6 takeaways from Pete Hegseth’s fiery confirmation hearing

A federal judge in Rhode Island halted the Department of Health and Human Services' plan to lay off 10,000 employees and restructure its agencies, citing a lack of rational basis and potential harm to public health services. The ruling followed a lawsuit by 19 Democratic attorneys general, emphasizing the Executive Branch's lack of authority to enact such sweeping changes without Congressional approval. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A federal judge in Rhode Island...

Finding a job in today's economy can be challenging, but a new SmartAsset study ranks the best U.S. job markets, with Bend, Oregon, leading due to its low unemployment rate (3.1%) and significant income growth (44% from 2020 to 2023). Santa Clara, California, excels in health care coverage (88% insured), while Wichita Falls, Texas, offers the shortest commutes (14 minutes). Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A new study says Bend, Oregon, is the...

The Senate passed a major tax and domestic policy bill by a narrow 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote; the bill includes tax cuts and funding for border security while adding trillions to the deficit. The House will need to approve the Senate's revised version, which has faced opposition from some Republican senators concerned about its debt implications. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The Senate voted to pass...

Republicans aim to reduce Medicaid funding to finance tax cuts and spending in Trump's domestic policy bill, with significant differences between the Senate and House versions. Key proposals include work requirements for Medicaid recipients, limits on home equity for eligibility, and cuts to provider taxes, along with efforts to restrict funding for Planned Parenthood and gender transition services. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Republicans are trying to change Medicaid, a health program for...

The Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, the longest-serving TV evangelist in America and founder of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, passed away at 90, as announced by his family. His son, Rev. Donnie Swaggart, had recently urged the congregation to pray for his father's health, indicating that only a "miracle" could improve his condition. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The famous TV preacher Jimmy Swaggart has passed away at the age of 90, as shared by his...

The Justice Department has announced criminal charges against Zhenxing "Danny" Wang and eight others for a scheme by North Korea to fund its weapons program through remote IT workers hired by U.S. companies, generating over $5 million. The operation involved thousands of workers using stolen identities, with some gaining access to sensitive data, while separate cases in Georgia and Massachusetts further highlight the ongoing threat of North Korean cyber fraud. Explain It To Me Like...