Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has resigned amid an inspector general probe into potential misconduct, becoming the third Cabinet member to depart during Trump’s second term. Multiple top staffers were placed on administrative leave before ultimately leaving their positions. Her attorney stated the resignation is a personal decision, not the result of legal wrongdoing, though the timing raises questions about the investigation’s scope and findings.
House Republicans Target Colleague Over Ethics Allegations
Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution to expel Rep. Cory Mills from Congress over accusations including sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. The House Ethics Committee is investigating Mills for alleged sexual misconduct, dating violence, and campaign finance impropriety. Mills denies all wrongdoing, but Mace declared both parties have blocked previous censure attempts. The move represents rare inter-party action targeting a sitting member.
House Power Balance Shifts After Special Election
Rep. Analilia Mejia was sworn in by Speaker Mike Johnson following her special election victory to fill the seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. The House now stands at 217 Republicans, 214 Democrats, plus independent Rep. Kevin Kiley who caucuses with Republicans. With a 217-vote majority threshold, Republicans can only afford to lose one member if Kiley votes with the GOP. This razor-thin margin gives individual members extraordinary leverage over legislative priorities.
Former Hawaii Governor Dies at 100
George R. Ariyoshi, the nation’s first Asian American governor, died peacefully surrounded by family. The Democrat led Hawaii from 1973 to 1986 after rising from lieutenant governor when Gov. John Burns fell ill with cancer. Current Gov. Josh Green praised Ariyoshi’s humility, discipline, and unwavering sense of responsibility. His three-term governorship during a pivotal era left a lasting legacy of trailblazing public service and integrity.
Trump Invokes Defense Production Act for Energy
President Trump signed five presidential determinations invoking the Defense Production Act to fund energy projects, aiming to curb rising oil and gas prices stemming from the Iran conflict. The determinations cover grid infrastructure, natural gas transmission, coal supply chains, petroleum production, and refining capacity. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated the measures allow the Department of Energy to use funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill to strengthen grid infrastructure and unleash reliable, affordable energy while protecting economic and national security.
