Senator Ruben Gallego asked Kevin Warsh if President Donald Trump asked him to promise to lower interest rates if he became Federal Reserve Chair. Warsh said that President Trump never asked him to commit to lowering rates.
Key Facts
Senator Ruben Gallego questioned Kevin Warsh about President Trump’s influence on interest rates.
The discussion focused on whether Trump asked Warsh to commit to cutting interest rates.
Kevin Warsh responded that President Trump did not ask him to make such a promise.
Warsh was considered for the position of Federal Reserve Chair.
The Federal Reserve controls U.S. interest rates to help manage the economy.
The conversation took place in an official setting, covered by CBS News.
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The House Ethics Committee is holding a public meeting about Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida. They found strong evidence that she broke several rules and laws, and have proven most of the accusations against her.
Key Facts
The House Ethics Committee is reviewing possible punishments for Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
The meeting is public and scheduled for Tuesday.
The committee found “substantial reason to believe” she violated laws, rules, or conduct standards.
They have confirmed 25 out of 27 claims against her.
The charges relate to fraud violations.
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick represents Florida.
The investigation and hearing are part of Congress’s oversight responsibilities.
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Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump's nominee for chairman of the Federal Reserve, said that the overall outlook of the U.S. economy is getting better. He mentioned this improvement despite the fact that job growth remains slow.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is nominated by President Donald Trump to be Federal Reserve chairman.
Warsh stated that the broad outlook of the U.S. economy is improving.
He made these comments during an interview featured by CBS News.
The improvement is seen even though there is low job growth in the economy.
The Federal Reserve is the U.S. central bank responsible for monetary policy.
Warsh's views suggest optimism about future economic potential.
Job growth refers to how many new jobs are created in the economy over time.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has shown interest in joining President Donald Trump’s administration, possibly as attorney general, secretary of defense, or even a Supreme Court justice. President Trump has discussed these possibilities with DeSantis and others, weighing where DeSantis might fit given the upcoming end of his term as governor.
Key Facts
DeSantis is reportedly asking President Trump for a role in his administration, including attorney general.
He is also interested in being secretary of defense or a Supreme Court justice.
DeSantis must leave office in January after his second term as Florida governor.
Trump and DeSantis recently met for lunch to talk about DeSantis’ future.
Trump dismissed Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary and Pam Bondi as attorney general.
Todd Blanche, Trump’s personal lawyer, is currently acting as attorney general.
Trump trusts Todd Blanche to pursue cases against political opponents.
DeSantis’ spokesman said the governor has a good relationship with Trump and looks forward to ongoing collaboration on issues like immigration and environmental efforts.
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The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency filed a complaint against the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority. This action is related to a large sewage spill into the Potomac River, which is recorded as the biggest wastewater spill in U.S. history.
Key Facts
The complaint was filed by the DOJ and EPA on Monday.
The complaint targets the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water).
The case concerns a sewage spill into the Potomac River.
The spill is considered the largest wastewater spill in U.S. history.
The incident involved the collapse of a key pipeline called the Potomac Interceptor.
The spill occurred near the Clara... (information cut off).
Authorities are responding due to environmental and public health concerns.
The case is a civil complaint, meaning it is a non-criminal legal action.
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President Donald Trump has requested a $1.5 trillion budget for the Pentagon. This budget includes $750 billion for new projects like the Golden Dome missile defense system, drones, artificial intelligence, and strengthening defense manufacturing.
Key Facts
The total defense budget request is $1.5 trillion.
$750 billion of the budget is labeled for "presidential priorities."
Key projects funded include the Golden Dome missile defense system.
Funding will also support drones and artificial intelligence.
The budget aims to build up the defense industrial base.
This request is a 42 percent increase from last year’s Defense Department budget.
Pentagon officials announced the details on Tuesday.
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Kevin Warsh, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Federal Reserve, did not clearly say if he has investments linked to Jeffrey Epstein during a Senate hearing. Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed him about undisclosed investments worth over $100 million and asked if they involved companies connected to Epstein or others, but Warsh said he would sell all his financial assets if confirmed.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is President Donald Trump’s nominee to chair the Federal Reserve.
During a Senate hearing, Warsh was questioned about possible investments tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
Senator Elizabeth Warren claimed Warsh has more than $100 million in undisclosed investments.
Warren asked if the investments involve companies linked to Epstein, money laundering, or Chinese-controlled companies.
Warsh said he is working with ethics officials and agreed to sell all his financial assets if confirmed.
Warren pushed Warsh to answer directly, but he did not confirm or deny the Epstein connection.
Warsh said he would sell the assets before taking office and signing the oath.
Warren previously sent Warsh a letter following documents from the Justice Department related to the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
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A man named John Ashby pleaded guilty to raping and attacking a Sikh woman in her home in Walsall. He used racist and Islamophobic insults during the attack and is now awaiting sentencing for these serious crimes.
Key Facts
John Ashby admitted to rape, religiously aggravated assault, strangulation, and robbery.
The attack happened in October last year when the victim was alone in her home.
Ashby wrongly believed the woman was Muslim and used hateful language toward her faith.
Police linked Ashby to the crime through DNA and fingerprint evidence.
He changed his plea to guilty after being confronted by a member of the public in court.
The victim reported feeling unsafe, and Sikh women in the area changed their routines due to fear.
A charity supporting the victim welcomed the guilty plea and expects a tough sentence.
Police and community leaders are working to improve safety and support for women affected.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that flu vaccines are no longer required for all U.S. military members. The flu vaccine is now optional, similar to the COVID-19 vaccine policy change, allowing service members to decide if they want the shot.
Key Facts
The flu vaccine used to be mandatory for all active and reserve military personnel.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the new policy in a video on social media.
The new policy makes flu vaccines optional for service members.
This change follows a similar policy making COVID-19 vaccines optional.
Hegseth said forcing vaccines was too broad and not reasonable in every situation.
He stated service members should choose flu vaccines if they believe it is best for them.
The COVID-19 vaccine mandate had led to the dismissal of about 8,000 service members who refused the shot.
Hegseth called the era of forcing vaccine compliance on troops "over."
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A new YouGov poll shows more Americans support Pope Leo XIV’s stance on the war in Iran than President Donald Trump’s position. The poll highlights a public disagreement between the U.S. president and the leader of the Catholic Church, with Pope Leo receiving higher approval ratings, especially among independent voters.
Key Facts
The YouGov poll surveyed 1,707 adults in April 2026.
48% of respondents agree more with Pope Leo XIV on the Iran war, while 28% support President Trump and Vice-President Vance.
Among independents, 50% sided with Pope Leo and 15% with Trump and Vance.
48% approve of Pope Leo’s comments on the war, while 24% disapprove.
Pope Leo has a +31-point approval rating; 55% view him positively versus 24% negatively.
President Trump has a -16-point approval rating; 56% view him unfavorably and 40% favorably.
The poll suggests political identity is increasingly important to Americans, sometimes more than religious identity.
Pope Leo criticized the Iran war and condemned threats of violence, calling for a ceasefire.
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A recent report from the New York Federal Reserve shows that job satisfaction in the U.S. has dropped to its lowest point in several years. Workers feel less happy with their pay, benefits, and chances for promotion, and fewer are planning to switch employers.
Key Facts
The New York Federal Reserve released the report on Tuesday.
Job satisfaction among U.S. workers has reached a new low.
Only 9.7% of workers said they are likely to move to a new employer, the lowest in five years.
Satisfaction with job pay has decreased.
Satisfaction with job benefits has also gone down.
Opportunities for promotion are viewed less positively by workers.
The data reflect workers’ feelings about their current jobs and opportunities.
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A recent NBC News poll shows President Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 37%, a low point in his second term. Despite economic problems and ongoing conflicts, many Americans still support him, and he shares alternative polls showing higher approval on social media.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating fell from 42% in December to 37% in a new NBC News poll.
Two-thirds of Americans believe the country is on the wrong path due to rising costs and wars.
Trump shared older, selective polls on Truth Social to suggest he is still popular.
Democrats have won recent special elections, raising hopes they could control the Senate.
Internal disagreements within Trump’s supporter group (MAGA) have increased.
Trump’s influence appears to be weakening internationally, as seen in Hungary’s recent election.
Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci said Trump no longer cares about polls or consequences.
Low approval ratings may cause Trump to become more determined rather than stepping down.
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North Carolina officials plan to charge adults who did not stop a planned fight between teenagers that led to a mass shooting, killing two teens and injuring five others. Police said the fight escalated into gunfire when the teens met at a park, and authorities are also continuing to investigate the case.
Key Facts
The shooting happened in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on a Monday.
Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, died in the shooting.
Five others, between 14 and 19 years old, were injured with varying severity.
The fight was planned among juveniles and escalated to exchanging gunfire.
Police are not seeking other suspects but will charge adults who stood by during the fight.
The police chief, sheriff, and district attorney jointly announced the charges against those adults.
This shooting adds to the 117 mass shootings recorded so far in the US this year.
The incident happened one day after another deadly shooting in Louisiana that killed eight children.
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The U.S. government has started refunding over $166 billion in tariffs that were imposed under President Donald Trump but later struck down by the Supreme Court. While the refunds are paid to importers, some consumers who paid extra due to these tariffs may be able to claim a part of the money from companies that clearly showed tariff costs on their prices.
Key Facts
The government launched a refund portal for businesses to apply for tariff rebates following a Supreme Court decision.
The tariffs were originally imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
More than 50,000 importers, with $127 billion in claims, are eligible to receive refunds.
These tariffs added extra costs to goods, which often were passed on to consumers in higher prices.
Some companies showed tariff charges as separate line items on receipts or online to be transparent to customers.
Consumers who kept receipts showing tariff-related charges might claim refunds from companies that receive rebates.
Lawsuits have been filed by consumers seeking reimbursements, but no legal precedent clearly favors these claims yet.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection expects refunds to be distributed within two to three months after applications.
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Sir Olly Robbins, a recently sacked Foreign Office chief, said Downing Street (No 10) had a dismissive attitude toward security checks when appointing Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US. Despite security concerns, Robbins approved Mandelson's clearance under pressure, while denying that he informed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of the full vetting details.
Key Facts
Lord Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US in December 2024.
Security vetting raised concerns about Mandelson, but the Foreign Office eventually cleared him.
Sir Olly Robbins says No 10 pressured the Foreign Office to approve Mandelson quickly.
Some officials believed Mandelson’s status made security vetting unnecessary, but the Foreign Office insisted on it.
Robbins denied informing Sir Keir Starmer of the vetting concerns before Mandelson’s appointment.
Mandelson resigned as ambassador in September 2025 after reports revealed his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
Robbins described the vetting as a "borderline case" and said risks could be managed.
The controversy has led to calls for Prime Minister Starmer’s resignation.
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The United States keeps its nuclear weapons ready to launch quickly if there is a threat or an attack. The "nuclear football" is a briefcase with plans and codes that follows the president at all times, allowing only the president to authorize the use of nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
The U.S. nuclear arsenal can be launched within minutes of detecting a threat or attack.
The "nuclear football" is a briefcase containing attack plans and codes.
A military officer carries the nuclear football and stays close to the president at all times.
Only the president has the authority to launch nuclear weapons.
This system is designed to respond quickly to threats and protect national security.
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Victims of sexual violence said they felt anxious and upset during a session where MPs questioned witnesses strongly about changes to jury trials. The victims’ commissioner and several charities complained that the style of questioning caused emotional harm to survivors. Some MPs defended their questioning as necessary to hold public officials accountable.
Key Facts
Victims of rape and sexual violence described feeling distressed during a parliamentary evidence session.
Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner, formally complained about the questioning style.
The session involved discussion about plans to reduce the number of jury trials in courts.
Some victims said the questioning felt aggressive and triggered emotional breakdowns.
NGOs like Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid also expressed concern about how survivors were treated.
Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan questioned Waxman strongly on a letter opposing jury trial reductions.
Committee chairs reported the complaint to the deputy speaker, who supported MPs’ right to robust questioning.
Victims’ groups said the adversarial tone resembled courtroom cross-examination, which can retraumatize survivors.
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President Donald Trump praised Senator Rick Scott for trying to remove the record of his 2019 impeachment. Senator Scott introduced a resolution saying the impeachment trial was not legitimate and questioned the fairness of a whistleblower involved.
Key Facts
Senator Rick Scott is from Florida and is a Republican.
He introduced a resolution to expunge, or erase, President Trump’s 2019 impeachment.
The 2019 impeachment involved allegations of an illegal quid-pro-quo with Ukraine’s leader.
The resolution claims the impeachment trial lacked legitimacy.
It also suggests a whistleblower in the case may have been biased.
President Trump publicly thanked Senator Scott for his effort to remove the impeachment record.
Expunging impeachment is a formal way to clear or erase the official record.
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Senator John Kennedy asked Kevin Warsh if he would be President Trump's "human sock puppet" during a confirmation hearing. Kevin Warsh responded that he would remain independent if confirmed as chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is being considered for the chairman position at the Federal Reserve.
Senator John Kennedy asked Warsh if he would follow President Trump's directions without question.
Warsh said he will act independently and not be a "human sock puppet."
The Federal Reserve chairman leads the U.S. central bank and makes decisions on monetary policy.
The hearing was reported by CBS News.
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Two teenagers were killed and five others injured in a shooting at a park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The police are investigating the incident and plan to charge young adults involved in the shooting.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on Monday morning in a park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Two teenagers died as a result of the shooting.
Five other teenagers were wounded but survived.
Police are actively investigating the event.
Young adults connected to the shooting will face charges.
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