Congress wrestles with oversight and war powers as House debates terms and authorizations—Congress' job in action. The U.S. Congress is the bicameral legislative branch made of the Senate and House.
The UK government has announced plans to block children under 16 from major social media platforms and to restrict livestreaming and stranger contact on gaming services, following Australia’s model. Legislation is expected before Christmas with protections due to take effect in spring 2027; Ofcom will design "highly effective" age checks.
As of April 3, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security remains partially unfunded since February 14, causing over 100,000 DHS employees, including TSA workers, to go unpaid. The shutdown has led to severe staffing shortages at airports, with TSA officers resigning and calling out sick, resulting in long security lines and missed flights. President Trump deployed paid ICE agents to assist TSA with crowd control, but congressional deadlock over DHS funding and immigration enforcement reforms continues, prolonging travel disruptions nationwide.
The US military has conducted its 47th strike since September 2025 against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, killing at least 163 people. The strikes, based on unspecified intelligence, face legal and human rights criticism, with experts questioning their legality and effectiveness.
President Zelenskyy reported that the U.S. proposed hosting a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and Russia, but Moscow declined. The U.S. has postponed talks due to the Middle East conflict, while Ukraine warns of risks to its air defense stockpiles amid ongoing regional tensions.
Travelers at US airports are experiencing hours-long security delays due to a partial government shutdown, with TSA staffing shortages and increased use of private security. Digital tools like CLEAR see surges in interest, but service disruptions persist at several major hubs.
At CPAC 2026, most speakers backed US strikes on Iran, framing it as morally necessary despite growing public skepticism. Supporters include Trump allies and Iranian activists, while concerns over midterm impacts and support erosion persist. The debate highlights divisions within the conservative movement over foreign policy.
The USPS seeks an 8% increase on shipping rates from April 26 to January 17, 2027, to cover rising fuel and operational costs. The move follows warnings of imminent cash shortages and aims to provide temporary financial relief while awaiting regulatory approval.
Russian lawmakers from the Duma are set to visit Washington for talks with U.S. officials, despite ongoing sanctions. The trip aims to revive dialogue on Ukraine and other issues, with reports of a delegation led by Vyacheslav Nikonov and discussions about a broader U.S.-Russia engagement.
Florida Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces a public ethics hearing on 25 violations linked to her campaign funding and alleged misuse of COVID relief funds. She denies wrongdoing amid federal charges for stealing $5 million in disaster relief, with potential expulsion votes looming. The case highlights ongoing political and legal scrutiny.
As the government shutdown reaches 41 days, footage of lawmakers on vacation surfaces, fueling public anger. Despite ongoing funding deadlock, many members are seen enjoying leisure activities, while federal workers remain unpaid. Calls for Congress to return grow louder amid viral criticism.
President Trump’s 2027 budget requests $1.5 trillion, with a 40% rise in military spending, the highest in modern history. It includes $73 billion in domestic cuts and aims to bolster defense, border enforcement, and law enforcement, sparking congressional debate.
The Biden administration has released a budget proposal emphasizing increased defense spending and reduced domestic programs. The plan, aligned with the ongoing Iran conflict, proposes significant cuts to climate, health, and social programs, while boosting military and law enforcement funding. Congress will negotiate the final budget.
On April 3-4, 2026, the White House unveiled a $1.5 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year 2027, marking a 40% increase in Pentagon spending—the largest since World War II. The plan prioritizes military funding to support ongoing operations in Iran, offset by $73 billion in cuts to domestic programs. The proposal faces political resistance amid concerns over rising deficits and social program reductions.
On April 9, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump has publicly denied any close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling the allegations "lies" and "defaming her reputation." She has called for a congressional hearing for Epstein survivors. President Donald Trump has acknowledged her statement but said he did not know its content beforehand.
Over 53 million taxpayers have claimed new deductions introduced by President Trump’s tax law, resulting in an average refund increase of 11.1%. Many workers report receiving thousands of dollars more, but confusion and delays have caused some to miss filing deadlines and increased scam risks. The IRS is also facing staffing challenges.
Congress has approved a short-term extension of a FISA surveillance authority, sending the temporary patch to President Donald Trump after negotiations stalled over warrant protections and unrelated provisions. Lawmakers have been holding marathon overnight sessions and face a fraught path to a longer-term renewal that Republicans and the Senate are disputing.
Since April 20, 2026, Donald Trump has posted increasingly erratic messages on Truth Social, including threats to destroy Iran and bizarre images depicting himself as Jesus. Experts suggest his behavior indicates a mental decline, prompting calls for the 25th Amendment. Tensions with Iran and internal political pressure are rising.
Recent reporting has shown the Iran war has significantly drained US missile and interceptor stockpiles, forcing the Pentagon to reallocate munitions from other regions and ask Congress for emergency funding. At the same time, militaries are increasing investment in low-cost drones, counter-drone systems and battlefield robots — including Ukrainian systems and US-funded autonomous drone programs.
ICE has completed a hiring surge, adding 12,000 officers to support Trump’s deportation efforts. Concerns are rising over the backgrounds of new hires, including financial issues and past misconduct, amid rapid recruitment and limited vetting.
Prediction markets like Polymarket are facing increased scrutiny after betting on sensitive events, including military rescues and international conflicts. Congress is considering bipartisan bills to regulate these platforms, citing concerns over insider trading, market integrity, and offshore operations. The White House has warned staff against using private information for trading.
The Pentagon has requested roughly $54 billion for a newly formed Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) in its 2027 budget, a more than hundredfold increase from about $226 million this year. The money would buy and test autonomous and remotely operated systems, expand drone logistics and counter-drone defenses, and accelerate AI-enabled strike and support platforms.
The King’s Washington state visit has been a focal point for strained UK–US ties. Reports show a mixed reception of President Trump’s comments and ongoing discussions on defence, trade, and Iran. The visit includes a private tea, an Oval Office meeting, a Capitol Hill address by Charles, and events commemorating 250 years since American independence.
New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean has missed over 50 votes since March 17 due to unspecified health issues. He has posted a social media message thanking supporters for their patience, but has not provided details or a timeline for his return. His absence raises concerns ahead of a competitive reelection race.
The number of missing or dead scientists has grown to at least 12, with FBI and congressional investigations underway. Experts caution against drawing connections amid online speculation, while lawmakers and officials review potential links and motives behind the cases.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in Washington for a four-day state visit that will mark the United States' 250th anniversary. The trip has included a private meeting with President Donald Trump, an address planned to Congress, a White House state dinner and stops in New York and Virginia; security has been reinforced after a shooting at a Washington gala.
The king has delivered a speech to both houses in Washington, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. He has acknowledged recent strains in UK-US relations, referencing shared history and values, and emphasizing the importance of trade, security, and mutual understanding. The trip proceeds after a security review following a shooting at a Washington dinner.
King Charles has completed a four-day state visit to the United States, delivering a speech to a joint meeting of Congress that has praised US–UK ties, urged "unyielding resolve" for Ukraine and pushed back on NATO and climate scepticism. He has held private talks and formal events with President Donald Trump and attended a White House state dinner.
A string of court decisions has kept Temporary Protected Status in play as the Supreme Court weighs termination actions for Haiti and Syria. Rulings have required due process reviews amid broader political battles over humanitarian protections.
Secret Service agents have shot a suspect near the Washington Monument on Monday afternoon after approaching a person who appeared to be carrying a firearm; the suspect fired at agents, who returned fire and wounded him. A juvenile bystander has been grazed and treated; the suspect has been hospitalized and no agents were injured.
House Republican leaders have pulled a scheduled vote on a Democratic war-powers resolution to compel President Trump to seek congressional authorization for the Iran campaign after defections and multiple absences made it clear they lacked the votes to block the measure. The Senate has recently advanced a similar resolution as some Republicans have joined Democrats.
Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has won the Republican primary runoff, supported by President Trump, defeating incumbent John Cornyn. Paxton now advances to the general election to face Democrat James Talarico. The result signals continued Trump influence in the party ahead of November, while Cornyn has pledged to back the GOP ticket.
President Donald Trump has signed a $70 billion package to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the end of his term, ending a months-long impasse that began after two civilians were killed during January immigration operations. Republicans passed the measure through budget reconciliation after Democrats demanded enforcement safeguards and blocked funding earlier this year.
Progressives win key primaries in New Jersey and California, led by Adam Hamawy in NJ-12 and Analilia Mejia in NJ-7, with other candidates advancing in California. The results reflect growing support for left-leaning, anti-war platforms and Palestine advocacy, while facing scrutiny over past ties to controversial figures. The broader national trend shows progressives expanding their influence in blue districts ahead of November.
A federal judge has ruled that only Congress can change the Kennedy Center’s name. The center must remove Trump references from official materials and signage by June 12, while renovations and potential future actions are paused. Ongoing disputes involve lawsuits and board actions tied to the President’s name and leadership at the venue.
The Section 702 surveillance law is set to lapse this week. President Trump has named Bill Pulte as acting DNI, triggering bipartisan concern and stalling renewal talks while lawmakers debate guardrails and timing. A Senate gridlock persists as Republicans and Democrats clash over the scope of surveillance and the president’s chosen interim leader.
A wave of local and state actions is shaping the data-center boom. New rules aim to curb power use, water consumption and cost pressures, while critics warn of overreach and uneven economic impacts.
A group of U.S. lawmakers has renewed calls for a formal congressional investigation into the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, arguing that the official account as a routine mistake remains contested by survivors and some officials. The speech comes on the 59th anniversary.
Bill Gates has appeared for a closed-door transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee about his past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. Gates has said he never witnessed criminal conduct, denied visiting Epstein-owned properties and called meeting Epstein a "grave error in judgment." The committee is probing Justice Department handling and released files.
A funding measure for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has cleared the Senate, moving to the House and then to President Trump’s desk. The package secures funding for ICE and CBP through Trump’s term and builds on last year’s broader DHS windfall. Democrats warn of insufficient oversight amid ongoing enforcement clashes.
The expansion of AI data centers is meeting increasing resistance from communities, with regulators considering moratoriums and bans while tech giants defend efficiency gains and transparency. New disclosures show progress toward water-use goals, but concerns about environmental impact persist.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo has exonerated Lander after a one-day trial, concluding prosecutors failed to prove obstruction of an elevator during a September 2025 protest in lower Manhattan. Lander has challenged Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary.
Taiwan has launched a secure website for Chinese nationals to provide intelligence information, citing growing discontent amid China’s economic and political pressures. The move mirrors practices by the U.S., U.K., and Israel and follows a broader pattern of cross-strait distrust and security measures.
AP News reports a widening probe ties multiple Puerto Rico officials to alleged corruption and interference in a key agency, prompting resignations and fresh scrutiny from Congress while the island battles outages and recovery delays.
Multiple investigations into former Rep. Eric Swalwell have intensified as California’s 14th district special election watch tightens. Wahab leads with about 42% of ballots counted; Hernandez is second, with Singh in third. The FEC has demanded Swalwell return campaign funds after suspending his gubernatorial bid amid misconduct allegations. Runoff on August 18 remains possible.
The Kennedy Center has filed court papers saying it will "maintain an operational model" after July 5, the date it had planned to close for two years of renovations. The board will vote in mid‑July on options ranging from full closure to phased work that would allow some public access and limited programming while legal challenges over the center's renaming continue.
A Jackson County Circuit Court ruling largely sides with abortion rights advocates, finding many state abortion restrictions conflict with Missouri’s 2024 constitutional amendment that guarantees reproductive freedom. The decision allows Planned Parenthood to resume certain services and sets up further appeals and ballot debates.
In Washington, D.C., Janeese Lewis George appears set to win the Democratic mayoral nomination, with Kenyan McDuffie conceding. The primary also marks the first use of ranked-choice voting as progressives push to reshape the city’s governance amid heightened federal tensions.
The Supreme Court has issued several rulings this term and remains poised to decide on pivotal cases involving presidential power, birthright citizenship and independent agency leadership before its summer recess. The term has featured a surge of blockbuster matters as justices weigh limits on executive action, with key decisions still to come.
China has placed 10 U.S. firms, including rare‑earth producers MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, on its export‑control list and has barred government procurement from 46 U.S. companies. Beijing says the steps respond to the Pentagon’s expanded list of Chinese firms and protect national security; affected U.S. companies say the measures are largely symbolic but will disrupt some supply chains.
Gen. Christopher Donahue is relinquishing his command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa on July 2, as part of a broader shake-up led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to trim senior ranks. His deputy Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie will oversee duties in the interim. Donahue’s departure follows praise for his handling of Afghanistan evacuation and comes as the Army weighs downgrading Europe/Africa from four-star to three-star command amid NATO considerations.