Some privacy-focused Republicans in the House disagree with a Senate plan that links a temporary stop on making a digital dollar (CBDC) with a long extension of government spying without warrants. Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley support extending these surveillance powers while discussing the digital currency ban.
Key Facts
Privacy-minded conservatives in the House oppose a Senate proposal.
The proposal combines a 3-year ban on central bank digital currency (CBDC) creation with extended government surveillance powers.
CBDC is a digital form of the U.S. dollar controlled by the central bank.
The government’s warrantless spying means surveillance without a judge’s approval.
Sen. Tom Cotton leads the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Sen. Chuck Grassley is the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The opposition concerns privacy and government overreach.
The issue reflects a conflict between digital currency regulation and civil liberties.
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President Trump said that Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be a strong team if they ran together in the 2028 presidential election. He mentioned this during an interview but did not say who he wants to succeed him as president.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested a joint ticket with Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for 2028.
He praised both Vance and Rubio in an interview with The New York Post’s podcast “Pod Force One.”
Trump did not clearly say whom he prefers as his successor.
The comment came during a recent podcast episode released on Wednesday.
The suggested team is from the Republican Party.
No official campaign announcements have been made by either Vance or Rubio yet.
This discussion relates to the U.S. presidential election scheduled for 2028.
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Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats for saying that President Donald Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence might threaten the renewal of spying powers. These spying powers, which let the government watch foreign communications, are set to expire soon.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte was appointed by President Trump as acting director of national intelligence.
The government has special spying powers called FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) that need renewal next week.
Democrats warned that Pulte’s appointment could risk the renewal of these spying powers.
Speaker Mike Johnson called the Democrats’ warnings “absolutely outrageous.”
Johnson accused Democrats of using this issue for political purposes.
The spying powers allow the government to monitor foreign communications for security reasons.
The renewal of these powers is important for ongoing intelligence and national security operations.
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During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Representative Joaquin Castro asked Senator Marco Rubio about Israel’s nuclear capabilities. Senator Rubio declined to discuss Israel’s nuclear capacities in the public hearing while conflict involving Iran and strikes on Hezbollah continue.
Key Facts
The hearing took place in the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Texas Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro questioned Senator Marco Rubio.
The topic was Israel’s nuclear capabilities.
Senator Rubio said he would not discuss Israel’s nuclear capacities in the public hearing.
The hearing occurred amid ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Israel is conducting strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The discussion is part of broader concerns about Middle East security.
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The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that El Niño could cause another global coral bleaching event this summer, just one year after the last one ended. Coral reefs, which support many marine animals, are at high risk of losing color and health due to warmer ocean temperatures caused by El Niño and climate change.
Key Facts
NOAA predicts a high risk of coral bleaching in the northern Pacific, including Hawaii, and possibly in Florida and the Caribbean during summer.
This would be the fifth global coral bleaching event in recorded history.
Coral bleaching happens when higher ocean temperatures stress corals, causing them to lose their color.
The last global bleaching event affected 84% of the world’s reefs and ended around mid-2025.
El Niño is linked with warmer ocean waters and has caused all strong global bleaching events since 1998.
Scientists expect El Niño to arrive before fall 2026 but are not sure when or how strong it will be.
Some coral reefs showed resilience and did not bleach during the last event despite the heat.
NOAA is researching coral heat tolerance to help improve protection and restoration of reefs.
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A Nigerian court sentenced four men to death for attacking a Catholic church in Ondo state in 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring over 100 others. The men were also given 20-year prison sentences for being part of a terrorist group, while a fifth defendant was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Key Facts
The attack happened at St Francis Catholic church in Owo during a Pentecost service in 2022.
Forty-one people were killed and more than 100 injured in the shooting and bombing.
Four men—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris—were found guilty and sentenced to death.
They also received 20-year sentences for belonging to a terrorist group.
A fifth man, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was acquitted for lack of evidence.
The judge said the evidence was strong and witnesses saw the attackers.
The death sentence requires the Nigerian president’s approval before it can be carried out.
The accused claimed they were tortured while in custody and plan to appeal the verdict.
Nigerian security challenges, including attacks on churches, have increased since the Owo attack.
President Donald Trump criticized Nigeria for not protecting Christians and the US conducted airstrikes against jihadist camps in Nigeria.
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Months after Iran’s government violently stopped anti-regime protests in December 2025 and January 2026, many families are still searching for missing loved ones. The crackdown caused thousands of deaths and detentions, and ongoing internet restrictions and a new war with the US and Israel have made it harder to find out what happened to detainees.
Key Facts
Anti-regime protests in Iran took place from December 2025 to January 2026.
The government used military weapons to suppress protests, killing thousands.
Many protesters and others remain missing or detained in prisons and juvenile centers.
Internet access was cut across Iran to restrict information during and after protests.
A US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28, 2026, worsening repression and communication difficulties.
Iranian families continue searching for missing relatives without official confirmation.
Human Rights groups report at least 6,488 confirmed protester deaths, with many more cases unverified.
Two protesters arrested in January were executed on June 1, accused of crimes against national security.
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Owain Rhys Davies, an actor known for roles in "Twin Peaks: The Return," "The OA," and Disney’s live-action "Alice in Wonderland" sequel, has died at the age of 44. His family shared the news of his sudden passing this week.
Key Facts
Owain Rhys Davies was an actor.
He appeared in the TV show "Twin Peaks: The Return."
He also acted in the series "The OA."
He was part of Disney’s live-action sequel to "Alice in Wonderland."
Davies died suddenly at the age of 44.
His family made the announcement about his death this week.
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A new report warns that Social Security’s retirement trust fund could run out of money by 2032. If that happens, benefits to over 70 million Americans may be cut by about 24%, averaging a $500 monthly reduction nationwide.
Key Facts
Social Security’s retirement trust fund is projected to be empty by 2032.
Without action by lawmakers, benefit payments will automatically shrink by roughly 24%.
About 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, including retirees, survivors, and dependents.
The average monthly benefit cut could be around $500 per person.
Benefit losses vary by state, with larger cuts in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.
One in five Americans, roughly 63 million people, would be affected by the cuts.
Social Security is funded mainly through payroll taxes from workers and employers.
The number of people receiving benefits has grown due to longer life spans and aging baby boomers.
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Three men were seen on security video opening a manhole in Astoria, Queens, New York. They used an unknown tool to remove the manhole cover and then entered the sewer system. Residents want to know why the men went underground.
Key Facts
The incident happened on a Sunday in Astoria, Queens, New York.
Three men worked together to lift the manhole cover.
They used an unknown object or tool to open the manhole.
The men disappeared into the sewer system beneath the street.
Surveillance cameras recorded the event.
Local residents are curious and concerned about the reason for this action.
The identity and purpose of the men remain unknown.
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The United States is planning to restart funding for an international vaccine program that helps provide vaccines globally. This reverses a previous hold on the funds made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. due to concerns about vaccine safety.
Key Facts
The U.S. will likely resume financial support for a global vaccine alliance.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had paused the funding over vaccine safety worries.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department is taking back control of the funding decision.
The announcement came during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting.
The vaccine program focuses on humanitarian aid and global health.
The funding hold was a recent policy change now being reversed.
Resuming funding shows the U.S. commitment to global health partnerships.
This move may affect international cooperation on vaccines and disease prevention.
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Ukraine attacked a Russian oil terminal and a Russian warship as fighting between the two countries increased. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced these strikes on Wednesday.
Key Facts
Ukraine carried out strikes on a Russian oil terminal.
Ukraine also targeted a Russian warship.
The attacks represent an increase in conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared the news publicly.
These events are part of ongoing military clashes between the two countries.
The strikes may impact Russian military and energy resources.
The situation continues to develop with both sides launching attacks.
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A man took several people hostage inside a Chase Bank building in Bakersfield, California. After a standoff, the FBI shot and killed the suspect, and all hostages were released unharmed.
Key Facts
The hostage situation began on Tuesday after a bomb threat at the Chase Bank building.
Police found a man barricaded inside the bank with several hostages.
Two hostages were freed on Tuesday during negotiations.
The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team joined local police in handling the situation.
The suspect was shot and killed by FBI officers on Wednesday.
All remaining hostages were released safely and were unharmed.
Police used many resources including SWAT, bomb squad, K9, negotiators, and drones.
Nearby buildings, roads, and local government offices were closed during the event.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee about Bill Pulte's intelligence background. This discussion came after President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio spoke to a House committee about Bill Pulte's intelligence qualifications.
President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
The appointment raised questions about Pulte's experience in intelligence work.
The hearing took place on a Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The role of director of national intelligence oversees U.S. intelligence agencies.
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Three hospitals in southern Lebanon have been hit by Israeli airstrikes within a week, causing injuries to more than 150 people and killing nine. The strikes damaged key medical facilities, forcing evacuations, and worsening access to healthcare in an already vulnerable area affected by conflict and displacement.
Key Facts
Three hospitals in southern Lebanon were attacked by Israeli forces in less than a week.
Nine people were killed and over 150 injured during these attacks.
One strike near Jabal Amel hospital killed four people and wounded 127, mostly medical staff.
The strikes damaged hospital buildings, knocked out electricity, and forced patient evacuations, including from intensive care units.
Lebanon’s health ministry rejects Israeli claims that Hezbollah used the hospitals, calling this a false accusation.
The World Health Organization said these attacks reduce critical healthcare access for vulnerable patients.
Since fighting began on March 2, over 130 medical workers and many ambulances and healthcare facilities have been hit.
Targeting medical facilities is considered a war crime under international law.
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Social Security may face a shortfall by the end of 2032, leading to an average monthly benefit cut of about $500 for retirees. This reduction happens because the program’s trust fund, which helps pay benefits, is projected to run out of money, though payments will continue at a lower level funded by payroll taxes.
Key Facts
The Social Security trust fund is expected to become insolvent by the end of 2032.
Once the fund is empty, monthly benefits could be cut by about 24%, or around $500.
Between 10% and 23% of people in each U.S. state would be affected by the cuts.
States like Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey could see the largest average benefit reductions.
Insolvency does not mean benefits will stop; payroll taxes will still fund part of the payments.
Last year’s report projected insolvency in 2033, but the date was moved up due to legislative changes affecting taxes.
Around 73% of retirees rely on Social Security for more than half their income.
Possible solutions include changing tax rules, such as removing the income limit on Social Security payroll taxes.
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Royal police officers were removed after reports of inappropriate behavior near Prince William and Kate’s home. One staff member said an officer tried to add her as a friend on Facebook, which she found unsuitable.
Key Facts
Police officers assigned to protect Prince William and Kate were taken off duty.
The removal followed claims of inappropriate conduct by the officers.
A staff member reported that an officer attempted to add her as a Facebook friend.
This social media request was seen as inappropriate by the staff member.
The incident took place near the home of Prince William and Kate.
The police officers involved were part of the royal security detail.
The situation prompted an internal review of the officers’ behavior.
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A new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is spreading quickly and has crossed into other countries. This Ebola strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, making efforts to control the outbreak more urgent.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is growing fast in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The virus has now spread to countries outside Central Africa.
This strain of Ebola does not have an approved vaccine or treatment.
Governments in the region are trying to respond and control the spread.
The outbreak raises concerns about a wider health emergency if not contained.
The report was provided by Catherine Soi, a correspondent for Al Jazeera.
The episode discussing this outbreak was produced and edited by a team at Al Jazeera.
The outbreak highlights ongoing challenges in managing infectious diseases in Central Africa.
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