Cornyn went to great lengths to avoid Trump's wrath. The Texas senator lost his seat anyway
Read full article: Cornyn went to great lengths to avoid Trump's wrath. The Texas senator lost his seat anywayU.S. Sen. John Cornyn tried for more than a year to show Donald Trump and Texas Republicans that he and the president were on the same team.
South Carolina Senate rejects Trump’s call to redraw congressional map for midterm elections
Read full article: South Carolina Senate rejects Trump’s call to redraw congressional map for midterm electionsThe South Carolina Senate has rejected President Donald Trump’s push to redraw the state’s congressional districts in hopes Republicans could gain an extra seat.
Florida lawmakers complete budget deals, set for vote Friday
Read full article: Florida lawmakers complete budget deals, set for vote FridayHouse and Senate leaders reached a final deal on the state budget late Sunday night, the last step in an extended process that required a special session to complete for the second year in a row.

‘Long overdue’: Parents sound off on new bill that puts more money in Florida coaches’ pockets
Read full article: ‘Long overdue’: Parents sound off on new bill that puts more money in Florida coaches’ pocketsJacksonville parents said their kids’ coaches showed up every day for the love of the game, not the paycheck. Now, a new Florida law aims to make that paycheck a little more worth it.
Pushed to the limit, Republicans show rare defiance to Trump's demands
Read full article: Pushed to the limit, Republicans show rare defiance to Trump's demandsPresident Donald Trump’s political revenge tour met its potential match this week as angry Republican senators finally said no, even if temporarily.
Republicans call off vote on Iran war resolution that was on the verge of passing
Read full article: Republicans call off vote on Iran war resolution that was on the verge of passingRepublicans are struggling to find the votes to dismiss legislation that would compel President Donald Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran.
Backlash to Trump's $1.8B settlement fund delays GOP immigration bill
Read full article: Backlash to Trump's $1.8B settlement fund delays GOP immigration billSenate Republicans have departed Washington for the Memorial Day recess without voting on a roughly $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies.
Republicans mull dropping $1 billion security money request for the White House and Trump's ballroom
Read full article: Republicans mull dropping $1 billion security money request for the White House and Trump's ballroomRepublican senators are considering dropping a proposal for $1 billion in security money for the White House complex and President Donald Trump’s ballroom after it has failed to win enough party support on Capitol Hill.
The White House push for $1 billion in security funds is facing GOP opposition
Read full article: The White House push for $1 billion in security funds is facing GOP oppositionA proposal to fund $1 billion in security additions for the White House campus and the president’s new ballroom is facing growing opposition from Republicans ahead of an expected vote this week.
Senate advances bill aimed at ending Iran war as Cassidy, after primary loss, flips to support it
Read full article: Senate advances bill aimed at ending Iran war as Cassidy, after primary loss, flips to support itThe Senate has advanced legislation that seeks to force President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Iran war.
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy has no regrets over Trump impeachment vote, even as it cost him his seat
Read full article: Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy has no regrets over Trump impeachment vote, even as it cost him his seatRepublican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana says he has no regrets about his “momentous” vote to convict President Donald Trump on impeachment charges five years ago.
Senate parliamentarian deals blow to $1 billion security proposal for White House
Read full article: Senate parliamentarian deals blow to $1 billion security proposal for White HouseA proposal to fund $1 billion in security additions for the White House campus and the president’s new ballroom fails to meet procedural rules.
Florida budget talks progress as lawmakers head home, vote expected after Memorial Day
Read full article: Florida budget talks progress as lawmakers head home, vote expected after Memorial DayState lawmakers completed their first week of a special session on the fiscal year 2026-2027 spending plan. Staff and the two budget chiefs will pick up unresolved issues through the weekend.
Tech CEOs summoned to Congress for another hearing on social media's risks for children
Read full article: Tech CEOs summoned to Congress for another hearing on social media's risks for childrenSocial media CEOs have been called to testify before Congress amid growing pressure to protect young users.
Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court flees from Senate
Read full article: Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court flees from SenateA Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court has fled from the Senate, where he sought refuge to evade arrest.
Republican senators say they need more detail on $1B White House security request
Read full article: Republican senators say they need more detail on $1B White House security requestRepublican senators say they need more details on a $1 billion security proposal for the White House, including a proposed $220 million to secure President Donald Trump’s new East Wing ballroom.
Philippine vice president impeached by lawmakers over suspected wealth and threats
Read full article: Philippine vice president impeached by lawmakers over suspected wealth and threatsThe House of Representatives in the Philippines has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte over alleged unexplained wealth and threats against the president.
Thune defends $1B for White House security as 'what it costs' to protect the president
Read full article: Thune defends $1B for White House security as 'what it costs' to protect the presidentSenate Majority Leader John Thune is defending a plan to give the Secret Service up to $1 billion for security upgrades to Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project.
Southern Republicans press ahead with election-year redistricting of US House despite protests
Read full article: Southern Republicans press ahead with election-year redistricting of US House despite protestsRepublicans are rapidly pursuing redistricting efforts across the South following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affects majority-Black congressional districts.
Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in election win that offers clues about midterms
Read full article: Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in election win that offers clues about midtermsDemocrat Chedrick Greene has won a special election in Michigan, securing the party’s control of the state Senate through the remainder of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s term.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Michigan's special election for control of the state Senate
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Michigan's special election for control of the state SenateVoters in a competitive central Michigan district will decide control of the state Senate on Tuesday in a special election to fill the seat last held by Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet, who's now a congresswoman.
Trump says deadline for Congress to approve Iran war doesn't apply: Hostilities have 'terminated'
Read full article: Trump says deadline for Congress to approve Iran war doesn't apply: Hostilities have 'terminated'The White House is telling Congress that hostilities with Iran have “terminated” despite the continued presence of U.S. armed forces in the region.
Congress approves short-term extension of divisive US surveillance program hours before expiration
Read full article: Congress approves short-term extension of divisive US surveillance program hours before expirationCongress gave approval to a short-term extension of a key U.S. surveillance program as they continue to work toward a long-term deal.
Brazil's Senate blocks Lula's Supreme Court nominee, first rejection in 132 years
Read full article: Brazil's Senate blocks Lula's Supreme Court nominee, first rejection in 132 yearsBrazil’s Senate dealt a political blow to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday by rejecting his appointee to the Supreme Court, the first in more than 130 years.
House approves bill to extend divisive US surveillance program, but path forward uncertain
Read full article: House approves bill to extend divisive US surveillance program, but path forward uncertainThe Republican-controlled House gave approval to a three-year extension of a key U.S. surveillance program after weeks of infighting.
Senate passes budget plan for ICE and Border Patrol in bid to reopen Homeland Security Department
Read full article: Senate passes budget plan for ICE and Border Patrol in bid to reopen Homeland Security DepartmentThe Senate has taken the first steps in a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, voting to adopt a budget plan that would fund ICE and Border Patrol over Democratic objections.
Gov. DeSantis signs two bills targeting DEI, net zero energy policies during Jacksonville visit
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs two bills targeting DEI, net zero energy policies during Jacksonville visitFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills from this year’s legislative session into law Wednesday afternoon, during a news conference at the Florida State College of Jacksonville’s South Campus.
Republicans are launching a new effort to fund the Department of Homeland Security
Read full article: Republicans are launching a new effort to fund the Department of Homeland SecuritySenate Republicans are moving this week to try and reopen the Department of Homeland Security and end the longest partial government shutdown in history.
Florida bill would expand vaccine exemptions for K-12 students
Read full article: Florida bill would expand vaccine exemptions for K-12 studentsA bill headed to Florida's special session would give parents more options when it comes to required school vaccines. Senator Clay Yarborough plans to file legislation that would expand exemptions to include personal reasons, among other provisions.
Senate extends surveillance powers until April 30 after chaotic votes in House
Read full article: Senate extends surveillance powers until April 30 after chaotic votes in HouseCongress has approved a short-term renewal of a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies just days before it was set to expire.
Senate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votes
Read full article: Senate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votesThe Republican-led Senate has rejected the latest Democratic attempt to halt President Donald Trump’s war in Iran.
Republicans are moving to fund Homeland Security 'the hard way' after end of talks
Read full article: Republicans are moving to fund Homeland Security 'the hard way' after end of talksRepublicans in Congress are forging ahead with a risky go-it-alone strategy for funding the Department of Homeland Security.
Gov. Wes Moore falls short in push to redraw Maryland's congressional map to boost Democrats
Read full article: Gov. Wes Moore falls short in push to redraw Maryland's congressional map to boost DemocratsA proposal for a new Maryland congressional map has officially died with the conclusion of the state's legislative session.
Meloni hails arrest of top crime family suspect after raid at an Italian resort
Read full article: Meloni hails arrest of top crime family suspect after raid at an Italian resortItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has praised police after the arrest of alleged organized crime boss Roberto Mazzarella.
Georgia lawmakers end annual session without settling conflict on voting machines
Read full article: Georgia lawmakers end annual session without settling conflict on voting machinesThe Georgia General Assembly has ended its annual session without a plan for new equipment to overhaul the state’s voting system by a July deadline.
Trump says he'll sign order to resume pay for Homeland Security. His move bypasses Congress
Read full article: Trump says he'll sign order to resume pay for Homeland Security. His move bypasses CongressPresident Donald Trump says he'll soon sign an order to pay all Department of Homeland Security employees who have gone without paychecks during the partial government shutdown that has reached 48 days.
Republican leaders in Congress announce plan to end Homeland Security shutdown
Read full article: Republican leaders in Congress announce plan to end Homeland Security shutdownHouse Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have announced a plan to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and try to end a record partial government shutdown.
From TMZ to Trump, pressure grows to bring Congress back during partial shutdown
Read full article: From TMZ to Trump, pressure grows to bring Congress back during partial shutdownTMZ is turning its celebrity lens on Congress, tracking lawmakers on recess as a nearly six-week Department of Homeland Security shutdown drags on.
Trump signs executive action to pay TSA employees after Congress fails to agree on DHS funding
Read full article: Trump signs executive action to pay TSA employees after Congress fails to agree on DHS fundingPresident Donald Trump on Friday signed a promised executive action that will pay Transportation Security Administration employees, after a deal that sought to do the same stalled in Congress.
Trump signs order to pay TSA employees after Congress fails to agree on DHS funding
Read full article: Trump signs order to pay TSA employees after Congress fails to agree on DHS fundingPresident Donald Trump has signed a promised executive action that will pay Transportation Security Administration employees, after a bid to end the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security abruptly fell apart in Congress.
The Latest: Trump says he will sign an order to pay TSA agents during funding impasse
Read full article: The Latest: Trump says he will sign an order to pay TSA agents during funding impassePresident Donald Trump said Thursday he would sign an order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents as Congress struggles to reach a deal to end the budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.
A sweeping Idaho bill would criminalize transgender bathroom use in private businesses
Read full article: A sweeping Idaho bill would criminalize transgender bathroom use in private businessesIdaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it a crime for transgender people to use bathrooms matching their gender identity, even in private businesses.
Why Casey Means' surgeon general nomination is in limbo
Read full article: Why Casey Means' surgeon general nomination is in limboWellness influencer Dr. Casey Means' nomination to become U.S. surgeon general is stalled a month after senators grilled her on vaccines during a tense confirmation hearing.
Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines
Read full article: Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport linesA bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security has failed to advance in the Senate amid growing concerns about long lines to get through screening at some of the country’s biggest airports.
Paraguay becomes final South American country to approve Mercosur-European Union trade deal
Read full article: Paraguay becomes final South American country to approve Mercosur-European Union trade dealParaguay has ratified the Mercosur and European Union free trade deal to complete South America’s approval of a huge new trade zone.
As Trump keeps Texas guessing, neither Cornyn nor Paxton backs down from Republican Senate runoff
Read full article: As Trump keeps Texas guessing, neither Cornyn nor Paxton backs down from Republican Senate runoffPresident Donald Trump says he plans to endorse a candidate in the Texas Republican Senate runoff to end the painful primary.
Republicans are launching a voting bill debate that could last days or even weeks
Read full article: Republicans are launching a voting bill debate that could last days or even weeksPresident Donald Trump is issuing a warning to fellow Republicans as they launch an unprecedented effort to hold the Senate floor and talk for days about a voting bill they know can’t pass.
Property taxes, education, guns & more: Here’s what happened to 10 key issues in the 2026 Florida legislative session
Read full article: Property taxes, education, guns & more: Here’s what happened to 10 key issues in the 2026 Florida legislative sessionFlorida lawmakers put forward just under 2,000 bills and resolutions as they entered the 2026 legislative session. They returned home on Friday, having agreed to about 235 measures that await action from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Here is what became of 10 key issues.
Republicans resist calls for Iran war hearings, creating a new standoff with Democrats
Read full article: Republicans resist calls for Iran war hearings, creating a new standoff with DemocratsThe United States’ war with Iran is entering its third week, but Congress has yet to publicly test the Trump administration’s case for the conflict.
Trump signs executive orders aimed at addressing home affordability concerns ahead of midterms
Read full article: Trump signs executive orders aimed at addressing home affordability concerns ahead of midtermsPresident Donald Trump has signed two executive orders that aim to make housing and mortgages more affordable.
Florida lawmakers approach the end of an ‘unproductive’ regular legislative session, will reconvene in April
Read full article: Florida lawmakers approach the end of an ‘unproductive’ regular legislative session, will reconvene in AprilFlorida lawmakers wrapped up the regular legislative session Friday with no budget and plans to reconvene next month, ending what political experts called an “unproductive” session even as legislators approved more than 100 bills.
Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordability
Read full article: Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordabilityIn a rare bipartisan effort for a deeply divided Congress, the Senate has passed a broad bill to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable.
After years of News4JAX reporting on low wages, bill that would raise Florida coaches’ pay passed by Legislature
Read full article: After years of News4JAX reporting on low wages, bill that would raise Florida coaches’ pay passed by LegislatureA major bill that helps address low pay for extracurricular leaders like coaches and toughens restrictions on rampant transfer issues has made it through the Legislature and will now head to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature to make it a law.
Thune says Senate to consider voting bill but pushes back on demands for 'talking filibuster'
Read full article: Thune says Senate to consider voting bill but pushes back on demands for 'talking filibuster'Majority Leader John Thune says that the Senate will consider a bill to impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements in elections.
Trump pushes GOP on voting bill, demanding an end to most mail balloting
Read full article: Trump pushes GOP on voting bill, demanding an end to most mail ballotingPresident Donald Trump says he won’t sign any other legislation into law until Congress passes a strict proof-of-citizenship voting bill that he says also must end Americans’ ability to vote by mail.
Coaching pay, transfer bill passes House vote, inches closer to becoming reality
Read full article: Coaching pay, transfer bill passes House vote, inches closer to becoming realityThe push for better pay for coaches in the state and stronger guardrails for the Florida High School Athletic Association to enforce transfer restrictions passed another major hurdle on Monday afternoon.
The Trump administration widens its probe of the 2020 election as it obtains records from Arizona
Read full article: The Trump administration widens its probe of the 2020 election as it obtains records from ArizonaThe Republican leader of Arizona’s state Senate says he has complied with a federal grand jury subpoena for records related to the 2020 presidential election.
Judge disqualifies trio of lawyers tapped to lead New Jersey's federal prosecutor's office
Read full article: Judge disqualifies trio of lawyers tapped to lead New Jersey's federal prosecutor's officeA judge on has disqualified a trio of prosecutors the Trump administration tapped to oversee federal prosecutions in New Jersey after his former personal attorney was also barred from the role.
House, Senate still at odds over Florida’s budget with just days left in regular session
Read full article: House, Senate still at odds over Florida’s budget with just days left in regular sessionWith a week left in the scheduled regular session, House and Senate leaders aren’t yet into formal budget negotiations.
Jan. 6 plaque honoring police officers is now displayed at the Capitol after a 3-year delay
Read full article: Jan. 6 plaque honoring police officers is now displayed at the Capitol after a 3-year delayVisitors to the Capitol in Washington now have a visible reminder of the siege there on Jan. 6, 2021, and the officers who fought and were injured that day.
Florida teachers raise alarm over bill requiring unions to show support from 50% of employees to remain certified
Read full article: Florida teachers raise alarm over bill requiring unions to show support from 50% of employees to remain certifiedTeachers and union leaders in Northeast Florida are warning that Senate Bill 1296, which is advancing through the Florida Legislature, could jeopardize collective-bargaining rights for public employees.
Cornyn goes on offense against Paxton as Republicans await Trump's endorsement
Read full article: Cornyn goes on offense against Paxton as Republicans await Trump's endorsementSen. John Cornyn is going on offense against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as they fight for a Republican Senate runoff, and President Donald Trump’s endorsement hangs over it all.
Protester, three Capitol Police officers treated for injuries after scuffle in Senate hearing room
Read full article: Protester, three Capitol Police officers treated for injuries after scuffle in Senate hearing roomA man protesting the war in Iran has been arrested after a struggle in a U.S. Senate building.
White House formally nominates Warsh to be Federal Reserve chair
Read full article: White House formally nominates Warsh to be Federal Reserve chairThe Trump administration has formally nominated Kevin Warsh, a former top Federal Reserve official, to be next Fed chair when Jerome Powell’s term ends in two months.
Senate Republicans vote down legislation to halt Iran war in Congress’ first vote on the conflict
Read full article: Senate Republicans vote down legislation to halt Iran war in Congress’ first vote on the conflictSenate Republicans have voted down an effort to halt President Donald Trump’s war against Iran.
War powers debate intensifies after Trump orders attack on Iran without approval by Congress
Read full article: War powers debate intensifies after Trump orders attack on Iran without approval by CongressKey members of Congress are demanding a swift vote on a war powers resolution that would restrain President Donald Trump’s military attack on Iran.
OpenAI gets $110 billion in funding from a trio of tech powerhouses, led by Amazon
Read full article: OpenAI gets $110 billion in funding from a trio of tech powerhouses, led by AmazonChatGPT maker OpenAI has received $110 billion in investments from Amazon, SoftBank and Nvidia, putting the technology company’s pre-money valuation at $730 billion.
Republican voter ID bill stalls in Senate despite Trump demands
Read full article: Republican voter ID bill stalls in Senate despite Trump demandsElection-year legislation to impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements on voting appears stalled in the Senate, for now, despite President Donald Trump’s call in his State of the Union speech that Republicans in Congress pass the bill “before anything else.”.
Surgeon general nominee faces sharp questions about vaccines, birth control and qualifications
Read full article: Surgeon general nominee faces sharp questions about vaccines, birth control and qualificationsWellness influencer and entrepreneur Dr. Casey Means shared a vision for addressing the root causes of chronic disease instead of what she calls “reactive sick care” during her confirmation hearing to become the next surgeon general.
Florida Senate committee passes bill to expand vaccine exemptions for young students despite some Republican opposition
Read full article: Florida Senate committee passes bill to expand vaccine exemptions for young students despite some Republican oppositionA bill that would expand vaccine exemptions for K-12 schools passed its second committee hurdle in the Senate on Tuesday, but only after some Republican members expressed concern over the proposal.
Commentary: Push for better coaching pay in Florida will continue even if bill becomes law
Read full article: Commentary: Push for better coaching pay in Florida will continue even if bill becomes lawThe finish line is fast approaching on change for high school coaches in Florida for a path to better pay. I should say the first finish line. The next race will begin just about as soon as a pair of bills arrives on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for him to sign.
Florida Senate passes bill allowing relatives who serve on same elected body to run for leadership positions
Read full article: Florida Senate passes bill allowing relatives who serve on same elected body to run for leadership positionsThe Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that directly addresses a recent question that was posed by members of Jacksonville’s City Council: Can a son seek a council leadership position while working alongside his father?
House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters ahead of midterm elections
Read full article: House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters ahead of midterm electionsHouse Republicans approved legislation that would impose strict new voter ID requirements ahead of the midterm elections.
Democrats say White House offer on ICE is 'insufficient' as Homeland Security funding set to expire
Read full article: Democrats say White House offer on ICE is 'insufficient' as Homeland Security funding set to expireDemocratic leaders say a proposal from the White House is “incomplete and insufficient” as they are demanding new restrictions on President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and threatening a shutdown of the Homeland Security Department.
Democrats and White House trade offers as shutdown of Homeland Security looms
Read full article: Democrats and White House trade offers as shutdown of Homeland Security loomsDemocrats have begun tentative talks with the White House on their demands for “dramatic” new restrictions on President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Florida state senator Tom Leek discusses AI bill of rights, Black History Museum plans
Read full article: Florida state senator Tom Leek discusses AI bill of rights, Black History Museum plansFlorida State Senator Tom Leek, representing St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam counties and parts of Volusia, shared insights from the ongoing legislative session in Tallahassee. Leek highlighted progress on Senate Bill 482, known as the AI Bill of Rights, which aims to protect vulnerable populations.
Families may have to wait 3+ days to find loved ones detained at ‘Deportation Depot.’ A Florida bill aims to change that
Read full article: Families may have to wait 3+ days to find loved ones detained at ‘Deportation Depot.’ A Florida bill aims to change thatFamilies of detainees in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can track their location online, but for those housed at “Deportation Depot” or “Alligator Alcatraz,” it may take longer to appear in the system. However, a new Florida bill aims to change that.
Democrats demand 'dramatic changes' for ICE, including masks, cameras and judicial warrants
Read full article: Democrats demand 'dramatic changes' for ICE, including masks, cameras and judicial warrantsDemocrats are threatening to block funding for the Homeland Security Department when it expires in two weeks unless there are “dramatic changes” and “real accountability” for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies who are carrying out President Donald Trump’s campaign of federal immigration enforcement.
Trump moved fast to cut a funding deal. It's a striking change from the last shutdown fight
Read full article: Trump moved fast to cut a funding deal. It's a striking change from the last shutdown fightPresident Donald Trump acted quickly to negotiate with Democratic senators on a deal to avert a government shutdown.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Texas' special congressional runoff
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Texas' special congressional runoffHouston voters who have gone almost a year without representation in the U.S. House will finally fill the seat in a special runoff election.
Senate passes Trump-backed government funding deal, sending to House
Read full article: Senate passes Trump-backed government funding deal, sending to HouseThe Senate has voted to fund most of the government through the end of September while carving out a temporary extension for Homeland Security funding, giving Congress two weeks to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country.
Trump's pick to lead the NSA vows to follow the law if confirmed
Read full article: Trump's pick to lead the NSA vows to follow the law if confirmedThe Army general tapped to lead the NSA is promising to follow the law and the Constitution when it comes to using the NSA's powerful surveillance tools.
