In California, a mayor is facing allegations of serving as an operative for China, casting a renewed spotlight on the issue of foreign meddling within American borders.

This incident joins a series of events—from the halls of Congress to educational institutions and local governments—that have heightened concerns about activities linked to China across various sectors in the United States.

The following is a timeline of notable cases under scrutiny throughout the country:

Arcadia mayor charged as foreign agent in China-linked case

Eileen Wang, the former mayor of Arcadia, California, accused of unlawfully acting on behalf of the Chinese government, has decided to enter a guilty plea. (City of Arcadia – City Hall Facebook)

According to federal prosecutors, Wang allegedly operated under the “direction and control” of Chinese officials, promoting pro-Beijing narratives via a website masquerading as a local news platform.

In one exchange, a Chinese official sent Wang pre-written content denying human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Minutes later, she posted it and sent back the link. The official replied, “So fast, thank you everyone.” Wang responded, “Thank you leader.”

Wang, who later rose to mayor after being elected to the City Council in 2022, has agreed to plead guilty and faces up to 10 years in prison, officials said.

“Individuals in our country who covertly do the bidding of foreign governments undermine our democracy,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said.

Federal officials say the case should serve as a warning about foreign influence reaching even the most local levels of government.

Swalwell resignation revives scrutiny over past China-linked ties

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., is facing criticism over donations from individuals and entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party. He is pictured next to Chinese flags flying atop a building in China. (Getty Images)

The Arcadia case comes as former Rep. Eric Swalwell stepped down from Congress amid separate sexual misconduct allegations now under review by the House Ethics Committee.

At the same time, renewed attention is turning to his past ties to suspected Chinese operative Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, with critics calling for the release of any FBI files tied to the case.

Fang, who was first reported on in 2020, allegedly sought to build relationships with up-and-coming California politicians, including Swalwell, and helped fundraise for political campaigns before leaving the United States in 2015 amid a federal investigation.

Swalwell has said he cut off contact after being alerted by the FBI and has not been charged with wrongdoing. A prior House Ethics Committee review concluded there was no evidence of misconduct tied to the matter.

Still, the renewed scrutiny, combined with new allegations against Swalwell, has intensified calls for transparency.

“It’s time for Congress to vote to release Eric Swalwell’s FBI file,” Article III Project President Mike Davis said. “His counterintelligence risks must be staggering.”

Feinstein staffer probe raised early warning signs in Washington

Concerns about Chinese influence inside U.S. political offices date back years, including a case involving the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

In 2014, the FBI alerted Feinstein that a longtime staffer in her California office, who also served as a liaison to the Chinese American community, had drawn attention from Chinese intelligence and may have been targeted for recruitment.

The staffer reportedly attended Chinese consulate events and had contact with individuals connected to China’s Ministry of State Security.

Feinstein later said the individual was not a spy but someone a foreign intelligence service “thought it could recruit.” The staffer was subsequently removed.

The case raised broader concerns about how foreign actors may seek access through trusted roles inside U.S. political offices.

Lawmakers sound alarm on China-linked influence in US classrooms

Beyond government, lawmakers have increasingly warned that foreign influence efforts may be reaching into American education systems.

Chinese nationals have been charged with allegedly smuggling dangerous material into the University of Michigan. (Getty Images)

Reports have highlighted a “staggering” amount of foreign funding flowing into U.S. universities, particularly from China, raising concerns about transparency, research security and potential influence over academic programs.

Some officials have pointed to China-linked initiatives and partnerships operating in schools, including programs critics say could expose students to foreign government messaging.

“American schools are for education, not espionage,” Rep. Aaron Bean said while introducing legislation aimed at exposing foreign funding in classrooms.

The proposed TRACE Act would require schools to disclose foreign funding, contracts and curriculum materials tied to foreign entities, with supporters arguing parents have a right to know.

Alleged Chinese ‘police stations’ spark federal scrutiny

Federal authorities have also investigated reports of alleged Chinese “police stations” operating inside the United States, including in New York City.

Yuanjun Tang, 67, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Queens, New York, was charged with acting and conspiring to act as an unregistered agent of China and making false statements to the FBI. (iStock)

The outposts were accused of monitoring, harassing or pressuring Chinese nationals living abroad, in some cases allegedly attempting to coerce individuals to return to China.

U.S. officials have warned that such operations, if confirmed, would represent a direct extension of foreign law enforcement activity on American soil and a serious breach of U.S. sovereignty.

The cases have drawn bipartisan concern and prompted calls for stronger enforcement against covert foreign operations inside the country.

A widening pattern under scrutiny

Taken together, the cases span years and multiple layers of American life — from Capitol Hill to college campuses to local government.

While not all resulted in criminal charges, federal officials have repeatedly warned that foreign adversaries, including China, are actively working to expand their influence inside the United States.

A tragic incident unfolded in a Las Vegas grocery store when a gunman, identified by police as Alejandro Estrada, took the lives of his former partner and her new spouse before being subdued by courageous customers.

The 43-year-old Estrada entered the Smith’s grocery store on Tuesday morning, armed with multiple weapons, and fatally shot Amanda Rosas and her husband, Victor Frias Rosas. Both victims were employees at the store, as reported by KLAS.

Estrada was reportedly in arrears of over $2,800 in child support for their two children, including a son who tragically marked his 12th birthday on the day of the shooting.

Witness Paula Milton described Estrada’s demeanor to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, noting, “He was completely calm. No expression. No nothing.” She added that while others were running and screaming, Estrada appeared unaffected by the chaos.

Estrada and Amanda Rosas were previously divorced and embroiled in a contentious child custody battle over their son, who had just turned 12, and a 9-year-old daughter. Fortunately, neither child was present during the incident.

The shooting only ended when multiple bystanders jumped on top of the suspected shooter and held him down until police arrived and hauled him away in handcuffs, cops and witnesses said.

“Those individuals showed tremendous courage and did an outstanding job,” Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Robert Price told reporters at a press conference, confirming that the suspect was having “some custody issues” with one of the murdered workers.

Police said the gunman had multiple weapons on him. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Amanda and Victor Frias Rosas, who were married last year, were declared dead at the scene.

Estrada is facing 12 charges, including two counts of open murder. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday afternoon.

Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing, marking the beginning of a significant three-day visit to China.

This visit is notable as it is the first time a sitting U.S. president has set foot in the country in nearly a decade. The trip comes amid a backdrop of economic rivalry as the two nations navigate their complex diplomatic relationship.

With a red carpet welcome, Trump descended the aircraft stairs, extending handshakes to Chinese dignitaries. He was accompanied by a notable entourage that included Lara and Eric Trump, Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth.

Awaiting Trump’s arrival at the Beijing airport was Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. Also present to greet the President were U.S. Ambassador to China David Purdue and China’s Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng.

Adding to the welcoming atmosphere were approximately 300 students waving both Chinese and American flags. Their enthusiastic cheers were complemented by the presence of a large military band and an honor guard, creating a ceremonious start to the visit.

The crowd yelled ‘welcome, welcome’ in Mandarin as Trump made his classic fist pump to the music.

Trump will not meet Chinese President Xi Jinping until Thursday morning in China.

The trip, delayed by the US-Israel war against Iran, features a delegation of US titans of industry set on striking deals with Chinese counterparts.

President Trump touched down in Beijing on Wednesday, kicking off a three-day visit as the two global superpowers grapple for economic dominance while cheering to a diplomatic tune

With the red carpet rolled out, Trump walked down the stairs shaking hands with local Chinese leaders, flanked by Lara and Eric Trump, Elon Musk, Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth

It marks the first time a sitting US president has visited China in roughly nine years

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng greeted Trump at the Beijing airport. US Ambassador to China David Purdue and China’s Ambassador to the US Xie Feng were also there

Members of a Military Honor Guard prepare for the arrival of President Trump at Beijing Capital International Airport

Trump will not meet Chinese President Xi until Thursday morning

The high-stakes state is Trump’s first return to the mainland since 2017

It is the first time a sitting US President has visited China since Trump’s first-term visit in 2017. But this journey to Beijing comes amid the backdrop of global concerns over trade, the Iran war, and artificial intelligence.

The President’s Air Force One posse also included NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, who was scooped up on a refueling stop in Alaska, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Fox News host Sean Hannity and Rush Hour director Brett Ratner.

Trump’s arrival with a verified boardroom of CEOs, including Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg, Goldman Sachs’s David Solomon, GE Aerospace’s Larry Culp and others, signifies the full arsenal of American capitalist firepower touching down in communist China. The executives cover a large portion of US industries, ranging from tech, finance, banking, aerospace and more.

As globalist trends fade and nations turn inward to provide for themselves in an increasingly self-isolating environment, the President’s choice to bring a group of hand-selected bosses underscores a pragmatic pivot to outsourcing some of America’s economic hurdles to private citizens while Trump engages with his ‘friend,’ Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The board of US businessmen arriving in Beijing with the President represents tens of trillions of dollars. 

‘I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic,’ Trump posted on social media while on Air Force One. ‘I will make that my very first request.’

While most state visits feature a cadre of diplomats, military leaders and agency heads, Trump has deliberately loaded up his presidential aircraft with dealmakers.

The CEOs are not there for show; rather, they are there to negotiate terms that fuel US and Chinese ambitions.

The Republican postponed his originally trip to China by a few months so he could stay in the US as the war on Iran ramped up

Flashback to Trump taking part in a welcoming ceremony with Xi Jinping back in November 2017 in Beijing on a ten-day trip to Asia

Some 300 students holding both Chinese and American flags were also on the sidelines of the plane, cheering as the President touched down, along with a large military band and honor guard

Trump, Melania, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan stand together as they tour the Forbidden City in Beijing, in November 2017. Melania is not on the trip this time around

China’s President Xi Jinping speaks during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea

President Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping shake hands as they leave after their talks at the Gimhae Air Base, South Korea, in October

Trump and the First Lady in China for the 2017 state visit

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi shakes hands with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing earlier this month

Meanwhile, Trump has a long laundry list of issues to iron out with Xi, such as the Iran war, differences over the fate of Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, the US-China competition for AI dominance and tempering down rhetoric that has painted the US and China as adversaries.

So far, the Iran war has cost America $29 billion – that’s even higher than the $25 billion figure the Pentagon provided to Congress two weeks ago.

The Republican postponed his original trip to China by a few months so he could stay in the US as the war with Iran ramped up. Three months later, that conflict is still roiling, though a shaky ceasefire has bought both sides time to negotiate an end to hostilities.

Trump has sought to bring in Xi as a mediator in the conflict, noting how China purchases the lion’s share of Iranian energy exports to power its ever-growing industrial and manufacturing base.

During the two Presidents’ last face-to-face meeting in Busan, South Korea, in October, the leaders were able to re-negotiate a tariff deal after Trump’s April 2025 ‘Liberation Day’ gambit hit Beijing with bruising high rates.

This go-around, Trump is reportedly angling to get Xi to come to the table and buy US soybeans, beef and Boeing planes.

Xi is expected to push for tariff relief on the export-heavy Chinese economy, which has suffered from Trump’s unexpected volatility; exports make up roughly 20 percent of China’s GDP.

The Trump administration has floated the idea of a ‘Board of Trade’ for the US and China to stabilize their balance books.

The board would determine ‘what kinds of things should we be importing from China, what kinds of things should we be exporting to China, to really make sure that we can focus on areas of mutual benefit,’ Greer said in Paris after meeting with Chinese counterparts with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

‘That’s what we expect for leaders to be talking about when they meet,’ he added, referring to Trump and Xi’s meeting.

There has also been a proposed ‘Board of Investment’ where China and the US can discuss investment hurdles, like resolving roadblocks preventing Chinese investment in the US and provide a venue for resolving further economic issues.

Following the President’s arrival in Beijing, he is expected to have a full two days of bilateral meetings and cultural events.

On Thursday morning, Trump will arrive at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing for a formal arrival ceremony alongside Xi.

The pair of presidents will then have a nearly two-hour closed-door meeting. After that, Trump will head to his hotel for several hours before heading back to the Great Hall for a state banquet.

On Friday, Trump will participate in a photo-op with Xi before having a ceremonial tea and another bilateral meeting. The Republican is scheduled to depart the Chinese capital on Friday afternoon and return to Washington on Friday evening. 

A Michigan man faces a lengthy prison sentence after authorities accused him of deliberately killing his best friend by running him over, just hours after celebrating his wedding. The court confirmed these details during the proceedings.

On Monday, the Genesee County Circuit Court sentenced 24-year-old James Shirah to a term of 30 to 45 years in prison. Shirah had entered a no-contest plea to the charge of second-degree murder in the death of Terry Taylor Jr.

The tragic event occurred on August 30, 2024, in Flint, located about an hour from Detroit. Shirah and his new wife, Savanah Collier, had tied the knot earlier that day. The celebration continued at a residence on East Hamilton Street, where an argument erupted.

Prosecutors claimed that in the aftermath of the argument, Shirah intentionally struck Taylor with his car. Testimonies presented in court indicated that Shirah had initially left the scene, only to return and fatally hit the victim with his vehicle.

James Shirah received his sentence during a hearing in Flint, Michigan, on May 11, 2026. The hearing was documented by Jake May for The Flint Journal and the Associated Press.

Testimony reported by mlive.com indicated the force of the impact threw Taylor into the air.

“When I got to him all I could see was blood,” Taylor’s cousin said in court, recalling the aftermath. She said first responders were performing CPR when she arrived.

Shirah’s defense attorney argued the crash was not intentional and stemmed from an alcohol-fueled confrontation.

“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse.… I will forever be sorry,” Shirah said during the sentencing hearing.

Judge Khary Hanible acknowledged the gravity of the case while delivering the sentence.

“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal,” the judge said. “You are, however, a killer.”

Family members react as James Shirah is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison in Flint on Monday, May 11, 2026. (Jake May/The Flint Journal/AP)

Taylor, 29, is survived by four children and his fiancée.

Court records indicate Shirah had no prior criminal history. In addition to the murder conviction, he received concurrent sentences tied to the crash for charges including those related to operating a vehicle without a license and leaving the scene.

James Shirah is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison during a hearing in Flint, Mich., on May 11, 2026. (Jake May/The Flint Journal/AP)

He will be eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years.

Collier, Shirah’s wife, has pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.

Romance is in full bloom.

Sydney Sweeney unveiled an endearing video montage, showcasing her affectionate moments with boyfriend Scooter Braun during various romantic getaways.

The montage, posted on the “Euphoria” star’s Instagram Stories on Wednesday, captured the couple’s tender interactions at a beach, during a helicopter ride, and while scuba diving.

In the opening scene of the video, set to Layup’s song “Who You Share it With,” Braun is seen showering Sweeney with kisses on her neck as they bask in the beachside sunset.

The pair also shared a kiss while dancing and strolled barefoot along the sandy shore.

The “Housemaid” star’s post comes nearly two weeks after she made her relationship with the former talent manager Instagram official.

On May 1, Sweeney shared a carousel of images with her beau at Stagecoach Music Festival 2026, which took place at the end of April in Indio, California.

The post included a snap of the Syrn founder sitting on Braun’s shoulders as they watched Ella Langley’s performance of “Choosin’ Texas.

“cowboy kind of weekend ♥️,” she captioned the post.

Braun, 44, and Sweeney, 28, began dating last fall — months after meeting at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s $50 million Italian wedding in June 2025.

At the time, a source told Page Six that the music executive was initially worried Sweeney was too young for him, but soon became “obsessed” and decided to pursue the actress.

Braun was previously married to mining heiress Yael Cohen from 2014 to 2022. The exes share three kids.

The “Immaculate” stat was previously engaged to businessman Jonathan Davino before they called it quits last spring due to “major issues” in their almost seven-year relationship.