View online.

YOUR MORNING

Nearly 2,200 people arrested during pro-Palestinian protests on US college campuses

Protest arrests: Police have arrested nearly 2,200 people during pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses across the U.S. in recent weeks. An analysis by The Associated Press recorded at least 56 incidents of arrests at 43 different U.S. colleges or universities since April 18. Full breakdown of the numbers >

New York protests: After breaking up protests and encampments at Columbia University and The City University of New York this week, the NYPD confirmed to NewsNation that 134 of the 282 arrested demonstrators were nonstudents. New York University requested NYPD's assistance Friday morning to disperse an encampment on its property. What we know >

UCLA demonstrations: Confrontations at UCLA played out for several days this week. On a call Thursday afternoon, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block told alumni that matters escalated after a permitted pro-Israel rally was held on campus Sunday, fights broke out and "live mice" were thrown into the pro-Palestinian camp later that day. In the days that followed, Block said administrators tried to find a peaceful solution, but he said counterdemonstrators attacked the pro-Palestinian camp late Tuesday. Police tried dismantling the encampment, issuing a disperse order before deploying flash-bangs and tearing down barriers. Before officers moved in, protesters shouted chants including “You don’t scare us” and “We’re not leaving.” Hundreds left voluntarily and another 200-plus stayed and were taken into custody. The encampment was cleared by Thursday afternoon with almost all tents taken down. What's happening now >

Graduation ceremonies: With student protests over the Israel-Hamas war disrupting U.S. college campuses, universities are trying to ensure commencement ceremonies go off without a hitch this weekend. Some colleges are ramping up security efforts while pledging to also honor free-speech rights. Here’s how some schools are planning to balance things >

Fraternity brothers protect flag: While enduring insults and flying water bottles, about a dozen fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina stood their ground around the American flag Tuesday. “These people wanted to tear down the flag, and we were there to protect it,” Pi Kappa Phi member Brendan Rosenblum told NewsNation’s “On Balance.” “Me and my friends did not allow that to happen.” After hearing what happened, country music star John Rich reached out to the students and offered to perform for the fraternity for free. Nearly half a million dollars have been raised for the fraternity brothers. Watch the interview with Rich here >

Paramedics called over Britney Spears’ mental health

What happened: Paramedics were reportedly called to respond to Britney Spears over mental health concerns. People reportedly heard the pop star screaming and out of control in the hallways of the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, where she was staying with her ex Paul Richard Soliz. Spears has denied dating Soliz. Images show Spears walking outside with paramedics, appearing to be wearing only her underwear while wrapped in a blanket and holding a pillow to her chest. Spears returned home without Soliz. She posted on social media, appearing to suggest the photos were of body doubles, and said she's getting stronger each day. The latest >

Conservatorship: Spears, 42, has returned to the spotlight after being released from a conservatorship run by her family members. She was placed under conservatorship in 2008 following several public episodes and hospitalization after losing custody of her two children to ex-husband Kevin Federline. The arrangement allowed those in charge of her guardianship to control aspects of her life including her finances. The "Oops! ... I Did It Again" singer kept working under the conservatorship but started petitioning the court for changes in 2019. The next year, fans ignited the #freeBritney movement, and Spears refused to work as long as her father stayed on the conservatorship. In 2021, the conservatorship ended, allowing her to have control over her life for the first time in nearly 14 years. Recently, fans and those close to Spears have expressed concerns over her mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, dial 988 to reach the National Crisis Line. What the star's former adviser says about the conservatorship >

Maui sues cell carriers over wildfire warning alerts that were never received during service outages

What's going on: Maui has sued Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA, Spectrum Mobile and AT&T, claiming the major cell carriers were negligent in failing to properly inform Maui police of widespread outage services during last year’s deadly wildfires. In the lawsuit, county officials said had emergency responders known about the outages, they would have used other methods to warn people about the disaster. Alerts the county sent to cellphones warning people to evacuate were never received, the lawsuit said. T-Mobile called the claims "baseless." A closer look at the lawsuit >

Family desperate to save newborn twins after insurance denial

A family's fight: A Missouri couple is fighting to save their newborn twins after the family's insurance said it would not cover a potentially lifesaving treatment. The two twin boys were diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called "spinal muscular atrophy" days after they were born, the family said. The disease causes muscles to waste away, and without treatment, people can have trouble breathing and swallowing. Each boy needs a one-time gene therapy treatment, but the couple said their insurance stopped covering the therapy exactly one day after the boys were born. “Their life expectancy is one to two years without treatment,” the twins’ mother, Amanda Reed, told local news station KCTV. “It’s just been a nightmare, an absolute nightmare.” The treatment is expected to cost the family between $1 million and $2.5 million out-of-pocket per child, according to a GoFundMe set up to help the twins. Read more >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• Former President Donald Trump headlines a donor retreat in Florida with potential running mate picks.

• The U.S. Labor Department is set to release its monthly employment report.

• President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to people who "have made exemplary contributions to the country."
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

A man known as “El Escorpion,” the alleged leader of a group the DEA accuses of flooding Los Angeles with fentanyl, meth and other illicit drugs, is due in federal court this month. Full breakdown of the case >

Four men have been charged in connection with an alleged conspiracy to drive dozens of migrants in a locked trailer several hundred miles to Houston, Texas. Read more >

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has offered to open the city’s doors to migrants seeking work, but he says his recent comments on social media do not mean he is pushing for sanctuary city status for Missouri’s largest municipality. His take >

Interstate 95 will be closed in Connecticut for days after a tanker fire damaged a bridge over the highway. What to know >

A heartbreaking letter reveals the New York man who inspired the film “Saving Private Ryan” hoped to return to Normandy for the 40th anniversary of D-Day. He did not make it. Full letter >

A Pennsylvania nurse was fired and later charged over the possible diversion of drugs. Latest on the case >

Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market locations closed a little more than a week ago, but products remain on shelves of both retailers and are at risk of going to waste. This Chicago group wants to step in >

Cruise ship passengers can bare all on the “Big Nude Boat,” which will set sail from Florida on a 10-day voyage to the Caribbean in 2025. What to know about the nude cruise >

Also in the Sunshine State, a 9-foot alligator was caught walking near an elementary school north of Tampa. Watch the video >

Mother and daughter duo to graduate together at Penn State

Penn State's 2024 graduation is bringing one family together, but in a different way than you might think. Mother Renee Gibson is set to graduate with a degree in social sciences, and her daughter Clare Gibson is graduating with a degree in meteorology. Read more > 

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

YOUR MORNING

Police move in to break up UCLA pro-Palestinian encampment

What's going on: Law enforcement agencies have taken steps to break up an encampment on the University of California, Los Angeles campus, setting off flash-bangs and moving in on pro-Palestinian protesters. While some protesters left, many stayed in place, chanting, “You don’t scare us” and “We’re not leaving.” The latest >

'Professional agitators': In New York City, police officers geared up with riot shields and zip ties stormed a Columbia University building being occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters late Tuesday. Police arrested at least 292 people at Columbia University and the City College of New York as tensions rose between authorities and protesters. NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard told "NewsNation Now" there was an overwhelming number of "professional agitators" mixed in with the students helping them to barricade in Hamilton Hall. “This is not how the students were locking themselves in. This is how the professional agitators will lock themselves in,” Sheppard says. “I don’t know the exact number, but we feel we were dealing with an overwhelming number of professionals and not the students who belong on that campus.” Watch the interview >

Northwestern, Brown protests end: Northwestern and Brown Universities no longer have situations involving pro-Palestinian protesters after cutting deals with protest leaders. Northwestern President Michael Schill and top administrators agreed to several protester demands, including full scholarships for some Palestinian students and guaranteed jobs for some Palestinian academics. “The University will support visiting Palestinian faculty and students at risk,” a university statement reads. Northwestern has committed to fully funding five student scholarships and two faculty spots for the next two years. Northwestern’s protests will continue through May, but students won’t be allowed to pitch tents except one for aid supplies. Protesters must also get school permission to use loudspeakers. Brown University administrators promised to hold a board vote in October on whether to end the school's investments in companies linked to Israel. Before the vote, student leaders will meet with Brown administrators to lay out their arguments for divestment. The deals have drawn criticism from Jewish groups. The American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League Midwest say Northwestern “succumbed to the demands of a mob” and did little to make Jewish students on campus feel more secure. Full breakdown of the agreements >

Fraternity brothers protect flag: While enduring insults and flying water bottles, about a dozen fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina stood their ground around the American flag Tuesday. “These people wanted to tear down the flag, and we were there to protect it,” Pi Kappa Phi member Brendan Rosenblum told NewsNation’s “On Balance.” “Me and my friends did not allow that to happen.” Watch the interview >

Biden keeps quiet: As protesters and police clash on college campuses across the country, President Joe Biden has stayed mostly mum about the situation. Biden's last public comment came more than a week ago, when he condemned “antisemitic protests” and “those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians.” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., decried what he sees as the White House’s silence amid the protests. “The silence is deafening. The president needs to speak with moral clarity in this fateful moment of our country,” Johnson said in an exclusive interview with NewsNation's Blake Burman on "The Hill." Read more >

Arizona rancher George Kelly: 'It's not my fault. I didn't do it.'

Exclusive: Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly says he and his wife are trying to "start life over again" after his trial in the fatal shooting of a migrant on his property along the southern border ended in a deadlocked jury. “It’s not my fault. I didn’t do it,” Kelly told NewsNation in an interview days after Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Thomas Fink declared a mistrial. “Somebody else is responsible for that.” Kelly, 75, was charged in connection to the death of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, an unarmed migrant. Second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges against Kelly have now been dropped after prosecutors chose not to retry his case. While Kelly's trial is over, he's facing new challenges. "We have no funds. Our life savings, it's gone." Watch the interview >

Scientists think they have deciphered what caused the Titan submersible to implode

What to know: Researchers at the University of Houston think they have figured out what caused the Titan submersible to implode while on a dive to see the Titanic. Why they're pointing to the shape and material of the submersible >

Refresh: The Titan submersible, owned by OceanGate Expeditions, lost contact with a support vessel as it started a journey to the wreckage site of the Titanic on June 18, 2023. That led to a multiday search effort to try to find the submersible before oxygen supplies would run out for the five people on board. At the end of the search, the U.S. Coast Guard determined the vessel suffered a catastrophic implosion that would have instantly killed all on board. The latest >

Prosecutors seek September retrial for Harvey Weinstein

What's happening: During a hearing Wednesday in Manhattan, prosecutors asked for a September retrial for Harvey Weinstein. It marked the disgraced movie mogul's first court appearance since his 2020 rape conviction was overturned by an appeals court last week. Why Weinstein's New York attorney is calling for a new trial in Los Angeles >

'This is really scary': A former news anchor who accused Weinstein of exposing himself to her in 2007 says she's "heartbroken" that accusers will have to relive their trauma at a second trial this fall. “I wish we didn’t have to be here. I wish it wasn’t overturned in the first place,” Lauren Sivan told NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on Wednesday. Jessica Mann is one of two women whose testimony helped put Weinstein in jail. In an interview with NewsNation’s Rich McHugh, Mann said testifying was "psychological hell" but that she has "no fear of going through another trial." She added: “I’m learning what that’s going to require of me, but I have no fear and I’m ready.” If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Read the full report >

Border officials seize exotic animals as wildlife smuggling grows

Along the southern border: While Mexican drug cartels make billions smuggling humans across the southern border, wildlife trafficking has taken off in recent years. Last year, the International Criminal Police Organization warned the growing issue has pushed many species "to the brink of extinction." What to know >

Watch: On May 9, NewsNation rides with the Border Patrol live, showing you the border the way no other news network can. See it during a special edition of “Dan Abrams Live” at 9 p.m. ET on May 9. Find your channel >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• A court hearing in former President Donald Trump's ongoing hush money trial is set for Thursday, with prosecutors expected to argue he has further violated a gag order placed on him by the judge in the case.

• President Joe Biden travels to Charlotte, North Carolina, to "pay his respects to the brave law enforcement officers killed and wounded in the line of duty."

• Thursday marks two years since a leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion signaled the nation's abortion landscape was about to change.

• A court hearing is scheduled for Nima Momeni, charged with murder in the death of Cash App founder Bob Lee. 
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

Plagued throughout the academic year by what it called “chronic bus absenteeism,” St. Louis Public Schools is offering to pay families who drive their kids to the final two weeks of school. Their plan >

A California beekeeper is frustrated after someone stole a colony of bees and its queen on Saturday just minutes before she was hosting a honey-tasting event for children. Read more >

A 26-year-old Nashville-based chef died Saturday as thousands participated in the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series marathon in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. About five people running the marathon changed course and raced to his side. Full report >

A judge found the defense lawyers for the man accused of killing two Delphi, Indiana, girls "sloppy, negligent, and incompetent" but declined to hold the attorneys in contempt. The latest from court >

A federal grand jury has indicted 21 people in connection with a bank fraud investigation out of Shreveport, Louisiana. What to know about the case >

A Kansas City, Missouri, family is frustrated five months after their loved one was killed in a hit-and-run since there have been no arrests despite at least two people allegedly involved in the crash admitting their involvement on video. Take a look >

WWII veteran to marry fiancée in France 80 years after D-Day

World War II veteran Harold Terens, 100, will be honored in June by the French as part of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Then, he plans to marry his 96-year-old fiancée Jeanne Swerlin in a town near the beaches where U.S. troops landed. Their love story >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

YOUR MORNING

Violent clashes between UCLA protest groups prompt LAPD response

What's going on: California law enforcement agencies started clearing protesters from an encampment on the University of California, Los Angeles campus early Wednesday morning after violent clashes broke out overnight between the pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-protesters. “At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety,” LAPD HQ posted on X. The latest >

Columbia cleared: New York City police officers cleared pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University after the school requested help Tuesday. A tent encampment on the school's property was cleared along with Hamilton Hall that had been occupied by protesters earlier in the day. Dozens of arrests were made. “After the University learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded, we were left with no choice,” the school said. “The decision to reach out to the NYPD was in response to the actions of the protesters, not the cause they are championing. We have made it clear that the life of campus cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules and the law.” The White House condemned the move by protesters to take over Hamilton Hall, calling it the "wrong approach." What to know >

House effort: House lawmakers announced a new effort to crack down on what they say is antisemitism on college campuses, warning that universities that don't comply could lose federal funding. “Antisemitism is a virus, and because the administration and woke university presidents aren’t stepping in, we’re seeing it spread,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. “We have to act.” Protests have broken out at universities across the country, with those participating calling for their schools to divest from companies that support Israel and speaking out against Israel's military action in Gaza. A look at who's organizing the protests > 

Tonight: House Speaker Mike Johnson joins Blake Burman on "The Hill" at 6p/5C. Here’s how to watch > 

Brother-in-law: Hostage video ‘painful’ but gave family hope

'Glimmer of hope': On Saturday, Hamas released a video appearing to show two hostages who have been held in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. In the video, hostages Omri Miran, 47, and American Israeli Keith Siegel, 64, spoke in front of an empty background and asked to be released. “Saturday evening here in Israel was a very painful evening for our family,” Moshe Lavi, the brother-in-law of Miran, told “NewsNation Now.” “But at the same time, it also gave us a glimmer of hope.” Read more >

US poised to ease restrictions on marijuana in historic shift

What to know: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The proposal, which still needs to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), would recognize the medical uses of cannabis, but it would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. The latest >

What's next? Once OMB gives its stamp of approval, the DEA will take public comment on the plan to move marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug to Schedule III, after a recommendation from the federal Health and Human Services Department. Heroin and LSD are Schedule I drugs, and ketamine and some anabolic steroids are Schedule III. Following the public comment period and a review by an administrative judge, a final rule will be published. “Today, the Attorney General circulated a proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III,” Justice Department director of public affairs Xochitl Hinojosa said in a statement. The DEA is a component of the Department of Justice. “Once published by the Federal Register, it will initiate a formal rulemaking process as prescribed by Congress in the Controlled Substances Act.” What marijuana reclassification means for the U.S. >

Election year announcement: News of the possible ease on restrictions comes after President Joe Biden called for a review of federal marijuana law in October 2022. The announcement could help Biden win the support of young voters, since the drug has become increasingly accepted by young adults. A Gallup poll from last fall showed that 70% of adults support marijuana legalization — More than double the roughly 30% of adults who backed it in 2000. Learn more about the historic shift >

Both sides: Critics argue the DEA should keep marijuana's classification, saying changing it comes with harmful side effects. Jack Riley, a former deputy administrator of the DEA, expressed concerns about the proposed change since he thinks marijuana is a possible "gateway drug." Others argue marijuana should be treated how alcohol is in the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York said “Congress must do everything we can to end the federal prohibition on cannabis." Thirty-eight states have already legalized medical marijuana and 24 have legalized recreational use. Take a closer look >

Video: Grandma accused in Kansas moms killings seen days after deaths

Watch: A newly released video shows one of the suspects in the killings of Kansas moms Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley just days after their deaths. The video, exclusively obtained by NewsNation, will air on “Banfield” Wednesday at 10/9C. Find your channel to watch. See what we know about the case here >

Trump returns to campaign facing a warning of jail time if he violates a trial gag order

What's happening: Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday will use a break from his hush money trial to hit the campaign trail in the battleground states of Wisconsin and Michigan. His remarks will be watched closely after he was held in contempt of court and received a $9,000 fine for making public statements about people connected to the hush money case. Judge Juan M. Merchan said if the former president continued to violate his orders, he “will impose an incarceratory punishment.” Trump argues he is exercising his free speech rights. The latest >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• Vice President Kamala Harris will speak at a campaign event in Florida on the "stakes of the election for reproductive freedom," as the state's six-week abortion ban takes effect.

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken concludes travel to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel.

• A motion hearing is scheduled in the U.S. government's antitrust lawsuit against Google.

• Steve Bannon, charged with money laundering, conspiracy and scheming to defraud for his role in the "We Build the Wall" scheme, is due in court.
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

Philadelphia’s favorite emotional support alligator, Wally, has gone missing after a trip to Georgia. What to know >

The cicada boom of 2024 has reached North Carolina's Union County, with county officials saying the noisy insect broods have led to several residents calling 911. Read more >

At least 55 people were hurt, two seriously, when a Metro train collided with a University of Southern California shuttle bus Tuesday in Los Angeles, officials said. The latest >

Prosecutors in the Delphi murder trial in Indiana are asking the court to prevent the defense from presenting its alternative murder theory in court. What to know about the case >

Some Republican lawmakers called on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to address the migrant smuggling and fentanyl trafficking crisis by deploying National Guard troops to the southern portion of the state. Their plea >

A Texas ranch welcomed a rare white bison calf last week, and its owner says it has made for a memorable experience. What makes the calf special >

Wildlife officials and first responders spent the better part of Monday afternoon trying to capture a wayward bear running through a California neighborhood after it was first spotted taking a nap in a tree. Watch >

Texas student's recipe headed to menus across the country

Creations by a Texas eighth grader will soon be served across the country. Inspired by her favorite dessert, Elle Pollard's "Holy Cannoli" milkshake will be served at The Yard Milkshake Bar locations in June. Read more >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

YOUR MORNING

Protesters take over Columbia University's Hamilton Hall

Developing: Dozens of protesters took over a building early Tuesday at Columbia University in New York. The protesters barricaded entrances to the building and unfurled a Palestinian flag out of a window, marking the latest escalation of demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war that are happening on college campuses across the country. Columbia University has limited access to campus to students living in residential buildings on campus and employees who provide essential services. The university also asked people to avoid coming to the Morningside part of campus. The latest >

Columbia lawsuit: An anonymous student filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, saying the school has failed to provide a safe learning environment as a pro-Palestinian protest has been carried out on the campus. The suit alleges that while many of the protesters at Columbia are peaceful, a subset are “continuing to commit acts of violence, they are intimidating and harassing Jewish students and faculty members, they are inciting demonstrators to engage in hate speech and also commit acts of violence, which has been taking place, and they have even called for terrorist attacks against the United States and the State of Israel.” According to the filing, Jewish students have been physically attacked and targeted by pro-Hamas hate speech. One of the attorneys representing the anonymous student told NewsNation some protesters have crossed a line. Watch the "On Balance with Leland Vittert" interview >

Wave of protests: The encampment at Columbia kicked off protests at colleges across the U.S. While many have been peaceful, some have led to arrests and disrupted campuses. The demonstrations have been over Israel's military offensive in Gaza, with some demanding their schools cut financial ties with Israel and companies supporting the war. A look at who's organizing the protests > 

4 officers killed, 4 officers hurt in North Carolina shooting

What happened: Four officers trying to serve a warrant Monday afternoon were killed and four other officers were hurt in a shootout in North Carolina. Three members of the U.S. Marshals Service and one Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer were shot and killed; three other Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers were shot and injured; and another from an assisting law enforcement agency was hurt during the U.S. Marshals Task Force investigation in east Charlotte. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said officers killed the suspect outside the Charlotte home after he fired on them. Jennings says officers who tried to rescue the downed officers were wounded by a second shooter firing from inside the home. A woman and a 17-year-old were taken away for questioning following the three-hour standoff. The latest >

Hunter Biden’s lawyers say they plan to sue Fox News ‘imminently’

Lawsuit on the way: Attorneys for President Joe Biden's son Hunter say they plan to sue Fox News "imminently," according to a letter obtained by NewsNation. “For the last five years, Fox News has relentlessly attacked Hunter Biden and made him a caricature in order to boost ratings and for its financial gain,” his attorney, Mark Geragos, said in a statement. NewsNation has reached out to Fox for comment. See how many times Fox has mentioned Hunter Biden since last year >

Harvey Weinstein's lawyer: California conviction should also be thrown out

Latest: Harvey Weinstein's lawyer in California says the former movie mogul could be freed from prison after his New York rape conviction was tossed by an appeals court last week. Jennifer Bonjean, Weinstein’s attorney, told "Dan Abrams Live" she believes the overturned New York conviction will impact Weinstein's separate California rape case. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office said it remains “confident that our convictions will withstand appellate scrutiny.” Weinstein, 72, is currently serving a 16-year sentence for the Los Angeles rape conviction, separate from the now-vacated 23-year New York prison term. A closer look at cases Weinstein has faced >

George Alan Kelly won’t face retrial for fatal shooting of migrant

The latest: Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly will not face charges again after a jury failed to reach a verdict in his murder case and the judge declared a mistrial. The 75-year-old was charged in connection to the fatal shooting of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, an unarmed migrant, on his property near the U.S.-Mexico border. Kelly faced second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges related to the Jan. 30, 2023, killing. A hearing will be set to decide if the case will be dismissed without prejudice. Full breakdown of the case >

Fast-food prices surged faster than inflation in the past decade

Price hike with a side of fries: While fast food has long been considered an affordable dining option, Americans over the past decade have seen menu prices skyrocket faster than inflation. Since 2014, fast-food restaurants have raised menu prices by 60%, nearly double the rate of inflation over the same period, according to a recent FinanceBuzz analysis of 12 different chains. Full report >

Where prices surged: According to the study, McDonald's prices have increased the most, doubling over the past 10 years. The report says a Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal will set customers back $11.99 on average, up from $5.39 in 2014. Other chains, including Popeyes (+86%), Taco Bell (+81%), Chipotle (+75%) and Jimmy John’s (+62%), have also hiked prices much faster than inflation over the past decade, FinanceBuzz found. The report says Starbucks and Subway have raised prices almost in line with inflation. Full breakdown >

Higher prices: California led the nation in menu price inflation, according to Dataessential, a food and beverage analytics company. Part of the recent spike can be attributed to higher labor costs. In the Golden State, most fast-food workers now make at least $20 an hour after a new law took effect in April. What to know about the law >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testifies to the House Ways and Means Committee at a hearing on the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget request.

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken continues travel to Jordan and Israel.

• The sentencing of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is expected Thursday following his guilty plea to failing to maintain an anti-money laundering program at the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.

• British singer FKA twigs testifies at a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on protecting Americans from unauthorized digital replicas.

• King Charles III resumes public-facing duties Tuesday while visiting a cancer treatment center.

• Joseph Emerson, the off-duty pilot accused of trying to cut jet engines midflight, is scheduled to appear in court. 
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

A Texas rancher is weighing the pros and cons of allowing the state to build a new segment of border wall, which he says is "an engineering marvel," on his rural riverfront property. Latest on the decision >

A New Mexico grandmother shot a home intruder who was running from police. What happened >

Dailen Presgrove, the brother of Noah Presgrove, the teen found dead along an Oklahoma highway, told NewsNation that he suspects foul play. Watch the interview >

A Louisiana man convicted of raping a teenage girl will be physically castrated as part of his sentencing, which includes a 50-year stint in prison. The latest >

Months after three Kansas City Chiefs fans were found dead in a Kansas City backyard, their families continue to plead for answers. What we know about the case >

New York state will soon require internet providers to charge some low-income residents $15 a month for internet access. More information about the policy >

One of the most famous couples in country music continues to live on not only through their tunes but also with two new babies named June Carter and Johnny Cash born at the same Alabama hospital on the same day. How the mothers say they will keep in touch >

Under a new Florida law, new moms in the Sunshine State will no longer have to report for jury duty. Details >

A Utah woman's missing cat traveled more than 1,000 miles in an Amazon package. How the pet was reunited with its owners >

Police and bystanders in Washington state Sunday helped corral multiple zebras that escaped their trailer while being transported to Montana, officials said. Video >

 STRANGE NEWS: TRIVIA QUIZ

In Montana, a circus animal recently broke loose from her enclosure and ran through town, sparking 911 calls. What kind of animal was it?

• Tiger

• Elephant
• Bear
• Llama

Check out the story to see if you answered correctly >

‘I have been blessed’: Man with cancer splits $1.3B Powerball jackpot with wife, friend

A man diagnosed with cancer says he’ll be sharing the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot he won earlier this month with his wife and his friend after they decided to buy a ticket together. “I am grateful for the lottery and how I have been blessed,” said Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, a Laos-born immigrant who has been fighting cancer for the past eight years. “I am able to provide for my family and my health. My life has been changed. Now, I can bless my family and hire a good doctor for myself.” Read more >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

Oklahoma towns hit hard by tornadoes begin long cleanup after 4 killed in weekend storms

What happened: Small towns in Oklahoma started the cleanup process Monday after tornadoes flattened homes and killed four people, including an infant. The storms that began late Saturday in Oklahoma injured at least 100 people, damaged a hospital and left more than 40,000 customers without power at one point, state officials reported. Damage was extensive in Sulphur, a town south of Oklahoma City. “You just can’t believe the destruction,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said during a visit to the town. “It seems like every business downtown has been destroyed.” White House officials said President Joe Biden spoke to Stitt and offered the full support of the federal government. The latest > 

Severe weather outbreak: The tornadoes in Oklahoma came after tornadoes that spawned Friday in Iowa and Nebraska also caused destruction and were blamed for one death. One resident recalls a tornado touch down in Nebraska > 

Demonstrations roil US campuses ahead of graduations

What's going on: Protests over Israel's military offensive in Gaza are disrupting college campuses across the U.S. as graduation ceremonies approach. While many campuses appeared to be largely quiet over the weekend, University of California, Los Angeles administration addressed "violence" on campus as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters clashed. The university increased security after “some physical altercations broke out among demonstrators,” a university representative said. The University of Southern California reopened part of its main campus after a brief closure this weekend over what the university called a "disturbance." About 275 people were arrested Saturday at various campuses including Arizona State University, Indiana University in Bloomington and Washington University in St. Louis. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said President Joe Biden “knows that there are very strong feelings” but plans to leave managing the protests to local authorities. The latest >

Tiktok ‘brought us out of poverty’: Influencer on possible ban

Creator speaks out: A popular TikTok creator warned that banning the video-sharing app in the U.S. would cut off an important resource and community platform, especially for families like his with children who have special needs. Jason Linton, who has 13.8 million followers on TikTok where he shares content about life with his adopted multiethnic family, said the potential ban would be devastating. Linton’s son has special needs, and he uses the app to raise awareness while getting support from other parents. “It cuts off a resource that we have to get information and also to share information with our community,” Linton said in a Sunday interview on “NewsNation Prime.” Watch >

Clock ticking for TikTok: The video-sharing app faces a Jan. 15 deadline to cut ties from its Chinese ownership or be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns. Some lawmakers fear TikTok's parent company ByteDance could share American users’ data with China's government. Here's how TikTok came to this juncture >

‘Unretiring’ is a growing trend, AARP says

Back to work: For many older Americans, the golden years are still green. As in: They need to keep bringing in the green to make ends meet. About a quarter of Americans above the age of 50 say they expect to never retire, according to a new AARP study. And a new survey from Resume Builder shows that 12% of retired Americans will return to work this year. A retired educator who now works for a Florida nonprofit says, "If I don't laugh, I will cry, and I don't want to cry." Full report >

Putin likely didn’t order death of Russian opposition leader Navalny, US official says

Navalny death: U.S. intelligence officials determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely didn't order the death of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny in February, an official familiar with the determination told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. While U.S. officials believe Putin was ultimately responsible for Navalny's death, the intelligence community reportedly has found "no smoking gun" that Putin was aware of the timing of Navalny's death or directly ordered it. Navalny, 47, known as Putin's most persistent foe, died Feb. 16 in a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges that he said were politically motivated. Soon after Navalny's death, U.S. President Joe Biden said Putin was ultimately responsible but did not accuse Putin of directly ordering it. At the time, Biden said the U.S. did not know exactly what had happened to Navalny but that “there is no doubt” that his death “was the consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did.” Full breakdown >

Russian journalists jailed: Two Russian journalists were arrested by their government on "extremism" charges based on accusations of working for a group founded by Navalny. Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin both denied the charges. Gabov and Karelin each face a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of six years for alleged “participation in an extremist organization,” according to Russian courts. The latest >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• Congress returns after a district work period.

• Vice President Kamala Harris launches an economic opportunity tour in Atlanta.

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Saudi Arabia.
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

Three Louisiana police officers were wounded by gunfire Sunday in a standoff with a man who was later killed by a police sharpshooter, authorities said. What we know >

The Florida teen due to be sentenced for an attack on a teacher's aide last year is suing his school for allegedly failing to help him deal with numerous problems. What his attorney says >

A Las Vegas substitute teacher caught on video fighting a high school student is no longer in custody. Latest on the investigation >

Six electric school buses in Pennsylvania will soon transport most of the Steelton-Highspire School District's students who ride buses to school. The district's reaction >

A Tennessee woman who had her car stolen twice in a matter of months says she feels victimized again after learning police sold her vehicle at auction. Full report >

An Ohio-based company is selling a flamethrowing robot dog. A former FBI agent's concerns about the four-legged flamethrower >

An Oregon pub where women's sports are celebrated and the only thing on TV plans to expand nationwide. Their vision >

Philadelphia's first 24/7 cheese vending machine has opened. Watch how it works >

An Illinois woman is in "complete shock" after winning $1 million on a lottery ticket that a gas station customer recently gifted her. What she said when she claimed her prize >

Connecticut barbers on saving child from intersection: ‘It was a reaction’

Two Connecticut barbers are being hailed as heroes after a security camera captured them springing into action to stop a little girl from running into a busy intersection. “I saw the little child running full speed towards the intersection. I just couldn’t sit here and look to see what’s going to happen,” Osvaldo Lugo said in a Sunday interview on “NewsNation Prime.” Read more and watch the interview >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

Gaza protests grow at colleges nationwide

What's going on: Students across the U.S. are protesting on college campuses, calling for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza and demanding universities cut financial ties to Israel. While some of the protests have been peaceful, others have led to arrests and suspensions, including at Columbia University. Live updates >

Columbia negotiations: Columbia University announced late Thursday there has been progress with negotiations between administrators and protesters on campus, who are digging in at their encampment for the 10th day Friday. “For several days, a small group of faculty, administrators, and University Senators have been in dialogue with student organizers to discuss the basis for dismantling the encampment, dispersing, and following University policies going forward,” the university said. “We have our demands; they have theirs.” The negotiations come after the university gave protesters a deadline to remove their encampments. If protesters and demonstrators can't reach an agreement, the university said it would take "alternative options." President Joe Biden will be in New York City on Friday. His campaign said there have been no discussions of him visiting university protests. At Columbia, more than 100 people were arrested last week. The latest >

USC cancels graduation ceremony: The University of Southern California canceled its main graduation ceremony after dozens of protesters were arrested on campus. College officials across the country worry the ongoing protests could disrupt plans for more commencement ceremonies and are wrestling with how to handle the tension. While some schools have called in police to break up the protests, others appear to be waiting it out in the final days of the semester. Some universities are looking into rewriting their rules to ban encampments, shifting to hybrid learning schedules and moving final exams to new locations. Take a look at who is organizing the protests >

Background: The Israel-Hamas war started after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people. Hamas also took around 250 hostages during the attack. Since the beginning of the war, the Gaza Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas, reports that more than 34,000 Palestinians have died, many of them civilians. What to know >

Americans facing charges in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammo

Vacation turned nightmare: Oklahoma couple Ryan and Valerie Watson visited Turks and Caicos for a birthday trip earlier this month. But just as they were about to head home, they were stopped by airport security who claimed to have found ammunition in Ryan Watson's carry-on luggage. He called it a “bonehead mistake” and one that was accidental, but a new law has him facing up to a dozen years in prison. Details >

No answers: Ryan Watson was granted bail Wednesday but is being forced to remain in Turks and Caicos away from his wife and children. There are no answers to when he will be able to return home. His next court date is scheduled for June 7. Valerie Watson was allowed to fly home Tuesday. She said she’s terrified that her husband is facing 12 years in prison for something they say was an honest mistake, and she said their children have been questioning when their dad will be home. “Being in our home without him is really weird. It’s been busy. I really haven’t even spent much time with the kids yet. This is our new reality, and it’s pretty terrible,” Valerie Watson said. Full report >

Differing laws: In the U.S., bullets found by airport security typically result in a fine. In Turks and Caicos, lawmakers passed legislation creating a 12-year minimum prison sentence for anyone caught bringing a firearm or ammunition to the islands. The U.S. government issued a warning Wednesday to tourists heading to the islands. “Carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody,” the U.S. Embassy in Nassau warned. The latest >

Harvey Weinstein's New York rape conviction tossed: What happens next?

What happened: New York's Court of Appeals on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge presiding over the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with "egregious" rulings. Full breakdown > 

What's next? The Manhattan district attorney's office said they "will do everything in our power to retry this case." Weinstein, 72, will stay behind bars because he was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape and sentenced to 16 years. Weinstein has been serving time in New York and could be taken to California to serve his sentence there. Weinstein's lawyers are appealing his only conviction remaining. A look at past and future cases Weinstein has faced >

Sebastian Rogers disappearance due to ‘domino effect of events’: Private investigator

What's going on: Two months after Tennessee teen Sebastian Rogers vanished without a trace from his home, the private investigator hired by his father believes his disappearance is the result of a “domino effect of events.” Sebastian was last seen the night of Feb. 25 in the Hendersonville home of his mom Katie Proudfoot and stepdad Chris Proudfoot. Hear from Sebastian's biological father on "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial continues Friday.

• Former Aurora Fire Rescue paramedic Jeremy Cooper will be sentenced Friday for criminally negligent homicide in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain.

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken concludes travel to China to meet with senior officials in Shanghai and Beijing.

• Friday marks National Arbor Day, an annual observance that encourages tree planting and care.
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

Oklahoma City’s Public Transportation Department released footage showing the attack on one of their bus drivers. Video >

No cameras will be allowed in the courtroom for the trial of Richard Allen, who is accused of killing two teenage girls in 2017 in Delphi, Indiana. Details >

Months after the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans in a backyard, their families are frustrated and still waiting for answers. Full report >

A Maryland high school athletic director has been charged with using artificial intelligence to impersonate a principal on an audio recording that included racist and antisemitic comments, authorities said. What we know >

Among the 46,000 people in Los Angeles experiencing homelessness, there are dozens living next to the 110 Freeway. Full breakdown of what's happening >

A Florida hospital announced a groundbreaking program that uses drone technology to deliver lifesaving emergency equipment to 911 callers. How it works >

Alabama father reunites with son after nearly 50-year search

An Alabama father finally has some answers in his decadeslong search for his family. After 47 years without each other, the father and his son have been reunited and are catching up for lost time. Read more >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

Pro-Palestine protests intensify nationwide with multiple arrests

What to know: Pro-Palestine protests are intensifying on college campuses across the country. Texas troopers with riot gear detained students, throwing some to the ground, during pro-Palestinian protests on the University of Texas at Austin's campus Wednesday. Police made at least 34 arrests after being deployed to the campus. The protests at the University of Texas are among many demonstrations on U.S. college campuses being conducted against the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Many are also calling on university officials to stop investing in countries they say support "apartheid" in Israel. Protests at the University of Southern California grew contentious Wednesday as police cleared an encampment in Alumni Park. Protesters from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt this week used furniture, tents, chains and zip ties to block a building’s entrance, prompting officials to close the school through Wednesday. An encampment at Brown University in Rhode Island was made by about 90 students Wednesday morning, NewsNation affiliate WRPI reported. NewsNation affiliate WCMH reported that two Ohio State University students were arrested at a pro-Palestine protest Tuesday. The encampments at other colleges were created following mass arrests at Columbia University last week. Columbia has shifted most classes to hybrid schedules for the rest of the semester and upped security amid the demonstrations. The demonstrations have sparked debate, with some saying recent arrests or suspensions of student protesters are a violation of their First Amendment rights, and some students expressing concerns that some criticism of Israel has veered into antisemitism. The latest >

Trump will be in New York for hush money trial while the Supreme Court hears his immunity case

What's going on: Former President Donald Trump will return to a New York City courtroom Thursday for his hush money trial. The proceedings will happen at the same time the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Washington over whether Trump should be immune from prosecution for actions he took during his time as president. The latest >

In New York: At the hush money trial, jurors are expected to hear more witness testimony from a veteran tabloid publisher, and Trump will face a decision over whether he violated a gag order imposed by the judge on the case. Trump asked to skip his criminal trial Thursday, so he could sit in on the Supreme Court's special session. That request was denied. What to know about the hush money trial >

In Washington: Trump's lawyers argue that former presidents are entitled to absolute immunity for their official acts. So far, lower courts have rejected those arguments. The Supreme Court will weigh whether Trump should be immune from prosecution for actions he took while he was president. The arguments are related to charges in federal court in Washington, where Trump has been accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. A closer look >

Las Vegas ‘nonhuman, UFO’ encounter ‘traumatizing,’ teen says

UFO encounter claim: The Las Vegas teenager who claimed something crashed in his backyard last year, prompting a 911 call about “nonhuman” beings, spoke out for the first time. Angel Kenmore, 17, said in an exclusive interview with NewsNation national correspondent Alex Caprariello that he saw a “giant creature” that he believes may have been a “demon” but “only God knows.” Police body camera footage shows a flash across the sky the night of the family's sighting, NewsNation affiliate KLAS reports. Despite receiving numerous threats, Kenmore and the rest of his family have stood by their original report from April 30, 2023. Watch the exclusive interview >

Listen: In the "Reality Check with Ross Coulthart" podcast, NewsNation special correspondent Ross Coulthart takes a fact-based approach to tackle everything from unidentified anomalous phenomena to other mysteries often missing from the headlines. Take a look >

Tennessee lawmakers pass bill to allow armed teachers

Guns in schools: Tennessee House Republicans passed a bill Tuesday that would allow some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds. Under the measure, parents and other teachers would not know who is armed. It's now headed to Gov. Bill Lee's desk for consideration. The latest >

Zoom in: The legislation would be Tennessee's largest expansion of gun access since the March 27, 2023, shooting that killed six people at The Covenant School. If it's signed into law, Tennessee will join about half of the nation's states in allowing teachers or other employees with concealed carry permits to carry guns on school property in some way, according to the gun control advocacy group Giffords Law Center. Details >

For or against? Those opposed to the bill say it could put schools and their workers at risk. “Teachers are not equipped to handle live fire,” said J.C. Bowman, executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee. “Most of these (gunmen) are using AR-15s or other weapons … it just is going to be unsafe.” Supporters of the legislation, like Tennessee state Sen. Paul Bailey, argue it's vital for rural areas with limited law enforcement and longer response times. “Not all schools and school systems could afford a school resource officer,” Bailey said. Full report >

Fifth person arrested in Kansas moms killings

What's happening: A fifth arrest has been made in connection to the killings of Kansas mothers Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39. Investigators said “based on the evidence and information gathered from the case,” Paul Grice, 31, was arrested and booked into the Texas County Jail. He, along with Tifany Adams, 54; her boyfriend Tad Cullum, 43; Cora Twombly, 44; and her husband Cole Twombly, 50, have each been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree. According to the probable cause affidavit for Grice’s arrest warrant, Grice admitted he was part of the planning, killing and burying of Butler and Kelley. What we know about the case >

Service: Butler will be remembered with a celebration of life service at the beginning of May. Butler was a fiancée and mother of two children. On March 30, she went with Kelley to visit her children in Oklahoma. The women disappeared that day, and their bodies were found April 14. A memorial service will be held for Kelley on Sunday. Details >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• The Federal Communications Commission is expected to vote on reinstating net neutrality.

• The 2024 NFL draft begins Thursday with teams picking newly eligible players for their rosters.

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken continues a trip to China, meeting with senior officials in Shanghai and Beijing.

• Thursday marks 10 years since the beginning of the Flint, Michigan, water crisis.
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

An associate of Sean “Diddy” Combs pleaded not guilty to possession of cocaine in a Florida courthouse Wednesday. What we know >

Madonna fans are suing her in federal court after they said her December shows in Washington, D.C., started late, leaving many frustrated. Details of the lawsuit >

A California cleaning service is struggling after vandals broke into their parking lot, spent some time twerking atop their vehicles and caused thousands of dollars in damage over the weekend. Video >

Grocery retailers Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market in Chicago are facing a lawsuit after they suddenly shut down Tuesday. What the lawsuit claims >

A car crashed into a Dunkin’ in Rhode Island on Tuesday morning, but it was the lighthearted reaction of a 15-year-old at the scene that has the internet talking. His response >

A woman says she caught an image of a mysterious "flying cylinder" from her airplane window above LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Watch >

The Tennessee castle where Taylor Swift filmed the music video for her 2008 hit song "Love Story" will soon open as a wedding and honeymoon destination. Why the castle's owner wants to share it with others >

A Texas man has sued Cinemark Theaters, accusing the movie chain of “deceptive and otherwise improper practices” by misleading moviegoers about drink sizes. The latest >

Medical miracle: Denver child’s heart beats again after 14 hours

At just 4 years old, Cartier McDaniel's heart stopped beating for 14 hours — and then all of a sudden, it restarted. Now, his family and doctors are sharing an experience they’ve never seen before. Read more >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

Colleges tasked to handle graduation alongside Gaza war protests

What's going on: Colleges across the country are pivoting plans for graduation ceremonies and events amid growing campus protests over the war in Gaza. Over the last week, police have arrested dozens of people at pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University, NYU and Yale University. At Columbia, students put up tents and stayed on campus to protest Israel's military action in Gaza and demanded the school divest from companies they say "profit from Israeli apartheid." Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., plans to visit Columbia on Wednesday to meet with Jewish students to discuss "the troubling rise of virulent antisemitism on America's college campuses." Most classes at Columbia will be held in a hybrid setting for the remainder of the semester, and the school has tightened campus security. The latest >

Senate passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

What happened: The Senate passed $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on Tuesday, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk. The bill passed in a 79-18 vote after the House had approved the package after months of delays and debate. In a statement, Biden said he plans to sign the aid package Wednesday. “Tonight, a bipartisan majority in the Senate joined the House to answer history’s call at this critical inflection point,” Biden said Tuesday evening. The latest >

Breakdown: The $95 billion in war aid includes $61 billion for Ukraine. Biden said once the aid package is signed Wednesday, the U.S. will begin the process of sending weapons to Ukraine. The legislation would also send $26 billion in wartime assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief to citizens of Gaza, and $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. Read more >

TikTok: TikTok legislation is also included in the $95 billion foreign aid package on its way to Biden. The measure would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform in nine months or the app will be banned. If a sale is in progress, it could be given a possible three-month extension. The bill would also keep the company from controlling TikTok's algorithm. An earlier version of the TikTok ban bill had stalled in the Senate, but House Republicans fast-tracked a modified version by attaching it to the high-priority foreign aid package. What to know >

Judge in Trump hush money case weighs if he violated gag order

What to know: Prosecutors in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial asked New York Judge Juan Merchan on Tuesday to hold Trump in contempt of court for allegedly violating a gag order at least 10 times. Prosecutors claim Trump wrote or said negative things in social media posts about witnesses, jurors, and others involved in the case, and asked Merchan to fine the former president $1,000 for each violation. Trump's attorney refuted the claims and asserted that Trump understands the gag order and there was no willful violation of it. What's included in the gag order and the posts in question >

Supreme Court to consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans

Looking ahead: The Supreme Court on Wednesday will consider when doctors can provide abortion during medical emergencies in states with abortion bans. The case comes out of Idaho, one of the 14 states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy with limited exceptions. Idaho argues its ban has exceptions for lifesaving abortions but allowing it in more medical emergencies may turn hospitals into "abortion enclaves." The Biden administration argues that even in states where abortion is banned, federal health care law says hospitals must be allowed to end pregnancies in emergencies where a patient's life or health is at serious risk. What to expect with the case >

Google to pay $62 million for tracking users without consent

Settlement: A federal judge approved a $62 million settlement in a class action lawsuit against Google. The suit followed an investigation that exposed Google for tracking down user information without consent, even if they used a privacy setting that says it will prevent Google from doing so. According to the settlement, Google had a support page on how to manage and delete a user’s location history, which said, “When you turn off location history for your Google account, it’s off for all devices associated with that Google account.” Despite promises against tracking a user’s location, the settlement says, “Google’s representation was false.” What to know >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• President Joe Biden delivers remarks at North America's Building Trade Union National Legislative Conference.

• A sentencing hearing is scheduled for David DePape, the man convicted of attempted kidnapping and assault charges after knocking Paul Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi’s husband, unconscious with a hammer.

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to China. 
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

The search has intensified for a missing Marine from North Carolina who was stationed at Southern California's Camp Pendleton. Hear from his family >

Prosecutors and defense attorneys plan to meet next week to discuss what's next after a judge declared a mistrial in the case of an Arizona rancher accused of shooting and killing a Mexican man on his property. Breakdown of the case >

A kidnapping suspect was arrested in Oregon early Tuesday after police released chilling doorbell camera footage showing the man grabbing a woman who was screaming for help. The latest >

West Virginia authorities found remains in a 20-year-old cold case on the same day the suspect died. Full report >

The city of Baltimore argued the owner of the cargo ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge should not be able to avoid liability, claiming the ship was "unseaworthy," according to court documents. What the filings say >

A dog is recovering after being exposed to methamphetamine at a Texas thrift store. The latest >

Idaho college killings suspect Bryan Kohberger’s defense attorneys can resume phone surveys of potential jurors in the 29-year-old’s murder trial, the judge on the case ruled. Details >

‘Special delivery’: UPS driver delivers calf at Wisconsin farm

In his decadeslong career as a UPS driver, Jon Strnad has delivered millions of packages. But few have been as special as the delivery he recently made in Seymour, Wisconsin, when he saw a cow in labor. Read more >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

Biden to speak on abortion in first Florida visit since state Supreme Court ruling

What's happening: President Joe Biden will deliver a speech focusing on reproductive rights in Florida on Tuesday. The president's remarks come about one week ahead of the state's six-week abortion ban taking effect. He is expected to blame the state's abortion laws on former President Donald Trump, who appointed the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Biden's campaign said the president will “forcefully advocate for reproductive freedom and call out Donald Trump’s abortion bans" in his speech. Details >

Florida Supreme Court ruling: Tuesday will mark Biden's first visit to Florida since the state's Supreme Court ruled earlier this month there is no right to an abortion in the state, upholding a 15-week abortion ban in a decision that automatically triggered a six-week ban to take effect 30 days later. What to know >

Judge declares mistrial in Arizona rancher’s murder trial

What's going on: The jury in the trial of 75-year-old Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly was unable to reach a verdict Monday, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial after the state requested it. Kelly was on trial in connection to the deadly shooting of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, an unarmed migrant, on Kelly's property near the U.S.-Mexico border. The latest >

Background: Kelly was charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault for the Jan. 30, 2023, killing. Cuen-Buitimea, 48, who lived south of the border in Nogales, Mexico, and had previously entered the U.S. illegally multiple times, was in a group of men that Kelly encountered on his 170-acre cattle ranch in Nogales, Arizona. Prosecutors said Kelly recklessly fired a rifle toward the group that was about 100 yards away. Kelly said he fired warning shots in the air, but he didn't shoot directly at anyone, explaining that he feared for the safety of himself and his wife. Kelly discovered Cuen-Buitimea's body on his property after authorities searched the area, and a bullet was never recovered. The other migrants on Kelly's ranch are believed to have returned to Mexico. In earlier court proceedings, Kelly declined an agreement with prosecutors that would have reduced his charges to one count of negligent homicide if he pleaded guilty. Details >

What’s next: A status hearing is scheduled for Monday. Prosecutors can retry the case if they choose. Latest on the case >

Aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan heads to Senate after months of delay

What's going on: Senators returning to Washington on Tuesday are expected to vote on $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The vote marks the aid package's final steps in Congress before being sent to President Joe Biden's desk. The $95 billion in war aid includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion in wartime assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief for Gaza, and $8 billion to counter China in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. Full breakdown >

TikTok tossed in: Republicans in the House added a bill to the foreign aid package that could ban TikTok in the U.S. The measure would require ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest in TikTok within a year. The company would have to sell the app or risk it being banned entirely in the U.S. House lawmakers voted on the TikTok ban bill as stand-alone legislation back in March, but it stalled in the Senate. The TikTok legislation that passed the House in March would have given TikTok roughly six months to sell to a new owner. In the modified version, the congressional timeline calls for ByteDance to sell TikTok within nine months, but there could be a three-month grace period if a sale is in progress. See what's going on with the future of TikTok here >

Kansas moms suspects ‘knew the path’ judge took to work: Records

What to know: Several new details have emerged about the killings of two Kansas mothers whose suspected killers had a violent history of plotting to kill and went to extreme lengths to conceal the crime, according to new court documents that reveal why the defendants were denied bail. Tifany Adams, 54; her boyfriend Tad Cullum, 43; Cora Twombly, 44; and her husband Cole Twombly, 50, have each been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39. Full report >

New details: A source close to the investigation told NewsNation's "Banfield" that Butler, the mother of Adams' grandchildren, fought back against her attacker while still inside the car before her death, and her alleged assailant, Cullum, was found with crescent-moon-shaped scratches on his face resembling fingernail marks when arrested. When he was arrested, court documents reveal Cullum allegedly had a rifle, ammunition, body armor and a "go-bag" at his home. According to the documents, Adams and Cullum previously plotted to kill Butler by “dropping an anvil through her windshield.” And in a previous custody case involving Butler's children, the suspects allegedly made statements they "knew the path the judge walked to work." What we know >

Exclusive: The suspects are being kept apart from one another at Oklahoma's Texas County jail, the county sheriff told "Banfield." Cullum and Cole Twombly are deliberately held on opposite sides of the men’s section, separated by four pods, to prevent any potential contact between them. Similarly, one of the women, either Tifany or Cora, is housed in a holding cell typically reserved for temporary stays during processing, while the other resides in a designated women’s pod, ensuring they do not interact. Details >

‘Catch-and-kill’ to be described to jurors as testimony resumes in Trump hush money trial

What to expect: Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker is expected Tuesday to tell jurors in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial about a so-called "catch-and-kill" strategy to buy up and then spike negative stories about Trump during the 2016 campaign. Pecker briefly testified Monday and will return to the stand Tuesday. Prosecutors are also expected to tell a judge that Trump should be held in contempt over a series of posts on his Truth Social platform they argue violated an earlier gag order barring him from attacking witnesses in the case. Trump's attorneys deny that he broke the order. The latest >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• Tuesday marks the 200th day of the Israel-Hamas conflict following the Oct. 7 attack.

• The U.S. Supreme Court hears a case surrounding the firing of Starbucks workers during unionization efforts.

• A court hearing is scheduled for Duane "Keefe D" Davis, the former Los Angeles-area gang leader accused of killing music legend Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996.

• Pennsylvania is holding its presidential primary election Tuesday.

• A court hearing will be held in former President Donald Trump's ongoing hush money trial, with prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office expected to argue that he violated a gag order and should be held in contempt of court. 
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

The Supreme Court declined Monday to take up a case brought by Republicans Kari Lake and Mark Finchem over the use of voting machines in Arizona elections. The latest >

A program in Texas says the therapeutic and community-building benefits of playing music are helping people who’ve transitioned out of homelessness. A closer look at the nonprofit >

Yale University police in Connecticut arrested at least 45 people during a pro-Palestinian protest that began over the weekend and continued Monday. What to know >

An Indiana man is claiming self-defense after police said he shot his neighbor who was mowing grass near his property line. What investigators are saying about the case >

The family of Noah Presgrove, who was found dead along an Oklahoma highway, told NewsNation’s “Banfield” on Monday that the teen had a caved-in skull, road rash on his hip, a gravel rash on his shoulder, multiple bruises and scattered teeth. The interview >

While there are more than two months left before a Utah law creating a pathway for school book bans goes into effect, several school districts in the state have already begun removing books from their shelves. Details >

An alligator caused some trouble at an Air Force base in Florida after wandering onto the tarmac and settling down underneath a tanker plane. Photo >

Big cats rescued from Tiger King Park now thriving in San Diego

A tale of two tigers connected to the underworld of big cat breeding and a murder-for-hire case has concluded with a happy ending. Despite past abuse, the two tigers rescued from Tiger King Park are now “living their best lives in their forever home," an exotic animal rescue said. Read more >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >

View online.

Prosecutors to make history with opening statements in hush money case against Trump

What's happening: For the first time in history, prosecutors will present a criminal case against a former U.S. president to a jury Monday. The 12-person jury in Manhattan is set to hear opening statements from prosecutors and defense lawyers in the hush money case against Donald Trump. The latest >

What to expect: Attorneys are expected to give jurors a closer look at the allegations against Trump and his defense. They may also introduce the key players in the case who may testify. Here's a who's who at Trump's hush money trial >

The allegations: The trial is centered around allegations Trump falsified his company's internal records to hide the true nature of reimbursement payments to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who allegedly arranged hush money payments to bury negative stories about Trump during his 2016 presidential race. Read more >

Trump's busy week: Trump's legal battles will take center stage this week. The hush money trial in New York is just one event on the former president's calendar. He will also be battling in court over a potential gag order related to that trial and over a fight about the bond he posted in a separate civil fraud case in New York. The Supreme Court is also expected to hear oral arguments on Trump's immunity claims. Here’s the breakdown of Trump's court calendar this week >

Israeli military intelligence chief resigns over his role in failing to prevent Oct. 7 attack

Developing: Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, the head of Israeli military intelligence, resigned Monday over failures surrounding Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, Israel's military said. This marks the first senior figure to step down over his role in the deadliest assault in Israel's history. “The intelligence directorate under my command did not live up to the task we were entrusted with. I carry that black day with me ever since, day after day, night after night. I will carry the horrible pain of the war with me forever,” Haliva wrote in his resignation letter. The attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and roughly 250 people were taken as hostages into Gaza. That set off the war in Gaza, which is now in its seventh month. The latest >

Supreme Court to weigh bans on sleeping outdoors with homelessness on the rise

What's going on: The Supreme Court on Monday will consider whether banning homeless people from sleeping outside amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. The case could be highly consequential for how cities can address their unsheltered homeless populations. The latest >

Zoom in: In the case Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether the mountain city of Grants Pass, Oregon, can issue both criminal and civil penalties on people who sleep and essentially live in a public park. Roughly 600 homeless people stay in tents and makeshift tarp shelters in the city park, saying they have nowhere else to go. The city says civil and criminal punishments are necessary for enforcing laws banning those experiencing homelessness from public spaces. Homelessness hit a record high last year, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Why it's hard to track how many people are homeless >

Rabbi tells Columbia students to leave campus due to ‘extreme antisemitism’

What's going on: NewsNation has confirmed that a rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College internally warned students Sunday to leave the campus because of “extreme antisemitism.” Rabbi Elie Buechler sent a WhatsApp message to students before Passover on Monday that the protests that had unfolded since Wednesday “have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students’ safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy,” the New York Post reported. A Columbia University official told NewsNation on background Sunday that the university will be offering virtual class options “due to campus activity.” Full report >

Refresh: The pro-Palestinian protests started shortly before Columbia University President Minouche Shafik testified before Congress regarding antisemitism on campus. Students are speaking out in opposition to Israel’s military action in Gaza and demanding the school divest from companies they claim “profit from Israeli apartheid.” The latest >

Did the House just ban TikTok in the US? Here’s what to know

Stop to scrolling? The House on Saturday approved a foreign aid bill that includes a possible ban on TikTok, but the social media app won't disappear in the U.S. anytime soon. After failing as a stand-alone bill in the Senate, the TikTok measure was included in the House-passed bill providing support to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The bill is expected to pass the Senate, and President Joe Biden has said he will sign it. Once the bill becomes law, TikTok’s owner, China’s ByteDance, will have up to one year to sell the app. Details >

Nationwide health alert issued for ground beef over potential E. coli risk

The beef: A nationwide health alert has been issued for Greater Omaha ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a particular strain of Escherichia coli that is known to cause severe intestinal infection in humans. The impacted raw ground beef items were produced March 28 with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22 and “EST.960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the ground beef was shipped to restaurants and retail locations throughout the country. Full list of products included in the health alert >

 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• President Joe Biden will travel to Virginia to unveil steps to advance the American Climate Corps on Earth Day.

• Kimberlee Singler appears in a U.K. extradition hearing. She's wanted by U.S. authorities after her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son were found dead at a home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in December, along with her 11-year-old daughter who was injured.

• The Philippines and U.S. begin the annual Balikatan "shoulder to shoulder" exercise.
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

An unofficial tourist attraction known as The Haiku (Haʻikū) Stairs, sometimes called the Stairway to Heaven, in Hawaii will be torn down at the end of April. Why officials are making the move >

A fire broke out last week at an Oregon hotel that film fans may recognize from Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Photos >

Five teens were injured in a shooting in Greenbelt, Maryland, during “senior skip day” festivities for local high school students, police said. Latest on the investigation >

Two Texas lawmakers say a San Antonio nonprofit is buying airfare for asylum-seekers with federal funds meant to reimburse nonprofits for food, shelter and humanitarian expenses. What to know >

A total of 15 people suffered mostly minor injuries when a tram used for tours crashed into a railing at Universal Studios Hollywood near Los Angeles, authorities said. What the company's saying >