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Judge weighs dismissal as acting AG Blanche's remarks threaten Abrego Garcia case
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Pressure mounts for Swalwell to exit California governor bid amid sexual misconduct allegations
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell faces growing calls to withdraw from California's open gubernatorial race after multiple women alleged sexual misconduct, including an incident in 2019. Swalwell denies the claims and says he will defend himself with facts, while losing endorsements from prominent Democrats (Adam Schiff, Nancy Pelosi) and labor unions such as the California Teachers Association. The scandal comes as a crowded primary tests the race weeks before ballots go out, with Gov. Gavin Newsom urging a serious investigation.
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Swalwell’s California bid loses backers amid assault allegations
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White House warns staff against using nonpublic information for prediction-market bets
The White House circulated an internal memo warning federal employees that using nonpublic government information to place wagers on prediction markets (and related platforms) could constitute insider trading and violates federal ethics rules, a warning prompted by scrutiny of high-volume trades linked to the Iran war. The memo emphasizes that such misuse is a serious offense and will not be tolerated; officials noted there is no public evidence tying any White House staff to trades, but lawmakers have pressed for tighter regulation as the CFTC’s stance shifts and Congress considers additional bills.
RFK Jr.'s MAHA push reshapes public appetite for regulating Big Food and Drugs, POLITICO finds
A POLITICO poll of 3,851 U.S. adults finds broad bipartisan support for regulating food and drug makers, with Republicans more aligned than Democrats to restrictions on ultraprocessed foods, dyes, pesticides, and junk-food advertising; Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again agenda is pushing corporate reform, prompting brands to tweak recipes and push for tighter FDA oversight while lobbying climbs. The findings highlight a GOP fault line over MAHA priorities and a public trend toward viewing corporate America as corrupt, pressuring executives to adjust PR and policy positions even as Trump leans into tougher regulation in some areas.
Court tosses out Hegseth’s Pentagon press limits, orders full access restored
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., voided key parts of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s revised policy restricting press access to the Pentagon, ruling the curtailment of First Amendment rights unlawful and ordering the Pentagon to fully restore Times reporters’ access and file a sworn compliance declaration by April 16; the Defense Department plans to appeal.
Judge Rules Pentagon Must Restore Press Access After Policy Challenge
A federal judge ruled the Defense Department violated a court order by imposing strict reporting limits and by issuing a new press policy at the Pentagon; the policy was struck down, the judge ordered the reinstatement of New York Times reporters' press passes, and directed a sworn compliance declaration by April 16, with some escort-based access restrictions remaining and the Pentagon planning to appeal.
Swalwell Denies Allegations, Stays in California Governor Race
Rep. Eric Swalwell denies sexual assault allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and says he will not drop out of the California governor race, vowing to defend himself. The Chronicle details alleged non-consensual encounters with a former staffer beginning in 2019, including explicit Snapchat messages, an attempted kiss, and a night the staffer says she cannot fully remember due to intoxication, plus a later encounter at a charity event. ABC7 notes the allegations have not been independently verified. The report sparked resignations within Swalwell’s campaign and drew pressure from rivals to drop out, with comments from Pelosi and Padilla highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
France Bets on Linux as it Ditches Windows for Digital Sovereignty
France will move some government systems from Windows to Linux, starting with the Interministerial Directorate for Digital Affairs (DINUM), as part of a broader push for digital sovereignty and reduced reliance on American tech. The plan follows bans on American videoconferencing tools and signals a move toward open-source software amid security and implementation challenges, with policymakers seeking greater control over data, infrastructure, and rollout timelines.
Trump Warns of Fresh Iran Attacks If Peace Talks in Pakistan Fail
President Donald Trump says the U.S. will resume strikes on Iran at a higher level if peace talks in Pakistan collapse, claiming ships are being loaded with the best weapons yet. The White House has not immediately responded, while Vice President JD Vance leads talks with Iran’s side to try to seal a ceasefire before the deadline. The rhetoric comes alongside concerns about potential military action and related effects on energy markets.
Trump unveils 250-foot Arc de Trump plan for Memorial Circle
The Trump administration released new renderings for a 250-foot Arc de Trump at Memorial Circle, featuring a 60-foot golden Lady Liberty and a viewing deck, with “One Nation Under God” across the top. The plan, submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts ahead of an April 16 meeting, follows Trump’s dismissal of CFA members and comes amid separate NCPC approval but a district court ruling keeping the project in limbo. Officials say costs are still being calculated and funding will be a mix of public and private sources, with the arch sited near Arlington National Cemetery to honor American sacrifices.
Avignon-Gate Reopens the MAGA-Catholic Rift
A January Pentagon meeting with Vatican diplomat Cardinal Pierre, reportedly referencing Avignon as a veiled warning to the Vatican after Pope Leo XIV criticized U.S. policy, has sparked the so-called Avignon-gate. While the Trump administration and Vatican deny the most explosive claims and accounts vary, the controversy underscores deep fractures within MAGA’s religious-right and the U.S. Catholic Church over immigration, the Iran war, and the pope’s role in criticizing U.S. foreign policy.
Trump posts graphic video to press for stricter immigration stance
President Trump shared a graphic video of a fatal beating by a Haitian migrant to advocate ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. The case of Rolbert Joachin, charged with homicide in Florida, highlights the ongoing TPS debate as a federal judge blocks the administration’s attempt to end Haitians’ TPS and the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, with DHS indicating Joachin will be deported regardless of TPS outcomes.