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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.
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Tanya Tafoya, a former sports journalist, announced her run for Minnesota Senate as a Republican, emphasizing fighting corruption, supporting law enforcement, and opposing progressive policies. Her campaign emerges amid a competitive primary following Senator Tina Smith's retirement and ongoing political unrest, with tensions over immigration enforcement and state issues.
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Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver, known as the 'Lobster Lady,' fished for nearly 97 years in Maine. She started at age 8, became a local icon, and inspired many. She died on January 21 at age 105, leaving a legacy in Maine's maritime history.
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Senator Susan Collins announced that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed her ICE has ceased its enhanced activities in Maine. The move follows protests and political pressure amid ongoing immigration enforcement, with Collins urging a review of enforcement scope. ICE and Customs continue normal operations, but tensions remain high in the state.
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Senator Susan Collins, 73, has announced her bid for a sixth term amid a tough primary and Democratic efforts to flip her seat. Her support for Trump and recent controversies over her voting record and judicial nominations have heightened her political vulnerability in Maine, a key battleground state.
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First lady Rama Duwaji, a professional illustrator, created artwork for the Democratic Socialists of America’s anti-Israel campaign, raising questions about her public role. Her past social media activity and associations with anti-Israel groups have intensified scrutiny amid political tensions in New York and nationally.
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As of March 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense has requested over $200 billion from the White House to fund the ongoing war against Iran, which began on February 28. The request, the largest since Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, faces skepticism in Congress, with many lawmakers questioning the war's cost, strategy, and political support. President Trump has not formally submitted the request.
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The Department of Justice is investigating California and Maine prisons over policies allowing transgender women to be housed with female inmates. The probe follows allegations of sexual assaults and a high-profile rape case involving a trans inmate, raising concerns about safety and legal compliance.
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Several US states are implementing or considering temporary bans on new data center construction, citing concerns over resource use, pollution, and infrastructure. Maine has approved a moratorium, while others like Georgia are moving toward similar measures. The federal government is also contemplating a nationwide pause.
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The Republican Party's main committees and allied groups have built a $600 million cash advantage over Democrats, with $843.6 million compared to $243 million. This financial edge could give Republicans a significant advantage in midterm campaign spending, driven by the GOP's fundraising strength and the Trump super PAC's large war chest.
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Governor Janet Mills has vetoed a bill that would have paused large data center development in Maine until late 2027. She supports a moratorium but objects to the bill's lack of an exemption for a project in Jay, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs. Mills plans to issue an executive order to examine data center impacts.