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Highlighting Today’s Major Topics
Ken Paxton, backed by Trump, emerged victorious in the race for the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, defeating the long-standing GOP Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton, aged 63, secured nearly double the votes of the 74-year-old Cornyn. The costly primary, with Republicans spending $100 million, was the most expensive in Senate history.
Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton speaks to supporters at a watch party on March 3 in Dallas. Paxton beat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a runoff for the nomination, setting up a tough fight in November against Democratic nominee, state Rep. James Talarico.
Sergio Flores/Getty Images
- 🎧 The battle, reflective of broader shifts within the Texas GOP, focused on a changing political landscape, as detailed by Andrew Schneider from Houston Public Media. Cornyn, representing the traditional party wing, faced a party that has shifted rightward since his initial Senate election during George W. Bush’s era. Paxton, highlighting Cornyn’s insufficient support for Trump, will now contest against James Talarico, the Democratic nominee. Talarico, known for flipping a pro-Trump district, is labeled by Paxton as too liberal for Texas.
- ➡️ Nathan Johnson (Democrat) and Mayes Middleton (Republican) are preparing for their showdown to become Texas’ next attorney general. The victor will succeed Paxton. (via KERA News)
- ➡️ Christian Menefee prevailed in the Democratic primary runoff against Al Green for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, as declared by the Associated Press. (via Houston Public Radio)
- ➡️ Texas’ general election matchups are locked in. Discover four key insights from the state’s primary runoffs.
In other news, South Carolina lawmakers recently halted Trump’s attempt to modify voting maps prior to the midterm elections. A revised map could have shifted the state’s sole Democratic-held House seat, currently by Rep. James Clyburn, making all seven districts Republican-leaning, thereby expanding the GOP’s national redistricting advantages.
- 🎧 In South Carolina, redistricting has dominated the legislative agenda in recent weeks, according to Gavin Jackson from South Carolina Public Radio. The Senate’s delay led Gov. Henry McMaster to summon a special session. Despite the desire to maintain a Republican Congress, some state Senate Republicans resisted the redistricting efforts, valuing deliberation over external pressures. With anticipated legal challenges and primary delays, some senators viewed this as a practical decision rather than a presidential rebuke.
- ➡️ Meanwhile, a federal court in Alabama blocked the state’s new congressional map favoring Republicans, amidst ongoing redistricting litigation over Black voter representation.
The Department of Homeland Security is broadening its use of iris scanning technology amid its large-scale deportation initiatives. Privacy advocates have expressed concerns about the agency’s collection of biometric data from detainees. Recently, DHS awarded BI2 Technologies a $25 million no-bid contract for iris scanners, significantly more than its previous deal with the company. This includes over 1,500 scanners and access to BI2’s mobile app.
In response to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, the Trump administration has removed prosecution data related to the event, including cases involving assaults on law enforcement. This action is part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape the narrative of the day’s events. Recently, descriptions of guilty pleas and prison sentences vanished from official websites. NPR’s investigation revealed that the deletions involved some of the most severe violence against police officers.
- ➡️ NPR offers the most comprehensive archive of Jan. 6 prosecutions. Explore it here.
Intersections of Faith and Governance
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner prays during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on Feb. 26, 2025, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also bow their heads.
Pool photo/AP
This week, NPR delves into the growing entanglement of religion and politics in our Church and State series. This fusion has gained traction under Trump’s leadership, permeating U.S. politics and culture, manifesting in diverse media and public events.
In a January video by the Department of Homeland Security, released during a large immigration operation in Minnesota, the phrase “Blessed are the peacemakers” from the Bible is juxtaposed with images of enforcement activities. This application of scripture aligns Trump’s policies with divine intent, a rhetorical approach distinct from past presidential uses of biblical references for national unity or purpose.
Dyron Daughrity, an evangelical Church of Christ minister, notes that while the DHS video’s imagery is impactful, it’s not without precedent. However, some critics argue this narrative undermines fundamental Christian teachings. Explore various viewpoints on this use of biblical text in justifying government actions.
Insights from Our Hosts
UFC president and CEO Dana White speaks to Steve Inskeep for NPR’s Newsmakers at Newark’s Prudential Center.
In preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary, workers are constructing a temporary outdoor stadium on the White House South Lawn for a UFC event on June 14.
Steve Inskeep recently conversed with UFC head Dana White for NPR’s Newsmakers.
White, speaking before a UFC event in New Jersey, expressed his reservations about the outdoor venue, citing potential weather and insect issues. Despite this, he agreed, viewing the opportunity as an honor. “There possibly couldn’t be a greater honor,” said White, highlighting his friendship with Trump, whose venues once hosted UFC events. While some might view White’s association with Trump as telling, our Newsmakers interview revealed more about his perspective.
White emphasizes the diversity in UFC, which includes many refugees and immigrants who rise through the ranks. Despite suggestions to frame the upcoming event as an America versus the world narrative, White aims to showcase the U.S.’s diversity instead, aligning with UFC’s ethos.
3 Essential Updates Before You Leave
Players of the United States pose for a team photo on stage during the U.S. Soccer World Cup roster reveal on Tuesday in New York City.
Adam Hunger/Getty Images
- The U.S. men’s national soccer team has announced the 26 players who will compete in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, featuring a blend of seasoned players and 13 newcomers.
- The French Open, one of the year’s major tennis tournaments, is taking place at Paris’ Roland Garros complex, named after a WWI pilot. Discover the story behind the name.
- The Trump administration has put forth a proposed nondisclosure agreement for federal employees, citing concerns over recent leaks regarding immigration and international affairs.
Newsletter editing by Suzanne Nuyen.
