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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Pentagon asks for $54bn in pivot towards AI-powered war

Pentagon asks for $54bn in pivot towards AI-powered war

Summary

The Pentagon plans to request over $54 billion in its 2027 budget to fund a new Defense Autonomous Warfare Group focused on AI-powered autonomous drones for military use. This is a large increase in spending to develop and deploy robots and drones that can operate with less human control in war.

Key Facts

  • The Pentagon wants $54 billion for the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group in 2027, a 24,000% increase from last year.
  • The funding will support “autonomous and remotely operated systems” on air, land, and sea, including a program called “Drone Dominance.”
  • The amount requested is more than half of the entire UK defense budget.
  • Former CIA director David Petraeus called this the biggest investment in autonomous warfare ever.
  • Experts warn that AI systems still have weaknesses that could cause risks to soldiers and civilians.
  • The Defense Autonomous Warfare Group absorbed an earlier program aimed at low-cost combat drones in the Pacific.
  • The Pentagon wants to work with top American AI labs to get the latest AI models for military use.
  • The budget request comes as the US tries to limit reliance on Chinese-made drones and parts.
  • Drone industry experts see the funding as a sign the Pentagon is responding to battlefield needs, especially from the war in Ukraine.
  • There is still no clear military plan for how to use autonomous drone swarms or similar tech in combat.
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Liberals shocked! San Francisco fixed its subway by stopping crime

Liberals shocked! San Francisco fixed its subway by stopping crime

Summary

San Francisco improved its subway system by installing new gates that prevent people from entering without paying. This change helped reduce problems related to fare evasion.

Key Facts

  • San Francisco subway added new gates at entrances.
  • The gates stop fare evaders from jumping over.
  • Preventing fare evasion improved subway conditions.
  • The changes made the subway safer and more efficient.
  • Addressing fare evasion was a key part of the improvement.
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Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat seeking his 13th term in Congress, dies at age 80

Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat seeking his 13th term in Congress, dies at age 80

Summary

U.S. Representative David Scott, a Democrat from Georgia who was seeking his 13th term, has died at age 80. He was the first Black person to chair the House Agriculture Committee and was known for his work on farm and food aid policies.

Key Facts

  • David Scott was a Democratic U.S. Representative from Georgia.
  • He died at the age of 80 while running for his 13th term in Congress.
  • Scott was the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
  • He was part of the Blue Dog caucus, a group of moderate Democrats.
  • Scott faced health challenges and primary election challenges in 2024.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Scott as a dedicated and trailblazing lawmaker.
  • Scott continued to serve despite his health issues and did not retire before his death.
  • His death slightly increases the Republicans’ narrow majority in the House going into the midterm elections.
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Georgia congressman, David Scott, dies aged 80

Georgia congressman, David Scott, dies aged 80

Summary

David Scott, a congressman from Georgia and a moderate Democrat, has died at age 80. He had served since 2003 and was known for his work on the House agriculture committee, where he was the first Black chairman.

Key Facts

  • David Scott represented Atlanta’s southern suburbs in Congress since 2003.
  • He was a moderate Democrat.
  • Scott was the ranking member of the House agriculture committee.
  • He was the first Black chairman of the agriculture committee when Democrats controlled the House.
  • Scott had health issues that were publicly known for several years.
  • He had qualified to run for a 12th term in Congress in 2024.
  • He faced several Democratic challengers due to concerns about his health.
  • David Scott died at the age of 80.
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Most Americans back ceasefire in Iran: Poll

Most Americans back ceasefire in Iran: Poll

Summary

A recent Marquette Law School poll found that 75% of Americans support a ceasefire in the conflict involving Iran, while 24% do not. The poll shows that most people want to stop the fighting for now.

Key Facts

  • The poll was released by Marquette Law School.
  • 75% of Americans approve of a ceasefire in Iran.
  • 24% of Americans disapprove of the ceasefire.
  • The poll reflects public opinion on ending the conflict temporarily.
  • The war with Iran continues, but many want peace talks or a stop to the fighting.
  • The poll results were made public on a Wednesday.
  • The data shows a significant majority favor halting the war for now.
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House Republicans release pair of bills to preempt state privacy laws

House Republicans release pair of bills to preempt state privacy laws

Summary

House Republicans introduced two new bills to set a national rule for data privacy. These bills aim to replace different privacy laws that individual states have, especially about consumer and financial information.

Key Facts

  • The bills were introduced by House Republicans on a Wednesday.
  • One bill is called the SECURE Data Act, which focuses on how technology companies manage data.
  • The other bill is the GUARD Financial Data Act, which focuses on protecting financial data.
  • The goal is to create one nationwide standard for data privacy.
  • The bills would override the various privacy laws that different states currently have.
  • The laws aim to protect personal data of consumers and financial information.
  • The introduction of these bills shows a push for uniform privacy rules across the U.S.
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Trump’s FCC launches inquiry into gender identity in kids’ TV shows

Trump’s FCC launches inquiry into gender identity in kids’ TV shows

Summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has started an inquiry into whether TV shows for children properly rate or label content related to gender identity. The FCC is asking the public whether current TV ratings give parents enough information about transgender and non-binary themes in children’s programs.

Key Facts

  • The FCC is reviewing the TV ratings system created after a 1996 law.
  • The inquiry focuses on how gender identity content in kids’ shows is rated and disclosed to parents.
  • The FCC raised concerns that shows with transgender and non-binary topics may not be clearly labeled for parents.
  • Ratings like TV-Y (for young children) may include gender identity themes without warning parents.
  • The FCC seeks public comments on whether such programming should have different ratings or descriptions.
  • Streaming services might be giving broader content allowances in kid-friendly categories than traditional TV.
  • The FCC is led by Brendan Carr, a supporter of President Trump, who has taken other actions threatening broadcasters over content issues.
  • Previous FCC actions include pressure on broadcasters about news coverage and late-night show content.
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Bianco emerges as GOP contender ahead of California governor debate

Bianco emerges as GOP contender ahead of California governor debate

Summary

The race for California governor has reduced from eight to six candidates. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate, gave an interview before a televised debate among the remaining contenders.

Key Facts

  • The number of candidates for California governor dropped from eight to six recently.
  • A debate among the six remaining candidates is scheduled for Wednesday night.
  • Chad Bianco is one of the Republican candidates running for governor.
  • Bianco appeared in an interview with the show "Raising America."
  • The debate aims to help voters learn more about the finalists for governor.
  • Chad Bianco serves as the sheriff of Riverside County.
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Judge dismisses Patel defamation lawsuit over ‘nightclubs’ comment on MS NOW

Judge dismisses Patel defamation lawsuit over ‘nightclubs’ comment on MS NOW

Summary

A federal judge in Texas dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by FBI Director Kash Patel against a columnist from MS NOW. The columnist had said on air that Patel spent more time in nightclubs than at the FBI headquarters, but the judge ruled that Patel’s claim was not legally valid.

Key Facts

  • Kash Patel is the Director of the FBI.
  • Patel sued an MS NOW columnist for defamation over comments made on air.
  • The columnist said Patel spent more time in nightclubs than at the FBI office.
  • A federal judge in Texas dismissed Patel’s lawsuit.
  • The judge said Patel did not present a strong enough claim for defamation.
  • The lawsuit was dismissed in a court filing on Tuesday.
  • The judge’s name is George C. Hanks, Jr.
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David Scott, longtime Georgia Democrat, dies at 80

David Scott, longtime Georgia Democrat, dies at 80

Summary

Rep. David Scott, a Democrat from Georgia who served in Congress for over 20 years, has died at the age of 80. He was known for being the first Black lawmaker to chair the House Agriculture Committee starting in 2021.

Key Facts

  • David Scott represented Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • He was first elected to Congress in 2002.
  • Scott served more than two decades as a member of Congress.
  • In 2021, he became the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
  • The Congressional Black Caucus confirmed his passing.
  • He was 80 years old at the time of his death.
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Fact-checking Trump's latest claims about the Supreme Court

Fact-checking Trump's latest claims about the Supreme Court

Summary

President Donald Trump said on social media that the Democratic-appointed justices on the Supreme Court always vote together. CBS News fact-checked his claim and provided details about the recent Supreme Court decisions.

Key Facts

  • President Trump made a statement about Supreme Court justices being aligned by their political appointments.
  • He said Democratic-appointed justices "stick together like glue."
  • The statement was shared on social media platforms.
  • CBS News reporter Jan Crawford reviewed the accuracy of the claim.
  • The fact-check relates to recent rulings made by the Supreme Court.
  • The Supreme Court consists of justices appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents.
  • Justices on the Supreme Court are expected to decide cases based on law and the Constitution, not solely on political views.
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US supreme court sides with Michigan in its fight to shut down ageing pipeline

US supreme court sides with Michigan in its fight to shut down ageing pipeline

Summary

The US Supreme Court decided that Michigan’s lawsuit to shut down part of an old oil pipeline will stay in state court. The case involves a section of Line 5, a pipeline under the Great Lakes, and centers on safety and environmental concerns.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court ruled Michigan’s case against Enbridge’s pipeline must remain in state court.
  • Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that Enbridge tried too late to move the case to federal court.
  • Line 5 is a 4.5-mile pipeline section under the Straits of Mackinac, linking Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
  • Michigan’s Attorney General sued to cancel the easement allowing the pipeline’s operation in 2019.
  • A judge had temporarily stopped the pipeline in 2020 but allowed it to run under strict safety conditions.
  • Enbridge claims federal officials, not the state, control pipeline safety and challenges Michigan’s attempts to shut it down.
  • Michigan revoked the pipeline’s easement in 2020, but a federal judge blocked this move; the state is appealing.
  • Enbridge plans to build a protective tunnel for the pipeline; environmental groups and tribes oppose this and have filed lawsuits.
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Longtime Democratic Rep. David Scott dies at 80

Longtime Democratic Rep. David Scott dies at 80

Summary

Representative David Scott from Georgia has died at the age of 80. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 20 years.

Key Facts

  • David Scott was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • He represented the state of Georgia.
  • Scott served in Congress for more than two decades.
  • His death was confirmed by a senior House Democrat.
  • The news was first reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  • Scott’s office has not yet made an official public statement.
  • He was 80 years old at the time of his passing.
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Trump wastes his time and our money on trivial pursuits

Trump wastes his time and our money on trivial pursuits

Summary

President Donald Trump has been attending sporting events and visiting golf courses. Critics say these activities take time and money away from official government work.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spends time at sporting events.
  • He also visits golf courses regularly.
  • Some people say these activities use taxpayer money.
  • Critics believe this keeps him from focusing on his presidential duties.
  • The concerns come from those watching how he manages his time and resources.
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Jeffries warns Florida GOP that new map will backfire: ‘F around and find out’

Jeffries warns Florida GOP that new map will backfire: ‘F around and find out’

Summary

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that changes to the Florida congressional map could hurt the Republican Party. He said Democrats have recently won several local elections in Florida, suggesting the new map might have unintended results for Republicans.

Key Facts

  • Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
  • He spoke to reporters about the Florida congressional map on Wednesday.
  • Jeffries believes efforts to redraw the map will backfire on the Republican Party.
  • Democrats have flipped several local election seats in Florida recently.
  • He directly challenged Florida Republicans regarding the new map changes.
  • The discussion is about how changing district boundaries affects political power.
  • The comments suggest Democrats see a chance to gain more seats in Florida.
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Why H‑1B Visa Odds Are Getting Worse Under Trump’s New Rules

Why H‑1B Visa Odds Are Getting Worse Under Trump’s New Rules

Summary

New rules under President Trump have made it harder to get H-1B visas, which allow foreign workers to come to the U.S. for certain jobs. These changes include a $100,000 fee for many applicants and a new system that prefers higher-paid job offers, reducing chances for entry-level and overseas applicants.

Key Facts

  • The H-1B visa lets employers hire foreign workers for jobs needing a bachelor’s degree or similar experience in areas like healthcare, engineering, and technology.
  • New rules include a $100,000 fee for workers applying for H-1B visas from outside the U.S., starting September 21, 2025.
  • This fee does not apply to people already in the U.S. who switch to H-1B status.
  • The new system selects H-1B applicants based on wages, favoring higher-paid jobs.
  • The number of foreign applicants applying from abroad has dropped sharply, with only 85 people paying the fee by February 2026.
  • The U.S. government says these changes prioritize American workers first.
  • A government effort called “Project Firewall” is increasing checks on employers to prevent violations in the H-1B program.
  • Some lawmakers want to exempt healthcare workers from the $100,000 fee.
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Tabloid reports linking 10 missing and dead scientists spur FBI probe

Tabloid reports linking 10 missing and dead scientists spur FBI probe

Summary

The FBI and President Donald Trump are investigating a possible conspiracy after reports that at least 10 scientists linked to U.S. nuclear secrets and rocket technology have gone missing or died under unclear circumstances. Republican lawmakers have asked several government agencies for details and actions taken related to these cases.

Key Facts

  • At least 10 scientists connected to U.S. nuclear and rocket technology secrets have disappeared or died mysteriously in recent years.
  • Republican lawmakers James Comer and Eric Burlison sent letters to the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, FBI, and NASA asking for information by April 27.
  • The letters raised concerns about threats to national security and safety of scientists with sensitive knowledge.
  • President Donald Trump is working with the FBI to review all cases together to find any common links.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is looking for connections involving classified information or foreign actors.
  • NASA said it is cooperating with agencies but currently sees no national security threat related to these cases.
  • Some scientists mentioned include Michael David Hicks, who died in 2023, and Monica Reza, who went missing in 2025.
  • More information is expected within the next week and a half, according to President Trump.
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Earth Day report: Almost half of US population breathes unhealthy air

Earth Day report: Almost half of US population breathes unhealthy air

Summary

A new report from the American Lung Association shows that nearly half of Americans breathe unhealthy air. The report highlights air quality problems in many parts of the country and was released on Earth Day.

Key Facts

  • The American Lung Association publishes an annual report called “State of the Air.”
  • The 2024 report was released on Earth Day, April 22.
  • It found that 44 percent of Americans, or over 152 million people, live in places with unhealthy air.
  • Unhealthy air means there are pollution levels that can harm people’s health.
  • Some areas in the U.S. have worse air quality than others.
  • The report aims to raise awareness about air pollution and its effects on health.
  • Breathing polluted air can cause or worsen lung diseases and other health problems.
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Platner floats Trump investigation, Supreme Court impeachments

Platner floats Trump investigation, Supreme Court impeachments

Summary

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, said he would investigate President Donald Trump if he is elected. He also suggested the possibility of impeaching some Supreme Court justices during his potential time in office.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate from Maine as a Democrat.
  • Platner wants to investigate President Donald Trump if he wins the Senate seat.
  • He spoke about impeaching certain Supreme Court justices.
  • Platner expressed strong opposition to the current White House leadership.
  • These plans would take place over the next two years if he is elected.
  • The focus is on holding high-level government officials accountable.
  • Platner’s ideas are part of his campaign platform.
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Congressional resignations disrupt House balance of power

Congressional resignations disrupt House balance of power

Summary

Three members of the U.S. House of Representatives have resigned within the past week. One of them, Florida Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, stepped down before an ethics hearing about alleged misconduct. These resignations are affecting the balance of power in the House.

Key Facts

  • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democratic representative from Florida, resigned on Tuesday.
  • She resigned before facing an ethics hearing on misconduct allegations.
  • She is the third member of the House to resign in the last week.
  • The resignations are changing the number of members in the House, which can affect party control.
  • The exact reasons for the other two resignations were not detailed in the article.
  • These changes could influence decisions and voting in the House of Representatives.
  • The information was reported by CBS News and correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns.
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