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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Cassidy calls out Trump’s staff over SAVE America Act insult

Cassidy calls out Trump’s staff over SAVE America Act insult

Summary

Senator Bill Cassidy responded to President Donald Trump after Trump criticized him and other Republican senators for not supporting the SAVE America Act. Cassidy pointed out that he has always voted for the bill and suggested that Trump’s staff gave him wrong information.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bill Cassidy is from Louisiana and is a Republican.
  • President Donald Trump criticized Cassidy and other GOP senators for not supporting the SAVE America Act.
  • Cassidy has consistently voted in favor of the SAVE America Act.
  • Cassidy said Trump’s staff misled the president about his voting record.
  • The SAVE America Act is a legislative proposal supported by some Republicans.
  • The disagreement highlights communication issues between President Trump and some GOP senators.
  • Cassidy made these remarks publicly on a Monday.
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The Trump administration says SNAP is rife with fraud and waste. Is it?

The Trump administration says SNAP is rife with fraud and waste. Is it?

Summary

The Trump administration reported that the food stamp program SNAP had a high error rate of 10.6% in 2025, which they say shows waste and fraud. Experts and anti-hunger groups say most errors are unintentional mistakes, not deliberate fraud, and that focusing on fraud could hurt low-income families relying on the program.

Key Facts

  • SNAP is a government program that provides food assistance to low-income families.
  • In 2025, SNAP had a payment error rate of 10.6%, meaning over $10 billion in payments were incorrect.
  • The acceptable error rate threshold set by Congress is 6%.
  • Payment errors include both overpayments and underpayments and are often unintentional.
  • Fraud involves deliberately breaking rules, like selling benefits for cash or stealing card information.
  • The current error rate does not fully capture fraud cases like card skimming or fake enrollments.
  • Experts say errors happen due to complicated rules, changes in recipients’ finances, and paperwork problems.
  • Recipients must repay any overpayments, usually by reducing future benefits until the amount is recovered.
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Top House Republican says Pentagon misled him about troop reduction plans in Europe

Top House Republican says Pentagon misled him about troop reduction plans in Europe

Summary

House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers said the Pentagon’s policy chief, Elbridge Colby, misled him about plans to cut thousands of U.S. troops in Romania. Rogers said Congress was not properly informed about changes to U.S. military forces in Europe.

Key Facts

  • Mike Rogers is the chair of the House Armed Services Committee.
  • Elbridge Colby is the undersecretary of Defense and Pentagon’s policy chief.
  • Rogers claims Colby gave misleading information regarding troop reductions in Romania.
  • The planned reduction would cut thousands of U.S. soldiers stationed in Romania.
  • Rogers said Congress was not kept informed about these changes to U.S. military presence in Europe.
  • The issue concerns U.S. military force posture, which means how soldiers are deployed and where.
  • This disagreement highlights tensions between Congress and the Pentagon over military decisions.
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Trump reacts to Supreme Court's split rulings on presidential firings

Trump reacts to Supreme Court's split rulings on presidential firings

Summary

President Donald Trump responded on social media after the Supreme Court made two different rulings about his power to fire officials. The Court ruled that Trump acted lawfully when he fired Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, but he cannot fire Federal Reserve Commissioner Lisa Cook while legal cases continue.

Key Facts

  • President Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  • The Supreme Court decided that firing Slaughter was lawful.
  • President Trump also tried to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve.
  • The Court ruled that Trump cannot fire Lisa Cook at this time.
  • Legal proceedings regarding the firing of Lisa Cook are ongoing.
  • President Trump shared his reaction on social media after the rulings.
  • The Supreme Court issued split decisions on these firings, meaning they ruled differently on each case.
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Breaking down key changes to the federal student loan repayment plans

Breaking down key changes to the federal student loan repayment plans

Summary

Federal student loan repayment plans will change starting July 1. These changes affect how borrowers pay back their federal student loans.

Key Facts

  • New rules for federal student loan repayment begin on July 1.
  • These changes impact people with federal student loans.
  • The repayment plans may include new options or altered payment terms.
  • The changes aim to adjust how borrowers manage their loan payments.
  • Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, a reporter covering education, discussed these adjustments.
  • The information was presented on CBS News.
  • The changes are part of efforts to update the federal student loan system.
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House Democrat: Idea of Democratic Party going hard left ‘frankly overblown’

House Democrat: Idea of Democratic Party going hard left ‘frankly overblown’

Summary

Rep. Glenn Ivey from Maryland said that the idea of the Democratic Party moving strongly to the left is exaggerated. He made this comment after some democratic socialists won in recent Democratic primary elections, but he pointed out that many Democrats, including himself, do not share those far-left views.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Glenn Ivey is a Democratic Congressman from Maryland.
  • Ivey said the claim that the Democratic Party is shifting hard left is overstated.
  • His comment came after democratic socialists won some Democratic primary races.
  • Ivey emphasized that many Democrats, including himself, do not support those far-left positions.
  • The discussion relates to the direction and diversity of views within the Democratic Party.
  • Democratic primaries are elections to choose candidates representing the party in the general election.
  • The phrase “hard-left” refers to more progressive or socialist policies.
  • Ivey’s statement was made publicly on Friday following the primary results.
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Outcry over supreme court decision to grant Trump power to fire agency chiefs

Outcry over supreme court decision to grant Trump power to fire agency chiefs

Summary

The US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump and future presidents can fire leaders of independent government agencies, overturning nearly 90 years of legal protections for these officials. This decision came after Trump fired a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner, Rebecca Slaughter, leading to the court case Trump v Slaughter.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court decision allows the president to remove leaders of independent agencies without cause.
  • This ruling overturns a 1935 precedent, Humphrey’s Executor, which protected agency leaders from being fired for political reasons.
  • The case was triggered by President Trump firing FTC commissioner Rebecca Slaughter.
  • President Trump has fired several independent agency leaders during his second term.
  • Critics worry this ruling weakens checks on presidential power and could harm government independence.
  • The court ruled separately against Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook.
  • The ruling could give presidents greater control over agencies meant to operate without political pressure.
  • Some legal experts describe the decision as a major change in how government operates and warn of its long-term effects.
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Small towns get burned by fireworks bills

Small towns get burned by fireworks bills

Summary

Many small towns in the United States are finding it hard to afford large fireworks shows for the country’s 250th birthday celebrations. High costs, staff shortages, and limited equipment mean some towns have canceled shows or moved celebrations to different dates.

Key Facts

  • Fireworks companies are seeing more demand and higher budgets from bigger cities for the 250th Independence Day.
  • Smaller towns often cannot meet minimum prices, which can be $20,000 or more for a show.
  • Average fireworks shows cost about $1,000 to $1,500 per minute.
  • Fireworks companies are doing more shows than usual but have turned away many requests, especially from smaller places.
  • There are not enough licensed pyrotechnicians because many work only summer jobs and safety training limits who can operate fireworks.
  • Some towns have tried drone light shows as a safer and quieter option, but these often cost as much or more and are less popular with communities.
  • Many smaller towns try fundraising or schedule shows on less busy dates to manage costs.
  • Despite challenges, small towns still want big fireworks displays for celebrations.
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Can a nursing home pursue family members for unpaid bills?

Can a nursing home pursue family members for unpaid bills?

Summary

Nursing homes usually cannot make family members pay unpaid bills just because they are related. However, family members might have to pay if they signed a contract agreeing to take responsibility, live in a state with filial responsibility laws, are spouses, or if they manage the deceased resident’s estate.

Key Facts

  • Nursing home bills generally belong to the person who received care, not their relatives.
  • If a family member signs a contract agreeing to pay, they can be held responsible for the bills.
  • Some states have filial responsibility laws that can require adult children to pay for a parent’s care in certain cases.
  • These filial responsibility laws are rarely enforced and often don’t apply if Medicaid pays some costs.
  • Spouses may have legal responsibility for nursing home bills, depending on state law and marital property rules.
  • After a resident dies, unpaid nursing home bills become debts of the resident’s estate, not directly of the family.
  • It is important to carefully read nursing home admission documents and understand the financial obligations before signing.
  • Acting under power of attorney means managing care decisions, but does not automatically mean paying the bills personally.
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Sotomayor warns expansion of presidential firing power will ‘unleash only chaos’

Sotomayor warns expansion of presidential firing power will ‘unleash only chaos’

Summary

Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed with a Supreme Court decision that changed a long-standing rule about the president’s power to fire officials. She said the ruling gives President Trump and future presidents too much control, which could upset the balance between different parts of the government.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court overturned a nearly 100-year-old rule about presidential firing powers.
  • Justice Sotomayor filed a dissenting opinion, meaning she disagreed with the majority.
  • She warned that the decision gives the president “unbridled authority” to fire officials.
  • Sotomayor argued this change weakens the separation of powers in the government.
  • The ruling affects how much control the president, including President Trump, has over government employees.
  • The separation of powers means different branches of government have their own roles and limits.
  • This decision marks a significant change in how government authority is defined.
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New York’s no-bid contracting scandal: A quarter-billion dollars, awarded by race

New York’s no-bid contracting scandal: A quarter-billion dollars, awarded by race

Summary

New York City’s Racial Equity Plan, introduced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, uses racial categories to guide many city projects and decisions. The plan includes setting aside hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts specifically for certain racial groups.

Key Facts

  • The plan is called New York City's Racial Equity Plan.
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled the plan.
  • The plan uses racial classifications to guide more than 200 city goals.
  • It applies to nearly all city agencies.
  • The plan continues a long-standing policy of awarding contracts based on race.
  • Hundreds of millions of dollars are set aside in contracts for specific racial groups.
  • The plan aims to advance racial equity in city contracting.
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Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to fire US Federal Reserve’s Lisa Cook

Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to fire US Federal Reserve’s Lisa Cook

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, who was appointed by President Biden. The Court ruled 5-4 that Trump cannot fire Cook without following proper legal procedures because Fed governors serve fixed terms and can only be removed "for cause."

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 against President Trump’s effort to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve.
  • President Trump cited allegations of mortgage fraud to try to remove Cook, but these claims were unproven and denied by Cook.
  • Federal Reserve governors serve 14-year terms and cannot be fired just because the president wants to; removal must be for a valid legal reason ("for cause").
  • Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that Cook was not given the legal protections required before removal.
  • The Court decision helps protect the Federal Reserve’s independence from political interference.
  • Cook’s term is set to last until 2038, after being appointed in 2022 by President Biden.
  • Trump’s justice department asked to override a judge’s order blocking Cook’s firing, but the Court denied this request.
  • In a separate case the same day, the Court allowed Trump to fire a different government official, changing protections for agency leaders.
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Supreme Court won't revive Alan Dershowitz's $300 million suit against CNN

Supreme Court won't revive Alan Dershowitz's $300 million suit against CNN

Summary

The Supreme Court decided not to bring back a $300 million defamation lawsuit that attorney Alan Dershowitz filed against CNN. Dershowitz claimed CNN twisted his words during his defense of President Donald Trump in the 2020 impeachment, but the court chose not to review the case.

Key Facts

  • Alan Dershowitz sued CNN for $300 million, alleging defamation.
  • The lawsuit relates to CNN's coverage of his comments defending President Donald Trump during the 2020 impeachment.
  • Dershowitz said CNN showed only part of his statement, changing its meaning.
  • The Supreme Court rejected the request to revive the lawsuit without explanation.
  • Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas disagreed and wanted to rethink defamation rules for public figures.
  • The decision came alongside the court's refusal to overturn a verdict in another case involving President Trump.
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Melat Kiros' Chances of Ousting Diana DeGette After 30 Years in Office

Melat Kiros' Chances of Ousting Diana DeGette After 30 Years in Office

Summary

Melat Kiros, a Democratic socialist and political newcomer, is challenging Representative Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. Kiros has gained support from Senator Bernie Sanders and progressive groups, while Israel policy has become a key issue in the race. Recent polls and prediction markets show Kiros with a narrow lead over DeGette.

Key Facts

  • Diana DeGette has represented Colorado’s 1st District for nearly 30 years.
  • Melat Kiros is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and has Bernie Sanders’ backing.
  • The primary election is on Tuesday and is seen as a test for the influence of Democratic socialists outside New York.
  • Polling by Data for Progress shows Kiros ahead with 41% support versus 36% for DeGette among likely voters.
  • Prediction markets give Kiros about a 79% chance of winning, based on traders’ bets.
  • The issue of U.S. support for Israel has been a major focus of the campaign, with Kiros criticizing U.S.-Israel relations and DeGette maintaining a more moderate stance.
  • Kiros says she was fired from a law firm after defending critiques of Israel by students.
  • Colorado’s 1st District is a progressive area centered on Denver, where younger, more progressive voters are gaining influence.
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Resident doctors in England accept pay deal and end strikes

Resident doctors in England accept pay deal and end strikes

Summary

Resident doctors in England have accepted a government offer on pay and job training, ending three years of strikes. The deal includes pay raises, more training places, and reimbursement for exam fees.

Key Facts

  • Resident doctors voted 53% in favor of the government's offer in a referendum with a 57% turnout.
  • The pay rise starts at 3.5% this year, with backdated pay from April 2026 averaging a 4.9% increase.
  • By April 2027, the average pay rise will increase to 6.6%, with more increases planned.
  • Starting salaries for resident doctors will be just over £40,000; senior residents earn about £76,500.
  • 4,500 additional training places for newly qualified doctors are included in the agreement.
  • Exam fees for doctors will be paid by the government as part of the deal.
  • Resident doctors in Scotland accepted a similar offer, while those in Northern Ireland are currently on strike.
  • The role name changed from "junior doctors" to "resident doctors" in September 2024 to reflect their expertise.
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Luigi Mangione’s federal trial now scheduled for January 2027 to not clash with state case

Luigi Mangione’s federal trial now scheduled for January 2027 to not clash with state case

Summary

Luigi Mangione is facing federal and state court cases for the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson in New York City. His federal trial is now set for January 2027 to avoid overlapping with his state case, where his lawyers considered a psychiatric defense but later withdrew the formal notice.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, in New York City.
  • Mangione faces murder and weapons charges at the state level and stalking charges in federal court.
  • He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
  • Mangione’s federal trial is scheduled for January 2027 to not overlap with his state trial.
  • His defense team initially planned to use a psychiatric defense called "extreme emotional disturbance" (EED).
  • The judge ordered the defense to share mental health details with prosecutors if they used the EED defense.
  • The defense later withdrew the formal psychiatric defense notice but may still present mental distress in court.
  • The state case record related to the psychiatric defense was sealed but later unsealed by the judge.
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US Supreme Court expands Trump's power to fire officials, but protects Fed

US Supreme Court expands Trump's power to fire officials, but protects Fed

Summary

The US Supreme Court expanded President Donald Trump's power to fire officials in independent government agencies, allowing him to remove members without cause. However, the court protected the Federal Reserve’s independence by ruling Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook without cause, emphasizing the importance of the Fed's separate status.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of President Trump’s power to fire leaders of independent agencies.
  • This decision allows Trump to remove officials who exercise presidential power without needing a specific reason.
  • Democratic Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter challenged her firing but lost the case.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, citing historical and prior court rulings supporting presidential personnel powers.
  • The court emphasized that independent agencies still answer to the president and ultimately the American people.
  • In a separate 5-4 ruling, the court protected Federal Reserve governors from being fired without cause.
  • The Fed’s independence is essential because it handles monetary policy for the US economy and needs public trust.
  • The court dismissed claims that proper legal procedures had been followed in firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
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Alex Murdaugh's is back in court for hearing on his murder retrial

Alex Murdaugh's is back in court for hearing on his murder retrial

Summary

Alex Murdaugh appeared in court in South Carolina for a hearing about his upcoming retrial on charges that he killed his wife and son. His previous murder convictions and life sentence were overturned by the state Supreme Court, and the hearing focused on scheduling the next steps in the case.

Key Facts

  • Alex Murdaugh was charged with killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.
  • The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh’s murder convictions and life sentence last month.
  • The pretrial hearing set deadlines for sharing evidence and scheduled the new trial for April 5.
  • Murdaugh is in prison for stealing about $12 million from clients and his family’s law firm.
  • Prosecutors say Murdaugh killed his family to gain sympathy and delay exposure of his crimes.
  • Defense lawyers want Murdaugh to wear civilian clothes at trial and have a laptop to review evidence.
  • The defense requested testing of unknown DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails.
  • The defense also asked to move the retrial out of Colleton County, where the original trial occurred.
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Ex-NBA players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis indicted in gambling case

Ex-NBA players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis indicted in gambling case

Summary

Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were charged in a federal case about illegal sports gambling. The indictment claims they agreed to affect game results to help others place bets on their performance.

Key Facts

  • Malik Beasley and Ed Davis are among six people charged in the gambling case.
  • Davis was arrested; Beasley and another suspect were not yet in custody as of Monday morning.
  • Beasley allegedly lost millions gambling during his NBA career from 2016 to 2025.
  • He is accused of purposely performing poorly in some games in the 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Prosecutors say Beasley accepted bribes to pay debts he owed to Davis, his former teammate.
  • A text from Davis to Beasley in December 2023 suggests they planned to make money from sports betting.
  • One example says Beasley underperformed in rebounds in a January 2024 game to meet a betting line set by sportsbooks.
  • Both players earned significant NBA salaries during their careers, with Beasley making about $60 million and Davis about $47 million.
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Double murder accused is sex offender, jury told

Double murder accused is sex offender, jury told

Summary

A man named Simon Levy is on trial in London for allegedly murdering two women and raping a third. The court heard that Levy has a history of sexual offenses since 2018 and has been charged with serious crimes involving women, some of whom were sex workers.

Key Facts

  • Simon Levy, 40, from North London, faces charges of murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins and raping another woman.
  • Levy has been convicted of about 13 sexual assaults since July 2018.
  • He was arrested in April 2025 for the first murder before the second murder occurred in August 2025.
  • Prosecutors say both murders were sexually motivated, involving women who were sex workers or exchanged sex for money or drugs.
  • The surviving victim was trafficked into the UK and was raped and attacked by Levy in January 2025.
  • The victim lost consciousness after being strangled and seriously injured during the attack.
  • Levy’s lawyer says the surviving victim is not telling the truth and knew Levy before the alleged attack.
  • The first murder victim was found in March 2025 in a building stairwell in South London, near where Levy had been.
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