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Now, let’s get to the news:
In a landmark election that signals a major political shift, Democrat John Ewing Jr. has turned Omaha blue by defeating the longest-serving Republican mayor in the United States. His victory marks the end of a decades-long GOP stronghold in Nebraska’s largest city and ushers in a new era of leadership. Ewing’s win is not only politically significant but also historic—he becomes the first Black mayor in Omaha’s history, breaking barriers in the city.
In the special election for Oklahoma’s State Senate District 8, Republican Bryan Logan secured a decisive victory with 61.6% of the vote, defeating Democrat Nathan Brewer, who garnered 29.7%, and independent Steve Sanford, who received 8.7%. While the seat remains firmly in GOP hands, the results are notable: Brewer’s performance represents an approximately 20-point overperformance for Democrats in a district that favored Donald Trump by 51 points in 2024.
In the special election for Massachusetts’ 6th Essex House District, Democrat Hannah Bowen won decisively with 73.4% of the vote, defeating Republican Medley Long, who earned 26.0%. With all precincts reporting, Bowen’s margin reflects a 13-point overperformance for Democrats compared to the district’s 2024 presidential margin, where Vice President Kamala Harris led by 34 points.
In South Memphis, Elon Musk’s AI company xAI is drawing scrutiny for operating 35 methane-powered turbines without pollution controls, emitting an estimated 1,200 to 2,000 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides annually—making it one of Shelby County’s largest polluters. Located in a predominantly Black, low-income neighborhood already burdened by industrial pollution and high asthma rates, the facility lacks Clean Air Act permits and has sparked public outrage over environmental injustice.
A federal grand jury charged a Wisconsin judge for allegedly helping an undocumented man avoid immigration agents during a domestic abuse hearing. The indictment of Judge Hannah Dugan has intensified tensions between the Trump administration and local officials, with Democrats claiming it’s an attempt to intimidate judges who oppose Trump’s immigration policies.
Nearly 30 years after being sentenced to life without parole for killing their parents, Erik and Lyle Menendez had their sentences reduced to 50 years to life by a California judge, making them eligible for parole. The surprising decision follows renewed public interest and advocacy sparked by documentaries and dramatizations of the case.
Donald Trump criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday, saying there’s “something wrong” with him after Schumer placed a blanket hold on all Justice Department political nominees. The move by Schumer comes as he demands answers about the Trump administration’s reported plan to accept a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family for use as Air Force One.
In Doha, Qatar—his second stop on a Middle East tour—Donald Trump was welcomed with extravagant fanfare, including a red carpet greeting from Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a cavalry of red Tesla Cybertrucks, and a ceremonial escort of camels and Arabian horses. The spectacle underscored Trump’s flair for showmanship, with the Cybertrucks seen as a nod to Tesla CEO and Trump adviser Elon Musk.
Donald Trump said he is “always considering secondary sanctions” when asked about potential penalties on Russia for its support of Iran and its role in the war in Ukraine. He declined to offer specifics, saying, “I don’t want to talk about it,” but emphasized the option remains on the table.
Donald Trump announced that the United States is “exploring normalizing relations” with Syria following a significant meeting with Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Speaking to the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, Trump confirmed the move comes just a day after he revealed plans to lift major sanctions on the Syrian government.
Trump secured a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia, including a record $142 billion defense deal and a $20 billion pledge from DataVolt to build AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the U.S., with tech giants like Google, Oracle, and Uber joining a separate $80 billion tech initiative.
The Social Security Administration has added death dates to millions of records to weed out implausibly old beneficiaries—though some living people have been mistakenly declared dead, forcing them to visit SSA offices to reverse the error. In response, the agency has issued internal guidance on handling these “death correction cases” promptly and without appointments, after flagging 3.5 million updates and growing concerns over mistaken declarations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has temporarily halted the transport of live cattle, horses, and bison through border ports with Mexico for at least two weeks to combat the spread of New World screwworm. This flesh-eating parasite poses a deadly threat to livestock and could severely impact cattle herds if not contained.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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