The Trump administration has ordered stronger security checks for many immigrants who apply for legal immigration benefits. This new rule applies to broad groups of people seeking to enter or stay in the United States.
Key Facts
The administration requires more detailed security screenings for immigrants.
These enhanced checks apply to various categories of immigration applications.
The information comes from internal government documents.
The goal is to increase the level of security in immigration processes.
CBS News obtained and reported on these government documents.
This policy affects people applying for legal status, such as visas or green cards.
The decision was made during President Donald Trump’s administration.
Immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez covered the story for CBS News.
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A Chinese student who protested in Sydney was reportedly jailed for six years by Chinese authorities after returning to China. Australian human rights officials and student groups are calling on the government to investigate and provide more support for international students facing political repression from their home countries.
Key Facts
A Chinese student studying at the University of Sydney disappeared after returning to China in December 2024.
The student was reportedly charged with secession and sentenced to six years in prison for joining pro-democracy protests in Sydney.
Australia’s human rights commissioner, Lorraine Finlay, highlighted risks of foreign governments punishing people for protests conducted in Australia.
Finlay called for a parliamentary inquiry to understand and respond to transnational repression affecting people in Australia.
Chinese international students in Australia expressed worry about their safety and political risks after the arrest.
Some students urged the Australian government to offer better protections and asylum options for those at risk of repression.
University of Sydney student leaders criticized both the university and government for not supporting students facing these threats.
Protests are heavily monitored by Chinese authorities even if they happen outside China, increasing risks for Chinese nationals abroad.
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Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey for posting "86 47" on Instagram, which prosecutors say is a coded threat against President Trump. Blanche explained that not all posts of "86 47" will lead to charges, as each case is evaluated individually.
Key Facts
A federal grand jury indicted James Comey for posting "86 47" on Instagram in 2025.
"86" is slang for "remove" or "get rid of," and "47" refers to President Trump, the 47th president.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said every case involving "86 47" is treated differently and not all lead to prosecution.
Threatening the president's life is a crime, but charges depend on investigations and evidence.
Comey's defense will likely argue that the post does not constitute a true threat and that he is being selectively prosecuted.
No other similar federal cases have been brought against people using "86 47" or similar phrases targeting Trump.
The indictment came after recent threats and an attack on President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Cole Allen, charged with attempting to assassinate Trump at that event, did not enter a plea.
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D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with first-degree murder in the 2025 death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors say he killed her to stop her from damaging his music career and later tried to hide the crime; Burke denies the charges.
Key Facts
David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was killed in April 2025.
Prosecutors claim Burke stabbed Hernandez multiple times after she threatened to expose him.
Burke allegedly tried to cover up the killing by contacting Hernandez after her death.
Authorities say Burke bought items like a shovel, body bag, chainsaws, and a burn cage to dispose of the body.
Hernandez’s body was found dismembered in the front trunk of Burke’s car months later.
Prosecutors say Burke possessed child pornography and had a sexual relationship with Hernandez when she was under 14.
Burke’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 26, 2024.
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The USS Gerald R Ford, the largest U.S. aircraft carrier, is returning to its home port in Virginia after a 300-day deployment. During this time, it took part in military actions including the war with Iran and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Key Facts
The USS Gerald R Ford is the world’s largest aircraft carrier.
It has been deployed for more than 300 days, the longest period since the Vietnam War.
The carrier participated in the U.S. military action against Iran and helped capture Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
The ship will return to Virginia in mid-May.
Three U.S. aircraft carriers, including the Ford, were recently deployed in the Middle East simultaneously, a situation not seen since 2003.
The Ford’s deployment broke the previous U.S. post-Vietnam record of 294 days held by the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The long deployment has raised concerns over the effects on crew members and strain on the ship.
A fire on board forced the carrier to pause and return to the Mediterranean for repairs during its mission.
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Nick Reiner appeared in a Los Angeles court following his recent plea of not guilty to charges related to the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. The court appearance took place several weeks after the plea was entered.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner is facing charges connected to the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges several weeks before this court appearance.
The court session took place in Los Angeles.
The case involves a serious crime resulting in the death of his parents.
Rob and Michele Reiner are described as well-known individuals.
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Florida's legislature approved a new congressional map designed to increase Republican seats in the U.S. House from Florida. The map redraws districts in several key areas and comes after a recent Supreme Court decision that limits how voting districts can be challenged, especially on racial grounds.
Key Facts
Florida’s new map aims to raise Republican House seats from 20 to 24, reducing Democratic seats to 4.
Governor Ron DeSantis introduced the map, which passed two days after his proposal and shortly after a Supreme Court ruling on voting rights.
The Supreme Court decision rolled back a part of the Voting Rights Act that helped protect minority voters’ influence in drawing districts.
The new map redraws districts around Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and South Florida, potentially affecting some Democratic representatives’ chances.
The map eliminates one nearly majority-Black district previously held by Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who recently resigned.
Florida’s constitution bans redistricting for purely political reasons, but courts have weakened those rules over time.
There are expected legal challenges against the new map over concerns about partisan bias.
Some Republicans worry that tighter Republican districts could be vulnerable if voters react against President Trump in the upcoming election.
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President Donald Trump is thinking about reducing the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany soon. This comes during a disagreement with Germany’s leader and NATO about the conflict with Iran and how the U.S. is handling it.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. might cut troops in Germany and will decide soon.
Over 36,000 active U.S. military members, plus reservists and civilians, are currently in Germany.
Germany hosts important U.S. military commands and the Ramstein Air Base, a key operations center.
President Trump has criticized NATO and threatened to leave the alliance, calling it weak.
A law passed in 2023 means Trump needs Congress’s approval to leave NATO.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the U.S. approach to Iran, which upset President Trump.
Trump has said Germany is struggling economically and accused it of supporting Iran’s nuclear weapons.
In 2020, Trump planned to reduce U.S. troops in Germany, but the plan was reversed by President Biden.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a voting district map in Louisiana that created a majority Black district. The court said the map violated the Constitution because it considered race too much when drawing district lines.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made the ruling on a Wednesday.
The case involved a voting district map in Louisiana.
The map created a district where most voters are Black.
Supporters said this was allowed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The court ruled the map itself was unconstitutional.
The decision limits how lawmakers can use race in drawing voting districts.
The Voting Rights Act was designed to protect voting rights for minorities.
This ruling changes how the Act can be applied in future districting cases.
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James Comey, the former FBI Director, turned himself in after being charged with threatening President Donald Trump’s life. This is his second federal indictment related to this case.
Key Facts
James Comey was the former Director of the FBI.
He was indicted on federal charges for threatening President Trump.
This is the second federal indictment against Comey on this matter.
Comey voluntarily turned himself in to authorities.
The indictment relates to actions from last year.
The case is part of ongoing legal proceedings involving Comey.
President Donald Trump is the current U.S. President.
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Cole Allen is accused of planning to attack President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Officials say he took a mirror selfie showing himself preparing for this act.
Key Facts
Cole Allen is the suspect in the planned attack on President Trump.
The incident was connected to the White House Correspondents' Dinner event.
Officials reported that Allen took a mirror selfie before the planned attack.
The selfie showed him preparing or gearing up for the event.
The accusation involves an attempt to harm President Trump.
The news was reported by CBS News and their correspondent Matt Gutman.
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An appeals court decided not to reconsider President Donald Trump’s challenge to an $83.3 million judgment for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. This decision means Trump can now ask the Supreme Court to review the case.
Key Facts
President Trump was ordered to pay $83.3 million for defaming E. Jean Carroll.
The case involves statements Trump made that Carroll said were false and damaging.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to hold a full court review (called an “en banc” hearing).
Without the full court hearing, the previous ruling stands.
Trump now has the option to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.
The legal battle centers on whether Trump’s comments about Carroll harmed her reputation.
This decision is part of ongoing legal challenges related to the verdict against Trump.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave his first testimony before Congress since the war with Iran started. He said the main threats to the U.S. are not foreign enemies but political opponents within the U.S. government.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the U.S. Defense Secretary.
He testified under oath before the House of Representatives.
This was his first testimony since the conflict with Iran began.
Hegseth said America’s biggest threats come from political opponents in Congress.
The testimony focused on critics of the war with Iran.
The event was reported by CBS News.
The war with Iran is ongoing at the time of the testimony.
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The FDA completed the biggest safety test ever on baby formula sold in the United States. The test found low levels of contaminants such as pesticides and mercury, but these were present in many samples.
Key Facts
The FDA conducted the largest safety test on baby formula in U.S. history.
The test checked for harmful substances, including pesticides and mercury.
Contaminants were found at low levels across many formula samples.
The presence of these contaminants does not necessarily mean the formula is dangerous.
The FDA shared the test results publicly to inform consumers.
This test aims to ensure baby formula meets safety standards.
Parents can use this information when choosing formula products.
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A man allegedly traveled from California to Washington, D.C., by train with weapons and fired shots at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner attended by President Donald Trump and his cabinet. Authorities are concerned about people crossing state lines to commit political violence and are warning that such acts will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Key Facts
The suspect, Cole Allen, is 31 years old and traveled by Amtrak from Southern California to Washington, D.C.
He allegedly carried multiple weapons in his luggage and fired shots near a Secret Service checkpoint outside the dinner venue.
The event targeted was the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel on April 25, 2026, with President Trump and members of his cabinet present.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said her office has investigated three cases since May 2025 where suspects crossed state lines to commit political violence in D.C.
Retired FBI agent Brad Garrett explained suspects travel long distances to transport weapons easily and to mentally prepare for their actions.
Another example mentioned is a terrorist attack on January 1, 2025, in New Orleans, where the suspect drove from Houston with weapons and explosives.
Authorities are urging anyone considering politically motivated violence to know that law enforcement tracks and prosecutes such cases strictly.
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Prosecutors allege that David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to stop her from exposing their abusive relationship, which began when she was 13. Celeste’s body was found in 2025 after being dismembered, and Burke faces charges of murder and sexual abuse.
Key Facts
David Anthony Burke (D4vd) is charged with murdering and sexually abusing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Burke and Celeste began a sexual relationship when she was 13 and he was 18.
Prosecutors say Burke killed Celeste to protect his music career after she threatened to reveal their relationship.
Celeste’s remains were discovered in September 2025 in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla in the Hollywood Hills.
Burke allegedly dismembered Celeste’s body using chainsaws after killing her.
Messages from April 2025 show Celeste was jealous and had threatened to expose Burke.
Police found child sex abuse images of Celeste in Burke’s possession.
Burke denies the charges, and a court hearing has been delayed to give the defense time to review evidence.
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A 15-foot-tall gold statue of President Donald Trump was installed at Trump National Doral golf course before a PGA Tour event. Some social media users compared this statue to a large statue of North Korean leader Kim Il Sung because of their similar metallic look, size, and raised arm pose.
Key Facts
The gold statue of President Trump shows him with his right fist raised, a gesture he made after an assassination attempt in July 2024.
The statue was commissioned in 2024 by a cryptocurrency group called $PATRIOT.
The White House said it is not involved in creating or installing the statue.
Kim Il Sung’s statue in North Korea is much taller (over 65 feet) and also shows one arm raised.
Some social media users and public figures have compared Trump’s statue to Kim Il Sung’s statue, noting visual similarities.
The statue is located at Trump National Doral golf course in Florida.
The statue emerged ahead of a PGA Tour golf event held at the golf course.
Opinions on the statue vary, with some calling it a tribute and others drawing comparisons to authoritarian leaders.
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The New Orleans sheriff, Susan Hutson, was charged with 30 counts of wrongdoing related to a large jail escape and financial fraud just days before her term ended. Her chief financial officer, Bianka Brown, also faced 20 felony charges linked to the same investigation.
Key Facts
Susan Hutson was indicted on 30 counts, including malfeasance (wrongdoing) and payroll fraud.
The charges relate to a major jail escape on May 10, 2025, when 10 inmates escaped from the New Orleans jail.
Hutson’s chief financial officer, Bianka Brown, was indicted on 20 felony counts.
Hutson’s charges include malfeasance, conspiracy, filing false public records, and obstruction of justice.
Both Hutson and Brown must post bond ($300,000 and $200,000 respectively), surrender their passports, and remain in Louisiana.
Hutson was the first Black woman elected as New Orleans sheriff, taking office in 2022.
Her time as sheriff included controversies like staffing issues and questionable spending during Mardi Gras.
Hutson was voted out of office shortly after the jailbreak, and Michelle Woodfork will take over as sheriff.
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced he will stay on as a Fed governor after his term as chair ends in May 2024, citing political interference concerns. His decision blocks President Trump from filling the vacancy immediately and extends Powell’s influence on U.S. monetary policy until January 2028.
Key Facts
Jerome Powell’s term as Fed chair ends on May 15, 2024.
Powell will remain a Fed governor until January 31, 2028.
Powell cited political attacks on the Fed as a reason for staying.
Staying on denies President Trump the chance to quickly appoint a new Fed governor.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Powell’s decision unusual compared to tradition.
Powell plans a low profile as a governor after chairing the Fed.
Justice Department investigations related to Fed headquarters renovations are ongoing but are winding down.
Judges ruled to stop subpoenas in the investigation to protect Powell from political pressure.
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US singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, has been charged with stabbing a teenage girl to death. Prosecutors say he bought tools to dispose of the body and had a sexual relationship with the victim, who was 13 when it started; he has pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
D4vd allegedly purchased tools like chainsaws and a shovel to get rid of the girl’s body.
The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, had a sexual relationship with D4vd starting when she was 13 and he was 18.
Text messages suggest she threatened to expose their relationship.
The girl’s dismembered body was found in D4vd’s car five months after she disappeared.
D4vd was arrested in Los Angeles and faces charges including murder and child sexual abuse.
He was on tour and had to cancel it after his arrest.
His lawyers say he is innocent and want to limit media coverage to ensure a fair trial.
A court hearing is scheduled for May 15.
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