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Monday, April 20, 2026
Good morning, and welcome to RedState’s “Morning Minute.” This is your concise briefing on the stories capturing attention right now, as well as a preview of what’s to come today. Think of it as your essential news digest to start the day on an informed note.
Trending at RedState
TOP O’ THE MORNIN’
One of the spotlight stories involves a revealing video depicting U.S. forces boarding an Iranian vessel, sparking intense debate over the potential contents of the ship. This incident has raised significant questions and concerns that are echoing across political circles.
Additionally, there’s a report addressing the latest controversy surrounding the Supreme Court’s so-called “shadow docket.” This situation is unfolding into what some are calling a scandal, highlighting the growing tension between the justices and legacy media. The implications for the court’s reputation are profound, suggesting that the trust in the Supreme Court is precariously balanced.
While the ship was listed as sailing from Port Klang, Malaysia, to the Strait, it turns out that before it was at Port Klang, it had been in China, according to reports.
Report: The Latest Shadow Docket ‘Scandal’ Proves Between the Justices and Legacy Media, SCOTUS Is Toast
Perhaps someone could also point out to the brain trust at the NYT that it is the Left’s penchant for lawfare and the activist judges who make these highly partisan and ideologically skewed decisions that have resulted in the need for a method that expedites reviews and judgments by the highest court.
VIDEO: USS Spruance Lights Up Iranian Blockade Runner in a Formidable Demonstration of FAFO
If the Iranians persist in their demand, the war will resume by Thursday morning (Don’t Trust *And* Verify: US Amb. Waltz Says Iran Can Be Assured of 1 Thing Ahead of Any Nukes Agreement). Their other option is a massive climb-down from their high horse and an admission that they don’t have a way to enforce any of their demands.
Trending Across Townhall Media
Bearing Arms — Minneapolis Man’s Conviction Really Proof Gun Control Is Useless
The criminals kept getting guns, and did so in spite of every regulation we were told would stop them.
HotAir — All the Worst People Are Defending Hezbollah
The core Europeans and the transnationalists they represent are on the wrong side of almost everything.
PJ Media — The Youngest Republican in Congress Asked One Question Democrats Couldn’t Answer
Gill serves on the House Judiciary Committee and has made immigration integrity a key factor of his work. His approach during the hearing reflected that priority; he didn’t raise his voice or expand the argument, he asked a single question and allowed the silence to carry the point.
Townhall — The Most Important Lesson of the Iran War Is to Buy Guns and Ammo
The undeniable fact is that fanatics will slaughter anyone in their path to keep it, but they can’t slaughter you if you can fight back.
Twitchy — HEAP Big Creepy! Elizabeth Warren DOG-WALKED for Calling D-Bag With Nazi Tattoo ‘Her Kind of Man’ (WATCH)
Beyond the Nazi tattoo debacle, Platner is a total nutjob. But hey, as long as he wants to steal other people’s money and give more power to the government, we imagine Big Chief Lies-a-Lot can overlook all of it.
WHAT’S ON TAP?
Today on Capitol Hill…
The critters are back at it on Monday, with several hearings/meetings set:
- Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry — Business meeting to consider the nomination of Glen Smith, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development
- House Appropriations, Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee — Budget Hearing – Department of the Interior
- Senate Armed Services, Strategic Forces Subcommittee — Hearings to examine the Department of Energy’s atomic energy defense activities and Department of Defense nuclear weapons programs in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Defense Program
- House Rules — H.R. 2289 – American Broadband Deployment Act of 2026; H.R. 4690 – Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act; H.R. 5587 – Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act of 2026; H.R. 1897 – ESA Amendments Act of 2025; H. Res. ____ – Expressing support for rural communities across the United States as stewards of the environment, major suppliers of United States energy resources, critical providers of food production and manufacturing capacity, and drivers of national economic stability, and recognizing the work of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress in support of those vital communities
- House Intelligence (Permanent Select) — Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for Compartmented Programs (CLOSED)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains unfunded — but here’s the latest on that battle:
The Hitchhiker’s Guide To Trying to Finally Fund DHS
Congressional Republicans begin their unilateral quest to fund DHS in earnest this week. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is expected to release his plan to end the budget stalemate at DHS this week -…
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 20, 2026
The Hitchhiker’s Guide To Trying to Finally Fund DHS
Congressional Republicans begin their unilateral quest to fund DHS in earnest this week. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is expected to release his plan to end the budget stalemate at DHS this week – culminating in votes on the first step of the process later this week.
But the question is whether the bill will be “skinny” or “chunky?”
Senate Republicans prefer to keep the measure svelte, focused just on DHS.
Others – and especially some House Republicans – prefer a loaded-up bill including money for the war in Iran, the SAVE America Act, a gasoline tax holiday, farm assistance and disaster aid.
Republicans are using a special process to cut out Democrats to pass the bill known as budget reconciliation. It just takes a simple majority to pass the bill. But items in the bill must be fiscal in nature and not add to the deficit over the long-term. It’s also not subject to a Senate filibuster.
But Republicans are not in agreement yet on what should be in the bill. Some fear that loading the bill up could jeopardize chances for passage. Others believe a lean bill won’t court Republican votes as Members push for inclusion of their own legislative priorities.
White House What’s Up
President Trump’s schedule for Monday includes:
- 8:00 AM — THE PRESIDENT participates in Executive Time — The White House
- 1:30 PM — THE PRESIDENT participates in a Policy Meeting — Oval Office
- 3:00 PM — THE PRESIDENT signs Executive Orders — Oval Office
Vice President JD Vance is headed back to Islamabad, Pakistan, for new talks with Iran — maybe.
Keeping Up With the Cabinet
Attorney General – Todd Blanche (acting) — On Sunday, Blanche shared news of a noteworthy arrest involving alleged arms trafficking to Iran.
Last night, Shamim Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for trafficking arms on behalf of the government of Iran. She is charged with a violation of 50 U.S.C. § 1705 for brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of… pic.twitter.com/l39Gf1WVed
— F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) April 19, 2026