American politician, U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’s 7th District since 2019
The Education Department has announced a two-year, temporary 1% reduction in interest rates for Direct Loans issued after July 2012, available to autopay borrowers through June 30, 2028. Eligible borrowers on autopay will see the discount automatically, with action required only for new enrollments by Sept. 30, 2026. The policy forms part of a broad overhaul of repayment plans under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Since January, a U.S. oil blockade has cut most foreign fuel shipments to Cuba and has pushed the island into its worst energy and economic crisis in decades. Repeated nationwide blackouts have occurred, hospitals and transport are strained, tourism has collapsed and Havana has approved limited economic reforms while secret U.S. intelligence and diplomatic contacts continue.
Progressive candidates win notable primary contests in Michigan, led by an underdog bid that secures a narrow victory in the 7th District. Lawrence defeats Brink and Maasdam, signaling a shift to the left in key swing district races. Other downballot wins illustrate broader momentum for Democratic socialists and allied groups.
State Senator Aisha Wahab has won the special election to serve the remainder of Eric Swalwell’s term in California’s 14th district. She will take the seat through January and will face Melissa Hernandez again in November for a full term. Outside groups tied to AIPAC spent millions supporting Hernandez; Wahab called the spending an attempt to buy the seat.
Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey remains in a competitive Democratic primary against Rep. Seth Moulton as voters choose nominees for multiple offices. Markey has endorsements from senior members and an edge in fundraising, while Moulton argues Markey is too old for another term. The contest reflects a broader progressive-versus-moderate dynamic in the party ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Massachusetts voters in the 2026 Democratic primary support Ed Markey for reelecton as he faces Seth Moulton. Early results show Markey leading with a large margin; campaign dynamics center on generational change and policy stances, including views on Israel, healthcare and AI. The outcome will determine who faces in November.
Police have arrested Earnest Lloyd Jr. in the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune, whose body was found behind an abandoned Jackson home on Aug. 3. A second suspect, Jarques Ratliff, remains jailed on murder charges. A third suspect is sought. The case has drawn attention for echoes of racial violence and ongoing debates about motive and verification of suicide amid a string of similar cases in the South.