“A federal appeals court on Saturday temporarily allowed the construction of President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom to move forward while the administration challenges a lower court order that said the project exceeds the president’s authority. The 2-1 decision by a three-judge panel for the U.S. circuit court in Washington, D.C., means construction can continue through April 17 while the court considers the issue in more detail. A lower court judge had previously ordered the construction to cease on April 14. Trump’s lawyers have argued that the ballroom and other temporary measures are needed for ‘the safety and security’ of the president, his family and others, according to the decision.” (04/11/26)
“Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) plans to force a vote to expel Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) next week over sexual assault and misconduct allegations, Axios has learned. Swalwell denies the allegations. Democrats are set to respond by moving in turn to expel Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who’s being investigated by House Ethics over sexual misconduct allegations, two Democratic leadership aides told Axios. Swalwell has faced calls from Democratic Party leaders and House colleagues to drop his bid for California governor, though few have called for his outright resignation or expulsion from Congress. … Gonzales, who has dropped his bid for reelection, admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, calling it a ‘lapse in judgment.'” (04/11/26)
“A man accused of orchestrating an $11 million Medicaid fraud scheme in Minnesota skipped a scheduled court appearance this week, prompting a warrant for his arrest, authorities said. Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, failed to appear for a pretrial hearing in Hennepin County, forfeiting his bond, according FOX 9, citing the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement that his office is working with federal authorities to locate Said.” (04/11/26)
“A shooting broke out inside a New Jersey Chick-fil-A Saturday night, leaving multiple injured after a group of men stormed in, went behind the food counter, and opened fire, according to reports. The horror unfolded just before 9 p.m. at the fast food chain’s Route 22 location in Union, which has since been locked down with some workers reportedly still inside as Union County police probe the scene, WABC and CBS New York reported. A man who said his girlfriend works at the restaurant told CBS a group of masked men charged inside and fired multiple shots after forcing their way behind the counter. One employee’s family member said an altercation erupted that left multiple workers injured in the gunfire. ‘I heard the shots,’ a Lyft driver told WABC.” (04/11/26)
“Tesla owners in the Netherlands can now use their cars’ self-driving feature — with some conditions — making it the first European country to approve the feature. The country’s RDW agency for roadworthiness certifications said Friday that Tesla’s driver assistance system can now be used in the Netherlands ‘with possible future expansion to all member states of the European Union.’ The agency said drivers would need to be in the vehicle and keep a watchful eye on it. The move aligns the Netherlands with what is allowed in the United States, where Tesla owners can already use the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) function in the cars.” (04/11/26)
“China said Sunday it would resume some ties it had suspended with Taiwan such as direct flights to cities across China and imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products as the island’s opposition party leader concludes her visit. The Taiwan Work Office under China’s Communist Party issued a statement saying it would explore setting up a longstanding communication mechanism between the Communist Party and Taiwan’s Kuomingtang Party, and facilitate the import of Taiwan’s aquaculture products, after it banned them in recent years. Cheng Li-wun, the head of the Kuomingtang, and China’s President Xi Jinping held a high-profile meeting Friday during which both called for peace without offering specifics. Taiwan is self-ruled but China claims the island as part of its territory. Relations between China and Taiwan have been tense since 2016 when the Taiwanese public elected Tsai Ing-wen from the Democratic Progressive Party as president.” (04/11/26)
“A Pennsylvania-linked manufacturer has been stripped of control over its Russian operations under a Kremlin order, raising fresh risks for Western companies as Moscow courts renewed economic ties with the United States. CANPACK, a global aluminum beverage can manufacturer owned by a Pennsylvania-based holding company, operates in multiple countries across Europe and North America and said its Russian business — valued at roughly $700 million — was placed under state ‘external administration’ by a Dec. 31, 2025, decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, effectively transferring control of 100% of its shares to state-appointed managers. CEO Peter Giorgi said the company lost all operational authority after administrators arrived in mid-January.” (04/11/26)
“Police have arrested hundreds of people during a mass vigil in central London to oppose the ban on campaign group Palestine Action. More than 1,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square for the demonstration on Saturday, with many holding signs saying, ‘I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.’ Police carried many people away from the demonstration. At one point, an elderly woman with walking sticks was escorted away by police. The Metropolitan Police said they arrested 212 people for allegedly showing support for a proscribed orgnanisation.” (04/11/26)
“A new poll offers insight into a traditionally Republican part of California. In Orange County, a coastal pocket of the state known for conservative views, independents make up the largest percentage of voters, according to a recent poll from UC Irvine. Not only that, but among those independents, 66% think the country is on the wrong track. The poll, released Wednesday by UC Irvine, was conducted as part of an annual survey of Orange County adults to keep track of social, economic and political issues. Even with its right-leaning reputation, the area is still deeply purple, the poll found. Orange County is home to a fair share of Democrats, with 34% of respondents identifying with that party. Republicans made up 30%, and independents made up 36%. This, the pollsters concluded in a report accompanying the results, is why the county remains a very competitive district.” (04/12/26)
“The Honduran family of an 8-year-old girl with a heart condition who died in U.S. custody after crossing the border in 2023 sued the federal government on Friday. Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, who had chronic heart problems and sickle cell anemia, got sick with flu-like symptoms and died after being [abducted and] detained for eight days in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in Donna, then later Harlingen, Texas. An internal CPB investigation found failures in providing proper medical care and that medical personnel did not review documents the mother offered which described the girl’s sensitive condition. In custody, Anadith had a high fever of 104.9 F as well as nausea, breathing difficulties and pain.” (04/10/26)
