Eric Swalwell, a California congressman and former gubernatorial candidate, resigned after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Swalwell denies the allegations, and his attorney says the claims are politically motivated and false.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday.
He resigned from Congress on Tuesday amid several sexual misconduct allegations.
Swalwell's attorney called the accusations a political hit job linked to his campaign.
Allegations include unwanted explicit messages, inappropriate contact, and sexual assault.
One woman accused Swalwell of drugging and raping her in 2018.
Swalwell apologized for past mistakes but denied any criminal behavior.
Investigations are ongoing by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Manhattan District Attorney, and FBI.
A special election to fill Swalwell’s seat is scheduled for August 18, 2026.
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Congress has a fund, paid by taxpayers, that has been used for many years to settle sexual harassment and other workplace complaints involving lawmakers. Recently, there have been demands for more transparency about this fund and its records, especially after new subpoenas requested disclosure of past settlement details.
Key Facts
Congress set up a fund under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to pay settlements for workplace disputes, including sexual harassment.
The fund is managed by the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR).
From 1997 to 2019, over $18 million was paid out to settle nearly 300 workplace disputes involving Congress and related government bodies.
The names of lawmakers involved in these settlements have usually not been made public.
In 2018, reforms required members of Congress to repay these settlements themselves, instead of using taxpayer money.
Despite reforms, lawmakers continue to push for releasing more information about past settlements.
In 2026, the House Oversight Committee approved a subpoena demanding full records of all misconduct settlements before December 2018.
Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna indicated soon-to-be public release of these records could lead to new resignations.
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Alabama passed a law to ask the federal government for permission to stop SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy and soda. If approved, around 750,000 people on SNAP in Alabama would not be able to use their benefits to buy these sugary items starting October 1.
Key Facts
SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income people buy food.
Alabama’s law requires seeking a federal waiver to ban candy and soda purchases with SNAP benefits.
Candy is defined as foods with sugar or syrup as main ingredients, including chocolate bars and chewing gum.
Soda includes drinks with carbonated water and sugar as the first two ingredients; diet sodas remain allowed.
Retailers accepting SNAP for banned items more than three times in a year could face fines.
The law aims to reduce obesity and lower Medicaid costs in Alabama.
Critics say banning these purchases may not improve health and could burden low-income families.
The restrictions would start only if the federal Department of Agriculture approves the waiver.
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A Republican lawmaker introduced a bill that would stop undocumented immigrants convicted of serious drunk driving from getting legal immigration status or green cards. The bill demands deportation for those convicted of DUIs causing death or serious injury and would make such crimes permanent barriers to immigration benefits.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act.
It was introduced by Representative Young Kim from California on April 16.
The bill targets undocumented immigrants convicted of DUI offenses causing death or serious bodily harm.
It would treat these DUI crimes as aggravated felonies under immigration law.
People convicted would be permanently barred from obtaining legal status or green cards.
The bill aligns with President Trump’s policies that restrict immigration and tighten asylum and green card access.
Previous rules do not automatically make DUI a deportable offense, but this bill would change that for serious cases.
Lawmakers supporting the bill say it enhances public safety and holds illegal immigrants accountable for dangerous driving.
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The Pentagon has contacted major U.S. car makers Ford and General Motors to help increase military equipment production. This is the first time since World War II that these companies might build weapons or military supplies again, as current conflicts have reduced existing stocks.
Key Facts
The Pentagon is asking Ford and General Motors to help expand the U.S. military’s supply of equipment.
This request comes amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran that have used up many military resources.
Ford and General Motors played a big role in making military vehicles and parts during World War II.
Discussions are between senior defense officials and CEOs of Ford and GM, but no contracts have been signed yet.
The Defense Department sees this as important for national security and wants to use commercial companies to support the military.
The talks are still in early stages and no official announcements have been made.
Both companies have not yet publicly commented on the talks.
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New polling shows more young men in the U.S. say religion is very important to them, rising from 28% to 42% in recent years. Overall, most Generation Z adults still identify as non-religious, and church attendance remains low, so there is no clear sign of a nationwide religious revival.
Key Facts
A Gallup poll found 42% of men aged 18-29 say religion is very important, up from 28% a few years ago.
This reduces the usual gap where women are more religious than men in America.
Despite the increase, many Gen Z adults (about 34%) say they have no religious affiliation.
Only 11% of Gen Z attend religious services weekly, while 38% never attend.
Some churches report more young men attending, especially in Catholic and evangelical groups.
Experts say this trend is real but limited, not a national revival.
Religion may be seen as a form of identity or rebellion for some young men today.
Tens of thousands of churches are still expected to close in the coming years due to low attendance.
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New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District is holding a special election to replace Mikie Sherrill, who became governor. Democrat Analilia Mejia leads Republican Joe Hathaway by a wide margin in polls, and the race could affect the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Key Facts
Mikie Sherrill resigned from the House to become New Jersey’s governor.
The special election is to fill her vacant House seat on June 8, 2026.
Polling shows Democrat Analilia Mejia leading Republican Joe Hathaway by 17 points.
The Cook Political Report rates the race as “Solid Democratic.”
Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House with 218 seats; Democrats have 213.
If Mejia wins, the Republicans’ majority would shrink, making it harder for them to pass laws strictly along party lines.
Hathaway emphasizes local issues and says he won’t be a “rubber stamp” for President Trump.
Mejia focuses on protecting democracy and highlights opposition to President Trump’s policies.
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U.S. birth rates continued to fall in 2025, with 3.6 million births reported, a 1% drop from 2024. The Trump administration aims to increase birth rates by changing the Title X family planning program to focus less on contraception and more on fertility and reproductive health issues.
Key Facts
In 2025, there were 3.6 million births in the U.S., down 1% from 2024.
The fertility rate fell to 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44, a 23% decline since 2007.
President Trump has called for a "new baby boom" and is seeking ways to encourage more births.
Title X is the federal program providing contraception and reproductive health care to low-income women.
The 2027 Title X funding guidelines focus more on fertility problems and family formation than on contraception.
The new Title X plans do not mention preventing unintended pregnancies, which was a prior goal.
Experts say the birth rate decline is mostly due to women delaying childbirth, not lack of contraception.
Researchers believe making childbearing more desirable is more effective than restricting contraception to raise birth rates.
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President Donald Trump has gained attention for posting about Jesus Christ using artificial intelligence (AI) images or messages. Meanwhile, his administration continues to focus on topics like the Iran war and the economy.
Key Facts
President Trump shared posts involving AI-generated images or messages related to Jesus Christ.
These posts received significant media coverage during the week.
The attention on these posts has shifted focus away from some of the administration’s main goals.
The Biden White House highlighted Tax Day by featuring Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Small Business Administrator Kelly.
The administration's key topics include the Iran war and the economy.
President Trump is currently in his second term as U.S. President (47th President).
The coverage also mentions a feud involving Pope Leo, which is distracting from political agendas.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former strong supporter of President Donald Trump, said he blamed her in a text message for potential harm to her son after she told him about death threats against her children. Greene resigned from Congress in November 2025 after their relationship worsened over several issues, including her demand to release Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene used to be a loyal supporter of President Trump.
She resigned from the House of Representatives in November 2025.
Greene said Trump blamed her for any harm that could come to her son after she told him about death threats.
Their relationship broke down after Greene pushed to release files about Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Trump called Greene a “traitor” and supported a challenger against her in an election.
Greene criticized Trump for a threat he made about Iran and for sharing a digitally altered photo of himself as Jesus.
Greene said Trump urged her to remove her name from a bill to release Epstein documents, saying his “friends would get hurt.”
Trump’s past connection with Epstein has been investigated, but there is no proof Trump was involved in Epstein’s crimes.
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The White House Press Secretary said that the Trump administration might look into a series of scientists who have disappeared or died since mid-2024. Some of these scientists had access to secret nuclear or aerospace information. Investigations are ongoing.
Key Facts
At least ten scientists with links to nuclear or aerospace fields have gone missing or died since mid-2024.
These scientists had access to classified government information.
Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland vanished in February near his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
McCasland left personal items like his phone, glasses, and devices at home before disappearing.
A sweatshirt linked to McCasland was found about 1.25 miles from his house.
Aerospace engineer Monica Reza went missing in June while hiking in California’s Angeles National Forest.
Reza was involved in a government rocket materials project once supervised by McCasland.
The White House has not yet confirmed details but is investigating the matter.
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The US military carried out an air strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing three people accused of drug trafficking. This attack is part of many recent strikes ordered by President Donald Trump to stop drug trafficking to the US, but human rights groups question the legality and effectiveness of these actions.
Key Facts
The US military attacked a vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing three people.
The vessel was linked to groups called “Designated Terrorist Organizations” involved in drug trafficking.
The US Southern Command showed a video of the air strike, which set the boat on fire.
No US military personnel were harmed in this operation.
Since September, US strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels have killed at least 178 people.
Human rights groups say the strikes may be illegal “extrajudicial killings” and may target civilian boats.
Experts argue that drug traffickers should be arrested and tried in court, not killed by military strikes.
Critics question if these attacks stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl, which mainly enter the US by land from Mexico.
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Joy Harmon, an American actress known for a brief but famous scene in the movie Cool Hand Luke, has died at age 87. She passed away at her home in Los Angeles after battling pneumonia for several weeks.
Key Facts
Joy Harmon was best known for a short scene washing a car in the movie Cool Hand Luke.
Her character did not speak and was on screen for about three minutes.
The scene included some suggestive actions that caught the attention of other characters in the film.
Harmon acted in movies and TV shows mostly during the 1950s to the early 1970s.
She appeared in popular TV series like Bewitched, Batman, The Odd Couple, and The Monkees.
After acting, she worked at Disney Studios and later opened a bakery in Los Angeles.
Harmon received fan mail regularly even after retiring from acting.
She is survived by three children and nine grandchildren.
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Police officers in Nebraska fatally shot a woman who had slashed a 3-year-old boy with a kitchen knife outside a Walmart. The incident took place on Tuesday, and the child was injured while in a shopping cart.
Key Facts
The woman was armed with a kitchen knife.
She attacked a 3-year-old boy who was in a shopping cart outside Walmart.
Police officers responded and fatally shot the woman.
The incident happened in Nebraska.
The attack occurred on a Tuesday.
The child was slashed by the woman before police arrived.
Authorities provided this information about the event.
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A seven-year-old boy named Roo was mistakenly given a very high dose of vitamin D3 drops that were much stronger than they should have been. This caused him serious kidney damage and severe health problems, but doctors discovered the problem in time to stop it from getting worse.
Key Facts
Roo was prescribed vitamin D3 drops for leg pain in December 2024.
The drops came from faulty batches that were about seven times stronger than normal.
Roo showed serious symptoms like weight loss, thirst, vomiting, and extreme tiredness.
Blood tests revealed acute kidney injury and very high calcium levels in his blood.
Doctors initially suspected a brain tumor but later found vitamin D poisoning.
Roo’s case was identified after doctors linked his medicine batch to other bad batches across the UK.
Vitamin D supplements prescribed by doctors are still regulated as food supplements, not medicines.
Experts suggest changing how high-dose vitamin D supplements are regulated to ensure safety.
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President Donald Trump's administration announced plans to build a large monument called the "United States Triumphal Arch" to celebrate 250 years of US independence. The arch will be 76 meters (about 250 feet) tall and symbolize the lasting success of the American spirit.
Key Facts
The planned monument is named the "United States Triumphal Arch."
It will be 76 meters (approximately 250 feet) tall.
The arch is meant to celebrate 250 years since the US declared independence from Britain.
The project was announced by President Trump's administration.
The structure is intended to symbolize the enduring success and spirit of America.
The arch marks a significant national milestone: a quarter of a millennium of independence.
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Scott Jennings, a former adviser to President George W. Bush, said Vice President JD Vance was wrong to tell Pope Leo XIV to be cautious when discussing theology. This comment came after the pope called for a ceasefire in the Iran conflict, and after President Donald Trump criticized the pope’s stance on crime and foreign policy.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance said the pope should be careful talking about theology and should focus on moral issues.
Scott Jennings disagreed, saying the pope's role includes speaking about theology.
Pope Leo XIV welcomed a ceasefire in the Iran war and condemned violence.
President Donald Trump called the pope “weak on crime” and criticized his foreign policy.
Jennings respects both the pope’s religious role and Trump and Vance’s political roles.
The pope emphasized peace through dialogue, rejecting military action as a path to freedom.
The debate reflects tensions in U.S. domestic politics related to the conflict in Iran.
It is unclear if the pope will respond directly to Vance’s comments, but he said he will keep speaking against war.
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Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor apologized for criticizing Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s views on immigration enforcement after a public event. She regretted her remarks, which suggested Kavanaugh’s background influenced his opinion about immigration stops by ICE officers.
Key Facts
Sotomayor made critical comments about Kavanaugh during a talk at the University of Kansas School of Law.
She implied Kavanaugh’s privileged upbringing affected his understanding of immigrant workers’ experiences.
Kavanaugh wrote a ruling allowing broader ICE immigration arrests in Los Angeles, with some limits on profiling based on race or language.
Sotomayor later apologized and said her comments were inappropriate.
Both justices attended Yale Law School but come from very different personal backgrounds.
It is rare for Supreme Court justices to publicly criticize each other’s personal histories.
Sotomayor dissented against the ICE-related ruling, arguing it targeted Latinos unfairly.
The Supreme Court’s decision allowed ICE to continue immigration enforcement that a lower court had previously restricted.
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Heavy flooding in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, has trapped drivers in their cars and caused several highway closures. Authorities warned people to avoid driving in the affected areas due to dangerous flood conditions.
Key Facts
Milwaukee County experienced severe flooding that trapped people in their vehicles.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office advised staying off roads in southeast Wisconsin.
Multiple freeway closures occurred, including southbound Highway 43 and areas around Brewers Boulevard and the Stadium Interchange.
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings, severe thunderstorm watches, and flood watches for parts of the state.
Officials reminded drivers to avoid flooded roads because most flood-related deaths happen in cars.
Safety warnings emphasized caution at night, when flood dangers are harder to see.
First responders shared images showing the extent of flooding on Milwaukee County freeways.
The situation is ongoing, with updates expected as new information becomes available.
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President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will have a conversation on Thursday. This will be the first time they have spoken in 34 years.
Key Facts
President Trump shared the news on his Truth Social platform.
The conversation is set to happen on Thursday.
Israel and Lebanon's leaders have not spoken for 34 years until now.
President Trump said the talks aim to create some peace or "breathing room" between the two countries.
The announcement was made late on Wednesday.
No further details about the conversation were given yet.
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