Dan Caldwell joins ODNI as adviser after cleared in leak probe.
Why this matters
This appointment highlights issues regarding handling of sensitive information and the politics surrounding military and intelligence appointments.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), led by Tulsi Gabbard, has appointed Dan Caldwell as an advisor. Caldwell, a former top Pentagon aide, was earlier involved in an investigation into alleged leaks but cleared of any wrongdoing. His role will involve advising senior intelligence officials and coordinating work among 18 federal intelligence agencies.
The probe into Caldwell and two other former Trump administration officials—Colin Carroll and Darin Selnick—started after they were publicly accused of leaking classified information and removed from the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had announced the investigation, citing potential evidence of guilt, though none was found. The Pentagon has not commented on Caldwell’s new appointment.
The Senate advanced a measure Tuesday to remove Edward Simmer as interim director of the state’s public health department, reigniting efforts to dismiss him over his COVID-19 pandemic response.
Despite an initial confirmation by the Senate in 2021, Simmer faced rejection by the Senate Medical Affairs Committee last year. Without a successor in place, he continued in his role. A new amendment, passed unanimously by the Senate, ties the end of Simmer’s tenure to a bill altering the confirmation process. The amendment stipulates Simmer must vacate the position by May 14, pending a subsequent vote that will direct the legislation to the House.
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, who proposed the amendment, said the Senate consensus suggests Simmer should seek another job. The amendment, approved by voice vote, modifies the confirmation process, capping the interim service period without Senate approval and exempting 35 boards and commissions from Senate confirmations.
According to Massey, the Senate could have reviewed Simmer’s appointment directly but, under current law, Simmer could retain his position indefinitely unless the governor selects a new director.
Virginia lawmakers have approved a bill to establish a regulated retail market for adult-use cannabis, potentially ending years of uncertainty since possession was legalized. The legislation, passed by the Senate and House of Delegates on party-line votes, now awaits Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature.
Set to take effect January 1, 2027, the bill allows Virginians 21 and older to purchase cannabis legally. It introduces a statewide licensing system, a tax structure, and regulatory oversight through the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. Del. Paul Krizek highlighted extensive public input in shaping the legislation.
The measure sets a 6% state cannabis tax, with local governments able to add a 1-3.5% additional tax. Licensed businesses, including existing medical cannabis operators, must comply with regulatory standards. Unlicensed sales will face escalating penalties, from misdemeanors to felonies for repeat offenses.
The bill also creates microbusiness licenses and the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund to address disparities from past enforcement policies. Krizek noted the initiative aims to foster economic opportunities across the commonwealth.
According to Lawmakers like Sen. Lashrecse Aird, local referendums for opting out of sales were rejected, prioritizing a cohesive statewide market. The bill also earmarks revenue for education and equity reinvestment.
Tokyo-based JERA Co., Inc. has put forward a plan to build a gas-fired generator facility on Oʻahu, aiming to replace aging oil-fired generators. This initiative follows a partnership between Gov. Josh Green and JERA, as part of efforts to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions. Green stated the venture would bring substantial energy investments to Hawaiʻi.
The announcement follows criticism of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) initiative. At a hearing of the Hawaiʻi House Committee on Energy and the Environment, former University of Hawaiʻi professor Matthias Fripp claimed there was a $1.2 billion error in a study by the state energy office regarding LNG costs. Mark Glick, Hawaiʻi’s Chief Energy Officer, disputed this allegation.
JERA Americas Vice President Erik Montague emphasized that their proposal includes the cost of LNG and projects a 20% reduction in electricity generation costs compared to current oil use. Montague noted that LNG prices could be pegged either to global oil prices—albeit lower—or to U.S. natural gas prices, with options for Hawaiʻi to choose.
The proposal competes with Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc.’s plan to replace generators at the Waiau power plant, which the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is considering. Glick urged the PUC to delay approval of HECO’s project in light of JERA’s proposal, but HECO rebutted claims that Glick was attempting to expedite JERA’s approval process. While a decision was expected Friday, the PUC has yet to issue an order.
JERA’s proposal requires further vetting and approval by the PUC and filing with relevant state, federal, and local agencies. Civil Beat’s environmental coverage is supported by several foundations.
North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger filed four election protests, claiming that some voters either received incorrect ballots or faced registration issues. The main protest involves Guilford County, where Berger alleges that some voters were given ballots for the wrong Senate district. Seven voters filed affidavits supporting these claims. Official results show Berger trailing his opponent, Sam Page, by 23 votes.
Per North Carolina law, protests backed by substantial evidence can modify results, prompt a recount, or instigate a new election. Berger requested that Guilford County voters who received incorrect ballots be allowed to recast them after an investigation. Additionally, he filed a complaint with the state’s Board of Elections.
In Rockingham County, Berger filed a protest to count a provisional ballot from a voter who claimed attempts to update her registration were unsuccessful. Another protest contests that certain voters changed their preferred party ballots, and another addresses claims of registration not being updated in time.
Berger’s campaign spokesman, Jonathan Felts, said these protests, affecting 13 ballots, could impact election outcomes, especially when combined with votes potentially added during the recount. Page’s spokesman, Patrick Sebastian, countered these assertions, expressing doubt that the protests could overturn the election results.
The recount follows accusations from both campaigns of pressuring voters. Page’s team alleged Berger’s campaign sought false affidavits about incorrect ballots, while Berger’s campaign alleged voter intimidation from Page.
Guilford County largely supported Berger with 67% of the vote, contrasting with Rockingham County, which favored Page by a similar margin. Former State Board of Elections chair Josh Howard highlighted the importance of reviewing ballots in light of such discrepancies.
In Riverside, California, three police officers, who are military veterans, face termination over allegations of improper procurement of disabled veteran license plates. Officers Timothy Popplewell, Raymond Olivares, and Richard Cranford were suspended in May 2025, accused of misrepresenting their disabilities to obtain state-issued plates, which allow special privileges. All three officers have been certified as 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) since joining the police department in 2019.
Their attorney, Matthew McNicholas, disputes the department’s actions and filed a discrimination lawsuit in July 2025, stating the officers lawfully qualified for the plates due to their VA disability ratings. McNicholas emphasized that these ratings are not synonymous with an inability to work.
In February 2026, following the Riverside city council’s decision not to settle, the department announced intentions to terminate the officers’ employment. According to McNicholas, the officers have yet to receive a Skelly hearing, which would allow them to review and respond to evidence.
