James Talarico won a Democratic primary in Texas, sparking discussions about whether Democrats can become more competitive in the state. Talarico, a former teacher, focused on building a large coalition by reaching out to Republicans and independents. Texas remains a challenging state for Democrats in elections.
Key Facts
James Talarico won a Democratic primary in Texas.
Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since the 1990s.
Talarico campaigned by reaching out to Republicans and independents.
He focused on issues like affordable housing, energy, and healthcare.
Texas has trended Republican, with the party winning about 54% of the vote in recent presidential elections.
Talarico seeks to build a broader coalition and appears on diverse media platforms.
His campaign raised funds following a controversy involving a late-night TV segment.
Democrats hope Talarico's strategy could make the party more competitive in Texas elections.
James Talarico won the Democratic primary for the Senate seat in Texas. He will face the winner of a Republican run-off in May between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. The midterm elections are significant because they influence control of Congress.
Key Facts
James Talarico defeated States Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for a Texas Senate seat.
Talarico will face either John Cornyn or Ken Paxton, depending on the May run-off results.
Cornyn is a long-time Republican Senator seeking a fifth term.
Ken Paxton, the state attorney general, is challenging Cornyn, and both are hoping for President Trump's endorsement.
The Republican primary included Wesley Hunt, who finished third and conceded.
Texas midterm elections are important for control of Congress and take place amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Jasmine Crockett's campaign plans to address voting issues in Dallas through legal means.
Cornyn and Paxton are competing to secure President Trump's support for their campaigns.
The FBI has released new documents about the 1971 airplane hijacking involving a man known as DB Cooper. After hijacking a plane and obtaining a $200,000 ransom, Cooper jumped from the plane with a parachute and was never found. The FBI files reveal their investigation into Raymond Sidney Russell, one of many possible suspects.
Key Facts
In 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper hijacked a plane, demanded $200,000, and jumped out with the ransom money, disappearing.
The hijacking occurred on November 24, 1971, on a Northwest Orient Airlines flight from Portland to Seattle.
Cooper claimed to have a bomb and demanded four parachutes and the ransom money.
After releasing the passengers in Seattle, Cooper ordered the plane to fly to Mexico City.
Cooper jumped from the plane between Seattle and Reno at around 8 p.m. and was never found.
The FBI considered over 800 suspects but never identified Cooper.
In 1980, a boy found $20 bills matching the ransom money near the Columbia River.
Raymond Sidney Russell, once a pilot, was investigated but denied involvement; he matches some descriptions given by the FBI documents.
Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman and the mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since January 31. Authorities suspect she was kidnapped and found evidence suggesting foul play, including blood on her porch. A forensic expert suggests her disappearance could be linked to a possible extortion plot due to her daughter's fame.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie and is 84 years old.
She was last seen on January 31 at her home near Tucson, Arizona.
Authorities suspect she was kidnapped after finding drops of her blood on the porch.
A doorbell camera showed a masked man on her porch the night she disappeared.
The FBI later identified the man as a suspect, describing him as about 5 feet, 9 or 10 inches tall with an average build.
A forensic expert suggested her disappearance might be linked to an extortion plot.
Concerns have been raised about her health, as she requires daily medication.
A Republican primary election in Texas is highlighting new divisions within the party as close allies of President Trump, without his endorsement, compete for votes. The race involves a runoff between Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. This election could show how the Republican Party functions when President Trump is not actively endorsing candidates.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump held a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, but chose not to endorse any candidate in the local primary election.
The primary race in Texas is between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn, with Paxton currently slightly behind Cornyn.
Paxton and Cornyn are both strong supporters of President Trump, voting in line with him most of the time.
A third candidate, Wesley Hunt, was eliminated after receiving 13.4% of votes.
The lack of Trump's endorsement has intensified the competition between the candidates.
The outcome may influence how the Republican Party operates after Trump's presidency.
The runoff election is scheduled for May 26.
Results from the first round of voting show Cornyn leading by a small margin.
U.S. hospitals are increasingly using food as a form of medicine to prevent chronic diseases. Studies show that poor diets contribute significantly to diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Some hospitals have started programs to help patients access healthy food, but challenges remain because food isn't always treated like other medical treatments.
Key Facts
U.S. spends more on health care per person than any other developed country but has high rates of chronic disease.
Experts say the U.S. health care system focuses more on treating sickness than preventing it.
Research shows poor diet plays a big role in diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
A study found that an unhealthy diet is responsible for 45% of cardiometabolic deaths in the U.S.
Americans get over half their calories from ultraprocessed foods, increasing chronic disease risk.
Mediterranean countries consume fewer ultraprocessed foods and have lower chronic disease rates.
Hospital programs are trying to integrate "food as medicine" but face challenges because food isn't always seen as a medical treatment.
Poor diets contribute to more than $50 billion in health costs annually in the U.S.
The recent Texas primaries marked the start of the march to the U.S. midterm elections. Democratic state representative James Talarico won his party's nomination for the U.S. Senate, while the Republican race between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Senator John Cornyn will go to a run-off in May. These races are important as they set the stage for which party might control Congress during the second half of President Trump's term.
Key Facts
The Texas primaries are the first step in the U.S. midterm election process.
James Talarico defeated Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat.
The Republican primary between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn will require a run-off as neither won more than 50% of votes.
The run-off election for the Republican seat is scheduled for May 26.
This election will influence which party controls Congress for the remainder of President Trump's term.
Cornyn has historically won re-elections easily but faced a tougher challenge from Paxton.
The Texas primaries attracted national attention as they may indicate broader political trends in the U.S.
President Donald Trump's approval rating among independent voters has increased slightly according to recent polls. This change follows a period of decreasing support from this key voter group, which is considered important for upcoming elections.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among independent voters has risen after a previous decline.
Independent voters can greatly influence election outcomes in the United States.
A December 2025 poll indicated just 33% of independents approved of Trump's performance.
By mid-January 2026, Trump's approval among independents decreased to 31%.
A poll in late February 2026 showed a small increase in approval to 34%.
These polls suggest a stabilization or slight rebound in Trump's standing with independents.
The margin of error for these polls ranged from 2.3 to 2.5 percentage points.
The polls aimed to reflect the U.S. adult population based on various demographics.
Starting April 1, Texas will restrict the use of SNAP benefits to prevent recipients from buying candy, gum, and sweetened drinks. These changes, affecting 3.3 million SNAP recipients in Texas, follow a waiver approved by the USDA. Similar rules exist in other states like Indiana and Oklahoma.
Key Facts
Texas will change how SNAP benefits can be used starting April 1.
SNAP recipients in Texas will not be able to use their benefits to buy candy, gum, or sweetened drinks.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission manages SNAP in Texas.
The federal government approved these changes in August 2025.
Sweetened drinks are defined as nonalcoholic drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Exceptions include milk-based drinks and those with over 50% fruit or vegetable juice.
The changes are part of a larger trend, as some other states already have similar restrictions.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission support these changes for better nutrition.
Texas Representative Tony Gonzales is facing a runoff election in the Republican primary for his seat after no candidate won more than 50% of the vote. The situation follows allegations against Gonzales, but he continues to deny any misconduct and has received support from President Trump. The runoff vote between Gonzales and Brandon Herrera is set for May 26.
Key Facts
Tony Gonzales is a Texas Republican Representative running for reelection in TX-23.
Gonzales and his challenger, Brandon Herrera, failed to secure a majority in a four-way primary election.
The runoff is scheduled for May 26, with Gonzales having 41.7% and Herrera 43.3% of the vote counted so far.
TX-23 has switched parties often and is a closely watched district concerning border issues.
Gonzales denies allegations of misconduct involving a former staffer who died by suicide.
The Texas Republican Party censured Gonzales in March 2023 for certain legislative positions.
President Trump endorsed Gonzales for reelection in 2024.
Brandon Herrera is a gun-rights activist and gun manufacturer.
President Trump's supporters celebrated after State Representative James Talarico defeated Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Senate Democratic primary. Crockett gave up her current U.S. House seat to run for Senate. A May runoff will decide whether Republican Senator John Cornyn or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will run against Talarico.
Key Facts
James Talarico won the Texas Senate Democratic primary against Jasmine Crockett.
Jasmine Crockett will leave her U.S. House seat after this year as she chose to run for Senate.
President Trump's supporters, also known as MAGA supporters, celebrated Crockett's loss.
The Associated Press announced Talarico's win early on Wednesday.
There will be a runoff election in May to decide the Republican candidate between Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Texas Representative Dan Crenshaw lost the Republican primary election to State Representative Steve Toth. Crenshaw did not receive an endorsement from President Donald Trump, and many from the MAGA movement criticized him using the term "RINO."
Key Facts
Dan Crenshaw lost the Republican primary election in Texas.
State Representative Steve Toth defeated Crenshaw.
Crenshaw did not get an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Senator Ted Cruz endorsed Steve Toth late in the primary.
The term "RINO," meaning "Republican in name only," was used by some MAGA supporters to criticize Crenshaw.
Political figures on social media commented on Crenshaw's loss.
This news story is still developing for further updates.
James Talarico won the Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, defeating Jasmine Crockett. He will face either John Cornyn or Ken Paxton, who are competing in a Republican runoff, in the general election. The primary drew significant attention and broke records for spending.
Key Facts
James Talarico claimed the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas.
He defeated Jasmine Crockett in the primary election.
Talarico will face the winner of a Republican runoff between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton.
The primary saw record levels of fundraising and advertising spending, totaling over $110 million.
Talarico raised more than $21 million by the end of the primary race.
Jasmine Crockett raised nearly $8.6 million, with much of it from her previous House campaign.
The Associated Press called the primary race for Talarico on Wednesday morning.
Democrats have not won a U.S. Senate seat in Texas since 1988.
James Talarico won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race in Texas, defeating Jasmine Crockett. Talarico received over half the votes and will now prepare to face a Republican opponent in the election. The election process involved some confusion in voting locations, affecting voter turnout.
Key Facts
James Talarico won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate race in Texas.
The Associated Press called the race in favor of Talarico with him getting 53.2% of the votes.
Jasmine Crockett, his opponent, received 45.5% of the votes with 60% of locations reporting.
Voting issues arose in Dallas County due to closed voting centers and extended polling hours.
Texas has not elected a statewide Democratic candidate since 1994.
Talarico's campaign had $4.8 million, while Crockett's campaign had $3.5 million in funds.
Political action committees spent millions on advertising for both candidates.
Talarico will face either John Cornyn or Ken Paxton, depending on the Republican primary runoff outcome.
Texas held its first primary elections for the 2026 midterms. Senator John Cornyn showed strong results, preventing an immediate loss to Attorney General Ken Paxton and setting up a May runoff. Controversies also arose in the Democratic Senate primary, with claims of voting issues.
Key Facts
Senator John Cornyn will compete against Attorney General Ken Paxton in a runoff election in May.
Concerns exist within the Republican Party about Paxton potentially losing in the general election.
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett claimed voter disenfranchisement in Dallas County, trailing behind State Rep. James Talarico.
Cornyn and Paxton's primary is costly, nearing $100 million, and both seek President Trump's endorsement.
Populist James Talarico outspent Crockett significantly in campaign advertising.
Redistricting led to GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw losing to State Rep. Steve Toth, and it created challenges for Rep. Al Green.
Democratic turnout, especially among Latino voters, surged in Texas, notably in the Rio Grande Valley.
In Texas' 34th district, Democratic primary participation was roughly double that of the Republican primary.
The United States is involved in military strikes with Israel against Iran, which is causing political disagreements in the U.S. Some conservatives, who typically support President Trump, are upset about the strikes. This disagreement is important because the U.S. will have midterm elections soon, which could affect President Trump's political support.
Key Facts
The United States and Israel conducted military strikes against Iran.
These strikes are affecting political views in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Some conservatives criticize President Trump's decision to support the strikes.
Influential conservative figures like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene have spoken against the conflict.
Conservatives argue the strikes go against "America First" principles.
All seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats are up for election soon.
These elections will influence President Trump's ability to pass his policy agenda.
Critics use past statements by Trump and his allies to argue against the current military action.
Former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper leads ex-Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in polls for North Carolina's 2026 U.S. Senate race. Both candidates won their party primaries, and the seat is currently held by retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis. The race is part of the 2026 midterm elections, with Republicans aiming to keep control of Congress.
Key Facts
Roy Cooper is the former Democratic Governor of North Carolina.
Michael Whatley is the former Chair of the Republican National Committee.
Both won their primary elections for the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina.
The seat is currently held by retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
Polls show Cooper with a lead over Whatley; one poll gives Cooper a 10-point lead.
North Carolina is considered a swing state and important for both parties in the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats last won a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina in 2008.
The upcoming election will be closely watched and involve significant spending.
The Texas Supreme Court decided that votes in Dallas County, cast after 7 p.m. due to extended voting hours, should be separated. This order goes against a U.S. District Court judge's decision to allow extended hours in some counties. The change in where people vote led to confusion about where their votes would be counted.
Key Facts
The Texas Supreme Court ordered late votes in Dallas County to be separated from those cast before 7 p.m.
A U.S. District Court previously allowed polling places to stay open later in certain counties.
The voting confusion came from changing the rule that let people vote at any location to requiring them to go to a specific precinct.
Many voters arrived at their usual polling places but couldn't vote there due to new rules.
Dallas County Democratic Party Chair filed an emergency request that led to the initial extension order.
U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett expressed uncertainty about when final election results would be known.
The counting status of ballots cast after 7 p.m. in Dallas remains unclear.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Senator John Cornyn did not get enough votes to win the Texas Republican Senate primary directly. They will face each other in a runoff election in May to decide who will be the Republican nominee. Both spent a lot on their campaigns, making this one of the most expensive primaries in Texas.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton and John Cornyn are going to a runoff because neither got over 50% of the votes.
The winner of the runoff will likely have a strong chance in the November election, as Texas usually elects Republicans.
This primary has been costly, with candidates and their supporters spending a lot on ads.
Public polls showed Paxton slightly ahead of Cornyn before the primary vote.
Paxton’s support grew due to his role as attorney general and backing from President Trump.
Cornyn relied on his experience and support from major Republican groups who spent over $50 million on his behalf.
Prediction markets favored Paxton to win the primary.
The May runoff will determine the Republican Senate nominee for Texas.
Democratic Texas state Representative Gina Hinojosa won the Democratic nomination for governor, setting up a race against Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Polls show Abbott leading Hinojosa in the run-up to the general election on November 3.
Key Facts
Gina Hinojosa won the Democratic primary with 60.5% of the vote.
Greg Abbott has been Texas Governor since 2014 and could become the longest-serving governor if re-elected.
Recent polls show Abbott leading Hinojosa by 7 to 8 percentage points.
Abbott has more support among men, white, Latino, and older voters.
Hinojosa is favored by women, Black voters, college-educated voters, and Gen Z.
In the upcoming general election, some prediction markets give Democrats around an 18% chance of winning the governor's race.
