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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
North Carolina is the first state to send out mail-in ballots for the 2026 US midterm elections, which will decide control of Congress during President Donald Trump’s term. However, there is confusion because Trump is trying to enforce new federal rules on mail voting that are currently blocked in court, and election officials are unsure which rules will apply.
Key Facts
North Carolina began mailing ballots for the 2026 midterm elections on April 9, 2026.
President Trump signed an executive order in March 2026 to tighten controls on mail voting.
The new rules would require barcodes on ballot envelopes and sharing voter lists with the USPS.
A federal judge blocked these new mail voting restrictions, and Trump is asking the Supreme Court to reinstate them.
USPS whistleblowers warned that a new verification system might delay or reject ballots due to technical issues.
States have different mail voting rules, and these federal changes could cause confusion during voting.
North Carolina officials said they will continue with the usual mail voting process and not use the disputed federal system.
The midterms will take place on November 3, 2026, and will affect the last two years of President Trump’s current term.
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Senator John Fetterman reportedly canceled a meeting with three disabled veterans, after previously dismissing funding concerns for a children’s hospital. A report claims he pretended to be ill to avoid the veterans but later gave an interview instead.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman is a first-term senator from Pennsylvania.
He was scheduled to meet with three disabled veterans but canceled the meeting.
The cancellation happened almost one year after he dismissed concerns about funding for a children’s hospital.
The Wall Street Journal published the report about the cancellations and his earlier dismissal.
The report claims Fetterman faked being sick to avoid meeting with the veterans.
After canceling, he gave an interview instead of meeting the veterans.
This news focuses on his interactions with veterans and views on hospital funding.
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A judge plans to declare a mistrial in the case of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three young children, after the jury could not agree on a verdict. Clancy’s defense says she was suffering from severe mental illness linked to postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is charged with killing her three children in January 2023.
The jury spent over 38 hours but remained deadlocked, leading the judge to declare a mistrial.
Clancy’s defense argues she had postpartum psychosis, a severe mental illness after childbirth, causing her to lose control.
Prosecutors claim Clancy planned the killings deliberately while her husband was away.
Clancy has not denied killing her children but says she lacked criminal responsibility due to mental illness.
She suffered from postpartum depression and bipolar disorder and was prescribed many medications before the incident.
After the trial, prosecutors may try the case again.
Clancy and her former husband plan to sue her medical providers for not properly treating her mental health condition.
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The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the new Republican-backed congressional map cannot be used in the November 2026 election unless voters approve it in a statewide vote. This means Missouri will use the current congressional districts from 2022 for the general election, even though the primary used the new proposed map.
Key Facts
Missouri has eight congressional districts, which the new map would redraw mainly in western and central parts of the state.
The new map targets changes around Kansas City, affecting a Democratic district held by Representative Emanuel Cleaver.
The Missouri Supreme Court decided that the new map must be approved by voters through a referendum before it takes effect.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins had rejected the referendum petition, but the court ruled the petition was valid and must be certified for the November ballot.
The court said the new map never became official because the petition was filed before the map took effect.
President Donald Trump criticized the court’s decision and called it unconstitutional, urging the state to use the districts from the August primary.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said the state will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision.
Missouri’s general election is set for November 3, 2026, and the current 2022 map will be used unless voters approve the new map in the referendum.
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The jury in Lindsay Clancy’s trial cannot agree on whether she is responsible for killing her three children. After multiple attempts, the judge is set to declare a mistrial but is allowing the defense one hour to file an emergency appeal.
Key Facts
The jury is deadlocked and cannot reach a unanimous verdict in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial.
Lindsay Clancy is accused of fatally strangling her three children in January 2023.
The jury consists of nine women and three men.
The defense claims Clancy had postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness affecting about 2 in 1,000 women after childbirth.
Prosecutors say the killings were planned and deliberate.
The judge read a note from the jury saying they cannot reach a decision "with a heavy heart."
The judge delayed declaring a mistrial to allow the defense one hour to seek an emergency appeal to a higher court.
The trial has drawn national attention to postpartum mental health care issues.
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Three U.S. governor races have recently shifted in favor of Democrats, according to Sabato’s Crystal Ball political forecast. Alaska is now rated as a Toss-Up, Iowa leans Democratic, and Pennsylvania is considered Safe Democratic for the November elections.
Key Facts
Republicans currently hold a small lead with 26 governors versus 24 for Democrats.
Alaska changed from Likely Republican to Toss-Up because of a crowded primary and uncertain ranked-choice voting results.
In Iowa, Democrat Rob Sand leads Republican Zach Lahn in the polls, moving the state from Toss-Up to Leans Democratic.
Pennsylvania’s governor race moved from Likely Democratic to Safe Democratic as Governor Josh Shapiro holds a strong lead.
Georgia remains the only other Toss-Up race, with Republicans defending its governorship.
There are 36 governor races this year, split evenly between Republican and Democratic seats.
If the forecast holds, the outcome in Alaska and Georgia will decide if Republicans keep their majority or Democrats gain control.
Ranked-choice voting means voters rank candidates by preference, and if no one wins outright, lower-ranked candidates are removed and votes reallocated. This makes the Alaska race unpredictable.
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Diesel prices in the US have reached a new high of $5.85 per gallon due to tensions related to the war with Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. This price increase affects transportation and production costs and comes just before important US midterm elections.
Key Facts
Diesel prices hit a record $5.85 per gallon, surpassing the previous peak from June 2022.
The rise is linked to war-related issues with Iran and instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil.
Diesel is mainly used to power heavy machinery, buses, trains, and large trucks.
Higher diesel prices increase costs for transporting and producing many goods, including food.
Gasoline prices also rose, reaching $4.14 per gallon just before Labor Day, a record for this time of year.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance claim the US controls the Strait of Hormuz and that oil shipments are near pre-war levels.
Iran disputes US control and accuses the US of market manipulation; attacks on ships in the strait continue.
The price hikes and conflict are important issues ahead of the November midterm elections, with voters concerned about the economy and cost of living.
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The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy ended without a verdict because the jury could not agree, leading the judge to declare a mistrial. Clancy is accused of killing her three children, but her defense argues she was not mentally responsible due to postpartum psychosis.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy faced trial for the deaths of her three children in January 2023.
The jury spent 36 hours deciding but could not reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
Clancy pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.
Prosecutors said Clancy planned the killings and knew right from wrong.
The defense said she was mentally ill, overmedicated, and in postpartum psychosis, which affected her responsibility.
Experts say a mistrial means the case may be tried again.
The trial included discussions about mental health issues and suicide.
Resources for mental health support were mentioned during the trial coverage.
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New York City police shot and killed a man who climbed the cables of the Brooklyn Bridge while holding a knife and threatening officers. The officers tried to talk him down for about an hour before he moved toward them with the knife, leading to the shooting.
Key Facts
Police responded to a 911 call reporting a man walking on the Brooklyn Bridge cables early Friday morning.
The man held a knife and said, “I want to die” and threatened the officers.
Officers spoke with him for around an hour, trying to convince him to come down safely.
When the man suddenly moved toward officers with the knife, one officer fired a single shot.
The man was taken down and sent to a hospital where he died.
Police recovered a knife and flashlight from the scene.
The incident was recorded on police body cameras and is under investigation.
This event happened days after a separate police shooting of a knife attacker in Times Square.
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking the public for more comments as it works to redefine which wetlands are protected under a key clean water law. This effort follows a 2023 Supreme Court decision that limited federal protection of wetlands, shifting more responsibility to states and tribes.
Key Facts
The EPA’s new rule aims to limit federal protections to only certain types of waters, like rivers, lakes, and wetlands connected directly to them.
This change is based on a 2023 Supreme Court case, Sackett v. EPA, which reduced the federal government’s control over many wetlands.
The EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are looking at different options before finalizing the rule.
The agency says the rule will reduce regulatory burdens and support state and tribal management of water resources.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized public input to ensure the rule is clear and effective.
The rule is part of President Trump’s broader effort to roll back environmental regulations to boost the economy.
The EPA claims the rule will help landowners, farmers, energy producers, and businesses by providing clearer guidelines.
Critics argue the changes may weaken protections for water and wetlands.
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A report from the Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General found that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer created a hostile work environment and broke several department rules. The report details problems such as inappropriate relationships, misuse of travel funds, and staff mistreatment.
Key Facts
Lori Chavez-DeRemer was the Labor Secretary but resigned earlier in 2025.
The report describes the workplace as toxic, intimidating, and humiliating.
Chavez-DeRemer was said to have had an inappropriate relationship with a security staff member.
She combined personal and official travel, violating rules.
Chavez-DeRemer broke alcohol policies and asked staff to do personal favors during work hours.
Senior staff reportedly insulted employees in front of others and made hiring decisions based on looks, not skills.
During a personal trip, Chavez-DeRemer stopped at a strip club and gave money to a dancer.
The report is based on interviews with 53 department employees and a review of over 500 documents, photos, and videos.
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Senator Josh Hawley is expanding his investigation of Flock Safety’s roadside cameras to include other companies that use artificial intelligence (AI) for surveillance. He wants to examine how these AI-powered systems work and their impact on privacy and security.
Key Facts
Senator Josh Hawley represents Missouri and is a Republican.
He is the chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism.
Hawley first investigated Flock Safety’s roadside surveillance cameras.
He is now broadening the probe to cover AI surveillance networks from three additional companies.
The investigation focuses on how these AI-powered cameras monitor people and vehicles.
The probe aims to assess privacy and civil rights concerns linked to surveillance technology.
Hawley’s inquiry highlights growing government interest in the use of AI in public surveillance.
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A judge declared a mistrial in the case of Lindsay Clancy, who was on trial for killing her three young children in Massachusetts. The jury could not agree on whether she was criminally responsible due to her claim of suffering from postpartum psychosis, a rare mental health condition.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy admitted to strangling her three children: ages five, three, and eight months.
She claimed she was suffering from postpartum psychosis, which affects about 1 to 2 women per 1,000 births.
The 12-person jury was deadlocked, with 11 jurors supporting a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict and one juror opposing.
Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial due to the jury's inability to reach a unanimous decision.
Prosecutors must decide whether to retry Clancy, who remains in custody.
Clancy’s defense said she tried to get medical help but received poor care before the tragedy.
The trial featured more than 80 witnesses and sparked public debate about maternal mental health.
President Donald Trump commented, calling it a "horrible tragedy" and expecting another trial.
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The jury in the Lindsay Clancy trial continued deliberations after a juror questioned the instructions about reasonable doubt. Clancy is accused of killing her three children, but her lawyer says she suffered from postpartum psychosis. The judge has not removed the juror despite requests and may declare a mistrial if no verdict is reached.
Key Facts
The jury is deadlocked after several days of trying to decide if Lindsay Clancy is guilty.
A juror disagreed with the judge’s instructions on "reasonable doubt," which means the level of certainty needed to convict.
The judge reminded jurors that the prosecution must prove Clancy’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt but not beyond all possible doubt.
Clancy has admitted to strangling her three children but claims mental illness caused her actions.
Prosecutors argue that she planned the killings and question the seriousness of her suicide attempt afterward.
The judge refused to remove the juror who raised concerns about the instructions.
If the jury fails to reach a verdict, the judge may declare a mistrial, and prosecutors will decide whether to retry Clancy or negotiate a plea.
If convicted, Clancy could face charges of murder or manslaughter; if acquitted, she might still be confined to a mental health facility.
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The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to make a decision about mail-in ballots. This request comes as some states are sending out mail ballots and there are questions about new rules before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is seeking the Supreme Court's help with issues around mail-in voting.
Mail-in ballots are being sent out in certain states for upcoming elections.
There are new restrictions or rules about mail-in voting causing questions and concerns.
The midterm elections are approaching, making timely decisions important.
The Supreme Court could provide clarity or rulings on how mail ballots should be handled.
This action reflects ongoing debates about voting methods in the U.S.
CBS News reported on the situation through their correspondent Olivia Rinaldi.
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More severe weather is expected to hit parts of the United States after recent storms affected Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio. Weather experts warn that the upcoming storms may bring heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.
Key Facts
Recent storms have already impacted Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio.
More severe weather is forecasted to continue in these and other parts of the U.S.
The storms may include heavy rain and strong winds.
There could be a risk of flooding in some areas.
Weather authorities are monitoring the situation and providing updates.
People in the affected regions are advised to stay alert and take safety precautions.
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A Texas man named James Elmore Jr was sentenced to 20 years in prison for manslaughter in the 1980s death of teenager Laura Miller. The case is linked to the “Texas Killing Fields,” an area where many women’s bodies have been found over the years. Elmore was found guilty of helping give Laura a fatal dose of cocaine.
Key Facts
James Elmore Jr was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of Laura Miller.
Laura Miller disappeared in 1984, and her body was found in 1986 in the Texas Killing Fields area near Houston.
Elmore admitted being present when Laura died and was found guilty of preparing the cocaine that caused her death.
Clyde Hedrick, Elmore’s friend, gave the cocaine to Laura but died by suicide before charges could be filed against him.
The Texas Killing Fields is a stretch of land where over 30 women’s bodies have been found, many cases unsolved.
Laura Miller’s father, Tim Miller, started Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit group that looks for missing people.
Hedrick had a history of manslaughter convictions and was suspected in several Texas Killing Fields cases.
Elmore faces additional charges, including evidence tampering and possession of child abuse images, with a trial scheduled later in the year.
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The judge in the Lindsay Clancy trial decided not to meet privately with a juror who has not agreed with the others. This happened during a tense discussion with the defense lawyers on Friday.
Key Facts
The trial involves Lindsay Clancy.
The jury has not reached a unanimous decision.
One juror is holding out and has not agreed with the rest.
The judge refused to hold a private meeting with this juror.
The decision was announced on a Friday.
The exchange with the defense was described as heated.
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Important policy choices that will impact many working women are set to be decided this November. These decisions are being shaped not only by lawmakers but also by actions happening in workplaces like warehouses.
Key Facts
Major policy decisions affecting working women will be finalized in November.
These decisions involve more than just government lawmakers.
Workplaces such as warehouses play a significant role in shaping these outcomes.
Many working women face challenges that are influenced by these policies.
The article suggests the setting of these struggles extends beyond government buildings.
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