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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Senator Chris Van Hollen and FBI Director Kash Patel had a heated discussion during Patel’s testimony at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee. They debated the reasons behind the firing of FBI agents.
Key Facts
The event was a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing.
Kash Patel is the Director of the FBI.
Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned Patel during the hearing.
The main topic was the firing of FBI agents.
The exchange between Van Hollen and Patel was tense.
The hearing focused on oversight of the FBI and its actions.
This was the second time they had a sharp exchange on this subject during the session.
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Senator Ted Cruz criticized Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her statement that Americans cannot earn their way to becoming billionaires. Cruz called Ocasio-Cortez a “parasite sucking on the taxpayer” during an interview on Fox News.
Key Facts
Senator Ted Cruz is a Republican from Texas.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democrat from New York.
Ocasio-Cortez said that Americans cannot earn enough to become billionaires.
Cruz responded by calling her a parasite who relies on taxpayers’ money.
Cruz mentioned Ocasio-Cortez was once a bartender when speaking to Fox News.
Cruz said his comment was not meant to disrespect bartenders.
The exchange reflects ongoing political disagreements between conservative and progressive politicians.
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FBI Director Kash Patel agreed to take a test about his alcohol use after a heated back-and-forth with Senator Chris Van Hollen. Patel said he would take the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) if he could do it alongside Van Hollen.
Key Facts
FBI Director Kash Patel and Senator Chris Van Hollen had a tense exchange.
Senator Van Hollen raised concerns or accusations about Patel’s alcohol use.
Patel responded by agreeing to take the AUDIT test, which measures alcohol use disorders.
Patel requested to take the test at the same time as Van Hollen.
The interaction was public and involved mutual accusations.
The AUDIT is a questionnaire used to identify risky drinking habits.
The incident reflects ongoing scrutiny or pressure on Patel in his role.
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The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that the Golden Dome missile defense system will cost about $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years. This total includes costs for building, deploying, and operating the system nationwide.
Key Facts
The CBO is an independent government agency that provides budget estimates.
The estimated total cost for the Golden Dome missile defense system is $1.2 trillion over 20 years.
Acquisition costs alone (buying and developing the system) are expected to be over $1 trillion.
The costs include building the system, deploying it, and operating it during the 20-year period.
The report is 12 pages long and was released on a Tuesday.
The Golden Dome is a national missile defense system aimed at protecting the country.
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Senator Lindsey Graham expressed distrust toward Pakistan's role as a mediator in U.S.-Iran negotiations after reports said Iran parked military planes in Pakistan. Pakistan denied the claims, saying both Iranian and American planes used its airfields to support diplomatic talks.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Pakistan’s role in U.S.-Iran negotiations during a Senate hearing.
Reports said Iran parked military planes at Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan after a U.S.-Iran ceasefire in April 2026.
U.S. officials suggested this could protect Iranian aircraft from U.S. airstrikes.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry denied wrongdoing and said both Iranian and U.S. planes were using its airports for diplomatic reasons.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine declined to comment on the classified information.
President Donald Trump praised Pakistan’s cooperation during his visit to China despite the controversy.
Graham said if Pakistan is protecting Iranian military assets, the U.S. should consider another mediator.
Pakistan stated aircraft presence was to support diplomatic talks and related personnel movements.
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Higher energy prices caused by the conflict in Iran are pushing up inflation in the United States. In April, energy costs rose nearly 18% from last year, making inflation the fastest in almost three years and outpacing wage growth for many workers.
Key Facts
Inflation grew at an annual rate of 3.8% in April, the fastest rise in nearly three years.
Gasoline prices rose over 28% compared to a year ago, averaging $4.50 per gallon nationwide.
Overall energy costs, including gas, heating oil, and electricity, increased nearly 18% from last year.
The Iran war is estimated to have added about $22 billion to Americans’ fuel costs since March 1.
Electricity prices rose 6.1% in April, partly due to higher energy needs from growing data centers for AI technology.
Airfares increased nearly 21% compared to last year because of higher jet fuel costs.
Diesel fuel prices are near record highs, which may increase costs for food and other goods dependent on transportation.
Officials expect inflation could rise above 4% if oil prices stay high but hope the supply disruption will be temporary.
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FBI Director Kash Patel denied allegations of excessive drinking and job problems during a Senate budget hearing. Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned Patel about these reports and Patel called them false, while also accusing the senator of inappropriate behavior.
Key Facts
FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on May 12, 2026.
Senator Chris Van Hollen raised concerns about Patel’s alleged excessive drinking and misuse of FBI resources.
Patel denied ever being intoxicated while on the job.
Patel sued The Atlantic and asked for $250 million in damages over a report about his behavior.
During the hearing, Patel called the allegations a "total farce."
Patel accused Senator Van Hollen of "slinging margaritas" with a deported migrant, referencing a 2025 meeting in El Salvador.
Van Hollen denied touching any drinks during that meeting and said photos supported this.
Patel highlighted the FBI’s recent accomplishments, including a fast response to a shooting at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner.
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President Donald Trump named Kyle Diamantas as the acting leader of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after the current commissioner, Marty Makary, planned to resign. Trump announced this change on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Key Facts
Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner, was reported to resign on Tuesday.
President Trump appointed Kyle Diamantas as the acting FDA commissioner.
Kyle Diamantas was the Deputy FDA Commissioner for Food before this appointment.
The announcement was made by President Trump on Truth Social.
President Trump described Diamantas as a "very talented person."
The change is temporary until a permanent FDA commissioner is chosen.
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The White House shared a detailed plan with Senate Republicans on how it will spend $1 billion on ballroom security. This funding was included in a recent budget bill related to homeland security and oversight by Senate committees.
Key Facts
The White House provided a specific spending plan for $1 billion.
The money is designated for ballroom security at the White House.
The funding was part of a budget reconciliation bill.
The bill was released by the Judiciary panel and the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran is involved in the process.
The plan was shared with Senate Republicans on a Tuesday.
The spending plan outlines how the $1 billion will be used for security measures.
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The cost to repair and renovate the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is approaching $15 million. The government awarded contracts without competitive bidding due to urgency related to the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Key Facts
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation is costing nearly $15 million.
Contracts were given without competitive bidding to meet a tight deadline.
The work includes resurfacing the pool and replacing its filtration system.
The project aims to finish in time for the country’s 250th anniversary events.
President Donald Trump had earlier estimated the cost at $1.5 million, much lower than current figures.
The government paid $1.74 million to an Ohio firm for the filtration system replacement.
A Virginia company was initially paid $6.8 million to repaint the pool, with an additional $6.2 million added later.
President Trump compared the pool’s renovation to building a swimming pool, emphasizing faster and cheaper work than other construction projects.
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Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Trump’s plan to pause the federal gas tax, saying it would not help enough with rising fuel prices. Several Republican senators support the proposal, but Schumer believes Americans need a bigger cut in gas costs.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed suspending the federal gas tax to lower fuel prices.
Some Republican senators have endorsed this proposal.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer opposes the plan, calling it insufficient.
Gas prices have increased significantly since the conflict with Iran began.
Schumer says Americans need more relief than just an 18-cent tax suspension.
The federal gas tax is a fee added to gasoline to fund road and transportation projects.
The debate reflects broader concerns about the impact of global conflicts on U.S. fuel costs.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned FBI Director Kash Patel about reports claiming Patel drank too much. This exchange happened during a Senate hearing about the 2027 budget for federal law enforcement agencies.
Key Facts
The event took place at a Senate hearing focused on federal law enforcement budgets for 2027.
Senator Chris Van Hollen raised questions about allegations that FBI Director Kash Patel drank excessively.
These drinking allegations were reported by The Atlantic magazine.
Kash Patel and Van Hollen had a tense or heated exchange during the hearing.
The hearing covered budget matters for several federal law enforcement agencies.
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Senator John Cornyn from Texas introduced a bill to rename US Highway 287 as Interstate 47. This change is intended to honor President Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States.
Key Facts
Senator John Cornyn is from Texas and is running for reelection.
He proposed a bill to rename a highway in Texas.
The current name is US Highway 287.
The proposed new name is Interstate 47.
The renaming would honor President Donald Trump.
President Trump is the 47th President of the United States.
Cornyn announced the bill on social media.
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President Donald Trump defended the size and cost of the White House ballroom, saying he doubled its size because it was needed. When a reporter questioned the project’s scope, Trump called the reporter “dumb” before leaving for China.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the White House ballroom on Tuesday.
He said he doubled the size of the ballroom.
Trump said the ballroom project is under budget.
He mentioned that the larger ballroom was necessary.
A reporter asked about the ballroom’s size and cost.
Trump responded by calling the reporter “dumb.”
This happened just before President Trump departed for China.
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FBI Director Kash Patel denied claims that he drinks excessively and misses work without explanation during a Senate hearing. He called the reports baseless and has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic magazine and its author, who published the allegations.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the current FBI Director.
The Atlantic published reports alleging Patel’s heavy drinking and unexplained absences.
Patel called the allegations false and said he would take a drinking test if a senator took it with him.
Patel sued the Atlantic and the story's author for defamation, seeking $250 million in damages.
Senate Democrats questioned Patel about the seriousness of the allegations during a hearing.
The Atlantic said its story is based on interviews with over two dozen current and former FBI officials.
Allegations include Patel being so intoxicated that his security detail had trouble waking him and needed special equipment to enter a locked room.
Patel has strongly denied all claims and challenges the Atlantic to prove them in court.
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President Donald Trump is overseeing repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has had ongoing problems like leaks and algae. His renovation project, aiming for faster and cheaper work, now costs about $13.1 million and has drawn comparisons to past projects run by President Obama and President Biden.
Key Facts
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is over 2,000 feet long and has issues like leaks, algae growth, and water quality problems.
President Trump ordered new renovations in April to prepare for the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.
The renovation includes waterproofing, fixing leaks, upgrading filtration, and repainting the pool bottom a special shade of blue.
The Interior Department gave a no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings to speed up the work.
Trump initially claimed the project would cost $1.8 million and finish in weeks, but costs have risen to about $13.1 million.
From 2010 to 2012, President Obama’s administration spent about $34 million on repairs that did not fully fix leakage.
The Biden administration planned a larger renovation costing possibly hundreds of millions but did not carry it out.
Trump shared an AI image on social media mocking Democrats amid debates over the renovation costs.
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Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. are facing financial troubles due to cuts in federal funding and rising demand for their services. A recent survey shows many nonprofits worry about paying their bills and are seeing more people needing help.
Key Facts
Nonprofits like food banks and homeless shelters help many vulnerable people.
Inflation is higher, and federal programs like food stamps have faced budget cuts.
A survey of 380 nonprofit leaders found 66% worry about money stability.
The number of nonprofits spending more than they earn rose from 22% in 2022 to 39% in 2023.
Nearly 75% of nonprofit CEOs said more people are asking for help.
Government grants to nonprofits add up to at least $240 billion a year.
Most nonprofits cannot cover costs without government help.
Some nonprofit funding cuts applied to programs supported by both major political parties.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that President Trump has the power to take military action against Iran without needing approval from Congress. He said the president already has the necessary authority to make decisions about such operations.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to lawmakers about military action against Iran.
Hegseth said congressional approval is not needed for these military operations.
He stated that President Trump has enough executive power to act on his own.
The discussion was about whether Congress needs to authorize a new military action against Iran.
Secretary Hegseth emphasized the president’s authority to resume military operations if he chooses.
This statement came during a congressional hearing on Tuesday.
The debate focuses on the balance of power between the president and Congress in foreign military decisions.
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President Donald Trump said he does not consider the financial situations of Americans when negotiating with Iran. He stated that it is not a factor that motivates him during these talks.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to reporters about his negotiations with Iran.
He was asked if Americans’ financial situations influence his decisions.
He replied that these financial concerns do not motivate him at all.
Trump emphasized that other factors are more important in the talks.
This statement was made on a Tuesday, during a media interaction.
The negotiation with Iran involves diplomatic and political issues beyond finance.
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Twin brothers Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter were fired from their jobs at a company that worked with US government data. Shortly after being fired, Muneeb deleted 96 government databases and stole sensitive files before their accounts were completely disabled.
Key Facts
Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter had criminal records from a 2015 fraud case and later returned to tech jobs.
They worked at a company supplying software and services to 45 US federal agencies.
In 2025, they accessed and misused sensitive data, including passwords and government information.
The company fired both brothers on February 18, 2025, after discovering their actions.
Five minutes after the firing call, Sohaib’s access was terminated, but Muneeb’s was not.
Muneeb deleted about 96 US government databases and downloaded thousands of files, including tax info.
The brothers communicated as Muneeb destroyed data, discussing the deletions.
The government is investigating their unauthorized access and data destruction.
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