A man named Thomas Caleb Butler has been charged with murder after a 69-year-old man, Kerry George Sheron, died from injuries sustained in a beating outside his home in Escondido, California. Sheron was known for displaying American flags and pro-President Trump decorations at his house. He died four days after the attack on May 20, 2026.
Key Facts
Kerry George Sheron, 69, was beaten outside his home on May 20, 2026, in Escondido, California.
Sheron was known for decorating his front yard with American flags and "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) items.
Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, a Navy veteran, was initially charged with attempted murder.
Sheron died on May 24, 2026, four days after the attack, leading prosecutors to upgrade the charge to murder.
Prosecutors say Butler punched Sheron multiple times, including after Sheron fell to the ground.
Butler is held without bail and faces 28 years to life in prison if convicted.
Police are investigating whether the attack had a political motive related to Sheron’s support for President Trump.
A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $60,000 for Sheron’s funeral expenses.
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Colorado’s governor, Jared Polis, vetoed a bill that would have banned companies from using surveillance pricing to set wages and prices for goods. The bill aimed to stop companies from using personal data and algorithms to charge different prices or pay different wages based on individual information. Several other states are also working on laws to address surveillance pricing.
Key Facts
Colorado’s vetoed bill would have banned companies from using personal data and algorithms to set customized prices and wages.
Governor Polis said the bill was too broad and could block helpful uses of technology.
The bill covered all industries and included protections for workers’ wages and prices paid by consumers.
Surveillance pricing means companies use data like location, purchase history, financial status, and habits to set prices or wages.
Critics say surveillance pricing lets companies charge more to those willing to pay more and pay less to workers willing to accept less.
Maryland passed a limited ban on surveillance pricing for grocery items only in April 2025.
Other states such as Illinois, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York are working on surveillance pricing laws.
This is the second time Governor Polis vetoed a surveillance pricing bill; he also vetoed a bill banning rent-setting algorithms using similar data.
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Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced she will leave her position on July 17, before the upcoming midterm elections. The office has not given a reason for her departure.
Key Facts
Jane Nelson is the Texas Secretary of State.
She announced her resignation on a Tuesday.
Nelson will step down on July 17.
This change happens before the midterm elections.
Several elections in Texas have gained national attention.
The Secretary of State’s office did not explain why she is leaving.
The Secretary of State oversees elections and voting processes in Texas.
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The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, removed women and some Black navy officers from a promotion list last month, leaving a mostly white, all-male group of nominees for one-star admiral positions. This action broke normal rules for promotions that focus on merit and caused criticism and disagreement within the military.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth removed nine navy officers, including women and Black service members, from a promotion list.
The final list has 22 nominees who are all men and mostly white.
Normally, military promotions are based on merit and do not consider race or gender.
Officials had confidence in the original list, and Hegseth did not explain why he removed those officers.
This removal follows a similar action in the army, where Hegseth also removed women and Black officers from a general’s promotion list.
Hegseth has publicly opposed diversity programs in the military.
The Pentagon said promotions remain merit-based and that race or gender are not factors.
The promotion list must be confirmed by the US Senate before taking effect.
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Senator Ruben Gallego is working to overturn a policy from President Trump's administration. The policy requires immigrants to leave the U.S. and apply for a green card from abroad. Gallego wants Congress to use a special power to cancel this rule.
Key Facts
The policy was put in place during President Trump’s time in office.
It forces immigrants to go outside the U.S. to apply for green cards.
Senator Ruben Gallego represents Arizona.
Gallego asked Congress to treat the policy as a "rule."
By doing this, Congress can use a special power to stop the policy.
This move is an early step in the process to repeal the policy.
The Hill obtained the letter where Gallego made this request.
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Zach Lahn won the Republican primary for Iowa governor, defeating Randy Feenstra, who had President Trump’s endorsement. Lahn campaigned against large agricultural businesses and supported policies from the "make America healthy again" movement, including banning Covid vaccines.
Key Facts
Zach Lahn won the Republican primary for Iowa governor with 38% of the vote.
Randy Feenstra, a congressman, received President Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement” but lost with 37.2% of the vote.
President Trump usually helps candidates win primaries, but he supported Feenstra only one week before the Iowa vote.
Lahn is a farmer and businessman who criticized big agriculture and big pharmaceutical companies.
Lahn supports banning Covid vaccines and reducing nitrates in Iowa’s water.
The GOP has held Iowa’s governor seat since 2006, but Democrats see a chance to win this year.
Democratic candidate Rob Sand, the state auditor, had no primary opposition and is considered a strong candidate.
Lahn’s campaign was backed by Turning Point Action and the "make America healthy again" political group.
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The police chief of Hampshire apologized to the family of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was handcuffed and arrested while dying from stab wounds. The apology followed bodycam footage showing officers not immediately helping Nowak, who repeatedly said he could not breathe. The man who killed Nowak was sentenced to life in prison.
Key Facts
Henry Nowak was stabbed four times and was lying on the ground telling police he was hurt and could not breathe.
Police handcuffed and arrested Nowak despite his condition.
Henry Nowak’s killer, Vickrum Digwa, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 21 years in prison.
The police chief, Alexis Boon, apologized to Nowak’s family but said he would not resign.
An Independent Office of Police Conduct investigation is ongoing about the police response.
One officer seen in the footage left the police force for unrelated reasons; three others were removed from front-line duties.
Political figures reacted strongly, with some accusing others of using the case to create division.
Nowak’s family called for calm amid the public reaction.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during a Senate hearing that he once told Bill Pulte, who President Trump recently appointed as acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), that he planned to “kick his a–.” This statement was made while Bessent was testifying before the Senate.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent is the Treasury Secretary.
Bill Pulte is the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director.
President Trump appointed Pulte as acting head of the ODNI.
Bessent said he told Pulte he was going to “kick his a–.”
The comment was made during a Senate testimony session.
The exchange involves high-level U.S. government officials.
The ODNI oversees national intelligence agencies in the U.S.
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The Senate will begin voting on a $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies after President Trump’s administration dropped a $1.776 billion settlement fund for his political allies. The bill’s progress was delayed by conflicts around the fund and other proposals, but Republican leaders are now pushing to pass the main legislation quickly.
Key Facts
The Senate is voting on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
The bill totals about $70 billion and was delayed for weeks due to disagreements.
President Trump’s $1.776 billion settlement fund for allies was dropped after Republican opposition.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the fund will not move forward.
Democrats want the settlement fund included in the law despite its cancellation.
Republicans are using budget reconciliation, a process allowing passage without Democratic votes.
Several amendments, mostly from Democrats and some Republicans, are expected and could affect the bill.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working to keep Republican senators united for a majority vote.
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The Pentagon’s main watchdog, Platte B. Moring III, has been appointed to lead an investigation into the U.S. military’s involvement in a conflict with Iran. This announcement was made by the Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General.
Key Facts
Platte B. Moring III is the Pentagon’s Inspector General.
He has been chosen to lead the inspection of the U.S. war with Iran.
The appointment was made by Cheryl L. Mason.
Cheryl L. Mason is the chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
The Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General announced the decision on Wednesday.
The investigation will review actions related to the conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
The Inspector General’s role is to check for proper conduct and find any problems.
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Two healthcare groups sued the Trump administration over new student loan limits that affect some healthcare graduate programs. They argue the Department of Education broke the law by limiting borrowing for programs like physician associates, nurse practitioners, and others, which could hurt healthcare students' ability to pay for school.
Key Facts
The American Academy of Physician Associates and the Physician Associates Education Association filed the lawsuit.
The lawsuit challenges a Department of Education rule that caps student loans at $200,000 for some professional degrees and $100,000 for others.
Physician associate students are limited to borrowing no more than $20,500 per year under the new rule.
The groups say the rule wrongly excludes physician associate degrees from the "professional degree" category.
Tuition for physician associate programs averages about $97,000 before extra fees and costs.
The groups warn the loan limits could force students to rely on private loans, which often have worse terms.
The lawsuit requests a court order to stop the rule from starting on July 1 for physician associate students.
Similar lawsuits have been filed by 24 states and Washington, D.C., focusing on nursing program impacts.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he once threatened Bill Pulte, President Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, after hearing negative things about himself. Pulte is a businessman chosen for the intelligence post despite no experience in intelligence, causing concern among lawmakers.
Key Facts
Bessent said he told Pulte he would “kick his ass” during a private dinner last September.
The argument reportedly started because Pulte was speaking badly about Bessent.
Bill Pulte currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, overseeing government-backed mortgage companies.
President Trump nominated Pulte to be the next Director of National Intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard resigned.
Pulte’s background is in real estate and finance, not intelligence or national security.
Some lawmakers from both parties worry Pulte’s appointment could politicize intelligence agencies.
Pulte has made criminal referrals alleging mortgage fraud involving Democrats while at FHFA.
Bessent described the disagreement as a typical “locker room” squabble among teams.
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UK ministers are under pressure after some important documents about Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington were not released. These missing papers include a vetting summary that suggested Mandelson should not get security clearance. MPs want to know why these documents were withheld and if there were steps taken to manage the risks.
Key Facts
Over 1,500 pages of documents related to Mandelson’s appointment were published, but some key files were withheld.
The missing papers included a vetting summary where officials recommended denying Mandelson security clearance.
The Metropolitan police asked for some documents to be withheld because they might affect an ongoing investigation.
The vetting concerns involved Mandelson’s links to certain foreign officials and controversial figures.
No clear evidence was found about how the risks identified were managed or reduced.
MPs criticized the Prime Minister Keir Starmer for delegating decisions without enough oversight.
Some personal materials like photos, videos, and declarations of interest were also not disclosed.
The government says it followed proper rules for releasing the documents but MPs remain unsatisfied.
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A Florida school principal was placed on leave after lyrics from the song "Trap Queen," which mentions drugs, appeared in the school yearbook. The lyrics caused concern because they are not suitable for a school environment.
Key Facts
The yearbook included lyrics from the song "Trap Queen."
"Trap Queen" contains references to drugs.
The appearance of these lyrics in the yearbook was considered inappropriate.
The principal of the school was put on administrative leave.
The decision to place the principal on leave came after the controversy arose.
The issue relates to what is appropriate content in school materials.
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Actor Shia LaBeouf has entered a plea regarding an incident that happened during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. He was accused of punching two people in February.
Key Facts
The incident took place during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.
Shia LaBeouf was accused of punching two individuals.
The event occurred in February.
LaBeouf has now entered a plea related to the accusations.
Mardi Gras is a large festival known for parties and parades.
The legal process is moving forward with LaBeouf’s participation.
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The Pentagon faces higher fuel costs, causing a budget shortfall of $4 billion to $6 billion for the Army this fiscal year. As a result, the military has cut training programs and limited travel to manage expenses, while rising fuel prices related to the Iran war and other missions continue to strain defense spending.
Key Facts
Fuel prices for the Defense Department rose nearly 27% from October to April, averaging $195.72 per barrel.
The Pentagon uses about 80 million barrels of fuel annually for jets, tanks, and other equipment.
Increased fuel costs could add more than $1 billion in unplanned expenses this year.
The Army is facing a $4 billion to $6 billion budget shortfall through September 30, 2026.
Training programs for medical personnel, engineers, and artillery troops have been cut or scaled back.
Helicopter flight hours have been reduced, allowing only minimum flying time for many crews.
Rising civilian fuel and commercial airfare costs are also causing financial pressure on the military.
The Navy warned it may start running out of money during the summer due to operational costs.
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Senator Marco Rubio will speak to the Senate Appropriations Committee about the State Department’s budget for 2027 and the current conflicts in the Middle East. This happens shortly after Rubio was questioned by the House of Representatives on issues related to the Iran war.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is a U.S. Senator.
He will testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The topic includes the State Department’s budget for the fiscal year 2027.
Rubio will also discuss ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Earlier the same day, Rubio was questioned by the House of Representatives.
Democrats in the House focused their questions on the war involving Iran.
These discussions may affect negotiations in Congress.
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A man named Kimani Osayande Jones was arrested at Sacramento International Airport after an explosive device was found in his carry-on bag at a TSA checkpoint. He faces federal charges for carrying explosives at the airport and is being held without bail.
Key Facts
Kimani Osayande Jones, 49, was detained on May 30, 2026, at Sacramento International Airport.
TSA found an improvised explosive device and a torch lighter capable of igniting it in his carry-on bag.
The bag also contained a knife, scissors, scissor blades, an aerosol can, zip ties, and five cellphones.
One cellphone had a 15-minute timer, and another showed a message saying, "we will be awaiting your call."
Bomb technicians removed and examined the device, confirming it was active and could damage an aircraft.
Jones was federally charged with unlawful possession of explosive material at an airport, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
He is held without bail at Sacramento County Jail on a federal hold.
He had contacted the FBI multiple times in 2026, reporting being threatened and intimidated.
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Ben Black leads the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which manages government investments abroad. Emails and records show he had personal and business connections with Jeffrey Epstein, although Black denies wrongdoing. President Trump appointed him to this influential role, which manages up to $205 billion in investments.
Key Facts
Ben Black heads the DFC, a US government agency investing overseas with a $205 billion lending limit.
Records show Black had ties to Jeffrey Epstein, including investing in a company with Epstein and receiving advice from him.
Black denies any personal or professional relationship with Epstein.
The DFC’s lending limit was recently tripled, expanding Black’s control over taxpayer funds.
Black was confirmed by the Senate for his position during President Trump’s administration.
Other Trump appointees, like Howard Lutnick, also had connections to Epstein but have not been accused of wrongdoing.
The DFC was created under President Trump to increase US investment abroad and counter China’s influence.
Black coauthored an essay advocating a pro-market approach to foreign aid before his appointment.
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Incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advanced to a runoff in the June 2 mayoral primary, marking the first runoff for an LA mayor in over 20 years. In other key primary elections, some incumbents and Democratic candidates showed strength, while a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump lost in Iowa’s gubernatorial primary.
Key Facts
Karen Bass is the first Los Angeles mayor in more than 20 years to face a runoff election.
Bass emphasized her experience and achievements but faced criticism over her handling of last year’s wildfires.
Reality TV star Spencer Pratt ran against Bass and currently holds second place, but final results are still pending.
It’s unclear if Pratt or progressive city council member Nithya Raman will join Bass in the runoff.
In California’s governor race, Republican Steve Hilton (endorsed by Trump) and Democrat Xavier Becerra lead, with mail ballots still to be counted.
In Iowa, a Trump-backed candidate lost the gubernatorial primary.
The primaries show some support for incumbents and limits to the influence of a Trump endorsement.
The results highlight important trends ahead of the November midterm elections.
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