, was reported missing by her family in 2024 from Lake Elsinore, California.
Her body was found in September 2024 in a Tesla Model Y that had been towed from Hollywood Hills.
The body was severely decomposed and dismembered, found inside two bags in the car.
No official cause of death has been publicly released; police restricted the release of the autopsy report.
Burke’s arrest came seven months after the body was discovered, and he was not publicly named as a suspect before that.
Defense lawyers say Burke has not been charged and maintain he is innocent.
Burke is a singer who gained popularity on TikTok and is known for his alt-pop music.
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Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will resign on May 31. Lyons led ICE during President Donald Trump’s push for stronger immigration enforcement and expanded the agency’s hiring and detention efforts.
Key Facts
Todd Lyons has been the acting director of ICE since March 2025.
He is resigning at the end of May, with his last day on May 31.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised Lyons for improving community safety.
Under Lyons’ leadership, ICE received a large budget increase to hire more staff and expand detention.
Lyons oversaw high-profile immigration enforcement operations in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.
He faced congressional questions about the deaths of two American protesters during ICE actions.
Lyons signed a memo giving ICE officers broad powers to enter homes and make arrests without a judge’s warrant.
It is unclear who will replace Lyons as ICE director.
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Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is planning to leave his leadership position soon, according to U.S. officials. The announcement was reported by CBS News.
Key Facts
Todd Lyons is currently the acting leader of ICE.
He intends to leave his role soon.
The information comes from U.S. officials who shared it with CBS News.
ICE is a federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement.
The report was made by CBS News correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez.
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A nursery worker in Dudley was sentenced to over three years in prison after a 14-month-old boy died while being restrained face-down at the nursery. The nursery was fined £240,000 and its owner received a suspended prison sentence for health and safety failures.
Key Facts
Noah Sibanda, a 14-month-old boy, died in December 2022 after being restrained face-down with a blanket over his head at Fairytales Day Nursery.
Noah was left alone for two hours before being found unresponsive and later died in hospital.
Kimberley Cookson, the nursery worker, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for gross negligence manslaughter.
Cookson must serve 40% of her sentence in prison and the rest under licence (supervision).
Deborah Latewood, the nursery owner, was given a six-month suspended prison sentence for a health and safety offence.
The nursery admitted corporate manslaughter and health and safety violations and was fined £240,000 plus £56,000 in legal costs.
CCTV footage showed dangerous and rough handling of children, including Noah, which was ignored by managers.
Noah’s parents expressed deep grief and faulted the nursery for negligence that led to their son’s death.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is recruiting video gamers to work as air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said this program has been very successful because gamers have skills useful for managing air traffic.
Key Facts
The FAA is trying to hire video gamers for air traffic controller jobs.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the recruitment effort "wildly successful."
Gamers are skilled at focusing on many things on screens at once.
Air traffic controllers need to watch screens and talk clearly to guide planes.
This program uses gamers’ abilities to improve air traffic control hiring.
The FAA believes gamers can adapt to the demands of air traffic control work.
The program aims to fill important safety roles.
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Senator Katie Britt from Alabama says a House bill to extend legal protections for Haitian refugees will not advance in the Senate. The bill, which passed the House with support from some moderate Republicans, faces strong opposition from Britt and likely other Senate Republicans.
Key Facts
Sen. Katie Britt is the chair of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
She is a prominent Republican voice on immigration issues.
The House passed a bill to extend legal protections for Haitian refugees.
Ten moderate House Republicans voted with Democrats to pass this bill.
Sen. Britt called the bill “dead on arrival” in the Senate, meaning it will not pass there.
The opposition mainly comes from Senate Republicans who disagree with the bill.
The bill aims to help Haitian refugees remain legally in the U.S. under temporary protected status.
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it is surprising he was not told that Lord Peter Mandelson failed security checks before being appointed UK ambassador to the US. The vetting officers recommended against Mandelson’s appointment, but the Foreign Office ignored this. Opposition parties are calling on Sir Keir to resign over the issue.
Key Facts
Lord Peter Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US despite failing initial security vetting.
The UK Security Vetting service recommended against approving Mandelson’s vetting, which is an unusual "no" recommendation.
The Foreign Office overruled the vetting service’s recommendation and proceeded with Mandelson’s appointment.
No ministers, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, were informed about Mandelson’s failed vetting at the time.
Sir Keir Starmer discovered the vetting failure only recently and called the lack of information "staggering" and "unforgivable."
Sir Keir plans to explain all facts to Parliament to be fully transparent.
Opposition leaders, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have demanded Sir Keir's resignation.
Senior minister Darren Jones said there was no rule requiring ministers to be told about security vetting decisions, but that policy is now changed.
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Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is asking a Utah judge to ban cameras from his court trial. His lawyers argue that live broadcasts and media coverage could influence potential jurors and violate his right to a fair trial.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the shooting of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025.
Robinson’s lawyers claim live streaming and media reports have biased public opinion against him.
A New York Post article suggested Robinson confessed to the killing based on lip reading during a court appearance.
Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if Robinson is found guilty.
Robinson has not entered a plea and no trial date has been set yet.
Judge Tony Graf has limited camera views in court to prevent violations of decorum.
Media and Kirk’s widow want cameras allowed to ensure transparency and counter misinformation.
Ballistic tests on the bullet are ongoing, with the FBI conducting additional analysis.
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The Pentagon said it is working with the White House and other agencies to gather and release videos of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), also called unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). This update came after Representative Anna Paulina Luna criticized the Defense Department for missing a deadline to provide 46 requested videos.
Key Facts
Representative Anna Paulina Luna requested 46 videos of UFO encounters by April 14.
The videos show different shapes of objects seen by the U.S. military over places like Iran, Syria, U.S. bases, and Lake Huron.
The Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is leading the effort to collect and release UAP records.
The U.S. Department of Defense was renamed the Department of War last year by President Trump, but Congress must approve it.
President Trump directed his administration in February to find and share government files on UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
The Pentagon said it is making progress and plans to give the UAP records to the National Archives as required by law.
Luna said the Pentagon did not respond to her request until contacted again and may use subpoena power to get the videos.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in February there was no set date for releasing the files but promised full compliance with the president’s order.
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