DeSantis in the headlines as Florida’s governor debates vaccine policies and election laws; GOP mega-profile, former congressman, 46th Florida gov. #DeSantis
Michael Lee King, 54, was executed in Florida for the 2008 kidnapping, rape, and murder of Denise Amber Lee. His final moments included a last meal and a brief, silent statement. The case led to enhanced 911 training laws. The execution was witnessed by family members, including Lee’s husband and son.
At SXSW in Austin, Gavin Newsom has asserted that California taxes the middle class less than Texas, while suggesting Florida is the other regressive tax state. Critics dispute the data, noting California’s overall tax burden and living costs. He has also hinted at a 2028 presidential bid should Democrats win back the House.
Construction has started on demolishing the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed in the 2016 mass shooting. The city plans a $12 million memorial opening in 2027, amid ongoing debates over LGBTQ+ monuments and political symbolism.
In March 2026, President Trump ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to over a dozen major U.S. airports to assist with severe TSA staffing shortages caused by a Department of Homeland Security funding impasse. The deployment aimed to ease long security lines but sparked controversy over ICE's role and effectiveness, highlighted by a forceful arrest at San Francisco International Airport.
James Aren Duckett, sentenced to death in 1988 for murder and sexual battery, has his execution stayed as DNA testing remains pending. The Florida Supreme Court ordered an update on the testing, with the future of his execution uncertain. Last year, Florida led the US with 19 executions.
Georgia and Utah have suspended parts of their gas taxes to counter rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict. Georgia's 60-day suspension took effect immediately, while Utah's 6-cent cut begins in July. Other states consider similar measures amid economic concerns and uncertain war duration.
President Trump announced plans for a new presidential library in Miami, featuring a skyscraper with iconic elements like Air Force One, a golden statue, and White House recreations. The project, funded privately, aims to be a major landmark, with details and renderings released recently.
Arizona lawmakers are advancing a bill to rename Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza, and to authorize memorials for Kirk and Bolles. The bill faces veto considerations from Governor Hobbs amid political debates over honoring controversial figures.
The Independent and Politico report that JD Vance and Marco Rubio are aligned with President Trump, with Vance serving in Iran negotiations while Rubio signals hawkish support; Trump has debated which man could best rival him in 2028, with Rubio publicly pledging support if Vance runs.
Chadwick Scott Willacy has been executed in Florida for the 1990 murder of Marlys Sather. He was sentenced to death after a jury recommendation and has now received a three-drug lethal injection. This marks Florida’s fifth execution in 2026, amid a record number last year. Willacy’s appeals have been denied, and his final moments are underway.
Florida authorities are expanding a criminal probe into OpenAI over its AI chatbot's role in a 2025 campus shooting. Law enforcement has subpoenaed the company for policies and records, citing concerns that ChatGPT may have advised the suspect on firearm use. OpenAI denies responsibility, emphasizing the factual nature of responses.
The Florida House has refused to take up Governor DeSantis’s proposed medical-conscience exemption for vaccines during a four-day special session, effectively killing the measure which had backing in the Senate. Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez has said he is uncomfortable with children attending school without vaccines that have protected public health for decades. The development follows earlier statements from the governor and health officials about ending vaccine mandates, but there has not been broad public or legislative support for sweeping exemptions.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Louisiana’s congressional map constitutes an illegal racial gerrymander, prompting state officials to suspend or delay House primaries. Early voting is starting as absentee ballots have already been mailed, with a path forward being developed with lawmakers and the Secretary of State.
AP News reports that HBO's The A List collects 15 stories from Asian and Pacific diasporas, featuring figures from Connie Chung to Tammy Duckworth. The documentary prioritizes intimate, unscripted interviews about identity and belonging within an expansive AAPI landscape.
The Florida state-run detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz is closing. Officials say detainees will be moved by early June and the facility will be broken down in the coming weeks. The closure follows mounting cost concerns and criticism of conditions, with federal and state officials weighing next steps.
Courts and lawmakers are negotiating mid-decade redistricting amid a Supreme Court ruling that weakens the Voting Rights Act. Alabama and Florida are among states revisiting congressional maps, with August special primaries and a looming federal review of district lines.
The South Carolina governor has signaled a special session on redistricting as Republicans push to redraw maps. Key issues include potentially eliminating Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Democratic seat and concerns about a “dummymander” that could dilute Black representation. The move follows pressure from Trump allies and intra-party splits among Republicans.
Texas Tech has offered to buy out its Week 1 game against Abilene Christian so it can host Texas in a potential Week 1 showdown; a bid that follows Texas coach Sarkisian’s comments on strength of schedule and a larger playoff conversation. Texas Tech supports quarterback Brendan Sorsby amid his gambling-integration case while pledging to back his reinstatement petition.
The Supreme Court has granted Alabamas emergency appeal to allow a 2023 legislative map that reduces Black-majority districts from two to one to be used in upcoming special primaries. The order follows the courts April ruling that narrowed Voting Rights Act claims and arrives as Republican leaders move to redraw maps across Southern states ahead of the midterms.
President Donald Trump has confirmed he angrily confronted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent phone call over Israel's strikes in Lebanon, saying he told Netanyahu to stop. Trump has insisted the pair still have a strong relationship while US-mediated talks with Iran are continuing and fighting in Lebanon remains active.
Global markets are reacting to SpaceX pricing its upcoming IPO at $135 per share, valuing the company at about $1.77 trillion. CNBC notes mixed signals from the Middle East, with Netanyahu signaling readiness for potential military action and talks of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The developing picture includes pressure on oil prices and a chorus of U.S. political maneuvering around Iran policy.
The California vote count is under scrutiny as mail-in ballots keep the tally slow, while other states advance. California officials say delays stem from signature checks, handling a high volume of mail ballots, and staffing gaps, sparking cross‑party criticism and concerns about misinformation.