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Texas Democrats pick lieutenant governor nominee to challenge GOP incumbent Dan Patrick

Tue, 26 May 2026 21:12:26 -0400

DALLAS — Texas Democratic voters selected state Rep. Vikki Goodwin as their nominee for lieutenant governor Tuesday night, defeating Marcos Vélez in the party’s primary runoff and setting up a November showdown against Republican incumbent Dan Patrick.

The contest became a test of what direction Texas Democrats want to take in the general election.

Goodwin, who took office in 2019, campaigned on boosting public school funding and teacher pay, expanding Medicaid, investing in water infrastructure and repealing Texas’ abortion ban.

Meanwhile, Vélez, who worked in Texas refineries and is a member of the United Steelworkers union, centered his campaign on property tax relief, raising the minimum wage and affordability measures aimed at working families and seniors.

‘PUT US DOWN FOR KEN PAXTON’: TRUMP ENDORSEMENT ENERGIZES TEXAS VOTERS AHEAD OF RUNOFF

The lieutenant governor’s office presides over the Senate, controls the chamber’s agenda, appoints committee chairs and can break tie votes — powers that give the position major influence over which bills reach the governor’s desk.

The lieutenant governor also helps craft the state budget as co-chair of the Legislative Budget Board and serves on the Legislative Redistricting Board, which redraws political maps if lawmakers fail to do so.

Polls closed across Texas at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with turnout expected to be significantly lower than during the March primary election.

TRUMP FLEXES MAGA MUSCLE IN TEXAS SENATE RUNOFF CLASH BETWEEN CORNYN AND PAXTON

During his decade as lieutenant governor, Patrick has pushed the Legislature steadily to the right and built a strong network of Republican allies within the Senate. Political observers say his defeat in November would create a major power vacuum in Texas Republican politics and significantly reshape dynamics inside the Legislature.

Still, while the lieutenant governor currently holds sweeping authority, much of that power comes from Senate rules approved at the start of each legislative session.

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If a Democrat were to win office in November, the Republican-controlled Senate could move to rewrite those rules and reduce the lieutenant governor’s powers, potentially altering how the chamber operates.

MAGA triumph: Trump ally Ken Paxton defeats John Cornyn in bitter Texas GOP primary war

Tue, 26 May 2026 21:00:50 -0400

PLANO, TX – President Donald Trump and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are the big winners in the Lone Star State's bitter Republican Senate nomination battle, which spanned for more than a year and became the most expensive Senate primary in history.

Paxton, who was endorsed by Trump just one week ago, convincingly defeated longtime GOP Sen. John Cornyn in Tuesday's runoff election for the Republican nomination. With the vast majority of votes counted early Wednesday morning, Paxton topped Cornyn by over 27 points.

Paxton now faces off against state Rep. James Talarico — a rising star in the Democratic Party — in the general election in a race that is among a handful that may decide if the Republicans hold their slim 53-47 majority in the Senate. Talarico, who topped progressive star Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a vocal Trump critic, in the March primary, is trying to become the first Democrat in nearly four decades to win a Senate election in Texas.

Cornyn, speaking to reporters after the race was called, said, "I've always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so again in this general election."

TRUMP FLEXES MAGA MUSCLE IN HIGH-STAKES SENATE SHOWDOWN IN TEXAS

Paxton, in his victory speech, delivered an olive branch to the senator and his supporters.

"I want to thank John Cornyn for his service to this state. John has dedicated much of his life to serving Texans. He’s worked diligently for years to help Texas and for that spirit of service to the Lone Star State and our nation, I’m very grateful," Paxton said.

And Paxton, in an exclusive interview with 91�� Digital moments after he left the stage, said, "We need to come together as a Republican Party. I think John Cornyn will be a part of that. I think his voters will be too."

Trump targeted Cornyn as "VERY disloyal" as he backed Paxton, a major Trump ally and MAGA firebrand, in the final days of the runoff campaign. The ballot-box showdown in right-leaning Texas served as the latest test of Trump's immense grip over the Republican Party and the strength of his endorsements in GOP nomination races. And once again, Trump easily passed the test.

The runoff election was held three weeks after Trump's purging of five state senators in Indiana's primary who had opposed his push for congressional redistricting, a week and a half after the president helped to oust Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana — who, five and a half years ago, voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial — and one week after Trump was instrumental in sending vocal GOP critic Rep. Tom Massie of Kentucky down to defeat in his re-election bid.

After sitting on the sidelines for months, Trump last Tuesday backed Paxton.

"Ken is a true MAGA Warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate," Trump wrote in a social media post last Tuesday.

Paxton, pointing to Trump, told supporters that "when everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn’t listen. Instead, President Trump gave me his complete and total endorsement."

And Paxton told 91�� Digital after his victory that "the president's endorsement is the most valuable endorsement in this country. I'm grateful to have it."

Paxton on Tuesday night quickly turned his fire on Talarico, charging in his speech that "James Talarico is a threat to everything we hold dear in this state and in this country. He's a threat to our security and our safety. He wants open borders and even said a welcome mat should be at our southern border."

He mocked the Democratic nominee as "tofu Talarico," "six-gender Jimmy," "James Talafreako" and "low-T Talarico."

And he told 91�� Digital that "James Talarico doesn't belong in Texas. We cannot let him be the center of the state of Texas. He fits in California, he does not fit here."

Looking to the general election showdown, Paxton said, "I think we're going to try to highlight what he actually believes, because the people of Texas need to know what his views are, and whether they are going to support those views. The only way where they can know what he's really about is to let people know what he said."

Paxton has faced a slew of scandals and legal problems that have battered him over the past decade. In 2023, the Texas House of Representatives voted to impeach Paxton, but he was eventually acquitted of all charges by the state Senate.

And Paxton is dealing with a very messy divorce, with his wife citing "biblical grounds" based on "recent discoveries" in filing last year to end their marriage.

Talarico's campaign, posting a mug shot of Paxton on social media, noted: "He was indicted on 3 felony counts for investment fraud. He was reported to the FBI by his own staff for bribery. He was impeached by his own party for corruption."

"Now he’s the Republican nominee for US Senate in Texas. Together we will stop him," the Talarico campaign vowed.

DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB

The two heated rivals topped a crowded field of contenders in the early March primary, with Cornyn edging Paxton. But since neither cleared the 50% threshold, the nomination race headed into overtime.

Trump, in backing Paxton last week, said that "John Cornyn is a good man, and I worked well with him, but he was not supportive of me when times were tough."

Pointing to the senator's past criticism of him, Trump added, "John was very late in backing me in what turned out to be a Historic Run for the Republican Nomination, and then, the Presidency."

Cornyn, in a 91�� Digital interview on the eve of the runoff, emphasized his support for the president and his agenda.

"President Trump has called me a friend and a good man, and we've worked with him closely for both terms of office," the senator said.

Paxton, who grabbed significant national attention the past dozen years by filing lawsuits against the Obama and Biden administrations, disagreed.

"John Cornyn fought Trump on the border. And you can go back over about a decade and see that he was not for the border wall," Paxton charged in an interview on 91��' "The Big Weekend Show."

CONTENTIOUS REPUBLICAN SENATE PRIMARY IN TEXAS HEADED INTO OVERTIME

Paxton also argued that the senator "fought the president's re-election. He fought him in 2024, said his time had passed, and he fought him in 2016. So this is not a pro-Trump guy. I don't know if we could be more different on the Republican issues than John Cornyn and me. So there is a vast difference between the two of us."

Cornyn pushed back.

"I don't know how much more with him I could be than 99.3% of the time," the senator told 91�� Digital.

"I want him to be successful. I want America to be successful, and I want Republicans to be successful. But you know, in the end, as I said, Texans are the only ones going to be able to make a choice, and I think Texans can be pretty independent," Cornyn added.

Cornyn, who was supported by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, repeatedly argued that if Paxton was the GOP's nominee, the party would be forced to spend millions of dollars to keep the seat from flipping and that Republicans down-ballot will suffer.

"He's gotten more and more emboldened as he's gotten away with all the scandal and mischief that now is very well known, but were he to be the nominee and be exposed to general election voters, especially independents, I think it's going to be a very rocky time," the senator predicted.

TRUMP OWNS THE GOP - BUT WILL REPUBLICANS PAY A PRICE IN THE MIDTERMS?

And pointing to Talarico, who hauled in an eye-popping $27 million in fundraising during the first three months of this year, Cornyn said, "There will be an incredible tsunami of Democratic funds coming in against Paxton, were he the nominee. Conversely... if I am the nominee... we'll be able to shoulder the burden pretty much on our own. I won my last general election by 10 points. I think I can do similarly against somebody who's as far left and radical as James Talarico."

While Paxton shifted his ads to target Talarico in the wake of the Trump endorsement, Cornyn and allied groups continued to blast Paxton.

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"I don't think anybody could honestly argue that we haven't fought hard to make the case here," Cornyn said of his campaign.

And he emphatically said he had "worked too long and too hard to help build the Republican Party in Texas, and in the United States Senate, and to keep Texas the envy of the nation when it comes to opportunities and pursuing the American dream, to let that go, to squander it, and let it go without a fight."

But in the end, the senator's bid fell far short.

91��' Luke Trevisan and Philp Bodinet contributed to this story

Graham Platner vows to ‘come after’ Bezos as Senate hopeful escalates billionaire tax fight

Tue, 26 May 2026 16:29:01 -0400

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner blasted Jeff Bezos for opposing higher taxes on billionaires, rejecting the Amazon founder’s argument that raising taxes on the wealthy would hurt economic growth amid a broader political fight over wealth inequality and taxation ahead of the 2026 elections.

During a Monday appearance on MS NOW alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Platner argued Bezos’ opposition to higher taxes reflected the interests of billionaires seeking to preserve their wealth, rather than a serious economic concern about the impact of higher tax rates.

"I think it’s abject nonsense," Platner said Monday. "I think that’s what somebody says when they don’t want to see their taxes go up."

PLATNER IN THE HOT SEAT AS MAINE VOTERS RIP HIS ‘HORRIBLE’ COMMENTS AMID REDDIT SCANDAL

Platner went on to argue that directing more tax revenue from the wealthy into public programs would improve the lives of working Americans and strengthen society overall.

"There is absolutely no question if we target the wealth where it has been hoarded and we pull it back into our system and put it into social programs like health care, child care and paying teachers what they are worth, we will absolutely improve the lives of working Americans and, quite frankly, improve our society as a whole," Platner said.

He went on to accuse Bezos of promoting arguments designed to protect the wealthy from higher taxes.

"I think what he [Bezos] is pitching is propaganda," Platner said. "It’s meant to protect himself and protect his crony friends. And we’re going to come after them for it."

MAINE PROGRESSIVE SAYS HE WON’T BACK SCHUMER EVEN AFTER DEMOCRATS UNITE BEHIND COLLINS CHALLENGER

Platner was responding to comments Bezos made during a CNBC interview last week, where the Amazon founder argued that raising taxes on the ultrawealthy would not solve systemic income inequality. Instead, Bezos suggested eliminating federal income taxes for lower-income Americans while warning that politicians often oversimplify economic problems by targeting wealthy individuals.

"If people want me to pay more billions, right, then let’s have that debate, but don’t pretend you know that that’s going to solve the problem," Bezos said. "You could double the taxes I pay and it’s not going to help that teacher in Queens. I promise you."

The world’s fourth-richest person also accused politicians of using an "age-old technique" of "picking a villain and pointing fingers," arguing that government overspending — not insufficient tax revenue — is the root cause of the nation’s fiscal challenges.

MAINE SENATE CANDIDATE CITES COMBAT TRAUMA WHEN CONFRONTED ON 'TERRIBLE' POSTS ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT

The exchange underscores a growing divide between progressive Democrats pushing for higher taxes on corporations and billionaires to fund social programs and reduce income inequality, and business leaders and conservatives who argue such policies would discourage investment, slow economic growth and fail to address underlying government spending issues.

Tax policy is expected to remain a central issue heading into the 2026 midterm elections as lawmakers continue to debate the future of Trump-era tax cuts, the national debt and proposals targeting high earners and large corporations.

Platner has leaned heavily on progressive economic policy in his Senate campaign, centering his platform on affordability issues such as housing, healthcare and wages.

He has also aligned himself closely with Sanders, whose political brand has long focused on criticizing the "billionaire class" and advocating for higher taxes on the wealthy.

In April, Platner unveiled a tax proposal that would impose a 5% tax on wealth exceeding $1 billion while exempting working- and middle-class Americans from paying federal income taxes, according to Maine Public Radio. The Democrat is challenging longtime incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in one of the cycle’s closely watched Senate races.

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Platner’s message mirrors a broader push from progressive candidates nationwide, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Seattle mayoral candidate Katie Wilson, who have campaigned on raising taxes on wealthy Americans and expanding affordability-focused policies.

The exchange underscores how fights over wealth, taxation and affordability are becoming defining issues in the 2026 election cycle, particularly in competitive races where Democrats are leaning into populist economic messaging.

‘Put us down for Ken Paxton’: Trump endorsement energizes Texas voters ahead of runoff

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:48:55 -0400

DALLAS — Across the Dallas metroplex and its fast-growing suburbs, Republican voters repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton when explaining their support for the Texas attorney general in the GOP Senate runoff against Sen. John Cornyn.

The race is unfolding as Texas continues to experience rapid population growth, particularly in the suburbs surrounding Dallas, where Republicans are competing to shape the future direction of the party.

"Ken Paxton. Put all three of us, one, two, three down for Paxton," Carolyn Harvey of Celina, Texas, told 91�� Digital, pointing to her group.

"He’s going to be good for Trump," another voter chimed in. "And what’s good for Trump is good for us, too."

TRUMP FLEXES MAGA MUSCLE IN TEXAS SENATE RUNOFF CLASH BETWEEN CORNYN AND PAXTON

The comments underscore the central tension driving Texas’ GOP Senate runoff, as Republicans weigh whether to stick with Cornyn, a longtime Senate incumbent, or rally behind Paxton, whose close alliance with Trump has made him a favorite among MAGA voters eager to send a more combative conservative to Washington.

"Cornyn’s never really had trouble winning over the years, but Trump backing Paxton is pretty strong," said Frank Reeves of Dallas, a medical transport driver. "I’m pretty sure it’ll be Paxton in November, and as long as a conservative wins, I’m happy."

Not every Republican voter interviewed by 91�� Digital said Trump’s endorsement alone would determine their vote. Some pointed to Cornyn’s experience in the Senate, while others said they were still weighing concerns surrounding Paxton’s legal controversies and impeachment battle.

"I’m a little torn. Paxton's had a lot of controversy in his life," one voter said, adding that she had been a conservative her entire life.

TRUMP BACKS MAGA ALLY PAXTON IN TEXAS SHOWDOWN WITH CORNYN

Trump’s endorsement of Paxton earlier this year transformed what had been an expected primary challenge into one of the GOP’s most closely watched Senate battles of the 2026 cycle.

The attorney general has spent years cultivating close ties with Trump and the MAGA movement, while Cornyn — despite a reliably conservative voting record — has at times faced criticism from the party’s right flank over bipartisan dealmaking in Washington.

Paxton has cast Cornyn as emblematic of an older Republican establishment increasingly out of step with the GOP base, particularly on immigration and spending.

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Cornyn, meanwhile, has emphasized his support for Trump while arguing that Paxton’s legal controversies and impeachment battle could make him a risky general election candidate despite his appeal with MAGA voters.

Whether Cornyn’s long Senate record can overcome Trump’s backing of Paxton may ultimately depend on suburban Republican voters like those gathered outside Dallas, many of whom said the president’s endorsement had already settled the race in their minds.

'Wasteful distraction': Experts slam Mamdani's taxpayer-funded grocery stores

Sun, 24 May 2026 13:27:54 -0400

As New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani moves forward with plans for city-owned grocery stores, economists and local business owners warn the proposal could crush small grocers while leaving taxpayers with a hefty bill.

The initiative, a key Mamdani campaign pledge, would establish city-backed supermarkets across the city in an effort to lower food costs.

Adam Lehodey of the Manhattan Institute believes the city could address food affordability more efficiently through private-sector partnerships and existing assistance programs rather than operating grocery stores itself.

"I think really it’s a distraction and a pretty wasteful distraction," Lehodey told 91�� Digital. "There’s an easier and better way to solve the problem."

The first location is expected to open in 2027 in the Bronx neighborhood of Hunts Point as part of The Peninsula redevelopment project at the former Spofford Juvenile Detention Facility, according to the mayor’s office.

The larger redevelopment plan includes 740 affordable housing units, more than 50,000 square feet of public open space, 30,000 square feet of light industrial space and more than 50,000 square feet of community facilities. It would also include a 20,000-square-foot grocery market intended to serve the South Bronx.

MAMDANI’S PUBLIC GROCERY STORES MAY HAVE DEVASTATING EFFECTS ON CITY'S FOOD SUPPLY

Lehodey also warned the city-backed stores could put small neighborhood grocers at a disadvantage because the projects would receive public support that private businesses do not.

"Yeah, the prices might be a little bit cheaper, but that comes at the cost of other businesses running sustainable operations," he said.

He argued the city is also sacrificing valuable public land and potential revenue by subsidizing the projects.

MAMDANI'S WALL STREET COURTSHIP SPARKS CRITICISM OF ANTI-BILLIONAIRE AGENDA

"That land does have value," Lehodey said. "By giving it out for free, the taxpayer again is losing money, and we’re losing revenue that could have been spent on other things."

A second city-backed grocery market is slated to open next year at La Marqueta, a public market space in East Harlem. The city plans to spend roughly $30 million to build the location.

Critics question whether another grocery option is needed in the neighborhood. Roughly 45 grocery stores are located within a 35-minute walk of the proposed site, according to a 91�� Digital analysis.

Those stores range from major chains, including Whole Foods and Lidl, to smaller neighborhood markets and bodegas. The area is also well served by public transit, with multiple subway and bus lines giving residents several ways to reach nearby grocery options.

Some local grocers say the city-backed market could siphon away customers and hurt already thin profit margins.

'I hope we don't lose customers'

Despite the abundance of nearby grocery options, some local store owners fear the city-backed market could undercut existing businesses by offering lower prices backed by public support.

"Of course it will affect this store," said Sarah Kang, manager at a CTown Supermarkets location about a 35-minute walk south, or one subway stop, from La Marqueta.

"A lot of people walk 20 to 30 minutes to get here," she explained to 91�� Digital. "If they find a cheaper supermarket, I don’t think they’ll be willing to make that trip. It’s going to affect small grocery stores. Definitely."

"I hope we don't lose customers," Kang added.

About a 30-minute walk north of La Marqueta, Joel Martinez, a manager of a supermarket at 128th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, said the impact may depend on proximity to the proposed site.

FROM FREE BUSES TO CITY-OWNED GROCERY STORES, HERE ARE MAMDANI’S KEY ECONOMIC PROMISES

"I hope it doesn’t impact us," Martinez said in a call with 91�� Digital. "The store will be a little far from us, so that’s good. But it will affect smaller businesses that are closer."

Bodegas and small grocery stores are a staple of New York City neighborhoods, often serving as primary food sources for nearby residents.

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Similar proposals for local government-owned and operated grocery stores and markets have surfaced in other cities, including Boston.

Atlanta officials appear to have pioneered the effort, opening a city-backed grocery store aimed at improving food access in underserved communities.

From rally gunfire to White House shooting, threats against President Trump continue to mount

Sun, 24 May 2026 11:42:29 -0400

Saturday's shootout between the Secret Service and a deranged gunman near the White House marked the latest in a growing series of threats and security incidents involving President Donald Trump and senior administration officials, intensifying concerns about political violence.

As investigators continue piecing together the incident, authorities said Nasire Best, 21, of Maryland, approached a Secret Service checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW at about 6 p.m. local time, removed a weapon from his bag and opened fire on posted officers.

GUNMAN DEAD AFTER OPENING FIRE NEAR WHITE HOUSE CHECKPOINT, SECRET SERVICE SAYS

According to a senior administration official with direct knowledge of the incident, Best — who allegedly had prior encounters with the Secret Service and a history of mental health issues — fired about three shots toward the executive mansion before he was taken down by Secret Service agents.

The shooting comes just weeks after another armed suspect rushed the entry point of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel.

Authorities identified that suspect as 31-year-old Cole Allen, of Torrance, California, who traveled to the nation’s capital armed with multiple weapons and carrying a manifesto outlining his intent. Investigators also said Allen shared anti-Trump rhetoric on social media and allegedly expressed hostility toward Christians in online posts reviewed by law enforcement.

WHCD SHOOTING SUSPECT PLANNED TO TARGET TRUMP OFFICIALS, MANIFESTO REVEALS

According to investigators, Allen intended to target senior Trump administration officials attending the annual event before being stopped by law enforcement outside the Washington Hilton.

The alleged WHCA plot came less than two years after Trump survived two separate assassination attempts during the 2024 presidential campaign, incidents that dramatically reshaped security operations around the president and other top officials.

In July 2024, a gunman opened fire during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing Trump’s ear, killing one rally attendee and injuring others before Secret Service agents fatally shot the suspect. Federal investigators later described the shooting as one of the most serious security failures in decades.

TRUMP RALLY GUNMAN ACTED ALONE, FBI SAYS — BUT QUESTIONS ABOUT MOTIVE PERSIST

Just months later, an armed suspect was discovered near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in what investigators described as a second assassination attempt. Prosecutors alleged the suspect had positioned himself near the course with a rifle before being spotted by Secret Service agents.

The heightened security posture has continued since those incidents.

In February, Secret Service agents fatally shot a 21-year-old man carrying a shotgun and gas canister outside Mar-a-Lago while Trump was in Washington. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the suspect made an "unauthorized entry" through the north gate of the resort as another vehicle was exiting. The man was identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina.

Beyond those incidents, federal officials have repeatedly warned about a broader rise in threats targeting Trump and current and former administration officials, including dangers linked to extremist rhetoric, online radicalization and foreign adversaries such as Iran.

SUSPECT IDENTIFIED AFTER FATAL SHOOTING AT TRUMP’S MAR-A-LAGO ESTATE: OFFICIALS

Security concerns have also extended beyond Trump himself, with repeated swatting incidents, online death threats and increased protection measures for judges, prosecutors, and public officials connected to politically charged investigations and events.

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Taken together, the incidents have heightened concerns inside federal law enforcement and the intelligence community about the escalating risk of political violence ahead of another contentious election cycle.

The red states racing ahead in America’s powerful wealth boom — and the states falling behind

Sun, 24 May 2026 08:41:53 -0400

Americans, along with billions in taxable income, are flocking to Southern and Sun Belt states, accelerating a population and wealth shift away from several coastal blue-state strongholds, according to new IRS migration data.

The shifts are reshaping where economic and political power is concentrated ahead of the 2026 midterms, affecting housing markets, state economies, congressional representation and the balance of power.

Texas and Florida led the nation in inbound migration between 2022 and 2023, gaining more than 56,000 residents and 55,000 income tax filers, respectively, according to the IRS. Florida also gained roughly $20.6 billion in taxable income, while Texas added another $5.5 billion.

THE RED-STATE WINNERS IN THE CLIMB TO BECOME AMERICA’S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Arizona also ranked among the top destinations for interstate movers, underscoring the broader population boom across the South and Sun Belt.

Adjusted for population size, South Carolina posted the nation’s largest gain from domestic migration at 1.12%, fueled by more than 29,000 incoming households carrying roughly $4.1 billion in taxable income.

Meanwhile, California recorded the nation’s largest outbound losses, with more than 100,000 income tax filers and nearly $12 billion in taxable income leaving the state between 2022 and 2023.

New York followed, losing roughly 72,000 households and nearly $10 billion in taxable income, while Illinois and New Jersey shed about $6 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.

AMERICANS KEEP MOVING TO TEXAS AND FLORIDA — BUT ONE OTHER RED STATE IS GROWING EVEN FASTER

Experts say the migration boom reflects broader affordability pressures pushing households toward lower-cost, lower-tax states across the South.

"While tax friendliness is not the sole determinant of where one chooses to live or start a business, states experiencing net in-migration tend to have more competitive tax structures and lower overall costs of living," Nicole Fox, a policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, told 91�� Digital.

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The migration trends are also reshaping state economies, labor markets and housing demand as fast-growing Sun Belt states absorb new residents, businesses and taxable income, while states with sustained outbound migration face shrinking tax bases and slower population growth.

Gas prices threaten Memorial Day road trips as pump costs hit historic highs

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:00:16 -0400

Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend will face some of the highest gas prices in history.

Despite the soaring costs due to the ongoing conflict in Iran causing shipping bottlenecks and blockades, AAA expects more than 39 million people to hit the roads over the holiday weekend.

Meanwhile, the White House has attempted to build rapport with Americans ahead of the 2026 midterms by rolling out a series of extraordinary measures aimed at easing pain at the pump amid an economic squeeze causing rising prices and stubborn inflation.

GAS SURGE TIED TO IRAN CONFLICT HITS SWING STATES, TESTING TRUMP’S LOW-PRICE PITCH

The fuel cost surge persists amid renewed turmoil in global energy markets as escalating tensions in Iran have disrupted oil supplies and driven crude prices higher after the war broke out in late February.

National gas prices are now hovering near record territory, eclipsing levels seen during previous summer travel seasons and raising fears of even higher costs ahead.

President Donald Trump has released record amounts of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a way to ease prices and has called for a federal gas tax holiday. His administration also temporarily waived a century-old shipping law known as the Jones Act to move fuel more quickly between U.S. ports.

Despite those efforts, drivers across the country are continuing to see sharp increases at the pump.

West Coast drivers are facing the steepest costs, with gas hitting $6.14 per gallon in California and $5.70 in Washington state, according to data compiled by AAA.

BBQ LOVERS BEWARE: MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT MIGHT DISRUPT YOUR SUMMER PLANS THIS YEAR

On the East Coast, prices have climbed above $4.50 in several areas, including $4.67 in Washington, D.C., and $4.62 in Pennsylvania.

In the Midwest, Illinois stands out at $5.01 per gallon, while much of the region remains in the mid-$4 range. Southern states continue to see comparatively lower costs, though prices are climbing there as well, reaching $4.03 in Georgia, $4.09 in Texas and $4.51 in Florida. Mississippi currently has the nation’s cheapest gas at $4.01 per gallon.

Beyond gasoline, other fuel costs are rising even faster.

Diesel has climbed to $5.65, up about $2.10 over the past year. As a key fuel for freight, shipping and public transportation, it is especially sensitive to supply disruptions and its rising cost can quickly ripple through the broader economy, pushing up prices on everything from groceries to goods.

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The surge underscores the broader economic risks tied to the standoff, as uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz continues to rattle energy markets.

With midterm elections looming, rising gas prices are once again becoming a major political vulnerability as frustrated Americans watch the cost of filling up climb higher.

Mamdani's Wall Street courtship sparks criticism of anti-billionaire agenda

Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:51 -0400

Socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is courting powerful Wall Street leaders after months of attacking wealthy New Yorkers and pushing for higher taxes on corporations.

Given New York City’s outsized role in U.S. banking, investing and corporate headquarters, business leaders warn financial instability in the Big Apple could reverberate nationwide.

Mamdani's meetings this week with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon underscored growing concerns that the mayor's push to tax wealthy individuals and businesses could clash with the financial sector that underpins the city’s economy.

And critics tell 91�� Digital that they view the sit-downs as part of a growing contradiction at the center of his economic agenda in the world's largest business and finance hub.

BLUE-STATE TAX BURDEN FUELS AMERICANS FLEEING TO REPUBLICAN-LED SOUTHERN STATES

"The Mamdani administration has come to recognize that so much of their agenda depends on having successful businesses and wealth creators in the city," Manhattan Institute economic policy expert Adam Lehodey told 91�� Digital.

"Simply alienating them isn’t going to solve any of New York’s problems," he added.

Lehodey argued the city cannot fund progressive priorities like free childcare and subsidized housing without strong tax revenue and a healthy private sector. He warns that a "tax-the-rich strategy" could worsen the city’s economic challenges because it might discourage investment in New York.

"It’s a good thing that he’s meeting with them, but now he needs to follow up and deliver something substantive," Lehodey said. "The current tax-the-rich strategy is only going to worsen the problems unless he follows up and says, ‘Let’s look at what we can do to make it easier to invest in New York State and New York City.’"

Mamdani’s outreach has also extended beyond major banking executives.

The socialist mayor recently reached out to Citadel founder Ken Griffin after previously criticizing the billionaire hedge fund manager over his Manhattan penthouse and personal wealth. Mamdani stood outside Griffin's multimillion-dollar property in the city to tout his proposal for higher taxes on second homes in NYC worth more than $5 million.

CHICAGO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KEN GRIFFIN TURNS ON A CITY, NOW MAMDANI MAY FIND OUT

Citadel told FOX Business that Griffin "welcomes thoughtful, serious conversations about the policies that can grow the city’s economy and create more opportunity for all New Yorkers," while cautioning that "reckless political theater serves no purpose."

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos supported Griffin when on Wednesday he criticized Mamdani’s rhetoric toward wealthy business leaders. The world’s fourth-richest person accused politicians of using an "age-old technique" of "picking a villain and pointing fingers."

FROM FREE BUSES TO CITY-OWNED GROCERY STORES, HERE ARE MAMDANI’S KEY ECONOMIC PROMISES

"It isn’t right... to stand in front of Ken Griffin’s house and act like he is some kind of villain," Bezos told CNBC. "Ken Griffin isn’t a villain, he hasn’t hurt anybody, he’s not hurting New York, in fact quite the opposite."

While Bezos said debates over raising taxes on top earners are legitimate, he criticized what he described as the "vilification" of wealthy Americans and argued that overspending — not insufficient tax revenue — is the root of the nation's fiscal problems.

The tensions underscore the difficult balancing act facing the mayor of the nation’s financial capital: Wall Street and high-income taxpayers generate a major share of New York City’s tax revenue, even as progressive activists push for a more aggressive redistribution of wealth.

Nicole Huyer, a senior policy analyst at The Heritage Foundation, characterized the meetings with Dimon and Solomon as an effort to repair strained ties with New York’s business community after Mamdani’s "tax the rich" campaign rhetoric.

She cautioned that policies perceived as hostile to corporations and wealthy taxpayers could accelerate corporate and capital flight from New York, pointing to Griffin’s relocation to Florida as one example.

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"Jamie Dimon and David Solomon lead two of the nation’s most influential financial institutions and have enormous influence over the financial sector and labor market," Huyer told 91�� Digital. "If policies drive major firms or wealthy taxpayers out of New York City, the impact on tax revenue, jobs and broader economic activity could be significant."

Huyer added that "pitching class warfare and then pivoting to court Wall Street executives risks appearing politically performative."

‘Seattle can’t survive this’: Critics hammer socialist mayor after Starbucks reversal

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:26:41 -0400

Seattle's Democratic Mayor Katie Wilson’s sudden about-face on Starbucks is fueling fresh fears that progressive politics and anti-business rhetoric are driving jobs, investment and major employers out of deep-blue cities.

Wilson, who previously urged residents to boycott the Seattle-based coffee giant, admitted in an interview published Sunday that her comments "caused more harm than good" as criticism mounts over the city’s business climate and the company’s growing investment outside Washington state.

The socialist mayor’s reversal comes as the corporation pours $100 million into a major Tennessee expansion and plans thousands of new jobs there, reigniting concerns that companies are increasingly choosing lower-tax, business-friendly southern U.S. states for future growth.

BLUE-STATE TAX BURDEN FUELS AMERICANS FLEEING TO REPUBLICAN-LED SOUTHERN STATES

Critics quickly seized on the controversy as evidence Seattle’s leftist politics are becoming increasingly hostile to business.

"If Starbucks doesn’t leave Seattle, they’re stupid," Tim Young, a media fellow at The Heritage Foundation, wrote on X.

Young blasted Wilson to 91�� Digital, arguing the socialist mayor lacks the real-world experience needed to understand the economic consequences of anti-business policies and rhetoric.

"Mayor Wilson is what happens when a spoiled child whose parents have been there to correct for all their financial issues for years is put into a place of authority," Young said. "She has no concept of consequences for her actions, especially when dealing with other people’s money."

"Seattle, nor any other jurisdiction in the world, can survive someone with literally no relevant life or business experience to run it," he added.

SOCIALIST MAYOR-ELECT REVEALS WHY SHE EMBRACED HER PARENTS GIVING HER MONEY AS A 43-YEAR-OLD

Others framed Wilson’s walk back as a sign Seattle's progressive leaders are beginning to recognize the economic stakes surrounding major employers like Starbucks.

"Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson walks back Starbucks boycott as Nashville expansion raises the stakes," conservative commentator Jason Rantz wrote on X.

Conservative radio host Ari Hoffman blasted Seattle leaders in a post on X, writing that the city is "once again a national embarrassment."

"This time, thanks to Socialist Mayor Katie Wilson telling everyone to boycott Starbucks the day she gets elected, then Starbucks announces they are leaving, and when asked about capital flight, she says ‘bye’ and giggles," Hoffman wrote.

SEATTLE MAYOR LAUGHS OFF MILLIONAIRES LEAVING WASHINGTON STATE OVER PROGRESSIVE TAXES, WAVES 'BYE'

Another X user mocked Wilson’s reversal, writing: "Bahahahaha. I was mocked when I told everyone insiders were updating me corporate was planning on leaving if she was elected. Her arrogance and disdain just made them move quicker."

The user, a conservative account focused on the Pacific Northwest, added: "Again, Starbucks will be out of Seattle for good by the end of 2026. Yes."

Pollster Scott Rasmussen also weighed in on X, arguing Wilson’s comments reflect broader voter concerns over whether high taxes and anti-business rhetoric are driving wealthy residents and investment out of blue states.

Rasmussen pointed to polling showing 61% of voters believe it is bad for a state when wealthy residents leave for lower-tax states.

Starbucks unveiled plans for a massive corporate expansion in Nashville, Tenn., just as Democrats in Washington state enacted a controversial "millionaires tax."

Critics warn the tax, of which similar version have been enacted and proposed in other blue states, could accelerate the flight of jobs, investment and wealthy residents from Washington.

The measure was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson in March and was championed by progressives. Conservatives and business groups fiercely opposed the proposal, warning it could make Washington less competitive as companies increasingly grow in lower-tax Republican-led states.

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As Wilson attempts to soften her rhetoric toward one of Seattle’s most recognizable companies, critics warn the controversy could become a broader cautionary tale for blue states struggling to balance progressive politics with economic growth.

The red states charging ahead with America's wealth as rivals watch billions slip away

Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:33 -0400

Americans and their billions in income are streaming to Southern and Sun Belt states while several coastal counterparts suffer the losses of residents, wealth and, in turn, political influence, according to IRS migration data.

The relocation patterns are increasingly reshaping population pockets in the U.S. and where economic and political power is concentrated ahead of the 2026 midterms. As residents and wealth continue flowing into fast-growing red states, the shifts influence housing markets, state economies, congressional clout and the balance of power.

That shift is already playing out in many Republican-led states, and there are less than six months until the midterm elections.

THE RED-STATE WINNERS IN THE CLIMB TO BECOME AMERICA’S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

Texas and Florida led the nation in inbound migration between 2022 and 2023, gaining more than 56,000 residents and 55,000 income tax filers, according to the IRS data.

The migration boom also attracted some of the nation’s largest income gains, with Florida bringing in roughly $20.6 billion in taxable income and Texas gaining another $5.5 billion.

AMERICANS KEEP MOVING TO TEXAS AND FLORIDA — BUT ONE OTHER RED STATE IS GROWING EVEN FASTER

North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Arizona — also red states — ranked among the top destinations for Americans relocating across state lines, underscoring the broader population boom across the South and Sun Belt.

The migration trends looked even more dramatic when adjusted for population size.

South Carolina posted the nation’s largest population gain from domestic interstate migration at 1.12%, fueled by more than 29,000 incoming households carrying roughly $4.1 billion in taxable income.

Meanwhile, deep-blue California recorded the nation’s largest outbound migration losses, with more than 100,000 income tax filers and nearly $12 billion in taxable income leaving the state between 2022 and 2023.

New York followed closely behind, losing roughly 72,000 households and nearly $10 billion in taxable income, while Illinois and New Jersey shed about $6 billion and $2.6 billion in taxable income, respectively.

BLUE-STATE TAX BURDEN FUELS AMERICANS FLEEING TO REPUBLICAN-LED SOUTHERN STATES

Experts say the migration boom reflects broader economic pressures reshaping where Americans choose to live, particularly as affordability concerns push more households toward lower-cost and lower tax states typically found in the southern quarter of the country.

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The migration trends are also reshaping state economies, labor markets and housing demand as fast-growing Sun Belt states absorb new residents, businesses and taxable income.

At the same time, states experiencing sustained outbound migration may face mounting challenges tied to shrinking tax bases, slower population growth and affordability concerns that continue pushing residents elsewhere.

Georgia Republicans head to runoff in secretary of state race defined by 2020 election claims

Wed, 20 May 2026 02:33:45 -0400

Vernon Jones and Tim Fleming are heading to a runoff after neither claimed at least 50% of the vote in Georgia’s Republican primary for secretary of state on Tuesday.

The Republican field included Jones, Fleming, Gabriel Sterling, Kelvin King and Ted Metz, while Democrats Cam Ashling, Dana Barrett, Adrian Consonery Jr. and Penny Brown Reynolds competed for their party’s nomination for Georgia’s top election officer.

The race underscored how disputes stemming from the 2020 presidential election, including claims from President Donald Trump that the contest was stolen, continue to shape debates over voting laws and election security years later.

2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS

The winner of the runoff on June 16 will advance to the general election in November, where control of the office overseeing voter registration, election certification and ballot administration is expected to remain a closely watched issue in one of the nation’s most competitive battleground states.

Sterling, Georgia’s former chief operating officer in the secretary of state’s office, entered the race with statewide name recognition after publicly defending Georgia’s handling of the 2020 election.

Jones, a former Democratic state lawmaker turned Trump ally, campaigned as a staunch supporter of the president and emerged as a fierce critic of the state’s election system.

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: DEMOCRATS SAY THEY CAN STILL FLIP THE HOUSE DESPITE GOP REDISTRICTING GAINS IN THE SOUTH

King is a general contractor who previously ran for U.S. Senate and is married to State Election Board member and conservative commentator Janelle King.

Fleming previously worked in the secretary of state’s office when current Republican Gov. Brian Kemp held the position. The former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party pitched himself as a conservative focused on tightening election procedures.

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Metz, the Libertarian Party’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee, also joined the GOP primary field.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican who drew national attention after rejecting efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 presidential election results, is running for governor.

This is a developing story. Check back for the latest election results and updates.

Former top Oregon GOP official secures nomination for governor as Republicans target blue-state pickup

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:45:56 -0400

Former state House Minority Leader Christine Drazan won Oregon’s Republican primary for governor on Tuesday, emerging from a crowded field of candidates seeking the chance to flip the governor’s mansion in a state Democrats have controlled for nearly four decades.

The Republican field included former Portland Trail Blazers player and businessman Chris Dudley, state Rep. Ed Diehl and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell.

2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS

Drazan entered the race as one of the best-known Republicans in the state following her close 2022 loss to Kotek.

Diehl focused his campaign on lowering taxes and reducing state spending, while Bethell emphasized homelessness, public safety and government accountability.

FORMER TRAIL BLAZERS CENTER CHRIS DUDLEY MAKES SECOND RUN FOR GOVERNOR OF OREGON

Dudley, a 16-year NBA veteran, campaigned as a political outsider with backing from prominent Oregon business figures, including Nike co-founder Phil Knight.

Republicans in the race focused heavily on homelessness, public safety, drug policy and the high cost of living, arguing Democratic leadership in Salem and Portland has failed to adequately address those issues.

The GOP has not won an Oregon governor’s race since 1982, but the Republican Party believes voter frustration over crime, homelessness and affordability could make the race more competitive this midterm cycle.

Drazan will now face incumbent Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek in November.

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Kotek has faced criticism over homelessness, including rising unsheltered populations and struggles to expand housing capacity, as well as education and transportation funding, though she drew little opposition in her bid for a second term.

Blue-state tax burden fuels Americans fleeing to Republican-led southern states

Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:21 -0400

Americans are increasingly leaving high-tax blue states for lower-cost Republican-led states, reshaping the country’s economy and political map, according to the latest Census Bureau data.

As states compete for residents, workers and businesses, red states that are increasingly embracing lower taxes and leaner government are attracting investment and population growth. Democratic-led states continue defending higher-tax models to fund public services, aid programs and infrastructure — even if it prompts businesses and high-earners to flee.

It comes as affordability takes center stage in the 2026 midterms and, despite Democrats' blame of President Donald Trump, the migration trend suggests that Americans still prefer historically Republican economic policies.

THE RED-STATE WINNERS IN THE CLIMB TO BECOME AMERICA’S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

The divergence in fiscal approaches between red and blue states is dramatically reshaping migration patterns, state economies and political power as Americans increasingly move to lower-cost states, most of which are Republican-led.

Population shifts, should they continue, could carry hefty political consequences in future elections as faster-growing states gain influence over who is in power in their state houses and Washington, D.C.

The states with the highest taxes are seeing the most outmigration, while population trends from the Census Bureau show Southern and Sun Belt states have gained the most residents in recent years.

Americans are seeking lower housing costs, lighter tax burdens and more affordable lifestyles — and several coastal states have struggled to meet these desires and have seen domestic outmigration spike in recent years.

The movements mirror a growing divide in how Republican-led and Democratic-led states raise and spend taxpayer money.

New York led the nation in state and local tax collections per resident at $12,506 in fiscal year 2023, according to the latest comprehensive Census Bureau data. Other Democratic-led states, including Connecticut, New Jersey and California, also ranked among the country’s highest-taxing states.

Connecticut collected $9,387.66 per resident, while New Jersey collected $9,177.96. Many of the highest-tax states rely heavily on progressive income tax systems to fund mass transit, public schools and other social services.

AMERICANS KEEP MOVING TO TEXAS AND FLORIDA — BUT ONE OTHER RED STATE IS GROWING EVEN FASTER

Meanwhile, states like Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama ranked among the lowest in tax collections per resident, reflecting a different governing philosophy centered on lower taxes and reduced costs for residents and businesses.

The strategy is paying off as red states see influxes of residents and businesses moving there for more favorable fiscal policies. Most notably, several Republican-led states have embraced tax-cutting strategies aimed at attracting workers, retirees and corporate investment.

Tennessee imposes no state income tax, while Arizona recently adopted a flat income tax rate.

Mississippi and South Carolina have enacted multi-year tax reduction plans and are pursuing the eventual elimination of their state income taxes altogether.

TAX FIGHT PUTS CALIFORNIA ON COLLISION COURSE AS BILLIONAIRES LEAVE FOR RED STATES

Supporters of the lower-tax approach argue it has helped fuel migration into the South and Sun Belt, particularly as remote work gives Americans greater flexibility over where they live and provides businesses with lower operating costs.

Critics, however, argue lower-tax states may struggle to sustain infrastructure investments and public services over the long term, particularly as populations grow.

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As Americans continue voting with their feet, the widening fiscal divide between red and blue states is becoming one of the country’s defining economic and political fault lines.

The red-state winners in the climb to become America’s next economic powerhouse

Mon, 18 May 2026 12:19:12 -0400

A corporate exodus is reshaping America’s business landscape — and deep-blue states are paying the price.

The stakes go far beyond bragging rights. Corporate headquarters bring high-paying jobs, investment and tax revenue; they also boost local economies and political influence.

According to a report by CBRE, one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate brokerage firms, 725 companies relocated their headquarters between 2018 and 2025. And the trend was clear — businesses increasingly left high-tax, heavily regulated Democrat-led states like California and New York for Republican states offering lower costs, lighter regulation and faster growth, like Texas and Florida.

AMERICANS KEEP MOVING TO TEXAS AND FLORIDA — BUT ONE OTHER RED STATE IS GROWING EVEN FASTER

And as companies increasingly relocate to Republican-led states, politicians in blue states are facing growing scrutiny over whether progressive tax-and-regulation policies are driving employers away, weakening growth and eroding the tax bases of some of America’s longtime economic powerhouses.

The frequency of relocations accelerated in 2025, outpacing 2024 levels as companies looked beyond traditional coastal hubs for expansion opportunities. CBRE found the number of firms citing "growth opportunity" as the primary reason for relocating jumped nearly 47% from a year earlier.

Texas emerged as the biggest winner in the battle for corporate America.

Executives continue to reassess operating costs, tax burdens and workforce growth prospects while deciding where to invest for the future — and many landed on cities throughout the Lone Star State.

Dallas-Fort Worth captured more than any metro area in the country with 111 headquarters relocations between 2018 and 2025. Austin secured another 88 and Houston added 31 in that same seven-year span.

GOV. ABBOTT EXTENDS OFF-RAMP FOR NY BILLIONAIRES FLEEING MAMDANI'S POLICIES

Taken together, those three Texas markets accounted for more headquarters gains than many states in their entirety.

Florida, especially Miami, has also emerged as a major beneficiary of the corporate relocation wave. Over the past year, six companies moved operations to Miami from high-cost hubs including Los Angeles, the Bay Area and Boston, drawn by Florida’s lower taxes, growing tech scene and access to East Coast markets.

Companies told CBRE that Miami’s fast-growing startup culture and expanding pool of finance and tech talent make it an increasingly attractive destination, while international firms are also flocking to South Florida for its strong travel, tourism and beauty industries.

Meanwhile, deep blue California experienced the steepest losses.

CALIFORNIA’S LOOMING CAPITAL FLIGHT PROBLEM COULD RESHAPE STATE IN 3 KEY AREAS

The San Francisco Bay Area posted a net loss of 163 headquarters over the same period Texas saw its gains, according to the report.

CBRE said companies leaving California metros frequently cited high taxes, labor regulations and rising cost-of-living pressures as key reasons for relocating elsewhere.

MAMDANI’S RISE IN NYC MIRRORS ECONOMIC FLIGHT TO THE SOUTH, STUDY SHOWS

While traditional business powerhouses like New York and Chicago remain deeply entrenched in corporate America, there's a broader debate over whether legacy cities can continue holding onto top employers and investment.

The New York City metro-area, which includes Newark and Jersey City, saw the second-highest number of departures with nine headquarters leaving for other states from 2024 to 2025. And the debate over increasingly progressive policies in the city has led to threats of more departures.

Citadel founder Ken Griffin, who relocated his hedge fund from Chicago to Miami in 2022, has repeatedly warned that rising taxes, crime and anti-business policies could drive more companies away from cities like Chicago and New York.

New York remains the nation’s largest corporate hub, home to 114 Fortune 1000 headquarters. The recent moves represent only a small slice of the region’s business base and resulted in a loss of about 5,200 jobs.

CHICAGO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KEN GRIFFIN TURNS ON A CITY — NOW MAMDANI MAY FIND OUT

The migration patterns are becoming increasingly politically significant.

Economic performance frequently shapes midterm messaging, and corporate relocations are poised to feature prominently in debates over tax competitiveness, regulation and the broader business climate.

The issue is drawing even more attention as Democrats in several blue states push billionaire taxes and other progressive policies that critics warn could drive more companies and wealthy residents out.

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Whether the trend endures remains uncertain.

But for now, the corporate migration is reinforcing a broader reality: Taxes, regulation and cost of living are no longer secondary political issues. They are increasingly determining where businesses invest, where jobs move and which states gain — or lose — economic power.

How US CEOs quietly teamed up with Trump to gain leverage over China

Thu, 14 May 2026 18:30:10 -0400

As details emerge from President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a key reality is coming into focus: China still wants U.S. business and Trump may have the upper hand.

Trump's high-profile business delegation highlights the economic balancing act the world’s two largest economies are seeking to strike. Xi wants investment and continued access to American corporate power, while Trump is positioning himself to use trade pressure and market access as leverage with Beijing.

The heavyweight lineup alongside Trump for the trip included tech executives like Apple’s Tim Cook, Tesla and SpaceX’s Elon Musk, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, Micron’s Sanjay Mehrotra and Meta's Dina Powell McCormick.

The overlap between politics and business was clear even before the meetings began. Huang was reportedly added to Trump’s trip at the last minute, even securing a seat on Air Force One — underscoring Nvidia’s central role in the U.S.-China chip race.

TRUMP GETS RED-CARPET WELCOME IN CHINA, BUT PAST BEIJING TRIP SHOWS PAGEANTRY ONLY GOES SO FAR

Also on the trip were Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock’s Larry Fink, Citigroup’s Jane Fraser and Goldman Sachs’ David Solomon.

Many joining the president rank among the world’s wealthiest business leaders. Musk, for example, is the richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, while Schwarzman and Huang have amassed fortunes in the tens of billions.

Together, the group represents trillions in corporate power with deep business ties to China despite years of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Their companies still rely heavily on Chinese consumers, manufacturing and supply chains, even as Washington and Beijing clash over tariffs, technology and national security.

‘INTENSE STANDOFF’ ERUPTS BETWEEN SECRET SERVICE, CHINESE OFFICIALS DURING TRUMP-XI EVENT: REPORT

That influence showed up in the talks.

Both sides discussed expanding access for U.S. companies into Chinese markets, a top priority for executives on the trip. Xi said his opportunities in his country "will only open wider and wider," according to Chinese state media.

At the same time, Washington is weighing steps that directly affect those firms. The U.S. could allow Nvidia to sell its H200 chips, a step below its most advanced semiconductors, to a limited number of Chinese companies, according to Reuters, even as broader disputes over artificial intelligence and export controls remain unresolved.

They also discussed increased Chinese investment in the U.S. and purchases of American goods, including beef, soybeans and Boeing aircraft, long-standing trade pressure points.

But the cooperative tone was also laced with threats.

Xi warned against a potential clash between the U.S. and China and delivered a blunt message on Taiwan, a key flashpoint and hub for advanced semiconductor production.

That mix of outreach and tension is where Trump sees an opening.

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If U.S. companies are still seeking access and Beijing is signaling it wants them there, Trump can argue economic pressure is working — strengthening his case for tariffs, export controls and tougher trade terms.

Executives are pushing for greater access and stability in China while navigating a U.S. strategy built on economic pressure and national security concerns — underscoring both the importance of the market and the leverage Washington believes it holds.

Trump has already invited Xi to visit the White House in September, signaling more talks ahead. For now, Beijing’s message is clear: China still wants American business.

This Midwestern state leads the nation in home foreclosures as US filings jump by 26%

Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:58 -0400

Home foreclosures in the U.S. are up 26% from last year as inflation rates and rising costs are catching up with homeowners.

Indiana was hit hardest and logged one foreclosure filing for every 739 housing units in the first quarter of 2026, according to findings from property data firm ATTOM. This is nearly two-thirds higher than the nationwide rate of one in every 1,211 house facing foreclosure in that same period.

The latest data released in April shows that red states are being hit the hardest by the sweeping affordability crisis — and with the 2026 midterm elections approaching, economic woes are at the top of mind for many voters and policymakers.

WHITE HOUSE TEASES MAJOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY PLAN AS PRICES SQUEEZE AMERICANS

The top three states with the worst foreclosure rates at the start of 2026 all voted for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. South Carolina came in second behind Indiana with one in every 743 properties with foreclosure filings in the first quarter of the year, and Florida was in third with one in every 750 housing units facing the same fate.

While foreclosure activity is on the rise across the U.S., it remains well below levels seen during the 2008 housing crisis. But that isn't stopping Democrats from pouncing on the issue, and using affordability, inflation and rising housing costs as their candidates' leading messaging ahead of the November elections.

A total of 118,727 U.S. properties had a foreclosure filing in the first quarter of 2026, up 6% from the previous quarter and 26% from a year ago.

Foreclosure filings came in for 45,921 properties for March alone, increasing 18% from February and 28% from March of last year.

THE PRICE OF BUILDING A HOME KEEPS CLIMBING — AND UNCERTAINTY ISN’T HELPING

Looking more closely at the data, more homes are entering the foreclosure process, a potential sign of future distress. A total of 82,631 properties started foreclosure processes in the first quarter of 2026, up 20% from the year prior, while lenders repossessed 14,020 properties, marking a 45% annual increase.

Blue states like Delaware and Illinois are also facing high foreclosure rates — showcasing that the issue crosses party lines. Among major metro areas, cities like Cleveland, Ohio; Jacksonville, Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana ranked among the highest for foreclosure rates.

The revelation of spiking foreclosure rates comes as the U.S. grapples with a slew of housing challenges that have helped contribute to today’s crisis.

Against that backdrop, experts say rising mortgage rates, higher living costs and other homeownership expenses are putting increasing pressure on some homeowners, pushing up monthly payments and making it harder to keep up with housing costs.

THE TOP 3 REASONS HOUSING HAS BECOME SO UNAFFORDABLE IN THE US MARKET

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.37% for the week ending May 7, up from 5.98% in late February.

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Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, said that while foreclosure levels remain below those seen during the housing crisis, the recent uptick suggests more homeowners may be coming under financial strain.

Taken together, the data points to a housing market that remains stable overall, even as affordability challenges persist for some homeowners.

Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump's economic vision comes into focus

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:48:57 -0400

The Senate cleared Kevin Warsh on Wednesday to lead the Federal Reserve, ushering in a new era at the central bank under President Donald Trump's nominee.

The Senate confirmed Warsh, 54–45, concluding a monthslong search that began last summer for a successor to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as his term neared its end. The vote was largely along party lines, with only Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. John Fetterman crossing over in support.

Earlier in the week, Warsh was confirmed to the Fed’s Board of Governors, a 14-year appointment and a required step before serving as chair. He previously served on the board as its youngest member at age 35 and now returns to lead the central bank at a pivotal moment.

FROM MORTGAGES TO CAR LOANS: HOW AFFORDABILITY RISES AND FALLS WITH THE FED

Though the Federal Reserve operates largely out of public view, its decisions shape borrowing costs, job growth and interest rates for millions of Americans, making Warsh’s confirmation a pivotal moment for how that influence will be wielded.

Warsh, a lawyer and financier, steps into the role at a particularly volatile time.

The central bank is grappling with persistent inflation, the economic fallout from the war in Iran and a looming Supreme Court decision involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook, all while political pressure builds ahead of the midterm elections in November.

The 56-year-old multimillionaire has already signaled a clear break from the central bank’s current approach.

In testimony before lawmakers on April 21, Warsh pledged to keep monetary policy "strictly independent" and said he intended to keep the central bank "in its lane," warning that the Fed had become too involved in social policy.

He has also taken aim at what he sees as a complacent central bank, warning that large institutions are prone to inertia and that clinging to the "status quo" in a fast-moving economy is not just outdated but dangerous.

WATCH: SEN WARREN UNLOADS ON TRUMP’S FED NOMINEE KEVIN WARSH IN EXPLOSIVE HEARING SHOWDOWN

At the same time, he has signaled openness to closer coordination with elected leaders and to work with the White House and Congress on non-monetary matters, an approach that could reshape how the Fed operates in Washington.

How that balance is struck could define not only Warsh’s tenure, but the future direction of the institution that plays a major role in the financial lives of millions of Americans.

Warsh will take the reins from Powell, whose eight-year tenure as Fed chair concludes Friday. Powell, widely considered the most crisis-tested Fed chair, is not leaving the central bank entirely.

Powell's term on the Fed board runs through 2028, and he has indicated he plans to remain in place until all investigations into a renovation project at the Fed’s headquarters are complete.

POWELL WILL REMAIN AT THE FED FOR NOW, SETTING UP POTENTIAL CLASH WITH TRUMP

If Powell stepped aside entirely, it would have opened a seat for Trump to fill, giving him another opportunity to shape the Fed’s leadership. By staying on, Powell retains influence over U.S. monetary policy, potentially intensifying tensions with the president.

"I plan to keep a low profile as a governor. There is only ever one chair of the Federal Reserve Board. When Kevin Warsh is confirmed and sworn in, he will be that chair," Powell told reporters at a news conference at the Federal Reserve on April 29.

Powell said that decision ultimately depends on the outcome of the investigation.

"I will not leave the board until this investigation is fully resolved with transparency and finality," Powell said. "I’m encouraged by recent developments, and I am watching the remaining steps in this process carefully. My decisions on these matters will continue to be guided entirely by what I believe is in the best interest of the institution and the people we serve."

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Powell’s tenure at the central bank dates back to 2017, when he was selected by Trump to succeed Janet Yellen. He was reappointed to a second four-year term by President Joe Biden in 2022, which expires on May 15.

The White House and Federal Reserve did not immediately respond to 91�� Digital's request for comment.

Texas Republicans see opening to raid Wall Street as NYC's left-wing agenda rattles finance giants

Wed, 13 May 2026 06:00:27 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson blasted New York City’s leadership for "punishing success" and joined Gov. Greg Abbott in pitching Texas as a place where Wall Street firms can hang their hats.

His pitch for "Y’all Street" over Wall Street comes as a steady stream of financial firms have in recent years expanded operations in Texas. They were drawn there because of the lower taxes and fewer regulations, a trend Johnson says is accelerating even more under New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The trend toward moving big business out of big blue cities has the potential to redraw the map of American finance, determining which jurisdictions capture high-paying jobs, investment, tax revenue and influence.

The Republican mayor of Dallas told 91�� Digital that the latest clash between City Hall and Wall Street heavyweights only reinforces his concerns.

CHICAGO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KEN GRIFFIN TURNS ON A CITY — NOW MAMDANI MAY FIND OUT

"The recent back-and-forth between Mayor Mamdani and Ken Griffin exemplifies exactly what I have been saying publicly for some time: New York City, under its current leadership, does not believe in rewarding success," Johnson said.

"New York City believes in punishing success," he told 91�� Digital, adding that Dallas, by contrast, embraces successful companies and the leaders who built them.

The clash between Mamdani and Griffin has quickly become a flashpoint in the broader debate over New York's economic direction, with the Citadel founder warning that tax hikes, anti-business rhetoric and crime risk are pushing firms out.

The feud intensified after Mamdani posted a viral video outside Griffin’s condo promoting his plan to tax second homes in NYC worth more than $5 million.

NYC GROCERS SOUND ALARM ON MAMDANI’S SUPERMARKET PLAN: "WE’LL LOSE CUSTOMERS

The dispute highlights a growing rift between New York City's progressive agenda and the financial sector that has long powered the entire state's economy — a divide only sharpened by Mamdani’s push for higher taxes on corporations and top earners.

Experts warn that this, along with expanded DEI initiatives, rent freezes and tighter regulations, risk driving businesses away from the center of the world's financial markets.

Texas has already emerged as a major destination for firms in recent years, with companies like Goldman Sachs expanding their footprint in Dallas and JPMorgan Chase growing its workforce across the state.

Meanwhile, the Texas Stock Exchange is preparing to launch in Dallas to rival legacy markets. At the same time, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are expanding into the state — underscoring the Lone Star State's rise as a financial powerhouse.

The state’s broader economic strength has also been a draw for outsiders.

Texas reported a record $24 billion budget surplus in 2025, reinforcing its reputation as a fiscally stable, business-friendly environment.

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Johnson argued Dallas is not just benefiting from the trend, it’s helping lead it.

"Dallas’s pro-businesses approach is fueling this shift," Johnson said, adding that "Y'all Street" is emerging as a major center for financial services.

"Instead of demonizing those who have achieved the American dream, we embrace our local business leaders as partners in building a better city, a city of genuine opportunity for everyone."

Gov Abbott extends off-ramp for NY billionaires fleeing Mamdani's policies

Tue, 12 May 2026 11:31:55 -0400

As New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to advance policies targeting wealthy executives, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is reminding billionaires that everything is bigger in Texas – including economic opportunity.

Abbott is pitching his state as a refuge from liberal measures Republicans attribute to driving businesses out of the Empire State.

For New York, the stakes are high: even a modest outflow of firms and top earners could dent tax revenues and reshape the city’s role as a global financial hub. For Texas, the influx could mean more jobs, investment and economic clout.

Against that backdrop, Abbott’s office is making an aggressive case for relocation.

"Governor Abbott is proud to welcome businesses and job creators from across the country to Texas, where we have no state income tax, reasonable regulations, and a pro-growth environment that encourages free enterprise to flourish," the governor's press secretary Andrew Mahaleris told 91�� Digital.

TAX FIGHT PUTS CALIFORNIA ON COLLISION COURSE AS BILLIONAIRES LEAVE FOR RED STATES

Mahaleris gave insight into Abbott's business philosophy, saying that "punitive policies that target successful job-creating entrepreneurs only accelerate the trend of companies choosing Texas."

Abbott has made attracting out-of-state businesses a cornerstone of his economic strategy, a push that has paid off as Texas continues to draw firms and executives to relocate from higher-tax states. Just last week, Dell Technologies announced a unanimous decision by its board to change the company's legal home from blue enclave Delaware to the Lone Star State.

Abbott celebrated the decision in an X post, saying, "Welcome home, @Dell" and "This is what happens when job creators and innovators are welcomed, not punished."

The governor noted that "more businesses are sure to follow."

That kind of growth matters politically. It signals rising living standards, a stronger tax base and greater leverage to fund infrastructure, education and other priorities without raising taxes.

And the results are reflected in the data.

Texas’ economic output per person jumped more than 10% from 2021 to 2024, according to federal data. Meanwhile, liberal states like California saw far smaller gains over the same period.

Abbott is leaning into that growth as he works to lure firms and capital away from states like New York.

FROM FREE BUSES TO CITY-OWNED GROCERY STORES, HERE ARE MAMDANI’S KEY ECONOMIC PROMISES

Concerns of a mass exodus from left-leaning cities and states have been thrust into the spotlight by a high-profile clash between Mamdani and billionaire Ken Griffin, who leads Citadel, one of the world’s most powerful hedge funds.

The dispute was sparked by a viral April 15 video where Mamdani promoted higher taxes on non-primary residences worth more than $5 million in New York City. He specifically singled out Griffin’s record-setting $238 million Manhattan penthouse and filmed outside the 24,000-square-foot Central Park South property.

Mamdani pointed to the unit as an example of the luxury second homes that would face additional annual fees under his proposal.

Griffin later blasted the video as "creepy and weird," saying at the Milken Institute Global Conference on May 6 that he watched it multiple times. He also said Citadel is reassessing its planned $6 billion Manhattan office tower, while continuing to expand in the red state of Florida, which he called "unquestionably" the right choice.

Mamdani has backed a slate of progressive proposals, including higher taxes on high-value properties, expanded tenant protections and measures aimed at curbing wealth inequality in the city.

CHICAGO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KEN GRIFFIN TURNS ON A CITY, NOW MAMDANI MAY FIND OUT

The clash is familiar ground for Griffin, who has long warned that policies targeting the ultra-wealthy and rising crime can drive business out of major cities. Those concerns prompted him to move Citadel’s global headquarters from Chicago to Miami in 2022, highlighting how quickly jobs, investment and influence can follow.

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For Chicago, Griffin's move resulted in the steady erosion of one of its most prominent corporate anchors — shrinking office space, relocating employees and the departure of a billionaire who once poured hundreds of millions into the city’s institutions and politics. It also meant fewer high-paying finance jobs downtown and the disappearance of a major civic and cultural benefactor.

A similar dynamic could play out in New York City, home to nearly 9 million and the world’s financial capital, where the loss of firms and top earners could cost jobs, drain tax revenue and shake the economy.

In the nation’s largest city and a global financial center, the outcome of Mamdani’s proposals could shape not only the future of New York's housing market, but also broader debates over regulation, taxation and urban policy.

AOC-backed $30 minimum wage plan could backfire in unexpected ways, experts warn

Tue, 12 May 2026 05:00:40 -0400

An ambitious proposal backed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to raise the federal minimum wage to as high as $30 an hour is drawing red flags from economists who warn the proposal could backfire on the people it's meant to help.

A new survey published by the Employment Policies Institute found broad skepticism among U.S. economists toward steep minimum wage hikes, with many warning the policy could lead to unintended ripple effects like job losses for low-wage workers and higher prices for all Americans.

Specifically, these economists oppose proposals that push the minimum wage to more than $20 an hour.

The findings come as progressive lawmakers, including Ocasio-Cortez, push for higher federal wage mandates to address rising costs of living. The federal minimum wage has not been adjusted since 2009 despite an annual average inflation rate of 2.57%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

AOC-BACKED $25 MINIMUM WAGE PLAN SOUNDS GREAT — BUT AT WHAT COST?

"We surveyed more than 160 American economists and for proposals over $20 an hour, 96% said they oppose it," Employment Policies Institute Research Director Rebekah Paxton told 91�� Digital.

The findings reflect broader resistance to steep minimum wage hikes, with nearly three-quarters of economists opposing a $15 wage and opposition increasing sharply at higher proposed levels.

Paxton said this view cuts across political lines.

"The economists we surveyed spanned the political spectrum — Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians and those who didn’t identify with a party — but they broadly agree that raising the minimum wage above $20 an hour would be harmful for employees, businesses and American consumers," she said.

Economists pointed to a range of potential downsides to raising the minimum wage from the current $7.25 hourly rate, particularly for lower-skilled workers. A majority said higher minimum wages would likely reduce job opportunities for young people, with up to 95% predicting fewer youth jobs at wage levels above $20.

Industries with thinner margins could be especially vulnerable.

NYC $30 MINIMUM WAGE PROPOSAL PUSHED BY MAMDANI WOULD 'OBLITERATE' CERTAIN INDUSTRIES: EXPERT WARNS

"Small businesses would likely have the hardest time adapting, but certain industries with tighter profit margins, like hospitality and restaurants, could be hit particularly hard," Paxton said. "Economists told us it would reduce jobs and make it more difficult for those businesses to operate."

Many respondents also warned businesses would react to rising labor costs by turning to automation. At higher wage levels, as many as 97% of economists said companies would replace tasks traditionally done by workers with robotic and other automatic means.

The survey highlighted concerns about inflation and the cost of living, with a majority of economists claiming higher minimum wages would increase prices of goods and services, with up to 84% predicting increased costs for consumers if minimum wages were raised to more than $20 an hour.

NEW STUDY REVEALS BLUE STATE'S FAST-FOOD MINIMUM WAGE HIKE JEOPARDIZED THOUSANDS OF JOBS

"A lot of lawmakers and activists say affordability is the reason for proposing these high minimum wage hikes," Paxton said. "But what we’re finding is that not only could this cost jobs and reduce hours, it could also increase automation and raise the cost of living."

Small businesses, in particular, may struggle to absorb those costs. Nearly all economists surveyed, up to 98%, said it would become harder for small businesses to stay afloat under higher wage mandates.

Perhaps most notably, many economists questioned whether raising the minimum wage would achieve its intended goal.

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"We’re seeing economists are generally concerned about whether this policy actually delivers meaningful wage benefits," Paxton said, pointing instead to alternatives like earned income tax credits and other support programs that supplement wages without placing the full burden on employers.

Supporters argue higher wages are necessary to keep up with inflation and rising living costs. But the survey raises fresh doubts about whether the policy could end up doing more harm than good.

Read the full study here:

The unexpected force keeping beef prices high and why the pressure could last for years

Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:12 -0400

Beef prices aren’t easing anytime soon and economists warn the pressure could last for years.

That's because the U.S. cattle herd has fallen to its smallest size in 75 years, after years of drought, rising feed costs and an aging ranching workforce forced producers to scale back.

"The biggest thing has been drought," Eric Belasco, head of the agricultural economics department at Montana State University, told 91�� Digital.

Years of dry weather have wiped out grasslands across the West and Plains, leaving ranchers without enough feed or water to sustain their herds. Many have been forced to sell cattle early, including breeding cows needed to produce the next generation of calves, making it harder to rebuild.

Drought quickly makes it harder and more expensive for ranchers to raise cattle.

As conditions worsen, hay production falls, feed gets more expensive and herd sizes shrink, according to data from the Kansas City Federal Reserve.

IN TEXAS CATTLE COUNTRY, ONE RANCHER WELCOMES TRUMP’S FOCUS ON DECADES OF THIN MARGINS

But even when conditions improve, rebuilding the herd takes time.

"The fact of the matter is there’s really nothing anybody can do to change this very quickly," said Derrell Peel, a professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University. "We’re in a tight supply situation that took several years to develop, and it’ll take several years to get out of it."

Peel, who specializes in livestock marketing, said it takes roughly two years to bring cattle to market, and several more years to rebuild herds, leaving little room for short-term relief.

TRUMP'S BEEF IMPORT PLAN IGNORES KEY ISSUE SQUEEZING AMERICAN CATTLE RANCHERS

And the supply crunch is only part of the story.

The U.S. beef industry is also highly concentrated, with four major companies—Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef—processing about 85% of the nation’s grain-fed cattle.

That dominance has drawn scrutiny from regulators, including a Department of Justice investigation into potential antitrust issues and pricing practices in the meatpacking industry.

Critics argue that level of consolidation gives meatpackers significant influence over prices, while industry groups say the market remains competitive.

Higher prices haven’t scared off consumers.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, the average price of beef climbed from about $8.70 per pound in March 2025 to $10.08 a year later, an increase of roughly 16%.

Even so, demand has held up. In 2025, shoppers spent more than $45 billion on beef, buying more than 6.2 billion pounds, according to data from Beef Research, a contractor for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

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Spending jumped about 12% from a year earlier, while the amount of beef sold rose more than 4%—a sign consumers aren’t just paying more, they’re buying more.

Virginia Democrats’ $70M redistricting gamble backfires after court defeat, ignites blame game

Sun, 10 May 2026 13:24:45 -0400

Virginia Democrats’ redistricting push was meant to lock in an advantage. Instead, it’s unraveling after a costly court defeat—triggering a growing blame game inside the party.

The high-stakes effort to redraw congressional maps, backed by tens of millions of dollars and significant political capital, briefly delivered a narrow on-paper win. But in a 4–3 ruling, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the maps, citing legal deficiencies, and forced a redraw—wiping out those gains.

Democrats are left arguing over whether party leaders ignored legal warnings and pushed a strategy that was always at risk of collapsing.

DAVID MARCUS: VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS STEP ON A $70M RAKE AND NOW THEY’RE CRYING

In hindsight, critics say the outcome was avoidable. Republicans had urged an earlier court review before votes were cast and money spent, a step they argued could have clarified the maps’ legality.

Democrats pressed ahead anyway, betting the strategy would hold.

"Violating the Virginia Constitution and bypassing the rule of law to further one’s own political power is wrong," Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., said in a statement to The Hill. "Had [Democratic Gov.] Abigail Spanberger and the rest of Virginia’s Democrats succeeded, they would have caused irreparable harm to our democracy and disenfranchised millions of Virginians."

Allies of Spanberger say legal concerns were raised early and not fully heeded, pointing to state lawmakers for pushing forward. Lawmakers and other Democrats counter that litigation was inevitable and the maps were defensible.

DEMS WHO RAN ON AFFORDABILITY NOW FACE BACKLASH AS COSTS CLIMB IN NY, VIRGINIA

The dispute reflects a broader divide within the party over how aggressively to pursue redistricting. Some Democrats argue such efforts are necessary to counter Republican-led maps nationwide.

"I feel like the system is fundamentally broken, but let’s be clear. Republicans began the redistricting arms race," Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., told 91�� Digital in an earlier interview. "And so Democrats are left with no choice but to level the playing field for the sake of democracy."

"Look, in a perfect world, we wouldn’t have political gerrymandering," Rep. Christian Menefee, D-Texas, added. "But because we don’t live in that world, we’ve got to fight fire with fire."

Others, however, are more blunt in assigning blame.

"I put this all on Democrats," Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, said, arguing the party failed to respond forcefully to earlier GOP redistricting efforts and is now facing the consequences.

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The fallout is landing at a difficult moment.

A federal raid on May 6 on the office of a powerful state senator has added to a sense of instability, while former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder has suggested the turmoil could give Spanberger an opening to reset and impose discipline on a still-fractured political operation.

The episode underscores the growing role of courts in redistricting fights—and the risks of pushing legal boundaries in a high-stakes environment, with potential implications for control of Virginia’s congressional delegation.

In retrospect, even with the narrow 4–3 decision, it’s a steep price: roughly $70 million and much of Spanberger’s political capital spent on a campaign that won the battle but lost the war.

Democrats are left to sort out not just what went wrong—but who’s responsible.

91�� Digital's Leo Briceno contributed to this report.

Americans keep moving to Texas and Florida — but one other red state is growing even faster

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:56 -0400

Texas and Florida are drawing the largest number of new residents, but South Carolina is growing faster than any other state as Americans continue to relocate across the country, according to new IRS data.

The trend highlights a broader shift toward the South, as Americans say they're making the move for lower taxes, more jobs and higher quality of life.

For its size, South Carolina is seeing the biggest influx per capita of new residents from other states, equal to just over 1% of its population. In other words, for every 100 people living in the state, one new person moved in from elsewhere in the country.

THIS STATE ISN’T JUST GROWING — ITS ECONOMY IS GETTING RICHER PER RESIDENT

The Palmetto State added more than 59,000 residents from other states between 2022 and 2023, based on the most recently available IRS data.

The movement isn’t just about people. It’s also about income.

With the influx of residents, South Carolina gained more than 29,000 new tax filers and roughly $4.1 billion in income. This shift is likely to boost local economies in the state as new residents bring spending power and help fill open jobs in growing industries.

Zooming out, Texas and Florida are still drawing the most people overall because they’re much bigger states by size and population, so even smaller increases add up to larger total gains.

Texas led the nation in new residents with 56,473 new tax filers in 2023, followed closely by Florida with 55,349, according to the data.

The gains come as some of the nation’s most expensive states, which are run by Democrats, are seeing the biggest losses. California is down more than 100,000 tax filers and New York by nearly 72,000 from 2022 to 2023.

CALIFORNIA’S LOOMING CAPITAL FLIGHT PROBLEM COULD RESHAPE STATE IN 3 KEY AREAS

The income losses mirror the population decline, with California losing nearly $12 billion and New York about $10 billion — especially as some of their highest earners relocate.

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Taken together, the shifts suggest Americans aren’t just moving — they’re redistributing income and economic power.

If the trend continues, it could further reshape population growth and state economies in the years ahead.

Chicago knows what happens when Ken Griffin turns on a city, now Mamdani may find out

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:27:54 -0400

There is no clearer example of what happens when billionaire Ken Griffin turns on a city than Chicago, a blueprint now playing out in New York.

The Citadel founder is clashing with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over taxes targeting the ultra-wealthy and intensifying crime, reviving the same tensions that drove him to pull his business and billions out of Chicago.

Griffin, worth about $50 billion according to Forbes, moved the firm’s global headquarters from Chicago to Miami in 2022, a departure that showed how quickly jobs, investment and influence can follow when a major financial player leaves.

The move marked Griffin's break from Chicago, where he built one of the world’s most powerful hedge fund and market-making operations, which helped cement the city’s status as a global financial hub.

MAMDANI’S RISE IN NYC MIRRORS ECONOMIC FLIGHT TO THE SOUTH, STUDY SHOWS

The Windy City, which served as Citadel's home for more than 30 years, has seen much of the firm’s workforce shift south, with the office going from roughly 1,300 employees to a few hundred and still shrinking.

"Asking people to leave Chicago for New York or Miami has not been hard," Griffin said at a conference in New York on Oct. 6.

"Chicago, over the past six or seven years, has been engulfed in a series of problems," he said, pointing to crime as one of the city’s most pressing challenges, along with broader economic and policy concerns weighing on employees’ willingness to stay.

BILLIONAIRE KEN GRIFFIN SAYS CITADEL’S CHICAGO EXODUS WAS ‘NOT HARD,’ CITES CRIME, TAXES

"I think the sad part of the story is how many people who had built lives in Chicago were willing to walk away from that and move to Miami or New York, just given the challenges that Illinois has faced," he added.

For Chicago, the result has been a steady erosion of one of its most prominent corporate anchors — shrinking office space, relocating employees and the departure of a billionaire who once poured hundreds of millions into the city’s institutions and politics. It also meant fewer high-paying finance jobs downtown and the disappearance of a major civic and cultural benefactor.

That dynamic is now resurfacing in New York, where Griffin is locked in an escalating fight with Mamdani, echoing the early stages of his break with Chicago when Lori Lightfoot was mayor and JB Pritzker was governor of Illinois.

MAMDANI THANKS SAME BILLIONAIRE HE TARGETED IN TAX VIDEO FOR NYPD MONEY

The dispute was sparked by Mamdani’s viral April 15 video promoting a proposed tax on second homes worth more than $5 million. Filmed outside Griffin’s 24,000-square-foot Central Park South penthouse — purchased for a record $238 million — the video singled out the hedge fund powerhouse by name.

"This is an annual fee on luxury properties worth more than $5 million, whose owners do not live full-time in the city. Like for this penthouse, which hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin bought for $238 million," Mamdani said in the clip.

Griffin has since criticized the video as "creepy and weird" during a discussion at the Milken Institute Global Conference on May 6. He said he watched it three times.

Asked about Citadel’s plans for a $6 billion office tower at 350 Park Avenue, he said the firm is reassessing the project while doubling down on its expansion in Miami, which he called "unquestionably" the right choice.

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The clash highlights a widening divide between progressive ambitions in major cities and the financial leaders who help drive their economies.

It also raises a broader question: whether New York could follow a path similar to Chicago’s where a prolonged standoff between political leadership and one of its most powerful business figures ultimately ended in departure.

Meanwhile, Florida and other red states have branded themselves as business- and billionaire-friendly, welcoming high earners and balking taxes that would burden their empires.

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