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đ¨ GOP Leaders Back Trumpâs Plan to Shield DHS Funding from Shutdown Risks
Republican congressional leaders have thrown their support behind President Trumpâs strategy to resolve a 47-day partial funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security by pursuing two separate paths for appropriations. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that immigration enforcement and border security priorities would receive dedicated funding through a party-line budget reconciliation bill covering three years, while other DHS components follow the standard appropriations route. This approach aims to bypass Democratic leverage in the Senate, where a 60-vote threshold has stalled regular funding efforts amid opposition to the administrationâs border policies. Trump called for the reconciliation package to reach his desk by June 1, noting that it would prevent Democrats from holding border agents and ICE personnel hostage during future negotiations. Some support staff at affected agencies have gone unpaid during the lapse, though executive actions have addressed pay for certain TSA workers. The move follows House Republicansâ rejection of a prior Senate-passed deal that would have funded most of DHS but excluded key immigration components.
â Trump Signs Order Directing Government to Crack Down on Mail-In Voting
President Trump signed an executive order on March 31, 2026, that directs the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to compile lists of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote in each state. The order instructs the U.S. Postal Service to send absentee ballots only to individuals on those approved lists. It further requires states to share their confirmed voter lists with the federal government at least 60 days before federal elections and mandates the use of specific envelopes with unique barcodes on mail-in ballots to enable tracking. The Justice Department must prioritize prosecutions of those accused of sending ballots to ineligible voters, and states that fail to comply risk losing federal funding. Trump described mail-in voting problems as legendary and stated the measures would improve election security, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted that the order places responsibility on states for safe and accurate mail ballots. The action aligns with Trumpâs support for the SAVE America Act, which seeks to limit universal mail-in voting to narrow exceptions such as disabilities, military service, or travel.
âď¸ Supreme Court Justices Question Trump Administration On Birthright Citizenship Arguments
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 1, 2026, in a case challenging the Trump administrationâs effort to limit birthright citizenship. Chief Justice John Roberts voiced skepticism toward the governmentâs interpretation of the 14th Amendment phrase âsubject to the jurisdiction thereof.â He noted that the administration relied on limited examples such as children of ambassadors, children of enemies during a hostile invasion, and children on warships. Roberts questioned how those narrow cases could extend to deny citizenship to the broader group of children born to illegal aliens in the United States. The hearing featured pointed exchanges but produced no immediate ruling.
âď¸ Obama-Appointed Judge Directs Trump Admin To Restore Status For Migrants Who Entered Via CBP One App
A federal judge in Boston ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration acted unlawfully when it terminated parole status for hundreds of thousands of migrants who had entered the United States using the Biden-era CBP One smartphone app. U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs determined that the Department of Homeland Security failed to follow required statutory and regulatory procedures for ending the temporary parole grants, which had allowed over 900,000 individuals from various countries to schedule appointments at southern border ports of entry and receive permission to stay for up to two years. The Trump administration ended the appâs original function early in the term and sent mass notifications in April 2025 instructing many recipients that it was time to leave, while repurposing the tool to support self-deportations; the judge found this blanket approach exceeded agency authority and contradicted the programâs own rules, ordering restoration of status for affected class members who received termination notices, though some migrants may have already left or obtained other legal standing. The Department of Homeland Security stated it viewed the decision as judicial activism that undermines presidential authority over immigration enforcement and indicated plans to appeal.
đľ Democrat Lawmakers Accept Campaign Cash From Former Weather Underground Figure Bill Ayers
Bill Ayers, co-founder of the Weathermen, which later became the Weather Underground, donated more than $10,000 to at least a dozen Democratic lawmakers since 2020, according to campaign finance records. The Weather Underground carried out bombings of targets including the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon between 1969 and 1977 and was described by the FBI as a domestic terrorist organization. Recipients included members of the progressive Squad, such as Reps. Ilhan Omar, who received roughly $4,500, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who received roughly $500, Ayanna Pressley, who received roughly $600, and Rashida Tlaib, who received $1,000 with a portion as recently as August 2025. Ayers also contributed to the Squad Victory Fund. Other Democrats who accepted donations were Sens. Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, John Fetterman, Maggie Hassan, and Mark Kelly. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto returned the equivalent of Ayersâs $250 contribution to her by donating it to charity after being contacted about it. Ayers has expressed public support for progressive positions, including criticism of Israelâs actions in Gaza and comparisons of current protests to his own past activism against the Vietnam War.
âď¸ Judge Revokes US Citizenship of Chinese Couple Convicted in Trade Secrets Theft
A federal judge in California revoked the naturalized US citizenship of a married couple from China on March 30. Li Chen and Yu Zhou each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The offenses involved stealing medical trade secrets from a US childrenâs hospital research effort and sharing them with China. US District Judge James E. Simmons Jr. ruled that the wire fraud and related conspiracy constituted crimes involving moral turpitude. These crimes meant the couple lacked the good moral character required for naturalization and had committed unlawful acts that adversely reflected on their character without extenuating circumstances.
đ° Washington Stateâs King County Paid Contractors Billions With Little Proof Of Work Or Spending
King Countyâs Department of Community and Human Services handed out billions in taxpayer dollars to contractors over recent years while often ignoring warnings of misused funds. The department paid some organizations hundreds of thousands, even when they submitted blank or vague reports, failed to provide documentation for expenses, or showed other warning signs. One contractor, a cosmetologist who started a business weeks earlier, received at least $314,000 after listing partners who later claimed no involvement. Another billed for everyday retail purchases and then refused to supply records while reportedly living abroad. A grants administrator who put potential fraud concerns in writing was fired four days later and later sued for wrongful termination. During the pandemic, the number of contractors rose sharply while oversight staffing lagged, site visits fell short of targets, and basic anti-fraud measures remained missing. These issues surfaced in county audit records and prompted ongoing reviews by federal authorities.
đ Chicago Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey Over Christian Stance on Pride Month
The Chicago Bulls waived guard Jaden Ivey on March 30, 2026, citing conduct detrimental to the team shortly after he posted Instagram videos criticizing the NBAâs promotion of Pride Month as celebrating unrighteousness. Ivey, who described himself as born again in the Holy Spirit and saved by Jesus Christ, questioned why the team did not openly state their disagreement with his views on LGBTQ issues rather than using the "conduct" label, noting that he had been a good teammate who practiced, played, and encouraged others without incident. He will still receive his full $10.1 million salary. Several pro athletes from other leagues, including NFL players, responded by posting Bible verses about persecution for righteousness and the need to speak the gospel.
đ¨ Texas Boy, 11, Arrested After Alleged Playground Shooting of Classmate
An 11-year-old boy in Crandall, Texas, southeast of Dallas, faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence after authorities say he shot another 11-year-old boy on the playground at Opal Smith Elementary School after 7 p.m. Sunday. Both children attend the school. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg, was airlifted to a Dallas hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury, and had returned home to recover by Monday. Police took the suspect into custody at the scene and recovered the firearm. Officials determined the gun did not belong to the suspectâs family and continue to investigate its source. The Crandall Independent School District expressed thanks for the police response and offered support to the families while confirming the school operated on its normal Monday schedule.
The Washington Times, CBS News
âď¸ Trump Plans to Attend Supreme Court Hearing on Birthright Citizenship Order
President Donald Trump announced on March 31, 2026, that he will attend the Supreme Court oral arguments scheduled for April 1 in the case Trump v. Barbara. The dispute centers on the constitutionality of Executive Order 14160, which seeks to prevent automatic citizenship at birth for children of illegal immigrants and those whose parents hold only legal temporary visitor status in the United States. Lower courts have blocked the order from taking effect. Trump has argued that the 14th Amendmentâs citizenship clause was intended for the children of freed slaves rather than for the offspring of temporary visitors or those entering the country unlawfully.
â ď¸ Trump and Rubio Question Value of NATO Amid Lack of Support
President Donald Trump stated in an interview that he is strongly considering pulling the United States out of NATO. He described the alliance as a paper tiger that has never swayed him and noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizes this weakness, too. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the concerns during a separate interview by calling NATO a one-way street. He pointed out that European allies have refused to grant the United States access to their military bases and airspace for operations against Iran. No European NATO member has provided direct military support in the current conflict with Iran. Spain denied the United States use of its airspace and joint bases. The United Kingdom has allowed some base access and offered limited assistance but has avoided direct involvement in strikes. Rubio said the relationship requires reexamination after the Iran conflict ends. The United States has belonged to NATO since 1949. A 2023 defense spending bill includes language that limits unilateral presidential withdrawal from the treaty.
đ Alberta Separatists Claim Enough Signatures to Force Independence Referendum
Alberta separatists with Stay Free Alberta say they have gathered the 177,732 signatures required under the Citizen Initiative Act to trigger a provincial referendum question on independence. The petition, filed in December 2025 and with signature collection running until May 2, 2026, asks voters whether the Province of Alberta should cease to be part of Canada and become an independent state. Mitch Sylvestre, associated with the effort, confirmed the threshold has been met, though Elections Alberta must still verify the signatures. If approved, the question would likely appear on the October 2026 referendum ballot already planned by Premier Danielle Smith, which focuses on other constitutional and policy matters. Smith has lowered the signature threshold for citizen initiatives but has publicly supported strengthening Albertaâs position within a united Canada rather than outright separation. Recent polls indicate that support for leaving Canada stands well below a majority, with most Albertans favoring continued federation despite ongoing grievances over federal energy policies and resource development.
đ Trump Ties Iran Ceasefire Talk to Reopening of Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump stated on April 1, 2026, via Truth Social that Iranâs leadership had requested a ceasefire from the United States. He indicated the request would receive consideration only after the Strait of Hormuz becomes fully open for shipping. Trump added that United States forces would continue strikes against Iranian targets until that condition is met. The comments follow weeks of joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran that began on February 28, 2026, during which American officials reported striking over 11,000 targets. Iran has denied making any ceasefire overture and described the claim as false. Disruptions in the strait, a key route for about one-fifth of global seaborne oil, have contributed to higher petroleum prices despite limited direct impact on US supplies.
â ď¸ Iranian Missile Strikes Hit Lowest Point in Ongoing Conflict Amid Reports of Military Desertions
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that Iranian missile and drone launches reached their lowest number in the past 24 hours during Operation Epic Fury. He attributed the decline to U.S. strikes that have damaged Iranian military morale and triggered widespread desertions, along with key personnel shortages. Hegseth noted that remaining Iranian leaders face frustrations as command bunkers suffer destruction, leaving shortages of water, power, and oxygen. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine reported over 11,000 targets struck in 30 days, including dynamic strikes on mobile assets and the sinking of more than 150 Iranian ships. Hegseth added that the coming days will prove critical as Iran retains limited options while U.S. forces maintain pressure and pursue potential diplomatic outcomes.
đĄď¸ UAE Pushes Hormuz Security Force Amid Turkey Warnings to Gulf States
The United Arab Emirates is preparing to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force and is willing to participate in a proposed multinational maritime task force. The initiative aims to defend the vital oil transit waterway against Iranian attacks and escort shipping, with the UAE urging dozens of countries to join what it calls a Hormuz Security Force and lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution to authorize action. Few major military powers have committed assets so far, and many US allies have declined immediate involvement, citing reluctance to enter the conflict. At the same time, Turkey has conducted diplomatic visits and calls with Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, to urge restraint and discourage them from joining the US-Israeli actions against Iran.