Rep. Jason Smith said Congress must address Social Security’s financial problems. This comes after the Trump administration said a key Social Security trust fund could run out by 2032.
Key Facts
Rep. Jason Smith is a Republican from Missouri.
He spoke about the need for Congress to solve Social Security issues.
The Trump administration reports that a Social Security trust fund may be empty by 2032.
Social Security provides retirement and disability benefits to Americans.
The trust fund running out means the program won’t have enough money to pay full benefits.
Lawmakers have a deadline to fix the funding problem before it causes payment cuts.
Rep. Smith urged Congress to stop blaming each other and take action.
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The United States has reported over 2,000 confirmed measles cases this year, nearing the highest levels seen in decades. The outbreak is spreading mainly in communities with low vaccination rates and limited public health resources, while experts say the real number of cases could be much higher.
Key Facts
There are more than 2,000 confirmed measles cases in the US so far in 2026.
This number is close to the total cases recorded in 2025, which was 2,228.
Measles spreads mostly in communities where many people are not vaccinated or under-vaccinated.
Babies too young to be vaccinated are also affected by the outbreak.
States with weaker public health departments and low vaccination rates, like Utah, have more cases.
Utah has a decentralized health system, which made controlling measles harder.
Some public health funding was cut by $11 billion, affecting local health departments’ ability to respond.
Some US leaders, including the Utah governor, have not publicly addressed the outbreak or vaccination efforts.
Vaccine misinformation is a major cause of the outbreak’s growth.
In some areas, efforts to control the outbreak included contact tracing, isolation, and increased vaccinations.
The outbreak has brought attention to the importance of vaccinations in protecting public health.
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Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, is running for her sixth term in the Senate. She faces a Democratic challenger, Graham Platner, who has had controversies. Collins is well known in her state and sometimes keeps some distance from President Donald Trump, which has helped her stay popular.
Key Facts
Susan Collins is a Maine Republican senator seeking a sixth term.
Her main opponent is Democrat Graham Platner, a combat veteran and oyster farmer.
Platner has faced criticism for his past behavior, including online posts and a tattoo linked to Nazi imagery.
Collins has a long record of consecutive Senate votes and bringing federal money to Maine.
She has high name recognition and strong local support.
Collins sometimes stays apart from President Donald Trump’s positions.
Some Republican senators lost their seats because they closely followed President Trump’s lead.
Collins’ strategy of maintaining some independence from Trump may boost her chances for reelection.
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President Donald Trump said he liked the recent increase in inflation after May’s price data showed inflation reached 4.2% over the past year. He made this remark during a news interview when asked if he was worried about rising prices amid tensions with Iran.
Key Facts
Inflation rose to 4.2% between May 2023 and May 2024.
The increase was highlighted in the consumer price index, a measure of average prices for goods and services.
President Trump stated he “loved” the inflation despite concerns it might harm the economy.
The comment came during a time of heightened tensions related to Iran.
The inflation rise is connected to price spikes seen in May 2024.
Inflation impacts the cost of living by making many goods and services more expensive.
The President’s reaction contrasts with usual political concerns about inflation.
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President Donald Trump’s plan to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote and photo ID at the polls, is blocked in the Senate. Senate Republicans admit they do not have enough votes to pass the law before the 2026 midterm elections and may need to win more seats to move it forward.
Key Facts
The SAVE America Act requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
The bill also requires voters to show photo ID at the polls and limits mail-in ballots to certain exceptions.
The House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act earlier this year, but it is stuck in the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans lack the votes to overcome a filibuster, which needs 60 votes.
President Trump wants the law passed before the 2026 midterms and said he might shut down the government if it is not.
Democrats oppose the bill, saying it would make voting harder for some eligible voters who lack documents.
Election experts say the bill’s failure to pass was expected due to the Senate filibuster rule.
The filibuster makes it difficult to change federal voting laws; most election rules are set by individual states.
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Consumer inflation in the United States rose by 0.5 percent in May, reaching the fastest pace in three years. This increase is mainly due to higher energy prices, especially petroleum, which rose sharply because of tensions with Iran and global oil market issues.
Key Facts
Inflation increased by 0.5% in May after a 0.6% rise in April.
Inflation is now 4.2% higher than it was one year ago.
Energy prices jumped 3.9% in May, following a 3.8% increase in April.
Gasoline prices rose 7% in May and are over 40% higher than last year.
The average price for a gallon of petrol is $4.15, up from $2.98 in late February.
Shelter costs increased by 0.3%, and food prices rose by 0.3%, but food inflation is slowing down.
Real wages declined by 0.1% in May, the second month in a row with no wage growth.
The US Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates steady in June but may raise them later this year to fight inflation.
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The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued its own vaccine schedule for pregnant women that differs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This new guidance includes vaccines for COVID-19 and flu, which the CDC recently removed under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership. Several medical groups support ACOG’s vaccine recommendations for better protection of mothers and babies.
Key Facts
ACOG released a new maternal vaccine schedule for 2026 that includes COVID-19, flu, RSV, and Tdap vaccines during pregnancy.
The CDC currently recommends only Tdap and RSV vaccines for pregnant women after dropping COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
ACOG President Camille Clare cited confusion caused by changing CDC guidelines and vaccine misinformation.
Thirteen medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), support ACOG’s vaccine schedule.
AAP has also created its own childhood vaccine schedule, differing from CDC’s under Kennedy.
AAP filed a lawsuit against the vaccine-related policy changes made by Kennedy, resulting in a court order reversing many changes.
The lawsuit temporarily blocked many of Kennedy’s choices for the CDC’s advisory vaccine panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Medical experts emphasize maternal vaccines protect both mothers and infants, whose immune systems are still developing.
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President Donald Trump signed a $70 billion law to fund immigration enforcement agencies through 2029. The Secure America Act provides money to ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security to support border security and immigration law enforcement.
Key Facts
The Secure America Act was signed by President Trump after the House passed it 214-212.
The bill funds ICE with $38 billion, Customs and Border Protection with $26 billion, and DHS with $5 billion through September 2029.
The vote in the House followed a mostly party-line division, with one independent joining Republicans to vote yes.
The bill aims to fund border security, fight human trafficking, stop drug flow, break up criminal cartels, and enforce immigration laws.
Democrats opposed the bill, citing concerns over increased ICE operations and past actions by the agency.
Funding for these agencies had been blocked earlier, leading to a 75-day partial government shutdown beginning in February.
The shutdown was the longest partial federal shutdown in U.S. history.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the bill for lacking oversight and accountability.
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Three election forecasters updated their predictions for the upcoming midterm elections, showing a close race for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. While Republicans currently have a narrow majority, Democrats could win the House if they secure enough toss-up districts in the November election.
Key Facts
Republicans hold a slim 217-212 majority in the House, with one independent and five vacant seats.
Democrats have been performing well in recent special elections.
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are declining, which Democrats see as a positive sign.
The Cook Political Report, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and Inside Elections all forecast a tight contest for the House.
Each forecaster lists multiple districts as “toss-up,” meaning the outcome is uncertain.
Democrats need to win most toss-up seats to gain the 218 seats needed for a majority.
Republicans are rated to hold more “safe” and “likely” seats than Democrats.
Key toss-up districts include areas in Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the future of Cuba depends on President Donald Trump and the Cuban government. He told U.S. troops that the military is ready for any possible situation involving Cuba.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to troops about the situation in Cuba.
He said President Trump and Cuba’s leaders will decide Cuba’s future.
The U.S. is increasing pressure on Cuba’s communist government.
Hegseth said the military is prepared for all possible outcomes.
The statement was made during a visit with U.S. troops.
The focus is on readiness for any changes or events in Cuba.
The U.S. government is closely watching developments on the island.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that President Donald Trump’s planned 250-foot tall “triumphal arch” near the Lincoln Memorial will need red safety lights. This requirement is to ensure the structure does not create dangers for airplanes flying near Reagan Washington National Airport.
Key Facts
The arch will be 250 feet tall.
It is planned to be built at the end of Memorial Bridge near the Lincoln Memorial.
The FAA requires the arch to have red safety lights.
The lights are needed to prevent risks for aircraft flying to and from Reagan Washington National Airport.
The FAA announced this requirement on a Wednesday.
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President Donald Trump signed a budget law that provides money for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol until the end of his second term. The House of Representatives passed the nearly $70 billion funding package after several weeks of disagreement in the Senate.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the budget bill on Wednesday.
The bill funds ICE and Border Patrol through the end of Trump's second term.
The funding package is worth nearly $70 billion.
The House of Representatives passed the bill on Tuesday.
There were weeks of debate and disagreement in the Senate before passage.
Republican lawmakers supported the bill.
The article does not detail the position of House Democrats fully.
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Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, warned Cuba not to get weapons that could threaten the US during his visit to the Guantánamo Bay military base. The US has increased pressure on Cuba with sanctions and an oil blockade, while Cuba has reportedly acquired drones from Russia and Iran.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth warned Cuba against getting weapons that could reach the US or Guantánamo Bay.
The US has imposed sanctions and an oil blockade on Cuba to increase pressure.
President Donald Trump has suggested Cuba could face US pressure similar to that on Venezuela.
Cuba reportedly has more than 300 military drones, bought from Russia and Iran, possibly for attacks on US forces and Florida.
Cuba denies plans to attack and accuses the US of preparing for a new war.
Hegseth's visit to Guantánamo is his second as defense secretary and included physical training with US troops.
Guantánamo Bay hosts a controversial prison that holds terrorism suspects since 2001, drawing criticism from rights groups.
Hegseth was also scheduled to visit Tampa, Florida, home to US Central Command, which manages Middle East operations.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned parents to stop using Hongmingzheng crib bumpers sold on Amazon because they can block babies' airways and cause serious injury or death. The bumpers violate a federal ban on padded crib bumpers designed to keep infants safe while sleeping.
Key Facts
Hongmingzheng crib bumpers, model JP0128, were sold on Amazon in April and May 2026.
These bumpers have six sets of tie strings and a label showing the model number.
Padded crib bumpers are banned under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act because they can suffocate infants.
The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation against the Chinese company that makes the bumpers.
Parents are urged to throw away these bumpers and not give or sell them to others.
Experts recommend that infants sleep on a firm mattress with only a fitted sheet, and no soft items in the crib.
Babies should always be put to sleep on their backs in a crib, bassinet, or play yard without pillows, blankets, or bumpers.
Injuries or defects related to these bumpers should be reported to the CPSC through their website.
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President Donald Trump said the United States plans to take strong action against Iran on Wednesday. This announcement came during increased tensions related to peace talks and a recent incident involving a downed Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to reporters in the Oval Office on a Wednesday.
He said the U.S. would "hit Iran hard again" on that same day.
Tensions have risen due to ongoing peace negotiations involving Iran.
An Apache helicopter was recently downed in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important location for global oil transportation.
The statement was made publicly and reported by CBS News.
This event reflects continuing strain in U.S.-Iran relations.
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President Donald Trump commented on the latest economic report showing that inflation increased to 4.2% in May. He said he "loves the inflation" and predicted that oil and gas prices will fall after a war with Iran ends.
Key Facts
Inflation rate was 4.2% in May according to the Consumer Price Index.
President Trump expressed a positive view about the inflation increase.
He linked the rising inflation to the situation involving a war with Iran.
Trump said oil and gas prices will drop once the conflict with Iran is over.
The statements were made during a public comment covered by CBS News.
The Consumer Price Index is a measure that tracks the average change in prices for goods and services over time.
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President Donald Trump signed a law that provides nearly $70 billion for immigration enforcement over the rest of his term. The money will support agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol, funding their work to deport people and secure the border.
Key Facts
The bill gives $38 billion to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
It provides $26 billion to the Border Patrol agency.
An extra $5 billion is set aside for unexpected costs.
The funding covers about the next three years.
The bill passed after a 214-212 vote in the House, mostly along party lines.
Democrats opposed the bill because of immigration policy disagreements.
Earlier funding talks stalled after two U.S. citizens were killed during immigration operations in Minneapolis.
The bill drops proposals for extra White House security funding and compensation funds for political allies to focus only on immigration enforcement.
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President Donald Trump said that his raising concerns about voter fraud in California helped Republican candidate Steve Hilton move on to the general election for governor. Trump claimed that after he pushed the issue, the election officials changed their results, allowing Hilton to advance.
Key Facts
Steve Hilton is the Republican candidate for California governor.
President Trump said Hilton advanced to the general election because of voter fraud claims.
Trump said election officials initially said Hilton did not make the runoff.
After Trump raised voter fraud concerns, officials changed the results to include Hilton in the runoff.
The claims suggest election officials acted under pressure from Trump’s voter fraud accusations.
This dispute relates to the rules and results of California’s primary election for governor.
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Gas prices in many competitive U.S. House districts have risen significantly, with some areas paying $4.70 to over $6.00 per gallon. This rise in fuel costs may influence voters' views as they approach the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Inflation rose 4.2% over the past year, with energy costs up 23.5%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Gasoline prices jumped 7% in May alone.
Twenty-one swing districts from the West to the Northeast have some of the highest gas prices in the country.
High state taxes, limited fuel refineries, and disruptions related to the war in Iran and Strait of Hormuz closure contribute to these high prices.
California’s 22nd District often sees gas prices near $5.79 per gallon.
Mid-Atlantic and Northeast districts also face high fuel costs due to taxes and supply issues.
Rising fuel costs are driving over 60% of inflation increases in May.
Both Democrats and Republicans are adjusting their campaign messages about energy costs for the midterms, with each party blaming the other and the international situation.
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President Donald Trump criticized Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, calling him a “low-level thug” and saying he is worse than any other candidate. Platner recently won the Democratic primary and will run against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Key Facts
President Trump made negative remarks about Graham Platner on Wednesday.
Trump called Platner a “low-level thug” and said he is worse than other candidates.
Graham Platner is a progressive oyster farmer.
Platner won the Democratic primary in Maine on Tuesday.
Platner will be the Democratic candidate running against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Susan Collins is the current Republican senator from Maine.
The article focuses on political competition ahead of the Senate election.
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