Special Counsel Jack Smith tried to get phone records from 14 Republican lawmakers as part of an investigation into possible election interference by President Donald Trump and his allies in the 2020 election. Senator Chuck Grassley revealed these efforts and criticized the investigation, which some Republicans see as targeting their party. This investigation was part of Smith’s larger case that led to Trump’s indictment, though the charges were later dropped after Trump won reelection.
Key Facts
Jack Smith, a special counsel, sought phone records from 14 Republican lawmakers.
The investigation was looking into potential illegal actions to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss.
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing about this investigation, referred to as “Arctic Frost.”
Senator Chuck Grassley accused the investigation of infringing on lawmakers' rights.
The investigation led to Trump’s indictment, but charges were dropped after his 2024 reelection.
Some Republicans argued that the investigation was politically motivated against them.
The request for phone records included communication logs, not the content of the communications.
There were legal discussions about the appropriateness and legality of seeking these records.
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Marco Rubio testified in court in a trial involving his former housemate, David Rivera. Rivera is accused of illegally lobbying for Venezuela's government, aiming to influence the U.S. government during President Trump's first term. Rubio has not been accused of any wrongdoing in this case.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio testified in the trial of David Rivera, a former congressman.
Rivera is accused of lobbying on behalf of Venezuela's government without registering as a foreign agent.
Rubio, now the U.S. Secretary of State, was not accused of any wrongdoing.
Rivera, along with Esther Nuhfer, was indicted in 2022 on money-laundering charges.
Prosecutors say Rivera and Nuhfer received a $50 million contract from a subsidiary of the Venezuelan state oil company.
The prosecution alleges they tried to lobby Rubio and a former White House advisor.
Rivera has denied the charges and claims his work was aimed at aiding U.S. company Exxon.
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In 2026, New Hampshire ranks highest for return on investment (ROI) from taxpayer dollars, followed by Florida, according to a WalletHub analysis. The study compares state tax collections against the quality of services provided, like education, health, safety, and infrastructure.
Key Facts
WalletHub conducted an analysis comparing state and local taxes with the quality of government services.
New Hampshire ranks first for taxpayer ROI, benefiting from no state income tax and low crime rates.
Florida is second, also with no state income tax and good education outcomes.
South Dakota ranks third, noted for no income tax and efficient public spending.
The study found the bottom five states for ROI include North Dakota, Hawaii, California, with New Mexico at the lowest.
WalletHub also ranked states for service quality; New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Vermont were top.
About 66% of Americans believe their current tax rates are too high, according to WalletHub’s survey.
The analysis uses 29 metrics across different sectors to assess government services.
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President Donald Trump voted by mail in Florida while also urging Congress to limit mail voting due to concerns about fraud. His vote was counted in a special election for state legislative seats, even as he criticizes widespread mail-in voting.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump voted by mail in a Florida special election.
His ballot was counted in a vote for state legislative seats.
He is advocating for Congress to limit mail voting, citing fraud concerns.
The White House clarified Trump's concerns are about universal mail-in voting.
A spokeswoman emphasized his personal voting does not oppose his push for new voting rules.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in the trial of a former congressman accused of illegal lobbying for Venezuela. Rubio is the first sitting Cabinet member to testify in a criminal trial in 43 years. The case involves charges related to money laundering and unregistered foreign lobbying.
Key Facts
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in Miami about a trial involving a former congressman, David Rivera.
Rivera is accused of lobbying for Venezuela without registering as a foreign agent.
This is the first time in 43 years a sitting Cabinet member testified in a criminal trial.
The last time this occurred was in 1983 when Labor Secretary Raymond Donovan testified.
Rivera and an associate face charges of money laundering and unregistered lobbying.
Rubio's testimony included details of his relationship with Rivera, dating back to their time in the Florida Legislature.
Rubio was skeptical of a 2017 plan discussed by Rivera to persuade Venezuela's president to step down.
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A man from Maryland named Dayton James Webber, who is notable for being a quadruple amputee competitor in the American Cornhole League, was arrested for allegedly shooting a passenger during a car argument. The incident occurred on March 22, and the victim was identified as 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells. The authorities have not explained how the shooting occurred and Webber is facing multiple murder charges.
Key Facts
Dayton James Webber, age 27, was arrested in Maryland for allegedly shooting and killing Bradrick Michael Wells.
The incident happened during a car ride on March 22 in La Plata, Maryland.
Two backseat passengers reported that Webber shot Wells after an argument.
Wells' body was discovered two hours later in Charlotte Hall, Maryland.
Webber's vehicle was found in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Webber was later arrested.
All parties involved knew each other, but no motive has been provided by authorities.
Webber is awaited extradition and faces first-degree and second-degree murder charges.
Webber made history as the first quadruple amputee competitor in the American Cornhole League.
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A Canadian woman, Tania Warner, and her 7-year-old autistic daughter, Ayla, are being held at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Texas. They were detained after reaching an immigration checkpoint while traveling with Tania's American husband. Concerns have been raised about their detention and the conditions at the facility where they are being held.
Key Facts
Tania Warner and her daughter were detained by ICE in Texas.
They were stopped at an immigration checkpoint while traveling with Tania's American husband, Edward Warner.
Tania has been living in the U.S. for five years and had a work permit.
ICE stated work permits do not grant legal status to stay in the U.S.
Tania’s application for legal status was previously denied.
Ayla, Tania's daughter, has autism and is reportedly struggling with detention conditions.
Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern over conditions at the detention facility.
Tania and her daughter were initially taken to a Rio Grande facility and later moved to Dilley.
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A Nevada charter school's assistant principal, Pernell Kelton Graham, faces several serious charges, including sexually assaulting a minor. Police are investigating and believe there might be more victims. Graham has been placed on administrative leave.
Key Facts
Pernell Kelton Graham is an assistant principal at CIVICA Career & College Academy in North Las Vegas.
He was charged with six counts of sexually assaulting a minor and kidnapping.
Additional charges include child abuse, battery by strangulation, and engaging in a sexual act with a student.
Detectives think there may be more victims because of Graham’s involvement with young people.
Graham is held at the Clark County Detention Center and is set to appear in court.
he is currently on administrative leave, and the school has advised anyone with information to come forward.
Allegations relate to incidents in Las Vegas and at a previous job.
Graham formerly worked in the Clark County School District from 2019 to 2024.
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A new study from Stanford University suggests that rising gas prices, due to the conflict in Iran, could cancel out larger tax refunds that many Americans are expected to receive under President Donald Trump's tax plan. Gas prices have increased nationwide, affecting household expenses, and are projected to remain high as long as the conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue.
Key Facts
The Iran conflict began after U.S. and Israel's joint strikes on February 28, affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
The increase in crude oil prices has led to higher gas prices in the U.S., rising over one dollar per gallon in a month.
The average national gas price was $3.977 per gallon, up from $2.951 a month prior.
Stanford economists predict a typical U.S. family will spend $68 more on gas this month and an additional $740 over the year.
President Trump's tax plan promised large tax refunds, with an average increase of about $360 according to IRS data.
Households that drive less, or use electric vehicles, will be less affected by rising gas prices.
The possible outcome of the study depends on how the situation in the Strait of Hormuz develops.
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The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new Homeland Security Secretary. President Donald Trump is set to swear him in after Kristi Noem was removed from the position. Mullin will take on the role during a government budget conflict involving airport security measures.
Key Facts
Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as the new Homeland Security Secretary by the Senate.
President Trump nominated Mullin after Kristi Noem was fired from the position.
Mullin is a Republican senator from Oklahoma with a strong relationship with Trump.
President Trump plans to swear Mullin in to the position.
The Senate vote to confirm Mullin was mostly along party lines, with a 54-45 result.
The department is dealing with a budget standoff in Congress, affecting airport security.
Mullin's confirmation hearing included tense exchanges with the Homeland Security Committee's Republican chairman.
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A stabbing occurred at Walton Middle School in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, injuring two students and one adult. A student was detained as a suspect, and law enforcement quickly responded to the scene. Classes were canceled for the day to ensure safety and reunite students with their families.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened at Walton Middle School in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Two students and one adult were injured and taken to the hospital.
A Walton Middle School student was detained by police a block away from the school.
Officials did not immediately provide the names or conditions of the victims.
School resource officers and local police responded quickly to the incident.
Classes were canceled for the rest of the day to secure the campus and reunite students with families.
The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
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Travelers in the US are responding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents helping at airports due to a partial government shutdown. The shutdown has affected the Department of Homeland Security, resulting in some TSA officers working without pay.
Key Facts
ICE agents are at airports to help the TSA due to a government shutdown.
The shutdown impacts the Department of Homeland Security.
TSA officers have worked without pay since funding ended in February.
The TSA union criticized using "untrained, armed agents" to replace TSA officers.
Staffing shortages have occurred because of the unpaid workforce.
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The U.S. Senate is talking about a plan to resolve a budget issue affecting the Department of Homeland Security. This plan includes funding for airport security workers but does not cover ICE enforcement operations, which are part of the disagreement. Senators are working on the details and plan to discuss proposals soon.
Key Facts
The Senate is discussing how to solve a funding problem for Homeland Security.
TSA airport workers are not being paid due to this funding issue.
The proposal under discussion does not include ICE enforcement operations.
A group of Republican senators met with President Trump to talk about the problem.
Senators aim to complete proposal details for a discussion.
The Senate meeting began at 12 p.m. EDT.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the talks have been positive.
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A data platform named Niche released its 2026 ranking of the best places to live in the United States. Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia, is ranked as the top location. The rankings consider factors like housing, schools, safety, and job opportunities.
Key Facts
Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia, is named the best place to live in the U.S. for 2026.
The ranking was compiled by Niche, a data platform.
The top locations were evaluated on factors including housing, public schools, and crime rates.
Data for the rankings came from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and FBI.
Rankings focused on neighborhoods and suburbs, not entire cities.
Palo Alto, California, features prominently with three neighborhoods in the top 10.
The Philadelphia and Atlanta metro areas also have multiple entries in the top 10.
Niche updates this ranking annually using the same methodology.
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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Alan Armstrong, an energy executive, to serve in the U.S. Senate until the end of the year. Armstrong will complete the term of Markwayne Mullin, who is now the homeland security secretary.
Key Facts
Alan Armstrong is an energy executive and was chairman and CEO of Williams Companies.
Armstrong will fill the vacated U.S. Senate seat for the rest of the year.
The seat became available when Markwayne Mullin became the homeland security secretary.
Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, made the appointment.
Stitt had planned to pick someone with conservative views for the position.
Williams Companies, where Armstrong was a leader, is a large pipeline operator based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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Republican candidates are currently trailing behind Democratic Representative Chris Pappas in the race for the U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire, where a new poll shows Pappas leading over key GOP candidates. This race is open following the retirement of Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, with Republicans hoping to flip the seat in the upcoming election.
Key Facts
Chris Pappas is leading in the polls against Republican candidates John Sununu and Scott Brown.
New Hampshire’s Senate race became open due to Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement.
President Trump lost New Hampshire by less than 3 percentage points in the 2024 election.
A poll shows Pappas leading Sununu by 3 points (46% to 43%) and Brown by 9 points (47% to 38%).
John Sununu, a former senator, has President Trump’s endorsement for the Republican primary.
Sununu is leading the GOP primary against Scott Brown, with 49% support compared to Brown’s 28%.
Pappas is also ahead in the Democratic primary, with 71% of voters backing him over Karishma Manzur.
Other polls have also shown Pappas leading over Sununu and Brown.
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Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed concerns about a legal theory backed by the Republican National Committee regarding mail-in ballots. The Supreme Court is reviewing a Mississippi law about counting late mail-in ballots, which could impact voters in several states. The court's decision is expected by late June.
Key Facts
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson raised concerns about changes in election practices and their impact on understanding Election Day laws.
The case involves a Mississippi law that allows mail-in ballots to be counted if received within five business days after the election.
The Supreme Court's decision could affect mail-in ballot deadlines in 13 states and the District of Columbia.
The current Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority.
Some justices worry about the potential for late ballots to change election results.
The court heard arguments in the case of Watson v. Republican National Committee.
Both conservative and liberal justices noted potential legal complications from ruling on the case.
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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos defends the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman missing from Tucson, Arizona. Despite no arrests, the investigation continues, and Guthrie's family appeals for public help, urging neighbors to check any potential evidence. Meanwhile, Nanos faces criticism and a potential recall due to concerns about his past actions and the investigation's progress.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, 84, went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on January 31, 2023.
Sheriff Chris Nanos states the investigation is proceeding as planned despite no identified suspects.
Guthrie's family seeks public assistance in finding surveillance footage or other evidence.
The FBI released footage of a masked man outside Guthrie’s home before her disappearance.
There are concerns about Guthrie's well-being due to her need for daily medication.
Sheriff Nanos is under scrutiny for his handling of the case and his past employment history.
A recall effort against Nanos has started, criticized by some local residents and officials.
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The race for Wisconsin's governor is competitive as Democratic Governor Tony Evers will not run for another term, making the seat open. Recent polls show close contests between Democratic candidates and Republican candidate Tom Tiffany. Wisconsin is seen as a crucial state in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Democratic Governor Tony Evers is not seeking re-election in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is a key state with close races and is important in the presidential elections.
The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball label the Wisconsin governor's race as a "toss-up".
Prominent Democrats in the race include Sara Rodriguez, Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, and others.
Tom Tiffany, a Republican, is competing in the Republican primary.
A TechnoMetrica survey shows Democrats slightly ahead in several potential matchups.
In hypothetical matchups, Rodriguez leads Tiffany 44% to 41%.
A Marquette Law School poll found many Democratic voters remain undecided.
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Markwayne Mullin, a former MMA fighter and supporter of President Trump, has been appointed as the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He is the first Native American to hold this position and will manage policies related to immigration under President Trump.
Key Facts
Markwayne Mullin is the new leader of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
He is a former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter.
Mullin is a known supporter of President Donald Trump.
He is the first Native American to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
His role includes managing immigration policies in the United States.
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