President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, appeared before the Senate for a confirmation hearing. Senators asked him about the Federal Reserve’s independence and how he plans to handle inflation.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is President Trump’s nominee for the Federal Reserve chair.
The Senate held a confirmation hearing for Warsh.
Senators questioned Warsh about the Federal Reserve’s independence.
They also asked about his plans to manage inflation.
The Federal Reserve is the U.S. central bank that controls money supply and interest rates.
The confirmation process is required before Warsh can officially lead the Fed.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told lawmakers he did not speak with President Donald Trump about nominating Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kennedy said he met with Schwartz several times before she became the nominee to learn about her opinions.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current Health Secretary.
He did not discuss the CDC nomination of Erica Schwartz with President Trump.
Kennedy met with Erica Schwartz multiple times before she was nominated.
The meetings were to talk about Schwartz's views related to the CDC role.
Kennedy shared this information during a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing.
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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized the University of Kentucky's choices, especially a high-paying job given to the retiring athletic director, Mitch Barnhart. He expressed concerns about how decisions are being handled at the university.
Key Facts
Governor Andy Beshear spoke out about decision-making at the University of Kentucky.
He focused on the large salary given to Mitch Barnhart, the retiring athletic director.
Mitch Barnhart received a seven-figure job offer from the university.
The criticism suggests concerns about financial or management practices at UK.
Governor Beshear’s comments were made public.
The University of Kentucky is a major public university in the state.
Mitch Barnhart has served as UK’s athletic director for a significant time before retiring.
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Representative Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas, said that Somalis in the U.S. are a "net drain" on society and that not all cultures are equal or compatible with America. His comments sparked criticism and praise, while the Somali community has recently faced scrutiny from President Trump and other conservatives over immigration and fraud issues.
Key Facts
Rep. Brandon Gill called Somalis a "net drain" and said some cultures are not equal or compatible with America.
His remarks were made during an interview with MAGA influencer Benny Johnson and quickly went viral.
Critics called the comments racist, while some conservatives expressed support.
President Donald Trump previously called Somali immigrants "garbage" who harm the country.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, the first Somali American in Congress, has been targeted by Republicans.
Fraud cases involving Somali Americans in Minnesota have led to over 60 convictions and 90 charges.
Trump’s administration froze child care funding in Minnesota linked to these fraud cases and ordered audits.
In February, Gill introduced a bill to ban Somali immigration for 25 years, claiming it weakens the U.S.
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Senator Thom Tillis criticized the Justice Department's investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over renovation costs during Kevin Warsh’s confirmation hearing. Tillis said he will block Warsh’s nomination unless the Justice Department ends the investigation.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is from North Carolina and a member of the Republican Party.
Tillis spoke during Kevin Warsh’s confirmation hearing.
The issue was an investigation into Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair.
The investigation concerns renovation expenses at the Federal Reserve’s headquarters.
Tillis called the investigation “bogus,” meaning he thinks it is not valid.
Tillis said he will stop or block Warsh’s nomination until the investigation stops.
Kevin Warsh is a nominee needing Senate approval.
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Harvey Weinstein’s third rape trial in New York has begun, focused on a 2013 incident. Weinstein denies nonconsensual sex, while prosecutors say the case centers on his abuse of power and control.
Key Facts
This is Weinstein’s third trial in New York related to a rape charge from 2013.
Weinstein was once a major Hollywood producer and influential figure.
He has been convicted of some sexual assault charges but acquitted or had other cases end in deadlock.
Weinstein denies ever assaulting anyone and says he acted wrongly but did not force sex.
The current jury consists of seven men and five women, selected to be fair despite public knowledge of the case.
The accuser in this trial, Jessica Mann, was a hairstylist seeking to become an actress when she met Weinstein.
Weinstein’s career ended in 2017 after many accusations of sexual misconduct became public.
Prosecutors say the case is about Weinstein’s power used to control and manipulate victims.
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Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham introduced a budget plan to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the remaining three and a half years of President Donald Trump’s term. The plan includes spending $60 billion to support these border security agencies.
Key Facts
The budget plan was announced by Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina.
It aims to fully fund ICE and CBP through the end of President Trump’s term.
The funding covers about three and a half years.
The total spending proposed is $60 billion.
The plan is detailed in a 58-page resolution.
ICE and CBP are key agencies responsible for immigration enforcement and border security.
The resolution is focused on budget priorities related to immigration and border protection.
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Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial started in New York, focusing on a 2013 case that has faced two previous trials. Weinstein denies forcing sex and says he acted wrongly but never assaulted anyone. The jury will decide if Weinstein used his power to control and harm Jessica Mann, who accused him.
Key Facts
Harvey Weinstein is on trial again in New York for a rape charge from 2013.
Earlier convictions and acquittals have happened, but this specific charge remains unresolved.
Weinstein denies having sex without consent and says he made mistakes but never assaulted anyone.
The jury has 7 men and 5 women, carefully selected to be fair and impartial.
Jessica Mann, the accuser, says Weinstein forced her in a hotel room despite her protests.
Weinstein’s lawyers point out that Mann continued contact with him and sought his help afterward.
Weinstein was once a powerful Hollywood producer and Democratic donor before his career collapsed in 2017.
The trial could last up to four weeks.
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A hot-air balloon with 13 people landed safely in a small backyard in Temecula, California, after the pilot needed to make an emergency landing due to low fuel and changing winds. Everyone in the balloon was unharmed, and the pilot later landed the balloon in a nearby street where it was taken apart.
Key Facts
The balloon landed on a tiny backyard about 10 feet wide.
There were 13 people inside the balloon, including the pilot.
The landing happened because the pilot ran low on fuel and the wind shifted.
The balloon had a blue design with gold stars and a crescent moon.
Passengers included a couple celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary.
The pilot safely let passengers off before moving the balloon to the street.
The balloon was dismantled after landing in the street.
The balloon company praised the pilot's judgment during the emergency landing.
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A man abandoned a 10-week-old puppy in a dangerous area of California where coyotes live. Animal shelter staff found and cared for the puppy, named Magnolia, who now has a new home. Authorities identified and spoke to the man, reminding the public that pet ownership is a serious responsibility.
Key Facts
The puppy was abandoned at about 3:25 a.m. near Mission Viejo Animal Services in California.
The man left the puppy outside the shelter’s closed gate in an area known for wild coyotes.
Staff at a nearby veterinary clinic found the puppy and contacted Animal Services.
Security cameras captured the man leaving the puppy and driving away.
The puppy appeared scared but was safe and taken into care by shelter staff.
Social media and media coverage helped identify the man, who was the puppy’s owner.
The shelter warned that giving up pets should be done responsibly and offered help to owners in need.
Magnolia, the puppy, has been adopted thanks to many applications after the story spread publicly.
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Many US cities have limited public transportation, making it hard to get around without a car. New York City has the best subway system in the US, but even it has fewer riders than some cities in other countries. The article asks people in the US to share their experiences and ideas about getting around without a car.
Key Facts
The US plans to spend trillions of dollars on building more highways in the future.
Public transit investment in US cities is much lower compared to similar cities worldwide.
New York City’s subway is the top system in the US but has fewer passengers than some cities abroad.
Many US cities, including smaller ones, have weaker public transportation options.
The article invites Americans to share how they travel without a car and what problems they face.
The public can submit stories about their commute experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvements.
Respondents can share their answers anonymously and securely via an encrypted form.
The Guardian will use the shared information only for this feature and delete personal data when no longer needed.
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The U.S. Department of Justice has started a criminal investigation into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), focusing on the group’s past use of paid informants to gather information on violent extremist groups. The SPLC’s CEO said the group used these informants to protect staff and continue their work against hate groups but no longer uses them.
Key Facts
The DOJ investigation targets the SPLC’s previous use of paid confidential informants.
The SPLC used informants to monitor violent extremist groups and protect their staff.
The investigation is led by the U.S. attorney’s office in the middle district of Alabama, where SPLC is based.
The SPLC CEO, Bryan Fair, confirmed the investigation but said details are unclear.
The SPLC faced threats over the years, including a firebombing in 1983.
The FBI ended its partnership with SPLC last year, citing concerns about SPLC’s labeling of some groups as hate groups.
Conservative groups criticized SPLC for calling certain right-leaning groups hate groups.
The investigation comes amid claims that the Trump administration aims to limit non-profits that oppose its policies.
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New prediction markets show Democrats have a small advantage in some key Senate races for the 2026 midterm elections. However, Republicans still have the majority and hold many safe seats, making it difficult for Democrats to take control of the Senate.
Key Facts
Republicans currently have a 53–47 majority in the Senate, including two independents who side with Democrats.
Democrats need to flip at least four seats to reach a 51-seat majority.
If the Senate is evenly split 50–50, Vice President JD Vance would break ties in favor of Republicans.
Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi rate several battleground states as leaning toward Democrats, such as Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio.
Many other states, especially in the South and Plains, are rated safe for Republicans.
Democrats must defend all their current seats and win most competitive races to gain control.
Voting trends and national events could still affect these predictions.
Republicans remain favored to keep the Senate majority according to betting markets and party officials.
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Senate Republicans have introduced a budget plan to fund immigration agencies like ICE and Border Patrol without support from Democrats. This plan aims to secure funding for about 3.5 years using a process called budget reconciliation, which allows passing budget-related laws without needing Democratic votes.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans released a 58-page budget resolution focused on immigration agency funding.
The resolution allows spending up to $70 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The funding process will use budget reconciliation, which bypasses the need for Democratic approval in the Senate.
Funding would cover 3.5 years, ensuring support through the rest of President Trump’s term.
Democrats oppose funding ICE and CBP without reforms after two deadly shootings by federal agents.
Senate Republicans want to pass the budget resolution quickly, aiming for a deadline of June 1 set by President Trump.
Funding the bulk of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), excluding ICE and CBP, has already passed the Senate unanimously.
Some House Republicans hesitate to approve parts of the funding until the reconciliation process finishes.
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Senator Jack Reed asked Kevin Warsh if he would give in to President Donald Trump’s requests to lower interest rates if confirmed as Federal Reserve chair. Warsh appeared at a Senate hearing to discuss replacing Jerome Powell as the Fed chair.
Key Facts
Senator Jack Reed is from Rhode Island and is a Democrat.
Kevin Warsh is a nominee for Federal Reserve chair.
Jerome Powell is the current Federal Reserve chair.
The Federal Reserve sets interest rates that affect the economy.
President Trump has asked for lower interest rates.
The Senate holds confirmation hearings for the Fed chair position.
The hearing discussed whether Warsh would comply with political pressure on interest rates.
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Three women have left President Donald Trump’s Cabinet since January, with Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigning most recently amid an investigation into inappropriate behavior. Other senior officials, like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, face pressure and possible departure as the administration deals with fallout from the Iran war and internal conflicts. The Cabinet’s turnover is drawing public attention ahead of the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Secretary, resigned after reports of staff being asked to bring wine to hotel rooms and allegations against her husband for unwanted advances.
Chavez-DeRemer is the third female Cabinet member to leave since January, following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is a top candidate to leave next and faces calls for impeachment over his role in directing U.S. actions in the Iran war.
Public opinion is increasingly against the Iran war, and President Trump’s approval rating has dropped.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, is also seen as likely to leave soon; her top aide resigned in protest of the Iran war.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe is under scrutiny for conflicting statements about intelligence briefings on Iran retaliation.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is another official rumored to be at risk of leaving the Cabinet.
Cabinet changes may affect how the administration manages policies and prepares for the upcoming elections.
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The Justice Department has taken legal action against Washington, D.C., and its water and sewer authority. They want fines because a large pipe broke and caused millions of gallons of raw sewage to spill into the Potomac River.
Key Facts
The complaint was filed Monday in federal court.
It targets the city of Washington, D.C., and its water and sewer authority.
The problem began when a 72-inch wide pipe called the Potomac Interceptor collapsed on January 19.
Sewage flowed from the broken pipe into the ground and then into the Potomac River in Montgomery County, Maryland.
About 244 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into the river.
This event highlighted problems with old and failing infrastructure in the United States.
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Kevin Warsh criticized the Federal Reserve during his Senate confirmation hearing, saying the Fed made serious mistakes in 2021 and 2022 that led to high inflation. He warned that once inflation grows, it becomes more costly and difficult to control.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh appeared at a Senate hearing to be confirmed as the next Federal Reserve chairman.
He said the Federal Reserve made "policy errors" in 2021 and 2022.
These errors allowed inflation to rise significantly.
Warsh explained that letting inflation grow makes it harder and more expensive to reduce later.
GOP Senator Tim Scott questioned Warsh during the hearing.
Warsh is set to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chairman.
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President Trump has said he plans to give presidential pardons in advance to many people who work in his administration. This could lead to concerns about misuse of presidential power and possible illegal or unethical behavior.
Key Facts
President Trump intends to issue pre-emptive pardons.
These pardons would cover hundreds or possibly thousands of administration staff and officials.
A presidential pardon is an official forgiveness that removes legal punishment.
Pre-emptive means the pardons would happen before any charges or convictions.
This plan raises concerns about possible abuse of the legal power to pardon people.
Critics worry it could encourage wrongdoings without consequences.
The pardons clause is part of the U.S. Constitution that allows the president to forgive crimes.
There is ongoing debate about how this power should be used responsibly.
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Pope Leo XIV has criticized President Donald Trump and the Republican Party for using Christianity to support war and for how they treat immigrants. The Pope calls for stopping the conflict and encourages kindness, forgiveness, and helping others.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV disagrees with President Trump and the GOP on their use of Christianity to justify war.
The Pope opposes the way immigrants are treated by the Trump administration and the Republican Party.
He urges an end to conflicts related to these issues.
The Pope emphasizes values like grace, charity, and forgiveness.
This message comes amid ongoing political debates in the United States involving immigration and war policies.
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