The Justice Department has canceled subpoenas that demanded testimony from former CIA Director John Brennan and is now asking for voluntary interviews instead. This change happened after a leadership shift in the investigation team and relates to an ongoing criminal probe linked to Brennan's statements about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Key Facts
The Justice Department withdrew subpoenas for grand jury testimony by John Brennan and requested voluntary interviews instead.
The investigation is part of several probes opened by the Justice Department over the past year targeting opponents of President Donald Trump.
The inquiry concerns a U.S. intelligence assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump.
Subpoenas were issued after a lead prosecutor left the case, doubting the strength of a possible criminal case.
A Trump supporter, Joe diGenova, was recently assigned to help lead the Brennan investigation.
Brennan, who was CIA director under President Obama, denies wrongdoing and calls the investigation politically motivated.
A congressional referral last year accused Brennan of making false statements about the intelligence report.
The investigation has included interviews and attempts to gather records from witnesses related to Brennan’s testimony.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating on how he handles the economy has dropped from 38% in March to 30% in April, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. This decline is linked to the rising prices caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran, and fewer Republicans support his leadership on economic issues.
Key Facts
Trump’s approval on the economy fell from 38% in March to 30% in April.
Only about 32% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s leadership on Iran, unchanged since last month.
The conflict with Iran caused gasoline prices to increase after the U.S. attacked Iran in February.
Inflation rose 3.3% in March compared to the previous year, slightly higher than the 3% inflation Trump inherited.
Only about one-quarter of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, was briefly closed by Iran during the conflict.
Trump has minimized concerns about the war and rising oil prices, calling the war a "little journey."
Lower approval ratings could hurt Trump’s party in upcoming midterm elections.
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A man robbed a hotel in Ohio by demanding money from the front desk clerk, implying he had a weapon. After taking the money, the man politely said "thank you" before leaving, and authorities are seeking public help to identify him.
Key Facts
The robbery happened at a Red Roof Inn hotel in Ohio on April 14.
The suspect approached the front desk and demanded money.
The suspect implied he had a weapon during the robbery.
The clerk gave the suspect the money as requested.
The suspect said "thank you" before leaving.
The clerk replied "have a nice night" after the suspect left.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance footage of the event.
Police are asking the public to help identify the robber.
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President Trump hosted over 100 college sports champions at the White House on Tuesday to celebrate NCAA Collegiate National Champions Day. The event followed his signing of an executive order aiming to make NCAA rules on player eligibility and transfers stricter.
Key Facts
The gathering included more than 100 student athletes from various college sports and universities.
The event took place at the White House on a Tuesday afternoon.
It recognized winners in NCAA collegiate championships.
President Trump gave remarks to honor the athletes.
He recently signed an executive order related to NCAA rules.
The order focuses on tightening eligibility and transfer policies within college sports.
The NCAA is the main organization that governs college sports in the U.S.
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Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, promised to maintain the bank’s independence during his Senate confirmation hearing. Warsh criticized the Federal Reserve’s recent policies on inflation and interest rates and called for changes in how the Fed controls inflation and communicates its plans.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is President Trump’s choice to head the Federal Reserve.
Warsh served on the Fed’s Board of Governors from 2006 to 2011.
Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, worried Warsh might be influenced by President Trump.
Warsh said monetary policy independence is essential and must be based on careful decisions in the nation’s interest.
He criticized the Fed for keeping interest rates too low after the COVID-19 pandemic, which he says contributed to inflation.
Warsh wants to reform Fed policies on inflation control and reduce public comments on future interest rates.
He supports shrinking the Fed’s $6.7 trillion balance sheet but says this will take time and must be openly discussed.
Warsh’s financial holdings include investments in SpaceX, Polymarket, and influential private funds, which have drawn scrutiny.
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A 16-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, during a family cruise on the Carnival Horizon ship. Anna died from mechanical asphyxiation while the ship was traveling to Miami.
Key Facts
Anna Kepner was an 18-year-old high school senior described by her family as a happy and successful student.
The incident occurred on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship in November 2025.
The 16-year-old stepson was charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
Prosecutors say the boy sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Anna.
The cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation, which means a physical blockage of breathing.
The stepson waived his court appearance at his arraignment in Miami.
Anna’s father, Chris Kepner, is married to the suspect’s mother, Shauntel Kepner.
The family expressed deep grief and commitment to honoring Anna’s memory.
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A watchdog group called Democracy Forward Foundation has asked for records about FBI Director Kash Patel. They want to see his calendar and messages from his security detail because of new reports saying he might be using too much alcohol. The request follows a report from The Atlantic about the FBI Director being absent or unavailable.
Key Facts
The Democracy Forward Foundation filed a records request about FBI Director Kash Patel.
They want to see Patel’s calendar and messages from his security team.
This request is based on reports suggesting Patel may have a problem with alcohol.
The Atlantic published a report titled “The FBI Director is MIA” which raised concerns.
The watchdog group is investigating whether the FBI Director’s behavior affects his job.
Kash Patel is currently the Director of the FBI.
The issue relates to U.S. government and law enforcement leadership.
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A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked parts of President Donald Trump’s policies that would limit renewable energy development. The judge issued a temporary order stopping the government from enforcing these rules against certain regional trade groups that had challenged them.
Key Facts
Judge Denise Casper, appointed by President Obama, ruled on Tuesday.
She issued a preliminary injunction, which is a temporary court order.
The injunction stops enforcement of some Trump administration policies against renewable energy.
These policies were expected to reduce support for renewable energy projects.
The order applies to members of regional trade groups that filed a legal challenge.
This ruling prevents the government from applying the challenged policies while the case proceeds.
The decision shows the ongoing legal disputes over energy and environmental regulations under President Trump’s administration.
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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has started a criminal investigation into the company OpenAI and its chatbot, ChatGPT. He has issued subpoenas to OpenAI as part of the inquiry, which began earlier this month.
Key Facts
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is leading the investigation.
The probe focuses on OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
Subpoenas have been served to OpenAI, which means they must provide information to the investigation.
The investigation is criminal in nature, aiming to find if any laws were broken.
The inquiry started earlier in the month before subpoenas were issued.
It is related to a case involving a shooting at Florida State University.
The investigation is currently ongoing, with more details expected later.
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Senator Ted Cruz said that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will likely cause a government shutdown at the end of September, just weeks before the 2024 midterm elections. Cruz based his prediction on Schumer’s actions during the previous election year.
Key Facts
The current government funding expires on September 30, 2024.
Senator Ted Cruz represents Texas and is a Republican.
Chuck Schumer is the Senate Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
Cruz believes Schumer will not find a new solution to avoid a shutdown.
Last year before an election, Schumer was involved in a government shutdown.
A government shutdown means parts of the federal government stop working due to lack of money.
The midterm elections in 2024 will happen shortly after the predicted shutdown date.
Cruz’s prediction reflects political tensions between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. responded sharply to Representative Troy Carter during a House subcommittee hearing. Carter had told Kennedy he wished he would focus less on topics involving wildlife parts.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Health and Human Services Secretary.
Representative Troy Carter is a Democrat from Louisiana.
The exchange happened during a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing.
Carter expressed frustration about Kennedy discussing “whale heads, bear heads and raccoon parts.”
Kennedy reacted quickly to Carter’s comment.
The interaction took place as Carter’s time for questioning was ending.
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Voting rights activists have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration because the Justice Department is trying to get lists of registered voters from states. The activists say this move aims to interfere with the upcoming November midterm elections.
Key Facts
Voting rights activists sued the Trump administration on Tuesday.
The lawsuit challenges the Justice Department's requests for state voter registration lists.
The DOJ is collecting election information nationwide.
This effort follows President Trump’s calls to "nationalize" elections.
Activists believe this is an attempt to control or influence the November midterm elections.
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Senators questioned Kevin Warsh, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, about the bank’s independence and how he plans to handle his financial assets. Warsh said the Fed itself decides its independence and explained his ethics agreement with the administration.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is President Donald Trump’s choice to head the Federal Reserve.
Senators asked him about the Fed’s ability to act independently from politics.
Warsh stated that the Federal Reserve decides on its own independence.
He also discussed how he will manage his financial holdings to avoid conflicts of interest.
This questioning took place as Congress is moving toward confirming Jerome Powell’s successor as Fed Chair.
The Federal Reserve is the central bank that manages U.S. money policy.
The ethics agreement is meant to ensure Warsh’s decisions are free from personal financial influence.
The Senate’s approval is needed for Warsh to become Fed Chair.
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President Donald Trump’s second-term Cabinet included more women than his first term and more than past Republican presidents have appointed. However, three women have left their Cabinet roles within two months, while some men with controversies have stayed in their positions.
Key Facts
President Trump appointed more women to his Cabinet in his second term than in his first term or past Republican cabinets.
Three women—Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—have left the Cabinet recently.
Their departures followed bipartisan pressure due to misconduct scandals and other issues.
Some men facing controversies, like FBI Director Kash Patel and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, remain in their roles.
Mike Waltz left as national security adviser to become U.N. ambassador after involvement in a scandal but remains influential.
Five women still serve in Trump’s Cabinet, including Susie Wiles, the first female White House chief of staff.
The Trump administration has reduced diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies and the military.
Experts say diversity gains in government came from active efforts and would not happen without intentional work.
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Senator Roger Wicker, who leads the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it was a mistake for the Pentagon to stop requiring all U.S. military members to get flu shots. He pointed out that flu vaccines are different from COVID-19 vaccines, which have been more controversial.
Key Facts
The Pentagon recently changed its policy and no longer requires every military member to get a flu shot.
Senator Roger Wicker disagrees with this policy change and called it a mistake.
Wicker leads the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees the military.
He emphasized the difference between flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the change in the flu shot requirement.
Wicker made his comments during a press interview on Tuesday.
The flu shot has been a standard preventive measure in the military for years.
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The Supreme Court heard arguments about whether the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can impose large fines on Verizon and AT&T. These fines total over $100 million and relate to how the companies shared their customers’ location information.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court discussed the FCC’s ability to fine Verizon and AT&T.
The fines are more than $100 million combined.
The issue involves the companies’ handling of customers’ location data.
The FCC wants to penalize the companies for sharing location information improperly.
Verizon and AT&T argue against the fines during the court hearing.
The government made some limits or promises about how the fines would work.
The justices appear open to allowing the FCC to continue imposing these penalties.
This case focuses on rules about privacy and data use by telecom companies.
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Virginia voters are participating in a special election to decide on a new map for the state's congressional districts. The election is part of a bigger national debate about how voting districts are drawn across the United States.
Key Facts
Virginia is holding a special election focused on redrawing congressional district boundaries.
The outcome will affect how the state’s voting areas are divided for elections.
Redistricting determines which voters are grouped together to elect representatives.
This election is connected to a larger issue about redistricting happening across the country.
The process can influence political power and election results in Virginia and beyond.
CBS News reporter Fin Gomez is covering the special election.
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Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the department will run out of money to pay employee salaries in early May due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. The shutdown has lasted a record 66 days and affects all 22 agencies under DHS.
Key Facts
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin issued the warning on Tuesday.
DHS cannot pay employee salaries starting early May because of funding issues.
The funding lapse is a result of the ongoing partial government shutdown.
The shutdown has lasted for 66 days, the longest ever.
DHS oversees 22 different agencies that are all affected.
President Donald Trump took actions earlier to address the situation, but current funding problems remain.
The shutdown impacts government operations tied to DHS.
Employees across DHS agencies face uncertainty about their pay.
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The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced it is under a U.S. Justice Department criminal investigation over its past use of paid informants who infiltrated extremist groups. The SPLC, founded in 1971 to support civil rights, has a long history of monitoring hate groups and working with law enforcement but now faces possible charges related to its informant program.
Key Facts
The SPLC is a civil rights organization started in 1971 by Alabama lawyer Morris Dees.
It began by representing poor and discriminated people for free in courts during the fight against segregation.
In the 1980s, the SPLC started tracking white supremacist groups, beginning with the Ku Klux Klan.
KKK members tried to burn down SPLC’s office in 1983 as retaliation; three members were later arrested and convicted.
The SPLC used paid informants to secretly join extremist groups and gather information, which was shared with the FBI and local police.
The informant program was not public to protect the informants' safety.
The SPLC has over $700 million in its endowment, funded mainly by donors.
Some conservative groups criticize the SPLC for including them on its hate group tracker, claiming unfair labeling.
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President Donald Trump has made different statements about how long the war with Iran will last since the U.S. and Israel started attacks on February 28. Talks are expected soon in Pakistan to try to end the conflict.
Key Facts
U.S. and Iran representatives are planning to meet in Pakistan to discuss ending the war.
The U.S. and Israel began military strikes against Iran on February 28, called Operation Epic Fury.
President Trump first said the fighting would last four to five weeks but also said it could last much longer.
He made several changing statements, including threats of more bombs if a ceasefire expired on April 21.
Trump said in an online post on April 20 that he was not pressured to make a deal but expected one soon.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also made varying comments about the war timeline.
The war is approaching two months since it began.
PolitiFact collected these statements to show how the president’s timeline predictions changed.
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