INTERNACIONAL
McMaster revives Trump-backed push to oust Biden kingmaker from Congress
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South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a top Trump ally and fellow Republican, announced Thursday that he is convening the state legislature in Columbia, South Carolina, starting Friday for a special session to «address the state budget and congressional districts» in his largely Republican state.
«I have issued an Executive Order calling the General Assembly back for an extra legislative session to address the state budget and congressional districts beginning Friday, May 15, at 11:00 AM,» McMaster wrote on X.
The move comes amid intraparty Republican tensions over the Trump-backed effort to redraw the state’s congressional map — a push that could threaten the tenure of longtime Democratic Rep. James Clyburn, the man credited with reviving former President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign.
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, and four other senators earlier this week joined Democrats to defeat a proposal that would have allowed the chamber to vote on redistricting after the South Carolina legislative session closed Thursday.
The roadblock came hours after President Donald Trump warned he is «watching closely» the redistricting effort. Trump’s message came a week after five Indiana Republican state senators who in December helped sink congressional redistricting in the solidly red Midwestern state were ousted by Trump-backed challengers in GOP primaries.
Proponents of the South Carolina redraw hope that the new map will ultimately rid the state’s congressional delegation of its lone Democrat, while advising lawmakers to move the primary for House members to August.
SOUTH CAROLINA REPUBLICANS DEFY TRUMP, TANK REDISTRICTING, FOR NOW
Clyburn, the octogenarian Orangeburg, South Carolina, lawmaker considered a kingmaker in Palmetto State Democratic politics — and credited with reviving then-candidate Biden’s floundering campaign with his endorsement in 2020 — may not be long for Capitol Hill, as a redraw would almost certainly redistribute the state’s heavy Republican advantage across its seven districts.
President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Freedom to Rep. James Clyburn during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on May 3, 2024. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images)
Clyburn said he remains confident he can win re-election even under a new map.
«I don’t know why people think I could not get re-elected if they redistrict South Carolina,» Clyburn said in a CNN interview. «I have a district that’s about 45 percent African American. I have no idea what the number will be after the legislature finishes, but whatever that number is, I will be running on my record and America’s promise.»
Massey argued in a floor speech that following Trump’s lead on redistricting would run counter to the interests of the Palmetto State.
«South Carolina has always punched above their weight,» Massey said. «Doing this will diminish that influence.»
But he also acknowledged that he will likely face political payback from Trump and the president’s allies.
TRUMP TARGETS RED STATE REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS IN PUSH FOR CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
«There are likely consequences for me, personally, taking the position that I am right now,» Massey said. «I’m comfortable with that. I may not like it, but I’m comfortable with it. … My conscience is clear on this one.»
The recent Callais decision at the Supreme Court — which eliminated Louisiana’s race-conscious map that provided for two largely minority-heavy Democratic strongholds — has already spurred action in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, and with Clyburn’s district itself reportedly the product of a George H.W. Bush Justice Department request regarding racial makeup, its days may be numbered.
The DOJ in 1992 recommended creating a majority-Black district in South Carolina, and Clyburn swiftly won the seat upon the retirement of fellow Democratic Rep. Robin Mooneyhan Tallon of Hemingway, according to a Government Printing Office publication on Black Americans in Congress.
President Joe Biden, left, Rep. James Clyburn, right. (Mandel Ngan/Getty Images)
Clyburn is also reportedly a relative of the previous Black South Carolina congressman, Republican George Washington Murray, who served in the 1890s.
The 85-year-old recently signed documents to make his run for re-election official, quipping that he is in good health and simply celebrating the 47th anniversary of his 39th birthday soon.
If redistricting fails and Clyburn is able to run again, he will join a growing list of octogenarian — and some nonagenarian — lawmakers who remain bullish about their political prospects.
The oldest sitting member is Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who is 92, while elderly lawmakers facing re-election in 2026 besides Clyburn include Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., who is 88, and Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who is 87. Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, is 83 and running for re-election, which would make him 89 at the end of his next term.
Four of the leading South Carolina Republicans running for governor this year, Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, Attorney Gen. Alan Wilson, and Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, earlier this week criticized the redistricting setback in the state Senate.
Evette called McMaster’s move «a critical step for President Trump and the people of South Carolina.»
And Wilson said, «South Carolina has the opportunity to lead, and lawmakers should move quickly to pass new maps before the June primary.»
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Alabama convened a special session earlier in May that House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, correctly predicted would force the courts to rule on the validity of a special-case redistricting referendum there.
Tennessee successfully redrew its map, which is likely to result in the ouster of longtime Shelby County Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen, while Mississippi hit a snag in its own efforts after Gov. Tate Reeves pumped the brakes on a Callais-spurred effort to boot former House Jan. 6 Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson in the Delta.
Republican state senators in Louisiana on Thursday advanced a plan to eliminate one of the state’s two majority-Black congressional seats ahead of the midterms.
Louisiana’s state House will likely vote on the map next week. The state holds its primary on Saturday, but the state’s congressional primaries are being postponed until November.
midterm elections, congress, south carolina, governors, republicans elections, democrats, politics
INTERNACIONAL
Horror en Bogotá: encontraron el cuerpo de una modelo dentro de una valija e investigan a dos hombres por el crimen
Una modelo colombiana fue encontrada muerta dentro de una valija en un departamento de alquiler temporario en el norte de Bogotá. Se trata de Natalia Villalba Angarita, de 36 años.
El hallazgo se produjo el lunes en un edificio ubicado en el barrio Chicó Norte, en la localidad de Chapinero. Una empleada de limpieza entró al departamento luego de no obtener respuesta de los ocupantes y encontró una valija gris abierta dentro de la ducha del baño. En su interior estaba el cuerpo de Villalba.
Según confirmaron las autoridades, la modelo estaba hospedada desde el 3 de junio bajo la modalidad de alquiler temporario y tenía previsto quedarse hasta el 21 de junio. A partir de ese momento comenzó una investigación que reconstruye sus últimos movimientos y los de las personas que ingresaron al departamento durante las semanas previas al espeluznante hallazgo.
De acuerdo con información difundida por Noticias Caracol, los registros del edificio indican que entre el 3 y el 7 de junio existió una reserva vinculada a un ciudadano estadounidense, procedente de Texas. Luego, Villalba habría renovado la estadía hasta el 21 de junio.
Durante ese período se registró el ingreso de al menos 15 personas al espacio. Entre ellas, figura un británico que llegó el 17 de junio y se retiró al día siguiente.
Las cámaras de seguridad no solo captaron su entrada y salida: en una de las grabaciones, se lo ve llevando sábanas hacia el sector de lavandería. Ese detalle llamó especialmente la atención de los investigadores, ya que el hombre sería la última persona que tuvo contacto con la víctima antes de su muerte. La valija fue encontrada por una empleada de limpieza en la ducha. (Foto: Gentileza Noticias Caracol)
Uno de los aspectos que sorprende tiene que ver con la forma en que fue abandonado el cuerpo. La valija permanecía con una pequeña abertura y estaba ubicada debajo de una ducha que había quedado abierta.
Fuentes vinculadas al caso señalaron que esa situación pudo haber alterado el estado del cadáver y deteriorado posibles evidencias. “El agua entró a la maleta y afectó el estado del cuerpo de la joven que ya llevaba varios días expuesta al líquido. Eso pudo borrar ciertas huellas e incluso causarle lesiones en la piel que dificultarían un poco determinar cómo murió”, explicó un investigador al diario El Tiempo.
En ese sentido, consideró que la disposición del cuerpo dentro del baño no habría sido casual: “La persona que dejó ahí el cuerpo sabía que el agua alteraría la escena”.
La causa también abrió una nueva línea de investigación luego de que los peritos encontraran dos pasaportes pertenecientes a la víctima, pero con diferencias en la identidad registrada. En uno figuraba como Natalia Villalba Rubiano y en otro como Rubiano Angarita.
A raíz de este descubrimiento, las autoridades comenzaron a revisar sus movimientos migratorios. Hasta el momento se confirmó que había hecho viajes recientes a Río de Janeiro y a Madrid. Los investigadores buscan determinar si esos desplazamientos guardan alguna relación con las personas que estuvieron con ella en los días previos a su muerte.
Leé también: Le mandó un huevo de Pascua envenenado a la novia de su expareja y mató a dos nenes: la condenaron a 66 años de cárcel
En paralelo, la atención se concentra en el ciudadano británico, quien abandonó Colombia poco después de los hechos. La posibilidad de que haya salido del país activó mecanismos de cooperación internacional y no se descarta que la Fiscalía solicite una notificación de Interpol para localizarlo y tomarle declaración.
Por el momento no hay personas imputadas, aunque al menos dos hombres permanecen bajo observación.
Los investigadores analizan pruebas físicas, biológicas y toxicológicas recolectadas en la escena. También avanzan sobre las grabaciones de las cámaras de seguridad, los registros de ingreso al edificio y los testimonios de familiares, amigos y personas que estuvieron con la modelo en sus últimos días, piezas clave para intentar esclarecer qué ocurrió.
Colombia, Bogotá, Femicidio, valija
INTERNACIONAL
Unearthed video exposes vulnerable House Dem’s reversal on crucial issue impacting state
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A vulnerable Democratic New Mexico lawmaker once called for his state to walk away from the energy production that brings in almost a third of the state’s general fund, while now pitching an «all of the above» energy approach.
«We have to champion a whole bunch of different policies to really mitigate the impact of climate change,» Rep. Gabriel Vasquez, D-N.M., said in a 2021 interview.
«The electrification of our fleet systems, for example, across our federal government and even our local government here in the city of Las Cruces, the electrification of residential developments, the electrification of residential developments the electrification of commercial and municipal developments, limiting the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels and carbon-based fuels and replacing them with electric,» Vasquez said.
At the time, Vasquez was in the middle of a campaign to become the Democratic nominee to challenge incumbent Rep. Yvette Herrell, R-N.M.
‘MODERATE’ DEM’S UNEARTHED ‘DECONSTRUCT’ LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMENTS DRAW FIRE FROM GOP CRITICS
Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., during a tour of CN Wire Corporation in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, US, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Justin Hamel/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
His resurfaced comments come as he wages a campaign for a third term in one of the country’s most competitive congressional districts and highlight how some Democrats have made efforts to rebrand their stances towards renewable sources of power as they look to champion affordability platforms.
In his most recent campaign materials, Vasquez has said he supports all forms of energy, citing high prices.
«Rep. Vasquez stands by the energy workers in the Permian Basin who fuel America’s energy economy. He believes in an all-of-the-above approach with oil and gas and clean energy to diversify our economy and bring more jobs to New Mexico,» his website reads.
When asked about his past comments and whether he believes they conflict with his current stance, Vazquez’s campaign said the congressman stands by his current position.
«Gabe is proud of his record on the City Council and his advocacy for clean energy, clean air and clean water. In Congress, he continues to support an all-of-the-above energy approach,» Patricia Santiago, a spokesperson for the campaign, said.
Energy production in the Permian Basin, one of the world’s largest oil and gas regions, employs a large number of people in New Mexico.
The industry brings in $13.1 billion in total revenue, according to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. Of that, roughly $7.5 billion goes to New Mexico’s general fund, the state Department of Finance and Administration says.
VULNERABLE DEM INCUMBENT CAUGHT CALLING HOME STATE ‘STOLEN LAND’ IN RESURFACED VIDEO
Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., holds a news conference with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus during the House Democrats 2025 Issues Conference at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Va., on March 13, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc)
FORMER BIDEN CABINET MEMBER DEB HAALAND LAUNCHES NEW MEXICO GUBERNATORIAL BID
It’s a reliance Greg Cunningham, a former law enforcement agent and Vasquez’s challenger, believes isn’t going anywhere.
«Progressives like Gabe Vasque are first in line to spend our oil and gas money, and then they run around and shame the very industry that funds our schools, builds our roads and gives more than 100,000 New Mexicans a good-paying job. You don’t get to cash the check and trash the people who wrote it,» Cunningham said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
«Energy is and will continue to be the lifeblood of New Mexico,» Cunningham added.
Back in 2021, Vasquez seemed to believe that the transition away from fossil fuels would take time.
«We also have to make sure we lay down the path into renewable energy, and that means in places like the Permian Basin, where the economy is strongly dominated by fossil fuel extraction, that we prepare the workforce for a transition into a renewable energy workforce,» Vasquez said.
US OIL AND GAS PRODUCERS PRESSURE HOUSE TO PASS PIVOTAL PERMITTING BILL AND GET AMERICA ‘BACK ON TRACK’
Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., attends a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 15, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc)
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«That doesn’t mean next year, that doesn’t mean in five to ten years. We have to be much smarter,» he added.
Vasquez last won re-election in a 52.1% to 47.9% victory over Herrell in 2024.
new mexico, climate change environment, democrats elections, energy, congress
Trump congratulates Colombia presidential candidate
Trump congratulated Abelardo De La Espriella, known by many as ‘El Tigre,’ following an initial ballot count. While not officially called, the narrow lead signals a potential rightward shift for Colombia. (Reuters.)
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Progressive candidate Iván Cepeda on Wednesday conceded Colombia’s presidential election to conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
The concession came days after Cepeda initially refused to acknowledge defeat following preliminary results that showed de la Espriella as the apparent winner.
«At this stage of the vote count, I have decided to accept the result emerging from that process, which indicates that Abelardo de la Espriella is the new President of the Republic,» Cepeda said in an address to the nation.
«I do so as an act of democratic responsibility.»
TRUMP SAYS COLOMBIA’S ‘EL TIGRE’ WILL BE A ‘GREAT PRESIDENT’ AS SOCIALIST OPPONENT LAUNCHES LEGAL CHALLENGE
Ivan Cepeda speaks during a campaign rally in Cali, Colombia, on June 6, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images)
De la Espriella, a businessman and lawyer who had never previously run for office, known to his supporters as «El Tigre,» defeated Senate member Iván Cepeda by one percentage point in a remarkably close election, according to officials.
«The vote count shows an extraordinarily narrow margin between the two options vying for the trust of the Colombian people,» he said. «Less than 1% of the vote separates the candidacies that participated in this contest.»
Despite his concession, Cepeda made serious allegations that de la Espriella’s victory was influenced by «foreign interference» by the United States and the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate voters.
«During this process, we denounced the open and improper foreign interference in Colombia’s internal affairs—particularly the interventions by the United States government, and specifically the interventions by President Donald Trump in support of Abelardo de la Espriella’s candidacy,» he said.
He further accused the opposing campaign of widespread vote-buying and unethical tactics that he said undermined the legitimacy of the election results.
ANTI-CARTEL HARDLINER CHANNELS TRUMP IN BID TO END COLOMBIA’S LEFTIST ERA IN PIVOTAL ELECTION
Abelardo de la Espriella delivers a speech to supporters during a campaign rally in Palmira, near Cali, Colombia on May 14, 2026. (Joaquin Sarmiento/AFP via Getty Images)
President-elect de la Espriella will begin his four-year term in August.
«Starting August 7, we will work with determination to consolidate a common agenda that strengthens the security, freedom, and prosperity of our nations,» de la Espriella in a post on X.
The result will effectively end outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s leftist influence on the state and the policies Cepeda had pledged to continue if he won the election.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, left, and President Donald Trump are shown in separate photographs. (Mauro Pimentel/AFP via Getty Images; Francis Chung/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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A core pillar of Petro’s signature agenda was his «total peace» strategy, aimed at opening negotiations with remaining guerrilla forces, drug cartels, and armed paramilitary groups in an effort to end Colombia’s decades long internal conflict.
In contrast, de la Espriella has pledged a more hardline approach, including a militarized crackdown on criminal organizations, proposals to build mega-prisons, expand fossil fuel fracking, and revive the controversial practice of aerial glyphosate spraying to eradicate coca crops.
The president-elect, who holds dual Colombian and U.S. citizenship, has also said he plans to add Colombia to the Trump-dubbed «Shield of the Americas,» a proposed coalition aimed at coordinating efforts against criminal groups in Latin America.
colombia, latin america, south america, foreign affairs
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Violencia, déficit fiscal y crisis sanitaria: los desafíos que enfrentará Abelardo de la Espriella en Colombia
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A los 100 años, murió Alan Greenspan, histórico presidente de la Reserva Federal de Estados Unidos
