Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee about his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick has stated he will willingly participate in the interview and claims he has done nothing wrong. The interview comes amid increased scrutiny of Lutnick's connections to Epstein, although he has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Howard Lutnick is the current U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
He has volunteered to testify in front of the House Oversight Committee about his past ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Lutnick has said he wants to set the record straight, asserting he has done nothing wrong.
The interview will be conducted behind closed doors, with a transcript to be released after review.
There is increased scrutiny from Democrats regarding Lutnick's association with Epstein.
President Donald Trump continues to support Lutnick, indicating confidence in his integrity.
Lutnick has publicly denied having a meaningful relationship with Epstein.
Lutnick's name appears in documents related to Epstein that were released by the Justice Department.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified in front of a U.S. Senate committee, where she defended her use of the term "domestic terrorism" following the death of Alex Pretti during an immigration raid. Senators from both parties questioned Noem on the execution of President Trump's immigration policies and the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security due to funding issues.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem is the Homeland Security Secretary.
Noem testified before a U.S. Senate committee about her department's immigration policies.
The Department of Homeland Security is partially shut down due to funding disagreements in Congress.
Noem defended her statement labeling protests after an immigration raid as "domestic terrorism."
Alex Pretti and another individual were killed by immigration agents during a raid.
Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned Noem about calling Pretti's actions "domestic terrorism."
Noem stated she used initial information for her comments and did not apologize.
Some DHS workers are either unpaid or getting partial pay due to the shutdown.
Senator John Kennedy asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem why she spent $220 million on national TV ads featuring herself if she aims to save taxpayer money. Noem explained that President Trump instructed her to inform people in the U.S. illegally that they must leave or face removal.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy questioned Kristi Noem about spending on TV ads.
The ads cost $220 million and feature Kristi Noem prominently.
Kennedy's question was part of a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing.
President Trump directed Noem to deliver a specific message through the ads.
The message targeted individuals in the U.S. illegally, advising them to leave.
Kristi Noem claimed the ads have been "extremely effective."
Colin Gray, the father of a school shooter, was found guilty of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter related to his son's attack at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Prosecutors argued that Gray enabled his son's access to weapons used in the shooting, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. Colin Gray could face a life sentence, with his sentencing set for a later date.
Key Facts
A jury convicted Colin Gray of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
The school shooting took place at Apalachee High School in Georgia on September 4, 2024.
The attack resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers, and seven others were injured.
Prosecutors said Colin Gray provided his son with access to guns and ammunition.
Gray's son, Colt Gray, was 14 years old during the shooting and is facing a separate trial.
Georgia law allows second-degree murder charges if child cruelty leads to a child's death.
Colin Gray argued he was unaware his son would commit such violence.
Gray faces up to life in prison, with sentencing to occur later.
A WalletHub study ranked U.S. states based on their environment for women in 2026, considering factors like economic and social well-being, health care, and safety. Massachusetts ranked highest overall, while Louisiana ranked lowest. The study highlights ongoing issues such as gender pay gaps, representation, and access to quality health care.
Key Facts
The study assessed all U.S. states plus the District of Columbia using 25 indicators.
Massachusetts ranked first due to strong health care and social well-being metrics.
The District of Columbia had high scores in women's median earnings and voter participation.
Maine led in Economic & Social Well-Being and ranked third overall.
The bottom five states were Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Women make up nearly 51% of the U.S. population but hold a smaller share of leadership roles.
The report emphasizes gaps in pay, representation, and health care access for women.
North Carolina's primary election will likely lead to a Senate race between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley. This election could impact which party controls the U.S. Senate. The primary is happening at the same time as events involving the U.S. and Israel's military action against Iran.
Key Facts
North Carolina's primary will likely set up a Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley.
Roy Cooper is a former Democratic Governor of North Carolina.
Michael Whatley is a former Chairman of the Republican National Committee.
The Senate seat is open because Senator Thom Tillis is retiring.
The election could affect which party controls the U.S. Senate.
Political experts predict the race might become one of the most expensive Senate campaigns in history.
The primary occurs as the U.S. and Israel are engaged in military action against Iran.
President Trump supported Michael Whatley's candidacy after Lara Trump decided not to run.
President Donald Trump announced plans to stop all trade with Spain. He expressed frustrations over Spain not allowing its military bases to be used for operations against Iran and criticized Spain for not spending enough on defense.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to end all trade with Spain.
He is upset because Spain refused to let the U.S. use its military bases for actions against Iran.
Trump also criticized Spain for not spending enough money on its military.
His comments were made during a meeting in the Oval Office.
The German chancellor agreed with Trump's concern about Spain's military spending.
Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that President Trump's administration cannot stop New York City's congestion pricing program. The judge said that the Transportation Department does not have the power to take back its approval of the program. This ruling allows the toll system to continue operating.
Key Facts
Judge Lewis J. Liman made the ruling.
Liman is a judge appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term.
The ruling states that attempts to end New York City's congestion pricing program were unlawful.
The Transportation Department tried to revoke approval of the program.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had threatened to cut federal funding if the tolls were not stopped.
The ruling allows New York City's tolling system to remain in place.
Governor Kathy Hochul supports the ruling, saying the program helps reduce traffic and funds transit improvements.
The midterm elections for 2026 are starting with important Senate primaries in Texas. Republicans are concerned about the possibility of losing a Senate seat if Ken Paxton wins over John Cornyn. Democrats are deciding between two different candidates with unique styles to challenge the Republicans.
Key Facts
The 2026 midterm elections start with Texas Senate primaries on Tuesday.
Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn faces a challenge from Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt in the Republican primary.
If no candidate gets over 50%, a runoff will happen on May 26.
Democrats are choosing between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico as their candidate.
The primary races occur shortly after President Trump's military action against Iran.
These Texas primaries are significant because Democrats haven't won a Senate seat there since 1988.
Texas has a large number of military families, which might influence voter focus due to current military events.
Nick Fuentes, a known far-right influencer, urged his followers to either skip the upcoming midterm elections or vote for Democrats as a protest against President Trump’s military actions in Iran. This statement comes amidst ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, which have led to casualties, including Americans.
Key Facts
Nick Fuentes is a far-right influencer known for his controversial statements.
Fuentes criticized President Trump’s actions in Iran and urged followers to avoid voting for Republicans.
The ongoing conflict involves U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
Six Americans have reportedly been killed in the conflict.
U.S. embassies are warning Americans in the Middle East to leave due to safety concerns.
The 2026 midterms are seen as an opportunity for Democrats to regain seats.
Fuentes expressed disappointment in the Trump administration's lack of delivery on its promised "America First" policies.
House Republicans conducted interviews with Bill and Hillary Clinton about their connections to Jeffrey Epstein, but the sessions did not provide much new information. The questioning focused more on political theater than on uncovering significant facts. The Clintons' testimonies were marked by lengthy discussions and arguments rather than delivering impactful revelations.
Key Facts
Bill and Hillary Clinton were questioned by House Republicans about their ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The interviews did not reveal much new information about their connections to Epstein.
The testimonies lasted for over eight hours but were marked by arguments and less by substantive findings.
The House Oversight Committee had initially pressured the Clintons to testify by threatening legal action.
The interviews seemed to focus more on political motives rather than uncovering new facts about Epstein.
Hillary Clinton repeatedly stated she did not know Epstein or visit his properties.
There were arguments and dramatic moments during the testimonies, including a dispute involving connections to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Senator Thom Tillis criticized Kristi Noem's leadership at the Department of Homeland Security during a Senate hearing. He threatened to block Senate procedures unless he receives responses regarding stalled funding and an immigration operation in Charlotte. Tillis also cited a report alleging that Noem misled or halted investigations.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is challenging Kristi Noem's management of the Department of Homeland Security.
Tillis is not running for re-election and is leading the criticism from the Senate.
He is concerned about delays in FEMA funding and responses to hurricanes in North Carolina.
Tillis is awaiting information on Operation Charlotte's Web, related to immigration enforcement in Charlotte.
If he doesn't get answers soon, Tillis plans to block nominations and disrupt Senate processes.
The Office of the Inspector General claims Noem misled or stopped investigations on ten issues.
Noem did not immediately address these accusations during the hearing.
Tillis has also declared he will oppose President Trump's Federal Reserve nominee under current investigations.
Senator Thom Tillis criticized Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem about her past decision to kill her puppy, comparing it to her leadership in immigration enforcement. Tillis expressed disappointment in Noem's handling of situations and her decisions during emergencies at a Senate hearing.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis criticized Kristi Noem during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
Tillis compared Noem's decision to kill her dog 20 years ago to her leadership style.
Noem mentioned in her book that she shot her puppy because it was "untrainable."
Tillis is disappointed with Noem's immigration enforcement leadership.
Tillis accused Noem of poor decision-making during emergencies.
He criticized Noem for not apologizing after some incidents in Minneapolis.
Tillis argued that ICE should not have arrest quotas, as it could miss real security threats.
Voters in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas began the 2026 midterm election season by casting primary ballots. These primaries are important in deciding which party will control Congress amidst changing political boundaries and differing opinions within parties. Notable races include the Texas Senate primary and several key contests in North Carolina.
Key Facts
The 2026 midterm elections started with primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas.
Texas is drawing attention due to new GOP-leaning districts and a significant Senate primary race.
High voter turnout is seen in Texas's Democratic House primary.
El Paso faced technical problems at many voting sites, leading to extended polling hours.
North Carolina's Senate primaries are expected to see straightforward outcomes, with certain candidates likely to advance.
The state also faces important House races influenced by debates on issues like Israel and artificial intelligence.
Arkansas also conducted its primary elections, completing the first day of the 2026 cycle.
North Carolina voters need a government-issued ID to vote, with alternatives available if ID is missing.
President Donald Trump stated that gas prices could decrease after the ongoing conflict with Iran ends. The current average gas price in the U.S. has increased, reaching $3.11 per gallon.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned that gas prices might be high for a short period due to the conflict with Iran.
He believes prices will drop after the conflict ends, possibly to lower than previous levels.
The average price for a gallon of gasoline rose by 11 cents overnight to about $3.11.
This information was shared during a press meeting in the Oval Office.
The American Automobile Association provided the current gas price data.
Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn is running for a fifth term. In the Democratic primary, candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico are competing for the chance to run in the November election.
Key Facts
Senator John Cornyn is a Republican from Texas.
Cornyn is trying to win a fifth term as Senator.
The election is part of the primary elections happening on Tuesday.
Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico are competing in the Democratic primary.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Cornyn in the November general election.
Democrats hope they have a chance to win the seat in the general election.
President Donald Trump ordered joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran, aiming to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The decision has led to disagreement within the MAGA movement, with some supporters questioning the operation's alignment with Trump's "America First" policy. The conflict resulted in retaliatory attacks by Iran, causing U.S. military casualties.
Key Facts
President Trump launched joint military strikes with Israel against Iran.
The strikes targeted Iran's nuclear sites and military capabilities.
Iran retaliated with attacks, leading to U.S. military casualties.
The military action has caused division within the MAGA movement.
Some MAGA supporters argue the strikes contradict the "America First" policy.
President Trump stated the strikes aimed to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Critics within the MAGA movement question the necessity and objectives of the strikes.
Others, like Tucker Carlson, view the conflict as primarily benefiting Israel, not the U.S.
A video from 2011 has resurfaced showing President Donald Trump criticizing then-President Barack Obama for potentially starting a war with Iran. Trump argued that Obama might use war as a way to get re-elected, suggesting he was ineffective at negotiating. Years later, Trump, as president himself, took a different approach to Iran, which included military actions.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized then-President Obama in 2011, saying he might start a war with Iran to help his re-election.
The 2011 video was part of Trump's vlogs and is now available on a different YouTube channel.
Obama did not start a war with Iran; instead, his administration worked on the Iran nuclear deal in 2015.
This deal, known as the JCPOA, aimed to reduce Iran's nuclear capabilities in return for lifting sanctions.
President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the JCPOA in 2018, citing concerns about Iran's missile program and other activities.
Under Trump's presidency, the U.S. conducted military actions against Iranian targets.
The video has gained attention on Reddit, with over 55,000 upvotes.
Arpineh Kamal Masihi, a Trump supporter who was detained for 187 days by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), continues to support President Donald Trump. Despite her detention, she plans to regain her green card and hopes to become a U.S. citizen.
Key Facts
Arpineh Kamal Masihi is an Iranian-born Trump supporter.
She was detained by ICE for 187 days, starting June 30, 2025.
Her green card was previously revoked due to a theft-related conviction.
Masihi still supports President Trump despite her detention experience.
She has faced threats and hate mail, keeping a low public profile.
Her husband has been active in helping detained immigrants with legal resources.
Masihi is working to regain her green card and aims for U.S. citizenship by the end of the year.
There are over 260 Iranian nationals currently in ICE detention.
Republican U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales is facing a primary challenge and calls to step down due to allegations of an affair. The allegations include explicit messages with an aide, who later died by setting herself on fire.
Key Facts
Tony Gonzales is a Republican U.S. Representative from Texas.
He is facing a primary challenge as he seeks re-election.
There are allegations that Gonzales had an affair with an aide.
The aide reportedly died after setting herself on fire.
There are calls from fellow Republican House members for Gonzales to resign.
