A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the Voice of America, a government-operated news service, after it had been mostly shut down for a year. The judge criticized the shutdown decision, which affected over 1,000 employees, saying it lacked legal justification. The ruling requires the U.S. Agency for Global Media to make a plan to resume full operations within one week.
Key Facts
A judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the Voice of America (VOA).
Over 1,000 VOA employees were put on leave due to the shutdown.
The judge was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.
The shutdown followed an executive order from President Donald Trump.
The judge ruled that the action to shut down VOA was beyond legal authority.
There is ongoing litigation about the legality of the shutdown.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media has one week to submit a plan to restore VOA.
Voice of America broadcasts news in multiple languages and serves countries with limited independent journalism.
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Biology is a popular college major in the United States, but recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that it has one of the lowest starting salaries for new graduates. Graduates with biology degrees earn a median early-career wage of approximately $45,000. Despite this, salaries improve significantly by mid-career for those who gain further education or experience.
Key Facts
Biology majors earn a median early-career wage of about $45,000.
The early-career period is defined as ages 22 to 27.
Biology is a common major in the U.S., with about 131,500 degrees awarded in the 2021–22 academic year.
At mid-career (ages 35 to 45), biology majors earn a median wage of about $83,000.
Biology majors have a similar unemployment rate to the average for recent graduates, at about 4.3%.
Biology can lead to higher pay with advanced degrees and is common for careers in medicine and research.
Other non-STEM fields like business and communications start with higher salaries compared to biology.
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President Donald Trump stated that the United States does not need help with keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, even though he previously asked for international support in this effort. He criticized some countries for not joining a coalition to secure the strait and highlighted support from several Middle Eastern countries.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. does not need help to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
He previously asked for an international coalition to assist with shipping in the area.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway critical for global oil transport.
Trump criticized countries like the UK, France, and NATO for not supporting the coalition.
Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain support the initiative.
France, led by President Macron, refused to join the coalition as they are not part of the conflict.
Trump expressed disappointment with the lack of support from NATO and other allies.
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Senate Democrats blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in February 2023 to push for changes in immigration enforcement. The shutdown caused issues at airports and among federal workers, leading to increased pressure on Democrats to resolve the situation. Public opinion shifted as many disapproved of using the shutdown to force immigration reforms.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats blocked DHS funding in mid-February 2023.
The shutdown aimed to push for immigration enforcement reforms.
Airports experienced long lines and disrupted travel due to TSA worker shortages.
Over 300 TSA agents quit, and absences doubled since the shutdown began.
The White House urged Democrats to reopen DHS, citing unpaid TSA officers.
Some Democratic senators questioned the strategy, acknowledging its challenges.
A survey showed 53% of voters opposed using a DHS shutdown for immigration reforms.
Congress had allocated $75 billion for immigration enforcement, which remained unused during the shutdown.
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President Donald Trump selected Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mullin will testify in a confirmation hearing before a Senate committee. The DHS has been facing challenges, including a temporary shutdown due to disagreements over immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump chose Markwayne Mullin to head the DHS.
Mullin will testify to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The hearing will start at 9:30 a.m. EDT.
Mullin is set to replace Kristi Noem, who was dismissed after evaluations of her leadership.
Mullin has served in Congress since 2012 and is known as a businessman and outsider.
As DHS Secretary, Mullin would handle disaster response, counterterrorism, and border security.
The DHS has been mostly shut down for over a month due to disagreements on immigration policy.
The shutdown is affecting agency operations and causing long traveler wait times.
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President Donald Trump and his team are putting pressure on journalists to report on the Middle East conflict in a way that suits the administration. Trump has criticized media outlets he views as spreading "fake news," and a top media regulator warned broadcasters about possible consequences if they report inaccurately. This situation has raised concerns about press freedom and how the First Amendment is being impacted.
Key Facts
President Trump and his aides are urging journalists to report the Middle East conflict in a specific way.
Trump has criticized media outlets on social media for reports he disagrees with, calling some "corrupt."
Trump challenged ABC News while on Air Force One, calling it a corrupt news organization.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr warned broadcasters about license risks over "fake news."
Courts have historically protected press freedom from government regulation.
The FCC can deny the license renewals of TV affiliates but does not control cable networks or newspapers.
Legal experts argue that attempts to silence or intimidate the press potentially conflict with First Amendment rights.
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A new poll by The Economist and YouGov shows President Donald Trump's approval rating with men has dropped to its lowest point during his second term. The poll found that overall, 37% of people approve of his job performance, while 56% disapprove. The drop comes at a time when the U.S. is involved in a conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating with men is 41%, while 55% disapprove.
Overall, his approval rating is at 37%, with 56% disapproval.
The poll surveyed 1,595 U.S. adults between March 13-16.
The margin of error for the poll is 3.3 percentage points.
This rating is the lowest Trump has received from men in his second term.
In early February, Trump's approval with men was 42% with 52% disapproval.
The poll also showed Trump's approval rating on Iran is 36%, with 56% disapproving.
The drops in approval come during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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A suspected meteor was seen over Ohio and Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service and NASA confirmed it was a fireball that entered the atmosphere near Cleveland, Ohio.
Key Facts
A suspected meteor appeared over Pennsylvania and Ohio on a Tuesday morning.
People in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio reported hearing a loud boom and seeing a fireball.
The National Weather Service shared information online about the event.
NASA confirmed that a fireball, a type of very bright meteor, fell near Cleveland, Ohio.
The fireball was so fast it broke the sound barrier, creating a loud noise known as a "kaboom."
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A group of conservative lawmakers in the House of Representatives is blocking routine bills to pressure the Senate into passing the SAVE America Act, President Trump's proposed voting overhaul. They want the Senate to consider this act as their main priority and are voting against other legislation to push for this change.
Key Facts
House conservatives are blocking routine legislation to push the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act.
More than 40 House Republicans voted against a small business bill, even though the Senate approved it earlier.
House Freedom Caucus member Brandon Gill said the small business bill is less important than the SAVE Act.
The blockade forces House Speaker Mike Johnson to rely on Democratic votes for passing bills.
President Trump prioritized passing the SAVE Act in this Congress.
The Senate is set to debate the SAVE Act, but it's unlikely to pass due to Democratic opposition.
MAGA Republicans are pressuring Senate Majority Leader John Thune to alter Senate voting rules.
Despite the blockade, the House recently passed a Senate bill aiding Holocaust survivors with no recorded vote.
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A court ruling could allow Americans to get back money from penalties and interest wrongly charged by the IRS during the COVID-19 period. Tax deadlines that should have been extended could mean refunds for those who filed early and were incorrectly penalized.
Key Facts
A court decided the IRS may have wrongly charged penalties and interest during COVID-19.
Tax deadlines for 2019-2022 should have been extended to July 10, 2023.
Eligible taxpayers have until July 10, 2026, to claim refunds.
Section 7508A(d) of the U.S. tax code says deadlines should automatically extend in declared disasters.
Taxpayers who filed early during the pandemic may get refunds for penalties.
Individuals and businesses charged during this period might be eligible.
People should check their IRS account transcripts to see if they qualify.
Refund claims require a form, and professional guidance may help in the process.
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The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, warned about the dangers of personal attacks on judges, following President Donald Trump's recent remarks on social media. He emphasized that criticism should focus on judicial decisions, not individuals.
Key Facts
Chief Justice John Roberts spoke at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Roberts highlighted the issue of criticisms turning personal rather than staying focused on legal rulings.
He described personal attacks on judges as dangerous.
Roberts did not directly name President Trump but made these comments after Trump criticized the judiciary.
He believes that scrutiny of court decisions is healthy and necessary.
The remarks come after Trump's social media posts about the Supreme Court and federal judges.
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An ICE agent's mistake at a green-card appointment led to the detention of Carlos De La Garza. A paperwork error at the appointment in California resulted in De La Garza's arrest, which a judge later ruled as unlawful.
Key Facts
An ICE agent named Nolan De Long made a paperwork error during a green-card appointment.
Carlos De La Garza was detained at the appointment due to the error.
A federal judge ruled De La Garza's detention unlawful on March 9.
De La Garza, originally from Mexico, has lived in the U.S. since the early 1990s.
He applied for a green card and had been granted work authorization while waiting.
De Long had only been working for one month when the incident happened.
Concerns were raised about ICE training after an accelerated program was introduced.
De La Garza has a criminal history but had declared it to immigration officials.
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A U.S. congressional subcommittee has subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify in a closed hearing as part of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The Committee is looking into how the Department of Justice handled the investigation into Epstein and the release of related files. Bondi is expected to testify on April 14.
Key Facts
A congressional subcommittee issued a subpoena for Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
The subpoena was made public after the House Oversight Committee approved it.
Bondi needs to answer questions about the Department of Justice’s actions and the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The Act requires the release of federal files on Epstein, with some limits on redactions to protect victims.
Some lawmakers criticize the Justice Department for excessive redactions and missing the law’s deadline for file release.
Bondi previously testified before the House Judiciary Committee on the same topic.
Critics accuse the Trump administration of not being transparent about the Epstein case.
Bondi’s testimony is scheduled for April 14.
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Police responded to a shooting at a Veterans Affairs clinic in Jasper, Georgia, where one person was injured. Officers confronted the suspect, who was also shot. The injured person was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Key Facts
The shooting took place at a VA outpatient clinic in Jasper, Georgia.
One person was injured in the shooting and was airlifted to a hospital.
Jasper police confronted the suspect, and the suspect was shot.
Authorities have not shared details about the conditions of those involved.
The VA clinic in Jasper provides various services like primary care and mental health care.
Jasper is located about 60 miles north of Atlanta.
Photos showed multiple law enforcement officers responding at the scene.
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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been officially summoned by Congress to answer questions about her management of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, is concerned about possible mishandling of the investigation and the release of related documents. Bondi is expected to testify on April 14.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi is the U.S. Attorney General summoned by Congress.
James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, issued the subpoena.
The investigation concerns Jeffrey Epstein, convicted sex offender, and the handling of his case.
A new law requires the Justice Department to release all documents related to Epstein.
There is criticism that some documents were not properly redacted, exposing victims’ identities.
The Department of Justice stated the subpoena is not needed as lawmakers can view the files themselves.
Bondi is scheduled to appear before Congress on April 14.
Former political figures, such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, recently testified before the same committee.
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United States Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Greg Casar plan to introduce a bill called the BETS OFF Act. The bill aims to stop people from betting on sensitive government events, like military actions, which some say are influenced by insider knowledge. The move comes after concerns arose that betting on these events might affect government decisions and allow profiteering from sensitive national actions.
Key Facts
The BETS OFF Act would ban bets on government actions, terrorism, war, assassinations, and events with predictable outcomes.
This legislation targets prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.
Concerns have been raised about individuals using insider knowledge to profit from bets on these platforms.
In one instance, 150 new accounts on Polymarket were created just before a US-Israeli attack on Iran.
One user made over $500,000 by betting on the status of Iran’s supreme leader just before a US attack.
Similar betting patterns were noticed before the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, leading to large profits.
Murphy and Casar express concerns that such betting practices could influence national decision-making.
There are fears that government officials might be involved in these betting markets for personal gain.
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President Donald Trump commented on the resignation of Joe Kent, the director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Centre. President Trump stated that Kent's resignation was beneficial because Kent did not view Iran as a threat. Trump also mentioned that a previous decision to bomb Iran prevented extreme consequences.
Key Facts
President Trump commented on Joe Kent's resignation from the U.S. National Counterterrorism Centre.
Joe Kent was the director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Centre.
President Trump claimed that Kent did not think Iran was a threat.
Trump said it was good that someone with that belief resigned.
President Trump referenced a past decision to bomb Iran.
Trump suggested that bombing Iran avoided a significant disaster he described as a 'nuclear holocaust'.
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The Justice Department stated that a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee for Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about Jeffrey Epstein files is not needed. The department argues that Congress already has access to the necessary information and opportunities for briefings.
Key Facts
The House Oversight Committee issued a subpoena for Pam Bondi's testimony.
The subpoena is part of an investigation into the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The Justice Department claims lawmakers can review unredacted files at the department.
Pam Bondi has been available to speak with Congress about the Epstein files.
The DOJ has offered to provide further briefings to the committee.
The DOJ considers the subpoena unnecessary since information is already accessible to Congress.
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Chief Justice John Roberts addressed misconceptions about the Supreme Court, stating that it is incorrect to believe justices follow the agenda of the presidents who appointed them. He emphasized the independence of justices and their decisions, highlighting recent cases where justices appointed by President Trump did not support Trump-backed policies.
Key Facts
Chief Justice John Roberts spoke at Rice University in Houston about the Supreme Court's independence.
Roberts called it "absurd" to think justices follow the agenda of presidents who appointed them.
Roberts was appointed by President George W. Bush 20 years ago, and he stressed the independence of current and former justices.
The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority with justices appointed by five presidents.
Three conservative justices were appointed during President Donald Trump's first term.
In a recent case, Roberts and some Trump-appointed justices joined liberal justices in a ruling against broad presidential tariff powers.
President Trump criticized some justices for decisions he disagreed with, calling them disloyal.
Roberts highlighted the importance of critical discussion of court decisions, noting it should focus on legal analysis rather than personal attacks.
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A group called the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy plans to spend $50 million to support Democrats in U.S. congressional races, focusing on child and elder care issues. They aim to make caregiving costs a key topic in elections as expenses for child care rise. The group believes the issue influences voters, especially as families face financial challenges, and will campaign in several states.
Key Facts
The group plans to spend $50 million to influence congressional races.
The focus is on the costs of child and elder care.
Rising child care costs are compared to housing expenses.
They target Senate races in North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Maine, and Ohio, and House races in Iowa and Pennsylvania.
Republicans offer different proposals on child care, focusing on workforce implications.
The issue of child care became prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The previous administration under President Trump expanded child care tax credits for military families and employers.
After pandemic aid ended, families face increased child care costs, with some political candidates campaigning on affordability.
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