Emmer says MN fraud raids send ‘crystal clear’ message after feds hit dozens of sites
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., celebrated a massive federal operation in Minneapolis as part of a sweeping fraud investigation into largely Somali-owned businesses, saying law enforcement sent a “crystal clear” message. Emmer, whose district covers much of the northern and western suburbs of Minneapolis, applauded reports that the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials raided 22 alleged fraud sites on Tuesday morning. The whip thanked the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security “for taking action against Somali fraudsters.” He said that “Minnesotans and U.S. taxpayers across the nation are grateful.” “President Trump and his administration have made it crystal clear — our country will not tolerate waste, fraud, and abuse, and we are not going to allow people to take advantage of Americans’ generosity,” he added. MISSPELLED ‘LEARNING’ CENTER, NO CHILDREN INSIDE: EMMER PRESSES WALZ OVER MINNESOTA DAYCARE TIED TO $4M The DOJ confirmed that the raids were conducted in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement and were court authorized. The raids center on federal fraud investigations into largely Somali-owned businesses, including childcare facilities that registered with the state but were allegedly billing for care that was not provided. Sources told Fox News that two of the raids were conducted at the Quality Learning Center, best known for its misprinted sign that read “Quality Learing Center,” and Baby Halimo Child Care, both in Minneapolis. The Quality Learning Center received national attention after blogger Nick Shirley visited several childcare addresses, only to find an assortment of vacant or non-operational storefronts, closed businesses or occupants who refused to answer questions or entertain the pair’s mock efforts to “register” a child with the supposed daycare. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MINNESOTA’S ‘FEEDING OUR FUTURE’ FRAUD AT THE CENTER OF TRUMP’S LATEST CRACKDOWN Following reports of the raids, DHS confirmed that HSI “in cooperation with our law enforcement partners, executed criminal search warrants in Minneapolis relating to the rampant fraud of U.S. taxpayers’ dollars.” Vice President JD Vance, who the president appointed “fraud czar,” also commented after the raids that the fraud task force and DOJ “will be relentless in exposing these fraudsters wherever they may be hiding.” Emmer has been highly critical of Minnesota state leaders, especially Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, for their handling of the fraud scandal. In March, Emmer called for a deeper investigation into allegations that Walz and state Attorney General Keith Ellison knowingly ignored evidence of welfare fraud. He called for those leaders to even face incarceration if the allegations were proven true. “People are sick and tired of elected officials having a double standard, being treated differently than they are. They’re held accountable for things that they should be held accountable for, when their elected officials are not,” Emmer told Fox News Digital in March. NYC DEM, HOCHUL AIDE UNDER INVESTIGATION OVER ALLEGED MIGRANT SHELTER BRIBES “If these two guys are dirty, they should be held accountable, and they should serve jail time.” Both Walz and Ellison insisted that they were serious about prosecuting fraud in the state’s social programs and that they took action to stop it once it was brought to their attention. Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
Cuccinelli says Dems undercut own redistricting defense as Virginia justices press ‘Yes’ camp
The Supreme Court of Virginia heard oral arguments in a challenge to Tuesday’s redistricting amendment, as a former state prosecutor said Democrats’ eagerness to ram through early voting may help derail their redistricting effort. The state’s high court appeared to press the attorney for the Democrat-led “Yes” camp more than the lawyer for Republican plaintiffs, as Chief Justice Cleo Powell brought the court to order Monday. While election certification is on hold after Tazewell County Judge Jack Hurley Jr. issued a legal challenge following projections that “Yes” would win by single digits, a separate argument over the validity of the October-November process that led to the referendum was before the high court in Richmond. In a post-mortem analysis of Monday’s arguments, former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said that only a few justices asked questions of the litigants and their questions for the “Yes” camp were particularly pointed. OBAMA URGES VIRGINIANS TO VOTE YES ON REDISTRICTING MEASURE THAT COULD GIVE DEMOCRATS 4 MORE HOUSE SEATS Attorneys Richard Hawkins and Matthew Seligman, and Solicitor General Tillman Breckenridge represented Democrats seeking to uphold Tuesday’s election result, while attorney Thomas McCarthy argued for Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, and other officials challenging it. Justice Wesley Russell’s first question to Seligman and Hawkins was whether the vote Tuesday in which the “Yes” camp won even mattered in a legal setting. “He got counsel for the defendants to concede ‘no the vote outcome does not matter’ — they didn’t talk about the margin [or the] 3:1 spending,” Cuccinelli said later Monday. Cuccinelli said Democrats, led by Attorney General Jay Jones, have used that victory since as their reason for the redistricting’s legitimacy. “The current attorney general of Virginia… has really in his public statements; the only defense I’ve heard him offer is the ‘will of the people’… and his own lawyer in court today says that was irrelevant,” Cuccinelli said. “[Hawkins] completely undercut the public stance of the current attorney general.” Cuccinelli added that the defendants were also “shockingly blasé” when they suggested early voters vote at their own risk of an “October Surprise” like redistricting, when challenged on the merits of the case given the 45-day early voting window established the last time Democrats had full control in Richmond. INSIDE JAY JONES AND THE DEMOCRATS’ LATE SURGE TO UPSET WINS ACROSS VIRGINIA, FROM THE SUBURBS TO THE SHORE The former AG said it may be that effort that gets “hoisted on their own 45-day patard” and that, with Republicans being outspent 3:1, the only thing Democrats’ money would have been good for is “making voters mad” and therefore giving the GOP an accidental win. In court, Seligman addressed the justices, saying Virginians spoke out with their vote in a “clear and comprehensive process” outlined in the Virginia Constitution, and that the General Assembly, led by Speaker Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, and Senate President L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, passed the measure through the proper means during an October special session. Republicans have argued that the intent of the special session — called months earlier by then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin and adjourned indefinitely — was improperly used to pass the amendment. They also argue the November 2025 election did not represent an “intervening election” as required by law because early voting had already begun. DAVID MARCUS: VIRGINIA’S BATTLE OVER GERRYMANDERING BETRAYS OUR BROKEN POLITICS Seligman said the assembly rightly referred the proposed amendment to legislators a second time in January as required and it went to voters on Tuesday. “That is all that Article 12 requires. As a result, the proposed constitutional amendment has been ratified and is now part of the Virginia Constitution. The circuit court attempted to interfere with that democratic process by halting it,” he said, referring to Hurley’s prior objection. “This court properly put a stop to that.” Responding to Seligman, a justice said he didn’t understand the explanation “as a legal argument” given that Democrats had asked the court — according to the jurist — to hold off on deciding on procedural irregularities until after the actual election in conforming with a 100-year-old SCOVA decision in that regard. “The fact that there’s a ‘yes’ vote doesn’t tell us anything about the merits” of McDougle’s camp’s argument that the legislative piece of the referendum’s creation didn’t conform with law. Another justice offered an incredulous response during a discussion about the “constitutional silence” surrounding when a special session adjourned “indefinitely/sine die” is actually officially over — including if a regular session convenes potentially in between. “Would a special session convened in 1929, if they forgot to adjourn sine die, still be in-session?” the justice asked. Seligman said it would not, while later adding that the practice of such has been “mixed” in Richmond and Washington. By contrast, the justices’ questions for McCarthy appeared more open-ended, as he began his remarks by saying the redistricting amendment violates the state Constitution’s limitations on special sessions in multiple ways, including that then-Gov. Youngkin called it for budget — not election-planning — purposes. In turn, the justices asked questions seeking McCarthy to expound upon “historical record” of General Assembly special sessions, and whether the two-thirds majority policy or called-by-the-governor argument are more prominent. The court is expected to operate on an expedited schedule in this matter, as the 2026 primary election is about two months away and districts must be known by then.
Safe sex is about to get more expensive, world’s largest condom maker warns
The Iran war could hit consumers where they least expect it: condom prices. Karex, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, told Reuters it may soon hike prices by as much as 30% as the Middle East conflict strains global energy and supply chains. The warning underscores how the war is driving up costs, delaying shipments and squeezing supply. And the impact on condom prices highlights how even niche consumer goods are caught up in broader global disruptions. WHY THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ MATTERS AS TRUMP ISSUES FRESH ULTIMATUM TO IRAN It all traces back to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, where shipping has slowed sharply. The shipping lane is surrounded by Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates and is widely disputed amid the conflict as ships — especially those carrying oil and other fuel — are prevented from traversing through the contentious waterway. The bottleneck is also driving up the cost of petroleum-based products like plastics and rubber, which are found in everything from medical supplies to household items to clothing and beauty products. That’s creating a one-two punch — higher costs and shipping delays that are shrinking supply and raising prices. Amid those pressures, Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat said the energy crunch has him weighing a price increase. THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT MIGHT DISRUPT YOUR SUMMER BBQ PLANS THIS YEAR Kiat says the conflict has pushed aluminum used in foil packaging to a four-year high and silicone oil, a key ingredient in condom manufacturing, is up about 30%. Shortages of synthetic rubber used in some non-latex condoms are further adding to the strain. Karex, a Malaysia-based firm that produces more than 5 billion condoms every year and exports to more than 130 countries, is struggling to keep up as demand outpaces supply. Karex supplies to the world’s largest condom brands, including Trojan and Durex. Shipping delays are worsening the crunch on getting these products to customers, with more inventory stuck at sea than reaching shelves. Karex products going to the U.S. and Europe are taking up to two months to arrive, while developing countries already facing shortages are seeing even longer delays. There are growing concerns that these disruptions could hit some of the world’s most vulnerable populations since Karex helps supply United Nations aid programs. Karex also manufactures personal lubricants, catheters, probe covers and gloves, underscoring the broader impact supply disruptions could have beyond condoms. For consumers, that could mean paying more at the checkout counter for a basic health product.
Ex-Fauci top advisor indicted over alleged COVID cover-up, hidden emails
The Justice Department is accusing a longtime senior advisor to Dr. Anthony Fauci of using his private email to hide communication about the COVID-19 virus from public view while helping to shape the narrative about its origins. David M. Morens, 78, who served for years as a top advisor within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), was indicted and is accused of using his personal email account to evade federal transparency laws and shield key discussions from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, according to a DOJ indictment unsealed Tuesday. Prosecutors allege that Morens conspired with others during the pandemic to hide communications related to a controversial coronavirus research grant that involved collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. The grant was later terminated amid scrutiny over whether COVID-19 may have originated from a lab leak. The indictment alleges that Morens and his associates deliberately moved conversations off official government systems and onto private email accounts to keep them from public disclosure. The communications allegedly included internal discussions about COVID research, efforts to influence funding decisions, and exchanges related to messaging on the virus’s origins. FAUCI HOLDS ‘DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR’ ROLE AT DC UNIVERSITY BUT HASN’T TAUGHT ONE CLASS: REPORT The indictment also alleges that Morens played a behind-the-scenes role in relaying information to senior agency leadership, who in turn briefed the White House, Congress and the public during the pandemic. Federal prosecutors also claim that Morens received gifts from a collaborator — including wine and offers of high-end meals — and later took steps to justify those perks by contributing to a scientific publication supporting the theory that COVID-19 emerged naturally rather than from the Wuhan lab. Morens did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. A spokesperson for the National Institutes of Health also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Morens previously faced scrutiny from House lawmakers over emails related to COVID-era communications. During congressional testimony, he said he regretted the tone of certain messages and described some remarks as “black humor.” The charges include conspiracy, destruction and concealment of federal records and related offenses. Morens faces decades in prison if convicted. The case is likely to intensify scrutiny of how federal health officials handled key questions during the pandemic, particularly debates over the virus’s origins.
Mike Johnson faces revolt from GOP privacy hawks threatening to kill FISA renewal as deadline looms
House GOP leadership is struggling to win over GOP privacy hawks as lawmakers race to extend a powerful government surveillance program ahead of Thursday’s deadline. The House Rules Committee on Tuesday postponed consideration of a rule teeing up a chamber-wide vote on an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as Republicans remain sharply divided over the program. The plan would renew the spy law for three years while enacting new penalties for abuses of FISA searches. The measure, however, stops short of incorporating a warrant requirement desired by GOP privacy hawks, who want the adoption of tougher privacy guardrails. The postponed committee action raises doubts about whether House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., can pass an extension of the law before it lapses on April 30. HOUSE VOTE ON ‘VERY SIMILAR’ SPENDING BILL EXPECTED FRIDAY MORNING, GOP LAWMAKER SAYS The mounting obstacles to passing a FISA renewal in the House could also allow the Senate to act first and force the lower chamber to swallow whatever it passes. The Senate is scheduled to hold a procedural vote on a three-year extension bill later on Tuesday. Democrats on the House Rules Committee blasted Republicans for indefinitely postponing consideration of the measure after punting a previously scheduled Tuesday morning meeting to take up the procedural measure. The panel initially adjourned on Monday evening after an hours-long session to allow for more time for Republicans to reach a deal. “After waiting around all night for Republicans to make a deal — with themselves — on a procedural rule for the week, Democrats showed up to the Rules Committee for an 8 a.m. meeting,” Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., wrote on social media. “Unsurprisingly, when we showed up, we were told there is still no deal. “Their chaos is only matched by their incompetence,” he added. The stalled rule also delays consideration of a budget blueprint to fund immigration enforcement and a sweeping bill authorizing agriculture and nutrition priorities known as the farm bill, which GOP leadership is hoping to pass on the floor this week. House conservatives, who voted down two previous proposals offered by GOP leadership, have so far withheld their support for reauthorizing Section 702 absent reforms. JOHNSON FACES GOP REVOLT OVER WARRANTLESS SURVEILLANCE POWERS AHEAD OF KEY VOTE The spy tool allows the government to surveil foreigners abroad who use U.S. platforms even when those communications involve Americans. A mix of conservatives and progressives have long advocated for changes to the program to force intelligence officials to obtain a warrant prior to reviewing Americans’ data. Several conservative lawmakers on Monday criticized leadership’s proposal as a minor reworking of the original 18-month extension bill that failed on the House floor. “Really what we’re doing is taking existing law improvements based on two years ago, making some improvements on penalties and on some FISA transparency… but not going further with respect to warrant protections for American citizens on warrantless surveillance,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a key member of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC), said during debate on the measure in the House Rules Committee. HFC members have sought to add a warrant requirement and language banning a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the bill — policies they say are critical to winning their votes. “Even as we are working to right the wrongs and abuses of FISA, it is important we permanently ban what would be the ultimate surveillance tool against our fellow citizens, a central bank digital currency,” Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital in a statement. The Trump administration has pushed for a clean reauthorization of the program, citing the law’s critical national security role. Proponents of the spy law have hailed its ability to gather intelligence that has stopped potential terrorist attacks and drug trafficking. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, a notable GOP privacy hawk, offered his support for the three-year FISA extension during a post on social media last week. “Collectively, this set of reforms provides robust privacy protections for American citizens. Congress should bank this win and reauthorize Section 702,” Davidson said. “Then, we should swiftly begin gutting the unmitigated surveillance state left growing unchecked during these 702 fights.” House Democratic leadership previewed their objections to Republicans’ FISA reauthorization plan on Monday. Widespread Democratic opposition means Johnson could afford to spare just a handful of GOP defections during a critical procedural vote that could occur as early as Tuesday afternoon. “This surveillance mechanism could be abused by the likes of individuals like Kash Patel and the acting attorney general,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said during a news conference Monday. “These people have weaponized the criminal justice system, and they simply cannot be trusted to protect the privacy and the civil liberties of the American people.”
State Department urges Americans to avoid Mexican city just across Texas border
The State Department warned Americans to avoid a city in Mexico just over the border from Texas after receiving reports of “violent criminal activity.” The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico said U.S. government employees have been ordered to stay away from the area of Reynosa, a city of about 700,000 residents located near McAllen, Texas. “U.S. Consulate Matamoros has received reports of violent criminal activity including roadblocks in Reynosa,” it said in the advisory, urging any Americans there to “be aware of your surroundings,” maintain “a high level of vigilance” and to “keep a low profile.” The McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge links Reynosa to Texas. The State Department has issued a “Level 2 – Exercise increased caution” for all of Mexico, but in Tamaulipas state – where Reynosa is located – that risk is elevated to “Level: 4 – Do not travel,” due to “terrorism, crime and kidnapping.” TOURISTS TRAPPED IN PUERTO VALLARTA RECOUNT CARTEL RETALIATION AFTER EL MENCHO KILLED “There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations,” the State Department said. “Organized crime activity is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. It includes gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault,” it added. MEXICO PYRAMID SHOOTER WHO TOOK HOSTAGES AND KILLED 1 IS IDENTIFIED The State Department advisory noted that U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents “have been victims of kidnapping.” “Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol the state, especially along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo,” it also warned. “They act without fear of punishment in these areas, and local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to crime.”
Rep Cory Mills draws first Republican challenger as sexual misconduct allegations, expulsion threat mount
FIRST ON FOX: Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., a scandal-plagued lawmaker facing bipartisan calls to resign, drew a GOP challenger Tuesday who threatens to scramble his re-election bid. Ryan Elijah, a veteran former news anchor for FOX 35 Orlando, is launching a bid for Mills’ central Florida House seat, vowing to defeat the embattled incumbent in the Sunshine State’s August primary. Elijah told Fox News Digital that Republican voters should have an alternative to Mills, who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations, among other improprieties. “People in the Seventh District want another choice,” Elijah said in an interview. RESIGNATION IS THE NEW ESCAPE HATCH AS LAWMAKERS FACE EXPULSION Elijah called the allegations against Mills “serious” and said the House Ethics Committee should continue its investigation into the incumbent’s alleged misconduct. The panel announced last week that its only active investigation related to “sexual misconduct and/or dating violence” is the Mills probe. The committee has not indicated when it plans to wrap up its investigation into Mills, which began in November. Mills allegedly threatened to release nude images and videos of an ex-girlfriend after their relationship ended, leading a judge to bar him from contacting that individual. He was also involved in an alleged domestic violence incident that drew a police response in Washington, D.C., last year. The incumbent has denied any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged. “I’ve never been indicted for anything,” Mills told Fox News last week. “Everything has just been an accusation, allegation.” HOUSE REPUBLICAN TO MOVE TO CENSURE DEM ACCUSED OF STEALING DISASTER RELIEF MONEY FOR CAMPAIGN Elijah, a 20-year Florida resident, said he decided to challenge Mills after receiving “overwhelming support” from community leaders in the district to jump into the race. He also characterized Mills as vulnerable in a general election setting who could put the GOP in danger of losing the Republican-leaning district in November’s midterm elections. Democrats are notably targeting Mills’ seat as a top flip opportunity in the Sunshine State. “There’s obviously a chance we could lose the seat,” Elijah said, if Mills is the Republican nominee. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report downgraded Mills’ re-election bid from “solid” to “likely” Republican in February. Mills’ campaign entered April with just over $115,000 in the bank and is more than $2 million in debt, according to recent Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings. Former NASA chief of staff Bale Dalton, Mills’ leading Democratic challenger, ended 2026’s first fundraising quarter with $464,000 in cash on hand. Mills is running for a third House term with President Donald Trump’s endorsement, which can be consequential in competitive GOP primaries. Elijah said he would still vie for the president’s support. “I’m not going against the president’s endorsement or even going against the party. I’m going for both of those,” Elijah told Fox News Digital. “Right now, I’m just focused on getting out of the gate and just talking to people, and we’ll see where those chips fall.” Mills is also facing a potential expulsion threat from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who has yet to force a vote on her removal measure. Three House members facing misconduct allegations resigned from Congress earlier in April to avoid potential expulsion votes. Those lawmakers were former Reps. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla. Mace’s measure accuses Mills of misrepresenting his military service and of illicit involvement in federal contracts as a sitting lawmaker, in addition to alleged sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. “This guy has no place in Congress, especially if you’re a woman, especially if you’re a military vet, what he’s done is shameful, and at some point we have to take responsibility for ourselves,” Mace told Fox News on Monday. “If we’re going to hold the left accountable, we’ve got to hold the right accountable too.” Asked whether Mills should resign, Elijah said members of Congress could force the issue. “There’s been a lot of calls for him to resign. He obviously decided he wasn’t going to,” Elijah said. “He was going to fight it out at this point. So I think his fate is in the hands of Congress.” Fox News Digital reached out to Mills’ campaign for comment.
FBI raids Minneapolis childcare facilities, part of sweeping fraud investigation
Federal authorities raided more than 20 locations, including childcare facilities, in Minneapolis on Tuesday as part of a sweeping fraud investigation into largely Somali-owned businesses, sources confirmed to Fox News. “Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation,” a Department of Justice spokesperson said. Authorities executed 22 federal search warrants in Minnesota on Tuesday morning as part of the operation, which is not immigration-related, sources said. The raids center on federal fraud investigations into largely Somali-owned businesses, including childcare facilities that registered their daycare with the state but were allegedly billing for care that was not provided. MINNESOTA FRAUD SCANDAL: SIXTH FAMILY MEMBER WHO MET WITH AG ELLISON SET TO PLEAD GUILTY Sources told Fox News that two of the raids were conducted at the Quality Learning Center and Baby Halimo Child Care, both in Minneapolis. Vice President JD Vance addressed the raids in a post on X, writing, “The task force and the DOJ will be relentless in exposing these fraudsters wherever they may be hiding.” Gov. Tim Walz said the raids were carried out by federal and state law enforcement after state agencies “caught irregular behavior and reported it.” “If you commit fraud in Minnesota you’re going to get caught — and that’s exactly what we saw today,” Walz wrote on X. “We catch criminals when state and federal agencies share information. Joint investigations work, and securing justice depends on it.” The governor then called for a joint investigation into the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good during federal immigration enforcement operations earlier this year “instead of cherry picking when we seek justice and when we turn a blind eye.” TRUMP ADMIN SCORES MINNESOTA COURT WIN IN MEDICAID FRAUD CRACKDOWN The City of Minneapolis wrote on X that it was not involved in the federal operations around Minnesota, and that local police have not been asked to help with the execution of federal warrants as of Tuesday morning. The Quality Learning Center received national attention after blogger Nick Shirley visited several childcare addresses only to find an assortment of vacant or non-operational storefronts, closed businesses or angry Somali occupants who refused to answer questions or entertain the pair’s mock efforts to “register” a child with the supposed daycare. Minnesota has been under the spotlight for years for Medicaid fraud, including a massive $300 million pandemic fraud case involving the nonprofit Feeding Our Future. It drew renewed national attention in 2025 as convictions piled up and the state became a flashpoint in the Trump administration’s broader “war on fraud.” In 2022, during former President Joe Biden’s administration, 47 people were charged. As of December, 57 people have been convicted, either because they pleaded guilty or lost at trial. Most of the defendants are of Somali descent. This is a developing story; check back for updates. Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz and Ashley Oliver, along with The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is running for mayor of St. Pete
Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is running for St. Petersburg mayor. “Well, it’s official. I’m now a candidate for mayor of St. Pete. God bless you all,” he said in a video posted to X on Monday. His post includes the message, “I’m in! #stpete.” RON DESANTIS UNVEILS NEW FLORIDA CONGRESSIONAL MAP THAT WOULD GIVE THE GOP AN EXTRA FOUR SEATS “I’ve fought for the City of St. Petersburg in the Legislature, as Education Commissioner, Attorney General, and Governor, and as a United States Representative. Now I’m taking that fight back home, to City Hall, where the city government is failing to address issues that matter most to YOU, my neighbors,” Crist declared on his campaign website. Crist served as governor of the Sunshine State from early 2007 until early 2011. He was elected to the governorship as a Republican but lost a 2010 U.S. Senate race while running as an independent. DESANTIS TAUNTS JEFFRIES WITH FLORIDA INVITE — DEM LEADER RESPONDS WITH $20M WARNING SHOT He lost the state’s 2014 gubernatorial contest while running as a Democrat. Crist went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from early 2017 through August 2022. DESANTIS UNDER PRESSURE AS FLORIDA REDRAW COULD TIP HOUSE BALANCE IN GOP MAP FIGHT Crist unsuccessfully sought the governorship again, but incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis shellacked him in the state’s 2022 gubernatorial contest.
AI boom tests GOP’s midterm affordability pitch as price pain spreads
Republicans are warning that their ability to deliver on lowering everyday costs, one of their core campaign promises heading into the 2026 midterms, is being tested by an AI-driven chip shortage that has spilled into consumer markets. “When you have a big race like we have with AI, there are secondary effects that we need to be very concerned about,” former Rep. Patrick McHenry, who served as House Financial Services Committee chairman, told Fox News Digital, adding, “It is hurting Republicans.” Tech industry reports have for months been raising alarm over a global chip shortage. In January, a report predicted that this year, 70% of the high-end memory chips produced would go toward data centers, which store AI memory, constraining all other downstream technology and driving up prices, directly undermining Republicans’ affordability agenda. AFFORDABILITY: THE ISSUE THAT BOOSTED TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS IN 2024 DEFLATED THEM IN 2025 “We see this from our handheld devices to our computers, to TVs,” McHenry, a North Carolina Republican congressman turned policy advisor, said in an interview. “Even autos are impacted, and even things such as what we think of as average everyday things that aren’t particularly high-tech, like the things we use to manicure our lawns are impacted by rising prices of chips, so there’s a lot of secondary effects across consumer goods and should be a huge concern.” Heading into 2026, President Donald Trump framed the midterms as a referendum on cost of living, saying in a Politico interview the elections “will be about pricing.” Historically, the party in control loses seats during the midterms. One Republican strategist told Fox News Digital that AI’s well-documented dominance over the chip market should be viewed as hurting voters’ pocketbooks. The strategist called on the three largest chip manufacturing companies to expand production, which he said would help bolster the GOP’s campaign message. “America must win the artificial intelligence race. Companies like Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron understand that,” the strategist said. “At the same time, we can’t forget about consumer goods. Memory chip manufacturers need to increase production to boost both American AI and lower the cost of consumer goods. If they don’t, it will undoubtedly hurt Republicans politically in the midterms. How can Republicans campaign on ‘lower costs’ in 2024, but see computer and car prices rise in 2026 due to a lack of chip production?” TRUMP TORCHES DEMS’ ‘FAKE AFFORDABILITY’ PITCH – BUT GOP PANIC IN DEEP RED STATE HINTS VOTERS AREN’T BUYING IT The AI boom is increasing demand for memory chips, which are semiconductor components used in data centers, laptops and smartphones. That chip consumption has rippled across industries. Microsoft this month attributed its rise in laptop prices to “recent increases in memory and component costs.” The smartphone market remained “under pressure,” with shipments down 6% this year, largely because of chip shortages, Counterpoint Research found. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, previously a car dealership owner, warned in a letter this month his state was seeing “immediate and severe” consequences of rising chip prices and that automakers have said they could begin halting assembly lines as early as next month. While affordability has been a resounding priority for Republicans seeking to retain control in Washington, AI advancements are also a pillar of Trump’s agenda. The White House declared last year in a sweeping plan that the country was in “a race to achieve global dominance in artificial intelligence” and cited the need for a “revitalized U.S. chip industry.” Asked about the AI-driven affordability concerns, White House spokesman Kush Desai told Fox News Digital in a statement that the White House was cognizant of the clash and balancing it with a “nuanced” economic plan, which includes Trump’s signature worldwide tariffs, which the president restructured after the Supreme Court struck down his initial plan implementing them in the name of what he said was a global economic emergency. “The fact that semiconductor chips are absolutely critical for everything from cutting-edge AI technology to everyday consumer goods only reinforces the importance of President Trump’s push to reinvigorate America’s semiconductor industry,” Desai said. “Hundreds of billions in semiconductor manufacturing investments reflect how the private sector is enthusiastically responding to the Administration’s nuanced and multi-faceted agenda of tariffs, deregulation and tax cuts.” KEVIN O’LEARY WARNS CHINA ‘KICKING OUR HEINIES’ IN AI RACE AS REGULATORY ROADBLOCKS STALL US The strain on supply is also raising new questions about the effectiveness of the bipartisan CHIPS Act, a Biden administration bill designed to boost domestic production and prevent precisely the kind of shortage markets are now seeing. McHenry, who specializes in fintech policy, said the CHIPS Act, a multibillion-dollar effort to pour federal subsidies and tax incentives into U.S. chip manufacturing, has been a “grave disappointment.” McHenry said both that the White House had “a lot more work” to do to address the supply shortage and that congressional reforms were another way to improve domestic chip production. “Unfortunately for the taxpayer, they paid for the CHIPS Act the first time, and now they’re paying for it a second time with the rising price of consumer goods,” McHenry said. “Republicans need to address this on Capitol Hill. They need to clean up the CHIPS Act, so the president can deploy these tools to incentivize and grow chip manufacturing here in the United States.” Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who founded a successful car security company, said he sees a need for chip production expansion, tying it to consumer costs, in a statement to Fox News Digital. “America leads the world in AI — and we stay there by unleashing the nation’s industrial base, ramping up chip production and memory as never before and lowering the consumer costs people pay every day,” he said. The congressman said more chips were “essential” to delivering on the GOP’s promises of “opportunity, prosperity and affordability.” Fox News Digital reached out to representatives of Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron for comment.