A historic conclave is set to begin Wednesday at the Vatican, potentially answering the burning question: Who will be the next pope?

The future of the Catholic Church will be decided by 133 cardinals the voting body tasked with electing the next pope. To be chosen, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority, which means at least 89 votes.

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After each round of voting, smoke will rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke signals that no candidate has received the necessary support, while white smoke means a new pope has been elected.

While technically any baptized male is eligible, tradition dating back to the 1300s has held that the pope is chosen from among the cardinals.

With 10 American cardinals participating, the United States brings notable influence to the process. Still, the prospect of an American pope remains uncertain.

RELATED STORY | Pope Francis' Latin American roots opened a new door in the Catholic Church

"I would love to have an American, but I've always heard that the strongest country they aren't going to vote for a pope from the strongest superpower," said Fr. David Daly, a leader in the Legionaries of Christ in Rome.

Once a new pope is selected, he will appear dressed in white on the balcony of St. Peters Basilica to deliver his first blessing to the faithful gathered in the square.

Historically, the longest conclave lasted more than three years in the 13th century. By contrast, Pope Francis was elected in just two days and five rounds of voting.

In the midst of consequential and controversial executive actions in Washington, one notable trend has emerged: a significant decline in the number of new laws passed.

According to Punchbowl News, President Trump has signed just five bills into law during his administration, marking the fewest for a new president in seven decades. By comparison, President Trump signed 24 bills into law during the first 100 days of his first term.

The limited number of new laws during this early phase of his current presidency has raised questions, especially given that Republicans currently control the House, Senate, and White House.

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The low legislative output could be attributed to Republican leaders in Congress aligning with President Trump on a strategy focused on a comprehensive spending bill referred to as the "one big beautiful bill." This legislation is expected to include changes to tax laws and allocate taxpayer funds for significant projects, such as enhancing border security.

A vote on this spending bill is anticipated as soon as next month, although timelines may shift due to potential delays.

While the number of new laws has dwindled, the Trump administration has been marked by a significant number of executive orders. Just weeks ago, President Trump set a record for the most executive orders issued, surpassing a previous benchmark set by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

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Additionally, there has been unprecedented legal activity, with various federal district judges intervening to block parts of the Trump agenda.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus remains on the balance between executive actions and legislative achievements in Washington. Stay tuned for further updates on these developments.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A feud is brewing between President Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve following critical remarks made by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell regarding the economy. Just hours after the Fed's top official expressed concerns over the ongoing trade war and the implications of tariffs, the president took to Truth Social to suggest that the chairman's time at the helm may be nearing its end.

The tension is palpable, as the presidents response came as no surprise after Powell's assessment. The Central Bank leader emphasized the challenges ahead, noting that higher inflation is likely and economic growth is expected to stall due to elevated tariffs that exceed earlier projections.

His extensive speech, marking the first significant commentary since the escalation of the trade war with China, underscored the uncertainty many families face in planning their finances as the economic landscape shifts.

RELATED STORY | Fed chair says higher tariffs 'likely to raise inflation'

In his stern Truth Social post, President Trump criticized the Fed's actions, calling attention to the European Central Bank's recent decision to cut interest rates for the seventh time, while expressing dissatisfaction with the U.S. Federal Reserve's timely response.

President Trump wrote, The ECB is expected to cut interest rates for the 7th time, and yet, Too Late Jerome Powell of the Fed, who is always TOO LATE AND WRONG, yesterday issued a report which was another, and typical, complete mess! Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS. Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now. Powells termination cannot come fast enough!

Later on Thursday, President Trump would not say if he regrets nominating Powell, who became the Federal Reserve chair during the president's first term.

"The only thing that's going up actually is interest rates because we have a federal reserve chairman that is playing politics," he said.

As financial markets reacted negatively to the chairman's remarks, falling both yesterday and this morning, the possibility of a new change at the Federal Reserve looms large. President Trump previously hinted during the last campaign that he may consider firing the Fed chairman should he disagree with his economic strategies, though such a drastic move could invite legal challenges similar to past terminations of other government officials.

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As the unfolding drama continues, it is clear that the relationship between the White House and the Federal Reserve is under significant strain, with far-reaching effects for both domestic and global financial stability.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has intensified in recent days, particularly following the revelation of a civil protective order filed against him by his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, four years ago. The Department of Homeland Security publicized portions of this order on social media, heightening the White House's argument that Garcia is a violent alleged member of the MS-13 gang.

WATCH | Additional reporting on Kilmar Abrego-Garcia

Abrego-Garcia entering second month in El Salvador prison

Garcia was deported last month to El Salvador, but court documents revealed that he was sent there by mistake. In the weeks since, the White House has insisted that Garcia will remain in El Salvador despite legal efforts to have him returned.

At the center of the discussion is the differing narratives surrounding Garcia. Supporters maintain that he is a family man deserving of compassion, particularly as the Easter season approaches. This perspective was echoed during a recent rally in Maryland, where advocates spoke in favor of Garcia's character. Conversely, the Trump administration is portraying him as a dangerous individual with gang affiliations.'

RELATED STORY | Federal judge to hold Trump administration in criminal contempt for ignoring order on deportations

Legal experts have noted that while the protective order exists, it does not equate to a conviction. In statements, Vasquez Sura acknowledged past issues but emphasized that their marriage has strengthened since then, further complicating the narrative. The Trump administrations relentless campaign in recent days underscores its stance that Garcia is far from an innocent figure, insisting that media portrayals of him as a family-oriented man misrepresent reality.

"After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution after a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order in case things escalated," she said in a statement. "Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process. We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling. Our marriage only grew stronger in the years that followed."

Indeed, the White House has categorically dismissed Garcias characterization as a Maryland father, labeling him instead as an illegal alien with ties to MS-13 and terrorism. This rhetoric persists despite the family's assertion that Garcia is not affiliated with any gang. Previous evidence cited against Garcia has stemmed from confidential informants, adding another layer of ambiguity to the situation.

Currently, Garcia is detained in an El Salvadoran prison, and there are no indications of a quick resolution. In an effort to advocate for Garcia, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, recently traveled to El Salvador, but his attempts to meet with the detained individual were unsuccessful. His visit was met with bureaucratic barriers, as President Nayib Bukele declined a meeting with him.

Amidst this backdrop, tensions continue to rise, particularly between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary. A federal judge has indicated that certain Trump officials might be in contempt of court for actions related to Garcias case. This follows incidents where federal judges criticized the administration for not adhering to court orders. Judge James Boasberg, involved in related immigration matters, expressed concerns about the administration's disregard for his directives regarding the deportation of suspected gang members.

RELATED STORY | ACLU files another lawsuit to stop Trump from using 18th-century law for deportations

The possibility of contempt proceedings adds a significant layer to this ongoing conflict between the judicial system and the Trump administration, with attorneys preparing for potential repercussions. As the case evolves, the public response from both sides of the political spectrum has intensified, illustrating the complexities inherent in immigration enforcement, gang violence, and political narrative.

Garcia's situation illustrates the larger conversations surrounding immigration policy and law enforcement practices, making it a focal point of contention as more lawmakers express interest in visiting El Salvador to advocate on his behalf.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Attention travelers: It's time to take action and check your driver's license soon to see if it's Real ID-compliant.

With less than a month until the May 7 enforcement date, not having the proper identification could affect your travel plans.

How to check

Look at the top of your driver's license. If theres a star, youre good to go! If not, you might face challenges at airline security checkpoints.

What you need to know

Starting May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will enforce the Real ID requirement. Travelers without a compliant ID or another acceptable form of identification may experience delays at airport security, which could put a damper on your vacation.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump signs executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voters

Plan ahead

It's wise to secure your Real ID as soon as possible to avoid missing your flight. With previous deadlines failing to take effect, many may think they have more time. However, the government seems determined this time.

The numbers don't lie

Recent TSA reports indicate that only 80% of travelers currently have an acceptable form of ID. This means many Americans are still traveling without a Real ID dont let that be you!

Alternatives available

Don't panic if your driver's license isnt compliant. A valid passport is accepted as an alternative for air travel. However, be mindful that some DMV locations are experiencing long wait times due to the upcoming deadline.

Linking compliance with convenience, now is the time to ensure your travel plans go smoothly this summer. Safe travels, and dont forget to check your ID!

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.