President Donald Trump mentioned concerns about the deaths and disappearances of 10 workers tied to government labs that handle nuclear and space technology. Officials investigating these cases say there is no clear connection and describe the situations as personal tragedies rather than a coordinated threat.
Key Facts
Ten government workers linked to sensitive nuclear or space technology have died or disappeared over the past three years.
President Trump referred to these cases as "pretty serious" but said investigations are ongoing.
The workers were connected to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
One missing person is retired Major General William Neil McCasland, last seen in February in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The FBI is providing assistance but is not leading the investigations unless requested by local authorities.
The Department of Energy and its National Nuclear Security Administration are actively looking into the cases.
Experts and former officials say there is no evidence connecting the cases and caution that various tragic reasons can explain deaths and disappearances.
Thousands of people work at these labs, many without access to classified information, which could explain lack of any clear pattern.
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A 27-year-old Cuban man named Aled Damien Carbonell-Betancourt died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Miami after what officials called an apparent suicide attempt. ICE is investigating the cause of death and has informed relevant authorities and family members.
Key Facts
Carbonell-Betancourt was found unresponsive in his Miami detention cell on April 12, 2026, and was pronounced dead shortly after.
He entered the U.S. in October 2024 and was later taken into ICE custody in February 2026 while awaiting immigration removal proceedings.
ICE says detainees receive medical and mental health screenings and emergency care while in custody.
This is the second death of a Cuban man in ICE custody in Miami within a year.
Other recent ICE detainee deaths in South Florida include a 75-year-old Cuban man, a 49-year-old Canadian, and a 44-year-old Haitian woman.
Nationwide, deaths in ICE custody are rising as the number of detained immigrants grows.
ICE notified the Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and its Office of Professional Responsibility after the death.
The official cause of Carbonell-Betancourt’s death is still under investigation.
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More than 35 million people in the central U.S. are facing severe weather threats including tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds. Flooding and tornadoes have already hit parts of the region this week, with more rain expected to worsen conditions.
Key Facts
The severe weather risk covers areas from Wisconsin to Oklahoma.
The National Weather Service upgraded some areas to a level 4 moderate risk for severe storms.
Large hail up to baseball size and wind gusts up to 90 mph are possible.
Tornado watches are in effect for parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
Multiple tornadoes have been reported this week, including confirmed ones in Minnesota and Illinois.
Flood watches cover Missouri to northern Michigan due to rain and saturated ground.
A man in Wisconsin was killed by a lightning strike earlier in the week.
The recent storms follow a week with at least 28 tornadoes across nine states.
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The Washington Post’s editorial board criticized President Trump for threatening to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. They described this conflict as a pointless fight that will end badly for the president and warned it could harm financial markets and his political reputation.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to fire Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve.
The Washington Post editorial board disagreed with Trump’s approach.
They called the conflict a “pointless standoff.”
The board predicted President Trump would lose this fight.
They said the conflict could scare markets, meaning it might hurt the economy.
The editorial warned Trump’s political standing could suffer because of this issue.
The article was published by the Washington Post on a Wednesday.
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A top federal prosecutor, Maria Medetis Long, has stopped working on the investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan after raising concerns about the case. The investigation is connected to claims that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help President Trump, and officials are considering charging Brennan soon.
Key Facts
Maria Medetis Long was leading the Brennan investigation but has now left the case.
Medetis Long is the chief of the national security division in the U.S. attorney’s office for southern Florida.
The investigation involves whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election to support President Trump.
Jason Reding Quiñones, U.S. attorney for southern Florida, has suggested an indictment might be announced soon.
President Trump recently fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the slow progress on cases against political opponents.
Todd Blanche is currently acting attorney general and may be aiming for the permanent role, with his period as acting AG seen as a trial for the job.
A former top aide to Blanche moved to southern Florida to work on the Brennan case.
There is a history of career prosecutors being removed or stepping down after expressing doubts about politically sensitive cases against Trump’s opponents.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, had a tense exchange with Congresswoman Lucy McBath during a House hearing. Kennedy told McBath that her tears were "crocodile tears" after she asked him to apologize for his past remarks about people with autism.
Key Facts
The incident happened during a House hearing.
Rep. Lucy McBath of Georgia confronted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his past comments on autism.
Kennedy responded by calling McBath’s tears “crocodile tears,” implying they were not genuine.
McBath requested an apology from Kennedy for his previous statements.
The exchange was described as heated and tense.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
The event was covered by CBS News.
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A new poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading among potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential primary, followed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The survey asked U.S. adults about who they might vote for and their ideal choice, with no candidates having officially declared their runs yet.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris received 52% support as a potential Democratic candidate in the 2028 primary.
Gavin Newsom came in second with 40%, Pete Buttigieg 39%, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 38%, and Bernie Sanders 37%.
Harris was the top "ideal choice" with 24%, Newsom had 12%, and Ocasio-Cortez and Buttigieg both had 9%.
19% of respondents said they would be disappointed if Harris became the nominee.
Newsom has not officially announced but said he is considering running after the 2026 midterm elections.
When asked who would most likely win the 2028 general election as the Democratic nominee, Newsom had 28%, Harris 19%, and Senator Mark Kelly 5%.
The poll surveyed 2,189 U.S. adults in early April 2024 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.
Potential candidates usually enter the race after midterm elections.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was asked by a Democratic congressman if he would support using the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump if Trump was unable to do his job. Kennedy said he believes Trump is stable and would not support such action, despite recent criticism and controversy around the president’s behavior.
Key Facts
Congressman Mark Takano asked Kennedy if he would vote to invoke the 25th Amendment against President Trump if Trump failed a mental fitness test.
Kennedy said Trump is "the most stable" and rejected calls for a mental fitness assessment.
The 25th Amendment lets the vice president and Cabinet remove the president if he cannot do his duties.
Democrats have previously called for invoking the amendment after events like the January 6 Capitol attack.
Recent concerns about Trump’s mental fitness increased after controversial comments, including threats made on Truth Social against Iran.
Kennedy faced tough questions from lawmakers about policy issues and was criticized for defending Trump’s actions.
Takano accused Kennedy of choosing loyalty to Trump over loyalty to the Constitution.
Invoking the 25th Amendment remains unlikely because it requires agreement from the vice president and most Cabinet members.
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A new Senate bill aims to lower prescription drug costs for about 56 million Medicare Part D users by requiring plans to cover cheaper generic and biosimilar drugs instead of more expensive brand-name ones. The bill intends to stop pharmacy benefit managers from using pricing strategies that make generics cost more than brand-name drugs at the pharmacy counter.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act.
It was introduced by Republican Senator James Lankford and Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan.
Starting in 2028, Medicare Part D plans must include generics and at least one lower-cost biosimilar when available.
Currently, some cheaper generics are placed on higher cost tiers, causing seniors to pay more out of pocket.
Medicare Part D beneficiaries often pay coinsurance, a percentage of drug prices, so small price differences lead to big savings.
The bill addresses rebate practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that can raise the cost of generics.
The legislation currently has only two sponsors and is in the Senate Finance Committee.
Changes from this bill would only take effect starting in 2028 if it becomes law.
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Congressional staff sometimes face difficulties when reporting bad behavior by their bosses in Congress. Recent resignations have brought more attention to this issue. A Republican strategist named Rina Shah, who has experience working on Capitol Hill, talked about it on CBS News.
Key Facts
Some lawmakers in Congress have resigned recently because of misconduct issues.
Congressional staff members may find it challenging to report misconduct by their bosses.
The topic of reporting misconduct in Congress is gaining more public attention.
Rina Shah is a Republican strategist who has worked on Capitol Hill for several years.
Shah spoke about how congressional staff handle misconduct reports during a CBS News segment.
The news segment was available on the CBS News app and website.
The discussion highlights the systems and challenges involved in addressing misconduct in Congress.
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Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, faces a preliminary hearing on May 18, but his lawyers want a delay because the FBI has not yet shared DNA evidence. Prosecutors say they have enough evidence to proceed without the DNA data and oppose postponing the hearing.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is charged with murdering Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Robinson's lawyers say the FBI has not provided DNA analysis data needed for his defense.
They request a delay of up to four months for the preliminary hearing scheduled in May.
Prosecutors plan to use surveillance footage, circumstantial evidence, Robinson’s confession in a note, and DNA evidence at the hearing.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have been slow to share key evidence with local prosecutors.
Robinson's lawyers want to prevent live cameras in the courtroom, citing concerns about fair trial rights and media sensationalism.
Prosecutors and Kirk’s widow argue that cameras ensure transparency and help fight misinformation.
Robinson faces the death penalty if convicted and has not yet pleaded guilty or not guilty.
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President Barack Obama is encouraging voters in Virginia to support a state redistricting plan. He says this will help Democratic candidates have a better chance in the November midterm elections and reminds people that early voting has started.
Key Facts
President Obama is urging Virginia voters to back a redistricting measure.
The redistricting effort aims to improve Democrats' chances in upcoming elections.
Early voting in Virginia has already begun.
Obama released a video message to remind and motivate voters.
The message refers to Virginia as the "Old Dominion," a nickname for the state.
The focus is on the November midterm elections.
The video message was obtained by ABC News.
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The White House and FBI are investigating the case of about a dozen American scientists who have died or disappeared over the past three years. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration will thoroughly examine if there is any connection between these incidents.
Key Facts
Around 12 American scientists have died or gone missing in nearly three years.
The White House is actively looking into these cases.
The FBI is involved in the investigation.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement on social media platform X.
The administration is committed to a complete and thorough investigation, leaving “no stone unturned.”
The investigation is happening under President Donald Trump’s current administration.
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Democratic Representative Mark Takano questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about President Donald Trump’s mental fitness. Kennedy said he would not require the president to take a mental health assessment.
Key Facts
Rep. Mark Takano is a Democrat from California.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serves as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Takano asked Kennedy if he would want President Trump to have a mental health check.
Kennedy answered "absolutely not" to that question.
The exchange took place during a televised or recorded interview.
The topic focused on concerns about President Trump’s mental fitness and emotional stability.
The discussion was covered by CBS News.
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The lead federal prosecutor in Miami investigating whether former CIA Director John Brennan lied to Congress has been removed from the case. The change happened after she expressed doubts about having enough evidence to charge Brennan.
Key Facts
Maria Medetis Long, the main prosecutor in the Brennan case, was taken off the investigation recently.
She told lawyers involved that she no longer worked on the case but did not explain why.
A source said she doubted there was enough evidence to proceed with charges.
The Justice Department confirmed the change and said shifting attorneys is normal.
Chris DeLorenz, who worked for a judge involved in a Trump-related case, is now assigned to the Brennan probe.
The investigation started after the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee accused Brennan of lying about CIA activities tied to Russia’s 2016 election interference.
Brennan testified in 2023 about events from 2016, and prosecutors are checking if he committed perjury (lying under oath).
Another investigation into Brennan and others regarding the intelligence on Russian election interference is ongoing but details are unclear.
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An Arizona judge ruled that the county’s top election official should regain control over key parts of running elections after a legal dispute with the local election board. The judge said the board acted outside the law by taking control of staff and systems from the election official’s office.
Key Facts
The dispute involves Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populated county, which includes Phoenix.
Justin Heap, the Republican county recorder, sued the county board of supervisors last summer.
Heap claimed the board illegally took control of election resources like staff and ballot drop box management.
Judge Scott Blaney mostly agreed with Heap, ordering the board to return personnel and equipment.
The judge clarified that the recorder’s office should manage early in-person voting, while the board handles things like picking polling places and hiring poll workers.
Board chair Kate Brophy McGee, also a Republican, plans to consider appealing the decision.
Heap was elected in 2024 and ended an agreement that shifted election duties between the two offices.
The lawsuit was supported by America First Legal, a conservative legal group.
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A New York police officer on horseback chased a woman suspected of stealing a purse through city streets. The woman was caught with the help of a passerby and has been charged with theft and giving false information.
Key Facts
The chase happened in New York City.
The officer repeatedly told the woman to stop running.
A pedestrian helped stop the woman.
The woman faces charges of larceny (theft) and providing false information.
She was previously convicted of murder in 2000 for shooting a taxi driver.
The woman served time in prison for that earlier conviction.
The footage of the chase came from the officer’s body camera.
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Abdul El-Sayed has tied with Mallory McMorrow at 24% support in Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, showing gains especially among younger voters. Haley Stevens has fallen to 13%, with 36% of voters still undecided as the August 4 primary approaches.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed increased his support from 16% in January to 24% in the latest poll.
Mallory McMorrow currently has 24% support, down slightly from 22% in January.
Haley Stevens’ support dropped from 17% in January to 13% now.
Younger voters (under 40) prefer El-Sayed by 17 points, while older voters (over 50) favor McMorrow by 12 points.
El-Sayed’s platform includes Medicare for All and challenging corporate power.
El-Sayed is endorsed by Bernie Sanders and has attracted progressive voters.
Early general-election polls show Stevens and McMorrow performing better against Republican Mike Rogers than El-Sayed.
The primary voters’ top concerns are the economy, threats to democracy, health care, housing affordability, and education.
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Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University student whose visa was revoked by the Trump administration after she co-wrote a pro-Palestinian article, has completed her PhD and returned to Turkey. After legal battles over her immigration status, a settlement was reached allowing her to leave the US without interference and reinstating her student status.
Key Facts
Öztürk co-wrote a pro-Palestinian op-ed at Tufts University in March 2024.
The Trump administration revoked her visa in response, accusing her of antisemitism without evidence.
She was arrested in March 2025 by ICE agents and placed in deportation proceedings.
Öztürk spent time in a detention center in Louisiana amid ongoing court cases.
A recent settlement dismissed her immigration case and restored her international student status.
She has now completed her PhD in child study and human development.
Öztürk returned to her home country, Turkey, to continue her academic career.
An immigration judge had ruled there was no basis for her deportation; that judge was later fired.
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"48 Hours: Case By Case" is a weekly update show from the "48 Hours" team that explains the biggest current criminal cases. It helps viewers understand important court events and new developments in major crime stories, with new episodes released every Friday.
Key Facts
"48 Hours: Case By Case" is a weekly update on major criminal cases.
It is hosted by Anne-Marie Green, Erin Moriarty, Natalie Morales, and Peter Van Sant.
The show focuses on important developments inside and outside of court.
It covers high-profile trials and new information in old unsolved cases.
New episodes are available every Friday as video or podcasts.
The show aims to explain why the cases matter and what might happen next.
A new season starts on April 17 and is available on YouTube and other platforms.
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