Politics

Sen. Mark Warner said his daughter, Madison Warner, died at 36 after a decades-long battle with juvenile diabetes; the family has asked for privacy.

U.S. officials are weighing a delegation to Islamabad within days to resume talks with Iranian representatives; the effort is described as tentative and no firm date has been set.

Dr. Jermaine Dawson will become CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools on July 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. Sonja Santelises, who is stepping down at the end of June after ten years.

Officials say federal agents are investigating how a former National Guardsman suspected of killing eight children in Shreveport obtained an assault-style pistol, despite a 2019 illegal firearms conviction that likely barred him from owning weapons.

Ohio’s SB56 bans intoxicating hemp products and bars transporting marijuana into the state, while lawmakers redirected most marijuana tax revenue to the general fund; the law is facing multiple legal challenges.

President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate access to psychedelic-based medical research and treatments while Joe Rogan stood with him; he directed senior health officials to review the effort.

Former President Barack Obama released a video urging Virginians to vote yes on a referendum to temporarily return congressional redistricting power to the state legislature; supporters say it could shift Virginia’s U.S. House delegation from 6-5 to 10-1 while opponents have mounted a legal challenge now before the Virginia Supreme Court.

The House approved legislation to reinstate Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants, passing 224-204 with 10 Republicans joining Democrats; the White House has threatened a veto and the measure now moves to the Senate.

Police say former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife and then himself at their Annandale home; their teenage children were in the house and police said Fairfax had recently been served paperwork related to his divorce court appearance.

President Trump will visit Las Vegas to highlight tax cuts he signed last year; local workers report larger refunds but say higher gasoline costs are reducing those gains.

First Lady Melania Trump told the House Ways and Means Committee she supports updating the 30-year-old Chafee Foster Care Program and increasing support for youth aging out of foster care.

USA TODAY reports the Pentagon is increasing planning for a possible operation in Cuba, and U.S. and Cuban officials are reported to be in early-stage diplomatic talks.

A proposed constitutional amendment to cap annual property tax increases advanced from a House committee and may reach the November ballot; the full legislature reconvenes next week.

A woman who identified herself as Lonna Drewes alleged that Eric Swalwell drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2018; Swalwell has denied the allegations and resigned from Congress.

Governor Hobbs said she will veto bills until Republican leaders publicly release their budget proposal, and legislative Republicans say they will unveil a new plan in a few weeks.

Scott Bessent visited a Yorktown diner with Rep. Mike Lawler and described the recent spike in gas prices as a "temporary blip" while promoting administration tax policies; the March CPI showed a record 21.2% monthly jump in gasoline prices.

President Trump told NBC News he was "very optimistic" a peace deal with Iran was possible as a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance prepared to travel to Islamabad; the tentative ceasefire already showed signs of strain with ongoing strikes in southern Lebanon.

A federal judge in Massachusetts has postponed the planned end of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, finding the earlier termination attempt unlawful. The Department of Homeland Security had announced in December that protections would end on Feb. 13.

Washington lowered the top estate tax rate from 35% to 20% and included rollbacks of certain sales tax increases on services as part of legislation that also creates a new state income tax.

Portland city council approved a $56 million housing spending plan on an 8-4 vote after staff discovered about $106 million in unspent housing bureau funds; roughly $56 million was available for new initiatives and will fund a loan program, rent assistance, debt relief and a transfer to the general fund.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited Chimney Rock, North Carolina, where residents are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. He said he intends to reform FEMA’s role and the agency is working to speed approvals ahead of the June 1 hurricane season.

A small number of Republican lawmakers publicly criticized President Trump's statement that "a whole civilization will die tonight"; key GOP leaders largely remained silent.

U.S. strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 coincided with a drop in public attention to missing Justice Department pages from FBI interviews of a woman who said she was abused as a minor; former AG Pam Bondi is scheduled to testify before Congress on April 14 about the handling of those files.

Congress is out of session while President Trump posted a public threat toward Iran; House Democratic leaders have urged the House to return to Washington to hold hearings and consider War Powers measures.

The U.S. has set a deadline for Iran to accept a deal by 8 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday; Iran has rejected temporary ceasefire offers and talks continue through intermediaries.

Washington recently enacted a state income measure that imposes a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million, effective Jan. 1, 2028, with first payments due April 2029. Business owners and commentators told media they fear the measure could drive activity out of the state and that future tax changes might affect smaller businesses.

Some family members did not attend Marine Corps graduations at Parris Island after notices about federal immigration personnel; base officials said federal officers assisted with security and the Department of Homeland Security said ICE would not be making arrests.

A U.S. F-15 was shot down, two crew ejected, one was rescued and one remains missing after a U.S. search-and-rescue operation inside Iran. Undetermined at this time.

On Sine Die, Georgia legislators approved a package that includes a $38.5 billion budget with pay raises and literacy coaches, transit and tax changes, and other measures; the bills now head to Gov. Brian Kemp, who has 40 days to act.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 752, which creates criminal penalties for knowingly entering a bathroom designated for the opposite sex; the law takes effect July 1.