Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, is expected to leave many contracts unapproved when she leaves office in three weeks. Her policy of needing her approval for large contracts has caused delays in DHS projects like deportations, the border wall, and disaster relief. The issue worsens due to a government shutdown affecting DHS agencies.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem set a policy for her office to review and approve contracts of $100,000 or more.
This has caused a backlog of contracts and delayed payments to vendors.
Projects delayed include President Trump's mass deportations and border wall initiatives.
The partial government shutdown starting February 14 has affected DHS spending.
Many detention facilities are operating without payments as their contracts await approval.
Facilities affected include Camp East Montana, the Dilley family detention center, and Delaney Hall.
Several DHS agencies impacted include ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and FEMA.
Congressional leaders questioned Noem about delays in distributing FEMA disaster relief funds.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for 14 counties in Arkansas, lasting until 5 AM local time on Wednesday. This warning follows an EF-2 tornado that hit the state on Saturday, injuring one person.
Key Facts
A tornado watch is in effect in Arkansas for 14 counties.
The alert is valid until 5 AM local time on Wednesday.
Counties under the watch include Pope, Yell, Marion, and others.
An EF-2 tornado recently hit Arkansas on Saturday.
One person was injured in that tornado.
The information comes from the National Weather Service and local news source KARK.
An 11-year-old girl from Washington created a slideshow to persuade her family to go on vacation to Hawaii. The presentation, which included budgeting and emotional benefits of the trip, became viral online, with many parents relating to her creative efforts. However, some commenters suggested using the humor of the situation to teach about financial caution.
Key Facts
Mary, an 11-year-old from Vancouver, Washington, made a slideshow to pitch a family trip to Hawaii.
The slideshow included cost estimates, noting the trip could be $6,000 with deals.
Mary suggested using credit card points and emphasized the lasting memories of the trip.
Her father, Drew Dyck, shared the slideshow on Threads, where it gained thousands of reactions.
Many online users shared stories of their own children's creative arguments for getting things.
Some commenters enjoyed Mary's logic, while others mentioned the importance of financial lessons.
It is not confirmed if the family will actually take the trip to Hawaii.
Democrat Bobbi Boudman won a special election in New Hampshire, taking a seat from the Republicans. She beat Republican Dale Fincher with 51% of the vote in Carroll County District 7.
Key Facts
Bobbi Boudman is a Democrat who won a special election in New Hampshire.
She defeated Republican Dale Fincher with 51% of the vote.
The election was for the Carroll County District 7 seat.
This seat was previously held by Republicans.
Boudman had lost to Republican Glenn Cordelli 16 months earlier.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee highlighted this win as a sign of increased support.
The district had favored President Trump in both the 2020 and 2024 elections.
Thousands of people in parts of Georgia have been told to stay inside because the air quality has become unhealthy. This warning comes from the Environmental Protection Agency due to high levels of particle pollution.
Key Facts
The air quality in parts of Georgia has reached an "unhealthy" level.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued this warning.
The pollution includes fine particles called PM2.5.
These particles can affect everyone, especially the elderly, children, and those with heart or lung issues.
The situation may change as it is a developing story.
The EPA recommends people reduce exposure by staying indoors.
Washington state's House has approved a tax increase for individuals earning more than $1 million a year, known as the "millionaire's tax." The proposed tax aims to provide more funds to working families and small businesses, and now awaits a Senate vote.
Key Facts
The "millionaire's tax" applies to those making over $1 million annually.
The measure passed the Washington House with a 51-46 vote.
Eight Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the tax.
Governor Bob Ferguson supports the tax, stating it will aid working families.
The tax will fund free meals for all K-12 students in Washington.
The tax proposal now moves to the Senate for consideration.
President Donald Trump reacted to Clayton Fuller's advancement in the Georgia special election, posting on social media to celebrate. Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation led to this election, where Trump has endorsed Fuller. Despite their past alliance, Greene and Trump have publicly disagreed on several issues, complicating the election.
Key Facts
President Trump used Truth Social to celebrate Clayton Fuller moving to a runoff election in Georgia.
Trump endorsed Fuller for the 14th Congressional District after Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned.
Greene was once a strong supporter of Trump but disagreed with him on certain topics, such as Epstein files and foreign policy.
Greene's departure from Congress was partly due to her disagreements with Trump.
Trump has described the election as a test of his influence in a Republican stronghold.
Greene has criticized Trump publicly and decided to stay neutral in the election.
She claims her disagreements with Trump led to threats against her and her family.
The special election featured 17 candidates and was expected to proceed to a runoff.
A woman from Orlando, Florida, has been charged with attempted murder after firing a rifle at singer Rihanna's Los Angeles home. Nobody was hurt in the incident, but the suspect is being held on a high bail and faces serious legal charges. Police are looking into the motives behind the attack.
Key Facts
A 35-year-old woman named Ivanna Lisette Ortiz is charged with attempted murder.
The incident happened at Rihanna's Los Angeles home on a Sunday afternoon.
No injuries were reported as a result of the shooting.
Ortiz's bail is set at $1.875 million, and she faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
Police arrested Ortiz after finding her vehicle about eight miles from the scene.
Prosecutors filed additional charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Police found social media posts by Ortiz mentioning Rihanna.
A video from the scene shows police outside the home and suitcases being moved the day after the shooting.
Bennie Thompson, a long-serving Democratic Representative, won the Democratic primary election against a younger challenger, Evan Turnage, who aimed to bring generational change. Thompson, at 78 years old, emphasized his experience and the benefits of seniority while Turnage, at 34, argued for new leadership to address ongoing economic issues in Mississippi’s 2nd District.
Key Facts
Bennie Thompson has been a U.S. Representative since 1993, representing Mississippi's 2nd District.
Thompson was challenged by Evan Turnage, a 34-year-old attorney, in the Democratic primary.
Thompson is known for his seniority and has chaired key committees, including the House Homeland Security Committee.
Evan Turnage worked for prominent Democrats and campaigned on generational change within the party.
Turnage criticized the lack of economic progress in the district during Thompson's tenure.
The campaign highlighted a focus on age and whether senior or new leadership better serves the district's needs.
Similar generational challenges have happened in other districts, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 2018 win over Joe Crowley.
Mississippi Democrats chose Scott Colom as their nominee for the U.S. Senate. Colom will face Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican, in the November general election. Democrats need to win more seats to take control of Congress.
Key Facts
Scott Colom won the Mississippi Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate with 67.2% of the vote.
Republicans control both the House and Senate with slim majorities.
Democrats need to gain three House seats and four Senate seats to control Congress.
No Democrat has won a U.S. Senate race in Mississippi since 1982.
Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican, has held the Senate seat since 2018.
Colom, if elected, would be the first Black U.S. senator from Mississippi in nearly 150 years.
Priscilla Williams-Till and Albert Littell were Colom's competitors in the Democratic primary.
Mississippi is known as a solidly Republican state.
Democrats in the U.S. Senate are calling for public hearings about the war with Iran, raising concerns about the lack of clear goals and strategies from President Trump’s administration. Key concerns include the war's objectives, length, and potential deployment of U.S. ground troops. Republicans generally support the campaign, seeing it as necessary to limit Iran's military power.
Key Facts
Democrats want public hearings on the U.S. war with Iran.
They are frustrated with the lack of clear explanations from President Trump's administration.
Some Democrats argue that Congress should authorize the war.
Since February 28, the U.S. and Israel have launched attacks on Iran.
A strike on a girls’ school in Iran reportedly killed at least 170 people, mostly children.
Republicans have mostly supported President Trump's actions against Iran, believing it limits Iran's military threat.
Concerns exist about the potential deployment of U.S. ground troops in Iran.
The election to find a replacement for Marjorie Taylor Greene's Congressional seat in Georgia's 14th district is going to a runoff. Clay Fuller, backed by President Donald Trump, and Shawn Harris, a retired Army general, will face off on April 7th since no candidate won a majority in the initial vote. Both candidates emerged from a field of 17 contenders to move on to the runoff.
Key Facts
The runoff election is scheduled for April 7th in Georgia's 14th congressional district.
Clay Fuller, a Republican, received an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Shawn Harris, a Democrat, is a retired Army Brigadier General.
The seat was previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene, who left Congress earlier.
Greene was known for her strong support of Trump and controversial positions.
Greene's resignation happened after disagreements with Trump over the Epstein files.
Voters had 17 candidates to choose from in the initial election.
The election serves as an early test of Trump's influence in upcoming midterms.
Clay Fuller, supported by President Trump, will compete against Democrat Shawn Harris in a runoff election on April 7th. This election will determine who will replace former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia.
Key Facts
Clay Fuller is a Republican candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Shawn Harris is running as the Democratic candidate and previously lost to Greene in 2024.
Harris raised more than $4 million for his campaign.
The runoff election is set for April 7th.
This district is typically Republican, making a Democratic win notable.
Republicans currently have a very slim majority in Congress.
The situation becomes more delicate for Republican Speaker Mike Johnson because Rep. Kevin Kiley left the GOP to become an independent.
Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress in November 2025 after disagreements with President Trump.
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith won the Republican primary in Mississippi, securing her place in the general election in November. She has been endorsed by President Trump and is favored to prevail in a state that strongly supports the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Cindy Hyde-Smith won the Mississippi Republican primary for Senate.
She will compete in the general election in November.
President Trump endorsed Hyde-Smith, calling her "100 percent MAGA."
Republicans need to maintain their majority in the Senate, as they can only afford to lose three seats.
Mississippi is a strong Republican state, making Hyde-Smith the favorite to win.
Hyde-Smith received 83 percent of the vote when the race was called.
Her main primary challenger was Sarah Adlakha, a political newcomer.
Hyde-Smith's victory reflects national Republican efforts to retain influence in Republican strongholds.
Shawn Harris and Clayton Fuller will compete in a runoff election to fill the seat of former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia. Greene resigned following disagreements with President Donald Trump on various issues. The election is important because it could affect the Republican Party's narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress after disputes with President Trump.
Greene had disagreements with Trump over issues like the Epstein files and Obamacare subsidies.
Shawn Harris, a Democrat, and Clayton Fuller, a Republican, will face off in a runoff election.
The election will take place in Georgia's 14th Congressional District, a traditionally Republican area.
President Trump endorsed Clayton Fuller, a former district attorney.
The election could impact the Republican Party's four-seat margin in the House.
Greene's resignation and the election reflect ongoing political dynamics within the Republican Party.
Voters in northwest Georgia voted in a special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress. The election ended without a clear winner, leading to a runoff between Republican Clayton Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris, set for April. Greene announced her resignation effective at the start of 2026, leaving her seat open.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning from her Congressional seat at the start of 2026.
President Trump and his advisers are planning a strategy for the 2026 midterm elections. They want House Republicans to focus on criticizing Democrats for their views on taxes, crime, and border security. Trump's team aims to avoid focusing on mass deportations and instead target violent offenders.
Key Facts
President Trump's advisers suggest House Republicans make the 2026 elections about voter choice, targeting Democrats on key issues.
Midterm elections usually assess the president in power, but Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson aim to focus on the Democrats' reputation.
White House deputy chief of staff James Blair advised against emphasizing "mass deportations," preferring to focus on deporting violent offenders.
The strategy highlights Democrats’ positions on crime, cashless bail, and border security.
GOP has a financial advantage this cycle, which could be crucial in a tightly contested election map.
President Trump’s approval rating is low, which could impact Republican performance.
Historically, parties with a higher number of departing lawmakers tend to lose seats in Congress.
An employee told their manager about upcoming jury duty, which is a civic responsibility requiring attendance at court. The manager asked if the employee found someone to cover their shift and what time they could still come to work, sparking online backlash over legal obligations regarding jury duty.
Key Facts
An employee notified their manager about jury duty, which coincided with a planned week off.
The manager asked if the employee found coverage for their work shift and what time they could come in.
Jury duty laws prevent employers from firing or pressuring employees due to their court service.
Federal law does not require employers to pay employees during jury duty, but some states or companies may choose to do so.
The employee shared their experience on Reddit, which led to significant discussion about workplace responsibilities regarding jury duty.
Legal advice suggests employees report any pressure from employers to court officials.
Employers are obligated to accommodate employees' jury service without retaliation.
A bombing attempt in New York is bringing attention to terrorism threats and how security agencies respond. Two men are accused of taking homemade explosives to a demonstration, but no injuries occurred as their device did not explode.
Key Facts
An attempted bombing took place in New York.
Two men from Pennsylvania are linked to the incident.
They took homemade explosives to an anti-Islamic demonstration.
The device was thrown into a crowd but did not explode.
No injuries resulted from the incident.
Security agencies are facing challenges in addressing such threats.
The Supreme Court decided not to review a case involving Glenn Brooks, a January 6 rioter who wanted to continue his legal appeals despite receiving a presidential pardon from President Trump. Brooks argued that the pardon prevented him from clearing his name through the courts. The Supreme Court's decision leaves the lower court’s dismissal of his appeal unchanged.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court refused to hear Glenn Brooks's case, who was a defendant in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Brooks sought to continue his appeal despite being pardoned by President Trump.
A presidential pardon forgives a federal crime but does not erase the conviction.
Brooks was convicted on four misdemeanor counts related to the January 6 events.
He was sentenced to six months in prison and had to pay fines and restitution.
President Trump pardoned Brooks along with nearly 1,600 others involved in the Capitol riot.
Brooks claimed he did not accept the pardon because he wanted to prove his innocence.
The Supreme Court’s decision means the lower court’s ruling dismissing his appeal stands.
