http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 15 May 2026 04:14:23 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/15/kids-reading-recession-test-scores-continue-decline/stories/20260515113 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/15/kids-reading-recession-test-scores-continue-decline/stories/20260515113#comments Fri, 15 May 2026 21:31:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/15/kids-reading-recession-test-scores-continue-decline/stories/20260515113 MODESTO, Calif. — Before every important test, teacher Nancy Barajas dims the lights, turns on a disco ball, and blasts music from her playlist. Her sixth graders dance together as a “pre-celebration” to boost their confidence, then take their exam. Sixth graders read a passage and give constructive feedback to their partners during Nancy Barajas' class at Fairview Elementary School on May 6 in Modesto, Calif. Sixth graders read a passage and give constructive feedback to their partners during Nancy Barajas' class at Fairview Elementary School on May 6 in Modesto, Calif. Kindergarten students work on a project at Munger Elementary-Middle School on May 7 in Detroit. Teacher, Aja Penick, works with first graders at Munger Elementary-Middle School on May 7 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/doctor-hantavirus-stricken-ship-tests-negative-biocontainment-unit/stories/20260513113 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/doctor-hantavirus-stricken-ship-tests-negative-biocontainment-unit/stories/20260513113#comments Thu, 14 May 2026 01:03:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/doctor-hantavirus-stricken-ship-tests-negative-biocontainment-unit/stories/20260513113 Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship who had tested “faintly positive” for hantavirus, has now tested negative and been moved out of a Nebraska biocontainment unit. Nebraska Medicine's Davis Global Center is seen on May 10 in Omaha, Neb., where American passengers from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship will quarantine. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/drug-counselor-delivered-friends-star-matthew-perry-ketamine-2-years/stories/20260513101 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/drug-counselor-delivered-friends-star-matthew-perry-ketamine-2-years/stories/20260513101#comments Wed, 13 May 2026 19:26:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/drug-counselor-delivered-friends-star-matthew-perry-ketamine-2-years/stories/20260513101 LOS ANGELES — A licensed drug addiction counselor who delivered Friends star Matthew Perry the doses of ketamine that killed him was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison. Erik Fleming departs federal court in Los Angeles after being sentenced in connection with the ketamine overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman) FILE - Matthew Perry poses for a portrait in New York on Feb. 17, 2015. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP, File) Erik Fleming departs federal court in Los Angeles after being sentenced in connection with the ketamine overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman) Erik Fleming, second from left, departs federal court with defense lawyers Robert Dugdale, left, and Jeffrey Chemerinsky, second from right, after being sentenced in connection with the ketamine overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman) Erik Fleming departs federal court in Los Angeles after being sentenced in connection with the ketamine overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman) https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/prosecutors-to-retry-alex-murdaugh-in-deaths-of-wife-and-son-after-overturned-co/stories/20260513088 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/prosecutors-to-retry-alex-murdaugh-in-deaths-of-wife-and-son-after-overturned-co/stories/20260513088#comments Wed, 13 May 2026 15:52:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/prosecutors-to-retry-alex-murdaugh-in-deaths-of-wife-and-son-after-overturned-co/stories/20260513088 COLUMBIA, S.C.  — Prosecutors said they plan to retry disgraced lawyer Alex Murdaugh on murder charges in the shooting deaths of his wife and younger son after the state Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned his conviction and life sentence. Disbarred attorney Alex Murdaugh arrives in court in Beaufort, S.C., Sept. 14, 2023. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-talks-with-china-s-xi-on-iran-war-trade-and-us-arms/stories/20260513082 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-talks-with-china-s-xi-on-iran-war-trade-and-us-arms/stories/20260513082#comments Wed, 13 May 2026 12:05:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/13/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-talks-with-china-s-xi-on-iran-war-trade-and-us-arms/stories/20260513082 BEIJING — U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his hotly anticipated talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the Iran war, trade and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. President Donald Trump waves from the stairs of Air Force One as he boards upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 12 for a trip to China to meet President Xi Jinping. The United States and Chinese flags are flown outside a hotel expected to be used for U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing on May 13. Security personnel man a check point outside a hotel expected to be used for U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing on May 13. Security is tightened at the Temple of Heaven park ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing on May 13. U.S. President Donald Trump, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping inspect a honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Nov. 9, 2017. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/12/hegseth-bipartisan-rising-costs-iran-war/stories/20260512098 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/12/hegseth-bipartisan-rising-costs-iran-war/stories/20260512098#comments Tue, 12 May 2026 20:31:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/12/hegseth-bipartisan-rising-costs-iran-war/stories/20260512098 WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tough questions Tuesday from Republican and Democratic lawmakers about the Trump Administration’s end game for the Iran war, the conflict’s rising $29 billion cost and its impact on diminishing U.S. weapons stockpiles. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense hearing on the budget request for the Department of Defense on May 12 in Washington, with acting Under Secretary of Defense and Comptroller Jules Hurst III, left, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine) questions Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Sen. Patty Murray (D., Wash.) questions Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/12/trump-fda-chief-marty-makary-leaving/stories/20260512099 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/12/trump-fda-chief-marty-makary-leaving/stories/20260512099#comments Tue, 12 May 2026 20:31:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/12/trump-fda-chief-marty-makary-leaving/stories/20260512099 WASHINGTON — The head of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Marty Makary, is resigning after a rocky tenure that drew months of complaints from health industry executives, anti-abortion activists, vaping lobbyists, and other allies of President Trump. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration commissioner, attends an event on health care affordability in the Oval Office at the White House on April 23 in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/11/supreme-court-temporarily-extends-womens-access-widely-used-abortion-pill/stories/20260511098 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/11/supreme-court-temporarily-extends-womens-access-widely-used-abortion-pill/stories/20260511098#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 21:09:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/11/supreme-court-temporarily-extends-womens-access-widely-used-abortion-pill/stories/20260511098 WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is leaving women’s access to a widely used abortion pill untouched until at least Thursday, while the justices consider whether to allow restrictions on the drug, mifepristone, to take effect. Boxes of the drug mifepristone sit on a shelf at the West Alabama Women's Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., March 16, 2022. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/11/democrats-vow-to-fight-1-billion-senate-security-proposal-white-house-ballroom/stories/20260511080 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/11/democrats-vow-to-fight-1-billion-senate-security-proposal-white-house-ballroom/stories/20260511080#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 15:45:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/11/democrats-vow-to-fight-1-billion-senate-security-proposal-white-house-ballroom/stories/20260511080 WASHINGTON — Republicans returning to Washington on Monday are facing questions about a $1 billion Senate security proposal that could help pay for President Donald Trump’s ballroom as Democrats say they will try to defeat it. Construction on the new White House ballroom is seen from the Washington Monument May 5 in Washington. Construction on the new White House ballroom is seen from the Washington Monument,May 5 in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/08/virginia-supreme-court-strikes-down-democrats-redrawn-us-house-maps/stories/20260508105 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/08/virginia-supreme-court-strikes-down-democrats-redrawn-us-house-maps/stories/20260508105#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 21:39:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/08/virginia-supreme-court-strikes-down-democrats-redrawn-us-house-maps/stories/20260508105 The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday struck down a voter-approved Democratic congressional redistricting plan, delivering another major setback to the party in a nationwide battle against Republicans for an edge in this year’s midterm elections. A person votes in the Virginia redistricting referendum at Fairfax Government Center on April 21. A person votes in the Virginia redistricting referendum at Lake Braddock Secondary School on April 21. An election worker tears off "I Voted" stickers during the Virginia redistricting referendum at Fairfax Government Center on April 21. State Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, center, speaks outside the Supreme Court of Virginia after arguments were heard in a redistricting-related case at the court in Richmond, Va., on April 27. Attorney Matthew Seligman, representing Democratic state legislators, speaks with the media following a hearing on new congressional maps before the state Supreme Court in Richmond, Va., on April 27. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/08/ufo-files-shed-light-sightings-but-leave-interpretation-to-public/stories/20260508104 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/08/ufo-files-shed-light-sightings-but-leave-interpretation-to-public/stories/20260508104#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 21:42:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/08/ufo-files-shed-light-sightings-but-leave-interpretation-to-public/stories/20260508104 WASHINGTON — Buzz Aldrin observing a “fairly bright light source” while aboard the Apollo 11. A mysterious object making “multiple 90-degree turns” at a speedy clip. A blaringly bright object doing corkscrew twists over the skies in Kazakhstan. Files on UFOs, released May 8 by the Pentagon, are photographed in Washington. A photo of "flying saucer alleged specimens" in files on UFOs released May 8 by the Pentagon. Files on UFOs, released May 8 by the Pentagon, are photographed in Washington. Files on UFOs, released May 8 by the Pentagon, are photographed in Washington. Files on UFOs, released May 8 by the Pentagon, are photographed in Washington. Files on UFOs, released May 8 by the Pentagon, are photographed in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/07/judge-rules-trump-administration-cancellation-humanities-grants-unconstitutional/stories/20260507120 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/07/judge-rules-trump-administration-cancellation-humanities-grants-unconstitutional/stories/20260507120#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 01:05:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/07/judge-rules-trump-administration-cancellation-humanities-grants-unconstitutional/stories/20260507120 The Trump administration's cancellation of more than $100 million in humanities grants to scholars, writers, research groups and other organizations was unconstitutional, and the Department of Government Efficiency had no authority to end the funding, a federal judge in New York ruled on Thursday. President Donald Trump, right, speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House in 2025 in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/07/trump-appointed-fema-review-council-proposes-sweeping-changes-federal-disaster-s/stories/20260507100 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/07/trump-appointed-fema-review-council-proposes-sweeping-changes-federal-disaster-s/stories/20260507100#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 19:04:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/07/trump-appointed-fema-review-council-proposes-sweeping-changes-federal-disaster-s/stories/20260507100 A council meant to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency proposed Thursday a series of long-awaited changes to the disaster recovery body that stop short of the administration’s promises to dismantle it, but could reduce the number of disasters the federal government supports and the amount of money it doles out. The Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters is photographed in Washington in May 5. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, right, talks with Mayor Peter O'Leary, during a trip to survey damage caused by Hurricane Helene on April 7 in Chimney Rock, N.C. This is Mullin's first official trip since replacing Kristi Noem. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/05/gop-bill-would-fund-1b-in-white-house-security-upgrades-for-trump-s-ballroom/stories/20260505099 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/05/gop-bill-would-fund-1b-in-white-house-security-upgrades-for-trump-s-ballroom/stories/20260505099#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 18:24:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/05/gop-bill-would-fund-1b-in-white-house-security-upgrades-for-trump-s-ballroom/stories/20260505099 WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans have added $1 billion in White House security upgrades to legislation that would fund immigration enforcement agencies, a proposed boost for President Donald Trump’s ballroom project after a man was charged with trying to assassinate him at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner last week. Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House April 9 in Washington, where the East Wing once stood. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/southern-state-republicans-look-capitalize-supreme-court-ruling-civil-rights/stories/20260504118 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/southern-state-republicans-look-capitalize-supreme-court-ruling-civil-rights/stories/20260504118#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 00:39:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/southern-state-republicans-look-capitalize-supreme-court-ruling-civil-rights/stories/20260504118 MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Lawmakers in several southern states are meeting this week to consider plans that could upend their congressional primaries and redraw U.S. House districts ahead of the November elections, as Republicans move quickly to capitalize on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. Randy Kelley, chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, speaks outside the state house during a special session of the Alabama Legislature on May 4 in Montgomery, Ala. Brenda Cummings, of Montgomery, Ala., protests outside the state house during a special session of the Alabama Legislature, on May 4. Randall Williams protests outside the Alabama state house during a special session of the Alabama Legislature on May 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/secret-service-says-suspect-opened-fire-them-and-was-shot-exchange-near-monument/stories/20260504117 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/secret-service-says-suspect-opened-fire-them-and-was-shot-exchange-near-monument/stories/20260504117#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 00:23:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/secret-service-says-suspect-opened-fire-them-and-was-shot-exchange-near-monument/stories/20260504117 WASHINGTON — A man spotted carrying a gun in the vicinity of the White House by plainclothes officers and agents was shot by law enforcement Monday after he opened fire on them near the Washington Monument, the Secret Service said. Journalists report as U.S. Secret Service and local police remain after a person was shot by law enforcement near the Washington Monument in Washington on May 4. A member of the forensics team walks near the scene after a person was shot by law enforcement near the Washington Monument in Washington on May 4. Police respond after a person was shot by law enforcement near the Washington Monument in Washington on May 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/supreme-court-restores-abortion-pill-mifepristone-telehealth-mail-pharmacies/stories/20260504087 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/supreme-court-restores-abortion-pill-mifepristone-telehealth-mail-pharmacies/stories/20260504087#comments Mon, 04 May 2026 16:50:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/04/supreme-court-restores-abortion-pill-mifepristone-telehealth-mail-pharmacies/stories/20260504087 WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday restored broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking a ruling that had threatened to upend one of the main ways abortions are provided across the nation. Mifepristone tablets sit on a table at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Ames, Iowa, on July 18, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/03/rudy-giuliani-hospitalized-critical-condition-his-spokesman-says/stories/20260503133 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/03/rudy-giuliani-hospitalized-critical-condition-his-spokesman-says/stories/20260503133#comments Mon, 04 May 2026 00:20:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/03/rudy-giuliani-hospitalized-critical-condition-his-spokesman-says/stories/20260503133 NEW YORK — Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is hospitalized in critical but stable condition, his spokesperson said Sunday, days after the Republican hoarsely told his talk show audience that his voice was “a little under the weather.” Former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani participates in a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks in New York, on Sept. 15, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/03/landlords-want-paid-pandemic-losses-hope-reach-deal-with-admin/stories/20260503126 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/03/landlords-want-paid-pandemic-losses-hope-reach-deal-with-admin/stories/20260503126#comments Sun, 03 May 2026 21:37:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/03/landlords-want-paid-pandemic-losses-hope-reach-deal-with-admin/stories/20260503126 BOSTON — Just months into the pandemic, Matthew Haines, like landlords across the country, learned he was barred from evicting tenants who didn't pay their rent under a federal eviction moratorium that lasted almost a year — costing him and his investors over $1 million. Matthew Haines, owner of the Oakwood Apartments, poses for a photo at the comminty housing location in Arlington, Texas on March 17. Matthew Haines, owner of the Oakwood Apartments, collects tools from the back of his work truck as he performs maintanence at the comminty housing location in Arlington, Texas on March 17. Matthew Haines, owner of the Oakwood Apartments, performs pool maintanence at the comminty housing location in Arlington, Texas on March 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/01/court-restricts-abortion-access-across-us-blocking-mailing-mifepristone/stories/20260501117 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/01/court-restricts-abortion-access-across-us-blocking-mailing-mifepristone/stories/20260501117#comments Sat, 02 May 2026 00:38:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/01/court-restricts-abortion-access-across-us-blocking-mailing-mifepristone/stories/20260501117 A federal appeals court has restricted access to one of the most common means of abortion in the U.S. by blocking the mailing of mifepristone prescriptions. Mifepristone tablets sit on a table at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Ames, Iowa, on July 18, 2024.