Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said he supports public congressional hearings that would include survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This statement came shortly after the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chair promised to hold such hearings.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the acting U.S. Attorney General.
He expressed support for public congressional hearings involving Epstein survivors.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
The announcement happened less than a week after the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chair committed to these hearings.
Blanche made the statement at the Semafor World Economy summit.
The hearings aim to give victims a platform to share their stories publicly.
Public hearings can help increase awareness and accountability regarding the Epstein case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
House Democrats have created a task force to improve ethics rules and protect voting rights. They plan to focus on President Donald Trump’s family business dealings and changes he made to the federal government as part of their effort to win back control of Congress before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
House Democrats launched a new task force focused on ethics and voting access.
The task force includes both progressive and moderate members of the party.
Democrats aim to highlight President Trump’s family business activities.
They also want to draw attention to how Trump changed the federal government.
The effort is inspired by an anti-corruption campaign that helped an opposition party defeat Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The task force’s work could be a key part of Democrats’ message for the upcoming midterms.
Their goal is to regain control of Congress from Republicans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, answered questions from the House Budget Committee about spending cuts in the Trump administration’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2027. The hearing featured strong disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over the proposed changes, especially the planned 40 percent rise in defense spending.
Key Facts
Russell Vought leads the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The hearing was held by the House Budget Committee.
The focus was on the Trump administration’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2027.
The proposed budget includes a 40 percent increase in defense spending.
Democrats criticized the spending cuts included in the budget.
Republicans defended the budget and Russell Vought’s positions.
The hearing was described as testy, showing sharp disagreements between parties.
The annual hearing is part of the budget review process by Congress.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Representative Austin Scott from Georgia said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s removal of General Randy George, the former U.S. Army chief of staff, will negatively affect how the military works. Scott spoke at a hearing and described General George as respected and liked by many.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed General Randy George from his position as U.S. Army chief of staff.
General George was previously the top officer in the U.S. Army.
Rep. Austin Scott is a Republican from Georgia.
Scott said the removal will have a “chilling effect” on military operations, meaning it could cause hesitation or fear within the armed forces.
Scott praised General George for being well respected and liked.
The comments were made during a hearing on Wednesday.
This issue relates to how military leadership decisions affect the armed services.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The City of York Council in England is giving parents a guide on toilet training along with primary school place offers to help prepare children for school. The government wants most kids to have basic skills, like using the toilet and speaking well, before starting school in September.
Key Facts
York Council sent potty-training leaflets to 1,700 families together with school place offers.
Teachers report many children start school without basic skills such as toilet training and communication.
A government goal is for 75% of children to reach a good development level by the end of reception year.
Schools lose time because staff must change nappies, taking away from teaching.
Parent workshops and public information in places like pharmacies and clinics support this effort.
Key skills for school readiness include dressing, using cutlery, sharing, and expressing feelings.
Health officials encourage parents to seek help if their child is behind without feeling pressured.
Parents appreciate guidance but want it to be supportive, not judgmental.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas gave a speech at the University of Texas, warning that progressivism challenges the nation’s founding ideas. He said progressivism moves away from natural rights and limited government, which the Declaration of Independence and Constitution protect.
Key Facts
Clarence Thomas is a Supreme Court Justice and part of the court’s 6-3 conservative majority.
He spoke on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas said progressivism comes from early 20th-century ideas linked to President Woodrow Wilson.
He argued progressivism treats rights as given by government, not as natural or inherent.
Thomas warned that abandoning natural rights has led to harmful policies like segregation and eugenics.
He said progressivism increases administrative power, which weakens limits on government and self-rule.
Thomas called for a return to the founding principles to protect freedom and avoid going backward.
An excerpt of his speech was published in The Wall Street Journal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two U.S. congressmen, Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct toward staff members. Their resignations came right before the House returned to session and followed calls for stronger action against such behavior in Congress.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell is a Democrat from California.
Tony Gonzales is a Republican from Texas.
Both resigned on the same day.
They faced possible expulsion from Congress due to misconduct allegations.
The resignations highlight ongoing concerns about sexual harassment on Capitol Hill.
Many women in Congress say more needs to be done to prevent sexual misconduct.
This is a significant moment similar to past actions during the #MeToo movement.
The issue reflects long-standing calls for greater accountability in Congress.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The IRS reported that the average tax refund this year is just under $3,500, which is smaller than what the Trump administration had predicted. The IRS is also focusing on collecting unpaid taxes. Separately, in Turkey, a student opened fire at a middle school, killing at least nine people.
Key Facts
The average tax refund for this year is just under $3,500.
This refund amount is lower than the estimate made during President Donald Trump’s administration.
The IRS is actively working to collect taxes that people owe but have not yet paid.
A student in Turkey opened fire at a middle school.
At least nine people were killed in the shooting.
The shooting happened in two classrooms at the middle school.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking new actions this week. It released a report accusing the Biden administration of using the DOJ for political purposes, is working to cancel the convictions of key January 6 defendants, and made an unexpected visit to a Federal Reserve construction site related to an investigation of Jerome Powell.
Key Facts
The DOJ under President Trump released a report accusing President Biden’s administration of political misuse of the agency.
The DOJ is moving to overturn the convictions of several leaders involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
The agency made an unannounced visit to a Federal Reserve building project.
This visit is part of an active investigation into Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair.
The DOJ’s actions have legal and political implications.
Ali Rogin is reporting on these developments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna warned Senate Leader John Thune about serious allegations against a Senator. This comes amid recent resignations of two House members due to misconduct claims, increasing focus on accountability in Congress.
Key Facts
Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, posted on social media urging John Thune to investigate allegations against a Senate colleague.
Luna described the allegations as "very disturbing."
The warning came while Congress is handling resignations of Representatives Eric Swalwell (Democrat) and Tony Gonzalez (Republican) over misconduct.
Luna’s office did not specify which Senator is involved or give details about the allegations.
Luna said her chief would contact Thune’s chief to discuss the matter.
John Thune’s office did not respond to requests for comment as of the report.
The House Republican majority is narrowly held by Speaker Mike Johnson, making the issue more sensitive.
The story is ongoing and may be updated with more information.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new bipartisan bill in Congress aims to remove a 20 percent coinsurance cost that Medicare beneficiaries now pay for chronic care management services. The goal is to make it easier for seniors with multiple long-term health conditions to access these services, which help coordinate their care and may improve health outcomes.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Chronic Care Management Improvement Act.
It would eliminate the coinsurance fee, usually about $12 per month, for Medicare patients using chronic care management.
These services include tracking health records, managing care during hospital stays, and scheduling follow-up care.
Only about 4 percent of eligible Medicare patients currently use these services, even though over 22 million qualify.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA).
More than 40 healthcare and patient groups, including AARP and the American Medical Association, support the bill.
Supporters believe removing the fee could increase participation and lower healthcare costs long term.
The bill must pass committee review before going to a full vote in the House.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Volunteering has been a key part of American life since before the country was officially founded. Today, Americans spend more time volunteering than people in any other country, making it an important part of the nation's identity.
Key Facts
Volunteering in America started before the United States became a country.
Americans give more volunteer time than citizens of any other nation.
The habit of volunteering is deeply connected to American values.
Judy Woodruff created a series called "America at a Crossroads" that looks at this topic.
The series explains how volunteering became a big part of who Americans are.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Florida surgeon, Thomas Shaknovsky, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter for causing the death of a patient who was supposed to have his spleen removed but instead had his liver cut. The patient, William Bryan, died from severe bleeding after the surgeon mistakenly severed a major vein during surgery in 2024.
Key Facts
William Bryan, aged 70, was scheduled for spleen removal in a minimally invasive surgery.
Surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky opened the abdomen and accidentally cut Bryan’s largest vein.
Bryan’s healthy liver was removed by mistake, and his spleen was left untouched.
The incident caused severe bleeding leading to Bryan’s death in August 2024.
A Florida grand jury indicted Shaknovsky on second-degree manslaughter charges.
Shaknovsky was arrested and later released on bond, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
The surgery took place with a reduced staff after Shaknovsky arrived late.
The state health department suspended Shaknovsky’s medical license after investigating the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, shared that President Donald Trump joked about drinking diet soda because he believes it "kills cancer cells." Oz mentioned this comment while talking about Trump’s unusual defense for his diet soda habit.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz is the Administrator of CMS, a U.S. government agency.
President Donald Trump drinks diet soda regularly.
Trump jokingly says diet soda kills cancer cells.
Oz shared this information publicly on a Monday.
The comment was made in a lighthearted way about Trump’s diet soda habit.
CMS oversees health programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Diet soda is a low-calorie sweetened beverage, often debated for health effects.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his role in the U.S. war in Iran. The articles accuse Hegseth of unauthorized military action, abuse of power, and violations of laws protecting civilians, but the measure is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled Congress.
Key Facts
Rep. Yassamin Ansari filed six articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
The charges include unauthorized war against Iran, abuse of power, and targeting civilians.
More than a dozen Democrats have cosponsored the impeachment articles.
The impeachment claim cites a deadly U.S. airstrike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, killing over 165 people.
The U.S. has been at war with Iran for over six weeks after airstrikes began on February 28 in "Operation Epic Fury."
The Pentagon disputes the charges, saying the military has fulfilled President Trump’s objectives.
The impeachment effort is unlikely to succeed in the Republican-led House or Senate.
The U.S. and Iran recently agreed to a two-week ceasefire and held talks in Pakistan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
John Eastman, a lawyer who tried to change the results of the 2020 presidential election to benefit President Trump, has lost his law license in California. The California Supreme Court agreed with a lower court and ordered him to be disbarred, meaning he cannot practice law in the state.
Key Facts
John Eastman was involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
The goal of these efforts was to help President Donald Trump remain in office.
A lower court recommended that Eastman lose his law license.
The California Supreme Court refused to review Eastman’s appeal.
The court officially ordered Eastman’s disbarment in California.
Disbarment means Eastman is no longer allowed to practice law in that state.
The decision came on a Wednesday, as announced by the California Supreme Court.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor apologized to Justice Brett Kavanaugh for comments she made about his opinion on immigration stops by the Trump administration. She made the apology after speaking at the University of Kansas School of Law.
Key Facts
Justice Sotomayor made critical remarks about Justice Kavanaugh’s opinion on immigration stops.
The comments were made during an event at the University of Kansas School of Law.
Sotomayor expressed regret and apologized publicly to Kavanaugh.
The issue centers on disagreements about immigration enforcement during President Trump’s administration.
The apology aims to address professional respect among Supreme Court Justices.
Both Sotomayor and Kavanaugh serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor apologized for making inappropriate public comments about her colleague Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The apology followed Sotomayor’s criticism of Kavanaugh’s opinion supporting immigration enforcement actions favored by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Justice Sonia Sotomayor apologized to Justice Brett Kavanaugh for hurtful comments she made publicly.
The comments criticized Kavanaugh’s opinion on immigration enforcement patrols in Southern California.
Kavanaugh’s opinion supported President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and said agents had reasonable suspicion to act.
Sotomayor’s criticism focused on the effects of immigration enforcement orders and their impact on communities.
The Supreme Court has increasingly used emergency orders to allow presidential policies while legal challenges continue.
Other liberal justices, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, have also criticized the court’s use of emergency orders.
Public disagreement between Supreme Court justices is rare, especially involving personal background or experience.
Sotomayor’s apology was seen as acknowledging that her earlier comments went too far in describing a colleague’s views.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This article discusses how some of President Donald Trump’s former supporters, including media figures and politicians, are starting to distance themselves from him. It explains that his influence depends on loyal backing, which is now weakening, and that this shift could affect his standing within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Several commentators and media personalities who once supported President Trump are now criticizing or mocking him.
Trump’s strength comes not just from politics, but from constant media attention and cultural presence.
Loyalty to Trump is declining as former allies hesitate or stop defending him.
Some key figures connected to Trump, like attorney general Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have left or been pushed out.
Republican politicians are beginning to speak more cautiously about Trump and look for alternative leaders.
Donors are searching for options without the controversies tied to Trump.
If the Republican Party struggles in upcoming elections, Trump may be used as a scapegoat.
The article suggests this pattern of support then rejection has happened before with Trump and could mark the end of his political influence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
TMZ has started covering news on Capitol Hill, where the U.S. Congress is located. Their presence has caused mixed reactions from lawmakers, staff, and other reporters because TMZ is known for sensational and celebrity-focused stories rather than traditional political reporting.
Key Facts
TMZ is a media outlet famous for reporting on celebrities and sensational stories.
TMZ recently began reporting on Capitol Hill, where Congress operates.
Lawmakers, aides, and journalists have had mixed reactions to TMZ’s move.
Some people in Washington find TMZ’s style and motives unusual for political coverage.
TMZ’s arrival has created ongoing conversation among people who work in Congress.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
