Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the House Armed Services Committee about a $1.5 trillion budget proposal for the Pentagon. They explained why they believe this spending plan is necessary for U.S. defense.
Key Facts
The Pentagon is proposing a $1.5 trillion budget.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports this large budget.
General Dan Caine, the top military officer, also supports this proposal.
They gave testimony to the House Armed Services Committee on this budget.
The proposal covers funding for the U.S. military and defense programs.
The hearing took place on a Wednesday.
CBS News reporter Nikole Killion covered the event.
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President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, mainly because interest rates did not drop as quickly as Trump wanted. Powell is preparing to step down, and Trump has called him harsh names and questioned the cost of Federal Reserve building renovations.
Key Facts
Jerome Powell was appointed Federal Reserve chair by President Trump during his first term.
Since returning to the White House in 2024, President Trump has frequently criticized Powell for not cutting interest rates fast enough.
Powell’s Federal Reserve cut interest rates three times in 2025 but also waited to see effects of Trump's trade tariffs on inflation.
Trump has called Powell names like "numbskull," "moron," and "too stupid" in public and on social media.
Trump and Powell disagreed publicly over the cost of Federal Reserve building renovations, with Trump claiming higher costs than Powell acknowledged.
Powell revealed a criminal investigation into his Senate testimony about the Fed's building renovations.
President Trump said he did not know about the investigation into Powell.
Powell is stepping down as chair to be replaced by Trump’s nominee, Kevin Warsh.
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Carfentanil is an extremely powerful drug causing a sharp rise in overdose deaths in the U.S. It is about 100 times stronger than fentanyl and is often mixed with other drugs without users knowing. This drug is very hard to treat in overdoses and has rapidly spread across many states.
Key Facts
Carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine.
A lethal dose of fentanyl is about 2 milligrams; for carfentanil, it is only 0.2 milligrams.
Overdose deaths involving carfentanil rose from 29 in the first half of 2023 to 238 in the same period in 2024.
Carfentanil is sometimes called an "elephant tranquilizer" because it is used for large animals in veterinary medicine.
The drug has been found in 37 U.S. states as of May 2025.
Carfentanil is frequently mixed with other drugs or made into pills that look like prescription painkillers.
Naloxone, the common antidote for opioid overdose, may not always work against carfentanil, even in high doses.
China regulated carfentanil in 2017, but it continues to re-enter the U.S. drug supply due to shifts in illegal drug markets.
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New data from WalletHub shows that drug use, overdose deaths, and access to treatment vary widely across U.S. states, with New Mexico having the most serious drug problems overall. The country has seen a major drop in overdose deaths recently, but drug overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44.
Key Facts
In 2024, the U.S. had an estimated 87,000 drug overdose deaths, down 24% from 114,000 in 2023.
New Mexico ranked highest for drug problems, with the most youth drug use and high overdose death rates.
New Mexico also had many children living with someone with drug or alcohol problems and low treatment access.
Arkansas ranked second, with high youth drug exposure, many opioid prescriptions, and limited access to treatment counselors.
Alaska ranked third, with severe overdose death increases and many teens exposed to drugs at school.
States vary widely in teen drug use; New Mexico had about twice the teen drug use rate of Utah, which ranked lowest.
Overdose remains the top cause of death for Americans 18 to 44 years old despite recent declines.
Some states, like California, have high rates of illegal drug offers or sales on school grounds; others like Connecticut have low rates.
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The Supreme Court ruled against Louisiana’s majority-Black congressional district, changing how race and politics are considered in drawing voting maps. The decision makes it harder to win cases under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and allows states more freedom to justify district maps based on politics rather than race.
Key Facts
The Court struck down Louisiana’s second majority-Black district, saying it was an unconstitutional gerrymander.
Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act protects against voting rules that harm racial minorities, but the Court changed the rules for challenging districts under this law.
Plaintiffs must now show alternative maps meet traditional criteria and the state's political goals, not just that race-based districts could be drawn.
The Court said states can legally draw districts to gain political advantage, as long as they do not explicitly base them on race.
This ruling follows a 2019 decision that federal courts cannot rule on partisan gerrymandering claims.
The decision may put some minority-opportunity districts at risk, especially in states led by Republicans.
Nearly 70 congressional districts are protected by Section 2, but some may be vulnerable under the new rules.
Justice Elena Kagan dissented, warning that the ruling weakens protections for minority voters.
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New photos show Cole Tomas Allen, accused of shooting at the White House Correspondents' dinner, posing with weapons in his hotel room before the attack. He faces charges including attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump and remains detained as prosecutors say his actions were planned to cause death.
Key Facts
Cole Tomas Allen is accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents' dinner on April 25.
He took selfies in his hotel room wearing dress clothes and carrying weapons like knives and a bag of ammunition.
Allen allegedly carried a semi-automatic handgun, pump-action shotgun, and three knives during the attack.
He rushed a security checkpoint in the Washington Hilton hotel with a raised shotgun.
A Secret Service agent was shot but not seriously wounded during the incident.
Prosecutors say Allen planned the attack, monitored live coverage online, and kept notes about his trip and targets.
Allen faces charges including attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, weapons transport between states, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
If convicted, Allen could face life in prison.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the House Armed Services Committee to support a $1.5 trillion defense budget proposal. They explained the reasons behind the proposed defense spending.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the current U.S. Defense Secretary.
General Dan Caine is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Both appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on a Wednesday.
They defended a proposed $1.5 trillion budget for national defense.
The hearing focused on justifying the need for increased defense funding.
The session aimed to provide lawmakers with information about military spending priorities.
Budget discussions like this influence how much money the U.S. government spends on its military.
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Nigel Farage admitted receiving a £5 million gift from donor Christopher Harborne before the 2024 UK general election. He said the money was for his personal security, but he did not disclose this gift publicly or to election authorities until a news story forced the admission.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage received £5 million from Christopher Harborne before the July 2024 UK election.
Farage did not disclose the gift to the public or election officials at the time.
He said the money was to pay for his personal security.
Farage cited a firebombing attack on his home as a reason for security concerns.
The firebombing happened after the gift was given, raising questions about the timing.
Farage has taxpayer-funded security as an MP but says he did not use it.
The gift’s non-disclosure raises issues about election rules on declaring donations.
Farage is leader of Reform UK and a candidate to be the next UK prime minister.
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Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on federal charges for posting a photo of seashells arranged as “8647” on Instagram, which prosecutors say threatened President Donald Trump. Comey denies any wrongdoing and says he opposes violence, while his lawyers plan to defend him in court.
Key Facts
James Comey, former FBI Director, was charged federally in North Carolina.
The charge is for knowingly threatening President Trump and transmitting a threat across state lines.
The Instagram post showed seashells spelling out "8647," which some say is a coded threat against Trump.
The number "47" refers to President Trump as the 47th president, a term starting in January 2025.
The "86" in US slang often means to remove or get rid of something, sometimes implying violence.
Comey deleted the post and stated he did not intend it as a threat and opposes violence.
Comey was FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was fired by President Trump, leading to political controversy.
The indictment came after an earlier case against Comey was dropped; he faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
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King Charles III gave a toast at a White House state dinner during his first visit to the United States. He spoke about the long friendship between the UK and the U.S., mentioned President Donald Trump’s family history, and acknowledged recent security efforts in Washington.
Key Facts
King Charles III made a toast at a state dinner at the White House on April 28, 2026.
The dinner honored the U.S. 250th anniversary of independence.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted the event.
Queen Camilla accompanied King Charles during the visit.
The king referenced the Boston Tea Party and praised the U.S. response to a recent security incident.
King Charles noted his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the last British monarch to visit the U.S. nearly 20 years ago.
The visit includes time in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Virginia.
Attendees included U.S. Supreme Court justices, elected officials, CEOs, and professional golfer Rory McIlroy.
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The Supreme Court ruled against Louisiana’s congressional map that included a second majority-Black voting district. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) praised this decision, calling it a win for the Constitution and equal treatment under the law.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map.
The map created a second district where most voters are Black.
The NRCC supports the court’s decision.
NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson said the ruling upholds equality under the law.
The ruling affects how congressional districts are drawn in Louisiana.
The decision was announced on a Tuesday.
The NRCC is a political committee focused on electing Republicans to the House of Representatives.
The ruling relates to voting rights and election fairness.
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Cole Allen is accused of trying to attack the White House correspondents' dinner while armed with multiple weapons. Authorities say he planned the attack in advance, took photos of himself before carrying it out, and was stopped by security after firing a shotgun.
Key Facts
Cole Allen allegedly took a selfie in his hotel room showing weapons before the attack.
He fired a shotgun near the entrance to the ballroom at the Washington Hilton.
Secret Service officers fired five shots at Allen, then arrested him.
Allen made notes criticizing the hotel’s security and said it was easy for him to carry weapons unnoticed.
He booked a hotel room near the event weeks before, researched the dinner, and tracked President Trump’s schedule.
Allen carried knives, ammunition, duct tape, and other gear in his hotel room.
He wrote an email describing his plans before attempting the attack.
His actions suggest the attack was planned well ahead of time.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is dealing with about 10,000 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints. The claim came from a former police officer who said ICE discriminated against him because of his age during hiring, but DHS said this number of complaints is not true and explained the age rules for law enforcement officers.
Key Facts
A report claimed ICE faces around 10,000 EEO complaints alleging discrimination.
DHS responded, saying ICE is not facing that many EEO complaints.
EEO complaints involve accusations of unfair treatment in jobs based on age, race, sex, disability, or religion.
A 68-year-old retired Ohio officer named Doug said ICE removed him from a hiring process due to age.
Doug said ICE postponed and then canceled his job offer after training, and he filed EEO complaints seeking reinstatement or back pay.
DHS explained that federal policy generally limits law enforcement officers to work until age 60, but ICE has a temporary waiver allowing some retirees to serve until 65.
The waiver only applies to reemployed retired federal employees, not new hires over 65.
ICE has grown by about 12,000 new agents under President Trump as enforcement expanded.
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The U.S. Supreme Court decided 6-3 to invalidate Louisiana's new congressional map. This ruling affects the Voting Rights Act by limiting some of its protections.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled against Louisiana’s new congressional district map.
The decision was made by a 6-3 vote among the justices.
The ruling changes how the Voting Rights Act is applied.
The Voting Rights Act is a law designed to protect voters from discrimination.
The ruling is seen as a significant outcome that may impact future voting laws.
The case involved questions about fair representation in Louisiana’s congressional districts.
Justice opinions showed a division in how to interpret voting protections.
The decision could influence political power in Louisiana and possibly other states.
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A new poll shows Democrat James Talarico leading potential Republican opponents Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton in the upcoming Texas U.S. Senate race. The poll reflects a competitive race in a state that usually votes Republican, with Talarico ahead by 7-8 points in hypothetical matchups.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 1,200 registered Texas voters and was conducted by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project.
James Talarico leads Ken Paxton by 8 points (42% to 34%) and John Cornyn by 7 points (40% to 33%) in hypothetical general election scenarios.
Talarico has the highest favorability rating among the three candidates at 39%, compared to Paxton’s 33% and Cornyn’s 31%.
Cornyn and Paxton have similar unfavorable ratings, around 42-43%, while Talarico’s unfavorable rating is 29%.
The Republican primary runoff between Cornyn and Paxton is scheduled for May 26.
Other recent polls show mixed results, with some giving Cornyn a slight lead and others favoring Talarico.
Texas has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, backing President Donald Trump by a large margin in the 2024 election.
Talarico’s gains are partly attributed to Republican infighting, his appeal to moderate and independent voters, and challenges faced by President Trump’s party in midterm elections.
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Kevin Warsh, chosen by President Donald Trump to lead the United States Federal Reserve, was approved by the Senate Banking Committee. His nomination now goes to the full Senate for a final vote that could happen as early as May 11.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is President Trump’s nominee to replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair.
The Senate Banking Committee voted along party lines: 13 Republicans approved, 11 Democrats opposed.
Jerome Powell’s current term as Fed chair ends on May 15.
The full Senate will vote to confirm Warsh, possibly starting May 11.
Senator Thom Tillis previously blocked Warsh’s nomination due to a DOJ investigation into Powell, but the investigation was dropped.
Democrats worry Warsh will follow President Trump’s wishes too closely on interest rate decisions.
President Trump has said he wants Powell off the Federal Reserve entirely after May 15.
Stock market reactions were mixed after the committee’s approval of Warsh.
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House Republican leaders are struggling to win enough votes to start debate on three major bills, including the extension of a surveillance law, the farm bill, and funding for immigration enforcement. A small group of Republicans are opposing the plan, causing delays and uncertainty about whether the House can move forward this week.
Key Facts
The House GOP combined three bills into one vote: Section 702 surveillance law extension, the farm bill, and a budget package to fund immigration agencies.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) does not have enough votes to begin debate on these bills.
Some Republicans oppose the surveillance bill because it does not include warrant requirements they want.
GOP leaders added a ban on digital central bank currencies to the surveillance bill, but the Senate has rejected this idea.
The surveillance program will expire Thursday night if Congress does not act.
The farm bill’s ethanol rules caused some Republicans to oppose it.
The White House is urging the House to fund the Department of Homeland Security to end the government shutdown, but House Republicans want the Senate to pass their immigration funding bill first.
House Republicans have frequently used procedural votes to challenge their own leaders, causing repeated delays.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the charges against former FBI Director James Comey are not a way for him to show he should be the permanent head of the Justice Department. Blanche also stated he was not told by President Donald Trump to bring the charges.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General.
James Comey, former FBI Director, was charged (indicted).
The charges relate to something Comey posted on Instagram.
Blanche said the indictment is not a way for him to get the permanent job.
He said President Trump did not tell him to charge Comey.
Blanche made these statements on Wednesday.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is involved in this case.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that some Democrats and a few Republicans are the main obstacle to stopping Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. He praised President Donald Trump’s strong commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons during a House Armed Services Committee hearing about the 2027 defense budget.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the current U.S. Secretary of Defense.
He spoke at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the defense budget.
Hegseth said some Democrats and Republicans in Congress are blocking efforts to stop Iran’s nuclear development.
He called their words “reckless” and “defeatist.”
Hegseth praised President Donald Trump’s determination against Iranian nuclear weapons.
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also testified at the hearing.
The hearing focused on the 2027 defense budget request of $1.5 trillion, the largest in many years.
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The average price of gas in the U.S. has risen to $4.23 per gallon, driven by disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East. Inflation has reached a two-year high, mainly due to increases in fuel, food, and housing costs, which is linked to a drop in President Trump’s approval rating. Despite this, consumer confidence slightly improved in April, and job growth exceeded expectations.
Key Facts
The U.S. average gas price is now $4.23 per gallon, up from $2.98 before the war in Iran.
California has the highest gas price, nearly $6 per gallon, with several other states also above $5.
Inflation jumped to its highest level in two years in March, with gasoline prices rising 18.9% in one year.
Food prices increased by 2.9%, housing costs rose 3%, and electricity prices went up by 4.6% in the last year.
President Trump’s approval rating fell to its lowest point since he took office again in 2024. Only 22% approve of his handling of the cost of living.
Despite inflation, consumer confidence rose slightly to 92.8 in April, the highest so far this year.
Job growth in March was strong, with 178,000 new jobs added, more than twice expectations.
The unemployment rate stayed steady at 4.3% in March.
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