Betty Yee, a former California State Controller, has ended her campaign for governor. She decided to drop out because her poll numbers were low and there was little time left before the primary election.
Key Facts
Betty Yee was running for governor of California.
She served as California State Controller before.
She was favored by Democratic Party insiders.
Despite support from insiders, she did not gain strong public backing.
She announced dropping out on a Monday morning.
Low poll numbers influenced her decision.
The upcoming primary election date was soon.
Yee suspended her campaign, meaning she stopped actively running.
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Senate Democrats led by Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding recent cuts to military offices that help reduce harm to civilians during attacks. They raised concerns about how these reductions might have affected the U.S. strikes inside Iran.
Key Facts
11 Senate Democrats signed a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The letter focused on cuts to offices that work to protect civilians during military operations.
These offices aim to reduce civilian casualties in U.S. military strikes.
The inquiry is about the role these cuts played in recent strikes inside Iran.
Senators involved include Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts) and Chris Van Hollen (Maryland).
The issue relates to U.S. defense policy under President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Right-wing commentator Alex Jones said President Donald Trump will likely be impeached for a third time if Democrats regain control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. However, impeachment requires the Senate to convict, which remains unlikely since Republicans control the Senate. Recent polls show declining support for Trump, especially among young voters.
Key Facts
Alex Jones predicted President Trump will be impeached if Democrats take back the House in November.
Impeachment proceedings start in the House, but conviction and removal require a Senate vote.
President Trump was impeached twice before but acquitted both times by the Senate.
Democrats face challenges in convicting Trump due to Republican control of the Senate.
White House officials dismissed the likelihood of impeachment as politically motivated talk.
Polls show Trump’s approval rating is at a low point, especially among voters aged 18 to 29.
Some Democratic lawmakers question whether pursuing impeachment is productive.
The 25th Amendment allows removal of a president if the vice president and Cabinet agree the president is unfit, but this has not been pursued.
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A man in Shreveport, Louisiana, fatally shot eight children, including seven of his own, in a mass shooting. A woman and a child escaped by jumping from the roof of the house, and the suspect died after a gunfight with police.
Key Facts
The shooting happened early Sunday morning in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins, killed eight children aged 3 to 11.
The children were siblings and one cousin.
A woman and a child jumped from the roof to escape and were in stable condition.
Two adult women, including the children's mother, were injured and hospitalized.
Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was found dead at the scene.
The weapon used was described as an assault-style gun.
Authorities believe the shooting began as a domestic dispute and the suspect had a criminal record.
The suspect was reportedly going through a divorce and had a court date coming up.
The community recently opened a domestic violence center just days before this tragedy.
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Federal immigration agents arrested Deisy Rivera Ortega, wife of US Army Sgt. First Class Jose Serrano, despite her legal protection from deportation granted in 2019. Riverside Ortega has lived in the US since 2016 and had a valid work permit before her detention in El Paso, Texas.
Key Facts
Sgt. Jose Serrano has served in the US Army for 27 years, including deployment to Afghanistan.
Deisy Rivera Ortega, a Salvadoran national married to Serrano in 2022, was detained by ICE during an immigration office appointment.
Rivera Ortega was granted legal protection in 2019, which should bar her deportation to El Salvador.
The Department of Homeland Security said Rivera Ortega entered the US illegally and called her a “criminal illegal alien” due to a misdemeanor conviction for illegal entry.
Rivera Ortega may be removed to Mexico, although she has no ties or family there.
ICE’s immigration enforcement has increasingly affected relatives of military service members.
Serrano expressed distress over the situation and criticized ICE, stating the army supported him but ICE is “out of control.”
Another similar case involved Annie Ramos, wife of a US Army sergeant, who was detained but later released after media coverage.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Olly Robbins deliberately hid information about security vetting problems regarding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington. Starmer blamed the Foreign Office for not informing him or others in government about the vetting failure and announced an investigation into the case.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer said Olly Robbins repeatedly blocked truth about Mandelson’s security vetting failure.
Peter Mandelson failed security vetting, but Starmer was not told before appointing him ambassador.
The Foreign Office did not brief the prime minister or Downing Street about the vetting advice.
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) is reviewing vetting documents and will report findings soon.
Olly Robbins did not inform senior officials, including cabinet secretaries, about Mandelson’s vetting failure.
Robbins overturned the original security vetting failure decision within 24 hours, allowing Mandelson’s appointment.
The Foreign Office has lost the power to overturn vetting decisions after this incident.
Starmer denies misleading Parliament, stating he was deliberately kept in the dark by officials.
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The House Ethics Committee shared a list of 28 investigations into U.S. House members accused of sexual misconduct over many years. Some cases resulted in members leaving Congress, while others ended without a conclusion when the member left office.
Key Facts
The House Ethics Committee aims to keep Congress free from sexual misconduct.
The list includes cases from the 1990s to 2026, covering various allegations.
Some members faced allegations involving staffers, minors, or lobbyists.
Outcomes varied: some investigations ended due to members leaving, others had public reports finding misconduct or no violations.
Recent resignations include Representatives Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales amid these issues.
Several high-profile lawmakers like Matt Gaetz and Ruben Kihuen had findings of sexual misconduct violations.
Many cases remain unresolved or ended without full findings due to committee jurisdiction limits.
The committee acknowledges that other unreported cases may exist.
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The BBC podcast Americast discusses claims that some traders are making large bets just before President Trump announces major news about Iran, especially involving oil trades. The show also covers new accusations against FBI Director Kash Patel and questions about President Trump’s possible involvement in a FIFA World Cup deal affecting ticket prices.
Key Facts
Traders have reportedly placed millions of dollars in bets shortly before President Trump’s announcements on Iran.
The biggest trade movements involve oil.
The podcast features experts discussing what this could mean for President Trump’s administration and if he will investigate insider trading claims.
FBI Director Kash Patel faces allegations of alcoholism and absenteeism, which he denies.
Patel claims the FBI has proof the 2020 election was rigged, but critics think the timing is meant to please President Trump.
The discussion includes whether Patel has secured his job or might be fired soon.
Fans of the FIFA World Cup are upset because travel prices have risen dramatically, sometimes 11 times higher than usual.
The podcast questions if President Trump’s deals with FIFA prioritize profit over fans and how this might affect his public image.
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Rapper Tory Lanez, serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, has sued California prison officials for $100 million after being stabbed multiple times by another inmate. Lanez claims the prison placed him with a dangerous prisoner and delayed help during the attack, causing serious injuries and permanent scars.
Key Facts
Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was stabbed about 16 times on May 12, 2025, in a California state prison.
The attack caused stab wounds to his face, head, torso, and back, plus two collapsed lungs.
Lanez says prison officials knowingly put him with the inmate who stabbed him, despite rules to separate risky prisoners.
He also claims that prison staff were slow to respond to the attack.
Lanez alleges prison staff took his original, unpublished song books while he was in the hospital and demands their return.
Lanez is serving 10 years after being found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2022.
The prison had recently put some high-security areas on lockdown due to increased violence inside.
The California Department of Corrections declined to comment on the lawsuit.
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President Donald Trump responded to criticism about the Iran conflict through posts on Truth Social, saying he is not in a rush to make a deal with Iran. He promised that any agreement he reaches will be better than the 2015 nuclear deal made under President Obama, and he denied that Israel influenced the U.S. involvement in the war.
Key Facts
President Trump said Israel did not push the U.S. into war with Iran.
He said Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.
Trump criticized the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran (JCPOA) as dangerous and said his upcoming deal will be much better.
He denied being under pressure to quickly make a deal with Iran.
U.S. and Iranian talks are ongoing in Pakistan before a ceasefire deadline.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue, including the U.S. seizing an Iranian cargo ship.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.
President Trump accused the media of supporting Iran and claimed he is in charge of the situation.
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President Donald Trump said in an interview that if the ceasefire in Iran ends without a peace deal, many bombs will explode there. He warned that renewed fighting could follow the expiration of the ceasefire.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to PBS News about the situation in Iran.
He said that if the ceasefire with Iran ends without an agreement, lots of bombs will go off.
The ceasefire is a temporary stop to fighting between groups in Iran or involving Iran.
Trump made this statement during a phone interview with reporter Liz Landers.
He emphasized the risk of renewed violence if no peace deal is reached.
The comment was part of a discussion about the ongoing conflict in or involving Iran.
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A man named Shamar Elkins killed eight children, including seven of his own, and a cousin in Shreveport, Louisiana. He also seriously injured two women and died during a police chase after the shooting.
Key Facts
The shooting happened early Sunday morning in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The victims included seven of Elkins's children, aged 1 to 14, and one cousin.
Elkins shot his wife at one home before moving to another where he killed the children and cousin.
One child escaped by jumping from a roof and called the police.
After the shooting, Elkins carjacked a man and led police on a chase before dying.
Police described the attack as a violent domestic incident linked to Elkins and his wife’s separation.
Elkins and his wife were in the process of divorcing and had argued before the shooting.
The two injured women, including his wife, are in critical condition.
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President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson will take part in an online rally on Monday evening. This event is held before an important vote on redrawing voting districts in Virginia scheduled for Tuesday.
Key Facts
President Trump will join Speaker Mike Johnson for a virtual rally.
The rally is planned for Monday evening.
The event is connected to the upcoming redistricting vote in Virginia.
The redistricting vote will happen on Tuesday.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trump’s participation.
A reliable source confirmed Speaker Johnson will also participate.
Both Republicans are coordinating this rally ahead of the vote.
Democrats have also been active around the redistricting issue.
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The Justice Department has called several witnesses to testify before a grand jury in Washington. This is part of an investigation into John Brennan, the former CIA Director.
Key Facts
The Justice Department issued subpoenas to witnesses recently.
The subpoenas are for testimony before a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C.
The investigation focuses on John Brennan, who was CIA Director.
A prosecutor based in Florida was involved but left the case.
The prosecutor left after doubting whether the case could lead to criminal charges.
The Justice Department continues the investigation despite these doubts.
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Four living former U.S. presidents shared their thoughts about the country's status before its 250th birthday. They encouraged people to have hope and confidence in America’s future.
Key Facts
The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary this summer.
Four living former presidents issued messages reflecting on the nation’s current state.
They highlighted that the U.S. is the longest-lasting government chosen by free elections.
The former presidents urged Americans not to give up on the country.
Their statements aim to inspire confidence and unity ahead of the milestone.
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US singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities found the girl's remains in September 2025 in a Tesla registered to Burke, and he faces additional charges related to murder for financial gain and murdering a witness.
Key Facts
David Anthony Burke (stage name D4vd) is charged with first-degree murder.
The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was 14 years old and went missing in April 2025.
Her decomposed and dismembered remains were found in September 2025 in a Tesla linked to Burke’s home.
Burke faces charges of murder for financial gain and killing a witness involved in an investigation.
Authorities say the victim was involved in a case about sexual acts with Burke, a minor.
Burke was arrested and remains in custody without bail.
Police delayed details to protect the investigation and ensure justice.
Witness cooperation and the condition of the remains made the investigation complex and lengthy.
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Environmental groups have sued the Trump administration over its approval of BP’s new deep oil drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico. The groups say the project risks another environmental disaster like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill. BP and the administration defend the project, citing energy and economic benefits.
Key Facts
BP’s new $5 billion Kaskida project will drill 6,000 feet below water and about 6 miles into the seabed, starting production in 2029.
The project is 250 miles off Louisiana’s coast and aims to produce about 80,000 barrels of oil per day from six wells.
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster caused the largest US oil spill, killing 11 people and spilling over 3 million barrels of oil.
Five environmental groups filed a lawsuit on the 16th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon spill to stop the Kaskida project.
The lawsuit claims BP did not provide required safety information and could cause a spill larger than the 2010 disaster.
The Trump administration recently exempted Gulf oil projects from endangered species laws, risking the Rice’s whale population.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that Gulf energy production is vital for US energy independence and economic strength.
BP says it has safely completed 100 deepwater projects since 2010 and rejects safety concerns about Kaskida.
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FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine. He says the article, which claimed he drinks too much and mismanages the agency, is false and harmful. The Atlantic stands by its story and plans to fight the lawsuit.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the current FBI Director.
He sued The Atlantic magazine for $250 million.
The lawsuit calls an article about his behavior a false "malicious hit piece."
The article claimed Patel had problems with excessive drinking.
The article suggested Patel might lose his job.
Writer Sarah Fitzpatrick, who wrote the article, is also a defendant in the lawsuit.
The Atlantic said it will defend itself against the lawsuit and supports its reporting.
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House Oversight Committee Republican James Comer said that the deaths and disappearances of 11 scientists working in important fields might pose a threat to U.S. national security. Congress is investigating these cases and asking several government agencies for more information.
Key Facts
James Comer is the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee.
Eleven scientists have died or gone missing in recent years.
These scientists worked in areas like national security, medicine, and advanced technology.
Comer said this situation is likely not a coincidence and may involve something harmful.
President Donald Trump also called the issue serious and hopes it is just coincidence.
The House Oversight Committee is requesting information from the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, FBI, and NASA.
The investigation is now a priority for Congress because of potential national security risks.
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President Donald Trump said he is not under any pressure to make a peace deal with Iran. He responded to news reports that claimed he was feeling pressured, calling them "fake news." The current ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is ending soon.
Key Facts
President Trump denied reports that he feels pressured to make a peace deal with Iran.
He called these reports "fake news."
The U.S. has a two-week ceasefire with Iran that is ending soon.
Trump made his statement on his Truth Social platform.
No new deal with Iran has been confirmed yet.
The news reports suggested there was pressure on Trump regarding the Iran deal.
Trump is the 47th President of the United States, serving his second term.
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