Supreme Court Upholds Nationwide Access to Mifepristone
The Supreme Court upheld nationwide access to the abortion pill mifepristone by allowing it to be mailed to patients without requiring in-person appointments, blocking a ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that had threatened this access. In a 7-2 decision, the court granted emergency requests from drugmakers Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro, ensuring the drug remains available as litigation continues, despite dissent from Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill criticized the ruling, asserting it undermines the state's abortion ban.
US Power Prices Surge 76% Amid Data Center Demand
Power prices on the largest electric grid in the US surged by 76% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by increased demand from AI-driven data centers. This spike has raised concerns about the impact on consumers, particularly in Lake Tahoe, where NV Energy plans to cut power to residents to prioritize supply for data centers, potentially leaving 49,000 residents without electricity after May 2027. The shift is part of a broader trend, with data centers consuming an estimated 22% of Nevada's electricity generation capacity in 2024, a figure projected to rise to 35% by 2030.
House Rejects War Powers Resolution on Iran Conflict
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a Democratic-backed War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's military actions in Iran, with a vote of 212-212. The resolution sought to prevent further military engagement without congressional approval, marking the third such vote this year. Three Republican lawmakers—Tom Barrett, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Thomas Massie—joined most Democrats in supporting the measure, reflecting increasing GOP defections as the conflict continues to escalate.
Pentagon Cancels Deployment of 4,200 Troops to Poland
The Pentagon has canceled the deployment of 4,200 U.S. troops from the 1st Cavalry Division to Poland, cutting American combat power in the country by nearly half. This decision, which took defense officials and lawmakers by surprise, comes amid broader troop reductions in Europe, including a planned withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany. Polish officials noted that the cancellation is linked to changes in the U.S. military presence in Europe, while the Pentagon has not provided further comments.
Senate Parliamentarian Blocks Key GOP Immigration Provisions
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that key provisions of the GOP's immigration enforcement package do not comply with Senate rules, effectively blocking sections related to Border Patrol funding and the treatment of unaccompanied migrant children. The ruling requires Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune and Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, to revise or abandon the affected provisions before a scheduled floor vote. The package, which proposed approximately $71.7 billion in new spending, now faces significant procedural hurdles as it returns to the drawing board.
