A Democratic lawmaker introduced a new bill in the U.S. House to undo restrictions on the H-1B visa program set by President Donald Trump. The bill, called the Welcoming International Success Act (WISA Act), aims to remove high fees and wage requirements that were added to the visa process. These changes are intended to make it easier for U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers.
Key Facts
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields when no qualified American workers are available.
President Trump's policies added high fees, including a $100,000 charge, for companies sponsoring H-1B workers and imposed tougher wage requirements.
The proposed bill, if passed, would remove these fees and reverse the wage changes.
The bill is designed to help U.S. companies and organizations by making it easier to hire skilled international employees.
Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman from New Jersey introduced the bill.
The U.S. issues tens of thousands of H-1B visas each year, with a cap of 65,000 regular visas plus 20,000 for those with advanced U.S. degrees.
Critics of the current restrictions say they widen the talent gap, particularly in industries like technology and health care.
An economic study found that U.S. companies save money by hiring H-1B workers, as they are generally paid less than comparable American workers.
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A new poll by Quinnipiac University shows President Trump's approval rating among independent voters is at its lowest point so far. The poll indicates only 28% of independents approve of his job performance, which is a significant decline from previous surveys.
Key Facts
Quinnipiac University conducted the poll from March 6 to March 8, surveying 1,002 registered voters in the U.S.
President Trump's overall approval rating is 37%, with 57% disapproving.
Among independents, only 28% approve of Trump’s performance, and 66% disapprove.
This results in a net approval rating of minus 38 points among independents.
Previous Quinnipiac poll data from late January showed 31% of independents approved of Trump, marking a recent decline.
The margin of error for the latest poll is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
Independents played a key role in deciding the 2024 election, making their opinion crucial.
Polling expert Brett Lloyd points out that independents judge presidents based on results, not party loyalty.
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Investigators in the United States started searching Jeffrey Epstein's former ranch in New Mexico. The search follows the release of extensive investigative files, leading authorities to take another look at Epstein's actions there.
Key Facts
U.S. investigators are examining Jeffrey Epstein’s old ranch in New Mexico.
The search comes after new investigative files about Epstein were released.
The ranch, called Zorro Ranch, is located 30 miles south of Santa Fe.
New Mexico's Attorney General recently directed a renewed investigation into Epstein.
State lawmakers have formed a "truth commission" to look into Epstein's activities.
Epstein owned the ranch from 1993 until his death in 2019.
Allegations have been made about misconduct at the ranch, but Epstein was not charged for any acts at the site while alive.
An anonymous claim suggested videos of abuse exist and mentioned burial sites outside the ranch.
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Senator Ron Johnson is investigating the FDA for rejecting many drugs intended for rare diseases. The FDA has turned down about 20 treatments in the last eight months, asking drug companies to perform lengthy and costly studies instead. Johnson plans to ask the FDA for detailed explanations of these denials and may hold a Senate hearing on the issue.
Key Facts
Senator Ron Johnson is looking into the FDA's refusal of drugs for rare diseases.
The FDA has denied around 20 drugs for rare conditions in eight months.
The agency advises drug companies to conduct further studies on these drugs.
Johnson plans to request the FDA's written explanations for these decisions.
He is considering inviting FDA officials to testify in the Senate.
Johnson supports giving patients access to experimental treatments.
He sponsored the Right to Try Act, making experimental drugs more accessible.
The FDA warns that using unproven treatments can have safety risks.
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A federal judge ruled that the Department of Justice wrongly allowed a group of three people to use the powers of a U.S. attorney in New Jersey. The judge paused his decision to let the government appeal.
Key Facts
Judge Matthew W. Brann made the ruling.
Brann is a conservative judge appointed by President Barack Obama.
The case involves the U.S. attorney position in New Jersey.
The Department of Justice had delegated the role to a three-person team.
Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed this team after disqualifying President Trump's original choice, Alina Habba.
Brann cited the founding fathers to argue against concentrating power.
The judge paused the ruling to allow for a possible appeal by the government.
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A 17-year-old dog named Annie is looking for a new home after her previous owners couldn't care for her anymore due to medical issues. Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon is sharing her story to find her a loving home where she can spend her last years. Annie is described as a healthy, active senior dog who knows several commands and gets along well with other pets and children.
Key Facts
Annie is a 17-year-old Cairn Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier mix.
Her previous owners had to give her up because of their own health problems.
Senior dogs, like Annie, are often less likely to be adopted than younger dogs.
Annie currently stays in a foster home while waiting for adoption.
She knows multiple commands and can walk up to two miles.
Annie is comfortable around cats, dogs, and children.
The rescue hopes social media can help find Annie a new home.
Annie has received several adoption applications thanks to online sharing.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounded all JetBlue flights in the United States at the airline's request. The system issue was fixed, and flights resumed about 40 minutes later.
Key Facts
JetBlue flights were grounded nationwide by the FAA for a short period.
The ground stop lasted approximately 40 minutes.
The FAA acted on a request from JetBlue.
A spokesperson stated that the grounding was due to a brief system outage.
JetBlue returned to normal operations once the issue was resolved.
JetBlue was founded over 25 years ago.
The airline's main terminal is at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
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A judge ruled against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' effort to stop paying legal fees for President Donald Trump's co-defendants after a dismissed election interference case. The decision allows these co-defendants to continue seeking nearly $17 million in attorney fees under a Georgia law.
Key Facts
A judge denied Fani Willis' attempt to block legal fees for Trump's co-defendants.
The co-defendants are seeking about $17 million in attorney fees.
The election interference case against them has been dismissed.
Georgia passed a law in 2025 allowing reimbursement of legal fees if a case is dismissed due to prosecutor disqualification.
Fani Willis was removed from the case because of conflicts of interest.
Willis argued that the Georgia law was unconstitutional.
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President Donald Trump stated that Iran had plans to control the Middle East and that the U.S. intervened to stop this. He based his statement on what he described as "information and belief."
Key Facts
President Trump claims Iran aimed to control the Middle East.
He stated the U.S. acted to prevent this.
The information he used is described as "information and belief."
The statement highlights U.S. foreign policy involving Iran.
The U.S. has a significant role in Middle Eastern politics.
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Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson publicly discussed their differing views on the Supreme Court's emergency decisions related to the Trump administration. Justice Kavanaugh defended these emergency orders as necessary, while Justice Jackson criticized them for potentially bypassing a full legal process. The debate highlighted the pressures and disagreements within the court regarding rapid rulings.
Key Facts
Justice Brett Kavanaugh spoke about the challenges of dealing with emergency appeals related to the Trump administration.
Kavanaugh mentioned the stress of making important decisions quickly, stating, "None of us enjoys this."
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticized the court's increasing willingness to intervene early in cases, especially for the Trump administration.
The debate between Kavanaugh and Jackson took place during a public judicial lecture in Washington.
The disagreement focused on the use of the Supreme Court’s "shadow docket," which allows for quick rulings without full hearings.
Jackson warned that early interventions by the court might alter the judicial process.
Kavanaugh argued that emergency rulings are a normal part of modern governance due to delays in legislative action.
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Arizona's state Senate leader gave the FBI records about the 2020 presidential election. This is part of an ongoing investigation by President Trump's administration related to claims about election issues in Arizona.
Key Facts
Arizona's state Senate leader is named Warren Petersen.
He gave election records to the FBI because of a subpoena.
The records are from an audit of the 2020 election in Maricopa County.
The audit was ordered by Arizona legislative Republicans.
President Trump's administration is looking into 2020 election claims.
The FBI office in Phoenix has not commented on the situation.
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The White House dismissed Todd Inman from the National Transportation Safety Board due to accusations of misconduct. Inman, who denies the allegations, plans to challenge the decision legally. President Trump's administration supports the firing, citing it as a move towards government accountability.
Key Facts
Todd Inman was removed from the NTSB over claims of misconduct, including drinking on the job and harassing staff.
Inman denies the allegations and intends to contest his firing through legal means.
His term was initially supposed to last until the end of 2027.
President Trump's administration justifies the dismissal as part of maintaining safety and accountability.
The NTSB, responsible for investigating major accidents, currently has three members listed on its website.
The Senate confirmed John DeLeeuw, who will join the NTSB as its fourth member.
The board's expected composition is three members from the president's party and two from the other party.
Recent firings, including Inman's, have led to ongoing legal challenges from dismissed individuals.
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President Trump told House Republicans in Florida that the conflict with Iran would be resolved quickly and emphasized he would not sign any new laws until the Senate passed the SAVE America Act. The Act requires voter ID at polling stations. Despite his frustrations, he is willing to sign a bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to House Republicans at their annual retreat in Doral, Florida.
He stated that the Iran conflict would end soon but gave no specific timeline.
Trump said he would not sign any legislation until the SAVE America Act is passed by the Senate.
The SAVE America Act requires photo IDs at polling stations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed concerns about using a talking filibuster.
Trump is ready to sign a bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
The retreat included discussions on legislative strategies and updates on Iran.
President Trump mentioned a desire to lower energy costs, which have risen recently.
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NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discussed recent political events. They talked about the impact of military actions in Iran, President Trump's attention on the Save America Act, and Republican views on the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter spoke with Geoff Bennett about U.S. politics.
They discussed military actions in Iran and their political effects in the U.S.
President Donald Trump is focusing on the Save America Act.
The conversation included how these issues influence the Republican Party.
They also talked about how Republicans are preparing for the midterm elections.
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A new winter storm is expected in parts of Michigan and Maine, prompting the National Weather Service to issue heavy snow alerts. These alerts predict up to 11 inches of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. People in the affected areas are advised to stay informed as conditions may change.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued heavy snow alerts for Michigan and Maine.
The alerts predict up to 11 inches of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Michigan's affected areas include Marquette and Gwinn counties.
Maine's affected areas include Aroostook, Somerset, Piscataquis, and Penobscot counties.
Travel in these areas could become difficult, especially during commutes.
Winter storm watches indicate possible hazardous weather in the coming days.
A winter storm warning may be issued if the weather is confirmed to be dangerous as the storm approaches.
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A former Social Security Administration employee warns that ongoing staff cuts could threaten the effectiveness of the Social Security program. This warning comes as many local residents express concern over staffing shortages impacting access to services. The gatherings are intended to support Social Security workers and raise awareness of the potential risks to the program.
Key Facts
Bob Caldwell, a former employee, warns that staff cuts could harm the Social Security Administration.
About 71 million people rely on Social Security benefits.
Over 75 million people receive either Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both.
Local residents in Chico, California, hold weekly events to support Social Security workers.
Staff reductions have reportedly led to longer wait times for services.
The Department of Government Efficiency implemented staffing cuts affecting service access.
Social Security is a primary retirement income for around 40% of retirees.
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A new poll shows that Republican Senator Susan Collins might face a tough election in Maine's Senate race against Democratic candidates Graham Platner and Governor Janet Mills. The poll indicates close matchups, with Collins expected to face a challenging reelection campaign in a state that often leans Democratic.
Key Facts
Susan Collins, a Republican Senator, is running for reelection in Maine for the 2026 Senate race.
A poll by Quantus Insights shows that if Janet Mills wins the Democratic primary, Collins leads slightly; if Graham Platner wins, he leads Collins.
The poll surveyed 800 likely voters with a margin of error of ±3.4 percentage points.
Graham Platner has a narrow lead over Mills in the Democratic primary.
Platner, the more progressive candidate, faces criticism over past social media posts and a controversial tattoo.
Janet Mills is backed by the Democratic establishment but faces concerns over her approval rating and age.
The Maine Senate race is expected to be a competitive and closely watched part of the 2026 midterm elections.
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Severe weather is expected to hit the central United States, with meteorologists warning of possible tornado outbreaks from Texas to the Ohio Valley. The storms, driven by a mix of warm and cool air, could include damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding. Real-time alerts and live tracker maps will be important tools for residents to monitor these fast-changing conditions.
Key Facts
Meteorologists predict severe weather across central U.S. with a high risk of tornadoes.
The storm will move from Texas to the Ohio Valley, affecting many states.
The weather system involves a mix of warm, moist Gulf air and cooler air masses.
Possible effects include strong winds, large hail, and flash flooding.
Live tracker maps and alerts will help residents stay informed about the storm's path.
The greatest tornado risk is expected on Wednesday, with severe thunderstorms already starting in some areas.
High temperatures are aiding in storm development by providing energy and moisture.
Affected states will include regions from Texas to Michigan, with shifts eastward by Wednesday.
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Representative Kevin Kiley from California left the Republican Party and became an independent, which reduces the Republican Party's slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. His change could make it harder for House Speaker Mike Johnson to pass legislation with party-line votes.
Key Facts
Kevin Kiley is a U.S. Representative from California.
Kiley has decided to leave the Republican Party and register as an independent.
This change reduces the Republican seat count in the U.S. House to 217 seats.
Democrats hold 214 seats in the House, with several vacant spots.
Kiley will remain in Republican caucus meetings for administrative purposes but may not support party-line votes.
Redistricting and high levels of partisanship in Congress were reasons he cited for his decision.
Kiley plans to run for reelection in California's 6th Congressional District as an independent.
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President Donald Trump is meeting with House Republicans in Florida for a policy retreat. He spent the day at a golf club and will attend a fundraiser for House Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump plans to hold a news conference about Iran and answer questions from reporters.
Key Facts
President Trump is meeting with House Republicans in Florida.
The meeting is part of a legislative retreat.
Trump spent the day at his golf club near Miami.
He stated on social media that he had important meetings and phone calls.
Trump will attend a fundraiser for House Speaker Mike Johnson.
A news conference focused on Iran is scheduled to begin around 5:30 p.m. EDT.
Trump plans to return to the White House after the events in Florida.
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