National

Senate Republicans have adopted a budget blueprint to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol, a measure passed by a 50-48 vote with all Democrats opposed and two Republicans dissenting, in an effort to fully reopen the Department of Homeland Security.

A coalition of parents and advocates is slated to arrive on Capitol Hill this week, intensifying their advocacy for federal online safety legislation, following two recent landmark jury verdicts that found social media companies liable for knowingly harming young individuals.

The White House FY 2027 budget proposal cuts essential domestic programs, impacting affordability and consumer protection. CFPB faces 84% staff reduction.

Shreveport, Louisiana, was the scene of the nation's deadliest mass shooting since January 2024 on Sunday, when a 31-year-old man fatally shot eight children, seven of whom were his own, across three residences.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani convened with former President Barack Obama at a Bronx childcare center. The meeting addressed the Mayor's strategic vision for the city and underscored the critical importance of early childhood education, a central pillar of Mamdani's initiative to implement universal childcare.

Dr. Erica Schwartz, a public health veteran, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a move signaling the administration's evolving stance on vaccine policy.

Jackie Robinson's enduring legacy is celebrated annually on Jackie Robinson Day, yet his profound commitment to civil rights and economic justice extends beyond ceremonial recognition. Robinson himself advocated for 'the ballot and the buck' as essential for Black progress, underscoring that his fight necessitates ongoing practical action rather than mere remembrance.

While Havana confirmed last week that talks with Washington are underway, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has struck an increasingly defiant tone. Addressing a group of international activists delivering humanitarian aid, he warned of potential escalation, stating, “we’re not just crossing our arms… there could be aggression against Cuba.”

The hearing, held at the State Capitol, focused on the impacts of reductions to programs such as Medi-Cal, the Affordable Care Act and Covered California. Officials said regulatory changes and funding rollbacks could reduce the quality and availability of health coverage for many Californians.

As the April 15 tax deadline nears, taxpayers have less than 48 hours to file their income tax returns or request an extension. Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has issued a warning against utilizing general-purpose AI platforms for tax preparation, citing potential inaccuracies, data security risks, and the likelihood of returns being flagged for human review, which could delay refunds. Failure to submit returns or pay estimated taxes by the deadline can incur substantial late-filing and late-payment penalties, in addition to interest charges.