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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Truck driver who went missing in possible hijacking found dead: FBI

Truck driver who went missing in possible hijacking found dead: FBI

Summary

Alejandro Jacomino Gonzalez, a truck driver who disappeared while transporting vehicles from Georgia to Florida, was found dead in coastal Georgia, the FBI said. His truck was found missing several vehicles, and authorities are investigating the incident as suspicious.

Key Facts

  • Alejandro Jacomino Gonzalez was a 41-year-old truck driver with a commercial driver's license (CDL).
  • He picked up multiple vehicles on April 16 from the Port of Brunswick, Georgia, and was supposed to deliver them to Miami, Florida.
  • Gonzalez was last seen early on April 17 at a rest stop on I-95 south in Brevard County, Florida.
  • His truck was found later on April 17 in Port Wentworth, Georgia, but Gonzalez was not there.
  • Several vehicles were missing from the truck but were later found in Florida.
  • Gonzalez became unreachable shortly after the truck moved from its last rest stop.
  • The FBI confirmed Gonzalez's body was found in coastal Georgia but did not provide details about the timing or exact location.
  • The FBI divisions in Tampa and Atlanta are leading the investigation, and they ask the public to provide any information related to the case.
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Who Is Dakota Sweeney? West Wilson Cousin Arrested for Murder

Who Is Dakota Sweeney? West Wilson Cousin Arrested for Murder

Summary

Dakota Sweeney, a cousin of reality TV star West Wilson, was arrested in Carroll County, Missouri, and charged with murder. The victim, Gayle R. Wilson, 75, was reportedly shot after an argument about chores, and Sweeney pleaded not guilty in court.

Key Facts

  • Dakota Sweeney was arrested on a murder charge in Carroll County, Missouri.
  • The victim was Gayle R. Wilson, aged 75, identified as a grandparent.
  • The shooting occurred after a dispute about Sweeney not doing chores.
  • Sweeney had been sitting next to the victim for 30 minutes before the shooting.
  • Sweeney made his first court appearance on April 24 and pleaded not guilty.
  • Sweeney was assigned a public defender for his legal case.
  • Gayle R. Wilson owned the house where the killing happened, and Sweeney was reportedly living there.
  • West Wilson is a reality TV personality on Bravo’s show Summer House, related to the suspect.
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Supreme Court boosts DeSantis' GOP congressional map

Supreme Court boosts DeSantis' GOP congressional map

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court made a decision that helps Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ plan to create new Republican-leaning congressional districts, but it did not fully approve his entire redistricting approach. The court’s ruling changed how race-related voting district cases are handled, but it did not settle the issue of whether Florida’s ban on drawing maps favoring one political party will stand.

Key Facts

  • Florida lawmakers approved new congressional maps that favor Republicans, despite a state amendment banning partisan gerrymandering (drawing districts to help one party).
  • The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in a related case weakened part of the Voting Rights Act linked to race-based districts, creating stricter rules for lawsuits under Section 2 of the Act.
  • Florida’s state constitution uses language similar to Section 2 to protect Black and Hispanic voting power.
  • Governor DeSantis argues the whole state amendment banning partisan gerrymandering should be invalid because it mixed racial and political rules.
  • DeSantis’ team drew maps without using race, but did consider political data about how people vote.
  • The Florida Supreme Court will likely decide if the new maps are allowed.
  • Democrats and liberal groups plan to sue once the maps are signed into law.
  • The new map keeps some districts designed to represent Black voters, which could help Republicans by concentrating Democratic voters in fewer districts.
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Erika Kirk Blasts 'Radicalized Liberal' Teachers After WHCA Dinner Shooting

Erika Kirk Blasts 'Radicalized Liberal' Teachers After WHCA Dinner Shooting

Summary

Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, responded to a shooting at the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) dinner by criticizing teachers she called "radicalized liberals" and blaming them for political violence. The suspected shooter, Cole Allen Tomas, was a teacher recently recognized at a tutoring company and has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • Erika Kirk is the CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative group.
  • She blamed "radicalized liberal" teachers for promoting ideas linked to political violence.
  • The shooting happened at the WHCA dinner on a Saturday evening.
  • The alleged shooter is Cole Allen Tomas, who was charged with trying to kill President Trump and related gun crimes.
  • Tomas worked for C2 Education and was recently honored as "Teacher of the Month."
  • Erika Kirk’s husband, Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed by a shooter last September.
  • Erika Kirk criticized journalists at the dinner, saying some have lied about her.
  • She raised concerns about illegal immigration and what she called "systemic indoctrination" of citizens.
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US lawmakers question Pete Hegseth over budget for war on Iran

US lawmakers question Pete Hegseth over budget for war on Iran

Summary

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before Congress about the Pentagon’s budget related to the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran. Officials estimated that the cost of this war is currently about $25 billion.

Key Facts

  • Pete Hegseth is the US Defense Secretary.
  • He spoke to Congress about the Pentagon’s budget.
  • The budget concerns the US-Israeli war on Iran.
  • Officials estimate the war has cost $25 billion so far.
  • The discussion focuses on how much money is being spent on the conflict.
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Pentagon chief Hegseth first public hearing on Iran war: Key takeaways

Pentagon chief Hegseth first public hearing on Iran war: Key takeaways

Summary

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified before Congress about the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, discussing the war's costs and goals. He reported the war has cost $25 billion so far, defended President Trump’s policies, and faced tough questions about Iran’s nuclear program and the future of the conflict.

Key Facts

  • The US-Israel war with Iran started on February 28.
  • The Pentagon estimated the war has cost $25 billion to date, mostly on weapons and military operations.
  • Fighting has mostly stopped since April 8, with a US naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The White House has requested a $1.5 trillion defense budget amid the war.
  • President Trump warned that attacks will resume if ceasefire talks fail.
  • Lawmakers questioned Hegseth about contradictions regarding Iran’s nuclear program status.
  • Hegseth rejected calls to label the war a “quagmire” and criticized defeatist language in Congress.
  • There has been talk of possibly requesting an additional $200 billion for the war effort.
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SCOTUS considers Trump’s bid to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, Syrians

SCOTUS considers Trump’s bid to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, Syrians

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing whether the Trump administration has the authority to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians without allowing courts to check that decision. TPS protects immigrants from being deported if their home countries are unsafe, and the case focuses on whether the government followed required steps before ending the protections.

Key Facts

  • TPS protects immigrants from countries facing dangers like conflict or disasters by preventing deportation.
  • The Trump administration tried to end TPS for Haitians and Syrians.
  • The Supreme Court is deciding if courts can review the government's decision to end TPS.
  • The government argues it has the sole authority to manage TPS without court interference.
  • TPS holders’ lawyers say the government must follow rules, including checking country conditions and giving notice.
  • Some justices questioned how much courts should review the process if the government follows procedures.
  • Liberal justices pointed to President Trump’s public comments about Haitian immigrants as possibly showing bias.
  • Demonstrators protested outside the Supreme Court during the hearings.
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Education Department Layoffs Backfire

Education Department Layoffs Backfire

Summary

The U.S. Department of Education faced a large backlog of civil rights complaints after cutting more than half the staff in the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in 2025. Secretary Linda McMahon said the department is now hiring staff again to clear the backlog and process cases faster.

Key Facts

  • The Office for Civil Rights had around 12,000 unresolved discrimination complaints nationwide in 2025.
  • The department resolved about 30% fewer complaints in 2025 compared to the year before.
  • Less than 1% of investigations led to a resolution agreement in 2025.
  • Over half of the OCR workforce and half of its field offices were cut in 2025, as part of the Trump administration’s plan to reduce the department’s size.
  • A federal judge blocked the planned mass layoffs, so some employees were put on paid leave instead.
  • The department spent up to $38 million paying employees who were on administrative leave.
  • Secretary McMahon said the backlog was partly inherited from the previous administration but acknowledged the cuts slowed processing.
  • The department is now hiring back laid-off workers who didn’t retire and recruiting more civil rights attorneys.
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House GOP leaders punt farm bill amid intraparty division

House GOP leaders punt farm bill amid intraparty division

Summary

House GOP leaders agreed to delay a vote on the farm bill because some conservative Republicans opposed parts of it. The decision came after disagreements within the party about the bill’s contents.

Key Facts

  • House GOP leaders and conservative Republican rebels reached a deal to postpone the farm bill vote.
  • The farm bill has caused debates and disagreements among Republican members.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson kept a procedural vote open for an extended time during the negotiations.
  • The delay shows ongoing divisions within the Republican Party about certain farm bill provisions.
  • The farm bill is important legislation related to agriculture and food programs.
  • No final vote on the bill will occur until these internal issues are resolved.
  • The controversy highlights challenges in passing key legislation in the House of Representatives.
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‘Trump’s Justice Department is on a revenge tour’

‘Trump’s Justice Department is on a revenge tour’

Summary

James Comey, former FBI Director, has been indicted over a social media post that criticized President Donald Trump. A legal expert says Comey will likely challenge the charges, claiming his post is protected as free speech. Comey appeared briefly in court on Wednesday related to this case.

Key Facts

  • James Comey is the former director of the FBI.
  • He faces an indictment linked to a social media post critical of President Trump.
  • A legal expert, Claire Finkelstein, believes Comey will fight the charges.
  • The legal argument centers on free speech protection for Comey’s post.
  • Comey made a short court appearance on Wednesday regarding the indictment.
  • The case involves issues of legal limits on criticizing a sitting president.
  • Claire Finkelstein is an American legal expert commenting on the case.
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Susie Wiles creates official X account ‘to share occasional updates’

Susie Wiles creates official X account ‘to share occasional updates’

Summary

Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff, started an official account on X (formerly Twitter) to share updates about the Trump administration. She announced this on her first post from the account, saying she would provide occasional information about the White House’s work.

Key Facts

  • Susie Wiles is the White House Chief of Staff under President Donald Trump.
  • She opened an official X account on Tuesday.
  • The purpose of the account is to share updates about the Trump administration’s work.
  • Wiles said she will post “occasional updates.”
  • She posted a message explaining her reason for joining X.
  • The account represents the Trump White House’s activities and priorities.
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Social Security Benefits Could Increase for Millions Under New Bill

Social Security Benefits Could Increase for Millions Under New Bill

Summary

A new bill in Congress aims to help unpaid family caregivers by giving them Social Security credits for the time they spend caring for loved ones. This would prevent their future retirement benefits from being reduced when they leave or reduce work to provide care.

Key Facts

  • The Social Security Caregiver Credit Act has been reintroduced by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chris Murphy.
  • The bill would allow unpaid caregivers to earn up to five years of Social Security credits if they spend at least 80 hours a month caring for a dependent child under 12 or a chronically dependent relative.
  • Social Security benefits are based on a person’s 35 highest-earning years, and years with no earnings currently lower future payments.
  • Millions of Americans provide unpaid care, which can reduce their Social Security benefits permanently.
  • The credited caregiver years would count as high-earning years to improve benefit calculations.
  • The credits apply only to caregivers who do not get paid for their caregiving work.
  • Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representative Brad Schneider.
  • The goal is to avoid penalizing caregivers financially for stepping away from paid work to care for family members.
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Trump learns of Voting Rights Act ruling from reporters in Oval Office

Trump learns of Voting Rights Act ruling from reporters in Oval Office

Summary

President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he learned for the first time about a recent Supreme Court decision affecting the Voting Rights Act when they asked him about it. The ruling involved a Louisiana congressional district and has an impact on voting rights protections.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court made a ruling on a Louisiana congressional district.
  • This ruling changes or weakens part of the Voting Rights Act.
  • President Trump was unaware of the ruling until reporters asked him in the Oval Office.
  • At the time of the question, he was meeting with astronauts and contractors.
  • The Voting Rights Act is a law designed to protect voting rights and prevent discrimination.
  • The ruling occurred on a Wednesday before the Oval Office encounter.
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James Comey makes initial court appearance after 2nd federal indictment

James Comey makes initial court appearance after 2nd federal indictment

Summary

James Comey, the former FBI Director, appeared in federal court following a second indictment. The Justice Department charged him with threatening President Donald Trump's life.

Key Facts

  • James Comey is a former FBI Director.
  • He has been charged for the second time by the Justice Department.
  • The charge involves threatening President Donald Trump’s life.
  • Comey made an initial court appearance after the indictment.
  • The event was reported by CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman.
  • The indictment is a federal legal matter.
  • The news was covered on CBS News and their app.
  • This is related to U.S. domestic legal and political news.
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Crockett backing Allred in Texas runoff

Crockett backing Allred in Texas runoff

Summary

Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Texas has announced her support for former Rep. Colin Allred in a runoff election against Julie Johnson. Crockett said Allred is committed to helping working families and opposes the current administration's policies.

Key Facts

  • Jasmine Crockett is a Democratic Representative from Texas.
  • Colin Allred is a former Democratic Representative from Texas.
  • Colin Allred is running in a runoff election against Julie Johnson.
  • Julie Johnson is a former Democratic Representative from Texas.
  • Crockett supports Allred because of his record and dedication to working families.
  • Crockett mentioned Allred wants to abolish ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
  • The runoff election is between two Democratic candidates in Texas.
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Democrats Surge to Double-Digit Lead Over GOP in Push to Flip Congress—Poll

Democrats Surge to Double-Digit Lead Over GOP in Push to Flip Congress—Poll

Summary

A new poll shows Democrats leading Republicans by 10 points in the generic congressional ballot ahead of the November midterm elections. This lead comes despite Republicans controlling the White House, Senate, and House after the 2024 elections and follows Democrats’ strong results in special elections since President Donald Trump returned to office.

Key Facts

  • The Emerson National Polling surveyed 1,000 likely voters and found Democrats at 50% and Republicans at 40%, with 10% undecided.
  • Democrats’ lead increased from 2 points in December to 10 points in the latest poll.
  • President Trump’s approval rating is 40% approval and 56% disapproval, with notable declines among Hispanic voters.
  • Hispanic voters favor Democrats by 35 points, women by 21 points, and independents by 19 points.
  • Concerns over U.S. military action in Iran and strikes on drug boats may have influenced voter opinions.
  • Historically, the party holding the White House loses seats in midterms, but Democrats feel optimistic due to recent wins in special elections.
  • Both parties have been redrawing congressional districts, but this might balance out in terms of party advantage.
  • Democrats need fewer seats than Republicans to flip the House, giving them a better chance to control it.
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ABC can beat Trump FCC's license threat if owner Disney is willing to fight

ABC can beat Trump FCC's license threat if owner Disney is willing to fight

Summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered Disney, owner of ABC, to file early license renewal applications for its TV stations. This action follows criticism from President Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr toward ABC, but legal experts say it will be very hard for the FCC to cancel or refuse license renewal under current laws.

Key Facts

  • The FCC asked Disney to file early renewal applications for ABC’s TV station licenses by May 28.
  • ABC’s licenses are normally up for renewal between 2028 and 2031.
  • The early renewal request is unusual and has not been used for a major broadcaster in many years.
  • The 1996 Telecommunications Act makes it very difficult for the FCC to deny or cancel broadcast licenses.
  • The FCC’s investigation mentions possible violations of anti-discrimination rules related to Disney’s diversity and inclusion policies.
  • President Trump and FCC Chairman Carr have publicly criticized ABC and threatened its licenses before.
  • ABC previously settled a lawsuit with President Trump for $15 million over statements made by one of its hosts.
  • Some lawmakers see the FCC’s actions as politically motivated against ABC because of its coverage.
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WATCH:  Trump hosts Artemis II crew at White House after historic lunar flyby mission

WATCH: Trump hosts Artemis II crew at White House after historic lunar flyby mission

Summary

President Donald Trump welcomed the crew of the Artemis II mission at the White House after they completed a trip around the moon. The Artemis II mission was a historic spaceflight that involved flying around the moon.

Key Facts

  • President Trump hosted the Artemis II crew at the White House.
  • Artemis II completed a record-breaking lunar flyby mission.
  • The mission involved traveling around the moon.
  • The event took place on April 29, 2026.
  • Artemis II is part of NASA’s Artemis program aiming for moon exploration.
  • The lunar flyby was a significant milestone in space exploration.
  • President Trump publicly recognized the astronauts for their achievement.
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Florida GOP legislature sends new House map, netting party up to 4 seats, to DeSantis for signature

Florida GOP legislature sends new House map, netting party up to 4 seats, to DeSantis for signature

Summary

Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature approved a new congressional map proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The new map would increase the number of Republican seats in Florida’s House delegation from 20 to 24, while reducing Democratic seats from 8 to 4.

Key Facts

  • Florida’s current House delegation is 20 Republicans and 8 Democrats.
  • The new map aims to change this to 24 Republicans and 4 Democrats.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis proposed the new congressional district lines.
  • The Republican-controlled Florida legislature quickly approved the new map.
  • The map change is planned ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
  • The new districts are seen as favoring Republican candidates.
  • The map now awaits Governor DeSantis’s signature to become official.
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Doctor uses balloon art side hustle to pay student loans

Doctor uses balloon art side hustle to pay student loans

Summary

Dr. Brandon Axelrod is a surgery resident in New York City who uses balloon art as a side job. He started this to help pay off his large student loan debt.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Brandon Axelrod is training to be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
  • He lives and works in New York City.
  • He has a large amount of student loan debt.
  • To earn extra money, he creates balloon art.
  • The balloon art side job helps him pay down his loans.
  • This story was reported by CBS News.
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