Lara Trump, who is President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, said that the president has helpful people working with him to write jokes for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. She mentioned that President Trump also contributes ideas himself.
Key Facts
Lara Trump spoke about the preparation for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
She said President Trump is working with others to create jokes.
President Trump also shares his own ideas for the jokes.
The event is an annual dinner involving the White House and journalists.
This is a planned effort to prepare the president’s speech for the dinner.
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FBI Director Kash Patel denied reports that he has been intoxicated while working and said he has never been drunk on the job. He filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, which published an article alleging he had drinking problems and missed work without explanation.
Key Facts
The Atlantic published an article claiming Kash Patel had bouts of excessive drinking and job performance issues.
Patel said he has never been intoxicated while working and called the article false.
Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic.
The lawsuit challenges claims in the article that caused concern within the government.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized the article, calling parts of it blatantly false.
The Atlantic said it stands by its reporting and will defend its journalists.
Patel celebrated with the U.S. gold medal hockey team in February and said this was unrelated to his work.
Patel said his FBI tenure has led to a major reduction in crime, despite negative media coverage.
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Virginia voters approved a new map that makes it easier for Democrats to win more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This change could help Democrats gain up to four additional seats in the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
Virginia voters passed the new congressional map with 50.8% support.
The map could help Democrats win 10 out of 11 seats in Virginia.
Currently, Democrats hold 6 of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats.
Over 1.37 million Virginians voted early, close to last year’s early turnout.
Polls before the vote showed a slim majority in favor of the new map.
Republicans, including President Trump, opposed the map and urged a “no” vote.
The new map is expected to improve Democrats’ chances of getting the House majority in Congress.
Virginia’s vote follows similar battles in Texas and California over redrawing political maps.
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Deisy Rivera Ortega, the wife of an active-duty US Army soldier in El Paso, Texas, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an immigration appointment. She was applying for parole-in-place, a program that helps military family members stay legally in the US, but ICE arrested her citing a previous order for her removal from the country.
Key Facts
Deisy Rivera Ortega attended an immigration interview with her husband, Sergeant First Class Jose Serrano, who is an active-duty US Army soldier.
ICE detained Rivera Ortega on April 14 at a facility in El Paso, Texas.
Rivera Ortega is originally from El Salvador and crossed into the US in 2016, applying for asylum.
In 2019, a judge ordered her removal but also granted her protection against being sent back to El Salvador due to concerns of physical harm.
ICE plans to deport her to Mexico, an alternative country, under a policy known as "third-country" removals.
Rivera Ortega and Serrano were married in June 2022; Serrano is a US citizen born in Puerto Rico and has served nearly 28 years in the Army.
This is at least the second case this month where ICE has detained a military spouse.
The legal next steps for Rivera Ortega and her husband are currently uncertain.
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The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was charged with federal fraud for allegedly not telling donors that it paid informants to join extremist groups. The SPLC says the payments helped monitor violent threats and share information with law enforcement.
Key Facts
The SPLC was indicted on charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The payments to informants totaled at least $3 million from 2014 to 2023.
Informants infiltrated groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the Aryan Nations.
The SPLC shares information gathered by informants with the FBI and other agencies.
The organization was founded in 1971 to provide legal help for poor and discriminated people.
The SPLC’s work expanded in the 1980s to monitor white supremacist and extremist groups.
Conservatives have criticized the SPLC for labeling some groups as extremist.
The SPLC’s endowment was about $732 million as of October last year.
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Virginia voters have approved a new plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts, which may help Democrats win more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This change comes amid a national effort by both parties to redraw maps to their advantage ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Virginia’s new redistricting plan could allow Democrats to win up to 10 of the state’s 11 House seats.
Currently, Democrats hold 6 out of 11 House seats in Virginia.
The redistricting campaign in Virginia raised over $80 million, making it the most expensive ballot measure in the state’s history.
President Donald Trump criticized the Democratic-led redistricting, warning that a Democratic House majority would be bad.
Redistricting is usually done every 10 years after the U.S. Census, but some states like Texas made changes mid-decade to benefit their party.
Texas’ map changes are expected to give Republicans an advantage in five additional House seats.
California passed a similar measure last year to redraw districts to help Democrats reclaim seats lost to Republicans.
Gerrymandering means redrawing voting maps to favor a party; it is illegal only when based on race.
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Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that favors Democrats by creating 10 Democratic-leaning House districts and only one safe Republican seat. The map replaces a bipartisan commission's plan with one drawn by the Democrat-controlled state legislature, potentially helping Democrats gain up to four seats in the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
Virginia voters approved a new congressional map on Tuesday that favors Democrats.
The new map creates 10 Democrat-leaning districts and only one safe Republican district.
The map was drawn by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, replacing a bipartisan commission's plan.
This change could help Democrats pick up as many as four House seats in Virginia.
This vote is part of a nationwide battle over redistricting before the 2024 midterm elections.
President Donald Trump opposed the new map and urged voters to reject it.
Nearly $100 million, mostly from groups with undisclosed donors ("dark money"), has been spent around the referendum.
Other states like California and North Carolina have also recently changed maps to favor Democrats or Republicans.
Virginia's previous bipartisan commission will be restored after the 2030 census.
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Virginia voters approved new congressional maps that favor Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections. The maps aim to increase Democratic seats in the House of Representatives and are part of a wider national battle over redistricting between Republicans and Democrats.
Key Facts
Virginia’s new maps could help Democrats win four more House seats in November.
Under the new maps, Democrats are favored to win 10 of Virginia’s 11 congressional districts.
The referendum changes the state constitution to allow nonpartisan redistricting through the 2030 census.
The referendum still needs final approval from the Virginia state legislature and faces a state Supreme Court challenge.
The issue follows similar redistricting moves in Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, and Utah.
Democratic groups spent over $64 million supporting the referendum; groups opposing it spent about $30 million.
Former President Barack Obama supported the new maps, while former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin opposed them.
The redistricting fight signals ongoing disputes over control of Congress ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
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A Texas law requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in each classroom. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that this law does not violate the First Amendment, which protects religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
Key Facts
The Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 10 in June 2025, requiring a large, readable Ten Commandments poster in every public school classroom.
A lawsuit challenged the law, saying it forces students to observe religious teachings and violates the First Amendment.
The court said the law does not force religious worship or teaching and does not punish anyone who disagrees with the Ten Commandments.
The law only requires the poster to be displayed; it does not require students or teachers to pray, repeat, or believe in the Ten Commandments.
The court stated that simply seeing religious language is not enough to force religious indoctrination.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), representing families against the law, disagreed with the ruling and said it violates constitutional protections.
Senator Phil King, who authored the law, said the ruling is a victory for Texas and that the Ten Commandments are important to moral and legal history.
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President Donald Trump has extended a ceasefire agreement with Iran. Additionally, Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has resigned before a scheduled meeting with an ethics panel.
Key Facts
President Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran.
The ceasefire suggests a pause in hostilities or conflict.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from her position.
She resigned ahead of a planned ethics panel meeting.
The ethics panel is a group that reviews lawmakers' conduct.
The news was reported by CBS News on April 21.
These events relate to U.S. politics and government actions.
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David Burke, known as singer D4vd, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in his car last year. The family of Celeste spoke publicly for the first time, asking for justice, while D4vd’s lawyers deny the charges and say he is innocent.
Key Facts
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14 years old and found dead in the trunk of a Tesla owned by D4vd.
D4vd’s real name is David Burke; he is a 21-year-old singer from Los Angeles.
Burke was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and other serious crimes, including inappropriate sexual acts with Celeste when she was under 14.
Authorities say Burke killed Celeste to protect his music career and unlawfully mutilated her remains.
Celeste’s family released a statement expressing love and asking for justice, praising police efforts.
Celeste was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, at Burke’s home; she was previously reported as a runaway.
Burke entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment and remains in custody without bail.
Burke’s lawyers say the evidence will prove he did not cause Celeste’s death and they will defend him strongly.
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Virginia voters approved a new redistricting plan supported by Democrats. The new map could help the Democratic Party gain up to four congressional seats before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
The redistricting plan was put to a vote in a Tuesday referendum in Virginia.
The plan was backed by Democratic lawmakers in the state.
The new congressional map could give Democrats up to four more seats.
Redistricting is the process of redrawing election district boundaries.
This change affects Virginia’s representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The vote results come ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Decision Desk HQ reported the approval of the redistricting measure.
The referendum took place in the state of Virginia, also known as the Old Dominion.
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The Department of Transportation is working on a $12 billion upgrade of the U.S. air traffic control system. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said artificial intelligence (AI) will assist air traffic controllers by helping reduce flight delays but will not replace them.
Key Facts
The air traffic control system is being upgraded with $12.5 billion from Congress.
AI will be used to help manage flight schedules and avoid delays, not to replace human controllers.
AI software can suggest moving flights slightly earlier or later to reduce congestion.
The upgrade includes replacing nearly half of old copper wires and updating radio and tracking systems at airports.
New electronic flight strips are replacing paper slips in 17 control towers.
The estimated cost for the AI software is between $6 billion and $10 billion.
Recent air traffic incidents, including a deadly crash at LaGuardia Airport, highlight the need for better tools for controllers.
Secretary Duffy emphasized that humans manage airspace but need technology support to reduce errors.
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A federal appeals court ruled that Texas can require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The court said this law does not break the First Amendment, which protects religious freedom and stops the government from favoring a religion.
Key Facts
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals made the ruling in favor of Texas.
The court said the law does not violate the First Amendment.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton supported the ruling, calling it a victory for moral values.
The ruling may lead to a future case in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union opposed the ruling, saying it breaks the separation of church and state.
The law requires public schools in Texas to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Supporters say the Ten Commandments have influenced the nation and should be taught daily.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune is urging President Donald Trump’s administration to finish an investigation so Kevin Warsh’s appointment as Federal Reserve chair can move forward. The confirmation is delayed by a dispute involving President Trump, Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and Senator Thom Tillis, who is waiting for a Justice Department inquiry to end before supporting Warsh.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh has been nominated by President Trump to be the next Federal Reserve chair.
Senate Republicans generally support Warsh but are frustrated by the delay.
Warsh emphasized the importance of the Federal Reserve’s independence during his confirmation hearing.
Warsh wants the Fed to focus mainly on controlling inflation and avoid expanding its role.
Senator Thom Tillis is blocking Warsh’s confirmation until a Justice Department investigation into Powell is finished.
President Trump has criticized Powell over interest rate decisions and renovation costs.
Jerome Powell has said he will stay as Fed chair until the investigation ends or Warsh is confirmed.
Powell’s current term as Fed chair expires on May 15, but he would continue temporarily if Warsh’s confirmation is delayed.
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The U.S. Justice Department has charged the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) with fraud related to its investigations of extremist groups. The charges accuse the nonprofit of wrongdoing in how it handles its work on extremism.
Key Facts
The Justice Department announced fraud charges against the SPLC.
The charges involve the SPLC’s investigations into extremist groups.
The SPLC is a nonprofit organization.
The announcement was made on a Tuesday.
The case focuses on how the SPLC conducts and manages its nonprofit activities.
CBS News reported on the story, including details from a justice reporter named Jake Rosen.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the White House to honor seven college sports teams that won NCAA championships in 2025. He called on Congress to pass new laws to control college sports, especially around athlete transfers and payments, to protect college athletics financially and fairly.
Key Facts
President Trump honored about 100 athletes from seven NCAA national championship teams in a White House event.
The teams recognized included Oklahoma State (men's golf), Texas A&M (women's volleyball), Wake Forest (men's tennis), Georgia (women's tennis), Youngstown State (women's bowling), Florida State (women's soccer), and West Virginia (mixed rifle).
Trump wants Congress to pass laws that limit how many times athletes can transfer schools and control payments to college athletes.
In 2025, Trump signed an executive order aiming to limit eligibility to five years and allow one transfer without penalty for undergraduate athletes.
The order also tries to stop pay-for-play deals and protect women's and Olympic sports.
Some parts of the executive order may face legal challenges, so Trump and college sports leaders want federal laws to support NCAA rules and give the NCAA exemption from some antitrust laws.
Some athletes are challenging NCAA rules to extend their college sports careers and earn money through name, image, and likeness deals.
Trump said it is unfair for younger athletes to compete against much older players in college sports.
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A U.S. appeals court ruled that Texas can require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, deciding that the law does not violate the First Amendment. The ruling supports efforts to include more religion in schools and may lead to a future Supreme Court case.
Key Facts
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Texas can require the Ten Commandments to be shown in public school classrooms.
The court said the law does not break the First Amendment, which protects religious freedom and forbids government-established religion.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the decision as a victory for Texas and its moral values.
Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union opposed the law, saying it violates the separation of church and state.
The ruling overturned a lower court decision that had blocked the law.
About two dozen Texas school districts had been stopped from posting the Ten Commandments by previous court orders.
The Texas law became effective on September 1 and is the largest effort in the U.S. to post the Ten Commandments in public schools.
A similar law in Louisiana was also cleared by the 5th Circuit Court in February.
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A U.S. appeals court ruled that Texas public schools can require classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. The court said this law does not break the First Amendment rules about religion and government, setting up a possible future decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Key Facts
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Texas can require Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms.
The court found the law does not violate the First Amendment’s establishment clause (government can't establish a religion) or free exercise clause (freedom to practice religion).
The law took effect on September 1, 2024, and marks the largest effort in the U.S. to display the Ten Commandments in public schools.
About two dozen Texas school districts had previously been blocked by federal judges from posting the Ten Commandments.
After the ruling, many schools displayed the posters by printing them or accepting donations.
The case is part of Republican efforts, including support from President Donald Trump, to include more religious elements in public schools.
The appeals court voted 12-6 to lift a block that a lower court placed on the law earlier in 2024.
A similar law in Louisiana was also cleared by the same court around the same time.
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Berny Clarke, a retiree from Wisconsin, found new purpose in life by picking up trash during her walks in nature. This activity helped her feel more connected and fulfilled after retirement.
Key Facts
Berny Clarke lives in Wisconsin.
She retired four years ago.
After retirement, she wanted to find a new purpose in life.
Her doctor advised her to walk in nature for health reasons.
During her walks, she noticed trash on the ground.
Picking up trash became a meaningful activity for her.
This helped her feel better and more connected to her community.
CBS News covered her story to share how small actions can make a difference.
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