Maine lawmakers on Tuesday passed legislation that will temporarily ban large data center projects. The ban, which lasts for 1.5 years, includes new data centers that use over 20 megawatts of power. The Maine House passed the bill 79-62, while the upper chamber approved the legislation 21-13. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills still has to sign the measure. Mills reportedly wanted an exemption for certain sites where data centers are already planned. However, lawmakers voted down an amendment to make that change. During the ban, a state-appointed council will analyze the impact of data centers on the local grid, electricity bills, and water usage. More below: Maine is set to implement a full statewide temporary BAN on all Data Centers More than a dozen other states are also considering this same ban on Data Centers too “The ban would halt construction until November, 2027. That would give a newly created council time to review and… pic.twitter.com/EKHNeeLttb — Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) April 12, 2026 The Hill has more: During this moratorium period, a coordinating council will convene to produce recommendations and guidelines to shape the future of the state’s policies on large data centers. The council will include government officials, experts and other stakeholders. The bill allocates $95,000 to support the council’s activities. The new Maine ban is part of a larger trend of state legislatures considering bills to impose new restrictions on data centers as the public and experts express concerns about the negative economic and environmental effects of these projects. At least 12 other states led by Republicans and Democrats are considering similar temporary bans on these construction projects. Similarly, the town of Port Washington, Wisconsin, became the nation’s first city to approve a referendum requiring large data center projects to obtain approval from taxpayers before beginning construction. Small City In Battleground State Passes First-Of-Its-Kind Referendum Against Data Centers Reuters noted: Following strong backlash against data center proposals by Big Tech firms, the Trump administration last month got those companies to sign a ​voluntary pledge at ​the White House ⁠that they would bear the cost of new electricity generation to power their data centers. While the question of how ​to handle the explosion of data centers does not fall ​under party ⁠lines, two Democratic lawmakers - Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - last month introduced legislation to halt all construction on data centers until Congress passes AI ⁠safety legislation. Republican ​Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri and Connecticut Senator ​Richard Blumenthal have also introduced legislation aimed at protecting ratepayers from data-center-related energy bill spikes.

House Democrats will introduce five articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abuse of power, war crimes related to the Iran war, and other offenses. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), the first Iranian-American Democrat in Congress, will introduce the articles of impeachment. “This is just another Democrat trying to make headlines as the Department of War decisively and overwhelmingly achieved the Presidents’ objectives in Iran,” Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told Axios. “It has eight Democratic co-sponsors: Reps. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), David Min (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) and Sarah McBride (D-Del.),” Axios reports. The measure has essentially no chance of passing in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives. Scoop: House Democrats introduce 5 articles of impeachment targeting Pete Hegseth https://t.co/zntuX7GmYT — Axios (@axios) April 15, 2026 Axios shared the five articles of impeachment: Article 1: “Unauthorized war against Iran and reckless endangerment of United States service members” This article focuses on the U.S. launching strikes against Iran without first seeking congressional approval. It also accuses Hegseth of signing off on “plans involving extreme and unnecessary risk to United States personnel and interests,” citing the administration’s consideration of ground operations in Iran. Article 2: “Violations of the Law of Armed Conflict and targeting of civilians” Hegseth “authorized, condoned, or failed to prevent” operations in Iran “resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Iran,” this article says. It cites the U.S. bombing of a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, as well as reports of double tap strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats in the Caribbean. It also points to Hegseth saying the U.S. will have ‘no quarter, no mercy for our enemies,” saying he “has engaged in conduct that raises serious concerns of violations of the Geneva Conventions and other binding legal obligations.” Article 3: “Negligence and Reckless handling of sensitive military information” This article focuses on Signalgate, a scandal last year in which Atlantic editor Jeff Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal chat where Hegseth and other top U.S. officials discussed strikes in Yemen. Hegseth “has demonstrated gross negligence in the handling of sensitive and classified military information” and “placed United States personnel at risk through this careless and improper conduct,” it says. Article 4: “Obstruction of Congressional Oversight” Hegseth has failed to “provide timely and complete information regarding military operations” to Congress, this article says. It also accuses him of “withholding material facts relating to civilian casualties and operational conduct in Iran, Venezuela, and other military theaters.” Article 5: “Conduct bringing disrepute upon the United States and its armed forces” Hegseth is accused of having “acted in a manner contrary to the public trust” and “shaken public confidence in the integrity and ability” of the Pentagon. The article cites several of the Trump administration’s socially conservative military policies including criticism of NATO, rolling back of DEI and affirmative action programs and restrictions against transgender service members. “This isn’t partisan. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents now know that Trump is dangerous and unfit,” Ansari said last week. “Whether through impeachment or by invoking the 25th Amendment, it is far past time Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are removed from office,” she added. Watch below: This isn’t partisan. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents now know that Trump is dangerous and unfit. Whether through impeachment or by invoking the 25th Amendment, it is far past time Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are removed from office. pic.twitter.com/seVzANFC0L — Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) April 8, 2026 The Hill noted: Thanedar previously filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth in December. He accused the secretary of committing war crimes amid the U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean. An incident in September where a strike attacked a boat, then another strike killed survivors, drew outrage from Democrats who said the strikes amounted to war crimes. The incident also raised questions from some Republicans.

Erika Kirk canceled her planned appearance at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, citing “very serious threats.” Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet told Vice President JD Vance that he was on stage instead of Kirk because she had received some “very serious threats” in her direction. “It’s a terrible reflection on the state of reality and the state of the country,” Kolvet said. Check it out: Erika Kirk is skipping an event with Vice President JD Vance due to "some very serious threats in her direction," TPUSA says. pic.twitter.com/TlSxfd06Lk — Fox News (@FoxNews) April 14, 2026 Fox News shared further: Vice President JD Vance said he had been concerned the event might be canceled and spoke with the Secret Service, adding he told Kirk to “do what she needs to do for her and her family.” Officials have not released additional details about the threats. Fox News Digital has reached out to Turning Point USA for further information. Trump administration officials have shown support for Erika Kirk following the assassination of her husband Charlie Kirk during a debate event at Utah Valley University in September. After his death, Charlie Kirk’s casket was flown from Utah to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two, with Vice President JD Vance accompanying the transfer. Second lady Usha Vance was later seen holding Erika Kirk’s hand as they departed the aircraft. “I was so looking forward to tonight’s event at the @universityofga with our Vice President @JDVance, but after all our family has been through, I take my security team’s recommendations extremely seriously. Thank you to our amazing Georgia chapter for your support. God bless you all!” Kirk said. I was so looking forward to tonight’s event at the @universityofga with our Vice President @JDVance, but after all our family has been through, I take my security team’s recommendations extremely seriously. Thank you to our amazing Georgia chapter for your support. God bless you… https://t.co/f2rBre9ArJ — Erika Kirk (@MrsErikaKirk) April 14, 2026 More from the New York Post: The vice president lamented the “two separate living h***s” Kirk has been subjected to since her husband’s assassination last September, namely the shocking, public murder of her children’s father and the intense online criticism of her that followed. “Everybody is attacking her over everything, and they’re lying about her, and it’s one of the most disgraceful things that I’ve ever seen in public life,” Vance fumed. “The people telling you that Erika wasn’t grieving her husband are full of s–t,” he raged. Vance called the unhinged conspiracy theories that Erika Kirk is somehow complicit in her husband’s murder “so preposterous and so disgusting.” “The response to Charlie Kirk getting assassinated by a left-wing furry lover,” Vance argued, “should have been, let’s go after left wing violence and terrorism.” He added, “If you’re going after Erika Kirk and not the people who are trying to destroy the United States of America, you’re part of the problem, not part of the solution.”

A redistricting effort in Maryland led by Gov. Wes Moore has failed to garner enough support. According to CBS News, internal party disagreements between Maryland Democrats doomed the redistricting attempt. The state legislative session ended Monday night, which effectively killed the effort. Governor Wes Moore falls short in push to redraw Maryland’s congressional map to boost Democrats https://t.co/0Tb3IjZU0N — The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 14, 2026 CBS News explained further: In the end, the Maryland Senate left the bill in a committee, with Democrats who control the chamber concerned that it could backfire under judicial review. The unusual mid-decade redistricting, which started when President Trump encouraged Republican-controlled Texas to redraw their map last year, is expected to continue next week. Republicans want to change congressional boundaries during a special legislative session in Florida, while Democrats are asking voters to approve a redistricting referendum in Virginia. But Democrats will not be poised to pick up a seat in Maryland, where the proposed map would have made it easier for voters to oust the state’s lone Republican member of the U.S. House. “Ron DeSantis is considering delaying the state’s April 20 special session for redistricting. DeSantis is expected to redraw the Florida congressional map to add between two and five new red seats, a huge plus for Republicans in the national redistricting battle,” Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman wrote. “Now, DeSantis is mulling whether to push the special session back until after the results of the April 21 redistricting referendum in Virginia,” he added. BIG REDISTRICTING NEWS in Midday edition RON DESANTIS is considering delaying the state's April 20 special session for redistricting. DeSantis is expected to redraw the Florida congressional map to add between two and five new red seats, a huge plus for Republicans in the… — Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) April 14, 2026 More from the Associated Press: Moore, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said he disagreed with another powerful Maryland Democrat, state Senate President Bill Ferguson, about “what is required to be able to make sure we’re fighting back” against Trump. “This is not a political game to me,” Moore said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I don’t look at this as some kind of political talking point. I look at the fact that I think Donald Trump is actively trying to manipulate and change the rules around the November election and beyond because he knows he cannot win on his policies.” Ferguson has said redistricting could actually cost Democrats seats in Maryland because, in the inevitable legal battle that would ensue, a court could order a new map that would be even less favorable to the party. He refused to budge despite pressure from Moore and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. While speaking at National Action Network in New York on Thursday with the Rev. Al Sharpton, Moore complained that Trump was urging some states to redraw maps to favor Republicans, while telling other states to “sit on your hands.” “Don’t play with me,” Moore said. “And if the rest of the country is going to have this conversation about mid-decade redistricting, then so should Maryland, and so should every other state. Because until it is done nationally, we have to make sure that this election is not stolen right before our face so this pain is made permanent.” But while Moore named a panel in November that proposed the new map for Maryland, the governor could not prevail on the heavily Democratic Maryland Senate to approve it.

President Trump on Tuesday endorsed video game composer Marty O’Donnell in the election to represent Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District. The district in the battleground state is among the most competitive in the country. With the razor-thin GOP majority, every House seat is imperative for Republicans to perform well. “Marty is running against Susie Lee, a true Radical Left Extremist who does not represent the Values of Southern Nevada. Susie Lee wants Open Borders, Men playing in Women’s Sports, Transgender for Everyone, Defund the Police, and wants to take away your Second Amendment, meaning, your guns. Sadly, she voted against the Biggest Tax Cut in History (including NO TAX ON TIPS!), and fought ferociously to knock out Rural Healthcare, a big factor in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “In contrast, Marty O’Donnell is a World-Class Composer and Entrepreneur who knows the America First Policies required to Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote NO TAX ON TIPS, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Champion our Nation’s Golden Age. As your next Congressman, Marty will fight tirelessly to Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Brave Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” he continued. Trump backs 'Halo' composer Marty O'Donnell in Nevada House race https://t.co/kjTFHzoB7y — John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) April 14, 2026 Just the News noted: O’Donnell previously sought the party nomination in 2024, but did not move on to the general election. He is best known as the co-composer for the soundtracks to Bungie’s Halo video game series, as well as other popular titles released by the developer such as Destiny. Lee made headlines recently for a profanity-laced social media post about Trump, which she deleted. The Democratic congresswoman made the post in response to Trump attending oral arguments at the Supreme Court. “I’ll Pray They F*** Him To His Face” – House Democrat Quickly Deletes Profanity-Laced Post About President Trump “So f***ing f***ed up. I’ll pray they f*** him to his face,” Lee said. “Sorry, I say f*** a lot these days,” she added. “In a now deleted post, Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) said of President Trump going to SCOTUS this morning,” Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin said. In a now deleted post, Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) said of President Trump going to SCOTUS this morning: "So fucking fucked up. I'll pray they fuck him to his face." pic.twitter.com/tSW5jJnnlC — Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) April 1, 2026 More from The Nevada Independent: O'Donnell, who has previously come under fire from other Republicans for his past criticism of Trump, placed fourth in the GOP primary for the same seat in 2024. This time around, he said he would drop out if Trump didn't endorse him. "I am beyond grateful that President Trump has picked me for his team and given me his endorsement today," O'Donnell wrote in a Tuesday statement, adding that he was asking "all Republicans to unite around the President and me to help us save our majority." O'Donnell will attend Trump's event in Las Vegas this week, but not as a participant in the formal programming. The video game composer still must win the primary for the chance to take on four-term Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) in the state's most competitive battleground, which stretches across southwestern Las Vegas and to the southern tip of the state.