DeSantis is in the news for his ongoing legal battles and Florida’s tough stance on crime and executions. He’s the state’s GOP governor since 2019.
On February 1, 2026, Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a Texas State Senate special election in a traditionally Republican Fort Worth district by over 14 points, overturning a 17-point Trump margin from 2024. The victory signals shifting Hispanic voter support and growing Democratic momentum ahead of the November midterms. Rehmet must defend the seat in November, while Republicans face challenges in Texas primaries.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Billy Kearse, scheduled for execution on March 3. This follows a record year of executions in 2025, with Florida leading the US in death sentences. Kearse's case involves a 1991 shooting of a police officer during a struggle. Appeals are expected.
Homeownership tenure reached 8.55 years in 2025, driven by homeowners delaying moves due to low mortgage rates, limited inventory, and high prices. The market is now favoring buyers with more choices and less competition, especially in southern metros. Luxury sales continue to grow, while entry-level homes become scarcer.
Detainees at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minnesota allege inhumane conditions and restricted legal access. Meanwhile, lawsuits challenge practices at Florida's Everglades facility, citing violations of detainees' First Amendment rights amid ongoing legal battles and oversight concerns.
Several US states are considering or implementing measures to phase out homeowner property taxes, citing affordability concerns. Georgia, Florida, and North Dakota are leading efforts, with debates focusing on funding public services and the political implications of tax reform.
Multiple US states are engaged in mid-decade redistricting, facing legal challenges and court rulings. Florida's governor faces a lawsuit over his redistricting proclamation, while courts in Virginia and Utah block or review district maps. The process impacts control of Congress ahead of 2026 midterms.
Recent updates include Florida's English-only driver license policy following a fatal crash involving an illegal immigrant, and new restrictions for young drivers in Northern Ireland aimed at reducing accidents. Meanwhile, Kenya faces rising road insecurity with protests planned over criminal activity targeting motorists.
Mississippi advances a measure requiring initiative organizers to gather 10% of registered voters' signatures, while Florida's proposed amendments fail to meet ballot requirements amid ongoing political clashes over constitutional reforms and ballot access laws.
Virginia and Florida face legal challenges over redistricting efforts ahead of 2026 midterms. Virginia's map faces court delays, while Florida's governor's proclamation is challenged for violating separation of powers. California's courts reject GOP efforts to block Democratic-favored districts, amid nationwide partisan gerrymandering disputes.
Voters in Texas began early voting for key Senate primaries on March 3, with incumbent John Cornyn facing strong challenges from pro-Trump candidates Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt. Polls show Paxton leading, but the race remains competitive, with potential runoffs and significant campaign spending shaping the outcome.
Melvin Trotter, 65, was executed in Florida for the 1986 murder of Virgie Langford. His execution follows a record number of Florida executions in 2025, with ongoing legal appeals questioning protocol management and age exemptions. The case highlights ongoing debates over death penalty practices.
Michael Lee King, 54, was executed in Florida for the 2008 kidnapping, rape, and murder of Denise Amber Lee. His final moments included a last meal and a brief, silent statement. The case led to enhanced 911 training laws. The execution was witnessed by family members, including Lee’s husband and son.
California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed the state has lower taxes than Texas and Florida, citing studies that contradict overall tax burden rankings. Critics argue his assertions rely on selective data and ignore California's high cost of living, amid ongoing population decline and political ambitions.
Construction has started on demolishing the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed in the 2016 mass shooting. The city plans a $12 million memorial opening in 2027, amid ongoing debates over LGBTQ+ monuments and political symbolism.
In March 2026, President Trump ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to over a dozen major U.S. airports to assist with severe TSA staffing shortages caused by a Department of Homeland Security funding impasse. The deployment aimed to ease long security lines but sparked controversy over ICE's role and effectiveness, highlighted by a forceful arrest at San Francisco International Airport.
James Aren Duckett, sentenced to death in 1988 for murder and sexual battery, has his execution stayed as DNA testing remains pending. The Florida Supreme Court ordered an update on the testing, with the future of his execution uncertain. Last year, Florida led the US with 19 executions.
Georgia and Utah have suspended parts of their gas taxes to counter rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict. Georgia's 60-day suspension took effect immediately, while Utah's 6-cent cut begins in July. Other states consider similar measures amid economic concerns and uncertain war duration.
President Trump announced plans for a new presidential library in Miami, featuring a skyscraper with iconic elements like Air Force One, a golden statue, and White House recreations. The project, funded privately, aims to be a major landmark, with details and renderings released recently.
Arizona lawmakers are advancing a bill to rename Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza, and to authorize memorials for Kirk and Bolles. The bill faces veto considerations from Governor Hobbs amid political debates over honoring controversial figures.
Senator JD Vance has indicated he will not challenge Marco Rubio for the 2028 Republican nomination, despite ongoing speculation about their rivalry. Trump has been assessing both men as potential successors, with Vance representing the US in Iran peace talks and Rubio maintaining a hawkish stance. The dynamics suggest a competitive future for the GOP race.
Chadwick Scott Willacy has been executed in Florida for the 1990 murder of Marlys Sather. He was sentenced to death after a jury recommendation and has now received a three-drug lethal injection. This marks Florida’s fifth execution in 2026, amid a record number last year. Willacy’s appeals have been denied, and his final moments are underway.
Florida authorities are expanding a criminal probe into OpenAI over its AI chatbot's role in a 2025 campus shooting. Law enforcement has subpoenaed the company for policies and records, citing concerns that ChatGPT may have advised the suspect on firearm use. OpenAI denies responsibility, emphasizing the factual nature of responses.