Rep. Tony Gonzales from Texas has decided not to run for re-election. This decision follows a request from GOP leaders after Gonzales admitted to an affair with a former staffer. An investigation into his conduct had already begun.
Key Facts
Rep. Tony Gonzales will not seek re-election for his position.
GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, urged Gonzales to exit his re-election race.
The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation after allegations of Gonzales' affair.
Gonzales was facing a primary runoff against Brandon Herrera.
The 23rd District becomes a contested open seat due to his decision.
Gonzales admitted to the affair, calling it a "lapse in judgement."
The staffer involved, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, died in September 2025.
Brandon Herrera will compete against Katy Padilla Stout in the upcoming election.
Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales decided not to run for re-election after admitting to having an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. Republican leaders in Congress encouraged him to end his campaign and an ethics investigation is looking into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct.
Key Facts
Tony Gonzales, a Republican congressman from Texas, admitted to an affair with a staff member.
The staff member, Regina Santos-Aviles, died by suicide in September 2025.
Gonzales announced he would not seek re-election following pressure from senior Republican leaders.
An ethics investigation is underway to determine if Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct.
Gonzales previously called the allegations against him a "blackmail" attempt.
The Republican leaders released a statement urging Gonzales to address the allegations with voters and colleagues.
Gonzales publicly stated that the affair was unrelated to Santos-Aviles' death.
The Department of Justice released three memos related to accusations against President Donald Trump, originally connected to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. These allegations were previously uncorroborated and not fully released to the public. The memos cover follow-up interviews with a woman who accused Trump of misconduct in 2019.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice released three new memos connected to accusations against President Trump.
The memos came from the investigation concerning Jeffrey Epstein.
Democratic Representative Robert Garcia noted that some documents appeared missing from a publicly available list.
The memos involve follow-up interviews with an accuser from 2019.
The White House and President Trump deny the allegations, describing them as "completely baseless."
The DOJ can redact documents if they would affect ongoing investigations or infringe on personal privacy.
The FBI earlier made available only one memo about the initial interview, with the new release including the remaining documents.
The memos are part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, aiming for more transparency in the investigation records.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted against a resolution that would have required President Donald Trump to stop military actions against Iran. The Senate had already voted against this resolution.
Key Facts
The U.S. House voted on a war powers resolution related to military actions in Iran.
The resolution aimed to stop President Trump from continuing military activities in Iran.
The Senate also voted against this resolution.
The resolution was largely symbolic, meaning it was more for showing intent than causing change immediately.
Some view the vote as a way for Democrats to see where Republicans stand on the issue of military action in Iran.
President Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after consulting with advisers who recommended her removal. This decision came amidst criticism regarding her management of department funds, allegations of self-promotion, and involvement in controversial activities. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin has been appointed as her replacement.
Key Facts
President Trump removed Kristi Noem from her position as Homeland Security Secretary.
Advisers suggested her dismissal due to increasing criticism and controversy.
Noem faced inquiries about using department funds for personal promotion and extravagant purchases.
Rumors circulated about a personal relationship with her chief of staff, Corey Lewandowski.
Noem approved spending hundreds of millions on luxury jets supposedly for deportations.
Congressional hearings highlighted issues with her management, including immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
Noem's firing occurred amid ongoing tension over Homeland Security funding and international conflicts.
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin was appointed to replace Kristi Noem.
Bernard LaFayette, a key figure in the civil rights movement, has died at the age of 85 due to a heart attack. He played a crucial role in organizing the voter registration campaign in Selma, Alabama, which contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. LaFayette was involved with nonviolent protests and faced numerous dangers to advance civil rights.
Key Facts
Bernard LaFayette helped organize an important voter registration campaign in Selma, Alabama, in the 1960s.
He died at the age of 85 from a heart attack.
LaFayette was connected to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, working on desegregation and voting rights.
He faced life-threatening situations, including an attempted assassination.
LaFayette’s efforts contributed to the passing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.
He missed the "Bloody Sunday" march on March 7, 1965, but quickly mobilized support for further protests.
Inspired by his grandmother, his early experiences shaped his commitment to civil rights.
He attended seminary in Nashville, where he worked alongside John Lewis to desegregate city areas.
President Donald Trump changed a post on Truth Social about transgender surgeries for minors, removing a part that mentioned parental consent. This change sparked criticism from some Republican figures, who oppose such surgeries for minors.
Key Facts
President Trump originally posted a statement that allowed transgender surgeries for children with parental consent.
He later removed the part about parental consent from the post.
The issue of transgender surgeries for minors is a key topic among Republicans, with efforts to restrict these surgeries through legislation.
Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the original post, saying it went against her legislative bill.
Conservative commentator Matt Walsh argued that parental consent does not address the core issue.
Riley Gaines and others believe that such surgeries for minors are unacceptable under any circumstance.
The edited post removed the clause about needing parental consent.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis may consider granting clemency to Tina Peters, a former county clerk serving a nine-year sentence. President Donald Trump is reportedly pressuring Polis to do so. The suggestion has led to disagreement among Colorado officials about the potential impact on election integrity.
Key Facts
Colorado's Governor Jared Polis is considering clemency for Tina Peters, a former county clerk.
Peters was convicted in a scheme related to finding supposed fraud in the 2020 election.
President Donald Trump is pressuring the governor to release Peters.
Peters received a nine-year prison sentence for her actions.
Governor Polis mentioned concerns about sentencing disparities in similar cases.
Some Colorado officials disagree with the idea of clemency, fearing it could affect election integrity.
Polis compared Peters' sentence to a more lenient one given to another person convicted of similar crimes.
The case has sparked debate around the fairness and consistency of legal penalties.
Congressional Democrats are now focusing on Attorney General Pam Bondi after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was fired. Bondi is facing criticism for her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, with some lawmakers introducing articles of impeachment against her. There is also political pressure, as some see her as a liability for President Trump.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi is the current focus for criticism by congressional Democrats after Kristi Noem's firing.
Bondi is criticized over her transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Five Republicans joined Democrats to subpoena Bondi to testify about the Epstein matter.
Articles of impeachment have been introduced against Bondi for obstruction of Congress.
Some Democrats argue Bondi is part of a culture of lawlessness in the Cabinet.
Polls suggest Bondi is one of the least popular members of President Trump's Cabinet.
There is ongoing discussion about Bondi's role and potential removal by the president.
A recent poll shows Senator Jon Ossoff leading against three Republican challengers in Georgia's 2026 U.S. Senate race. These challengers include Representatives Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, and candidate Derek Dooley. The poll indicates Ossoff has an advantage, but there are still many undecided voters.
Key Facts
Jon Ossoff is leading in hypothetical matchups against Republicans Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, and Derek Dooley.
The poll was conducted by Emerson College Polling/Nexstar and surveyed 1,000 likely voters.
Against Buddy Carter, Ossoff has 47% support, while Carter has 44%, with 9% undecided.
Ossoff has 48% support against Mike Collins, who has 43%, with 9% undecided.
In a scenario against Derek Dooley, Ossoff garners 49%, while Dooley has 41%, with 10% undecided.
Collins is currently favored among Republican primary voters with 30% support, but 40% of these voters are undecided.
The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points for general voters and 4.6 percentage points for Republican primary voters.
President Trump removed Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security. Her removal followed criticism about how her department managed immigration enforcement, emergency responses, and a costly ad campaign promoting herself.
Key Facts
President Trump fired Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The decision marks the first change in President Trump's Cabinet during his second term.
Noem faced criticism from both political parties.
Critics were concerned about the handling of immigration enforcement under Noem's leadership.
There were also complaints about delays in the agency’s emergency responses.
Noem promoted herself in a very expensive advertising campaign.
Lisa Desjardins provided the report on these events.
Over 20 U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against President Trump regarding his plan to implement a 15% global tariff. The states argue that the tariff would negatively affect their economies.
Key Facts
More than 20 U.S. states are taking legal action against President Trump.
The lawsuit is over a planned 15% tariff on global goods.
A tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods.
The states are concerned about the potential negative impact on their economies.
The lawsuit argues that the tariff could increase costs for businesses and consumers.
This legal action represents a significant disagreement between state governments and the federal government.
Kristi Noem is finishing her time as Secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump. During her tenure, she actively participated in immigration operations and often wore agency uniforms, which received mixed reactions. Noem's actions and appearances have made her a prominent figure in Trump's immigration policy.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem served as Secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump.
She frequently wore uniforms of the federal agencies she visited, such as ICE and CBP.
Noem participated in several enforcement operations, including a raid in New York City.
She visited the U.S.-Mexico border and worked with U.S. Coast Guard members in California.
Noem took part in international visits, including trips to Argentina and Ecuador, where she discussed security plans.
Her visit to El Salvador drew criticism after the Trump administration deported Venezuelan immigrants to a prison there.
A video of Noem holding a rifle incorrectly in Arizona received criticism.
She prominently appeared with President Trump, supporting his immigration policies.
President Donald Trump announced the firing of Kristi Noem as the Department of Homeland Security Secretary. Social media quickly filled with jokes and memes about her departure. Noem, who had a controversial tenure, will be replaced by Senator Markwayne Mullin if Congress approves the nomination.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem, the head of Homeland Security.
The announcement was made on Truth Social after her testimony before Senate and House committees.
Noem will be replaced by Senator Markwayne Mullin pending Congress approval.
Her firing was the highest-level dismissal in Trump's second term.
Social media featured jokes and memes mocking her, partly due to a story from her memoir where she euthanized her dog.
Noem's time at DHS was controversial, and her leadership faced criticism from different quarters.
Her actions at DHS led to protests and criticism, such as the criticized ad campaign and immigration enforcement issues.
Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami soccer team visited the White House after winning the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup. During the visit, they presented President Donald Trump with a personalized jersey and a trophy. President Trump jokingly asked whether Messi or soccer legend Pele was better.
Key Facts
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visited the White House to celebrate their 2025 Major League Soccer Cup win.
Messi and team owner Jorge Mas gave President Trump an Inter Miami jersey with his name.
They also gave President Trump a pink soccer ball trophy.
President Trump made a lighthearted remark asking if Messi or Pele was the better player.
The visit took place to honor the team's recent championship victory.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted against a resolution that would have required President Trump to get congressional approval before continuing military action against Iran. The vote was close, with 219 against and 212 in favor. This decision follows a similar vote in the Senate that also rejected the measure.
Key Facts
The House vote was 219 against to 212 in favor of the resolution.
The resolution aimed to stop President Trump’s military actions against Iran without congressional approval.
President Trump’s Republican Party holds a narrow majority in the House.
The U.S. Constitution states that only Congress can declare war, but presidents can act in immediate self-defense.
There's a debate on whether Trump should need Congress's approval for ongoing actions against Iran.
A separate measure was passed affirming that Iran is regarded as the largest state sponsor of terrorism.
Six U.S. military members died in a drone strike in Kuwait related to the conflict with Iran.
President Trump and his team have been trying to gain support from lawmakers for the actions against Iran.
Republican U.S. Senator Steve Daines from Montana decided not to run for a third term. He announced his decision just a few minutes before the deadline for candidates to file their intent to run. Daines wants to spend more time with his family and at home in Montana.
Key Facts
Steve Daines is a Republican U.S. Senator from Montana.
He decided not to run for a third term in the Senate.
Daines made this announcement just minutes before the filing deadline for candidates.
He is 63 years old.
Daines stated he made this decision after considering it for several months.
He plans to spend more time with his seven grandchildren.
Daines also expressed a desire to spend more time in Montana.
President Donald Trump announced he is replacing Kristi Noem as the head of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem will take on a new job as a special envoy for a security initiative called The Shield of the Americas. Noem's time in the role was marked by controversy, with criticism over her actions and spending choices.
Key Facts
President Trump has decided to replace Kristi Noem with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
Kristi Noem will transition to become a special envoy for a U.S. security program in the Western Hemisphere called The Shield of the Americas.
Noem's role involved a significant focus on immigration enforcement, including participating in raids and promoting stringent border policies.
She faced criticism for attending field operations, a role not typical for someone in her position, and for wearing expensive items during visits.
There was backlash over her use of federal money for advertising campaigns and the purchase of luxury jets.
President Trump stated he was not informed about the costly advertising efforts, contradicting Noem's congressional testimony that he knew.
Trump reportedly consulted with Republicans in Congress before deciding to replace Noem.
The administration dealt with public criticism over an immigration operation in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two citizens.
President Donald Trump announced that he will replace Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem with U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin. Noem will take on a new role called "special envoy for the Shield of the Americas," focusing on border security and regional cooperation. Mullin, a senator from Oklahoma, will need Senate confirmation to permanently become the DHS Secretary.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is replacing Kristi Noem as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Kristi Noem will become the "special envoy for the Shield of the Americas."
Markwayne Mullin, a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, is nominated for the DHS position.
Mullin needs Senate confirmation to serve permanently but can act as interim secretary.
Kristi Noem faced criticism and impeachment articles over DHS immigration tactics.
Markwayne Mullin has a history in politics and is part of the Cherokee Nation.
Mullin and his wife, Christie, have been married for nearly 30 years and have six children.
Ken Paxton and John Cornyn are in a runoff race to decide the Republican nominee for a U.S. Senate seat from Texas. Senator Cornyn currently has stronger betting odds of winning than Attorney General Paxton. The winner of the runoff will face Democratic nominee James Talarico in the November general election.
Key Facts
The Republican runoff election in Texas is on May 26, 2026.
Ken Paxton and John Cornyn are competing for the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat.
Neither Paxton nor Cornyn won the majority in the initial primary.
President Trump is expected to endorse John Cornyn, but he might change his mind.
Betting sites show Cornyn with an 85% chance of winning compared to Paxton's 15%.
The result of this race could indicate the direction of the Republican Party in Texas.
The Democratic nominee for the Senate seat is James Talarico.
Ken Paxton has expressed willingness to drop out if Senate leadership supports the SAVE America Act by changing filibuster rules.
