More than half of Americans believe their financial situation is deteriorating, according to a Gallup survey released on Tuesday. The 2026 poll found that 55% of respondents said their finances had worsened, up from 53% in 2025 and 47% in 2024. Gallup described the current situation as historically poor, marking the fifth consecutive year that more Americans reported financial decline. A similar trend was last seen during the 2007–2009 global recession.

The survey also revealed that 62% of Americans are worried about having enough savings for retirement, while 60% fear they could not afford medical costs in case of serious illness or accident. Additionally, 54% expressed concern about investment returns and maintaining their standard of living. Nearly half are anxious about regular healthcare expenses, 41% about paying monthly bills, and 40% about higher education costs.

Gallup attributed these concerns mainly to inflation and rising costs of energy, housing, and healthcare. It added that college, transportation, and childcare expenses are also creating significant financial pressure for households.

Britain’s King Charles III addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, reminding the United States of its republican values—rule of law, democracy, and its example in international affairs. His speech, delivered with careful wording, was notably direct by royal standards. Without criticizing the Trump administration, the King subtly expressed concern over the current political direction of the United States and called for stronger support for Ukraine and protection of nature, signaling a call to address climate change.

Charles emphasized that allies can maintain enduring relationships despite differences, referring to the historic U.K.-U.S. “special relationship,” which had been strained by disagreements such as the Iraq war. He highlighted the continuing importance of America’s global influence and quoted Trump to affirm the spiritual bond between the two nations. The King presented President Trump with a Royal Navy submarine bell from World War II as a symbolic gift.

Charles also referenced the Magna Carta and the U.S. Bill of Rights, underscoring the shared commitment to the rule of law and independent judiciary that underpin both nations’ democratic traditions.

The United States Department of State has announced a special edition of passports featuring President Donald Trump’s image. The initiative, confirmed by the White House, will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence in July. According to a Fox News report, the limited-edition passports will be available exclusively through the Washington Passport Agency.

A State Department design preview shows Trump’s portrait surrounded by the text of the Declaration of Independence and the US flag, along with the president’s signature in gold. An administration official told the BBC that any American citizen will be eligible to apply for the commemorative passport once distribution begins.

The release marks an unprecedented decision by the US government to include a sitting president’s image on official passports as part of a national celebration.

The United States Senate has blocked a proposal that sought to require congressional approval before President Donald Trump could take military action against Cuba. On Tuesday, the Republican-led chamber voted 51–47 in a procedural move that prevented the Democratic-sponsored war powers measure from advancing. The vote was largely along party lines.

Democrats argued that Congress must play a decisive role in preventing unilateral military action by the president. Senator Tim Kaine, a key supporter of the proposal, said that actions such as restricting Cuba’s fuel supply could already be considered hostile acts. Republicans countered that there is currently no direct military conflict with Cuba, making the proposal unnecessary. Senator Rick Scott stated that since no troops have been deployed, a war powers vote is not required.

The debate emerged amid growing criticism that the Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure and energy blockades against Cuba.

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed allies to prepare for a long-term sanctions strategy against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The plan aims to maintain economic pressure on Iran by restricting ship movements at its ports instead of resuming military attacks.

The report states that Trump is demanding Iran suspend uranium enrichment for at least 20 years and remains firm on this position. He reportedly believes that maintaining sanctions is less risky than pursuing alternative measures. Iranian officials have informed mediators that they need more time for consultations before submitting a revised proposal.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, indicates that the sanctions approach is intended to sustain pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports while avoiding direct military confrontation.

Investigators in Florida have uncovered alarming details in the murder of two Bangladeshi PhD students, Jamil Ahmed Limon and Nahida Sultana Brishti, who were last seen in Tampa about two weeks before Limon’s body was found. Police have arrested Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abughurbeh, charging him with premeditated murder using a weapon. A judge has ordered that he remain in custody without bail during trial proceedings.

Court filings show a detailed timeline of Abughurbeh’s actions before and after the killings, including purchases of duct tape, garbage bags, and lighter fuel, as well as disturbing ChatGPT queries about disposing of a body. Surveillance footage and phone data placed him near the victims’ last known locations. Evidence recovered from a landfill and a bridge linked him to the crime, including blood-stained items and a bag containing Limon’s remains.

Florida’s attorney general has added the case to an ongoing criminal investigation involving OpenAI, after prosecutors cited the suspect’s use of ChatGPT. OpenAI stated it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

During a state dinner at the White House, Britain’s King Charles III presented U.S. President Donald Trump with a historic submarine bell named ‘HMS Trump’. The bell came from a Royal Navy submarine that served in the Pacific during World War II. The King described the gift as a symbol of the two nations’ ‘bright future’. President Trump, in turn, called the U.K.–U.S. relationship unlike any other friendship in the world.

Earlier, King Charles addressed the U.S. Congress, emphasizing that the partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States is now more important than ever. He recalled that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had spoken in the same chamber in 1991. Buckingham Palace later said the bell symbolizes a new chapter of friendship between the two countries and evokes memories of the Liberty Bell gift during Queen Elizabeth’s 1976 U.S. visit.

The King also highlighted the importance of NATO and AUKUS alliances in strengthening technological and military cooperation, while noting the upcoming FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S. and Canada as a shared moment of pride.

The closure of the Hormuz Strait has caused a disruption in global oil supply, leading to economic effects in the United States. Although President Donald Trump stated that the US is a net oil exporter and not dependent on oil passing through the strait, the indirect impacts are becoming evident across the economy.

Experts note that reduced oil supply has driven up fuel prices, directly affecting consumers. Americans are paying more for gasoline and everyday goods, as higher diesel costs have increased transportation expenses. This has led to a general rise in living costs, contradicting earlier assurances from Trump that such inflation would not occur.

The ongoing price increases have reportedly fueled public dissatisfaction, and analysts suggest the situation could influence the upcoming midterm elections in November, potentially affecting Trump and the Republican Party’s political standing.

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran should never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and claimed that the United Kingdom’s King Charles shares his view. Speaking at a state dinner at the White House, Trump discussed the situation in the Middle East, saying his administration is currently working on certain matters in the region and that developments are progressing well, according to Al Jazeera.

Trump further asserted that his administration had militarily defeated a specific adversary and would never allow that opponent to obtain nuclear weapons, adding that King Charles agreed with him even more strongly. His remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

The statement highlights continued US concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reflects diplomatic alignment between Washington and London on preventing Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities.

Pop superstar Taylor Swift has filed trademark applications in the United States to protect her voice and image from artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes. The filings, submitted on Friday to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, include two audio clips of Swift’s voice and a stage photograph showing her in a sequined outfit holding a pink guitar. The applications list her company, TAS Rights Management, as the owner, though neither Swift’s representatives nor her lawyers have commented publicly.

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben explained that while existing publicity rights laws offer some protection, trademarks could provide additional security. He noted that registering a voice as a trademark is a relatively new concept and remains largely untested in court. Previously, artists relied on copyright law to protect their work, but AI’s ability to mimic voices without using original recordings has created new legal gaps.

Experts cited in the report said Swift’s move follows a surge in AI-generated fake videos, ads, and misleading content using her likeness, and could set a precedent for digital identity protection among celebrities.

The Trump administration has dismissed all 22 members of the U.S. National Science Board (NSB), which serves as the policy and advisory body of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The move, confirmed by a former board member and lawmaker, is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to restructure federal agencies. Similar cuts were previously made at the Department of Education and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Former board member Dr. Beachy, a retired biology professor from Washington University in St. Louis, said the dismissal notice was brief, thanking members for their service. He expressed concern about the future direction of research and education, emphasizing that the board’s independence is vital for NSF’s success. Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Zoe Lofgren, sharply criticized the decision, calling it another reckless act that undermines science and innovation in the United States.

The White House and NSF have not commented on the matter. The NSF, founded in 1950, spent over $8 billion on research and education in 2025. The long-term impact of the dismissals remains uncertain, though bipartisan support for the NSF has historically been strong.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmier announced that OpenAI has been included in a criminal investigation following the murders of Bangladeshi students Jamil Limon and Nahida Sultana Brishti at the University of Florida. The main suspect, Hisham Abugarbiyah, allegedly used ChatGPT before committing the crime. Local media Tampa Bay 28 reported that the attorney general confirmed new charges would be filed against OpenAI as part of the ongoing probe.

According to court documents cited by CBS News, Hisham asked ChatGPT several questions about hiding bodies and other suspicious topics in the days leading up to the killings. His phone location was later traced to the site where Limon’s body was found. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, and Hisham has been charged with premeditated murder.

The attorney general previously linked ChatGPT to a separate 2025 Florida State University attack plan, and this new case has now been added to that broader investigation.

A 31-year-old man from California, Cole Thomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors said Allen broke through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton Hotel armed with a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives. A Secret Service agent was shot but survived due to a bulletproof vest. Allen faces additional firearms-related charges and could face life imprisonment if convicted.

Court documents and prosecutors revealed that Allen had traveled from California to Washington days before the attack and had written to relatives expressing intent to target senior administration officials. Authorities are reviewing the White House’s security arrangements following the incident, which marked the third attempt on Trump’s life. Officials said the suspect is not cooperating with investigators.

White House officials stated that President Trump maintains confidence in the Secret Service, while security protocols for future major events are being reassessed. The postponed Correspondents’ Dinner will be rescheduled once new safety measures are finalized.

Democrats in the United States Senate have initiated a sixth vote on the War Powers Resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the vote would take place this week, emphasizing the need to reassert congressional authority over war decisions.

Schumer questioned whether Republicans would continue to support Trump after what he described as a reckless and unpopular 60-day conflict. Under the US Constitution, the power to declare war lies with Congress, not the president. Democrats have accused the Trump administration of conducting military operations in Iran without congressional approval.

Previous attempts by Democrats to pass similar resolutions in both the Senate and the House of Representatives have failed. Despite these setbacks, they are pressing ahead with another vote to increase pressure on the administration and reaffirm legislative oversight of military engagements.

The United States is reviewing a new peace proposal from Iran aimed at easing tensions and resolving the deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Al Jazeera, White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt said President Donald Trump discussed the proposal in detail with his national security team on Monday, April 27. However, no final decision has been made yet.

The proposal, sent through Pakistan’s mediation, emphasizes ending the ongoing conflict and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz for global trade. It also leaves room for potential future discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. Levitt noted that while the proposal is under consideration, President Trump’s core position remains unchanged.

The review signals a cautious approach by Washington as it weighs diplomatic options amid persistent regional tensions and global concerns over maritime stability in the Gulf.