THE REGISTER

Today's stories

More from today's coverage, told in the same calm voice.

1. Supreme Court narrows Voting Rights Act redistricting protections

   The US Supreme Court has limited a core provision of the Voting Rights Act that required states to draw congressional districts giving racial minorities an effective vote. The ruling arose from a Louisiana redistricting dispute and makes it harder for plaintiffs to challenge maps under Section 2 of the Act. The decision is expected to affect ongoing redistricting litigation in several states and may reduce the number of majority-minority districts in future elections.

   "The ruling aids Republican efforts to control the House by weakening the legal tool most commonly used to challenge racially drawn maps."

   5 outlets · Read more →

2. Federal Reserve holds rates steady amid political pressure

   The Federal Open Market Committee voted to keep interest rates unchanged at its April 2026 meeting, resisting public pressure from President Trump to cut borrowing costs. The decision leaves U.S. consumers and businesses facing continued elevated rates alongside rising energy prices. The standoff has renewed debate about the independence of the central bank from political influence.

   "This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation."

   4 outlets · Read more →

3. Comey surrenders on charges over Instagram post

   Former FBI Director James Comey turned himself in to federal authorities after being charged with threatening President Trump's life through an Instagram post. The Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Todd Blanche, brought two counts against Comey, who faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Comey has been a prominent critic of Trump since his dismissal as FBI director in 2017.

   4 outlets · Read more →

4. Two Jewish men stabbed in London terror attack

   Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, in an attack the Metropolitan Police have classified as terrorism. A suspect was arrested at the scene. The attack adds to a pattern of antisemitic incidents targeting the area's Jewish community. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation.

   "Whilst I must stress this investigation is at an early stage, we are working quickly to understand exactly what happened."

   4 outlets · Read more →

5. King Charles Addresses Congress on US-UK Relations

   King Charles III spoke before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday during a state visit to Washington, emphasising the value of the US-UK alliance at a time of strain over the Iran conflict. The address marks a rare appearance by a British monarch before the American legislature. Charles framed the relationship as a stabilising force in an uncertain international environment.

   "The importance of US-UK unity was placed at the centre of the king's message to lawmakers."

   4 outlets · Read more →

6. UAE to leave OPEC in 2026

   The United Arab Emirates has announced it will withdraw from OPEC, citing ongoing tensions with Saudi Arabia and instability stemming from the Iran war. The departure removes one of the cartel's larger producers and raises questions about OPEC's ability to coordinate output policy. Global oil markets are expected to respond to the uncertainty over UAE production decisions made outside the group's framework.

   "The UAE will chart its own course on energy policy, no longer bound by OPEC production agreements."

   3 outlets · Read more →

7. Trump extends Iran blockade, oil nears $117

   President Trump has chosen to maintain a naval blockade of Iran rather than resume airstrikes or negotiate a withdrawal, judging the economic squeeze to be the least risky of his available options. Oil prices climbed to nearly $117 a barrel on reports the blockade would continue indefinitely. The policy has already cost an estimated two million Iranians their jobs, and global shipping interests reliant on Strait of Hormuz passage remain disrupted.

   "Officials said Trump had opted to continue squeezing Iran's economy and oil exports with the blockade as his other options — resuming bombing or walking away from the conflict — carried more risk."

   3 outlets · Read more →

8. US-Iran standoff deepens as warnings escalate

   Iran has warned that a continued US naval blockade of its ports will prompt what it calls 'practical and unprecedented military action.' The threat comes as the broader regional conflict has already cost significant lives, with Lebanese authorities reporting over 2,500 killed since early March and more than a million people facing acute hunger. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faces growing pressure to account for the Pentagon's role and the costs borne by US military personnel and taxpayers.

   "If the US maintains its blockade of Iran's ports and Iranian vessels, it will draw practical and unprecedented military action in response."

   2 outlets · Read more →

9. Man Charged Over Alleged WHCA Dinner Assassination Plot

   Cole Allen faces charges related to an alleged plot to attack President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. Prosecutors say Allen took a selfie at the venue before the alleged attempt. Secret Service Director Sean Curran briefed congressional committee leaders on the incident. The case marks the third alleged assassination attempt against Trump since 2024.

   2 outlets · Read more →

10. DOJ Details Planning Behind Correspondents Dinner Shooting

    Federal prosecutors have filed a memorandum outlining the steps Cole Allen took before opening fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, including a train journey to Washington and a selfie taken near the venue. One Secret Service agent was wounded, though not seriously. Prosecutors describe the attack as premeditated political violence intended to cause deaths among senior government officials present in the ballroom.

    "It was, at its core, an anti-democratic act of political violence."

    2 outlets · Read more →