Senator Ted Cruz revealed that President Donald Trump asked him three times during his first term to join the Supreme Court, but Cruz declined each time. Currently, the chance of Cruz becoming the next Supreme Court justice is low, with most speculation focused on whether Justices Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito will retire soon.
Key Facts
Ted Cruz said he declined three Supreme Court vacancy offers from President Trump during Trump’s first term.
A betting site, Kalshi, currently gives Cruz a 9% chance of becoming the next Supreme Court justice.
President Trump mentioned Cruz as a potential Supreme Court nominee in a January speech, praising him as a “brilliant man.”
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has suggested Cruz or Senator Mike Lee as replacements if Justice Alito retires.
No Supreme Court justice has announced retirement, but speculation exists about Justices Alito (age 76) and Thomas (age 77).
Justice Alito was treated for dehydration in Philadelphia but returned to work promptly, with no clear retirement plans.
Alito’s upcoming book release in October has led to speculation that he might retire around that time.
Judge Andrew Oldham, a Trump-appointed appeals court judge, currently has the highest odds (20%) of becoming the next Supreme Court justice.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate approved a 10-day extension to continue certain government surveillance powers without warrants. This extension follows a confusing vote on a larger plan and now goes to President Donald Trump for approval.
Key Facts
The Senate passed a short, 10-day extension for warrantless spying powers.
The extension applies to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
These powers allow certain surveillance activities without court warrants.
A longer, more comprehensive plan was rejected in a chaotic vote before this extension.
The bill will next be sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law.
Congress continues to debate the future of these surveillance powers and how they should be regulated.
The extension prevents an immediate shutdown of these intelligence operations while lawmakers discuss changes.
The debate reflects concerns about privacy and national security.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Gregory Morgan Jr. from Maryland is charged with assault. He allegedly pointed a gun at two people during an incident in Minnesota.
Key Facts
The agent's name is Gregory Morgan Jr.
He works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The incident happened in Minnesota.
He is accused of pointing a gun at two people.
He faces legal assault charges for this act.
Gregory Morgan Jr. is from Temple Hills, Maryland.
The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Jonah Kaplan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from the Trump administration that tried to stop Hawaii from suing fossil fuel companies about climate change. The judge ruled against the government, allowing Hawaii to continue its legal action.
Key Facts
The Trump administration filed a lawsuit to prevent Hawaii from suing fossil fuel companies.
The lawsuit was filed on April 30 of the previous year.
Hawaii wants to hold fossil fuel companies responsible for climate change impacts.
Senior U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor dismissed the administration’s case.
The dismissal was "with prejudice," meaning the case cannot be refiled.
The ruling lets Hawaii move forward with its climate lawsuit against fossil fuel companies.
The decision occurred in a federal court in Hawaii.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Senate and House both approved a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), delaying its expiration by 10 days until April 30. Lawmakers want more time to work on a longer-term renewal, while President Trump supports an 18-month reauthorization without changes.
Key Facts
The Senate passed the short-term extension of Section 702 by unanimous consent.
The House passed the extension after 2 a.m. on Friday.
The extension pushes back the law’s expiration from April 20 to April 30.
Section 702 allows warrantless surveillance of Americans’ communications with foreigners under certain conditions.
Critics on both political sides are concerned about privacy and warrantless searches.
President Trump supports renewing the law for 18 months without changes.
Lawmakers are divided on how to renew the law for the long term.
The short extension is intended to give Congress more time to negotiate a longer solution.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito did not take part in a recent 8-0 court decision about whether an oil and gas lawsuit could be moved from state court to federal court. He recused himself due to a financial conflict of interest involving stock in a related company, continuing a pattern of recusals linked to his investment holdings.
Key Facts
The case was Chevron USA Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, about moving a lawsuit from state to federal court.
The Supreme Court decided unanimously (8-0) to send the case back for further action.
Justice Alito recused himself because he disclosed owning stock in ConocoPhillips, connected to the case.
Alito first joined the case but later withdrew after more information emerged.
Between 2021 and 2024, Alito recused himself from 64 cases due to conflicts from his or his family’s stock investments.
His stock holdings have included companies like Raytheon, ConocoPhillips, and Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries.
The decision was led by Justice Clarence Thomas, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson agreeing separately.
The Court rejected Louisiana's attempt to keep the case in state court.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of energy company Chevron in a lawsuit filed by Louisiana parishes. Two liberal justices joined conservative Justice Clarence Thomas' opinion, while one liberal justice agreed with the decision but wrote a separate statement.
Key Facts
The case involved lawsuits from Louisiana parishes against oil and gas companies under a 1978 coastal management law.
The law restricts certain uses of Louisiana’s coastal area, including oil production without permits.
Chevron was sued for practices during World War II related to crude oil production.
Chevron argued that the lawsuit should be moved to federal court under a law that allows cases involving federal officers or those acting for them to be removed from state courts.
The Supreme Court agreed that Chevron met the requirements for moving the case to federal court.
Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, both considered liberal, joined the majority opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas, a conservative.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, another liberal justice, agreed with the outcome but wrote a separate concurring opinion.
There were no dissenting votes in the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s administration is focusing on stopping fraud in social safety programs. However, officials stress that efforts must not hurt people with disabilities and should carefully target only fraudulent actions.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is prioritizing the fight against fraud in social safety net programs.
Social safety net programs provide support to people in need, including those with disabilities.
There is concern that anti-fraud efforts should not cut off care for people with disabilities.
The government aims to make its fraud-fighting measures precise and focused on criminals.
Protecting vulnerable individuals while stopping fraud is a key goal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A nursery worker in Dudley, West Midlands, was sentenced to prison for the death of a 14-month-old boy who was restrained and left unattended during nap time. The nursery and its owner also faced penalties after the boy was found unresponsive and later died in hospital.
Key Facts
Noah Sibanda, a 14-month-old boy, died after being restrained face down during nap time at Fairytales Day Nursery on December 9, 2022.
Kimberley Cookson, the nursery worker, was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in prison for gross negligence manslaughter.
Deborah Latewood, nursery owner, received a six-month suspended prison sentence for health and safety violations.
The nursery was fined £240,000 for corporate manslaughter and health and safety failures.
CCTV footage showed Cookson restraining Noah with her leg across his lower back for seven minutes and then leaving him unattended for about two hours.
Sleeping pods used at the nursery were not suitable indoors and did not follow NHS sleep safety guidelines.
Cookson had no formal training in putting children to sleep and learned her methods on the job.
The nursery admitted to a culture where some children were not properly cared for, and management failed to stop unsafe practices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate agreed to temporarily extend a controversial U.S. surveillance program until April 30. The House quickly approved the extension after last-minute negotiations, and now it awaits President Donald Trump’s signature.
Key Facts
The surveillance program is used by U.S. spy agencies.
Congress acted quickly to extend the program before a Monday deadline.
The Senate approved the extension by voice vote, without a formal count.
The extension lasts until April 30.
President Donald Trump wanted an 18-month extension but will decide on the shorter renewal.
The House passed the measure after late-night discussions.
The program is considered controversial.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Representative Robert Garcia urged action after former Attorney General Pam Bondi did not appear for a scheduled testimony about the Jeffrey Epstein files, despite being subpoenaed. The House Oversight Committee continues to press Bondi to comply, saying her legal obligation to testify remains even after leaving her position.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi, former Attorney General, was subpoenaed to testify about her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Bondi did not appear for the deposition scheduled on April 14.
Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat, wants Bondi held in contempt of Congress for not complying.
Bondi was fired by President Donald Trump in early April and replaced by her deputy, Todd Blanche.
The Department of Justice said the subpoena does not apply to Bondi now that she is no longer Attorney General.
Some Republicans, including Representative Nancy Mace, support enforcing the subpoena and want transparency on Epstein files.
The DOJ has released millions of pages of Epstein-related records but faces criticism for delays and redactions.
The House Oversight Committee continues its investigation into the Epstein case and seeks more testimony.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Shane McAnally, a well-known country music singer and songwriter, shared a viral video of his baby saying "mama," despite having two dads. The video has sparked criticism from conservative voices online amid ongoing debates about same-sex parenting in the U.S.
Key Facts
Shane McAnally is a Grammy Award-winning country singer, songwriter, and producer from Texas.
He is married to Michael Baum, and they have three children, including twins and a baby born via surrogate.
McAnally’s video shows his baby saying “mama” after being asked to choose between “dada or pop.”
The video received backlash from conservative groups who criticize same-sex parenting.
Research shows children raised by same-sex parents do just as well as those raised by opposite-sex parents.
Less than 1% of parents in the U.S. are married or living with a same-sex spouse, according to Pew Research.
McAnally openly discusses his experiences as a gay man in the country music industry.
Babies make babbling sounds like “mama” naturally as part of early speech development.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Stephen Colbert, host of CBS’s "The Late Show," released a rap song inspired by Kendrick Lamar to criticize President Donald Trump. The song includes a reference to Pope Leo XIV and makes fun of Trump's age.
Key Facts
Stephen Colbert is the host of CBS’s late-night show called "The Late Show."
He released a rap song called “They not pious.”
The song is inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 song “They Not Like Us.”
The rap criticizes President Donald Trump.
The song includes a portrayal of Pope Leo XIV.
It makes fun of President Trump’s age.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two Republican Senators, Collins and Tillis, who earlier opposed limits on President Trump's military actions against Iran, indicated they might change their stance if the conflict lasts more than 60 days. They suggested they could vote against further authorizations for military action beyond this timeframe.
Key Facts
Senators Collins and Tillis are Republicans.
They previously opposed restricting President Trump's war powers regarding Iran.
The U.S. currently allows the President to conduct military action against Iran without needing new congressional approval for up to 60 days.
If the conflict with Iran extends beyond 60 days, these Senators may reconsider their position.
They indicated a likelihood of voting against authorizing continued military action after 60 days.
This marks a potential change in their approach to congressional war powers.
The issue discussed relates to the balance of power between the U.S. Congress and the President in decisions about war.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The San Diego Police Department shared a video to warn people about a high school game called "senior assassin." In this game, students try to "hunt" each other using water guns, which can cause safety concerns.
Key Facts
The game is known as "senior assassin" and is played by high school students.
Players use water guns to "hunt" and "eliminate" each other.
The San Diego Police Department released a warning video about the game.
Police highlight potential dangers linked to the game.
The warning aims to inform both students and residents about safety risks.
The video was released to help prevent accidents or misunderstandings related to the game.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona has denied any claims of wrongdoing. This comes after his friend, Representative Eric Swalwell from California, stepped down because of sexual misconduct accusations.
Key Facts
Senator Ruben Gallego is from Arizona.
Gallego denies any misconduct allegations against him.
Eric Swalwell, a California representative and friend of Gallego, resigned from his position.
Swalwell stepped down due to accusations of sexual misconduct.
The news was reported by CBS News and correspondent Nikole Killion.
The topic involves U.S. politicians and their personal conduct.
The article does not provide details on the nature of the allegations against Gallego.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine defended Democrat Amy Acton against attack ads from Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy calling her actions during the 2020 election delay an abuse of power. Polls show a close race between Acton and Ramaswamy as they compete to succeed DeWine in the upcoming election.
Key Facts
Governor Mike DeWine defended Amy Acton, saying he directed her to issue the health order that delayed Ohio’s 2020 primary election.
Vivek Ramaswamy attacked Acton for closing polls during the pandemic, calling it an abuse of power.
Acton was the head of the Ohio Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Polls show a tight race: some with Acton slightly ahead, others with Ramaswamy leading or nearly tied.
Republicans criticize Acton’s pandemic leadership, while her campaign focuses on lowering costs and fighting corruption.
The Ohio governor race is expected to be competitive despite the state's usual conservative lean.
Political analysts recently changed their forecast from “Likely Republican” to “Leans Republican” due to Ramaswamy’s campaign strength.
Ramaswamy has funding and has started TV ads, making the race more active.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10. A forensic report links bullet fragments from the scene to a rifle allegedly used by Tyler Robinson, who is charged with Kirk’s murder and other crimes.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm.
Robinson reportedly confessed to his father about committing the shooting.
An unsealed forensic analysis linked a bullet fragment from Kirk’s autopsy to a rifle found near the scene, matching the caliber of the alleged murder weapon.
Some bullet fragments could not be definitively linked to Robinson’s firearm due to damage.
Robinson’s lawyers previously challenged the federal authorities’ ability to confirm a connection between the bullet fragments and the rifle.
Robinson is awaiting further court hearings, including one on April 17 about banning cameras in the courtroom.
A judge ruled Robinson can wear civilian clothes in court to avoid influencing potential jurors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has warned Houston, Dallas, and Austin that they could lose millions in public safety funding if they do not change local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The state argues these policies violate Texas law requiring local law enforcement to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Cities have until April 23 to respond or face funding cuts.
Key Facts
Governor Abbott threatens to cut about $200 million in public safety funds from Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
The funding is tied to local cooperation with ICE.
Texas law (Senate Bill 4 from 2017) requires local governments to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Houston faces the biggest potential loss, around $110 million, due to an ordinance that restricts police cooperation with ICE warrants.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Houston over its ordinance, calling it illegal.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire calls the funding threat a crisis that could hurt police and fire services, including 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations.
Dallas could lose over $32 million in grants plus $55 million for World Cup security planning; it is reviewing its response.
Cities have until April 23 to reply to the state or risk losing the funds.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New South Wales' highest court struck down a law that restricted protests and police power after a terror attack, ruling it limited free political speech. A legal expert advised the NSW government to reconsider banning the phrase “globalise the intifada,” saying the court's decision protects political expression unless it incites violence.
Key Facts
The NSW court ruled in favor of protest groups, striking down a law that limited protest rights after a terror attack at Bondi Beach.
The law had given police power to restrict marches, including one against Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The court said protecting the community from political speech just because it is upsetting is not allowed under the constitution.
A parliamentary inquiry in NSW suggested banning the phrase “globalise the intifada” only when it incites hatred or violence, not banning it outright.
The Minns government still plans to ban the phrase depending on outcomes from Queensland’s similar ban.
Constitutional expert Anne Twomey said the court’s decision makes banning slogans or protests very difficult unless the goal is to stop violence.
The ruling challenges the current prosecution of 26 protesters charged with offenses during the anti-Herzog rally.
Lawyers for protesters may request charges be dropped based on this court decision.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
