President Donald Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, who was deputy surgeon general during his first term, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has not had a permanent director for eight months and has faced internal problems and leadership conflicts. Schwartz’s nomination requires Senate approval before she can start.
Key Facts
Erica Schwartz, former deputy surgeon general under President Trump’s first term, is nominated to lead the CDC.
The CDC has been without a permanent director for eight months.
The previous director, Susan Monarez, was fired less than a month into her role after disagreements about vaccine policies.
Many senior CDC officials have left, citing politicization of the agency and loss of independence.
Jay Bhattacharya has served as interim CDC chief since February.
President Trump also named Sean Slovenski as deputy director and Jennifer Shuford as chief medical officer of the CDC.
The White House and Senate must complete a confirmation process for Schwartz before she can take charge.
The CDC is a key U.S. public health agency responsible for disease control and prevention.
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A federal judge has stopped the above-ground building work on a new White House ballroom but allowed underground construction of a presidential bunker to continue. President Trump says the project is vital for national security and criticized the judge’s ruling.
Key Facts
Judge Richard Leon blocked above-ground construction on the White House East Wing ballroom but permitted underground bunker work.
The ballroom project covers 90,000 square feet and aims to replace the current East Wing.
The judge allowed work needed to protect and cover the underground facilities, such as waterproofing and structural reinforcement.
President Trump called the judge’s decision an illegal overreach and said the ballroom is key to national security.
A federal appeals court told Judge Leon to consider how stopping construction affects presidential safety during the project.
The Justice Department filed an appeal, arguing that halting construction could harm national security and leave the area exposed.
President Trump announced the ballroom plan last summer and began demolition of the East Wing in October.
The National Trust for Historical Preservation sued to stop the ballroom construction, citing concerns about the East Wing replacement.
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A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent named Gregory Morgan Jr. was charged with two counts of assault for allegedly pointing a gun at two motorists in Minneapolis in February. The agent reportedly pulled alongside the cars, rolled down his window, and aimed a handgun at their heads after a traffic incident.
Key Facts
Gregory Morgan Jr., an ICE agent in Minneapolis, faces two charges of second-degree assault.
The incident happened on February 5, 2026, as Morgan was ending his work shift.
Morgan allegedly drove illegally on the shoulder of the road and pointed a gun at two motorists.
The motorists did not know he was an ICE agent at the time because his vehicle had no law enforcement markings or lights.
A nationwide arrest warrant has been issued for Morgan, who has not yet been taken into custody.
Morgan told investigators he feared for his safety and yelled “Police Stop” while showing the gun.
Cellphone and traffic camera footage support the victims’ accounts.
The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the case.
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President Donald Trump held a Tax Day roundtable in Las Vegas to promote the tax cuts he signed into law last year. He emphasized that workers who earn tips and overtime are benefiting from these cuts, despite higher gas prices linked to the war involving Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump attended a Tax Day event in Las Vegas.
He highlighted the tax cuts signed last year under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."
Workers who earn tips and overtime are seeing bigger returns this tax season.
Higher gas prices, influenced by a war involving Iran, have reduced some of the savings from tax cuts.
Trump said gas prices are not as high as expected given the Iran conflict.
The event is part of a larger Republican message ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump is facing pressure to end the war and focus on political messaging to support his party’s congressional majority.
The roundtable was held on Tax Day, emphasizing economic themes important to voters.
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President Donald Trump mentioned Pope Leo XIV’s brother, Louis Prevost, during a public dispute with the pope. Trump said he likes Prevost because he supports Trump’s "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement, while criticizing the pope for being weak on crime and foreign policy.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about Pope Leo XIV’s brother, Louis Prevost, during a press event.
Trump said he has nothing against the pope but disagrees with him on issues like allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons.
The dispute started after Pope Leo criticized the war with Iran and warned against a “delusion of omnipotence.”
Trump called the pope weak on crime and bad for foreign policy using social media posts.
Trump shared and later deleted an AI-generated image showing himself in a Jesus-like pose, which caused backlash.
Louis Prevost, the pope’s brother, lives in Florida and is a registered Republican who voted in the last presidential election.
Prevost has posted strongly partisan comments on social media supporting Trump and criticizing Democrats.
The pope has dismissed the attacks from Trump and said his message is about peace, not politics.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US health secretary and vaccine critic, testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, where his statements on vaccines and public health caused disagreement. Lawmakers criticized Kennedy for promoting false or misleading information about vaccines during a time of rising measles cases in the US.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the US health secretary and has changed routine vaccine recommendations.
He opposes vaccines and has promoted misinformation amid a large measles outbreak in the US.
Kennedy said children today are the sickest in history, though child mortality rates have actually fallen and life expectancy has increased.
Kennedy avoided discussing recent vaccine cuts, likely due to pressure from the administration, including President Trump.
Lawmakers challenged Kennedy about ending the CDC’s pro-vaccine messaging campaign and for spreading false claims.
The measles outbreak has grown under President Trump’s first year, with nearly 2,300 cases and some child deaths.
Kennedy incorrectly claimed the hepatitis B vaccine is not well studied and wrongly said babies born to uninfected mothers do not need it.
Both Democrats and Republicans criticized Kennedy for promoting harmful misinformation during the hearing.
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The US House of Representatives passed a bill to protect about 350,000 Haitians from deportation for three years by extending their temporary protected status (TPS). The bill received bipartisan support but faces uncertainty in the Senate and with the Supreme Court, which is reviewing the legality of ending TPS protections.
Key Facts
The House voted 224-204 to extend TPS for Haitians, allowing them to live and work in the US without fear of deportation.
TPS for Haitians was first granted after the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
President Trump tried to end TPS protections for Haitians last year, but a federal judge blocked the termination.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments soon on whether TPS protections can be ended.
Eleven House Republicans joined all Democrats to pass the bill, showing rare bipartisan support.
Some Republicans cited concerns about sending Haitians back to unsafe conditions and possible effects on US healthcare.
House Republican leaders opposed the bill but were forced to hold a vote after a petition by Democrats.
The Senate has not yet decided whether to consider the bill.
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The FBI is examining DNA found at the home of Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, 2026. Authorities hope the advanced DNA analysis may help identify the person or people responsible for her disappearance.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, 84 years old and mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, was taken from her home on February 1, 2026.
DNA was collected from her home and sent by a private Florida lab to the FBI for further testing.
The DNA sample contains material from more than one person, which makes analysis complex.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said it may take up to six months to separate the DNA strands and find useful information.
About 25 investigators from the Pima County sheriff’s office and FBI are actively working on the case.
Several other labs across the U.S. are also involved, but their specific roles are not public.
Nancy Guthrie’s daughter, Savannah, has spoken publicly, expressing her pain and hope for answers.
The FBI has released surveillance images as part of their investigation.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an investigation into Representative Eric Swalwell from California over claims of sexual misconduct. So far, five women have accused him of sexual assault or related behavior that allegedly happened in recent years.
Key Facts
The DOJ is investigating Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.).
Five women have made allegations of sexual assault or misconduct against Swalwell.
The alleged incidents happened over several years.
The information was reported by The Hill, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Prosecutors in Los Angeles and Manhattan are also involved.
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Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor apologized for her public criticism of Justice Brett Kavanaugh regarding a recent decision about immigration stops. She expressed regret for her remarks about the ruling involving the U.S. immigration agency ICE.
Key Facts
Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized Justice Brett Kavanaugh over a court ruling on immigration stops.
The ruling involved the agency called ICE, which enforces immigration laws.
Sotomayor made her criticism public before apologizing later.
She apologized for her comments about her colleague’s decision.
The issue relates to a recent Supreme Court ruling.
CBS News reported the apology and details about the situation.
The incident involves two current U.S. Supreme Court justices.
The topic centers on immigration enforcement in the United States.
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The first episode of the Secretary Kennedy Podcast featured Robert Irvine, a chef who works with the US military on meal plans. They discussed how Americans could eat healthier and spend less on food by making smarter grocery choices. The conversation did not mention how some government policies have affected food prices.
Key Facts
The podcast is produced by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Robert Irvine helps create healthy meals for the US military through the Victory Fresh program.
Irvine said some cheaper food options, like dark meat chicken, are underused by consumers.
They suggested education about cooking and shopping can help people afford healthier food.
The podcast did not address how Trump administration policies affected food costs or labor shortages.
HHS spokesperson blamed inflation on the Biden administration and promoted buying whole fruits and vegetables.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) covers whole foods, but benefits have been reduced recently.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr discussed the high cost of diet-related chronic diseases in the US government budget.
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President Donald Trump said he disagrees with Pope Leo XIV’s statements opposing the war in Iran. He also said he does not feel the need to meet with the pope to discuss their differences.
Key Facts
President Trump responded to the pope’s comments against the Iran war.
He said he has the right to disagree with the pope.
President Trump declined the idea of meeting Pope Leo XIV to resolve their disagreements.
The topic involves the war in Iran and differing views from the U.S. president and the pope.
The pope has publicly spoken out against the conflict in Iran.
President Trump’s stance shows a clear difference in opinion with the pontiff.
No plans for a meeting between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV have been announced.
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Supreme Court justices have publicly criticized each other in unusual displays of disagreement. These comments reveal deep political differences as the court prepares to decide on important cases affecting voting, citizenship, and presidential power.
Key Facts
Supreme Court justices have recently spoken publicly about their disagreements, which is rare.
The court is working on major cases about voting rights, birthright citizenship, and powers of the president.
Justices Clarence Thomas, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Sonia Sotomayor have all criticized other justices or court decisions.
Justice Thomas warned that progressivism threatens America's founding values.
Justices Sotomayor and Jackson criticized conservative justices for allowing about two dozen President Trump’s policies to continue after lower courts blocked them.
Sotomayor apologized for a previous hurtful comment about Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s views on racial profiling.
Jackson said some justices write unclear opinions, making it hard for lower courts to understand.
Such public disagreements among Supreme Court justices are unusual and signal tensions within the court.
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Many Americans feel not just lonely but also emotionally unloved, even when surrounded by others. People want more everyday affection and care, but cultural values often discourage openly expressing these needs.
Key Facts
Loneliness means being alone, but many feel unloved even when with others.
People want daily affection and attention, not just grand romantic love.
Society often treats wanting love as embarrassing or weak.
Young adults are dating less and becoming reluctant to pursue relationships.
New products like romance games and AI companions offer emotional connection.
These products show that many seek emotional comfort that real life doesn’t provide well.
The English language lacks words to fully describe this kind of caring love.
Cultural pressure to be self-sufficient hides people’s true emotional needs.
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Russell Vought, the head of the White House budget office, did not provide senators with an estimate of how much a military operation against Iran would cost during a Senate hearing. He said the administration is preparing a request for more defense money but did not give details on expenses.
Key Facts
Russell Vought is the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.
He appeared before senators at a hearing on Thursday.
Senators asked him about the estimated cost of potential military actions against Iran.
Vought declined to provide any cost estimate during the session.
He stated the White House is working on a plan to request additional defense funds.
No specific numbers or timelines were shared about the budget request.
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National Public Radio (NPR) received $113 million in donations after President Trump cut federal funding for NPR and PBS in 2025. Connie Ballmer donated $80 million to help NPR improve its digital services, and an anonymous donor gave $33 million to support the network’s future stability.
Key Facts
President Trump reduced federal funding for NPR and PBS by over $1 billion starting in 2025.
Connie Ballmer, wife of ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, gave NPR $80 million, the largest gift from a living donor.
The $80 million donation aims to boost NPR’s digital technology and audience engagement.
Another $33 million donation came from an anonymous donor.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher said these gifts will help secure NPR’s financial future.
A federal judge ruled that President Trump’s order to cut funding violated the First Amendment but did not restore the money.
NPR and PBS faced serious financial pressure after Congress cut their funding.
Connie Ballmer supports NPR because she believes strong journalism is important for democracy.
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President Donald Trump talked to reporters outside the White House about several important topics. He discussed his disagreement with Pope Leo XIV and the blockade on Iranian ports.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to the media before leaving the White House on Thursday.
He mentioned a feud with Pope Leo XIV.
He addressed the situation related to the war with Iran.
The discussion included a blockade on Iranian ports.
The interview was covered by CBS News.
The event happened recently, on a Thursday.
President Trump provided updates on multiple issues in one briefing.
The content focused mainly on U.S. foreign relations and conflicts.
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President Donald Trump said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun might meet at the White House. This possibility comes after they agreed to a ceasefire involving the group Hezbollah.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump mentioned a possible meeting at the White House.
The meeting would involve Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
They previously agreed to a ceasefire.
The ceasefire includes the group Hezbollah.
The announcement connects to efforts to reduce conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
The White House is considered the official residence and office of the U.S. President.
Hezbollah is a political and military group based in Lebanon.
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The U.S. Senate voted on two measures, led by Senator Bernie Sanders, to block arms sales to Israel during ongoing conflicts in the region. Most Democrats supported the measures, but they failed due to Republican opposition. The votes highlight divisions within the Democratic Party over U.S. military aid to Israel.
Key Facts
Senator Bernie Sanders introduced resolutions to block over $500 million in U.S. arms sales to Israel.
One resolution aimed to stop $295 million worth of Caterpillar bulldozers being sent to Israel.
The U.S. provides Israel with over $3.8 billion in annual military aid.
The Senate voted with Republicans opposing and most Democrats supporting the measures.
Only seven Senate Democrats voted against blocking the bulldozer sales to Israel.
A Pew survey shows 60% of U.S. adults now view Israel unfavorably, up from 53% last year.
Younger Americans in both parties tend to view Israel and its Prime Minister negatively.
The votes are relevant ahead of the midterm elections, with Israel and military aid becoming key debate topics.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have proposed a new tax on owners of second homes in New York City that are worth over $5 million. The tax aims to help reduce the city’s budget gap by focusing on very wealthy property owners.
Key Facts
The tax targets property owners with second homes in New York City valued above $5 million.
It is called the “pied-à-terre tax,” referring to small or secondary urban homes.
The tax would be charged every year.
The goal is to reduce New York City’s budget deficit.
The proposal comes from Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani, both Democrats.
This tax focuses on wealthy individuals who own high-value properties they do not live in full-time.
The tax is part of efforts to raise money from those with significant financial resources.
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