Mike Johnson in the news for stalled DHS funding and hard-right push on security bills; GOP House Speaker (since 2023), lawyer from Louisiana.
The ROTOR Act, which would mandate aircraft ADS-B location systems to prevent midair collisions, has stalled in the House after Pentagon opposition and cost concerns, despite Senate support and continued advocacy from victims’ families and safety advocates.
The U.S. men's Olympic hockey team celebrated their gold medal victory in Italy with a visit to the White House, where player Matthew Tkachuk jokingly let Trump wear his medal. The women’s team declined the invitation. The team returned to Miami after the celebration and will attend the State of the Union tonight.
As President Trump prepares to deliver the 2026 State of the Union, his low approval ratings and focus on economic issues highlight a challenging political landscape. The speech will be broadcast across major networks, with expectations of a combative tone amid ongoing economic and immigration debates.
President Trump used his recent speech to emphasize a stark partisan divide on immigration, urging lawmakers to support policies prioritizing American citizens' safety. He called out Democrats for refusing to stand during his address, framing it as a moral failure and a threat to national security, amid ongoing debates over border control and election integrity.
President Trump is considering military action against Iran over its nuclear program, with recent troop movements and diplomatic efforts intensifying. Congressional briefings and regional preparations suggest a potential escalation, though public support remains limited. The story highlights ongoing negotiations and military posturing as tensions rise.
Following the US and Israel's recent attack on Iran, Congress is debating whether to limit President Trump's military actions. The vote, set for today, highlights divisions over the legality and scope of US involvement in the conflict, with many lawmakers demanding clearer congressional authority amid ongoing regional tensions.
The United States and Israel have launched joint major combat operations against Iran, targeting its missile industry, navy, intelligence and government symbols. President Trump has justified the strikes as eliminating imminent threats and called on Iranians to rise; Iran has responded with missile attacks on Israeli and US targets, killing civilians and deepening regional escalation.
As of March 10, 2026, US military strikes against Iran have sparked widespread public concern. Polls show about half of Americans oppose the intervention, doubting Iran posed an imminent threat. Many fear rising oil prices and prolonged conflict. Casualties among US troops have been reported, and President Trump's approval rating has declined amid economic and security worries.
The US and Israel launched extensive military strikes on Iran, targeting over 1,000 sites, including Iran's leadership. The operation follows recent escalations, with US officials citing imminent threats and Iran's potential to retaliate. Congressional leaders are debating war powers amid rising casualties and international tensions.
The US has launched a military attack on Iran, citing fears of imminent retaliation following Israeli plans against Tehran. Secretary of State Rubio stated the strike was necessary to prevent Iran from crossing a nuclear threshold and to avoid higher US casualties. The operation follows Iran's retaliatory missile attacks and ongoing regional tensions.
The U.S. and Israel have initiated a military campaign against Iran, citing preemptive action due to perceived imminent threats. The operation aims to degrade Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities, with ongoing regional escalation and casualties. The justification and future outcomes remain uncertain.
Texas Republican Brandon Herrera, known for his gun advocacy and controversial online content, has gained political support but faces criticism over resurfaced videos showing Nazi-era weaponry and discussions of Hitler. His opponent, Tony Gonzales, withdrew from re-election amid a scandal involving an affair and an ethics investigation. The race remains highly contested.
Amid escalating tensions, reports indicate President Trump has shown interest in deploying small US ground units inside Iran for strategic missions, including securing uranium stockpiles and influencing Iran's leadership. The White House denies plans for large-scale invasion, while military alerts increase.
Since late February 2026, US-led strikes on Iran have escalated tensions, closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting global oil supplies. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, pushing US gasoline prices to $3.59 per gallon. President Trump downplays the economic impact, emphasizing the conflict's urgency, while Republicans worry about midterm election fallout amid rising fuel costs.
U.S. Congress largely opposes President Trump's military actions against Iran, with votes in both chambers aiming to limit executive power. Despite the administration's claims of a limited operation, Democrats and some Republicans see it as an undeclared war, raising constitutional and legislative concerns.
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.
European infrastructure faces a surge of sabotage and cyberattacks linked to Russia since 2022. Incidents include arson, cyberattacks on utilities, and railway sabotage during major events, aiming to undermine support for Ukraine, spread discord, and drain resources. Authorities warn of Moscow's increasingly aggressive posture.
A lawsuit challenges Trump’s plans to overhaul the Kennedy Center without proper review, citing risks to historic integrity. The case highlights concerns over potential irreversible damage and Trump’s increased influence over the venue since his return to office.
Recent reports highlight a surge in anti-Muslim hate online and in political discourse in the US, driven by wartime fears, political rhetoric, and social media. Several Republican figures, including Trump allies, have made openly hostile statements about Muslims, fueling fears and discrimination.
King Charles is scheduled to visit the US in late April despite calls for cancellation due to the Middle East conflict. The trip, seen as a diplomatic effort, faces criticism over strained UK-US relations and Trump's hostile remarks. The visit aims to maintain UK-US ties amid political tensions.
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.
Democrat Analilia Mejía has won New Jersey's 11th District special election, maintaining Democratic control in a narrowly divided House. Meanwhile, the House has voted 214-213 against a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's military actions in Iran, reflecting deep partisan divides as the Iran conflict continues with no clear end.
Texas Congressman Gonzales has dropped his re-election bid after admitting to an affair with a staffer who died by suicide. New texts reveal he sought inappropriate photos from a second woman, raising questions about his conduct and ethics. The House Ethics Committee is investigating the case.
President Trump has issued a final deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of potential military strikes on civilian infrastructure if Iran fails to comply. The threats have escalated tensions amid ongoing conflict, raising concerns over possible violations of international law and war crimes.
The House of Representatives did not take up a Senate-passed funding bill, prolonging the DHS partial shutdown that began on February 14. The deadlock centers on immigration enforcement funding, with Democrats demanding reforms and Republicans opposing them. The shutdown affects airport security and federal workers' pay, with no immediate resolution in sight.
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.
On April 16, 2026, the US Senate has rejected two resolutions led by Senator Bernie Sanders to block $295 million in bulldozer sales and $152 million in bomb sales to Israel. Forty Democrats supported blocking bulldozer sales, and 36 backed blocking bomb sales, but Republicans opposed both measures, defeating them 40-59 and 36-63 respectively. The votes have reflected growing Democratic unease over US military aid amid Israeli actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Multiple members of Congress are under investigation for misconduct, including sexual harassment, campaign violations, and military actions. Several have resigned or are facing expulsion efforts, highlighting ongoing issues of ethics and accountability in Washington. The investigations are ongoing as political tensions remain high.
On Sunday morning, Shreveport, Louisiana, has experienced a mass shooting where eight children aged 3 to 11 have been killed by Shamar Elkins, who also shot two women and died after a police chase. The attack is the deadliest US mass shooting in over two years and is classified as a domestic incident amid Elkins' separation from his wife.
Shamar Elkins has been identified as the shooter who has killed eight children and wounded two women during a rampage in Shreveport, Louisiana. The incident follows a dispute with his wife and is now under investigation. Elkins was shot dead by police after a police chase. The victims include seven of his children and one cousin.
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.
Republicans are tapping Trump turnout power while shaping a cost‑of‑living policy platform, aiming to avoid a pure referendum on the president. Democrats counter with a 10‑bill progressive agenda and restructuring of district maps, signaling a high‑stakes clash ahead of midterms and 2028 considerations.
The health status of a House member has been questioned as he remains absent for personal medical reasons. Critics argue that elected officials should disclose health information; the issue highlights transparency and accountability in government.