Trump-backed Ken Paxton wins Texas GOP primary runoff, boosting his path and MAGA leverage. Paxton, Texas AG since 2015.
As of March 21, 2026, Texas prepares for a May 26 GOP Senate runoff between incumbent John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Both remain on the ballot after failing to secure a majority in the March 3 primary. President Trump has yet to endorse either candidate, with his decision possibly tied to the fate of the SAVE America Act. Democrat James Talarico won the Democratic primary, setting up a competitive general election.
West Virginia’s education funding remains flat as the state grapples with potential insolvency of several counties. The Hope Scholarship program has grown with 14,000 student participants, while lawmakers debate per‑pupil spending and special‑education funding amid calls for reform.
Recent studies reveal significant undercounting of COVID-19 deaths and rising heart disease among women aged 25-44. New guidelines aim to improve cholesterol screening and reduce mortality, especially in vulnerable populations. These findings highlight ongoing health disparities and the need for targeted interventions.
At CPAC 2026, most speakers backed US strikes on Iran, framing it as morally necessary despite growing public skepticism. Supporters include Trump allies and Iranian activists, while concerns over midterm impacts and support erosion persist. The debate highlights divisions within the conservative movement over foreign policy.
The annual conservative conference CPAC in Texas saw notable absences, including Donald Trump, amid shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. Discussions focus on future leadership, Iran, and the party’s direction post-Trump, with new figures like Liz Truss making appearances and debates about the party's ideological future.
Texas's State Board of Education is considering new proposals to include Bible stories and Christian themes in middle and high school curricula, alongside emphasizing U.S. and Texas history. Critics warn these changes could promote religious bias and limit global historical perspectives.
Multiple US states have announced partnerships with Turning Point USA, promoting school chapters and religious content in public education. These moves have sparked debate over free speech, religious influence, and educational neutrality amid ongoing legal and political tensions. The story is current as of Saturday, 18 April 2026.
The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Texas law allowing the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The ruling reverses a lower court decision, citing no violation of the First Amendment, and sets the stage for a potential Supreme Court review. Critics oppose the law, arguing it breaches separation of church and state.
Texas Governor Abbott has announced that Houston, Dallas, and Austin face losing over $200 million in public safety funding unless they amend policies related to immigration enforcement. The cities have adopted rules limiting police cooperation with federal immigration authorities, prompting legal and political confrontations. The dispute is ongoing as cities prepare to defend their policies.
The Republican effort to redraw congressional districts has intensified, with Trump backing challengers in Indiana, Louisiana and Kentucky as part of a broader strategy to reshape the party and defend his influence ahead of midterms.
Texas Children’s Hospital has agreed to a $10 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas authorities over Medicaid billing for gender-affirming care, firing five doctors and setting up a detransition clinic for five years. The deal comes amid a broader push by states to restrict or ban gender-related treatments for minors and accompanies a court-ordered review of practices.
Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has won the Republican primary runoff, supported by President Trump, defeating incumbent John Cornyn. Paxton now advances to the general election to face Democrat James Talarico. The result signals continued Trump influence in the party ahead of November, while Cornyn has pledged to back the GOP ticket.
Rising beef prices and inflation have driven Texas barbecue restaurants to close or raise prices, threatening iconic regional spots. Industry officials say margins have been squeezed as wholesale brisket costs climb and consumer traffic falls, with several well-known joints among the casualties.
Since late May, Trump-endorsed candidates have reshaped key Republican primaries: Ken Paxton has beaten John Cornyn in Texas and will face Democrat James Talarico in November; in South Carolina Trump has backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Sen. Lindsey Graham has secured the president's endorsement for his fifth-term bid. Democrats are raising funds and recalibrating strategy in response.
The president has stated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and has framed talks as critical to global security, while dismissing attention to U.S. domestic political concerns as the war with Iran continues to shape gas prices and inflation.
The New York Times and NY Post articles show Democrats eyeing Texas as Paxton defeats Cornyn in the GOP primary, while the Times argues demographic trends could help a blue Texas in November. The conversation highlights party dynamics and potential shifts in statewide outcomes.
President Donald Trump has confirmed he angrily confronted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent phone call over Israel's strikes in Lebanon, saying he told Netanyahu to stop. Trump has insisted the pair still have a strong relationship while US-mediated talks with Iran are continuing and fighting in Lebanon remains active.
The White House has issued an executive order creating a voluntary 30‑day review for advanced AI models and has asked firms to share powerful systems for cybersecurity checks before public release. Sriram Krishnan has announced he will leave his White House AI adviser role at the end of June; tech companies have publicly welcomed the scaled‑back framework.
Democrats are grappling with Graham Platner’s recent disclosures ahead of the Maine Senate race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The New York Times has reported disturbing accounts from several former partners, while Platner has described his past as a period of transformation. Party leaders remain cautiously supportive, highlighting the stakes for control of the Senate.
Trump has claimed a peace deal with Iran could be signed soon, a repeated assertion that has yet to materialize. Markets have reacted with optimism and volatility as talks remain fragile and conflict persists. The narrative centers on the tension between optimism and reality as political statements influence oil and equities.
Endorsements from former President Trump are shaping party primaries across Georgia and South Carolina, with allies winning decisive votes. The political landscape is shifting as candidates court Trump’s backing, while opponents warn of MAGA fatigue and ongoing foreign policy debates.
The Texas Senate race remains volatile as incumbent Republicans face intraparty splits after Trump-backed Ken Paxton defeats Cornyn in a primary. Cornyn has signaled political independence, warning that Trump’s endorsement could complicate the race for Republicans nationwide. The outcome raises questions about party unity and potential shifts in control of the Senate.