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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A Republican lawmaker, Jen Kiggans, was criticized for agreeing with a racist comment about Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries during a radio show. The comment involved the phrase "cotton-picking," which has racist origins related to slavery, leading to strong condemnations and calls for Kiggans to resign.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the top-ranking Democrat in the US House of Representatives.
On a conservative radio show, host Rich Herrera used the phrase “get your cotton-picking hands off of Virginia” about Jeffries’ involvement in Virginia redistricting.
Representative Jen Kiggans said “Ditto” and “Yes” in agreement with Herrera’s statement during the show.
The term “cotton picking” is viewed as racist due to its connection to slavery and forced labor on cotton plantations.
Kiggans later said she did not approve of the racist language and was agreeing only that Jeffries should not interfere in Virginia politics.
Jeffries’ office strongly condemned Kiggans’ response, calling it racist and harmful to democracy.
Top Democrats and the Congressional Black Caucus called for Kiggans to resign.
This controversy happened amid a larger battle over redistricting and voting rights in the US, with recent Supreme Court decisions affecting enforcement of anti-discrimination voting laws.
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President Donald Trump’s proposed missile defense system, called the “Golden Dome,” is estimated to cost $1.2 trillion, much more than the $175 billion he initially stated. The Congressional Budget Office says the high cost is due to limited details from the Defense Department and the system’s complex design, which includes ground and space elements to detect and stop missile attacks.
Key Facts
The “Golden Dome” is a missile defense program aiming to protect the U.S. from advanced missile threats.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the program’s cost at $1.2 trillion.
President Trump first announced the program and expected it to be operational by January 2029.
The program was inspired partly by Israel’s "Iron Dome" missile defense system.
Congress has approved about $24 billion for the project so far.
The Defense Department has not provided enough details to fully estimate the long-term cost.
The CBO’s estimate is based on one possible approach and is not an exact administration proposal.
Senator Jeff Merkley criticized the plan as giving money to defense contractors paid by taxpayers.
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Marty Makary resigned as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to disagreements over policies, including the approval of flavored e-cigarettes. Reports say President Trump pressured Makary to approve fruit-flavored vapes despite Makary’s objections. His departure follows other recent leadership changes within the FDA.
Key Facts
Marty Makary stepped down as FDA commissioner amid internal conflicts.
The FDA approved some flavored e-cigarettes from Glas Inc. after pressure from President Trump.
Makary reportedly opposed approving fruit-flavored vapes but was forced by the administration to do so.
President Trump called Makary a "great guy" but acknowledged he was facing difficulties.
Makary was expected to testify before Congress but will be replaced by acting commissioner Kyle Diamantas.
The FDA oversees drugs, vaccines, tobacco, and regulates a large part of consumer spending in the U.S.
Makary is a British-American surgeon confirmed as FDA commissioner in March 2025.
Makary also faced pressure from conservatives and anti-abortion groups regarding the abortion drug mifepristone.
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Social Security benefits may rise by nearly 4% in 2027 because of faster inflation. This increase would help seniors and others keep up with rising prices, but the exact amount will depend on inflation in the next few months.
Key Facts
The estimated cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security in 2027 is about 3.9%.
The average monthly Social Security payment in January was $2,071; a 3.9% increase would add roughly $81.
The COLA is based on inflation from July to September of the previous year, which means it looks backward at price changes.
Inflation rose quickly recently, partly due to higher fuel prices linked to the Iran war.
In 2026, the COLA was 2.8%, but inflation rates in early 2024 were higher, around 3.3% to 3.8%.
A higher COLA could increase the financial problems of the Social Security trust funds, potentially making them run out of money sooner.
Experts suggest limiting benefits for wealthy retirees to help fix some of Social Security’s money issues.
The final 2027 COLA will be determined in October after reviewing inflation data.
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Marty Makary is leaving his job as head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after 13 months marked by disagreements and controversies. Kyle Diamantas will temporarily take over while President Trump looks for a new commissioner.
Key Facts
Marty Makary served as FDA Commissioner for 13 months.
His time in office included issues with drug approvals, flavored vape regulation, vaccines, and abortion pill rules.
Makary faced criticism for not fully supporting some of President Trump's health policies.
Kyle Diamantas, the deputy commissioner for food, will be acting FDA commissioner temporarily.
The Trump administration also has open top health roles, including CDC director and surgeon general.
Makary tried to make FDA processes faster and reduce animal testing.
Some groups were unhappy that Makary did not restrict the abortion pill more or approve flavored vapes quickly.
President Trump said Makary had "some difficulty" but called him a "terrific guy."
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Kelvin Evans pleaded guilty in an Atlanta court for stealing hard drives with unreleased Beyoncé music and tour plans from a rental car. He was sentenced to five years, with two years to be served in prison, and must follow probation rules including staying away from the theft location and victim.
Key Facts
Kelvin Evans was arrested in September for stealing suitcases with Beyoncé's unreleased music and tour plans in July 2025.
The theft happened from a rental car in Atlanta belonging to Beyoncé’s choreographer and dancer.
The stolen items included watermarked music, unreleased songs, footage, set lists, clothes, designer sunglasses, laptops, and AirPods.
Evans pleaded guilty and accepted a five-year sentence, with two years in prison.
He had previously pleaded not guilty and rejected a deal in April.
After his arrest, Evans was released on a $20,000 bond before sentencing.
Police used AirPods tracking technology to help locate Evans.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour was the highest-grossing tour in 2025, earning over $407 million.
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Nebraska Democrats are choosing their nominee for the state's 2nd Congressional District, which is a key area in national elections because it splits its presidential electoral votes. The Democratic primary features three main candidates, with concerns that one candidate, John Cavanaugh, could risk the district's unique electoral vote system if he wins and leaves the state legislature.
Key Facts
Nebraska's 2nd District is important because it awards electoral votes separately, unlike most states.
The district has voted for Democrats three out of five times since 2008.
Republican Don Bacon is retiring, leaving an open seat.
Democrats John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell, and Crystal Rhoades are the top candidates.
Republicans have only one candidate, Brinker Harding, endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Some Democrats worry that if Cavanaugh wins, Republican lawmakers might change the electoral vote system or other laws after he leaves the state legislature.
Groups supporting Powell warn that Cavanaugh's win could hurt Democratic chances in the district.
Both parties attack Cavanaugh because they see him as the strongest general election candidate.
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Kevin Warsh has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to join the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors with a close vote of 51-45. He may soon be confirmed as the Fed chair, a role that comes as President Donald Trump pushes for rate cuts and increased influence over the central bank.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh was confirmed by the Senate for a 14-year term on the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors.
The vote was 51 in favor and 45 against, with one Democrat supporting Warsh.
The Senate will likely vote soon to confirm Warsh as chair of the Fed for four years.
President Donald Trump has pressured the Fed to lower interest rates and wants a chair who agrees with him.
The Fed chair is one of many voices in setting interest rates, not the sole decision maker.
There have been recent legal and political challenges aimed at influencing the Fed, including attempts to fire another Fed governor.
Warsh supports closer coordination between the Fed and the Treasury Department and plans to reduce the Fed’s balance sheet.
Rising oil prices and inflation have affected expectations about future interest rate changes by the Fed.
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President Donald Trump posted over 50 messages on social media late Monday, criticizing political opponents and making false claims about former President Obama and the 2020 election. His posts came just before a trip to China amid rising U.S. living costs linked to the ongoing war involving Iran.
Key Facts
Trump posted more than 50 times on social media during a late-night three-hour period.
He made false accusations against Barack Obama, including claims that Obama plotted a coup.
Trump shared altered images showing political figures standing over the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool filled with sewage.
The posts targeted Democrats like Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, and others.
Trump reiterated false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him.
He criticized conservative Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett for opposing his tariff policies, despite appointing them.
His social media activity preceded a visit to China for talks with Xi Jinping.
Economic pressures in the U.S., including higher fuel costs, are related to the ongoing war in Iran involving the U.S. and Israel.
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President Donald Trump has proposed pausing the gas tax to lower fuel prices. This idea comes as fuel costs have increased due to conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump suggests a temporary stop on the gas tax.
The goal is to reduce high fuel prices for consumers.
Rising fuel costs are linked to ongoing tensions with Iran.
The gas tax is a fee added to gasoline prices, often used to fund road maintenance.
The proposal aims to provide relief without changing global oil markets.
Experts, such as Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy, have discussed this idea publicly.
The plan is part of broader efforts to address inflation and cost of living increases.
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President Donald Trump is traveling to China along with about a dozen U.S. business leaders to meet President Xi Jinping. The trip focuses on improving trade relations, discussing technology and national security, and addressing issues related to the Iran war and energy markets.
Key Facts
This is the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to China since 2017.
U.S. executives from technology, finance, agriculture, aerospace, and payments sectors are accompanying President Trump.
Notable executives on the trip include Tim Cook (Apple), Elon Musk (Tesla/SpaceX), and David Solomon (Goldman Sachs).
Some leaders like Nvidia's CEO and oil and gas executives are not attending due to trade restrictions and ongoing conflicts.
The meeting will cover tariffs, artificial intelligence, trade, Taiwan, nuclear arms, agriculture, and energy issues.
The China-U.S. relationship is described as important for both countries and the global community by Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng.
China hopes the U.S. will remove tariffs that have harmed both economies.
Business agreements, including one with Boeing, are expected during the visit.
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Dr. Marty Makary is resigning as head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after just over a year. His time leading the agency was marked by internal conflicts, staff departures, and criticism from various political and industry groups connected to President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
Dr. Marty Makary, an outspoken critic of COVID-19 measures, led the FDA for slightly more than a year.
His leadership faced complaints from health industry executives, anti-abortion activists, and allies of President Trump.
Many senior FDA career officials resigned, retired, or were pushed out during the first year of the Trump administration’s second term.
Makary’s deputy, Dr. Vinay Prasad, left the agency twice amid tensions with drugmakers and patient advocacy groups.
The FDA experienced low morale, staff frustration, and leaks about internal dysfunction.
Makary promoted initiatives to speed up drug reviews and use artificial intelligence in drug evaluations.
Critics, including anti-abortion groups, accused Makary of delaying the review of the abortion pill mifepristone.
Vaping industry leaders said Makary blocked approval of flavored e-cigarette products important to their business.
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Dr. Marty Makary is stepping down as the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after just over a year in charge. His time at the agency saw conflicts with drug companies, vaping supporters, and anti-abortion groups, along with internal staff departures and concerns about politics affecting scientific decisions.
Key Facts
Dr. Marty Makary has been the FDA commissioner for a bit more than one year.
He faced criticism from pharmaceutical leaders, vaping lobbyists, and anti-abortion activists.
Many senior FDA officials left or were removed in the first year of President Trump’s second term.
Makary’s deputy, Dr. Vinay Prasad, was forced out twice after upsetting drugmakers and patient groups.
The agency experienced low morale, leaks, and stories about internal problems.
Kyle Diamantas, the FDA’s chief for foods, will serve as acting commissioner after Makary leaves.
Makary was known for criticizing COVID-19 health measures on Fox News before leading the FDA.
The FDA struggled to balance political pressures with scientific decisions during his leadership.
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Senator Josh Hawley plans to introduce a bill to stop the federal gas tax, which is 18.4 cents per gallon. This move aims to help drivers deal with high fuel prices during ongoing tensions with Iran. More Republican lawmakers are supporting the idea of suspending the gas tax.
Key Facts
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) will propose a law to pause the federal gas tax.
The federal gas tax adds 18.4 cents to each gallon of gas.
High gas prices are affecting many Americans.
Rising fuel costs are partly linked to the conflict with Iran.
Other Republican lawmakers in Congress want to suspend the gas tax too.
Suspending the gas tax would temporarily reduce the cost of gasoline for drivers.
The gas tax suspension is being discussed amid ongoing debates about energy policies under President Biden’s administration.
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FBI Director Kash Patel will speak to the Senate Appropriations Committee about the FBI’s budget for fiscal year 2027. President Donald Trump has requested $12.5 billion for the FBI’s salaries and expenses.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the FBI Director.
He will testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The testimony concerns the FBI’s budget request for fiscal year 2027.
President Trump requested $12.5 billion for the FBI.
The money is intended to cover FBI salaries and operating costs.
The Trump administration aims to address concerns about misuse of the FBI.
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A recent poll shows former Representative Mike Rogers, a Republican from Michigan, slightly ahead of Democratic opponents Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow in a possible race for the U.S. Senate. The survey included 600 likely voters in Michigan.
Key Facts
Mike Rogers is a former U.S. Representative from Michigan and a Republican.
Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow are both Democrats from Michigan.
The poll was done by the Glengariff Group.
It surveyed 600 people likely to vote in Michigan's general election.
Rogers holds a small lead over both Stevens and McMorrow in the poll.
The race is for a U.S. Senate seat representing Michigan.
The poll results reflect voter preferences in hypothetical matchups, not actual election results.
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A House Judiciary Democrats investigation found that the Justice Department paid more than one million dollars to former FBI agents who were fired. The investigation says the Trump administration wrongly gave large settlements to these agents despite their serious misconduct.
Key Facts
The Justice Department approved payments totaling over one million dollars to former FBI agents who were fired.
These agents were dismissed because of concerning or alarming behavior.
The payments were made as settlements, which are agreements to resolve disputes without going to trial.
The investigation was led by House Judiciary Democrats.
The report criticizes the Trump administration for approving these settlements.
The actions were done privately, behind closed doors.
The issue involves the use of government money to pay these former employees.
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a $30 million deal with PayPal to end an investigation into its investment program aimed at supporting Black and minority-owned businesses. PayPal agreed to waive processing fees on $1 billion in transactions for certain small businesses and will create a new program that does not consider race or national origin.
Key Facts
The DOJ investigated whether PayPal’s investment program violated laws against racial discrimination in lending.
This program was launched in 2020 to help Black and minority-owned businesses after social unrest following George Floyd’s killing.
PayPal will waive around $30 million in fees on about $1 billion of transactions for small businesses owned by veterans or involved in farming, manufacturing, or technology.
PayPal will start a new small business program without using race or national origin as a factor.
The DOJ did not say PayPal admitted any wrongdoing or violated federal law.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ will enforce laws against discrimination in corporate America.
PayPal stated it has supported small businesses for more than 20 years and looks forward to the new initiative.
The investigation was part of a wider effort by the Trump DOJ to examine diversity and inclusion programs.
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President Donald Trump supports temporarily stopping the federal gas tax to lower fuel prices for Americans. Experts say this idea would have little effect on gas prices and could harm government funding for roads and transportation.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to pause the 18.4-cent federal gas tax for a short time to reduce gas prices.
The federal gas tax funds transportation projects, including roads and highways.
The tax has not changed since 1993 and adds about 18 cents per gallon to gas prices.
Gas prices have risen over 50% since the war with Iran started on February 28, reaching about $4.50 per gallon.
Analysts say suspending the tax would at best slow price increases and lower prices by no more than 18 cents per gallon.
Retailers may not pass all the tax savings to consumers, so drivers might not see the full benefit.
Suspending the tax could reduce federal revenue by billions and hurt the Highway Trust Fund.
Some lawmakers from both parties have proposed bills to temporarily suspend the gas tax.
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U.S. consumer prices rose for the second month in a row, driven mainly by higher energy costs linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Energy prices, especially gasoline, went up sharply, causing increases in related costs like airfares and groceries.
Key Facts
U.S. consumer prices increased 0.6% in April and 0.9% in March.
Annual price rise reached 3.8%, the highest since May 2023.
Energy prices jumped 17.9% over the past year; gasoline prices rose 28.4%.
The average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.50, up from $2.98 in late February.
Airfares increased 2.8% in one month due to higher jet fuel costs.
Grocery prices rose 0.7% in April, with notable increases in meat, fruit, and coffee.
The White House expects the price increases to be temporary and linked to the conflict.
Smartphone prices dropped 12% over the year due to exemptions from tariffs.
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