Sen. Cruz to introduce school choice bill
The bill would provide a tax credit to match an amount donated to organizations that provide K-12 scholarships.
Democratic Rep. Vikki Goodwin to run for lieutenant governor
The Republican incumbent, Dan Patrick, starts with a large financial advantage.
Maryland’s first Black governor blocks reparations bill, disappointing fellow Democrats
The nation’s only sitting Black governor vetoed reparations legislation, dealing a blow to fellow Democrats and emphasizing his preference to “focus on the work itself” rather than form commissions. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoed SB 587, legislation sponsored by state Sen. C. Anthony Muse, D-Forest Heights, that would have established the Maryland Reparations Commission. The commission would have been tasked with providing recommendations by 2027 “relating to appropriate benefits to be offered to African Americans impacted by slavery and historic inequality.” Moore, however, did not issue his veto in any sort of opposition to the overall idea. DEM GOV SAYS MD, WITH $3B DEFICIT, HAS BEEN DOING DOGE ‘BEFORE ANYONE KNEW WHAT IT WAS’ “I applaud the legislature’s work on this bill, and I thank the Black Caucus for their leadership,” Moore said in his veto message. “We have moved in partnership with leaders across the state to uplift Black families and address racial disparities in our communities. That is the context in which I’ve made this difficult decision.” Moore took issue with the potential for more bureaucracy that the resolution would bear. “[N]ow is not the time for another study,” he said, citing other recent commissions established, including the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.” MD GOV DEFENDS $190K TRUMP-CENTRIC IRISH CONSULTANT CONTRACT AS POTUS MOVES IN NEXT DOOR Seen as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful, Moore said he will always defend the history of African Americans in Maryland and focus on narrowing the “racial wealth gap,” increasing minority homeownership and “closing foundational disparities.” Maryland itself has a mixed history when it comes to slavery, the Civil War and the treatment of African Americans. The state hosts the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, connecting important towns and sites on the Eastern Shore and into Delaware, where Tubman, her aligned families and groups aided runaway slaves on their way to the relative safety of the North. Its position as an often South-friendly state just north of Washington, D.C., also complicated its position during the Civil War. John Wilkes Booth, the actor who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln, hailed from Bel Air, and his escape from Washington after the assassination led him through Confederate-friendly southern Maryland before crossing the Potomac into Virginia. Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who abetted Booth and his colleagues after Lincoln’s murder, housed them at his property near Leonardtown. Booth felt uncomfortable enough, however, in postwar Maryland that he fled to Virginia — where he was eventually surrounded and killed by U.S. Marshals at a barn whose foundation now sits unmarked in the middle of the U.S. 301 parkway through Fort A.P. Hill’s grounds. Maryland’s legislative Black Caucus also released a statement Friday expressing their disappointment with Moore’s veto. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “At a time when the White House and Congress are actively targeting Black communities, dismantling diversity initiatives, and using harmful coded language, Governor Moore had a chance to show the country and the world that here in Maryland we boldly and courageously recognize our painful history and the urgent need to address it.” “Instead, the state’s first Black governor chose to block this historic legislation that would have moved the state toward directly repairing the harm of enslavement.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What was Operation Khukri, Indian Force’s covert operation in Sierra Leone to reclaim 100km jungle trail
A multinational operation involving India, Ghana, Britain and Nigeria was launched on June 13, 2000, to break the two-month-long siege laid by armed cadres of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).
Railway News: Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Howrah route to get upgraded with new high-speed trains, not Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, check details
Indian Railways has increased the speed of trains one of the most important train networks, Delhi-Howrah route (including Kanpur-Lucknow) to 160 Kmph’ at a total cost of Rs. 6,685 cr. The Delhi-Mumbai route is 1386 kilometre long which is being prepared for high-speed trains.
Sparks expected to fly at high-stakes House hearing on threats against ICE
Partisan sparks are expected to fly on Tuesday as lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee face off over President Donald Trump‘s strict crackdown on illegal immigration. The panel’s subcommittee on oversight is holding a hearing Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. on threats to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. It comes as tensions still run high over the incident at Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey, last month, when three House Democrats and the city’s progressive mayor were accused of “storming” the facility in a protest against Trump’s handling of illegal immigrants. TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ PASSES KEY HOUSE HURDLE AFTER GOP REBEL MUTINY One of those Democratic lawmakers, Rep. LaMonica McIver, is being charged with assault, while a charge of trespassing against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is being dropped. McIver called the charge “purely political.” The Tuesday hearing will be led by Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., who represents the southernmost portion of the Garden State. “While the Trump administration has taken decisive action to address this crisis, Democrat leaders have worked tirelessly to block those efforts. What happened in my home state of New Jersey is just the latest example, and it is simply unacceptable,” Van Drew told Fox News Digital. “We witnessed protests, led by elected officials, turn violent against ICE officers who were just doing their jobs. These officials are more focused on protecting violent criminals than ensuring the safety of their own communities.” He said the subcommittee’s probe would “expose how sanctuary policies and anti-enforcement rhetoric are putting public safety at risk.” The top Democrat on the subcommittee is Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, a rising star on the left who has been known to make headlines for verbal outbursts – particularly targeting Republicans. Her office did not respond to a request for comment on the hearing. However, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., signaled he was ready to defend the Democratic officials in the middle of the Delaney Hall incident. “I assume if they want to do anything to those three members, then I assume they’ll get a Trump pardon, right?” Moskowitz told Fox News Digital. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., said he wanted to take time to review witnesses’ submitted testimony before talking about what he would say. Meanwhile, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, who is also on the panel, said: “What we’re trying to understand is, why in the world are Democrats hell-bent on stopping the president from deporting murderers and rapists and terrorists?” HOUSE GOP TARGETS ANOTHER DEM OFFICIAL ACCUSED OF BLOCKING ICE AMID DELANEY HALL FALLOUT “I mean, they’re holding up ICE facilities, breaking into them. They’ve fought us every single step of the way,” Gill said. “I think we’re going to put them on the spot and get to the bottom of it.” The Democratic officials at the center of the Delaney Hall incident and their allies have contended that they had every right to be inside the facility as federal officials. Both sides have accused the other of assault and improper handling.
Texas lawmakers seek to get federal reimbursement for Biden-era border control expenses
Two U.S. Texas senators and a prominent conservative congressman are pushing the federal government to reimburse the state for billions spent securing the southern border under the Biden administration. The State Border Security Assistance Act would create Justice Department and Homeland Security Department funding sources to reimburse states for actions taken on the border security front after Jan. 20, 2021 – the day of former President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Those funds would then reimburse costs for border wall construction, state law enforcement surveillance, apprehension, detention and prosecution of illegal immigrants. Texas would be ensured to be fully reimbursed if the law passes, and any funds left over by the time the Trump administration leaves office would be returned to the Treasury and applied to the national debt. ‘PATTERN OF DISREGARD’: RED STATES SEEK COURT ACTION AGAINST BIDEN ADMIN’S ‘SHAMEFUL’ BORDER WALL DISPOSAL The bill was drafted by Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn and co-sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz, with companion legislation being crafted by Rep. Chip Roy. Operation Lone Star, Texas’ border security endeavor during the Biden years, had to be launched and self-funded from Austin due to the “dereliction of duty” by the feds at the time, according to the Texans. “Texas was on the front lines of the Biden administration’s open border crisis, and Texans were on their own dealing with the consequences,” Cruz said in a statement. “I am proud to stand with Governor Abbott and Senator Cornyn to ensure the Lone Star State is reimbursed, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill expeditiously.” APPEALS COURT RULES TEXAS HAS RIGHT TO BUILD RAZOR WIRE BORDER WALL TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: ‘HUGE WIN’ Cornyn echoed Cruz, saying they and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott – along with state taxpayers – were forced to do what the previous administration would not. “Today, I am proud to introduce my legislation to reimburse Texas for its historic efforts to secure the southern border. My bill will ensure the Lone Star State is repaid for stepping up to protect and defend our nation’s southern border while the Biden-Harris administration abdicated its federal duty,” Cornyn went on. “Thanks to the strong leadership of President [Donald] Trump, Secretary Kristi Noem, Border Czar Tom Homan, and Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, our country is finally back to enforcing the immigration laws that have been on the books for years, and I will continue to work with the Trump administration to ensure Texas never again has to endure an open-border disaster like we saw under Joe Biden.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Roy added in a statement that Biden and former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ behavior led to an “invasion of lawlessness, crime, danger, and drugs, putting Texans, and every American in harms way.” States like Texas “stood on the front lines to defend our nation when the federal government would not [and] deserve to be reimbursed by the very federal government that should have done its job in the first place.” Abbott recently released a rundown of expenditures he would like to see in any reimbursement, including $58 million alone for concertina wire and border fencing – as well as $77 million in court costs for prosecutions and nearly $20 million for costs associated with investigating vehicle thefts in border towns, according to FOX-4. Fox News Digital reached out to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton – who is vying for Cornyn’s seat – as well as DHS, for comment.
‘Spy’ YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s father breaks his silence on daughter’s Pakistan visit, says, ‘If a person goes…’
Youtuber, vlogger and influencer Jyoti Malhotra’s father finally broke silence on his daughter’s alleged links with Pakistan terming her Pakistani spy. She was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen. He rejected these claims.
Reporter’s Notebook: Trump faces uphill battle to secure votes for ‘big, beautiful bill’ before recess
This morning marks the biggest domestic challenge of President Donald Trump‘s second term in office. The question is whether he can close the deal with skeptical House Republicans and convince them to support the so-called “big, beautiful bill.” It’s doubtful the bill has the votes to pass right now. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., intends to pass the bill before releasing members for the Memorial Day recess. HOUSE GOP CHANNELS ‘NIGHTHAWKS’ AS THEY TRY TO PASS TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ Outstanding issues remain on state and local tax deductions (SALT), Medicaid work requirements, asking states to pick up additional health care costs and overall spending. It’s about the math. House Republicans can only lose three members and still approve the bill. Johnson wants to vote as early as Thursday – and maybe even tomorrow. TRUMP HEADS TO CAPITOL HILL TO PUSH ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ The House Rules Committee will convene at 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday to begin prepping the package for the floor. There are several reasons for this, but let’s begin with the parliamentary one. The Budget Committee wrapped up just before midnight Sunday. The rules allow Democrats two full days to file their paperwork and viewpoints after that meeting. So, they had all day Monday and all day Tuesday. The Rules Committee needs an “hour” to announce its formal meeting. So, the “official” announcement of the Rules Committee meeting on Wednesday will go out just after 12:01:01 a.m. ET Wednesday. That triggers at 1 a.m. ET meeting Wednesday. Here are the other, more practical reasons. Republicans need all the time they can get. There is talk of trying to vote on the floor late in the day on Wednesday. We’ll see about that. But the early Rules Committee meeting time makes that a possibility. Second of all, it’s possible the Rules Committee meeting could consume the entire calendar day of Wednesday. Streams of lawmakers from both sides will file into the Rules Committee to propose various amendments. This is a protracted process. But by the same token, the meeting at 1 a.m. ET could diminish attendance. After all, who wants to show up at 1 a.m. ET for a meeting and maybe discuss your amendment at 6:30 a.m. ET? You get the idea. We expect Trump to meet with Republicans for about an hour and a half this morning. We’ll see if that moves the meter.
Expert reveals how companies are rebranding ‘toxic’ DEI policies to skirt Trump-era bans: ‘New wrapper’
EXCLUSIVE: As the Trump administration and Republicans across the country push to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies across the board, the executive director of a top consumer advocacy group spoke to Fox News Digital about what companies and institutions are doing to skirt those efforts. “Over the last few months, we’ve sort of seen a phase shift in the ways that they’re trying to keep this DEI grift going,” Consumers’ Research Executive Director Will Hild told Fox News Digital about companies, organizations, hospitals and other entities that are attempting to rebrand DEI and environmental, social and governance in the Trump era. “At first, they just pushed back on, tried to defend DEI itself, but when that became so obvious that what DEI really was was anti-White, anti-Asian, sometimes anti-Jewish discrimination in hiring and promotion, they abandoned that,” Hild said. “Now what they’re trying to do is simply change the terminology that has become so toxic to their brand. So we’re seeing a lot of companies move from having departments of DEI, for example, to ‘departments of belonging’ or ‘departments of inclusivity.’” Several major companies have publicly distanced themselves from DEI in recent months as the new administration signs executive orders eliminating the practice while making the argument that meritocracy should be the focus. RED STATE TREASURER REVEALS WHY STATE FINANCIAL OFFICERS HAVE ‘OBLIGATION’ TO COMBAT ESG, DEI However, FOX Business exclusively reported in April on Consumers’ Research warning that some businesses appear to be rebranding the same efforts rather than eliminating them. “It is the exact same toxic nonsense under a new wrapper, and they’re just hoping to extend the grift because a lot of these people, I would say most of the people working in DEI are useless,” Hild told Fox News Digital. KEY BIDEN AGENCY DROPPED $60K ON OVERSEAS CONFERENCE WITH DEI WORKSHOP: ‘SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN’ “They are mediocrities who have managed to get very high-level positions that they’re not qualified for by running this DEI grift, and they’re desperate,” he continued. “They can’t just move into running logistics for Amazon because that takes actual competence and intelligence and if you’re in a DEI department, you probably don’t have either of those things. So they are desperate to keep this grift going so they can justify their own existence. So they’re changing it into a new wrapper.” Hild, who spoke to Fox News Digital at the State Financial Officers Foundation conference in Orlando, Florida, also explained some of the other issues Consumers’ Research is focused on going forward, including fighting “woke” hospitals in three different areas. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “One is net zero pledges and activities that raise costs for consumers, patients having to pay more because these hospitals are investing millions, sometimes tens of millions of dollars, into green boondoggle projects that have nothing to do with the treatment of patients and the improvement of their health, but they do raise prices,” Hild said. Secondly, Hild said that his group is concerned about DEI quotas at hospitals. Hild explained that the third and “worst” issue is transgender surgeries and procedures being forced onto children. “Pushing of radical left transgender ideology onto kids, and not just pushing it ideologically and rhetorically, but pushing it physically, and what I mean by that is the injection of damaging, lifelong damaging hormones into children to, quote, unquote, change their sex, which is impossible, and even worse, the actual surgical application, removal and mutilation of their genitals, which is a grotesque violation of the Hippocratic Oath,” Hild said. Consumers’ Research has been actively involved in launching advertising campaigns against hospitals across the United States, including a recent campaign against Henry Ford Health in Michigan, calling out what it says are situations where hospitals are putting “politics over patients.”