Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
U.S. Senate Implements Ban on Prediction Market Trading Amid Insider Trading Concerns

U.S. Senate Implements Ban on Prediction Market Trading Amid Insider Trading Concerns

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a rule prohibiting senators from engaging in trading on prediction markets. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about insider trading on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, where event contracts can involve sensitive topics such as elections, military actions, and other government activities. The move follows recent incidents, including the suspension and fining of a U.S. Senate candidate and two House candidates for political insider trading. Additionally, a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier was arrested for allegedly using classified information to place bets on Polymarket related to a military mission. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has been urged by Democratic members of Congress to establish rules preventing insider trading and corruption in these markets.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Passes Budget Blueprint to Fund ICE Amid DHS Shutdown

House Passes Budget Blueprint to Fund ICE Amid DHS Shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed a budget blueprint to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 74 days into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. The vote, which was held open for over five hours due to internal disputes, passed with a 215-211 margin. The blueprint aims to unlock over $70 billion in future funding for immigration enforcement. The passage of this measure comes as emergency funding measures for DHS are set to expire, with President Trump setting a June 1 deadline for Congress to finalize the reconciliation package.
Reuters Reuters
US Senate blocks bid to prevent Trump from military action against Cuba

US Senate blocks bid to prevent Trump from military action against Cuba

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, April 28 (Reuters) - The Republican-led U.S. Senate on Tuesday blocked a Democratic-led resolution that would have barred President Donald Trump from military action against Cuba without congressional approval.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Approves Bill to Fund DHS, Ending Record Shutdown Amid Immigration Dispute

House Approves Bill to Fund DHS, Ending Record Shutdown Amid Immigration Dispute

The House has approved a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ending the longest agency shutdown in history. The legislation, signed by President Trump, funds much of DHS but excludes immigration enforcement operations. The shutdown, which began after a dispute over immigration policies, had left DHS without routine funds since February 14, affecting workers across various agencies. The House's approval follows a Senate vote on a bipartisan package, which had been stalled due to disagreements over funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol. The shutdown was exacerbated by fatal shootings during protests against immigration actions, leading Democrats to demand changes to ICE and Border Patrol operations. The resolution of the funding impasse allows for the continuation of essential DHS operations, though the debate over immigration enforcement funding remains unresolved.
Reuters Reuters
US Senate bans its members, staff from betting in prediction markets

US Senate bans its members, staff from betting in prediction markets

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Thursday unanimously approved an immediate prohibition on incumbent senators, staff and other officers from using prediction markets that provide a form of gambling on real-world events.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Senator Whitehouse Criticizes Proposed EPA Budget Cuts for Undermining Environmental Protection

Senator Whitehouse Criticizes Proposed EPA Budget Cuts for Undermining Environmental Protection

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island has voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration's proposed budget cuts for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The proposed $4.2 billion budget would significantly reduce funding for state environmental programs and loans for water projects, while halting certain climate research initiatives. During Senate hearings, Whitehouse accused EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin of prioritizing fossil fuel industry interests over environmental protection. Zeldin defended the budget as a means to make the EPA more efficient, but faced criticism from Senate Democrats who argued that the cuts would undermine the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congress Ends Record Shutdown at Department of Homeland Security, Excludes Immigration Enforcement Funding

Congress Ends Record Shutdown at Department of Homeland Security, Excludes Immigration Enforcement Funding

The U.S. Congress has ended the longest shutdown in the history of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by passing a funding bill that excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) funding. The House of Representatives approved the Senate-passed bill, which was initially delayed due to disagreements over immigration enforcement reforms. The shutdown, lasting 76 days, had significant operational impacts on DHS, with warnings from Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the agency's financial constraints. The bill's passage marks a temporary resolution to the funding impasse.
Reuters Reuters
US Congress passes 45-day surveillance law extension

US Congress passes 45-day surveillance law extension

By AJ Vicens April 30 (Reuters) - Congress on Thursday passed a 45-day extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, prolonging a debate about a section of the spy law that critics say enables the abusive surveillance of American citizens.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
U.S. House Approves DHS Funding Bill, Alleviating Coast Guard Financial Strain

U.S. House Approves DHS Funding Bill, Alleviating Coast Guard Financial Strain

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a Senate compromise bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol. This decision ends a 76-day shutdown that severely impacted the financial operations of DHS agencies, notably the U.S. Coast Guard. According to Admiral Kevin Lunday, the Coast Guard's commandant, the shutdown led to unpaid utility bills and operational disruptions, affecting both work and living conditions for coastguardsmen. The Coast Guard faced challenges such as unpaid utility bills, halted training exercises, and a backlog of 19,000 credentials at the National Maritime Center. Coastguardsmen were forced to cover relocation costs out of pocket, often resorting to personal debt. The shutdown's resolution came after significant pressure from the White House, with the Senate's compromise bill finally being accepted by the House.
AP News AP News
Brazil’s Congress overrides Lula's veto of a bill to reduce Bolsonaro's sentence

Brazil’s Congress overrides Lula's veto of a bill to reduce Bolsonaro's sentence

Brazil’s Congress has voted to override a presidential veto and reduce former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence
Reuters Reuters
Brazil’s Lula plans new nomination to Supreme Court after historic defeat, sources say

Brazil’s Lula plans new nomination to Supreme Court after historic defeat, sources say

(Refiles with new headline) By Lisandra Paraguassu and Ricardo Brito BRASILIA, April 30 (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plans to soon submit a new nomination to the Senate for an open seat in the Supreme Court, two people with knowledge of his thinking told Reuters, after
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Senator Rick Scott Opposes Taxpayer Funding for White House Ballroom Amid National Debt Concerns

Senator Rick Scott Opposes Taxpayer Funding for White House Ballroom Amid National Debt Concerns

Senator Rick Scott of Florida has voiced opposition to a proposal by fellow Republican senators to allocate $400 million in taxpayer funds for the construction of a new ballroom at the White House. This proposal comes in the wake of a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, which has been cited by proponents as a reason to enhance presidential security. The proposed ballroom would include an underground military facility and a Secret Service annex. Scott, a longtime ally of President Trump, argues that the project should be funded privately, especially given the nation's $39 trillion debt. Senators Lindsey Graham, Katie Britt, and Eric Schmitt are leading the legislative effort, emphasizing the need for improved security measures for the presidency.