Month: April 2026

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has introduced a newly redrawn congressional map that could significantly boost Republican representation in the state, potentially adding up to four GOP-held seats if approved. The proposal now heads to the Republican-controlled state legislature, where lawmakers are expected to take it up during a special session ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The plan would reshape Florida’s current congressional balance, which stands at 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one Democratic seat recently vacated. Under the new layout, projections suggest as many as 24 districts could lean Republican, compared to just four favoring Democrats.

DeSantis framed the move as a response to population growth and shifting political dynamics. “Florida got shortchanged in the 2020 Census, and we’ve been fighting for fair representation ever since,” he said, emphasizing that the state’s voter base has swung to a sizable Republican advantage. He also argued that existing districts rely too heavily on race-based considerations, which he called unconstitutional. According to sources familiar with the plan, DeSantis has been preparing for this effort for some time, and say it is rooted more in demographic changes than recent political developments elsewhere. Still, the timing aligns with a broader national push by both parties to redraw maps mid-decade in an effort to gain an edge in Congress.

That larger fight has been fueled by actions in other states. In Virginia, voters recently approved a measure that could dramatically favor Democrats in future elections, while California has also implemented changes expected to strengthen Democratic representation. These moves have intensified partisan tensions as control of the House remains closely contested.

Back in Florida, the proposal has sparked immediate backlash from Democrats, who argue it violates the state’s constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering. Critics also warn that altering district lines could unintentionally make some traditionally safe Republican areas more competitive. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried labeled the effort “unconstitutional gerrymandering,” while others suggested it could ultimately backfire politically. Meanwhile, Republican leaders in the state have expressed confidence that a more compact map would benefit their party. The proposed map would also significantly alter districts currently held by several Democratic representatives, particularly in regions like Tampa Bay and Orlando, citing population shifts as justification.

The special legislative session, which had already been delayed once, will also address other issues beyond redistricting, including education policies and regulations on artificial intelligence.

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Cole Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, appeared briefly in federal court Monday after being charged in connection with the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Prosecutors allege he attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump, marking what officials describe as the third such attempt against the president.

Allen, dressed in a blue jail uniform, did not enter a plea during the hearing. He faces multiple felony charges, including attempted assassination of the president, transporting firearms and ammunition across state lines to commit a crime, and using a firearm during a violent offense. If convicted on the most serious charge, he could face life in prison. During routine questioning, Allen responded calmly with, “Yes, your honor.” Prosecutors requested he remain in custody ahead of trial, citing the severity of the incident. A detention hearing is set for Thursday, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 11. His defense attorney indicated they may challenge his detention, noting he has no prior criminal record.

According to authorities, Allen arrived at the Washington Hilton—where the high-profile event was held—after traveling by train from Los Angeles through Chicago. He checked into the hotel the day before the dinner. On Saturday evening, he allegedly ran through a security checkpoint carrying a 12-gauge shotgun. Officials say he was also armed with a handgun, knives, and other items.

As he moved toward the ballroom where the president and senior officials were seated, gunfire erupted. A Secret Service officer was struck, but the bullet was stopped by the agent’s protective vest. The officer returned fire, and Allen was quickly subdued by law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect’s “intent was to bring down as many of the high-ranking cabinet officials as he could,” adding that investigators believe he acted alone. She also noted that the situation remains under investigation and additional charges could follow.

Authorities are examining Allen’s background and possible motives. Social media activity linked to him included criticism of Trump’s administration and policies. He also allegedly shared posts dismissing press freedom efforts tied to the event as “pathetic” and a “white flag … [to] wave in defeat.”

President Trump stated that Allen had written an anti-administration manifesto and described him as “a sick guy” and deeply troubled. According to officials, the suspect reportedly sent the document and an apology to family members shortly before the attack, prompting concern that was later reported to police.

Allen, who holds degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science, had worked as a tutor and in video game development. His voter registration listed no party affiliation, though records show a small political donation in 2024. A spokesperson for Bluesky, the platform where Allen was active, stated: “Violence has no place in our public discourse, and we are committed to providing people with the platform and tools to engage in healthy conversation.” The company added that it is reviewing content tied to the case for potential violations.

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Sen. Thom Tillis said Sunday he will no longer block the confirmation of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve, clearing a path for the nomination to move forward.

The Republican lawmaker had refused to back any Federal Reserve nominees while the Justice Department investigated current Chair Jerome Powell over the central bank’s costly headquarters renovation in Washington. That stance shifted after U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Friday that the probe had been dropped.

Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Tillis said he received firm assurances that the investigation is “completely and fully ended” and would only resume if the Fed’s inspector general uncovers evidence warranting criminal action. “I am prepared to move on with the confirmation of Mr. Warsh,” he said. “I think he’s going to be a great Fed chair.”

In a statement, Tillis emphasized that ending the inquiry removes a threat to the Fed’s independence, adding that it is time for the central bank to refocus on its core responsibilities. He also voiced support for the ongoing inspector general review, calling it an appropriate step.

The Justice Department’s investigation had centered on a long-running renovation project at the Fed’s headquarters, whose cost rose from about $1.9 billion to nearly $2.5 billion due to higher expenses for materials, labor, and equipment. Powell previously disclosed that grand jury subpoenas were issued as part of the probe, but a federal judge later blocked them, citing a lack of evidence and concerns they were being used to pressure the Fed on interest rate decisions.

Although Pirro indicated plans to appeal that ruling, Tillis said he was assured any appeal would focus strictly on legal questions—not reopening the investigation.

The Fed’s inspector general, led by Michael Horowitz, is continuing a review of the renovation project and has promised a public report for Congress.

Tillis’ decision is expected to accelerate Warsh’s confirmation. The Senate Banking Committee, where Republicans hold a narrow majority, is preparing to vote on the nomination this week. Warsh, who previously served as a Fed governor, has broad Republican backing and was selected earlier this year by President Donald Trump.

Powell’s term as chair is set to end May 15, though he could remain on the board as a governor. In the meantime, the Fed continues to weigh economic pressures, including global tensions and rising energy costs, as it prepares for its next policy meeting.

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President Donald Trump was quickly taken back to the White House after a shooting disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, where authorities say a heavily armed suspect attempted to breach security.

The incident unfolded near the main screening checkpoint at the Washington Hilton while the event was underway. Law enforcement identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen of Torrance, California. Officials say he rushed toward the ballroom carrying a shotgun, handgun, and knives, prompting an immediate response from Secret Service agents and local police. He was subdued after exchanging gunfire with authorities and is now in custody. Both Allen and a Secret Service agent—who was struck in the chest but suffered non-life-threatening injuries—were taken to the hospital.

All high-profile attendees, including Trump,  First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Cabinet members, were safely evacuated within minutes. Guests inside the ballroom were instructed to remain seated as agents secured the area.

While President Trump initially expressed a desire for the “SHOW TO GO ON,” security officials insisted on clearing the venue. The President said that while the event was ultimately postponed, they plan to reschedule within 30 days.

Investigators say Allen appears to have acted alone. Early findings suggest he intended to carry out a mass-casualty attack, specifically targeting Trump administration officials. Writings recovered from his hotel room and California home—including what authorities described as a manifesto—outlined plans to target officials “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.” While he noted that hotel staff and attendees were not his primary targets, he acknowledged they could be harmed in the process, writing, “I really hope it doesn’t come to that.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the suspected shooter intended to kill President Trump, writing in a post on X: “What was supposed to be a fun night at the @WHCA dinner with President Trump delivering jokes and celebrating free speech was hijacked by a depraved crazy person who sought to assassinate the President and kill as many top Trump administration officials as possible. I was with President Trump and the First Lady back stage after we were quickly ushered to safety by Secret Service. President Trump was truly fearless, but as he said last night, this political violence needs to end. Thank you to law enforcement for keeping all of us safe, including the brave agent who took a bullet to the chest and immediately moved to neutralize the shooter. Pray for our country.”

According to law enforcement sources, Allen expressed hostility toward the Trump administration and Washington’s political elite. His brother reportedly alerted police in Connecticut after receiving alarming messages and writings from him prior to the attack.

Officials have not yet determined a definitive motive, but Trump described the suspect as a “lone wolf” and a “very sick person,” adding that authorities expect to learn more quickly as the investigation continues.

White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang issued a statement Sunday afternoon about the attack at Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Calling it “a harrowing moment for everyone in attendance,” Jiang said: “we express our deepest gratitude to the U.S. Secret Service and all law enforcement personnel who ensured the safety of everyone in the ballroom and beyond. Their actions protected thousands of guests, and we wish a full and speedy recovery to the officer who was injured in the line of duty. Everyone in attendance was unharmed, including the president, the first lady, and the vice president. Our dinner exists to celebrate the First Amendment and the hard daily work of the journalists who defend it. Last night, those journalists showed exactly the kind of calm and courage that work demands, jumping into reporting immediately after the incident unfolded. We are proud of everyone in that room.” Jiang said that the White House Correspondents’ Association board will meet “to assess what happened and determine how to proceed,” adding that the organization would provide updates “as soon as any are available.”

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