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On Politics

Thu Apr 30 2026

Kathryn Palmer | Politics Reporter

@KathrynPlmr

Hello readers, welcome back to On Politics. Props to Zachary Schermele for filling in yesterday − I was at the New York Public Library covering Queen Camilla's visit. Today is the last day of the royal visit. Here's what's new.

An Appalachian farewell for King Charles, Queen Camilla

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are wrapping up their four-day state visit with a trip to Virginia today, where the couple will receive a royal welcome in a town with a fitting name: Front Royal.

But why Front Royal? Some, including those from the town that sits at the northern gateway of Shenandoah National Park, questioned whether it was because of the town's royal name. The area is believed to have been the edge of British territory following the French and Indian War in 1763.

As USA TODAY's Karissa Waddick reports, thousands of people lined up along the sidewalk before the royals' arrival and ensuing parade, the queue stretching multiple city blocks.

Later, the royal couple will sightsee inside the national park and then move on to the Virginian town of The Plains, where they are expected to attend a horse racing event.

Locals in Front Royal, Virginia put up glittery red, white and blue sign welcoming King Charles III and Queen Camilla's visit on a road heading into town.

Karissa Waddick/USA TODAY

A politics roundup:

•	A new TrumpIRA site to offer up to $1,000 in free retirement savings
•	Outside probe needed of DC gala shooting, says ex-Secret Service chief
•	Gov. Janet Mills suspends Maine Senate campaign, making way for fellow Dem Graham Platner
•	Did King Charles' visit clear tensions in the United States-United Kingdom friendship?

Gallery: See the royal day in the Big Apple with King Charles and Queen Camilla

Suspect in DC press dinner shooting back in court

The California man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at a banquet last weekend returned to federal court today to oppose the government's effort to keep him in custody until his trial. The judge ordered that he remain in custody for the foreseeable future, after his defense team dropped its challenge to the government keeping him jailed.

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, faces assassination and firearm charges after prosecutors say he attacked the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at a Washington, DC, hotel on April 25. Allen was apprehended after firing a shotgun in the direction of the stairs leading to the ballroom area, prosecutors said in a court filing.

Allen's lawyers initially argued that he should be released before trial, citing his prior lack of criminal history, education, employment and support network. Prosecutors disagreed in an April 29 filing, saying as long as the president and his Cabinet continue to appear publicly, "the defendant’s motivation for violence remains."

Hegseth to face Congress again over Iran war

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is back on Capitol Hill today for more grilling from lawmakers over the Iran war. He faced intensive questions yesterday from members of Congress over the war’s ballooning costs , the deaths of six U.S. soldiers at the outset of the war and strikes that killed Iranian civilians.

Hegseth’s testimony comes as the U.S. war with Iran is at a military standstill, though the U.S. military continues to blockade Iranian ports. Gas across the country has risen to its highest price point in years: the average is now $4.30 per gallon.

Thanks for reading! Scroll down for more stories. You can reach me at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @ KathrynPlmr.