A bill in Tennessee might make it easier for people to own pet raccoons by removing a state permit fee for legally bred raccoons. The bill does not allow capturing wild raccoons or change health and vaccination rules for the animals.
Key Facts
The bill, advancing in Tennessee, removes the permit fee for legally bred raccoons.
It does not legalize capturing wild raccoons or eliminate existing state oversight.
Raccoons must still be obtained from licensed breeders and meet state vaccination requirements.
The proposal was introduced by Senator Joey Hensley and Representative Kip Capley.
The bill has passed the Tennessee Senate and is moving through the House.
Animal experts warn raccoons pose care challenges and can carry diseases.
Critics express concern that reduced barriers may lead to more risky pet ownership.
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The IRS rules on claiming a child as a dependent can complicate tax filing for divorced or separated parents. Generally, the parent who has custody for most of the year can claim the child, not necessarily the one who pays child support. To transfer these rights to the noncustodial parent, a specific IRS form must be filed.
Key Facts
Over 4 million people pay child support in the U.S. each year.
IRS rules link the ability to claim a dependent child mainly to custody, not child support payments.
A child can be claimed if they are under 19, or under 24 if a full-time student, or any age if permanently disabled.
The Child Tax Credit is up to $2,200 per child, with up to $1,700 refundable.
Custodial parents can transfer the right to claim a child to the noncustodial parent using IRS Form 8332.
Without Form 8332, the IRS may deny the dependency claim regardless of custody agreements.
The credit begins to phase out for high-income earners.
To claim the Child Tax Credit, children must have a valid Social Security number.
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Civil rights groups across the United States are moving to distance themselves from César Chavez following allegations of sexual abuse. Many events, holidays, and spaces previously celebrating Chavez are being renamed or rebranded to focus on broader labor rights.
Key Facts
Allegations have surfaced that César Chavez sexually abused women and girls in the 1960s.
Many civil rights groups and leaders are renaming events previously dedicated to Chavez.
In Tucson, Arizona, the annual march and rally were rebranded as a community and labor fair.
In Minnesota, lawmakers voted to remove the César Chavez holiday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill to rename César Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day.
Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill to rename the voluntary state holiday.
Renaming efforts are underway for schools, streets, and other public locations across the U.S.
Feelings of betrayal and anger have been expressed by those involved in organizing Chávez-related events.
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The U.S. government has started sending paychecks to TSA workers after a prolonged period without pay. This may help reduce long wait times at airport security checkpoints, but it's unclear when operations will fully return to normal.
Key Facts
U.S. government is sending the first paychecks in weeks to TSA workers.
Long wait times at some airport security checkpoints have improved.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is holding a news conference at 1 p.m. EDT.
The impact of President Trump's executive order on TSA will be discussed.
The exact time for operations to return fully to normal is still uncertain.
TSA workers had faced delays in payments, affecting airport operations.
The spring break travel season is increasing airport traffic.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is dealing with an ethics complaint about campaign spending. A conservative group claims she used $19,000 from her campaign funds for psychiatric services instead of campaign expenses.
Key Facts
The ethics complaint is against Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
A conservative group, the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), filed the complaint.
The complaint alleges $19,000 was used for psychiatric services.
The group claims the expense was reported as "leadership training and consulting."
The complaint requests an investigation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the Office of Congressional Conduct.
Payments were allegedly made to Dr. Brian Boyle in 2025.
Ocasio-Cortez's office has not yet commented on the complaint.
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The personal finance website WalletHub ranked the healthiest and least healthy cities in the U.S. based on factors like health care, food, fitness, and green space. San Francisco was named the healthiest city, while Brownsville, Texas, was ranked the least healthy.
Key Facts
WalletHub ranked over 180 U.S. cities on health factors.
San Francisco was declared the healthiest city in the study.
Key factors in the rankings included health care, food access, fitness facilities, and green spaces.
Indicators used in the study numbered 41, divided into four main areas: health care, food, fitness, and green space.
San Diego was ranked as the second healthiest city.
Seattle, the third healthiest city, had the highest physical activity rate among adults.
Brownsville, Texas, was ranked as the least healthy city.
The report suggests that city living can influence residents' health by offering access to healthy food, exercise opportunities, and health care.
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The U.S. economy today uses less energy compared to past decades, which helps it deal with possible energy price spikes from conflicts like the war in Iran. Rising wages also mean energy costs are a smaller part of household expenses now compared to previous energy crises such as the one in 1991.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy is less reliant on energy now compared to the past.
Service industries that use less energy make up a larger portion of the U.S. economy.
Industrial sectors have become more energy-efficient over time.
Current gasoline prices require a household to spend a smaller part of their budget on fuel compared to previous years.
A gallon of gas in March 2026 costs approximately $4, meaning workers need to work 6.3 minutes to buy one gallon.
Previously, during high price periods like 2008, it took workers more time to afford a gallon of gas.
Gasoline prices would need to hit $7.05 a gallon to match the economic impact of high prices in 2008 relative to wages.
Average hourly earnings are over $37, supporting households against current fuel prices.
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Mark Sanford, a former South Carolina governor and congressman, is trying to return to Congress. He filed to run for a seat in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, which he has held before. Sanford is focusing his campaign on financial issues.
Key Facts
Mark Sanford is a former governor of South Carolina and a former congressman.
Sanford had an extramarital affair in 2009 that affected his political career.
He is running in the Republican primary for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
The current holder of this seat is Representative Nancy Mace.
Sanford has previously held this Congressional seat twice.
His campaign emphasizes fiscal restraint and managing the national debt.
Sanford believes voters want representatives who focus on financial responsibility.
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Internal emails have revealed that a senior official from the Department of Homeland Security suggested using physical force against protestors during demonstrations in Los Angeles. The protests were a response to immigration enforcement actions by federal agencies, leading to criticism and legal challenges against President Trump's administration. The emails also detailed discussions about legal actions related to the deployment of the National Guard in California.
Key Facts
Joseph Mazzara, a senior official, suggested using force to disperse protestors in Los Angeles.
The comments were revealed through emails obtained by American Oversight via a Freedom of Information Act request.
The protests were against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles.
California Governor Gavin Newsom sued the Trump administration over the National Guard deployment.
Mazzara referred to an incident involving protestors and a security line as "wild."
The emails were part of discussions about a lawsuit filed over the deployment of National Guard troops.
The use of federal force during immigration enforcement has been controversial during President Trump's term.
Mazzara later became deputy commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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The United States has reopened its embassy in Venezuela after being closed for seven years. The embassy in Caracas had been shut down in 2019 during President Trump's first term due to strained relations. The reopening is part of President Trump's plan to engage more with Venezuela's interim government and other groups.
Key Facts
The U.S. reopened its embassy in Venezuela after seven years.
The embassy had been closed since 2019.
Closure occurred during President Trump's first term.
Operations were previously managed through an office in Colombia.
The reopening is part of a three-phase plan for Venezuela.
It aims to strengthen U.S. interactions with Venezuela's interim government and civil society.
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A retired Army general named Shawn Harris is running for Congress in Georgia's conservative 14th District. He hopes to win the seat that Marjorie Taylor Greene left after resigning. Harris will face Republican Clay Fuller in a runoff election on April 7.
Key Facts
Shawn Harris is running as a Democrat in Georgia's 14th District.
Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from her position after disagreements with President Trump.
Pete Buttigieg supported Harris by speaking at an event in Rome, Georgia.
Harris is a retired Army general and farmer from Rockmart, Georgia.
Harris previously lost to Marjorie Taylor Greene in an election.
Republicans doubt Harris' chances due to the district's conservative nature.
Early voting for the runoff election begins on a Monday before April 7.
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A survey of lobbyists in Washington, D.C. suggests that President Trump's immigration policies may harm the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections. Many Republican lobbyists believe these policies, especially actions taken by ICE and CBP, could damage the party's chances. The survey also indicates that voters are more concerned about issues like inflation and the economy than immigration.
Key Facts
A survey by Punchbowl News found that over 75% of Republican lobbyists think Trump's immigration enforcement could hurt the GOP in midterms.
The survey included responses collected between February 10 and March 2.
The survey showed that only 17% of Republican respondents felt Trump's immigration policies would help the party.
88% of K Street leaders believe the administration's immigration approach could harm Republicans.
Immigration did not rank among the top three issues for voters, according to the survey; inflation and economy were prioritized.
There is a noted division within the Republican Party on immigration enforcement tactics.
The GOP aims to retain congressional control, while Democrats seek to win back the House.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised Trump's leadership for securing the U.S. border.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating fell to an all-time low, according to a new poll by the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The survey showed 33% approval and 62% disapproval from respondents. The poll results have implications for the Republican party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
A University of Massachusetts Amherst poll showed President Trump's approval rating at 33%.
62% of respondents disapproved of Trump’s job performance.
The poll surveyed 1,000 people between March 20-25.
The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
In July 2025, Trump’s approval was 38%, with 56% disapproving.
In April 2025, 44% approved of Trump, while 51% disapproved.
The recent drop in approval comes amid the Iran war and economic issues like rising gas prices and inflation.
Trump’s approval rating is important for Republican prospects in the 2026 midterm elections.
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Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed with a U.S. Supreme Court decision not to hear an appeal in a murder conviction case from Louisiana. She argues that the court is not following its earlier rulings, which should have allowed for the appeal. Her dissent suggests that the accused could face life in prison due to this decision.
Key Facts
The case involves James Skinner, who was convicted of murder.
Skinner claims that important evidence was not shared during his trial, which could have altered the outcome.
Sotomayor referenced a past case, Wearry v. Cain (2016), where the court overturned a similar conviction.
The Supreme Court decided not to hear Skinner's appeal, which leaves the original conviction in place.
Justice Sotomayor emphasized the importance of applying equal justice as reflected in past court decisions.
The outcome means that Skinner may remain imprisoned while another related defendant is free.
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The Trump administration claims that Representative Ilhan Omar committed immigration fraud, though no evidence has been made public to support these accusations. Omar, who became a U.S. citizen in 2000, denies the claims, and no legal action has been taken against her for immigration-related offenses.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance accused Representative Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud in a podcast interview.
Omar's office denied these claims, calling them a lie and a distraction.
Ilhan Omar is a naturalized U.S. citizen since 2000 and cannot be deported unless her citizenship is legally revoked.
The process of denaturalization requires a court decision, proving citizenship was obtained by fraud.
Accusations against Omar have not resulted in any charges or legal actions.
Tom Homan, President Trump's border advisor, mentioned an investigation into Omar for alleged fraud.
Omar immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee from Somalia in 1995.
Claims against her, including one about marrying her brother, have been widely debunked.
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The Old Farmer’s Almanac has shared its weather predictions for April 2026 across different regions of the United States. These forecasts detail expected weather patterns such as rain, sunshine, and temperature changes in different areas throughout the month.
Key Facts
The Northeast is expected to see a mix of rain, sunshine, and temperature shifts throughout April.
The Atlantic Corridor will have rainy, warm weather early in the month, followed by sunny periods and then more showers.
Appalachians will experience both sunny and rainy weather, with changing temperatures.
The Southeast will start sunny and warm, shifting to thunderstorms and cooler weather later in the month.
Florida will have mostly sunny conditions, with some isolated showers and cooler temperatures late in the month.
The Lower Lakes region will see periods of rain and varying temperatures throughout April.
Ohio Valley’s weather will feature storms, rain, and a mix of warm and cooler days.
The Deep South will enjoy sunny, warm conditions, interspersed with rain and thunderstorms.
The Upper Midwest will experience thunderstorms, sun, and varying temperatures, with rain returning towards the end of the month.
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A passenger at an airport was surprised by a gate agent's kindness after realizing they had booked a ticket without a carry-on bag. Instead of charging for the bag, the agent discreetly tagged it and allowed the passenger to board without extra fees. The incident went viral online, receiving praise for the gate agent's compassionate gesture.
Key Facts
A passenger realized their ticket did not include a carry-on bag shortly before boarding.
The passenger prepared to pay for their carry-on but was helped by a gate agent who tagged the bag without charging.
The post about this kindness gained 1.1 million views online.
In 2024, U.S. airlines earned over $7.2 billion from baggage fees.
American Airlines, United, and Delta were top earners in baggage fees.
Users online praised the gate agent for her kind and surprising action.
Post comments highlighted the daily pressures and frequent challenges faced by airline gate agents.
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A nurse in Chicago became popular online after a camera recorded her trying to use her hospital ID to open her front door. Exhausted from a long night shift and additional hours, she mistakenly tried to unlock her door with her work badge, an error that resonated with many viewers, especially those in healthcare.
Key Facts
The nurse is Anna Skinner, a registered respiratory therapist with over 20 years of experience.
She works long hours, often including overtime, in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
A video showed her trying to unlock her front door with her hospital ID badge at 3 a.m.
The clip gained over 60,000 likes as many found it relatable and humorous.
Skinner's work includes three regular 12-hour night shifts each week, sometimes with extra shifts.
Viewers recognized her as a healthcare worker based on the incident.
Skinner shared the video to highlight the long hours healthcare workers face and the role humor plays in handling exhaustion.
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Several U.S. states are starting to enforce new rules on what can be bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These changes aim to limit purchases of certain sugary drinks and candies to encourage healthier eating. Texas and West Virginia are among the states implementing these restrictions.
Key Facts
SNAP helps about 40 million people in the U.S. buy groceries.
Texas will start blocking SNAP purchases of certain candies and sugary drinks from April 2026.
West Virginia began banning soda purchases with SNAP on January 1, 2026.
By April 1, West Virginia retailers must fully comply with the soda ban.
Colorado plans to implement similar rules but has delayed them until after April 30, 2026.
Florida is set to limit SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and desserts starting April 20, 2026.
Texas will allow many snacks like granola bars and popcorn to remain eligible for SNAP purchases.
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Large protests called "No Kings" took place across the United States, where people demonstrated against President Trump's administration. Singer Bruce Springsteen joined the rallies, which featured effigies of Trump and other officials. A White House spokesperson dismissed the protests as insignificant.
Key Facts
Protests were held in multiple U.S. cities against President Trump's administration.
This was the third event in a series of "No Kings" rallies.
Attendees displayed effigies of President Trump and other government officials.
Bruce Springsteen participated in the rallies.
The White House referred to the protests as "Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions."
The BBC could not confirm the number of participants in the protests.
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