Voters in Georgia's 14th Congressional District will choose a new representative after Marjorie Taylor Greene left Congress. The top candidates are Republicans Clay Fuller and Colton Moore, and Democrat Shawn Harris. A runoff election might be needed if no one wins more than half the votes.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress after issues with President Trump.
A special election will be held in Georgia's 14th Congressional District to find her replacement.
Candidates include Republicans Clay Fuller and Colton Moore, and Democrat Shawn Harris.
Clay Fuller is endorsed by President Trump.
A runoff election on April 7 is possible if no candidate receives a majority of the votes.
The district includes 10 counties from suburban Atlanta to the Tennessee border.
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A Texas driver, Rene Villarreal-Albe, used his truck to stop an out-of-control SUV by positioning his vehicle in front of it. This action helped prevent a potential accident. The unconscious man in the SUV received CPR from a bystander and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Key Facts
Rene Villarreal-Albe stopped an out-of-control SUV by using his truck.
The driver of the SUV was unconscious at the time.
A passerby, who was a nurse, performed CPR on the unconscious driver.
The driver was breathing and had a pulse on the way to the hospital.
A fire department spokesperson reported that the driver was in critical condition.
The incident took place in Texas.
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Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the average federal tax refund for Americans this year is over $3,700, slightly more than last year. Nearly 63.5 million tax returns have been processed, which is about 45% of the total expected by the April 15 deadline. The increase in refunds is partially due to new tax cuts introduced by President Donald Trump, which many Americans are now taking advantage of.
Key Facts
The average federal tax refund this year is more than $3,700.
This refund amount is slightly higher than last year's average.
Approximately 63.5 million tax returns have been processed so far.
This number represents about 45% of the total tax returns expected by April 15.
Over 27.5 million filers have claimed at least one new tax cut under President Trump.
More than 3.5 million returns have claimed no tax on tips.
More than 15.5 million returns have claimed no tax on overtime pay.
Nearly 3.5 million new tax-advantaged accounts for children, called "Trump accounts," have been opened.
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White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair asked House Republicans to stop talking about "mass deportations" and instead focus on removing violent criminals. This advice comes as some Republicans worry that the mass deportation message is seen as too harsh.
Key Facts
James Blair is the White House Deputy Chief of Staff.
Blair urged Republicans to focus on removing violent criminals rather than "mass deportations."
This advice was given at a closed meeting in Doral, Florida.
Nearly half of Americans think President Trump’s deportation campaign is too aggressive.
The message signals a shift in the White House's immigration policy approach.
Immigration is a major issue for President Trump and congressional Republicans.
Reports of the detention of U.S. citizens have caused concern about the policy.
Republicans are planning their legislative goals and strategies for the November midterms.
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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey commuted the death sentence of Charles "Sonny" Burton, who was convicted for a murder he did not physically commit. Burton's sentence is now life in prison without parole instead of execution. This decision follows advocacy from his supporters and even the victim's family.
Key Facts
Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama commuted a death sentence to life without parole.
The man, Charles "Sonny" Burton, was not present at the time of the 1991 murder.
Burton was set to be executed by nitrogen gas.
Derrick DeBruce, another man, committed the murder; his death sentence was reduced to life on appeal.
This is the second time Governor Ivey has granted clemency since 2017.
Some jurors from Burton's trial supported the commuting of his sentence.
The victim's daughter also supported clemency, questioning the legality of executing Burton.
Governor Ivey supports the death penalty but emphasizes fair and proportional administration.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating has reached its lowest point during his second term, according to a March 2026 Quinnipiac University poll. The poll shows 37% of surveyed voters approve of his job performance, while 57% disapprove, resulting in a net approval rating of minus 20 points.
Key Facts
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted in March 2026 shows Trump's approval rating is at 37%, while 57% disapprove.
The poll surveyed 1,002 registered voters across the United States.
The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
This rating is the lowest recorded during Trump's second term in this polling series.
In late January and early February 2026, a similar poll showed a net approval rating of minus 19 points.
A year earlier, in January 2025, Trump had a net positive approval rating of plus 3 points.
Polling experts suggest that people tuning out of political news may not be fully captured in these polls.
The upcoming midterm elections may be influenced by Trump's approval ratings.
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A plaque honoring police officers injured during the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack has been installed at the U.S. Capitol after a three-year delay. This installation marks the first official recognition of the events that took place that day. Despite the recent installation, some officers and lawmakers continue to raise concerns about the plaque's compliance with the originally passed law.
Key Facts
A plaque to honor police officers injured on January 6, 2021, is now installed at the U.S. Capitol.
The plaque is located on the Senate side of the hallway near where intense fighting occurred.
Congress mandated the plaque’s installation in 2022, but it was delayed due to various disputes.
The recent installation does not fully comply with the original law's requirements.
The plaque was installed three years after the attack, following efforts led by Sen. Thom Tillis.
More than 140 police officers were injured during the violence on January 6, 2021.
A lawsuit from officers is ongoing, as they seek full compliance with the original legislation regarding the plaque.
The installation includes a sign with a QR code that links to a document listing all officers who responded that day.
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Gas prices have increased in the United States due to a war involving Iran, affecting many Americans' daily expenses. President Donald Trump stated that the military action is necessary and will eventually lead to lower oil prices, but this is currently causing financial strain across the country. Public opinion is divided on the military intervention, with concerns about its impact on safety and the economy.
Key Facts
Gas prices in the U.S. rose to an average of $3.48 per gallon from $2.90 the previous month.
The increase in gas prices is linked to military action in Iran.
President Trump said the military action aims to lower oil and gas prices long-term.
A Quinnipiac poll shows about half of voters oppose U.S. military action against Iran.
Most Democrats (89%) oppose, most Republicans (85%) support, and independents (60%) oppose the action.
Three-quarters of Americans are worried that the conflict will continue to raise gas prices.
Electric vehicle owners are not affected by rising gas prices.
Some people are adjusting their travel habits or considering changes if prices rise further.
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A new poll shows Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leading Senator John Cornyn in the GOP Senate primary runoff. The poll suggests Paxton's lead could grow if President Trump endorses him, though Trump has not yet made a decision.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton leads John Cornyn 49% to 41% in a Texas GOP Senate primary poll.
11% of voters are undecided in the race.
A Trump endorsement for Paxton could boost his lead to 58%, while Cornyn would fall to 32%.
If Trump endorses Cornyn, Paxton would still lead narrowly at 44% to 43%.
Paxton holds a stronger favorability rating among Republicans than Cornyn.
Neither candidate won over 50% in the initial primary, leading to a runoff.
Trump has not yet endorsed either candidate but may do so before the runoff on May 26.
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Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta from San Diego, who is facing charges of embezzlement and money laundering. Bishop Shaleta pleaded not guilty to 17 felony charges and was arrested while trying to leave the country. The Vatican delayed the announcement of his resignation to not interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta.
Bishop Shaleta is facing charges of embezzling $270,000 from a San Diego church.
Shaleta pleaded not guilty to 17 felony charges during a court hearing in California.
He was arrested on March 5 at the San Diego International Airport.
Bail for Bishop Shaleta was set at $125,000.
Prosecutor Joel Madero argued that Shaleta was a flight risk.
Allegations involve missing rental payments from a church social hall.
The Vatican appointed Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop as temporary administrator.
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A strong cold front from the Arctic is expected to move across the U.S., leading to a significant drop in temperatures by up to 40 degrees in some areas. The Midwest will see the most drastic changes, with temperatures falling below freezing after a warm period. This cold weather pattern will affect the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Southeast with potential for hazardous travel conditions.
Key Facts
An Arctic cold front is moving into the U.S., replacing warm weather.
Temperatures in some regions could drop by as much as 40 degrees.
The Midwest will experience the most extreme temperature changes.
Indianapolis will see daytime highs drop from the 70s to below freezing.
Cold air will arrive Thursday morning, impacting states like Iowa, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.
The cold pattern will feature fluctuating temperatures through the month.
Recent warm temperatures broke records in the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes regions.
The cold front could create hazardous travel conditions due to snow and ice.
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A new map from AccuWeather shows when winter typically ends across different parts of the United States. Using data from the past 30 years, the map illustrates how the coldest period varies, ending in late February for some regions and extending into March for others.
Key Facts
AccuWeather used 30 years of data to determine when the coldest 91-day period ends in various U.S. cities.
In western U.S. cities like Spokane and Albuquerque, winter ends around February 20.
Cities in the South such as Houston and Orlando see winter's end around late February.
The central U.S., including cities like Kansas City and Dallas, moves out of the coldest period by early March.
Northeast and Midwest cities like Chicago and Detroit experience winter into early March.
Boston has the latest average end date for winter at March 8.
The official first day of spring is March 20, but winter weather might still happen after.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to use a new automated system to check over a million veterans’ disability claims for signs of fraud. The system will use artificial intelligence to examine claims dating back to 2010, aiming to find irregularities but has raised concerns among veterans about possible errors affecting legitimate claims.
Key Facts
The VA is introducing an artificial intelligence system to detect fraud in veterans' disability claims.
The system will analyze Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) for signs of false information.
It will review claims going back to 2010, not just new submissions.
If a claim is flagged, veterans may need to take new exams to determine their benefits.
The tool aims to identify patterns of organized fraud but may also impact legitimate claims.
The system is expected to launch in the fiscal year 2026.
Veterans and advocates are worried the system could incorrectly flag claims, causing delays and anxiety.
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James Talarico, a Democratic politician in Texas, is being considered as a strong candidate to challenge Republican incumbents for a Senate seat. While he has some favorable views among voters, a large number do not know enough about him. Social media campaigns by opponents focus on his comments about transgender issues, which could impact his campaign.
Key Facts
James Talarico is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives.
Democrats in Texas see Talarico as a potential candidate to win a Senate seat, a feat not achieved by Democrats in over 30 years.
A survey found 33% of voters have a favorable view of Talarico, but 34% aren't familiar with him.
He compares to potential Republican rivals Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who have lower favorability scores but are better known.
Talarico's lack of recognition is seen as an opportunity and risk for his campaign.
The campaign dynamic in Texas tends to solidify along party and cultural lines once attack ads begin.
Clips of Talarico discussing transgender issues have been used by opponents on social media to challenge his candidacy.
Republicans have been effective in digital advocacy, a tactic being used against Talarico.
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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey commuted the death sentence of a 75-year-old inmate, Charles "Sonny" Burton, changing it to life in prison without parole. Burton was not the person who fired the fatal shot during a robbery in 1991; the actual shooter’s sentence had already been reduced to life in prison. Governor Ivey stated that executing Burton under the circumstances would be unfair.
Key Facts
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey changed Charles "Sonny" Burton's death sentence to life without parole.
Burton is 75 years old and was set to be executed this week.
He was sentenced for a 1991 robbery where a customer, Doug Battle, was killed.
Burton did not fire the shot; Derrick DeBruce did, and DeBruce's sentence was already reduced to life.
Governor Ivey has approved 25 executions but commuted Burton's sentence citing fairness concerns.
Execution by nitrogen gas was planned for Burton.
Support for clemency came from Burton's family, former jurors, and Battle's daughter.
Burton expressed sorrow and apologized to Battle's family for the incident.
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Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over conditions at a Baltimore facility. The lawsuit claims the conditions are unsanitary and unsafe for detainees. Brown accuses ICE of not responding adequately to subpoenas requesting information about these conditions.
Key Facts
Attorney General Anthony Brown announced a lawsuit against ICE over conditions at the George H. Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore.
The lawsuit describes the detention conditions as overcrowded, unsanitary, and lacking basic necessities like bedding and showers.
An investigation into these conditions started in January, and Brown claims ICE has been uncooperative.
ICE reportedly delayed providing requested information, extending its deadline to April 6.
Maryland lawmakers alerted officials to a Legionella bacteria outbreak at the same facility.
ICE stated detainees receive bottled water and that the agency ensures detainee safety.
President Trump’s administration has focused on strict immigration policies, including mass deportations.
A recent poll showed 50% of Americans support abolishing ICE.
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A police officer and a suspect were shot during a response to an active shooter situation near the Agudath Israel of Baltimore Synagogue. The incident happened on Parl Heights Avenue in Baltimore. The conditions of the officer and the suspect are not yet known, and police ask the public to stay away from the area.
Key Facts
A shooting occurred near Agudath Israel of Baltimore Synagogue.
Both a police officer and a suspect were injured and taken to the hospital.
The police have not released details about any other possible injuries.
The event took place on Parl Heights Avenue in Baltimore.
Police are advising people to avoid the area as they handle the situation.
The incident is currently under investigation, and more updates will follow.
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A report from NWEA indicates that young students' reading scores remain lower than pre-pandemic levels. Although math scores have slowly improved, reading scores have stayed the same since 2021, with broader societal changes potentially contributing to these education challenges.
Key Facts
COVID-19 disrupted schooling, affecting young children's education before they entered classrooms.
First and second graders perform worse in reading and math compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Reading scores have not improved since 2021, while math scores have slightly increased each year.
The pandemic's impact included a shift to online learning and reduced face-to-face instruction.
The federal government allocated billions for educational recovery with mixed outcomes.
Parents are reportedly reading less to their children, impacting literacy.
Some schools, like those in Minnetonka, have recovered reading scores by focusing on phonics and literacy support.
Lack of activities during the pandemic, such as museum visits, may have affected early literacy development.
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The FDA approved leucovorin for a rare genetic disorder affecting folate delivery to the brain. Although previously discussed as a potential treatment for autism by President Trump, the FDA found insufficient evidence to support its use for autism. The drug's approval is specifically for those with the rare disorder, not for autism treatment.
Key Facts
The FDA approved leucovorin for a rare brain disorder affecting folate levels in less than 1 in a million people in the U.S.
President Trump previously mentioned leucovorin as promising for children with autism.
FDA review found little evidence supporting leucovorin for autism.
A study claiming benefits for autism was retracted earlier this year.
Leucovorin is known for reducing side effects of chemotherapy and treating a rare blood disorder.
Some small studies show possible benefits for certain autism patients, but medical societies remain cautious.
Leucovorin prescriptions for children rose following Trump's announcement.
The FDA is allowing imports to increase drug supply due to a prescription increase.
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A new poll shows that most Republicans do not want President Trump to send U.S. ground troops to Iran, despite general support for broader military actions against the country. The poll found significant bipartisan opposition to ground troop deployments, with a majority of Americans against it. President Trump stated he is not currently planning to send troops to Iran.
Key Facts
Most Republicans oppose sending U.S. ground troops to Iran.
A majority of Americans, including Democrats and independents, are against any U.S. military action involving ground troops in Iran.
President Trump stated he is not planning to send troops to Iran currently.
The poll was conducted from March 6 to March 8 with about 1,002 people surveyed.
74% of poll respondents opposed deploying U.S. ground troops to Iran, while 20% supported it.
The conflict began on February 28 and has resulted in numerous casualties.
85% of Republicans support some form of U.S. military action against Iran, though not ground troop deployment.
The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
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