Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress following public rape allegations from a California businesswoman who claims the Democrat drugged and assaulted her in 2018. The resignation, along with Rep. Tony Gonzales’ departure, shrinks the Republican House majority to just 216-213, creating a precarious situation for legislative votes.The Allegations Against SwalwellLonna Drewes detailed the alleged assault at a Beverly Hills press conference with attorneys Lisa Bloom and Arick Fudali. She claims Swalwell invited her to political events under the guise of helping her fashion software company, then drugged her wine during a third meeting. Drewes says she became incapacitated after arriving at his hotel room, where he allegedly raped and choked her until she lost consciousness. She emphasized she never consented to any sexual contact. Why She Stayed SilentDrewes explained her seven-year silence stemmed from fear rather than doubt about what happened. She cited Swalwell’s political power, legal background, and family connections to law enforcement as intimidating factors. At the time, she was considering a Beverly Hills city council run, which increased pressure to remain quiet. Drewes documented the assault in a handwritten calendar and discussed it during therapy sessions at a Connecticut sexual assault center. She stated she was in a committed relationship and would never have engaged in consensual activity with Swalwell.Professional Exploitation AllegedThe California lawmaker allegedly leveraged Drewes’ business ambitions to maintain contact. He repeatedly discussed introducing her to Silicon Valley connections, which she viewed as valuable for her software company. Drewes made clear she had no romantic interest in Swalwell but saw potential in the professional networking opportunities he promised. She says he knew about her business and used that knowledge to gain her trust before the alleged assault.Congressional FalloutThe dual resignations create immediate challenges for House Republicans. With margins this narrow, every vote becomes critical, and a single absence or defection can derail legislation. Drewes plans to file a police report shortly with her attorneys. She referenced other women coming forward, though details remain unclear. The aftermath of the allegations triggered severe mental health struggles for Drewes, including depression and suicidal thoughts that lasted years. Her decision to go public marks a significant moment in congressional accountability.SourcesFox News: Swalwell, Gonzales resignations shake up House, leaving GOP majority at 216-213

A Michigan man walked free Monday evening after five days in Bahamian custody following his wife’s mysterious disappearance during a boat trip. Brian Hooker, 59, maintains his wife Lynette fell overboard with the dinghy keys, triggering a tragedy that left authorities—and family members—searching for answers in the Abaco Islands.The Night She DisappearedBrian and Lynette Hooker, experienced sailors who documented their adventures on social media, departed Hope Town on April 4 around 7:30 p.m. in an eight-foot dinghy. According to Brian’s account, Lynette fell into the ocean along with the boat’s keys, shutting off the engine. Strong currents swept her away as he watched helplessly, unable to reach her. He paddled for hours before reaching a boat yard on another island to report her missing. Royal Bahamas Police Force released Brian Hooker after prosecutors recommended against filing charges. His attorney, Terrel Butler, emphasized that without evidence Lynette is dead, murder charges cannot proceed. The U.S. Coast Guard opened a criminal investigation into the case, elevating scrutiny beyond the initial search and rescue mission that shifted to recovery after finding no trace of the 55-year-old woman.Family Raises Serious DoubtsLynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, publicly questioned her stepfather’s version of events. She told NBC News her mother, an experienced mariner, would not simply fall overboard. Aylesworth described the couple’s 25-year marriage as rocky at best, marked by drinking and conflict. A 2015 domestic incident resulted in both spouses accusing each other of assault, though neither faced charges. Brian’s voicemail to his stepdaughter about finding a flotation device sounded unusually monotone and relaxed, Aylesworth said.What Happens NextBrian Hooker told CBS News he refuses to stop searching for his wife and maintains hope she survived. His attorney categorically denied Aylesworth’s allegations and stated he cooperated fully with investigators. Police have not disclosed what evidence, if any, prompted them to treat him as a suspect before recommending his release. The case remains open as a missing person investigation, with no body recovered and no charges filed against anyone connected to the April 4 disappearance.SourcesYahoo: Husband of American woman missing in the Bahamas released from police custody: Here’s everything we know about the case

New York lawmakers have introduced legislation that would ban the sale of BB guns and air rifles to anyone under 18, double the fines for violations, and classify these recreational items alongside imitation firearms under state law. What the Bill Would Do Senate Bill S9212, introduced in February, expands New York’s definition of imitation weapons to include air rifles, pellet guns, and BB guns made of any material. The legislation raises the minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years old and increases civil penalties for violations from five hundred to one thousand dollars per offense. The bill also requires manufacturers to establish controls preventing these products from being sold unlawfully in New York state. The measure treats devices commonly used for recreational shooting and pest control the same as replica firearms under existing state regulations. Supporters claim the expanded restrictions will improve public safety by limiting youth access to products that resemble actual firearms. Critics argue the legislation represents government overreach into activities that pose minimal public safety risk compared to violent crime. New York Democrat Lawmakers Target BB and Pellet GunsWould redefine BB and pellet guns as imitation weaponsWould require a plugged barrel, effectively banning current models as they would no longer be able to fire a projectile. https://t.co/FCs9Qd12lo — EMPIntelligenceNet© (@Megavolts001) April 13, 2026 Constitutional Questions Raised Second Amendment advocates may challenge the legislation if it becomes law, potentially citing the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision that expanded gun rights protections. While that ruling addressed actual firearms, legal experts suggest courts could examine whether restrictions on imitation weapons withstand constitutional scrutiny. The legislation adds air guns to existing prohibited activities laws that govern how companies market and distribute products in New York. Broader Pattern of Restrictions The proposed ban fits within a larger trend of expanded regulations in New York targeting items with minimal connection to violent crime. State lawmakers have faced criticism for pursuing restrictions on recreational items while major cities continue experiencing elevated crime rates. The bill remains under consideration in the state senate, where Democrats hold a substantial majority. If passed, New York would join a small number of states imposing similar age restrictions and classification schemes on air-powered recreational firearms that have been widely available to teenagers for generations. Sources Townhall: You’ll Roll Your Eyes When You Find Out What New York Democrats Want to Ban Next

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his administration will open the first government-operated grocery store in 2027, fulfilling a campaign promise that has sparked fierce opposition from small business owners who warn the initiative could devastate the city’s network of family-owned bodegas. Five Stores Planned Across All Boroughs Mamdani revealed plans to establish one government-run grocery store in each of the city’s five boroughs by the end of his first term. The announcement delivers on a central campaign pledge, despite widespread concerns about the viability of government-operated food retail. Manhattan’s 1.63 million residents, Brooklyn’s 2.74 million, Queens’ 2.4 million, the Bronx’s 1.47 million, and Staten Island’s 500,000 residents would each be served by a single municipal store. Critics question whether one location per borough can adequately serve these populations while competing against established private retailers. Muslim Democrat NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is planning to open the first of his "Free" city-owned grocery stores in East Harlem next year. The communist takeover of NYC is in full swing pic.twitter.com/yeCH6lW5oY — Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 13, 2026 Bodega Owners Sound Alarm on Competition Fernando Mateo, spokesman for the United Bodegas of America, described the government grocery plan as a cancer to small businesses last summer. Bodega owners across the city have consistently warned that taxpayer-funded competition with artificially low prices could force family-owned shops out of business. The mayor’s campaign initially projected using 140 million dollars in subsidies, though that funding source was later determined to be based on a misreading of government resources. Mamdani has not disclosed updated financing details for the municipal grocery initiative. Track Record Raises Questions Government-operated grocery stores in other American cities have struggled with sustainability. Kansas City, with a population of 510,000, launched a municipal grocery store that quickly faced problems with food shortages, spoiled inventory, and theft. That city eventually closed its government-run food retail operation. Multiple municipalities have attempted and abandoned similar programs after operational challenges proved insurmountable. The New York initiative moves forward despite these precedents and without clear answers about how city-run stores will overcome problems that defeated similar ventures elsewhere. The mayor’s office has not released operational plans addressing inventory management, security, or competitive pricing strategies for the proposed stores. Sources Townhall: Mamdani Announces His Plan to Destroy NYC’s Bodegas Will Take Effect Next Year

Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington confirmed that House Democrats are actively pursuing the use of the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office, despite acknowledging the move faces insurmountable obstacles and would require Vice President JD Vance’s cooperation. The Constitutional Framework The 25th Amendment allows for presidential removal when the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet determine the president is mentally unfit to discharge his duties. During a Sunday appearance on MS Now, Jayapal declared her support for invoking this provision. She stated Democrats should pursue every available option, including impeachment, the 25th Amendment, or pushing for resignation. The process requires the vice president’s initiation, followed by Cabinet majority approval, making it dependent on officials appointed by Trump himself. If the president contests a Cabinet declaration of unfitness, Congress must decide the outcome. A two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate is required to finalize removal. Representative Jamie Raskin introduced legislation during the previous session that would create an alternative body to assess presidential fitness, replacing the Cabinet’s role. However, even under Raskin’s proposed framework, the vice president must still concur with any unfitness declaration. Political Realities and Opposition Jayapal acknowledged that Vice President Vance would not support such an effort, undermining the entire strategy from the start. Raskin recently led a caucus meeting with House Democratic leadership to explore additional removal mechanisms. Democrats understand that establishing precedent for removing presidents through alternative processes could easily be used against future Democratic administrations. Former President Joe Biden would have presented a more viable target for mental fitness questions under such a framework. What This Means The proposal faces significant constitutional and political hurdles. Even if Democrats regain House control, passing legislation that creates new presidential removal mechanisms would require broad bipartisan support. The effort appears to reflect Democratic frustration rather than viable strategy. Political analysts note that pursuing constitutionally questionable removal tactics could backfire, energizing Republican voters and creating dangerous precedents that weaken executive authority regardless of party. The push signals that impeachment efforts would likely resume immediately should Democrats reclaim the House majority in future elections. Sources Townhall: Democrats are Considering the Absolute Dumbest Way to Get Rid of Trump