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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Republicans Pull Off Shock Result in Virginia Special Election

Republicans Pull Off Shock Result in Virginia Special Election

Summary

A Republican candidate, Andrew Rice, won a special election for Virginia's House of Delegates in District 98, securing 62.46% of the vote. This victory goes against a recent trend where Democrats have been winning Republican-held seats. The election was held after the previous Republican seat-holder, Barry Knight, passed away.

Key Facts

  • Andrew Rice won 62.46% of the vote in a special election for Virginia's House District 98.
  • The Democrat candidate, Cheryl Smith, received 37.5% of the vote.
  • The seat became vacant after Republican Barry Knight died.
  • In the last election for the seat in 2025, Knight won with 56.6% of the vote.
  • This result contradicts a recent trend of Democrats winning seats from Republicans.
  • The special election was to fill the remainder of Knight's term until the next regular election.
  • Democrats hold the majority in Virginia's House of Delegates.
  • This Republican win aids their party's efforts to challenge Democratic control in the House.
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Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff Faces Recall Effort Over Case

Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff Faces Recall Effort Over Case

Summary

An effort led by Arizona Republican congressional candidate Daniel Butierez aims to recall Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. This action is related to Nanos's handling of the case of missing Nancy Guthrie, with criticisms also stemming from discrepancies in his resume.

Key Facts

  • Daniel Butierez is leading the recall effort against Sheriff Chris Nanos.
  • Butierez claims to have hundreds of volunteers gathering signatures.
  • The recall effort is described as bipartisan.
  • Criticisms of Nanos focus on his handling of the Nancy Guthrie case.
  • Reports suggest Nanos misstated his past work experience on his resume.
  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing since January 31 from Tucson, Arizona.
  • Authorities suspect Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped.
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Fatal Shooting Hits New Mexico Air Force Base: What To Know

Fatal Shooting Hits New Mexico Air Force Base: What To Know

Summary

A shooting occurred at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, resulting in one death and one person injured. The base was temporarily locked down, but officials later confirmed there was no ongoing threat.

Key Facts

  • One person was killed, and another was injured in a shooting.
  • The incident took place at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.
  • The base was placed on lockdown around 5:30 p.m.
  • The lockdown was lifted after base security confirmed no ongoing threat.
  • Emergency responders were on the scene to manage the situation.
  • The base issued a statement saying the situation is under control.
  • The convenience store on base will remain closed until further notice.
  • Authorities have not released the names of those involved.
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Daniel Biss Wins Illinois 9th District Primary After AIPAC Drops Millions

Daniel Biss Wins Illinois 9th District Primary After AIPAC Drops Millions

Summary

Daniel Biss won the Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District. Several groups associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent more than $4 million during the election. Biss secured the nomination with 29.5% of the vote, with nearly all votes counted.

Key Facts

  • Daniel Biss won the Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District.
  • AIPAC-affiliated groups spent over $4 million on the race.
  • Biss received 29.5% of the vote, with 91% of votes counted.
  • The primary followed Jan Schakowsky’s retirement from the position.
  • Key contenders included Daniel Biss, Kat Abughazaleh, and Laura Fine.
  • Polls for the district closed at 7 p.m. local time on the election day.
  • The district is considered safely Democratic, with Schakowsky having received 68% of the vote in 2024.
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Juliana Stratton Illinois Senate Primary Win Is Good News for JB Pritzker

Juliana Stratton Illinois Senate Primary Win Is Good News for JB Pritzker

Summary

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for the Illinois Senate seat, backed by Governor JB Pritzker. This victory supports Pritzker's influence in the Democratic Party as he seeks a third term as governor. Stratton's campaign highlighted successes in Illinois under Pritzker's leadership, such as raising the minimum wage and expanding healthcare protections.

Key Facts

  • Juliana Stratton won the Illinois Democratic primary for Senate.
  • The seat is being vacated by retiring Senator Dick Durbin.
  • Governor JB Pritzker supported Stratton, linking her win to his own political influence.
  • Stratton's campaign focused on achievements under Pritzker, like minimum wage increases.
  • The race was seen as a reflection of Pritzker's leadership and potential for a third term.
  • Pritzker invested millions in super PACs supporting Stratton.
  • Stratton's victory demonstrated Pritzker's sway in the Democratic Party.
  • The Congressional Black Caucus criticized Pritzker for his involvement in the primary.
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Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE

Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE

Summary

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Lisa Stratton won the Democratic primary to replace Senator Dick Durbin, with immigration enforcement being a major issue in the race. All leading candidates want to change or abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but they differ in how far they want to go.

Key Facts

  • Lisa Stratton won the Democratic primary to replace retiring Senator Dick Durbin in Illinois.
  • Governor JB Pritzker endorsed Stratton and provided millions in campaign funds.
  • All top candidates pledged to oppose President Trump's immigration policies, especially enforcement by ICE.
  • Stratton wants to abolish ICE and prosecute agents who break the law.
  • Robin Kelly proposes dismantling both ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • Raja Krishnamoorthi supports defunding ICE and increased oversight but does not call for its abolition.
  • "Operation Midway Blitz" was an ICE crackdown in Chicago that led to protests and criticism.
  • Many Illinois voters want less aggressive ICE actions, reflecting broader Democratic views on immigration enforcement.
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Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Democratic primary for Durbin's Senate seat

Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Democratic primary for Durbin's Senate seat

Summary

Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, with support from key figures like Gov. JB Pritzker. She will face Republican Don Tracy in the November general election.

Key Facts

  • Juliana Stratton is the Illinois Lt. Governor.
  • She won the Democratic primary for a Senate seat vacated by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.
  • Gov. JB Pritzker and other Democrats supported Stratton.
  • Stratton's main competitor, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, spent more on ads but did not win.
  • Cryptocurrency-backed super PACs spent about $10 million against Stratton.
  • Stratton opposed accepting money from super PACs but received funds from a committee supported by Pritzker.
  • The campaign involved significant opposition to President Trump.
  • Stratton will compete in the general election against Don Tracy, with Democrats expected to do well.
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GOP Chances of Flipping Illinois Senate Seat After Don Tracy Primary Win

GOP Chances of Flipping Illinois Senate Seat After Don Tracy Primary Win

Summary

Republicans have chosen Don Tracy as their candidate to try to win an Illinois Senate seat in the upcoming general election. This seat opened up due to the retirement of long-serving Democratic Senator Dick Durbin. Prediction markets indicate that Democrats are heavily favored to win the seat.

Key Facts

  • Illinois' Senate seat is open because Senator Dick Durbin is retiring.
  • Don Tracy is the Republican candidate for the Senate seat.
  • Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket show over a 90% chance of a Democrat winning the seat.
  • Illinois has not elected a Republican senator since 2010.
  • The Democratic Party has consistently won in Illinois due to strong support in Chicago and suburban areas.
  • Republicans have struggled to gain votes outside rural areas in Illinois.
  • Despite this, Republicans see an open seat as a potential opportunity, though considered a long shot.
  • Control of the Senate may depend on a few key races, including this one.
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GOP Chances of Flipping Illinois Governor After Darren Bailey Wins Primary

GOP Chances of Flipping Illinois Governor After Darren Bailey Wins Primary

Summary

Darren Bailey won the Republican primary in Illinois and will challenge Democratic Governor JB Pritzker in the upcoming November election. Prediction markets currently favor Democrats to win the governor's race again. Bailey is focusing on affordability and cost-of-living issues to appeal to voters.

Key Facts

  • Darren Bailey won the Illinois Republican primary with 48.8% of the vote.
  • He will face Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, who has won two previous elections.
  • Polls and prediction markets favor Pritzker, noting a higher probability for Democrats.
  • Bailey previously lost to Pritzker by nearly 13 percentage points in 2022.
  • Bailey is promoting himself as a more disciplined candidate this time.
  • Republican candidates, including Bailey, campaigned on affordability and crime issues.
  • Cook County, with over 1 million voters, plays a critical role in Illinois elections.
  • Prediction markets show a 91-93% probability for Democratic victory in the governor's race.
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Who is Joe Kent, and why did he resign as Trump’s counterterrorism chief?

Who is Joe Kent, and why did he resign as Trump’s counterterrorism chief?

Summary

Joe Kent, a top counterterrorism official in the United States, resigned over disagreements with President Trump regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. Kent, once in charge of the National Counterterrorism Center, shared his resignation letter publicly, expressing his opposition to the war with Iran. He criticized the motives behind the conflict and cited concerns about U.S. involvement in long-term wars.

Key Facts

  • Joe Kent was a top anti-terrorism official in the United States.
  • He resigned due to his opposition to the U.S. conflict with Iran.
  • Kent posted his resignation letter on social media addressed to President Trump.
  • He argued that Iran posed no immediate threat to the U.S.
  • Kent suggested the war began due to pressure from Israel and its American lobby.
  • Prior to his role, Kent served in the U.S. Army and worked for the CIA.
  • He ran for Congress twice with President Trump's endorsement but did not win.
  • Kent was the head of the National Counterterrorism Center for less than eight months.
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Parades, rivers and the White House fountain: US celebrates St Patrick's Day

Parades, rivers and the White House fountain: US celebrates St Patrick's Day

Summary

The United States celebrated St Patrick's Day with parades, traditional music, and green-dyed rivers. President Donald Trump hosted Irish leader Michael Martin at the White House as part of the festivities. Chicago's river turned green, a tradition managed by local plumbers.

Key Facts

  • Many American cities, including Boston and New York City, celebrated St Patrick's Day with parades.
  • Traditional Irish music, featuring bagpipes and drums, was played during celebrations.
  • Chicago River was dyed emerald green, a practice that started in 1962.
  • The green dye used in the Chicago River is an eco-friendly, secret formula.
  • President Donald Trump participated by hosting Irish Taoiseach Michael Martin.
  • The meeting between President Trump and Michael Martin took place in the Oval Office.
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Who is Joe Kent, the counterterrorism official who resigned over the Iran war?

Who is Joe Kent, the counterterrorism official who resigned over the Iran war?

Summary

Joe Kent, who used to lead the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, quit his job in protest. He disagreed with President Trump's claims about Iran being an immediate danger and believed the war was beneficial to Israel, not the U.S.

Key Facts

  • Joe Kent was the director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center.
  • He resigned from his position on a Tuesday.
  • Kent disagreed with President Trump’s claims about Iran posing a threat.
  • He believed the conflict with Iran favored Israel over the United States.
  • The report about his resignation was made by White House correspondent Liz Landers.
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What Joe Kent's resignation says about U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism efforts

What Joe Kent's resignation says about U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism efforts

Summary

Joe Kent's resignation has raised questions about U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism efforts, particularly in relation to the Iran war. Nick Schifrin talked with Nick Rasmussen, who previously led the National Counterterrorism Center, to get insights on this matter.

Key Facts

  • Joe Kent recently resigned from a position related to U.S. intelligence.
  • His comments about the Iran war have sparked discussions.
  • The conversation included Nick Rasmussen, an expert in counterterrorism.
  • Rasmussen previously served as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center.
  • The discussion focused on how U.S. intelligence handles threats like those from Iran.
  • Joe Kent's views might affect perceptions of U.S. intelligence work.
  • These talks are important for understanding U.S. counterterrorism strategies.
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"We're making people hurt": Democrats adopt new tactic to win DHS shutdown fight

"We're making people hurt": Democrats adopt new tactic to win DHS shutdown fight

Summary

House Democrats aim to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown by proposing a plan to fund all its sub-agencies, except the ones focused on immigration, such as ICE and Customs and Border Protection. They hope this move will push responsibility for the shutdown onto Republicans and prompt negotiations with the White House on immigration policy. To make this happen, they plan to file a discharge petition that could force a vote if supported by enough members.

Key Facts

  • House Democrats propose funding DHS sub-agencies, except those related to immigration enforcement, to end the shutdown.
  • The shutdown has lasted a month, impacting federal workers and services like airports.
  • A discharge petition needs 218 signatures to force a vote in the House.
  • Democrats blame Republicans for the shutdown and seek to negotiate on immigration enforcement.
  • President Trump keeps ICE and CBP funded using a separate bill.
  • The plan was discussed at a closed Democratic meeting, with many Democrats agreeing to support it.
  • Democrats require four Republican signatures for the discharge petition to succeed.
  • Some centrists within the party express concerns about the strategy.
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A look at Mullin's rise from MMA fighter to MAGA warrior and DHS nomination

A look at Mullin's rise from MMA fighter to MAGA warrior and DHS nomination

Summary

The article discusses the journey of Markwayne Mullin, from being a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter to becoming a supporter of the MAGA movement and his recent nomination for a position in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Key Facts

  • Markwayne Mullin is a former MMA fighter turned politician.
  • He is a supporter of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.
  • Mullin has been nominated for a role in the Department of Homeland Security.
  • The article is from PBS NewsHour and was published on March 17, 2026.
  • Lisa Desjardins and Jonah Anderson wrote the article.
  • The article is part of a PBS episode that includes discussions on other topics.
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Chicago artists channel creativity into protesting the immigration crackdown

Chicago artists channel creativity into protesting the immigration crackdown

Summary

Artists in Chicago are using their talents to protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies. These artists, along with community groups, are organizing to express dissent through various creative means.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration has introduced strict immigration policies.
  • These policies have led to protests across the United States.
  • In Chicago, artists are actively involved in these protests.
  • Art is being used as a way to express disagreement with the policies.
  • Community organizations in Chicago are supporting this artistic protest.
  • The movement in Chicago is highlighted in a series called "Art in Action."
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Republican‑Appointed Judge Orders Trump Admin to Restore Voice of America

Republican‑Appointed Judge Orders Trump Admin to Restore Voice of America

Summary

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the Voice of America, a government-operated news service, after it had been mostly shut down for a year. The judge criticized the shutdown decision, which affected over 1,000 employees, saying it lacked legal justification. The ruling requires the U.S. Agency for Global Media to make a plan to resume full operations within one week.

Key Facts

  • A judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the Voice of America (VOA).
  • Over 1,000 VOA employees were put on leave due to the shutdown.
  • The judge was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.
  • The shutdown followed an executive order from President Donald Trump.
  • The judge ruled that the action to shut down VOA was beyond legal authority.
  • There is ongoing litigation about the legality of the shutdown.
  • The U.S. Agency for Global Media has one week to submit a plan to restore VOA.
  • Voice of America broadcasts news in multiple languages and serves countries with limited independent journalism.
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Popular College Major Has One of the Lowest Starting Salaries

Popular College Major Has One of the Lowest Starting Salaries

Summary

Biology is a popular college major in the United States, but recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that it has one of the lowest starting salaries for new graduates. Graduates with biology degrees earn a median early-career wage of approximately $45,000. Despite this, salaries improve significantly by mid-career for those who gain further education or experience.

Key Facts

  • Biology majors earn a median early-career wage of about $45,000.
  • The early-career period is defined as ages 22 to 27.
  • Biology is a common major in the U.S., with about 131,500 degrees awarded in the 2021–22 academic year.
  • At mid-career (ages 35 to 45), biology majors earn a median wage of about $83,000.
  • Biology majors have a similar unemployment rate to the average for recent graduates, at about 4.3%.
  • Biology can lead to higher pay with advanced degrees and is common for careers in medicine and research.
  • Other non-STEM fields like business and communications start with higher salaries compared to biology.
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Trump says US does not ‘need’ Strait of Hormuz help, despite appeal

Trump says US does not ‘need’ Strait of Hormuz help, despite appeal

Summary

President Donald Trump stated that the United States does not need help with keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, even though he previously asked for international support in this effort. He criticized some countries for not joining a coalition to secure the strait and highlighted support from several Middle Eastern countries.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said the U.S. does not need help to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
  • He previously asked for an international coalition to assist with shipping in the area.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway critical for global oil transport.
  • Trump criticized countries like the UK, France, and NATO for not supporting the coalition.
  • Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain support the initiative.
  • France, led by President Macron, refused to join the coalition as they are not part of the conflict.
  • Trump expressed disappointment with the lack of support from NATO and other allies.
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DHS Shutdown Could Come Back to Bite Democrats

DHS Shutdown Could Come Back to Bite Democrats

Summary

Senate Democrats blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in February 2023 to push for changes in immigration enforcement. The shutdown caused issues at airports and among federal workers, leading to increased pressure on Democrats to resolve the situation. Public opinion shifted as many disapproved of using the shutdown to force immigration reforms.

Key Facts

  • Senate Democrats blocked DHS funding in mid-February 2023.
  • The shutdown aimed to push for immigration enforcement reforms.
  • Airports experienced long lines and disrupted travel due to TSA worker shortages.
  • Over 300 TSA agents quit, and absences doubled since the shutdown began.
  • The White House urged Democrats to reopen DHS, citing unpaid TSA officers.
  • Some Democratic senators questioned the strategy, acknowledging its challenges.
  • A survey showed 53% of voters opposed using a DHS shutdown for immigration reforms.
  • Congress had allocated $75 billion for immigration enforcement, which remained unused during the shutdown.
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