Congressional Republicans seek special counsel investigation into Hunter Biden whistleblower allegations
CBSN
A group of senior Congressional Republicans are demanding an investigation into what they call "unlawful whistleblower retaliation against veteran IRS employees" involved in an investigation into the president's son, Hunter Biden.
In a letter sent Wednesday to special counsel Henry Kerner, whose office is responsible for investigating claims of retaliation against federal whistleblowers, Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson and Reps. Jason Smith, James Comer and Jim Jordan said IRS officials violated "anti-gag" rules that protect federal employees. The letter is the latest effort by Republicans to seize on whistleblowers' allegations that investigators were impeded by supervisors during their yearslong probe. They are also requesting a briefing on steps taken by Kerner's office by July 19.
In the letter they cited two internal emails by IRS administrators. In one, GOP lawmakers allege a special agent in charge reminded personnel on May 19 that case information could not be shared without "seeking approval" from a supervisor. In another, sent on May 25, GOP lawmakers allege an IRS deputy commissioner wrote in an email that the agency is "deeply committed" to whistleblower protections, but the Republicans said the email "fails to inform IRS employees of their Constitutional and statutory right to make protected disclosures to Congress."
Washington — President Trump says he's considering a limited military strike on Iran, as the U.S. military builds up its presence in the region. In:
Some of the biggest U.S. companies say they are passing tariff-related costs on to consumers, with Walmart this week attributing a jump in prices for certain goods sold by the retailer to higher import duties. Edited by Alain Sherter In:
The Justice Department on Friday accused one of Ohio's largest healthcare systems of engaging in anticompetitive behavior that forces patients to pay high prices for their healthcare. In:
Business owners said that a Supreme Court ruling on Friday striking down sweeping U.S. tariffs could spell relief by lowering their costs and potentially leading to refunds. Edited by Alain Sherter
Washington — The Supreme Court on Friday ruled President Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs on nearly every country under a federal emergency powers law, delivering a significant blow to the president's signature economic policy.
American freeskier Hunter Hess got to the end of his successful run in Olympic halfpipe qualifying, then leaned into the camera. He bent his left thumb and forefinger into the shape of an "L," lifted it to his forehead and pointed at it with the other hand. In:
A Milwaukee, Wisconsin, detective had an unconventional idea of how to help solve the murder of 19-year-old college student Sade Robinson. In:
Property taxes around the U.S. have long been a lightning rod for debate, with political leaders perpetually balancing the need to fund their budget priorities against the risk of alienating homeowners and businesses. This week, for example, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani sparked an uproar by proposing to close a budget hole by sharply raising property taxes. Edited by Alain Sherter In:
U.S. fighter jets were scrambled Thursday to intercept multiple Russian bombers, fighter jets and a spy plane that were spotted flying off the coast of Alaska, U.S. authorities said. In:
The two rounds of indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran have produced unique proposals addressing Iran's nuclear program — its enrichment capabilities and supply of highly enriched uranium — and how to make a deal that's economically beneficial to both countries, diplomatic sources tell CBS News.
Eric Dane, the actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit medical series "Grey's Anatomy," has died at the age of 53, his family announced Thursday. Kerry Breen contributed to this report. In:
President Trump on Thursday directed his administration to release files on UFOs and any "alien and extraterrestrial life," an issue that has drawn decades of public fascination — and spawned more than a few wild theories. In: