Rep. Elise Stefanik defended President Donald Trump’s public criticism of Pope Leo XIV following their disagreement about a U.S. operation in Iran. She said that President Trump is known for being firm in his leadership and that the pope should not act like a politician.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV over a U.S. military operation in Iran.
The disagreement between them became public over the past weekend.
Rep. Elise Stefanik spoke in support of President Trump’s response.
Stefanik said the pope should not behave like a politician.
She described President Trump’s leadership style as strong and firm.
The issue involves U.S. foreign military actions and political reactions.
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A new bill called the Donald Trump Wealth Tax Act of 2026 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. It would create a one-time tax of 14.25% on individuals and trusts worth more than $10 million, aiming to reduce the national debt.
Key Facts
The bill was introduced by Democratic Representative Juan Vargas from California.
The tax applies only once and targets net worth above $10 million.
Primary homes and their purchase debt are not counted in net worth.
The idea for this wealth tax was first proposed by President Trump in 1999.
The bill is currently with the House Ways and Means Committee and has no co-sponsors yet.
Vargas said the bill is meant to hold President Trump to his original proposal.
The tax is expected to raise around $5.7 trillion and reduce the national debt ratio from 101% to 83% of GDP.
The bill references warnings from leaders across politics and business about rising U.S. debt.
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Virginia's former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife before killing himself at their home in Annandale, police said. The couple was going through a divorce, and their teenage son called 911 after finding them.
Key Facts
Justin Fairfax was a former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and once considered a rising star in the Democratic party.
Fairfax and his wife were found dead in a murder-suicide at their home in northern Virginia.
Their teenage son called 911 shortly after midnight on Thursday.
The couple was in the process of divorcing, and Fairfax had recently been served court paperwork.
Fairfax faced public sexual assault allegations in 2019 from two women, which he denied and said the encounters were consensual.
Fairfax once appeared likely to become Virginia governor during a scandal involving then-Governor Ralph Northam.
Police are investigating the motive behind the murder-suicide.
The police chief expressed shock and sadness over the incident.
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Rep. Tom Cole expressed regret over the removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George during a hearing with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Cole said losing George is a significant setback for the military.
Key Facts
Rep. Tom Cole is a Republican from Oklahoma.
Gen. Randy George was the Army’s chief of staff before his dismissal.
The dismissal occurred recently before or during the hearing.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was present at the hearing.
Cole described George’s departure as a “real loss” for the military.
Cole personally regrets that George is no longer serving actively.
The hearing was a formal setting to discuss military matters.
The article focuses on military leadership changes and their impact.
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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticized FIFA for not covering transportation costs for the 2026 World Cup matches in New Jersey, which could force NJ Transit to charge fans high prices. NJ Transit may raise train fares for World Cup games to cover around $48 million in expenses, but regular commuters will not have to pay more.
Key Facts
NJ Transit currently lists a $12.90 round-trip ticket from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium.
Reports suggest World Cup round-trip tickets could cost over $100 with no discounts for children, seniors, or disabled people.
FIFA is not paying for New Jersey’s transportation costs, leaving NJ Transit to cover $48 million.
FIFA is expected to make $11 billion from the World Cup, charging up to $10,000 for a single final match ticket.
Governor Sherrill says FIFA should pay for transportation costs instead of New Jersey commuters.
NJ Transit’s board approved giving its CEO authority to set train fares to cover all World Cup-related costs.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports Sherrill’s view, noting FIFA often shifts costs to local governments.
FIFA responded that it worked with host cities on transportation plans and changed rules to allow transport at cost to match ticket holders.
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Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill called the Charlie Kirk Act that requires state universities to adopt specific free speech rules. The law prevents schools from canceling speakers based on their views and penalizes disruptions like protests during events. The bill now awaits the governor’s approval.
Key Facts
The Charlie Kirk Act is House Bill 1476, passed by a 74 to 22 vote in Tennessee.
It requires universities to follow the University of Chicago’s free speech policy.
Schools can no longer uninvite speakers due to their opinions or because of protest threats.
Students and staff who disrupt speakers, including by protesting or walking out, face disciplinary action.
The bill is named after Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was fatally shot in 2025 while speaking at a university.
Supporters say the law aims to keep colleges neutral on political and social issues.
Critics argue the bill could limit free expression by harshly punishing peaceful protests or counter-speech.
The bill will be sent to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for signing into law.
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President Donald Trump's plan to build a 250-foot Triumphal Arch near Washington, D.C., will be reviewed by a key federal agency. The same agency will also consider painting the Eisenhower Executive Office Building white and approving a new underground security screening center for White House visitors.
Key Facts
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts will review Trump’s designs for the Triumphal Arch, the Eisenhower Building paint job, and an underground visitor screening center.
The Triumphal Arch would be 250 feet tall and feature a Lady Liberty-like figure, eagles, and lions with gold accents.
The arch would be built on a man-made island on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, near the Memorial Bridge.
The arch’s height honors America’s 250 years of history according to a White House spokesperson.
Veterans and a historian have sued to stop the arch’s construction, citing disruption of important sightlines in the area.
The underground screening center aims to improve security and reduce wait times for White House visitors, with construction planned to start in August.
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s current gray stone exterior could be painted bright white as part of the project.
Approval from another agency, the National Capital Planning Commission, is also required for some projects.
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Leading Republican senators are concerned about the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. They say the probe is delaying the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee to replace Powell, Kevin Warsh.
Key Facts
GOP senators, including Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Thom Tillis, want the DOJ to end its investigation into Powell.
The DOJ probe relates to Powell’s testimony and large cost overruns on Federal Reserve building renovations.
Renovation costs rose $600 million to $2.5 billion due to inflation, asbestos removal, and building rules.
Powell claims the investigation is a response to the Fed’s independent decisions on interest rates.
A federal judge ruled the subpoenas for Powell were unjustified and intended for an improper purpose.
Senator Tillis said he will delay Warsh’s confirmation until the DOJ finishes its probe.
Other Republicans want the DOJ to drop the investigation to help confirm the president’s nominee.
President Trump has threatened to fire Powell amid the dispute.
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Eric Swalwell, a former Democratic Congressman from California, has stopped running for California governor. A new poll shows this has changed the race to replace current Governor Gavin Newsom, with Republican Steve Hilton gaining attention after receiving President Trump’s endorsement.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell ended his campaign for California governor.
The race is to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.
A recent poll by Emerson College and Nexstar Media Group surveyed California voters.
Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, is now a key candidate.
Steve Hilton received an endorsement from President Donald Trump last week.
Swalwell’s exit has affected voter support and the overall race dynamics in California.
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U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro set up a phone tip line for people to report sexual misconduct by Congressman Eric Swalwell. Swalwell resigned from Congress and stopped his campaign for California governor after several women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. Investigations are now underway by prosecutors and the House Ethics Committee.
Key Facts
A tip line (202-252-0809) was created to gather reports of sexual misconduct by Eric Swalwell in Washington, D.C.
Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress and ended his run for governor due to multiple sexual misconduct accusations.
Allegations include sexual assault, unwanted explicit messages, and inappropriate physical contact from at least five women.
Swalwell denies all accusations and has said he will fight the claims.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro urged anyone with information about Swalwell’s misconduct to come forward.
Representative Lauren Boebert invited victims of sexual misconduct in Congress to speak to her confidentially.
Manhattan prosecutors and the House Ethics Committee have started investigations into Swalwell’s conduct.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the media’s negative coverage of the war in Iran. He compared the Pentagon press corps to the Pharisees, a group from the Bible who often opposed Jesus.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made comments on Thursday about media coverage.
He described media reports on the Iran war as an “endless stream of garbage.”
Hegseth compared the Pentagon press corps to the Pharisees, a Jewish group in the Bible.
The Pharisees are known for clashing with Jesus in biblical stories.
The criticism reflects ongoing tensions between the Defense Department and the media.
Hegseth’s remarks focused on what he sees as relentlessly negative news coverage.
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U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will speak to a House committee about President Trump's budget plan for 2027. The plan aims to increase investment in American businesses and includes more money for trade enforcement.
Key Facts
Jamieson Greer is the U.S. Trade Representative.
Greer will testify before the House Appropriations Committee.
The topic is President Trump's fiscal year 2027 budget request.
The budget focuses on boosting U.S. business investment.
It is part of the "America First" trade agenda.
The request includes a $10 million increase in trade enforcement.
Trade enforcement will be carried out at the International level.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US is ready to take further actions to damage Iran’s energy infrastructure if Iran does not accept a nuclear deal. He also described the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and warned Iran’s military about its limited missile resources.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary, said Iran’s energy infrastructure is still intact but the US is ready to destroy it.
The US has started a naval blockade of Iranian ports that applies to all ships entering or leaving those ports.
More than 10,000 US military personnel are enforcing the blockade.
US forces have sent 13 warnings to ships not to break the blockade; no ships have been boarded yet.
Hegseth said Iran must accept a nuclear deal or face further consequences.
Hegseth compared reporters to Pharisees from the Bible, criticizing them for being unfair.
The blockade does not close the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The US military is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
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Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old immigration court interpreter from India who has lived in the U.S. for about 35 years, was detained by ICE at a Texas airport. She has a legal work permit due to a protection order granted in 2000 but faces removal because of a prior deportation order, and her case highlights ongoing immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Meenu Batra works as a freelance court interpreter for Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu speakers.
She was detained by ICE agents on March 17 at Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas.
Batra has lived in the U.S. for roughly 35 years and fled violence in India linked to her Sikh religion.
In 2000, Batra was granted “withholding of removal,” a protection allowing her to stay in the U.S. and work legally.
ICE says she has a final removal order from an immigration judge from 2000.
Her youngest son recently joined the U.S. Army.
Batra is currently held at El Valle detention center in Raymondville, Texas.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that work permits do not give full legal immigration status.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has postponed a special legislative session on redistricting. The new session will be held from April 28 to May 1 and will also include discussions about artificial intelligence and medical freedom.
Key Facts
Governor Ron DeSantis delayed the special session originally planned for next week.
The new dates for the session are April 28 to May 1.
The main topic is redistricting, which means drawing new political district boundaries.
The session will also cover artificial intelligence issues.
Medical freedom, which relates to health choices and policies, is another topic to be discussed.
The decision was announced through an official proclamation on a Wednesday.
The Florida state Legislature will meet during this special session.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released new information about free online mental health courses for veterans. These courses cover issues like anger, sleep problems, substance use, and parenting, and are available anytime for veterans to use on their own.
Key Facts
The VA provides health care services to over nine million U.S. veterans.
New self-help courses are available online at VeteranTraining.va.gov.
Courses include topics such as anger management, better sleep, substance use education, problem-solving, recovery planning, and parenting skills.
All courses are free, confidential, and can be completed at any time.
The courses use videos and activities to teach practical coping skills.
Veterans can also use mobile apps for mental health support and connect quickly to help if needed.
The VA states these digital tools do not replace professional mental health care but support veterans’ well-being and independence.
The update aims to help veterans overcome common challenges and improve their quality of life.
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The Trump administration has proposed a new rule changing how federal workers are laid off. The rule would prioritize employee performance over veteran status and years of service, potentially affecting more than 621,000 veteran federal employees, many of whom are disabled veterans.
Key Facts
Veterans make up over 25% of the federal workforce.
Around 60% of these veteran federal workers are disabled.
The current layoff rule prioritizes veterans preference and length of service before performance.
The proposed rule would prioritize performance ratings ahead of veterans status and time served.
This change could lead to veterans with long service or disabilities being laid off in favor of non-veterans with slightly better performance reviews.
The proposal is open for public comment until May 4.
Critics say the rule violates legal protections for veterans and federal procedures.
The Office of Personnel Management manages federal workforce policies and issued the proposed rule.
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Republicans are worried about several issues, including President Trump’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz, possible higher gas prices in November, and concerns about war. They are also discussing the chances of passing a budget bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Facts
President Trump has taken steps involving the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil transport.
There is a prediction that gas prices may rise in November.
Many Republicans feel anxious about the possibility of war.
Discussions are ongoing about a budget reconciliation bill to fund and reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
The article focuses on Republican views and reactions to these issues.
The Department of Homeland Security has been affected by a government shutdown or funding gap.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important international shipping route.
The article is part of a live discussion on these political and economic topics.
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Rama Duwaji, wife of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, apologized for tweets she posted as a teenager. The tweets included racial and homophobic slurs and insults toward Israel. She said this experience has changed her life.
Key Facts
Rama Duwaji is married to Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York.
Old tweets from Duwaji were found in March showing offensive language.
The tweets included the n-word and a gay slur.
She also posted insults about Israel in those tweets.
Duwaji apologized for the tweets in a recent interview.
She said the incident has had a significant impact on her life.
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Some House Republicans are considering a short, two-month extension of the government’s warrantless spying powers after President Trump asked for a longer, 18-month extension. This shorter extension would allow more time to discuss possible changes to the spying rules.
Key Facts
President Trump requested an 18-month extension of warrantless spying powers.
Some House Republicans are opposing the full 18-month extension.
These Republicans propose a two-month extension instead.
The shorter extension would give lawmakers time to debate reforms.
The issue is causing a split within the Republican Party.
The spying powers in question allow intelligence gathering without court warrants.
The debate focuses on balancing national security and privacy rights.
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