A study by WalletHub ranked U.S. cities based on happiness using various factors like well-being, income, and community conditions. Fremont, California, was identified as the happiest city, while Huntington, West Virginia, was deemed the unhappiest. The study highlights how community and economic factors can influence overall happiness.
Key Facts
WalletHub analyzed 182 large U.S. cities using 29 indicators of happiness.
Indicators included health, income, work hours, and community connectedness.
Fremont, California, was ranked as the happiest city with high incomes and strong community ties.
Bismarck, North Dakota, and Scottsdale, Arizona, also ranked high for happiness.
Huntington, West Virginia, was ranked as the unhappiest due to high depression rates.
Detroit, Michigan, scored low due to poor income and employment conditions.
Community, economic stability, and physical health were key factors in happiness scores.
The study suggests happiness can level off at an income around $75,000 annually.
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Parts of the United States are experiencing severe weather, including tornadoes and heavy storms. These storms are affecting a wide area from Texas to the Northeast, bringing risks of flooding, damaging winds, and hail.
Key Facts
Tornado damage occurred in Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas, and Michigan recently.
The National Weather Service expects severe thunderstorms from Texas to New York.
Storms could bring heavy rain, increasing flooding risks.
Damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes may disrupt areas from Florida to North Carolina.
Travel disruptions are expected due to road closures and power outages.
Tornado watches are active in Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Almost 200 severe weather reports were logged from Texas to Michigan over two days.
Hail as large as grapefruits damaged property in several states, including Illinois and Texas.
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President Donald Trump is visiting Ohio and Kentucky to promote his economic policies. He plans to discuss efforts to lower drug prices and support an opponent of a Republican congressman who has not supported him.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to visit Ohio and Kentucky on Wednesday.
His visit aims to promote his economic policies during times of global tension.
Trump is visiting Thermo Fisher Scientific, a company in the pharmaceutical industry.
He plans to highlight his administration's efforts to lower prescription drug prices.
The visit is part of preparation for the upcoming midterm elections in November.
Trump will also visit a logistics facility in Hebron, Kentucky.
He's backing a candidate running against Rep. Thomas Massie, who represents that Kentucky district.
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Maine Senator Susan Collins, a Republican, is trailing behind Democratic challenger Graham Platner in recent polls for the 2026 Senate race. The race is significant as Democrats aim to win control of the Senate and view Collins' seat as crucial. Polls show a competitive Democratic primary, with Platner leading over Maine Governor Janet Mills.
Key Facts
Senator Susan Collins is running for reelection in Maine, a state that usually favors Democrats.
Recent polls show Collins trailing behind Democratic challenger Graham Platner.
In one poll, Platner leads Collins by two percentage points.
Another poll shows Platner leading Collins by seven percentage points.
Collins ties with Mills in a potential matchup, with each receiving 42% support.
Maine's Senate race is important for Democrats who want to take control of the Senate.
Democrat Graham Platner is leading in the primary against Janet Mills, Maine's governor.
Platner has faced scandals but remains ahead in primary polls.
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A retired NYPD sergeant believes homicide investigators should be involved early in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance case. Nancy, the mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, went missing in Arizona, and there are signs suggesting a possible crime. Law enforcement, including the FBI, is actively searching for her.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, 84, went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on January 31.
Retired NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone suggests the case should have started as a potential homicide.
Blood found on Nancy's porch belongs to her.
Ransom notes were sent to news outlets after her disappearance.
Investigators found 16 gloves near her home; most belonged to searchers.
Surveillance footage shows a possible individual tampering with Nancy's front door camera.
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department are involved in the investigation.
Nancy needs daily medication, and missing doses could be life-threatening.
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The Idaho House of Representatives passed a resolution asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The resolution, sponsored by a Republican lawmaker, seeks to revert to a definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. This action does not change the current law but continues to show some lawmakers' opposition to the decision.
Key Facts
Idaho House passed a resolution asking the Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 decision on same-sex marriage.
The 2015 ruling in question is Obergefell vs. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the United States.
The resolution was approved by a vote of 44-26, with only Republican lawmakers voting in favor.
Idaho changed its state constitution in 2006 to define marriage as between a man and woman, later ruled unconstitutional in 2014.
The Idaho Senate still needs to consider the resolution, which would not change current laws unless the Supreme Court acts.
In November, the Supreme Court refused to reconsider the 2015 same-sex marriage ruling, declining a related appeal.
Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the Court should revisit past decisions, including the Obergefell case.
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A tornado hit Kankakee, Illinois, which is 60 miles south of Chicago, on March 10, causing significant damage. This tornado was part of a severe weather system that affected an area from Texas to Michigan, resulting in the deaths of two people in Indiana. The storms brought rain, hail, strong winds, and tornadoes.
Key Facts
A tornado struck Kankakee, Illinois, on March 10.
Kankakee is located about 60 miles south of Chicago.
The storm was part of a severe weather pattern stretching from Texas to Michigan.
The storms resulted in two deaths in Indiana.
The National Weather Service reported rain, hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
Emergency crews are currently assessing the damage in Kankakee.
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Confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court has reached its lowest point in over 25 years, with only 22% of registered voters expressing high confidence, according to a new NBC News poll. The survey highlights a decline in public trust in the court, which has been affected by recent decisions, including those on tariffs imposed by President Trump.
Key Facts
Only 22% of registered voters have a high level of confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court.
This is a significant drop from 52% in 2000.
The poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters between February 27 and March 3.
38% of voters have little or no confidence in the court.
The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
Confidence levels vary by party: 9% of Democrats and 35% of Republicans express high confidence.
The Supreme Court recently struck down many of President Trump’s tariffs.
A separate YouGov poll showed 60% approval of the tariffs decision.
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Experts say many Americans have trouble sleeping, especially after daylight saving time changes. Dr. Mike Varshavski gave tips for better sleep, such as getting morning sunlight, having a consistent wake-up time, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol later in the day.
Key Facts
Daylight saving time affects sleep patterns by changing our exposure to sunlight.
Dr. Mike Varshavski recommends getting early morning sunlight to set the body's sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm.
A cool, dark room and reducing anxiety are helpful for falling asleep.
Caffeine and alcohol after 2 p.m. can disrupt sleep.
People may need about seven days to adjust their sleep after losing an hour due to daylight saving time.
Consistent wake-up times can improve sleep quality more than fixed bedtimes.
Short naps are okay, but long naps late in the day can make it hard to sleep at night.
For children and teens, screen-free wind-down routines and later school start times could help with better sleep.
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The wife of missing retired Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland addressed what she called misinformation about his disappearance. He has been missing since February 27, and no sightings have been reported. His wife stated that McCasland did not have dementia and dismissed rumors related to his career and connection with the UFO community.
Key Facts
William Neil McCasland, a retired Air Force Major General, has been missing since February 27.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office issued a Silver Alert for him due to unspecified medical issues.
His wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, clarified he does not have dementia and was not confused or disoriented.
She disputed rumors of a concerning phone call and potential kidnapping for classified information.
McCasland previously worked with Tom DeLonge on military matters related to a fictional UFO project.
Multiple agencies, including the FBI and local police, are involved in the search for McCasland.
His absence has drawn attention due to his former high-level roles in Air Force science and technology.
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Connecticut lawmakers are working on a proposal to introduce a refundable child tax credit (CTC) of $600 per child, with a limit of $1,800 per family. This effort aims to help families with the high cost of living and follows the end of a similar, temporary federal benefit. The proposal has significant support from the state's Democratic lawmakers.
Key Facts
Connecticut is considering a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child, capped at $1,800 per household.
This proposal hopes to provide financial relief to families in a state with high living costs.
The plan is supported by a large number of Democratic lawmakers in both the Senate and House in Connecticut.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress temporarily boosted the federal child tax credit, benefiting many families.
Estimates indicate that Connecticut families face high living costs, with a significant percentage unable to afford basic needs.
Republican lawmakers have suggested broader tax cuts and raised concerns about making the credit refundable.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has enacted various relief measures, showing support for further financial assistance for residents.
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The SAVE Act, a voting bill supported by President Trump, has passed the U.S. House and is moving to the Senate. This bill would require Americans to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, which would change current registration practices.
Key Facts
The SAVE Act stands for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
It has passed the U.S. House with a vote of 220-208.
The bill requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections.
It changes current rules under the National Voter Registration Act.
States would need to create a system to verify citizenship using federal and state data.
The bill allows legal actions against officials registering voters without required documents.
Provisional ballots can be used while waiting for citizenship verification.
The law would take effect immediately if passed, with no gradual start period.
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The FBI has added Samuel Ramirez Jr. to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Ramirez is wanted for his alleged role in a shooting in Washington state, where two women died and another person was hurt. There is a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Key Facts
Samuel Ramirez Jr. is now on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
He is wanted for allegedly killing two women and injuring another person in Federal Way, Washington.
Ramirez is accused of escaping to Mexico through Arizona after the incident.
A Washington court issued an arrest warrant for Ramirez in May 2023 for murder charges.
In November 2025, a federal warrant was issued for his unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Ramirez is considered armed and dangerous with ties in the U.S. and Mexico.
A $1 million reward is offered for tips that lead to his capture.
The FBI urges the public to provide information through their toll-free number or online tip portal.
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Some states in the U.S. have started providing their own child tax credits in addition to the federal Child Tax Credit. These state credits offer financial help to families, with differences in how they are applied; some states provide refundable credits which can result in refunds even for families who owe no taxes. Several states, including Connecticut, are considering or have recently enacted their own child tax credit laws.
Key Facts
Connecticut's plan for a state child tax credit is still awaiting final approval.
16 states and the District of Columbia currently provide some form of child tax credit.
States began enacting their own credits, with Oklahoma being the first to do so in 2013.
Credits are either refundable or nonrefundable, affecting how much benefit families receive.
Refundable credits give money back to families even if they owe no taxes, benefiting lower-income households more.
State credits vary from about $250 per child in Arizona to $3,200 per child in Colorado.
The federal Child Tax Credit offers up to $2,200 per child, but only up to $1,700 is refundable for many families.
The District of Columbia passed child tax credit legislation in 2024, expanding in 2025.
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TSA wait times are longer due to staffing shortages caused by a government shutdown. Travelers can check wait times using the MyTSA app or airport websites to plan better, especially during busy travel periods like spring break.
Key Facts
TSA officers are working without pay because of a government shutdown.
Unscheduled absences among TSA staff have increased, causing longer security lines.
Travelers can use the MyTSA mobile app to check real-time and historical wait times at U.S. airports.
Many U.S. airports post live security checkpoint updates on their websites.
TSA recommends arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights due to unpredictable conditions.
TSA PreCheck members generally have shorter wait times, usually under 10 minutes.
Some airports display TSA PreCheck lane times separately on their websites.
Atlanta's airport, one of the busiest, allows travelers to see up-to-date wait time information online.
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A proposed bill in the U.S. House could allow the sale of raw milk across state lines if both states permit it. The bill aims to stop federal agencies from restricting these sales and would leave regulation to state laws.
Key Facts
A bipartisan bill in the House seeks to change federal rules on raw milk sales between states.
The bill is called the Interstate Milk Freedom Act.
It was introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree.
The proposal would lift federal bans on interstate raw milk sales if the involved states both allow it.
States would still control their own laws regarding raw milk sales.
The FDA currently bans interstate raw milk sales, but the bill challenges this authority.
The bill is heading to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.
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President Trump's Department of Justice reportedly told officials in New Mexico to stop a 2019 investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s former ranch. Recently, local authorities have restarted the investigation, and political leaders are questioning why the earlier probe was halted.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice under President Trump told New Mexico officials to halt their 2019 investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's ranch.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer stated that the federal government took over the investigation from New Mexico authorities.
New Mexico's vast property known as San Rafael Ranch was not searched during previous federal investigations, unlike Epstein’s properties in New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Renewed investigations have begun with New Mexico State Police and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office searching the property.
Some officials and victims question the reasons behind the stoppage of the earlier investigation and the decision not to pursue charges in New Mexico.
The New Mexico Truth Commission seeks to create a public record of alleged abuses connected to the ranch.
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President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans are pushing for the SAVE America Act, a bill requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID to register and vote in federal elections. Democrats and some experts worry the bill could prevent many eligible Americans from voting because not everyone has the required documents.
Key Facts
The SAVE America Act stands for Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
It would require showing proof of citizenship, like a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote in federal elections.
Voters would also need to show a photo ID when voting, including for absentee ballots.
Those registering by mail must provide citizenship proof in person later.
States would have to check voter registration lists against government records to find noncitizens.
The bill aims to stop noncitizens from voting but might block some legal voters lacking documents.
The House of Representatives has passed versions of this bill multiple times, but it has not passed the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says the bill lacks enough support to break a 60-vote Senate rule needed to move forward.
President Trump has threatened to withhold support for other bills until this one passes.
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Latino voters in Texas helped increase turnout in the recent primary elections, mostly supporting the Democratic Party. This trend is important for Democrats as they try to win a Senate seat in a state that usually votes Republican.
Key Facts
Over 4.4 million votes were cast in Texas primaries, beating turnout in the 2020 and 2024 presidential primaries.
Latino-majority counties in Texas saw about a 37% rise in primary votes compared to recent years, higher than the 33% increase in other counties.
Counties like Starr and Hidalgo, with many Latino voters, had the biggest increases of 67% and 51% respectively.
About 75% of Latino voters chose the Democratic primary over the Republican one.
President Trump gained 48% of Latino votes nationwide in the 2024 election, which was higher than in 2020.
Some traditionally Democratic Latino areas in Texas moved slightly toward Republicans in 2024.
Republicans acknowledge challenges with Latino voters and say they are making changes to improve support before the 2026 elections.
White House officials advised Republicans to focus on immigration policies about public safety rather than mass deportations in upcoming campaigns.
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The U.S. State Department now requires a valid passport for entry into the Diversity Visa, or green card lottery, as a way to tighten security and reduce fraud. This change affects how applicants enter the lottery and aims to verify identities sooner in the process.
Key Facts
The passport rule applies to the Diversity Visa lottery, which offers up to 55,000 visas annually.
Applicants must be from countries that send few immigrants to the U.S. and meet certain education or work criteria.
Registration is free and done online during a specific time each year.
A valid passport is now required at the application stage, along with an upload of its biographic and signature page.
This change will take effect 30 days after being published in the Federal Register.
The rule aims to prevent fraud by ensuring applicants’ identities are verified earlier.
A previous passport requirement was dismissed in 2022 due to procedural errors.
The rule also updates language in the program to reflect the data collected.
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