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Politics

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Judge weighs dismissal as acting AG Blanche's remarks threaten Abrego Garcia case
politics35 minutes ago

Judge weighs dismissal as acting AG Blanche's remarks threaten Abrego Garcia case

A federal judge is deciding whether acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s public remarks about the Abrego Garcia deportation and related investigation amount to vindictive prosecution, potentially leading to the dismissal of the two Tennessee human-smuggling charges or requiring Blanche to testify about the case’s origins. The dispute underscores tensions inside the DOJ as prosecutors push to try Abrego Garcia in Tennessee while DHS seeks deportation to Liberia after the wrongful 2023 deportation to El Salvador.

Pressure mounts for Swalwell to exit California governor bid amid sexual misconduct allegations
politics46 minutes ago

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.

politics57 minutes ago

Mamdani fights to confirm DOI chief as council demands independence

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is rushing to secure City Council confirmation of Nadia Shihata to lead the Department of Investigation, holding one‑on‑one meetings to reassure lawmakers about her independence amid questions tied to her past political support for the mayor and her ties to a top aide. The nomination comes as the city faces a roughly $5.4 billion budget gap and follows a broader feud between Mamdani and the Council Speaker, adding pressure on a confirmation process that could test the mayor’s clout and the DOI’s watchdog role.

White House warns staff against using nonpublic information for prediction-market bets
politics3 hours ago

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.

politics3 hours ago

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
politics4 hours ago

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
politics4 hours ago

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
politics4 hours ago

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
politics6 hours ago

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
politics8 hours ago

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
politics8 hours ago

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
politics9 hours ago

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
politics10 hours ago

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.