A new poll shows a close race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary for the U.S. Senate election. Paxton leads slightly with 47% support compared to Cornyn's 42%, with a runoff election set for May 26 as neither candidate secured a majority in the initial primary.
Key Facts
The Republican primary decides who will compete against Democrat James Talarico in the November general election.
The latest poll gives Paxton a narrow lead over Cornyn, with Paxton at 47% and Cornyn at 42%.
12% of voters remain undecided according to the poll.
An endorsement from President Trump might influence the race outcome, though Paxton currently leads regardless.
In past surveys, the race between Cornyn and Paxton has been very close.
A runoff election will occur on May 26, as no candidate won a majority in the primary.
Senator Cornyn's stance on gun control and immigration has been noted in the polling analysis.
Voter enthusiasm appears higher among Paxton's supporters compared to Cornyn's.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating on his economic policies has dropped since he introduced tariffs on imported goods a year ago. The Supreme Court recently ruled against many of these tariffs, stating that the power to impose them lies with Congress. This development may affect voter opinions, especially before the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced tariffs on imported goods on April 2, 2025, known as "Liberation Day."
His approval rating on economic issues fell to 35%, with 60% disapproving, according to recent polls.
The Supreme Court ruled against many of Trump's tariffs in a 6-3 decision, stating the President overstepped his authority.
The majority opinion said Congress, not the President, holds the power to impose tariffs.
Recent polls show varying approval ratings, but generally indicate a decrease in support compared to the previous year.
The White House claims the tariffs have led to new trade deals and manufacturing growth.
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More than 514,000 residents of Maine might receive a one-time $300 payment if a new budget proposal is approved. This proposal involves a tax surcharge on the state’s wealthiest individuals. The plan aims to provide financial help to middle- and lower-income residents facing rising living costs.
Key Facts
A proposal in Maine could give over 514,000 residents a $300 relief payment.
The payments would be funded by a tax on the state's highest earners.
The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee in Maine voted 8-4 in favor of the budget proposal.
A proposed 2% tax would apply to income over $1 million, affecting 0.4% of taxpayers.
This tax is expected to bring in about $100 million in 2027.
The funds aim to reduce the financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households.
Governor Janet Mills supports the surcharge to maintain essential services and help residents.
Some opponents argue this tax could discourage wealthy individuals from living in Maine.
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The White House responded to Don Lemon's comments about considering a run for President by dismissing him as someone not taken seriously. Lemon, a former CNN anchor, mentioned on a podcast that he has thought about running for the presidency, asserting that he could lead the country better than President Donald Trump. He clarified that he has no immediate plans to enter politics.
Key Facts
Don Lemon, former CNN anchor, stated on a podcast he was considering a presidential run.
The White House dismissed Lemon's remarks, calling him a "low ratings loser."
Lemon said he believes he could run the country better than President Donald Trump.
Lemon would need to change his voter registration to Democrat to run.
A White House spokesperson and the Director of Communications commented negatively on Lemon's potential candidacy.
Lemon compared his potential candidacy to Barack Obama’s rise as an unconventional candidate.
Lemon acknowledged people might find the idea of his candidacy unrealistic or amusing.
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A student from DePaul University in Chicago was charged after allegedly spitting on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent at O'Hare International Airport. The student, Brett Heier, faces a felony charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer, though his attorney claims the incident may have been unintentional.
Key Facts
Brett Heier, a 20-year-old student, was charged with spitting on an ICE agent at Chicago's O’Hare Airport.
Heier faces a charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer, which is a felony.
Heier’s attorney argues the contact might have been accidental, suggesting the spit may have only hit the agent's shoe.
The identification of Heier was confirmed through a photo lineup.
Heier was arrested by Chicago police and later released after his court appearance.
ICE reported an increase in assaults against its agents amid a heavy deportation program.
A government shutdown affected DHS funding, impacting airport operations and prompting ICE to assist at airports.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order for TSA officers to receive pay during the funding disruption.
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A claim that the TSA would require clear carry-on bags was shared online on April 1 but was later exposed as an April Fools' joke. The TSA has not announced any such policy change, and the post was meant as a satire piece.
Key Facts
The claim about TSA requiring clear carry-on bags started as an April Fools' Day joke on April 1.
The travel website Upgraded Points published the initial article claiming the policy change.
The article suggested this policy would speed up security and reduce manual checks.
It claimed major airports would start the initiative, with wider implementation planned by 2027.
Product images and details gave the claim a look of legitimacy, though it was fictitious.
The article was later updated to confirm it was a joke with no basis in TSA policy.
TSA continues to follow its existing rules on prohibited items and screening procedures.
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A refugee named Nurul Amin Shah Alam died in New York after being released by U.S. immigration authorities. His death was ruled a homicide due to medical complications worsened by cold weather and dehydration. U.S. officials and local leaders are debating the circumstances of his release and subsequent death.
Key Facts
Nurul Amin Shah Alam was a refugee from Myanmar and was nearly blind.
Shah Alam died from a perforated ulcer, hypothermia, and dehydration.
Officials ruled his death a homicide but did not imply criminal intent.
Shah Alam was found dead five days after being released from U.S. Border Patrol custody.
He had been dropped off at a coffee shop in Buffalo, New York.
The local temperature ranged from 35°F to 20°F during his release.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated his death was unrelated to their actions.
Shah Alam had previously been arrested due to a misunderstanding and had a criminal record according to CBP.
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In New York City, a seven-month-old baby girl was shot and killed while in her stroller during a suspected gang-related shooting in Brooklyn. Police captured the suspected shooter, but the driver of the vehicle involved is still being sought. The incident has sparked calls to address gun violence in the city.
Key Facts
A seven-month-old baby girl was killed by a gunshot while in a stroller in Brooklyn, New York City.
Police believe the shooting was related to gang activities and that the baby was not the intended target.
The incident occurred during the day, with two men riding against traffic on a motorbike when the shooting happened.
The suspected shooter was apprehended after the motorbike crashed, but the driver is still at large.
The event has been described as a tragic example of the impact of gun violence in the city.
Emergency services responded quickly, taking the injured baby to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
No other injuries were reported from the shooting.
Authorities are continuing to investigate to connect the captured suspect with the crime.
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Starting in 2023, Americans aged 50 and over earning $150,000 or more will need to make their catch-up contributions to Roth 401(k) accounts, meaning these contributions will be taxed up front. This change is due to the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 and does not affect standard retirement contributions or those earning below the income threshold.
Key Facts
New rules apply to workers aged 50 or older earning $150,000 or more.
Catch-up contributions must now go to Roth 401(k) accounts with already-taxed income.
The change stems from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.
Standard contributions remain unchanged and are still tax-deferred.
Workers below the $150,000 income threshold are not impacted by this rule.
Roth 401(k) contributions are taxed now, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
The requirement is based on prior year's W-2 earnings.
Roth accounts offer more flexibility in retirement due to tax-free withdrawals.
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A group of Senate Democrats introduced a bill to provide tax rebates to Americans affected by higher prices due to tariffs imposed by President Trump's administration. The proposed Tariff Refunds for Working Families Act aims to return tariff revenue to working- and middle-income families who faced increased costs. The bill responds to court rulings that judged some of these tariffs as unlawful.
Key Facts
The bill seeks to issue tax rebates to offset tariff-related price hikes on essential goods.
President Trump imposed tariffs that courts, including the Supreme Court, later found unlawful.
The rebate plan targets working- and middle-income households, aiming to ease financial pressure.
Eligible individuals could receive $600, with higher amounts for families, up to $2,400.
The rebates would use existing tariff revenue, which totals over $160 billion.
Several Senate Democrats co-sponsored the bill.
The plan is designed to provide relief without adding to the national deficit by using existing funds.
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A Texas teacher, Luke Hales, met a former student named Ava who revealed she had tattooed a supportive message he once wrote for her during a tough time. The reunion highlighted the lasting impact he had on her and sparked widespread online engagement, with many sharing similar experiences of influential teachers.
Key Facts
Luke Hales, a teacher from Texas, has been in education for over 20 years.
He recently reunited with a former student, Ava, who showed him a tattoo of a message he wrote on a Post-it note for her during a difficult period.
The message on her tattoo was "You OK, kiddo?"
This interaction deeply moved Hales and was shared widely on social media, getting over 679,000 views and 19,100 likes.
Comments on his post included personal stories from people who had similar experiences with caring teachers.
Hales believes the role of a teacher involves building relationships and creating a supportive environment for students.
He has taught multiple subjects and grade levels, with a focus on English and working with marginalized students.
Ava expressed that Hales' support during her struggles was life-changing for her.
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President Donald Trump criticized musician Bruce Springsteen after Springsteen made political comments during his concert. President Trump called Springsteen a "dried up prune" and urged his supporters to boycott the musician's concerts.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Bruce Springsteen on Truth Social.
Trump referred to Springsteen as a "dried up prune" and a "very boring singer."
Springsteen made political comments at the start of his tour in Minneapolis.
He described current times as "very dark" for America.
Springsteen criticized the actions of the current White House.
President Trump urged the MAGA movement to boycott Springsteen's concerts.
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A new poll shows that Republicans currently have an edge in the 2026 Florida governor's race, but the competition is close. Democrat David Jolly, formerly a Republican, is a key contender against Republican Byron Donalds.
Key Facts
The poll was done by Emerson College and surveyed 1,125 likely voters between March 29-31, 2026.
In a potential election, Byron Donalds leads with 44% over David Jolly's 39%, while 15% are undecided.
The poll’s credibility interval (similar to margin of error) is +/- 2.8%.
A separate matchup between Jolly and Casey DeSantis shows Jolly at 40% and DeSantis at 39%.
Republicans show more unity, with Donalds leading the GOP primary at 46% and Jay Collins at 4%.
The Democratic primary is less clear, with Jolly at 21% and Jerry Demings at 10%, and 53% of voters undecided.
The poll highlights that Hispanic voters in Florida are nearly evenly split between Donalds and Jolly.
In other races, GOP Senator Ashley Moody leads against Democratic opponents.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating among lower-income Americans has dropped significantly, according to recent polls. This change could affect Republican chances in upcoming elections, as working-class voters are a key part of Trump's support base.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among Americans earning less than $50,000 has dropped.
A CNN/SSRS poll from January 2026 showed 38% approval and 60% disapproval among this group.
By March 2026, approval fell to 29%, and disapproval rose to 70%.
This decline leads to a net approval change of minus 41 points in March.
The polls involved over 1,200 adults and had a sampling error of about ±3 percentage points.
Working-class voters are crucial to Trump’s political base, especially in industrial and rural areas.
The shifts are occurring amid an uncertain economic outlook and ongoing international conflicts.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing challenges with his budget proposal and dealing with a recent tragic event involving a shooting. He is trying to fulfill campaign promises like free child care, but his budget plan is met with opposition from state leaders and the city council. There are debates on how to address a budget gap, with Mamdani proposing tax increases and the council suggesting alternative funding methods.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the current Mayor of New York City and a Democratic Socialist.
Mamdani is working to pass his budget plan against opposition from the city council and state leaders.
A recent tragic event, a shooting of a baby in Brooklyn, has brought attention to city violence.
Mamdani aims to provide free child care and fulfill other campaign promises.
His budget proposal includes raising income taxes on millionaires and increasing corporate taxes.
If tax increases do not occur, Mamdani suggests raising property taxes by 9.5%.
The New York City Council proposed an alternative budget plan without raising property taxes.
The council's plan includes creative funding ideas like renting out vaults under the Brooklyn Bridge, which Mamdani's administration opposes.
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The article discusses the misconceptions people often have about individuals who have served time in prison and their potential for rehabilitation. It focuses on the author's personal experience of serving seven years in prison and how society views second chances for those with criminal records.
Key Facts
The author served a seven-year prison sentence in Arizona.
She is now a nonprofit CEO and has held significant roles in global companies.
The article highlights Second Chance Month, which focuses on rehabilitation of formerly incarcerated individuals.
The author emphasizes that many people in prison are not fundamentally different from others but lack legitimate opportunities.
Society often holds stereotypes about those who have been in prison, failing to see their full potential.
The author argues that people need to change their assumptions about those with criminal records.
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New rules under a law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act mean that thousands of immigrants legally in the U.S. are losing access to food assistance benefits in California and Illinois. The changes reduce the number of noncitizens who can get help and are now being implemented.
Key Facts
California and Illinois are applying new SNAP restrictions that affect many immigrants.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, limits SNAP benefits for many noncitizens.
Around 72,000 lawfully present immigrants in California may lose their benefits.
SNAP access is now mainly for U.S. citizens and green card holders who meet certain conditions.
The act also keeps some Cuban and Haitian entrants eligible for SNAP.
The changes started in California and Illinois on April 1, 2026.
Other states, like Minnesota, began implementing these rules at different times.
People losing benefits often turn to food banks, which are already under strain.
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A video posted by Dr. Annie Andrews, who is opposing Senator Lindsey Graham in the upcoming South Carolina Senate election, shows people in his hometown urging his retirement. The video claims to include Graham's neighbors and former classmates. Senator Graham has served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and is running for another term.
Key Facts
Dr. Annie Andrews is running against Senator Lindsey Graham in the South Carolina Senate race.
Andrews shared a video on Instagram depicting support for her campaign against Graham.
The video allegedly features some of Graham's neighbors and former classmates.
Senator Graham has been serving in the U.S. Senate since 2003.
Graham is currently seeking his fifth term in office.
In the video, people held signs that said "stop Lindsey Graham."
Newsweek reached out to both Graham and Andrews for comments.
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A woman shared her experience attending a wedding in the southern United States that had several unexpected elements, such as a cramped hallway ceremony and an alcohol-free reception. She and other guests noted the limited drink options and unconventional setting contributed to a tense atmosphere, causing many attendees to leave early.
Key Facts
The wedding ceremony was held in a cramped hallway, not a traditional venue.
Guests had difficulty seeing the couple due to the layout.
The reception offered only water, unsweetened iced tea, and hot chocolate.
Sweet tea, popular in Southern culture, was not available.
Many guests left early, some heading to the bar at a nearby hotel.
The bride's parents, who were against alcohol, paid for the wedding.
Discussions about dry weddings often mention their impact on guest experience.
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Recent polls show a sharp decline in President Donald Trump's approval rating among Generation Z, which includes people aged 18 to 34. This change comes as the approval rating for this age group has dropped from 30% in January 2026 to 20% by late March.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among Gen Z fell from 30% in January 2026 to 20% by late March.
Gen Z disapproval of Trump increased from 69% in January to 80% in late March.
The surveys were conducted by CNN/SSRS and had a few percentage points margin of error.
President Trump's overall net approval rating among young adults is now minus 60.
Younger voters were an important demographic in Trump's 2024 presidential victory.
The decline in approval ratings comes as the U.S. faces foreign war concerns and economic issues.
Gen Z now shows strong opposition to Trump compared to older age groups.
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