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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump threatens to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain

Trump threatens to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain

Summary

President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain after criticizing both countries for not supporting US military efforts related to Iran. Italy and Spain have pushed back against the threats, denying any failure to assist the US and highlighting legal limits on US military use of their bases.

Key Facts

  • President Trump threatened to pull US troops from Italy and Spain, following earlier threats to reduce troops in Germany.
  • Trump criticized Italy and Spain for not helping the US, especially in maritime security around the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Italy refused US military planes carrying weapons bound for Iran from using a Sicilian airbase in late March.
  • Italy’s defense minister denied accusations of not helping the US and said European ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz, not Italian ones.
  • Spain has denied US permission to use its bases for attacks on Iran and criticized US military actions.
  • About 13,000 US military personnel are based in Italy across seven naval bases; Spain hosts over 3,800 US personnel mainly at Rota naval station and Morón airbase.
  • The US bases in Spain are under Spanish control but receive significant US funding and support key US military operations in Europe and Africa.
  • Tensions between the US and Italy increased after Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Trump’s comments about the Pope's stance on the Iran war.
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Americans bleak about finances, most call using military against Iran a mistake: Poll

Americans bleak about finances, most call using military against Iran a mistake: Poll

Summary

Many Americans feel worse about their personal finances compared to when President Donald Trump took office in 2025, with nearly a quarter saying they are falling behind financially. Most people think using the U.S. military against Iran was a mistake, and many expect gas prices to rise further over the next year.

Key Facts

  • 40% of Americans say they are worse off financially than when President Trump began his term in 2025.
  • Nearly 25% of Americans report falling behind financially, up from 17% earlier in 2026.
  • Half of Americans expect gas prices to increase over the next year; currently, prices are at a four-year high.
  • Over 40% of Americans have cut back on driving and household expenses due to high gas prices.
  • Higher gas prices especially impact lower-income households, with majorities reducing driving and expenses.
  • Most Americans say using the U.S. military against Iran was a mistake and worry about increased terrorism risks.
  • Many are not confident that agreements with Iran will stop nuclear weapon development.
  • A slim majority of Republicans and a large majority of all Americans reacted negatively to a social media post by President Trump saying, "A whole civilization will die tonight."
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Victims Identified in Deadly Kentucky Bank Robbery as Manhunt Continues

Victims Identified in Deadly Kentucky Bank Robbery as Manhunt Continues

Summary

Two employees were killed during a bank robbery at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Kentucky. Police are searching for the shooter, who fled after a car chase and crashed his vehicle; he is considered armed and dangerous.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened on Thursday afternoon at a U.S. Bank in Berea, Kentucky.
  • The victims were Breanna Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42, both employees of the bank.
  • The suspect is a masked man about 6 feet 3 inches tall, wearing a light-colored hoodie, gray pants, dark gloves, and light athletic shoes.
  • Police tried to stop the suspect's car but he fled, leading to a chase ending in a crash near Lexington.
  • Authorities are searching the area with helicopters, drones, dogs, and going door to door for information.
  • Local schools nearby were put on lockdown for safety and students had to be picked up by parents.
  • U.S. Bank expressed sadness and is working with law enforcement and supporting the victims’ families.
  • The FBI and local police are helping state police in the manhunt.
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Digested week: King bites his tongue as a president indulges his fantasies | John Crace

Digested week: King bites his tongue as a president indulges his fantasies | John Crace

Summary

Two senior UK civil servants gave difficult testimony about a controversial ambassador appointment. Meanwhile, a newly elected Green MP faced criticism after commenting on alcohol use among UK parliament members.

Key Facts

  • Olly Robbins, recently removed as Foreign Office permanent secretary, testified about not reporting security concerns regarding Peter Mandelson's US ambassador appointment.
  • Mandelson received negative security vetting ("red lights") but was still appointed.
  • Cabinet Office official Cat Little also testified, strictly following procedures without providing clear answers.
  • Green MP Hannah Spencer said some MPs at Westminster smell of alcohol and felt uneasy about the drinking culture.
  • Spencer's comments led to heavy criticism from politicians across parties, including Nigel Farage and journalist Rod Liddle.
  • Some MPs defended drinking on the job as common in parliament voting areas.
  • The article notes journalists drinking during a shooting incident at the White House correspondents dinner.
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Under the Trump administration, pressure on the press is both subtle and direct | Kai Falkenberg

Under the Trump administration, pressure on the press is both subtle and direct | Kai Falkenberg

Summary

President Donald Trump and his allies have pressured news organizations to air interviews fully, threatening legal action if they do not. This approach challenges journalists' editorial decisions, which are protected by the First Amendment, and uses consumer protection laws in ways that newsrooms see as harmful to free press.

Key Facts

  • President Trump threatened to sue CBS News if they did not air his interview in full.
  • Newsrooms are concerned about pressure to avoid "deceptive editing" accusations, affecting their editorial judgment.
  • Requiring full interview broadcasts can reduce clarity and limit journalists' ability to present news meaningfully.
  • The First Amendment protects not only the right to publish but the right to decide how to publish.
  • The US Supreme Court has warned against government or legal interference in editorial decisions.
  • President Trump has sued CBS, the Des Moines Register, and the BBC using state consumer protection laws meant for business conduct.
  • These lawsuits aim to frame editorial choices as consumer fraud, even though they lack merit.
  • Litigation by Trump Media & Technology Group burdens news publishers even when it fails.
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A bucolic county in upstate New York appointed a poet laureate. Why was she fired shortly after?

A bucolic county in upstate New York appointed a poet laureate. Why was she fired shortly after?

Summary

Esther Cohen was named the first poet laureate of Greene County, New York, in January 2024. However, six weeks later, the county legislature removed her from the position after they found social media posts they said promoted violence.

Key Facts

  • Esther Cohen is a poet who bought a house in Greene County, New York, in 1985.
  • Greene County is about 120 miles north of New York City and known for its natural beauty.
  • Cohen was appointed as the county’s first poet laureate in January 2024.
  • Her role was to promote poetry and local literary events, with a $1,000 annual payment.
  • After a county legislature meeting, a Republican lawmaker questioned Cohen based on her social media posts.
  • The legislature claimed she promoted violence online, specifically referencing posts related to Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani.
  • In April 2024, the legislature voted unanimously to remove her as poet laureate.
  • Cohen deleted the posts after learning about the concerns and said she did not intend to promote violence.
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Congress Is a Deserter From Trump's Iran War

Congress Is a Deserter From Trump's Iran War

Summary

At a Senate hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the current ceasefire with Iran means the 60-day limit for military action under the War Powers Resolution is paused. Congress has repeatedly failed to limit President Trump’s military actions against Iran, showing reluctance to use its constitutional war powers.

Key Facts

  • The War Powers Resolution requires a president to end military action after 60 days unless Congress approves further action.
  • Defense Secretary Hegseth said the ceasefire with Iran stops the 60-day clock, letting President Trump continue military pressure.
  • Legal experts say the law does not clearly allow the 60-day limit to be paused during a ceasefire.
  • Congress has voted multiple times but failed to restrict or end U.S. military involvement with Iran.
  • This pattern of presidential military action without strong congressional approval has happened in past conflicts like Lebanon, Kosovo, Libya, Yemen, and Iran-related actions.
  • Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire after a U.S. military operation called Operation Epic Fury.
  • The Trump administration argues that flexibility is needed to respond to ongoing threats from Iran.
  • Congress’s failure to act strongly against the president’s military moves shows a reluctance to use its constitutional war-declaring power.
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Platner-Mills ending in Maine leaves Democrats questioning Schumer strategy

Platner-Mills ending in Maine leaves Democrats questioning Schumer strategy

Summary

Senate Democrats are rethinking their approach for the 2026 midterm elections after Maine Governor Janet Mills decided not to run against Senator Susan Collins. This decision has raised questions about Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s strategy for recruiting candidates.

Key Facts

  • Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat from Maine, will not run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Susan Collins.
  • Mills was considered a key candidate recruited by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
  • Some Senate Democrats are expressing concerns about Schumer’s recruiting and political tactics.
  • The decision by Mills affects Democratic plans for the 2026 midterm elections.
  • Susan Collins is the incumbent Republican senator from Maine.
  • The Hill reported on these internal Democratic discussions.
  • The midterm elections will determine control of the U.S. Senate.
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Democrats bicker over whether a 2024 autopsy is needed, more than a year later

Democrats bicker over whether a 2024 autopsy is needed, more than a year later

Summary

The Democratic Party has not yet conducted a thorough review to understand why they lost the 2024 presidential election to President Trump. Many Democrats are frustrated because they want clear reasons for the defeat but are disagreeing over whether such a review is necessary.

Key Facts

  • The Democrats lost the 2024 presidential election to President Donald Trump for the second time.
  • The party promised to do an autopsy, which means a detailed analysis of what went wrong.
  • The promised autopsy has not happened yet, over a year after the election.
  • Some Democratic leaders, including DNC Chair Ken Martin, have caused disagreement within the party about the need for this autopsy.
  • Many Democrats want answers to improve their chances in future elections.
  • The delay and disagreement over the review are causing frustration among party members.
  • The discussion shows ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about its direction after the 2024 loss.
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Nebraska faces challenges as first state to impose Medicaid work requirements under GOP bill

Nebraska faces challenges as first state to impose Medicaid work requirements under GOP bill

Summary

Nebraska is starting to require some Medicaid recipients to work or engage in job-related activities to keep their healthcare benefits. This makes Nebraska the first state to put these work rules into action under a new Republican law, ahead of a national schedule.

Key Facts

  • Nebraska will begin enforcing work requirements for Medicaid on Friday.
  • These rules are part of the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
  • Nebraska is the first state to implement these work requirements.
  • The state is starting the program eight months earlier than the national deadline.
  • The program requires some Medicaid recipients to work or participate in job-related activities to maintain coverage.
  • Republicans see Nebraska’s experience as a test for the policy’s success nationwide.
  • The outcome could influence whether other states adopt similar requirements.
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Republicans Set to Best Democrats in Mid-Decade Redistricting War

Republicans Set to Best Democrats in Mid-Decade Redistricting War

Summary

Both the Republican and Democratic parties have been redrawing congressional district maps mid-decade in several states, a process known as gerrymandering. Recent efforts show Republicans likely gaining more seats than Democrats ahead of the November midterm elections, helped by changes in states like Florida and legal battles in Virginia.

Key Facts

  • Texas started the recent redistricting battle last July, pushing maps favorable to Republicans.
  • California and Virginia recently approved new maps favoring Democrats, though Virginia’s map faces legal challenges.
  • Florida’s new redistricting plan, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, favors Republicans and is expected to add about four GOP seats.
  • Virginia’s new map, passed narrowly, is currently blocked by court orders and might be invalidated, potentially costing Democrats seats.
  • Both parties have a long history of gerrymandering in states they control.
  • A U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that race cannot be used as the main factor in drawing congressional district boundaries under the Voting Rights Act.
  • The overall nationwide effect of recent redistricting efforts suggests Republicans will likely gain a partisan advantage before the midterm elections.
  • Some states, like Indiana, have resisted redrawing maps voluntarily during this period.
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Trump fumes as Jerome Powell plots future at Federal Reserve

Trump fumes as Jerome Powell plots future at Federal Reserve

Summary

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced he will stay on the Fed board even after Kevin Warsh becomes chair. This decision has upset some people connected to President Donald Trump’s administration and supporters.

Key Facts

  • Jerome Powell is currently the Chair of the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank.
  • Powell plans to remain on the Federal Reserve board after his term as Chair ends.
  • Kevin Warsh is set to take over as Chair of the Federal Reserve.
  • Powell said he wants to stay due to ongoing legal challenges the Fed faces.
  • People connected to President Donald Trump’s administration disagree with Powell’s decision.
  • The Federal Reserve board members help guide U.S. monetary policy and oversee the central bank’s actions.
  • Powell announced his plan publicly on a Wednesday.
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Trump faces critical 60-day clock on Iran war as GOP support wanes

Trump faces critical 60-day clock on Iran war as GOP support wanes

Summary

President Donald Trump is approaching a 60-day deadline related to the U.S. war with Iran. Support among Republican lawmakers for the conflict is dropping, while President Trump continues to focus on a blockade that is slowing down peace talks.

Key Facts

  • President Trump faces a 60-day deadline connected to the U.S. war with Iran.
  • Support for the war is decreasing among Republican members of Congress.
  • President Trump maintains a blockade that affects negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
  • Different officials have mentioned various key points tied to the 60-day deadline.
  • The deadline may influence decisions about continuing or changing U.S. involvement in the war.
  • The conflict with Iran remains a significant issue in U.S. politics and foreign policy.
  • Lawmakers’ changing support could impact the direction of U.S. military actions.
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Johnson quells revolts to pass major bills — but faces lingering anger and looming headaches

Johnson quells revolts to pass major bills — but faces lingering anger and looming headaches

Summary

Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, managed to move important bills forward in the House of Representatives despite challenges and disagreements among his party members. The process was difficult and upset some Republicans, and more challenges are expected ahead.

Key Facts

  • Speaker Mike Johnson leads the House Republicans.
  • He pushed through major bills recently.
  • The process of passing these bills was difficult and caused disagreements.
  • Some Republican members were unhappy with how the bills were handled.
  • Representative Troy Nehls called the week of negotiations “hell week” due to its difficulty.
  • There are still more challenges expected as these bills continue through Congress.
  • The bills are part of an ambitious plan by House Republicans to change laws and policy.
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May Day in the age of AI: The new war on workers

May Day in the age of AI: The new war on workers

Summary

May Day, or International Workers’ Day, honors workers and their rights. In the US, workers face new challenges as artificial intelligence (AI) leads companies like Amazon to cut jobs, raising concerns about the future of work and job security.

Key Facts

  • May Day started in the US in 1886 with strikes for an eight-hour workday but is not widely celebrated there; the US and Canada celebrate Labour Day in September instead.
  • Many workers’ jobs are being replaced by AI, with Amazon laying off 16,000 employees in 2024 and planning to replace over half a million jobs with robots.
  • The US is a leader in AI development, which some see as a step toward replacing human workers with machines.
  • In San Francisco, a major tech hub, billboards promote AI and suggest replacing human workers to do only enjoyable tasks.
  • Critics say AI-driven job cuts ignore that many workers need their jobs to afford basic needs like food and housing.
  • The debate highlights a conflict between business interests favoring AI and workers’ rights in a country struggling with social issues like healthcare and housing affordability.
  • Some say billionaires prefer a world with fewer workers to avoid dealing with workers' demands for fair treatment.
  • Job insecurity and unstable work are common under capitalism, making workers less likely to protest or demand better conditions.
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US official says Iran war truce 'terminated' hostilities for war powers deadline

US official says Iran war truce 'terminated' hostilities for war powers deadline

Summary

U.S. lawmakers are facing a deadline related to the War Powers Resolution. This law requires Congress to approve continued military action or order troops to withdraw after 60 days of hostilities. A U.S. official said that a truce with Iran ended hostilities for the purposes of this deadline, but no agreement has been reached yet.

Key Facts

  • The War Powers Resolution limits military engagement to 60 days without Congressional approval.
  • U.S. lawmakers are currently deadlocked over what to do after this 60-day period.
  • A U.S. official said a truce with Iran has ended active hostilities for this deadline.
  • No final decision has been made by Congress about continuing or ending military action in Iran.
  • The issue is causing delays and uncertainty in U.S. government actions.
  • The report was shared by journalist Liza Kaminov for France 24.
  • The topic involves the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and military involvement.
  • The War Powers Resolution is meant to ensure Congress controls decisions about war.
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Trump faces Iran war Congress deadline

Trump faces Iran war Congress deadline

Summary

President Donald Trump notified Congress on March 2 about starting military action against Iran. The War Powers Resolution says Congress must approve military actions lasting more than 60 days, and this Friday marks that 60-day deadline. There is disagreement between lawmakers and the Trump administration about when the deadline actually occurs, with some saying a ceasefire "pauses" the countdown.

Key Facts

  • President Trump informed Congress on March 2 about U.S. military action against Iran.
  • The War Powers Resolution requires congressional approval for military actions lasting over 60 days.
  • The 60-day deadline for Congress to approve or end the action is this Friday.
  • Lawmakers and the Trump administration disagree on when the 60-day period ends.
  • Some officials say the ceasefire with Iran pauses the deadline countdown.
  • The dispute involves whether the military engagement is still ongoing.
  • The War Powers Resolution is a law that limits the President’s ability to conduct war without Congress.
  • This situation is happening amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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Asian Americans report highest anxiety as U.S. debates identity and immigration

Asian Americans report highest anxiety as U.S. debates identity and immigration

Summary

A recent survey shows Asian Americans have higher anxiety levels than any other racial group in the U.S. This anxiety comes amid ongoing debates about immigration, citizenship, and U.S.-China relations. Despite being seen as successful, Asian Americans face discrimination, worries about their place in society, and mixed public attitudes.

Key Facts

  • About 44% of Asian Americans feel worried about life right now, more than any other group.
  • Asian Americans are the only racial group where worry (44%) is higher than hope (40%).
  • 66% of Asian Americans support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, higher than the 48% average.
  • More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults think Chinese Americans are a threat to society.
  • Nearly 25% of U.S. adults believe Asian Americans are more loyal to other countries than the U.S.; half of people are unsure.
  • Almost 40% of Americans cannot name a famous Asian American.
  • Anti-Asian hate crimes dropped 17% from 2024 to 2025 but remain about 200% higher than in 2015.
  • The survey was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for The Asian American Foundation, based on 1,500 U.S. adults surveyed in early 2026.
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Washington has a new Anthropic problem

Washington has a new Anthropic problem

Summary

The White House is reconsidering its stance toward Anthropic, an AI company previously seen as a security risk, after conflicts with the Pentagon over Anthropic's advanced AI models. The government is working on new policies to manage how top-level AI systems are used by federal agencies amid ongoing legal and political disputes.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic is an AI company whose advanced models have caused concern in the Pentagon.
  • The Pentagon and Anthropic have had legal battles over how Anthropic's AI can be used in classified settings.
  • Anthropic was labeled a supply chain risk, a status usually given to foreign threats.
  • The Trump administration aimed to support innovation in AI by being hands-off initially.
  • As AI models become more powerful, the White House is now shaping rules on access and use.
  • Despite conflicts, government agencies are testing Anthropic’s AI model called Mythos.
  • The White House is considering an executive order to address government AI use and its disputes with Anthropic.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Anthropic’s leadership during Capitol Hill testimony.
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Joe Rogan Holds Line Against Iran War Despite Trump Efforts to Win Him Back

Joe Rogan Holds Line Against Iran War Despite Trump Efforts to Win Him Back

Summary

Podcaster Joe Rogan criticized the idea of war against Iran in a recent episode of his show, despite efforts by President Donald Trump to regain his support. Rogan discussed the impact of conflict on ordinary people and questioned the fairness of punishing civilians for actions they did not take.

Key Facts

  • Joe Rogan spoke against war with Iran during a podcast episode.
  • President Donald Trump has made efforts to win back Rogan's support.
  • Rogan's comments highlighted the harm done to innocent civilians in conflicts, like in Gaza and potentially in Iran.
  • Rogan appeared with President Trump in the Oval Office recently.
  • Despite public disagreements, Rogan and President Trump remain friendly.
  • Rogan is influential among young men, an important group for President Trump’s support.
  • The situation reflects some division in support for President Trump.
  • This story is ongoing and may develop further.
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