Tennessee’s first primaries under a newly redrawn congressional map set up a closely watched 9th District race between Republican Brent Taylor and Democrat Justin Pearson. The results also brought a primary defeat for Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Ogles.
Posts published in “Politics”
The Senate voted 86-11 to pass a Russia and Iran sanctions bill renamed for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The measure targets Russian energy buyers and now heads to the House, where tariff provisions face scrutiny.
Italy says it will maintain border controls on Spain despite Madrid’s threat of countermeasures after tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco. The dispute has widened divisions inside the EU as Spain manages the humanitarian fallout, including more than 1,300 children still in the enclave.
A federal appeals court upheld an order blocking above-ground work on President Trump’s planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom, saying the project requires congressional approval. The court allowed below-ground work to continue and stayed its ruling for 14 days to permit an appeal.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, pledging that an armed attack on one will be treated as an attack on all three. Officials described the pact as defensive and said it aims to strengthen deterrence and broader defense cooperation.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, leaving President Trump’s pick with almost no margin for error. The fight centers in part on concerns over a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and whether it could be revived after confirmation.
The Government Accountability Office found that DOGE’s online “Wall of Receipts” included $110 billion in claimed savings that were incorrect or lacked supporting evidence. The watchdog said DOGE did not adequately explain its calculations and credited itself for some actions already underway.
Rep. Andy Ogles lost the Republican primary for his Tennessee House seat to former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher despite President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Hatcher had support from prominent Tennessee Republicans and is favored in the deep-red district’s general election.