A person is in custody related to the disappearance of two University of South Florida doctoral students last seen on April 16 in Tampa. Authorities have declared the students endangered and are investigating the case near the university.
Key Facts
Two University of South Florida doctoral students, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, aged 27, went missing on April 16.
A person connected to the disappearance is being held by police at a home in the Lake Forest Community near USF's Tampa campus.
Police did not confirm if the person in custody is a suspect.
The Lake Forest Community was briefly closed off during the police operation.
The students’ status was changed to endangered by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on April 18.
Limon was studying artificial intelligence in environmental science and was about to present his doctoral thesis.
Bristy was studying chemical engineering and regularly contacted her family until she disappeared.
Authorities have not shared details about new information that led to raising the students’ status to endangered.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Justice Department announced that it has stopped its investigation into Jerome Powell, the leader of the Federal Reserve. The White House responded to this decision.
Key Facts
The Justice Department decided to end the probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Jerome Powell is the current Federal Reserve Chair, the head of the U.S. central bank.
The announcement was made on a Friday.
The White House gave a reaction following this decision.
Details about the reasons for dropping the investigation were not included in the article.
CBS News reporter Kelly O'Grady covered the story.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK plan to reintroduce a bill allowing assisted dying for terminally ill adults after it was blocked in the House of Lords. The bill had cleared the House of Commons but was delayed and obstructed by many amendments in the Lords, causing it to run out of time before the current parliamentary session ended.
Key Facts
The assisted dying bill would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to apply for assisted death, with approval from two doctors and an expert panel.
The bill passed the House of Commons in June last year but was blocked in the House of Lords by more than 1,200 amendments.
Over 800 amendments came from just seven members of the House of Lords.
MPs say the Lords’ delay is undemocratic and vow to reintroduce the bill in the next parliamentary session.
Some opponents argue the bill has problems and the amendments were needed to fix weaknesses.
The bill’s supporters reject claims it was rushed and say there is public support for changing the law.
The bill’s future depends on other MPs taking it up after the private members’ bill ballot, as some government ministers oppose it on conscience grounds.
Personal stories from people affected by the existing ban on assisted dying were shared to highlight the bill’s importance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Stephen Colbert, the host of CBS’s “The Late Show,” said he will not attend the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner this year. He questions why many other people still choose to go to the event.
Key Facts
Stephen Colbert is the host of CBS’s “The Late Show.”
He decided not to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
The event is scheduled for Saturday.
Colbert tries to avoid being in Washington, D.C., especially during the dinner weekend.
He publicly asked why many people still attend the dinner despite his decision not to.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is an annual event involving journalists and political figures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent Fox News poll shows that 70% of Americans believe the economy is getting worse, matching a record high first seen in 2023. This rising economic worry affects voter attitudes as the country approaches the 2026 midterm elections, challenging President Donald Trump’s messages about the economy.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 1,001 registered voters from April 17-20, 2026, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 points.
Seven in ten Americans feel the economy is worsening, while only 26% think it is improving.
Economic pessimism now equals the highest level recorded in more than 20 years, first reached in April 2023.
Personal financial struggles with groceries, gas, health care, and housing are driving negative feelings about the economy.
The percentage of voters seeing gas prices as a major problem nearly doubled from 33% in September 2025 to 60% in April 2026.
About 43% of Americans say economic issues are the most important challenge facing the country.
Economic pessimism has remained high for over two years, unlike past economic downturns which showed shorter bursts of concern.
Pollsters note growing political polarization makes it hard for some voters to believe that President Trump’s economic policies are effective.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration plans to stop foreign tech companies, especially those in China, from misusing American artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Officials want to work with U.S. AI companies to detect and prevent these activities and to take action against those responsible.
Key Facts
The administration is focusing on foreign companies, mainly in China, misusing U.S. AI technology.
Michael Kratsios, the president's science adviser, issued a memo about this issue.
These companies are accused of extracting and using U.S. AI capabilities without permission.
The goal is to protect American expertise and innovation in AI.
The government will collaborate with U.S. AI companies to find and stop the misuse.
Actions may include building defenses and punishing offenders.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said that Ghislaine Maxwell will not receive a presidential pardon. Maxwell worked closely with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses. Some lawmakers have asked if she should be set free, but Luna dismissed those ideas.
Key Facts
Ghislaine Maxwell was a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was convicted of sex crimes.
Some lawmakers have discussed the possibility of pardoning Maxwell.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna strongly stated Maxwell will not get a pardon.
Luna is a Republican congresswoman from Florida.
She serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Luna made her statement during an interview on NewsNation’s show “Cuomo.”
The topic of Maxwell’s potential pardon has drawn attention in Congress.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article emphasizes the importance of supporting the annual correspondents’ dinner as a way to show that journalism matters. It highlights that journalists deserve recognition and a place in important discussions.
Key Facts
The correspondents’ dinner is held every year.
The event focuses on journalism.
It is meant to support the role of journalists.
The dinner symbolizes journalism’s importance.
Journalists are recognized as important voices.
The event encourages respect for press freedom.
It aims to keep journalists involved in key conversations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary for President Trump, is expected to have her second child next week. It is not yet known how long she will take off from her job during this time.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is President Trump’s press secretary.
She is expecting her second baby next week.
A White House official confirmed this news.
It is unclear how long Leavitt will be away from work after giving birth.
Federal employees, including those working in the executive branch, usually get 12 weeks of paid leave.
Leavitt’s role involves speaking to the press on behalf of President Trump and the White House.
The article does not specify any plans for a temporary replacement during her absence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two scientists, Amy Eskridge and Joshua LeBlanc, who died in Huntsville, Alabama, have attracted attention due to their involvement in sensitive government research. Authorities have found no clear connection between the two deaths, but federal investigators and lawmakers are reviewing multiple scientist deaths to see if there is any common link.
Key Facts
Amy Eskridge died in 2022 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Huntsville.
Eskridge worked on antigravity research and was skilled in several scientific fields.
A text message from Eskridge suggested she denied suicide, but experts believe she took her own life.
Joshua LeBlanc died in a car crash in Huntsville in 2025 after his family reported him missing.
LeBlanc worked as an aerospace electrical engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
There is no confirmed connection between Eskridge and LeBlanc despite both working in Huntsville.
The FBI is investigating the cases, and the House Committee on Oversight is requesting information from government agencies.
Huntsville is a major center for aerospace, defense, and advanced research in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke appeared in court after being charged with using secret government information to make over $400,000 betting on the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. He will be released on a $250,000 bond and has agreed to travel and conduct restrictions while awaiting further court dates.
Key Facts
Van Dyke is a special operations soldier charged with using classified information for personal betting gains.
He placed bets on a website called Polymarket predicting Maduro’s removal just before President Donald Trump announced Maduro’s capture.
The bets earned him more than $400,000 in profit.
After placing the bets, Van Dyke tried to hide his actions by deleting his account and changing email details on his cryptocurrency exchange.
He faces charges including theft of government information, commodities fraud, and wire fraud.
Van Dyke will surrender his passport and limit travel to parts of New York and North Carolina until the case progresses.
The case raised concerns about insider trading on prediction markets, which are monitored by government regulators.
President Trump compared the situation to a sports figure betting on their own team and said he would look into it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Department of Justice, under President Donald Trump, is speeding up the use of federal death penalties. The DOJ is bringing back lethal injection and adding the firing squad as execution methods.
Key Facts
The Trump administration announced faster federal death penalty processes.
Lethal injection and firing squad will be used for executions.
This follows an executive order signed by President Trump to prioritize death sentences for serious crimes.
The DOJ says previous officials did not enforce the death penalty enough against dangerous criminals.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche supports the renewed focus on strict punishments.
The move is intended to protect the public and support victims.
The announcement comes as breaking news with more updates expected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls. There is debate among lawmakers about whether a pardon could lead to Maxwell cooperating with investigations, but no decision has been made yet.
Key Facts
Ghislaine Maxwell is in prison for her role in helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse minors.
Maxwell was convicted and is serving a 20-year sentence in Texas.
President Trump has the power to pardon federal crimes and has not ruled out pardoning Maxwell.
Betting odds show increased chances of a Maxwell pardon by the end of 2026, rising from 7% to about 17-22%.
Some lawmakers think a pardon could encourage Maxwell’s cooperation with investigations, but opinions are divided.
Maxwell has used her right against self-incrimination and has refused to cooperate fully with Congress.
Trump has said he hasn’t thought much about a pardon and that it is not the right time to discuss pardons.
Maxwell is appealing her conviction, but the Supreme Court recently rejected her appeal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Department of Justice has stopped its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Instead, the Fed’s internal watchdog will review the costs of the Fed’s building renovations, which clears the way for Kevin Warsh to be confirmed as Powell’s successor.
Key Facts
The Justice Department ended its investigation into Powell’s possible wrongdoing related to Fed building renovations.
US Attorney Jeannine Pirro, a Trump ally, said the Fed’s Office of Inspector General will now handle the review.
Senator Thom Tillis had blocked Kevin Warsh’s confirmation until the investigation was resolved.
Kevin Warsh was nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Powell as Fed Chair.
Powell’s term as Fed Chair ends on May 15.
The investigation found no evidence of criminal conduct by Powell, and a judge criticized the case as lacking evidence.
Warsh said he would act independently and not promise President Trump any interest rate decisions.
The move is expected to speed up Warsh’s Senate confirmation process.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration has cut the number of green card approvals by about half and slowed down processing for many immigration categories. This has caused longer wait times and uncertainty for many applicants, especially those applying through family and humanitarian programs.
Key Facts
Green card approvals dropped by roughly 50% under President Trump's administration.
Family-based green card approvals fell 54% between July 2025 and January 2026.
Approvals for employment-based green cards stayed mostly stable.
Humanitarian immigration categories, like refugees and asylum seekers, saw the biggest cuts.
Arrests of Cuban parolees by immigration enforcement (ICE) increased by 463% during this time.
The slowdown has made wait times longer and created more uncertainty for applicants’ legal status and work permits.
The Trump administration increased vetting and paused some green card processing after a shooting incident in late 2025.
USCIS is working more closely with ICE, which some say is making it harder for immigrants to maintain lawful status.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses the history of race and the Republican Party, highlighting that Thaddeus Stevens, a key early Republican leader, played an important role. It explores the party's changing relationship with race issues over time.
Key Facts
Thaddeus Stevens was a U.S. Congressman and an important founder of the Republican Party.
Stevens was known for his strong stance on civil rights during the 19th century.
The Republican Party was originally linked to anti-slavery and civil rights efforts.
Over many years, the party’s approach to race issues has evolved.
The article examines how race has influenced the party’s direction and policies.
It looks at historical shifts in party demographics and voter support related to race.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two large wildfires in southeastern Georgia are spreading across 36,000 acres, with firefighters working to contain them. Changing winds and humidity are making it harder to control the fires, prompting evacuation warnings and a curfew in affected areas.
Key Facts
The Brantley Highway 82 Fire and the Pinelands Road Fire cover a combined 36,000 acres in Brantley and Clinch counties.
The Brantley Fire, with 5,000 acres burned, is about 15% contained but changing due to wind.
The Pinelands Road Fire grew rapidly from 9,000 to nearly 30,000 acres in one day.
Over 59 fire departments, 20 bulldozers, and 8 engines are working on protecting buildings.
Helicopters and large air tankers are being used to fight the fires from the air.
A nighttime curfew from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. is in place until the fires are controlled.
The Brantley Fire has destroyed at least 87 homes.
Smoke from the fires has traveled more than 400 miles, causing air quality warnings in several towns including Atlanta.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Indian officials criticized a recent social media post by President Donald Trump that called India a "hellhole." They said this description was wrong, inappropriate, and disrespectful. The post included a transcript from radio host Michael Savage's show, where he spoke negatively about a constitutional issue.
Key Facts
President Trump shared a post online calling India a "hellhole."
The post contained a transcript from Michael Savage’s talk radio show.
Savage was discussing a constitutional topic in his show.
Indian officials strongly rejected the description of their country.
They described the comment as uninformed and in poor taste.
The incident caused disagreements between the U.S. and India officials online.
The post reflects criticism linked to President Trump’s social media activity.
The matter highlights sensitivity in international relations regarding public statements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Federal investigators are looking into U.S. Army Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke for placing bets on a prediction market about the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro before an announcement was made. The investigation focuses on whether he bet on Maduro being removed from power ahead of public news.
Key Facts
The soldier under investigation is Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke from the U.S. Army.
He allegedly placed bets on Polymarket, a prediction market platform.
The bets predicted that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro would be captured or removed.
These bets were placed before a public announcement in January about Maduro’s capture.
Federal investigators are examining the situation to understand the details and implications.
The news was reported by CBS News and includes insights from reporters Nicole Sganga and Elliot Ackerman.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jake Reiner spoke publicly for the first time since his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, were killed in their Los Angeles home in December. He described the shock and grief of learning about their deaths and mentioned that his brother Nick has been charged with their murders.
Key Facts
Rob and Michele Reiner were found stabbed to death on December 14 in their Brentwood home.
Their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Nick pleaded not guilty to the charges in February.
Jake Reiner learned of his parents' deaths while attending a funeral for a close friend.
He described the emotional pain of losing both parents at the same time as "unendurable."
Rob Reiner was a film director known for movies like "Stand by Me" and "When Harry Met Sally...".
Michele Reiner was a photographer and film producer.
Jake expressed that some details about the situation remain private to protect the family.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
