FBI Found No Probable Cause to Raid Mar-a-Lago, But Biden’s DOJ Proceeded Anyway

In early April 2026, the conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch revealed findings indicating that the FBI had no probable cause to justify the raid on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022. This raid was executed by agents directed by the Biden administration's Department of Justice (DOJ).

1. Lack of Probable Cause: Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request show that FBI agents expressed doubts about the legality of the raid. A July 2022 email indicated that field agents believed no probable cause existed to conduct the search.

2. Details of the Raid: The FBI's operation involved more than 30 heavily armed agents who seized numerous boxes of records from Trump's estate. The DOJ proceeded with the raid despite objections from the FBI about the lack of sufficient legal justification.

3. Judicial Watch's Findings: Judicial Watch released 207 pages of FBI records confirming these objections. The FBI had previously suggested that the DOJ cooperate with Trump's lawyer, Evan Corcoran, rather than proceeding with a raid, which the DOJ rejected.

4. Allegations of Coordination: Additional reports suggest that Biden's White House had prior knowledge of the raid and coordinated with the DOJ. Despite public claims to the contrary from the Biden administration, emails obtained from May 2022 indicated discussions between the White House Counsel's office and the DOJ before the raid occurred.

5. Historical Context: The documents and findings have raised concerns about governmental abuse of power and have prompted calls for accountability from Judicial Watch's President, Tom Fitton. He emphasized the importance of fully understanding the motivations and actions behind the raid, which is considered one of the most contentious federal investigations in U. S. history.

The revelations concerning the Mar-a-Lago raid underscore significant internal disagreement within the FBI regarding the legal basis for the search and highlight coordination between the Biden administration and the DOJ. These findings have sparked discussions about accountability and the implications of such actions involving former presidential records. Judicial Watch continues its efforts to release more documents to uncover further details about this controversial investigation. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/04/fbi-found-no-probable-cause-raid-mar-lago/

Ever wonder where $7 TRILLION goes? So does the government.

A recent report by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget highlights serious economic issues in the U. S., particularly regarding national debt and fiscal response capabilities. The country faces immense challenges with a debt surpassing 130% of GDP.

1. Debt Growth: When comparing past crises, the national debt has increased significantly—35% of GDP during the 2008 financial crisis, 80% at the onset of COVID-19, and now nearly 130%. Each economic downturn deepens the debt and complicates recovery efforts.

2. Deficits: Despite economic strengths, the government has consistently run large deficits. For example, even in 2019, the deficit was $1 trillion. The pandemic pushed this to over $5 trillion, raising questions about future budgetary responses to economic downturns.

3. Proposed Solutions: The CRFB suggests drastic measures to manage future deficits, including freezes on Social Security, Medicare, and tax brackets, as well as a new surtax for higher earners. These proposals are politically sensitive and may only be implemented during a crisis.

4. Impact on Individuals: High federal borrowing affects average citizens by raising interest rates on loans, including mortgages and credit. For instance, rising interest rates since 2015 have added substantial costs to homebuying and small business loans.

5. Debt Accumulation: The rate of debt accumulation is accelerating, predicted to exceed $39 trillion soon. This rapid increase raises alarms regarding governmental financial management, as many federal programs lack clear oversight.

6. Lack of Transparency: The Office of Management and Budget has struggled to track federal spending accurately, pointing to inefficiencies in how programs are funded over time. This has led to a scenario where $7 trillion is spent yearly without a clear understanding of its allocation.

The ongoing financial situation poses real risks to individuals and the economy, with potential consequences becoming increasingly evident. While the situation isn't dire at the moment, the need for personal financial planning and preparation is crucial to mitigate the impact of future economic challenges. 

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/ever-wonder-where-7-trillion-goes-so-does-the-government-154545/

Colonial Restarts Largest U.S. Gasoline Pipeline After Georgia Damage

Colonial Pipeline's Line 1, a major gasoline artery in the United States, resumed operations after a temporary halt due to damage caused by a third-party crew in Georgia.

• Colonial Pipeline's Line 1, which transports gasoline from Texas to New York, experienced a shutdown after damage occurred in Paulding County, Georgia.

• The line halted on Thursday night, after a section was damaged by a work crew, but was quickly repaired and flows resumed within hours.

• Colonial Pipeline stated that they coordinated their response and repair efforts efficiently, minimizing the duration of disruption.

• The pipeline is vital, carrying about 1.5 million barrels of gasoline per day and feeding the East Coast market, which relies heavily on pipeline deliveries due to limited local refining.

• While other parts of the Colonial system remained active during the incident, prolonged outages could tighten fuel supplies further amid already rising gasoline prices, recently pushed over $4 per gallon due to geopolitical tensions.

• Notably, there were recent incidents at the Valero refinery in Texas, raising concerns about potential sabotage targeting energy infrastructures amidst escalating conflicts in various regions.

The quick restoration of service on Colonial Pipeline’s Line 1 is reassuring for East Coast drivers, but the recent series of incidents, including industrial accidents and potential sabotage, raises important questions about the security of energy infrastructure in the current geopolitical climate. Further scrutiny may be warranted to assess the safety and integrity of critical energy supply systems. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/first-valero-refinery-now-largest-us-gasoline-pipeline-damaged-georgia

Trump: War Objectives Have Been Achieved, Iran ‘No Longer A Threat’

In a recent national address, President Trump stated that the U. S. is nearing the end of its military operations in Iran, claiming that Iran is "no longer a threat" following over a month of fighting. He indicated that America's key military and strategic goals in the conflict have been largely achieved, including the destruction of Iran's nuclear development sites. Trump noted that U. S. forces would soon withdraw, leaving control of the crucial Strait of Hormuz to other nations.

Despite Trump's assertions of victory, the administration's mixed messages regarding the war's end goals—such as the need for potential "regime change" or "unconditional surrender"—remain unclear. Trump's approval ratings have dropped significantly, raising concerns for Republican candidates facing upcoming midterm elections. He did not address how the U. S. would manage its relationship with Israel, which has its own conflicting objectives in the ongoing war.

The address emphasized that the U. S. had achieved "overwhelming victories" and was intent on swiftly concluding military actions. Trump's comments reflect the administration's belief that it has decisively weakened Iran both militarily and economically.

President Trump’s statements regarding the Iran conflict, the U. S. military stance, and the implications for future relations and domestic politics. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/04/01/trump-war-objectives-have-been-achieved-iran-no-longer-a-threat/

News roundup:

 Vice mayor of Florida city found dead in ‘domestic violence incident’: Police

4.9 magnitude earthquake rattles Northern California

Trump: U.S. will bomb Iran “back to stone ages” over next 2-3 weeks

More students in these majors are switching due to AI: poll

Republicans announce plan to end record-long DHS shutdown

Trump Says Core Objectives of Iran War Nearing Completion

Florida Governor Candidate Rep. Byron Donalds Reports $22.2 Million First-Quarter Fundraising Haul

Judge Tosses IRS Agreement Allowing Churches to Endorse Political Candidates

Constitution is on Trump’s side in Supreme Court birthright citizenship case

Fort Hood soldiers shift to underground training to prepare for battlefield medical care

Artemis II launches astronauts around the moon in first deep space mission since Apollo

European allies react with ‘shock and anxiety’ to Trump threat to withdraw from NATO

Trump tells Erika Kirk to ‘sue’ critics who have defamed her since husband’s assassination: Report

Democrats sue Trump administration over mail-in-voting order

Hershey Going Back To Classic Reese’s Recipe After Backlash

Audit Records, Indictments Show $180 Billion ‘Empire of Fraud’ In California: Report

The Supreme Court Established 140 Years Ago That Foreign Nationals Born in the U.S. Are Not Citizens

The debate surrounding birthright citizenship in the United States has resurfaced, particularly in relation to recent comments made by former President Trump. The focus is on an 1884 Supreme Court case, Elk v. Wilkins, which addresses whether foreign nationals born in the U. S. are entitled to citizenship.

• Elk v. Wilkins Case: In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that an American Indian born on a reservation was not a U. S. citizen because he was not "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States. The ruling emphasized that citizenship requires voluntary acceptance by the individual and the U. S. government, negating automatic citizenship by birth alone.

• Interpretation of Jurisdiction: The phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof," part of the 14th Amendment, is critical. It implies that only those fully under the jurisdiction and allegiance of the U. S. can claim citizenship at birth. Therefore, children of foreign nationals do not automatically acquire citizenship.

• Naturalization Process: Becoming a U. S. citizen is described as a mutual process requiring consent from both the individual and the state. The notion that individuals born in the U. S. to non-citizens or undocumented immigrants can force naturalization is deemed incorrect.

• Historical Context: The discussion reflects on past rulings, including Wong Kim Ark v. United States, highlighting contradictions in citizenship determinations that arose due to perceived racial biases in legislation.

The Supreme Court's decisions from over a century ago continue to inform current debates about citizenship laws in America. The case of Elk v. Wilkins is significant in understanding the legal principles surrounding birthright citizenship and the jurisdictional requirements necessary for citizenship acquisition in the U. S. The interpretation of "jurisdiction" remains a contentious point in discussions concerning immigration and citizenship. 

https://www.frontpagemag.com/the-supreme-court-established-140-years-ago-that-foreign-nationals-born-in-the-u-s-are-not-citizens/

EV power consumption a costly mystery

The significant data gap regarding the electricity consumption of electric vehicles (EVs) and its impact on the electric power grid. Currently, there is no precise data on when and where EVs consume electricity, primarily because their charging often goes untracked at homes and workplaces.

• There are approximately 7 million EVs in the U. S., contributing to unknown impacts on the electric grid.

• Estimated EV energy consumption from the U. S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows rapid growth, with 2025 projected consumption at about 23.5 million MWh.

• Despite the growth in consumption, EVs make up a small percentage of total energy use, leading to misconceptions about their grid impact.

• The more critical factor for the grid is peak power demand (MW) rather than total energy consumption (MWh). EVs can significantly increase peak demand during charging times.

• Hypothetical scenarios indicate that if many EVs charged simultaneously, the demand could exceed current grid capacity, posing potential risks.

• Additionally, local power networks may need costly upgrades to support EV charging, which could be contributing to rising electricity prices.

The hidden nature of EV power usage could obscure significant and escalating issues within the electric grid that need urgent attention to ensure reliability and affordability. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for future planning. 

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/04/01/ev-power-consumption-a-costly-mystery/

Breakthrough Exposes Volcanic Corruption of Global Temperature Data for 50 Years

Recent investigations into global temperature records reveal concerns about the assumptions underlying temperature reconstructions. This study highlights how significant errors at individual weather stations, particularly those with extreme data, can skew global temperature records through homogenization processes.

• Assumption of Error Dilution: It is widely assumed that errors from individual weather stations dilute when averaged with data from neighboring stations. This study suggests that extreme outliers can propagate through the global dataset rather than being diluted.

• CR-VOLC-EL-INFIERNO-01 Station: An audit of tropical station data revealed an unusual signal from a station in Costa Rica (CR-VOLC-EL-INFIERNO-01) that has reported implausibly high temperatures, notably exceeding 300°C during active volcanic activity since the late 1970s.

• Quality Control Failures: Despite these extreme values, quality control measures did not exclude these readings, allowing them to influence the homogenization process instead.

• Homogenization Techniques: Current methodologies rely on adjusting temperatures based on similarities with neighboring stations. This method assumes a shared climate signal, but in cases of extreme values, it can amplify disparities rather than correct them.

• Impact of Anomalies: The study illustrated how the volcanic station's extreme readings could skew temperature adjustments across neighboring stations through repeated iterations of the homogenization process, ultimately affecting hemispheric averages and inflating global temperature readings.

• Global Temperature Implications: Comparing reconstructions with and without the outlying station showed a drastic difference—global warming trends appeared significantly higher with CR-VOLC-EL-INFIERNO-01 included.

• Propagation of Influence: The iterative nature of homogenization means that a single station's extreme values can rapidly influence a large number of neighboring stations, leading to widespread adjustments that ultimately distort overall climate trends.

• Need for Enhanced Quality Control: The findings underscore the necessity for improved outlier detection methods and scrutinizing how extreme values are handled in data reporting.

This analysis underscores that a single weather station with extreme readings can significantly distort global temperature reconstructions. As climate science continues to evolve, it's essential to re-evaluate the methodologies used for data homogenization and to ensure robust quality control measures are in place, particularly in regions with unique geographic or environmental conditions. Further investigations into the influence of similar anomalies are warranted to maintain confidence in global climate data integrity. 

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/04/01/breakthrough-exposes-volcanic-corruption-of-global-temperature-data-for-50-years/

There Is No Property-Rights Case for Birthright Citizenship

The discussion around birthright citizenship in the United States is currently shaped by legal debates, particularly in light of the Supreme Court case Trump vs. Barbara. The case questions whether citizenship is guaranteed to all born on U. S. soil under the Fourteenth Amendment. This summary explores the argument that there is no libertarian justification for birthright citizenship based on property rights.

1. Definition of Birthright Citizenship: Birthright citizenship grants citizenship to anyone born within the U. S., even to parents temporarily present. This principle is being challenged by the Trump administration, which contends it is not guaranteed by the Constitution.

2. Legal vs. Natural Rights: The article argues that citizenship, particularly through birthright, is a government-created "right" and does not stem from natural rights, such as property rights. Legal rights are established and can be changed or interpreted by government action.

3. History of the Fourteenth Amendment: This amendment was created post-Civil War, primarily to address citizenship for former slaves and does not necessarily apply to everyone born in the U. S.

4. Distinction Between Immigration and Naturalization: Immigration relates to the movement of people, while naturalization pertains to acquiring citizenship. The latter is an administrative act by the government, distinct from individual property rights.

5. Property Rights Foundations: Natural rights, as posited by classical liberals like Thomas Jefferson and John Locke, focus on property that is either homesteaded or acquired through peaceful exchange, contrasting with citizenship, which cannot be owned or homesteaded.

6. Non-Citizen Rights: Non-citizens in the U. S. can possess property and enjoy certain rights, suggesting that citizenship is not essential for property rights. The Bill of Rights applies to all individuals, regardless of citizenship status.

7. Arguments for Expanded Naturalization: Libertarians who support increased naturalization often rely on legal arguments or broader societal benefits rather than grounding their position in property rights. This presents a weak case from a libertarian perspective.

8. Historical Context of Citizenship: The expansion of citizenship has historically correlated with increased government power, rather than limiting it. This raises questions on whether promoting more citizenship truly upholds libertarian values.

9. Critical Perspectives: Few libertarian arguments consider the lack of ownership in citizenship. Many writings focus on legal definitions or social benefits rather than any inherent right to citizenship. Historical libertarians often advocated for restrictive voting rights to limit state power.

The examination of birthright citizenship reveals a fundamental disagreement within libertarian thought regarding the nature of rights. The prevailing view presented suggests that citizenship lacks the innate property rights characteristics that many libertarians uphold. Instead, citizenship is portrayed as an artificial construct of government, with no significant basis in property rights, making the libertarian argument for birthright citizenship weak and unconvincing. 

https://mises.org/mises-wire/there-no-property-rights-case-birthright-citizenship

Justice Jackson Suggests Foreign Tourists Qualify for Birthright Citizenship Because They Have ‘Local Allegiance’ to U.S. While on Vacation

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recently argued in the Supreme Court that children born in the U. S. to foreign tourists should receive birthright citizenship. This discussion occurs during the case "Trump v. Barbara," which addresses the legality of President Trump's executive order aiming to end such citizenship for children of illegal immigrants and tourists.

• Justice Jackson contended that if a child is born in the U. S. while their parents are on vacation, they should still qualify for citizenship due to "local allegiance" to the country.

• She compared this situation to her own experiences as a U. S. citizen abroad, emphasizing that temporary visitors are obligated to follow local laws and can seek protection under those laws.

• The Supreme Court has not definitively ruled on the issue of birthright citizenship as it pertains to children of foreign visitors.

• Currently, around 250,000 children considered "anchor babies" are born annually in the U. S. to foreign tourists and illegal immigrants.

• Many legal scholars challenge the notion that the 14th Amendment was intended to provide citizenship to these foreign nationals.

This case could significantly impact the interpretation of birthright citizenship in the U. S., as legal experts continue to debate the intent of the 14th Amendment regarding children of non-citizens born on American soil. 

https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/04/01/justice-jackson-suggests-foreign-tourists-qualify-birthright-citizenship-because-they-have-local-allegiance-us-while-vacation/

The DHS Shutdown Is Coming to an End...Sort of

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a government shutdown attributed to Democratic actions. The text outlines the reversal of House Republicans and President Trump's directives regarding DHS funding and immigration enforcement.

• A government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ending, after being marked by multiple congressional attempts to fund the agency amidst criticisms.

• The shutdown was characterized as a "Democrat-caused" issue, impacting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers who went without pay, which could have left the country vulnerable to terrorism and natural disasters.

• House Republicans, after a period of criticism towards Senate legislation, opted to support a plan to fund most of DHS while separating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol funding.

• President Trump urged the Congress to secure funding for ICE and Border Patrol through a process that avoids reliance on Senate Democrats.

• The plan proposes to fund the majority of DHS until October through an appropriations bill, while ICE and Border Patrol would be funded through reconciliation, allowing for a streamlined legislative process.

• Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson committed to fulfilling President Trump's directive to collaboratively fund DHS through both appropriations and reconciliation processes.

• There has been reported chaos within the Republican party concerning legislative strategy, and the Democrats' push for a prolonged shutdown is criticized as irresponsible.

• The outcome appears favorable for Republicans as they aim to counter Democratic influence and secure funding for immigration enforcement without concessions.

The political dynamics surrounding the DHS funding and shutdown reflect a contentious environment where party lines are deeply divided. The Republicans have recalibrated their strategy to counter Democratic obstruction while seeking to fund critical components of homeland security. The situation remains fluid with ongoing negotiations expected in Congress. 

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2026/04/01/the-dhs-shutdown-is-ending-but-heres-the-catch-n2673807

SHARIA LAW IN TEXAS: Rep Exposes Muslim-Only Enclaves Operating Next To Police HQs

 Congressman Keith Self from Texas has raised serious concerns about the presence of Sharia-adherent communities in the U. S., specifically in his district of Plano. He argues that these communities are not a distant threat but are currently operational and impacting local society.

• Self emphasizes that a Sharia-adherent enclave, run by the East Plano Islamic Center, has existed for 12 years in Plano, Texas.

• He describes this as a parallel society that operates against American laws and values.

• Self notes a troubling trend where Islamic centers are increasingly built near police training facilities, suggesting intimidation.

• Concerns extend to other cities, with references to similar patterns in places like New York City, where public spaces are altered for Muslim prayers.

• He argues that mass immigration without assimilation is leading to the creation of "no-go" zones and parallel legal systems in the U. S.

• The congressman calls for decisive actions, including mass deportations and strict assimilation policies, to preserve American sovereignty.

Congressman Self's comments signal a growing alarm about the implications of Sharia-adherent zones in America, urging for action to maintain unity under one law.

https://modernity.news/2026/03/31/sharia-law-in-texas-rep-exposes-muslim-only-enclaves-operating-next-to-police-hqs/

This Might Be the DUMBEST Argument Justice Jackson Has Ever Made

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's performance during a Supreme Court case concerning birthright citizenship, specifically her arguments during the oral hearings.

1. Case Overview: The case revolves around President Trump's executive order that challenges the interpretation of birthright citizenship, asserting automatic citizenship for anyone born on U. S. soil.

2. Justice Jackson's Argument: During the hearings, Justice Jackson made a comparison between allegiance to a country and following local laws while traveling. She argued that being subject to a country's laws, like those in Japan when a U. S. citizen is there as a tourist, could imply allegiance.

3. Criticism of Jackson's View: The author argues that this reasoning is fundamentally flawed. They assert that following local laws does not equate to pledging allegiance or claiming citizenship. The distinction is described as critical, foundational, and central to understanding citizenship and sovereignty.

4. Political Context: Jackson's nomination by President Biden is also discussed, suggesting she was picked for identity reasons rather than qualifications. The author expresses concern over her capabilities as a Supreme Court Justice based on her previous performances.

5. Court's Reception: Despite Jackson's argument being dismissed as inappropriate, the article notes that other justices did not show strong support for Trump’s position, indicating a possible wayward outcome in the case.

The author stresses the importance of competent legal reasoning from justices, criticizing Justice Jackson's apparent confusion between citizen obligations and legal jurisdiction. The article serves both as a commentary on the Supreme Court case and a broader political critique of judicial appointments. 

https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2026/04/01/this-might-be-the-dumbest-argument-justice-jackson-has-ever-made-n4951353

The Islamization of Catholic Charities

The growing influence of Muslim leaders and staff within Catholic Charities in the United States, particularly highlighting cases where these organizations focus primarily on resettling Muslim refugees. The author, Daniel Greenfield, raises concerns about the apparent shift in Catholic Charities’ priorities and leadership towards an Islamic-oriented agenda.

1. Notable Figures in Refugee Resettlement:

• Ashir Haji-Mohamed, a Somali refugee and case coordinator for Catholic Charities in Charlotte, was recently honored for his role in resettling Syrian and Afghan Muslims in North Carolina.

• Other Muslim staff members, such as Mayada Idlibi, have participated in protests supporting increased Muslim migration to the U. S. against policies from the Trump administration.

2. Ubiquity of Muslim Staff:

• It is common for Catholic refugee programs to employ Muslims in key roles. For instance, Aden Batar, a Somali refugee, runs refugee services in Utah, while Samira and Umarfarouk Omaru Lolleh work for the Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston Houston.

• Several case managers in various Catholic Charities offices are also identified as Muslims, indicating a significant representation within the organizations.

3. Focus on Muslim Refugees:

• Catholic Charities’ programs often prioritize Muslim refugees for resettlement. Notably, two-thirds of the case managers at Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri are Muslim.

• The agency also collaborates with local Islamic organizations to facilitate the integration of Muslim refugees into American communities.

4. Shift in Organizational Priorities:

• The article suggests that Catholic Charities increasingly focuses on Islamic priorities. Numerous instances illustrate that community engagement and support have shifted to accommodate Muslim cultural practices and celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr.

• This trend often involves the proactive recruitment of Muslim employees who are expected to serve the needs of incoming Muslim refugees.

5. Leadership and Funding:

• Significant funding from the Biden administration has reinforced the operational framework within Catholic Charities, allowing for the mass resettlement of refugees, particularly from Afghanistan, under government contracts.

• The rising Muslim leadership within Catholic Charities highlights a potential alignment with Islamic interests rather than traditional Catholic values.

The article raises alarm about the integration and dominance of Muslim leaders and priorities within Catholic Charities, labeling the trend as the "Islamization" of the organization. With numerous examples of Muslim staff overseeing refugee resettlement and the focus shifting toward supporting Muslim immigrants, there are concerns about the departure from historically Catholic-centric charitable missions. As the boundaries of identity and mission blur, the future of Catholic Charities may become increasingly intertwined with Islamic agendas. 

https://www.frontpagemag.com/the-islamization-of-catholic-charities/

America Produces The Most Oil. So Why Are Gas Prices Surging?

 Gasoline prices in the U. S. have recently increased significantly, with average prices rising nearly $1.00 per gallon in the last month. This surge raises questions about the nature of oil pricing and its impact on consumers.

• Price Surge Context: The rise of about 50 cents per gallon is linked to global events, specifically tensions with Iran.

• U. S. Oil Production: Although the U. S. is the world’s largest oil producer and energy independent, oil prices are set by global markets, not local production.

• Impact of Global Markets: Oil is traded globally; thus, supply threats anywhere can lead to price increases everywhere. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint influencing global oil prices.

• Gas Station Pricing: Gas stations price gasoline based on future replacement costs rather than existing stock. Rapid price adjustments are necessary to remain financially viable.

• Price Behavior: The phenomenon known as “rockets and feathers” explains why gasoline prices rise quickly but drop slowly—consumer behavior impacts pricing urgency and competition.

• Industry Variances: Different sectors of the oil industry react differently to price changes. Producers often benefit from high prices, while refiners may struggle when prices rise rapidly but prosper when crude oil prices fall.

The rapid increases in gasoline prices are driven by global market dynamics and human behavior, not inefficiencies in the system. These price fluctuations will persist as long as global supply risks remain, particularly in strategically important regions.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2026/03/20/america-produces-the-most-oil-so-why-are-gas-prices-surging/

Inside Gavin Newsom’s empire of fraud

California, while collecting significant tax revenue and spending over $300 billion a year, is facing remarkable troubles, including crumbling infrastructure, rampant homelessness, and escalating living costs. Reports indicate that a substantial portion of this taxpayer money is being lost to fraud, raising questions about the state administration's financial management.

1. Fraudulent Activities in California:

• California’s unemployment insurance program became a target for criminals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts warned that the system could be exploited, but actions to prevent fraud were not effectively implemented.

• It is estimated that at least $180 billion has been lost to fraud during Governor Gavin Newsom's administration.

2. Challenges Faced by Unemployment Insurance Program:

• The Employment Development Department (EDD) suspended many safeguards, allowing widespread fraudulent claims. Criminals, including international fraud rings, exploited this system efficiently, leading to billions in improper payments.

• Notably, fraudulent claims were made using the identities of incarcerated individuals, including death row inmates, due to inadequate cross-checks by the EDD.

3. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Medi-Cal:

• The IHSS program, which provides caregiving services to the elderly and disabled, has reportedly seen persistent fraud issues historically estimated at 25%.

• Even with these recent concerns, funding and support for IHSS have increased, raising alarms about potential scams going unnoticed.

• Medi-Cal expenditures have also risen sharply, yet the associated fraud risks remain under-acknowledged.

4. Welfare Programs:

• California has increased funding for various welfare programs; however, these have also fallen prey to fraudulent activities, with significant amounts being misallocated due to weak oversight.

• Reports detail cases of improper spending related to homelessness programs, including allegations of misappropriated funds by contractors, highlighting a lack of monitoring.

5. Response from State Leadership:

• Governor Newsom and his administration have acknowledged the exploitation of state programs. Still, they assert that measures are in place to combat fraud, despite evidence to the contrary from audits and reports.

• Legislative efforts to ease penalties for welfare fraud could exacerbate the situation, raising concerns that fraud may become more prevalent.

6. Federal Prosecutions and Investigations:

• In response to escalating fraud cases, a federal task force has been established to combat fraud in state programs. Several high-profile cases are currently under investigation.

• Newsom’s own office has faced allegations of internal fraud, further complicating the landscape of corruption under his administration.

7. Cultural and Systemic Issues:

• The pervasive culture of alleged fraud and corruption in California is highlighted by legislative comments from assembly members, indicating deep-rooted systemic issues.

• Calls for more thorough audits and heightened accountability have emerged, but political challenges have hindered substantial reforms.

The extensive fraud within California's public programs under Governor Gavin Newsom raises significant concerns among citizens regarding where tax revenues are being allocated. The combination of exploitation of welfare systems, inadequate protections against fraud, and claims of internal corruption within the governor's office paints a troubling picture of governance in California. Addressing and rectifying these issues will be crucial for the state’s future financial integrity and public trust. 

https://nypost.com/2026/04/01/opinion/gavin-newsoms-empire-of-fraud/