A congressional committee has decided to summon Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Five Republicans joined Democrats in supporting this action. The Trump administration is under pressure to release all documents related to the Epstein case.
Key Facts
Congress voted to summon Attorney General Pam Bondi for testimony.
The vote took place in the House Oversight committee.
Five Republicans supported the Democrats' move to issue the subpoena.
The investigation is about Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
The Trump administration faces demands to release more documents related to Epstein.
Millions of documents have been released, but many more remain undisclosed.
There has been criticism of the handling of document releases, including unredacted victim names.
The justice department did not comment on the situation immediately.
Minnesota's governor and attorney general testified before a U.S. House committee that President Trump's immigration policies made it harder for them to fight fraud. The House Oversight Committee criticized them, saying they should have done more to stop fraud.
Key Facts
Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison testified to a House committee about fraud issues in Minnesota.
They said President Trump's immigration policies slowed down their efforts to tackle fraud.
The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, criticized Walz and Ellison for not doing enough to stop fraud.
The committee chair, Rep. James Comer, accused them of prioritizing politics over tackling fraud.
There is a legal dispute involving $243 million in Medicaid funds related to Trump administration policies.
The full House Oversight hearing is available to watch online.
Progressive groups plan to challenge House Democrats who vote against a resolution limiting President Trump's ability to conduct military actions in Iran. The vote is causing a division within the Democratic Party, with some members facing potential primary challenges. These groups want Democrats to support the resolution and warn of political consequences if they do not.
Key Facts
Progressive groups want to challenge any House Democrat who votes against a resolution limiting military actions in Iran.
The resolution aims to curb President Trump's military powers involving Iran.
These groups include Justice Democrats, MoveOn, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, and OurRevolution.
Some Democrats have introduced an alternative resolution that allows more time for withdrawal but support both measures.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other top Democrats back the resolution.
The vote is expected to happen on a Thursday and is seen as politically significant.
Some Democrats are undecided or did not disclose how they will vote, citing concerns about backlash.
The House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Jeffrey Epstein files. The vote passed with support from five Republicans who joined Democrats. Many documents related to Epstein's case are still missing.
Key Facts
The House Oversight Committee wants Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Epstein files.
The committee voted 24-19 to issue a subpoena for Bondi's testimony.
Five Republicans backed the Democrats in the decision to subpoena Bondi.
These Republicans are Tim Burchett, Lauren Boebert, Michael Cloud, Nancy Mace, and Scott Perry.
There are claims that not all Epstein-related documents have been released by the Department of Justice.
Millions of documents are believed to exist, including missing videos, audio, and logs.
Representative Nancy Mace expressed concerns about the Department of Justice's transparency in the case.
Alex Jones, a well-known conspiracy theorist, expressed disappointment with President Donald Trump's administration due to its increased military actions in Iran. The recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran have led to significant casualties, sparking debates among Trump's supporters. The Epstein files and military policies are causing divides within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Alex Jones criticized President Trump's administration for its actions in Iran.
U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 787 people in Iran, according to reports.
Six Americans died in the conflict, prompting U.S. embassies to ask Americans to leave the area.
President Trump's "America First" policy saw shifts with actions like military operations in Venezuela and Iran.
The Epstein files are causing tension in the Republican Party, with calls for more transparency.
Over 3 million pages of material have been released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Prominent Trump supporters, like Tucker Carlson and Thomas Massie, opposed the military intervention in Iran.
The head of the IRS, Frank Bisignano, testified before the House Ways and Means Committee. He discussed the IRS's efforts in serving taxpayers and implementing a new tax law, while avoiding questions about past data breaches. Democratic lawmakers focused on a judge's finding of past unlawful data disclosures to immigration authorities.
Key Facts
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano testified in front of the House Ways and Means Committee.
It was his first testimony since taking the newly created CEO position at the IRS.
Bisignano discussed the IRS's work on new tax laws, which include removing some taxes and creating new deductions.
The IRS recently faced criticism for mistakenly sharing taxpayer data with immigration authorities.
A federal judge noted that the IRS disclosed taxpayer data improperly over 42,000 times.
The data was shared with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
President Donald Trump emphasizes immigration and border security in his political agenda.
Unemployment benefits in the U.S. are taxable at the federal level, and individuals may have to pay taxes on them unless they arrange for tax withholding or file quarterly payments. Some states do not tax these benefits, and the current unemployment rate is 4.3%. Federal income taxes for 2025 are due on April 15.
Key Facts
Unemployment benefits are subject to federal taxes and must be reported as income.
Recipients can choose to have 10% of their benefits withheld for taxes or pay in other ways.
States like Florida, Texas, and Washington do not tax unemployment benefits because they lack a general income tax.
Other states like California and New Jersey also exempt unemployment benefits from state taxes.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3% as of January.
Federal income taxes for 2025, including taxes on unemployment benefits, are due by April 15.
Taxpayers can request a filing extension, moving the deadline to October 15, but taxes must still be paid by April 15.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after he criticized the media for their coverage of U.S. troop deaths. Hegseth claimed the media misrepresented his comments to make President Trump look bad, which Leavitt supported by saying the media focuses on negative portrayals.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke about media coverage of U.S. troop deaths.
Hegseth accused the media of misrepresenting his comments.
Hegseth claimed the media wants to show President Trump negatively.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Hegseth's remarks.
Leavitt accused CNN's Kaitlan Collins of being disingenuous about Hegseth's words.
This incident is part of ongoing tensions between the current administration and the media.
The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's ability to conduct war with Iran without Congress's approval. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are concerned about the possibility of deploying troops, while Republicans generally support Trump's military actions. The vote will determine whether the Senate debates the resolution further before a final decision.
Key Facts
The Senate is voting on a resolution to control President Trump's authority in the Iran conflict.
Democrat Chuck Schumer voices concern about possible troop deployment to Iran.
Democrats criticize what they see as inconsistent reasons for the war with Iran.
The Pentagon confirms more U.S. military resources are being sent to the region.
President Trump's administration cites various threats from Iran to justify action.
Constitutional scholars debate the extent of presidential power in military matters.
There are historical parallels drawn to the Iraq war's uncertain end.
Republicans mostly support Trump's actions, while Democrats push for congressional oversight.
President Trump is likely to endorse Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Senate race. This comes after neither Cornyn nor his opponent, Ken Paxton, won enough votes in the primary to avoid a runoff. There is significant pressure on Trump to endorse Cornyn over Paxton due to the latter's scandals.
Key Facts
President Trump is expected to endorse Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Senate race.
Cornyn and Ken Paxton did not secure a majority in the primary, leading to a runoff election.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has been encouraging Trump to support Cornyn.
Thune believes Cornyn is a stronger candidate due to Paxton's scandals.
The Senate Leadership Fund has spent a lot of money supporting Cornyn.
Trump has been hesitant to choose sides, viewing both candidates as allies.
Trump's advisers and Texas Republicans want him to endorse Cornyn because they think Paxton's scandals could harm his election chances.
Neither Cornyn nor Paxton has agreed to drop out if they do not get Trump's endorsement.
This week, many parts of the United States are experiencing unusually high temperatures, which could break 150 heat records. The National Weather Service says temperatures might be up to 25 degrees warmer than normal, affecting areas from the Midwest to the Southeast. The warm spell is expected to last until a cold front arrives next week.
Key Facts
Unusually high temperatures are expected across much of the U.S. this week.
The Midwest, South, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic could break 150 heat records in 24 hours.
Some regions will see temperatures 25 degrees above their usual levels for this time of year.
Friday is likely when most of these temperature records will be broken.
Areas affected include from Michigan to Florida and from Texas to the Southern Eastern Seaboard.
A cold front is expected to move in from the west next week, bringing cooler temperatures.
Recent record temperatures include 106 degrees Fahrenheit at Falcon Dam, Texas.
The warm spell is expected to last through next Tuesday in affected regions.
California's unemployment rate is about 5.5%, which means over a million people are out of work in the state. The California Employment Development Department offers unemployment benefits to eligible workers, with payments ranging from $40 to $450 per week. Benefits are paid every two weeks and require claimants to actively seek employment.
Key Facts
California's unemployment rate is around 5.5%.
More than a million people in California are currently unemployed.
The state offers unemployment benefits through the Employment Development Department (EDD).
Benefits range from $40 to $450 weekly, depending on past earnings.
Payments are made every two weeks, either by prepaid debit card or direct deposit.
To receive benefits, claimants must regularly confirm they are looking for work.
The standard duration for receiving benefits is up to 26 weeks.
Californians apply for benefits through the EDD’s myEDD online portal.
Aaron Spencer, who is facing a murder charge, won a Republican primary for sheriff in Lonoke County, Arkansas. He defeated the current sheriff, John Staley, despite being accused of shooting Michael Fosler in 2024. Spencer, who says he acted to protect his daughter, is awaiting trial and cannot serve as sheriff if convicted.
Key Facts
Aaron Spencer is charged with second-degree murder.
He won the primary election with more than 53% of the vote.
Spencer allegedly shot Michael Fosler, who was accused of sexual offenses against Spencer's daughter.
Spencer claims he acted to protect his child and has pleaded not guilty.
The trial was delayed as the presiding judge was removed from the case.
Sheriff John Staley, whose department arrested Spencer, conceded the primary election.
Spencer remains out on bond while awaiting a new trial date.
President Donald Trump has suggested that the Texas Republican Senate primary should conclude quickly to focus on the main election against Democrat James Talarico. Trump is expected to endorse Senator John Cornyn in the coming runoff election against Attorney General Paxton, though he may still change his mind. Trump emphasized the importance of unifying the Republican party in Texas before the November election.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the Texas Republican primary to end soon.
The main goal is to focus on defeating James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, in November.
Trump is likely to support Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming Texas Senate runoff.
Trump's sources said he might change his decision at the last minute.
Trump posted that he will soon endorse one of the candidates and asked the other to drop out.
He mentioned his past success with elections and endorsements in Texas.
The 2026 midterm elections began with primary elections in Texas. Republican Senator John Cornyn and State Attorney General Ken Paxton will face each other in a runoff. In the Democratic race, James Talarico defeated Jasmine Crockett.
Key Facts
The 2026 midterm election campaign started with primaries.
Elections took place in Texas with significant focus.
Republican Senator John Cornyn is moving to a runoff vote against Ken Paxton.
Democrats selected James Talarico as their candidate over Jasmine Crockett.
North Carolina elections are considered potentially more influential for the Senate majority outcome in the fall.
A new study by WalletHub shows that tax rates vary across the U.S., with Illinois residents paying the highest state and local taxes and Alaska residents paying the lowest. The study examined real-estate tax, vehicle property tax, income tax, and sales & excise tax to compare all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
Tax season for 2025 ends on April 15.
According to WalletHub, Illinois has the highest state and local tax rate at 16.87% for a median U.S. household income.
Alaska has the lowest state and local tax rate at 6.94%.
WalletHub compared tax rates across four types: real estate, vehicle property, income, and sales & excise taxes.
New York and Connecticut have the second and third highest tax burdens, respectively.
In contrast, Delaware and Wyoming have some of the lowest tax rates after Alaska.
Washington and Texas have no income tax, but they make up for it with other taxes, like sales and real estate taxes.
Blue states generally have higher taxes than red states, according to the study.
Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are set to face off in a runoff election for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas. The runoff is scheduled for May 26, following a costly primary race.
Key Facts
John Cornyn is a four-term U.S. Senator.
Ken Paxton is the current Attorney General of Texas.
Both candidates are Republicans.
The initial primary race cost Cornyn and his supporters nearly $70 million.
The primary vote counts are still being finalized.
The runoff election will take place on May 26.
There is concern that the runoff might be costly and contentious.
The IRS announced that many Americans might be eligible for up to $5,000 in refunds through the Adoption Tax Credit. This affects families who adopted children and incurred related expenses. The IRS plans to provide more guidance on claiming this credit soon.
Key Facts
IRS Chief Frank Bisignano said that the Adoption Tax Credit could give refunds up to $5,000 per adopted child.
The new policy starts for the tax year 2025 and carries forward amounts from previous years.
The U.S. has between 100,000 and 150,000 adoptions annually.
Refunds are available to those who pay more federal taxes than they owe or qualify for refundable credits.
No new federal stimulus checks have been approved; existing tax laws govern these refunds.
The maximum credit for the Adoption Tax Credit is $17,280, with up to $5,000 refundable.
The credit covers certain costs like adoption fees, legal fees, and travel expenses.
People who have missed claiming past credits might still get significant refunds.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the Department of Justice in an immigration case. The ruling requires federal appeals courts to rely on the initial decisions of immigration judges regarding asylum applications. The court's decision supports maintaining the "substantial-evidence" standard applied by immigration judges.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on an immigration case involving the review of asylum applications.
The case concerned Douglas Humberto Urias-Orellana and his family, who sought asylum in the U.S. but were denied.
The ruling requires federal appeals courts to apply a "substantial-evidence" standard when reviewing decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals.
The decision was delivered by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, appointed by President Joe Biden.
Under U.S. law, asylum can be granted if a person is unable to return to their home country due to persecution.
The immigration judge found Urias-Orellana's claims credible but decided that they did not meet the legal definition of persecution.
Previous court decisions had affirmed the denial of the asylum application, which the Supreme Court supported with this ruling.
Predictions for Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2027 suggest that benefits could rise between 1.2 percent and 3.1 percent. These adjustments depend on inflation, which affects the purchasing power of retirees receiving Social Security. The final decision will be based on official inflation data in late 2026.
Key Facts
Social Security benefits adjust annually based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
The 2027 COLA is predicted to be between 1.2 percent and 3.1 percent.
The Senior Citizens League predicts a 2.8 percent increase.
The Congressional Budget Office forecasts a 3.1 percent rise for 2027.
COLAs use the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to measure inflation.
Final COLA figures for 2027 will be announced in October 2026, based on third-quarter inflation data.
Analysts worry that a small increase may not cover rising costs for retirees.
