Fox News Politics

U.S. Southern Command reported a lethal kinetic strike in the Caribbean that killed four alleged drug smugglers, bringing the total deaths attributed to 68 strikes since September to at least 227. The operation was executed by Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere against vessels suspected of narco-trafficking routes. The U.S. continues its efforts across the Atlantic and Pacific to defeat these cartels.

California Senate Democrats rejected efforts by Republican Sen. Suzette Valladares to amend AB 2691, a proposal intended to disqualify people from public office convicted of certain sex crimes against minors. The proposed law originally aimed to ban such disqualifications but was amended to only cover tier three offenders, exempting tier one and tier two. California state Sen. Dawn Addis called the bill a "first in the nation" effort meant to protect survivors' trust.

An escalating trade dispute exists between President Donald Trump and Canadian officials, highlighted by Ontario premier Doug Ford's profane critique amid tariff threats. The conflict involves potential 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian autos, auto parts, and steel. Furthermore, Trump escalated the rhetoric by floating proposals like renaming Lake Ontario "Lake America."

Grocers are challenging Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for government-owned grocery stores in New York City, filing lawsuits against the city and threatening private operators who sign on. The municipal program proposes five taxpayer-backed stores, offering deeply discounted staples to shoppers, but opponents argue this unfairly competes with minority- and immigrant-owned businesses.

Despite denying ties to socialism, Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed faced criticism from a GOP lawmaker who argued his policy agenda favors far-left socialist ideas. The lawmaker cited policies such as abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Medicare for All as running counter to the spirit of American entrepreneurship. El-Sayed secured an upset primary victory, gaining support from prominent figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The Trump administration paused worldwide immigrant visa interviews to allow consular officers time to complete training on public-charge guidance. This temporary measure has sparked uncertainty among applicants and occurs amid a broader immigration crackdown involving higher fees for certain work visas and large-scale visa revocations. Legal setbacks have also occurred, including a federal judge striking down a State Department policy suspending issuance from 75 countries.

Mike Mazzei secured the GOP nomination for governor in Oklahoma after winning a primary election runoff against Genter Drummond with the support of Donald Trump. The race highlights an ongoing political conflict between outgoing Gov. Kevin Stitt and Drummond over pollution claims involving poultry companies. Key policy promises from Mazzei include eliminating Oklahoma's income tax and providing property tax elimination for seniors and veterans.

Fox News Digital reported that the Smithsonian affiliate Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, uses its 9/11 exhibits to focus on alleged discrimination against Arab Americans following the September 11 attacks. The museum argues that Arab Americans suffered 'two-fold' from the events and subsequent unfair government treatment. The article noted the AANM is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and has received grant funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Rep. Harriet Hageman warned that aging infrastructure and environmental regulations in California are stressing the Colorado River, potentially threatening food supplies across the US. She argued that water has been diverted from agriculture to meet municipal demands, leading to a decline in California's ability to grow essential food and making food independence a national security issue.

An aide to California Gov. Gavin Newsom mocked Pete Buttigieg's recent visit to South Carolina in response to a post by his representative regarding the NAACP. This exchange highlights the ongoing battle for the Democratic Party’s 2028 nomination, focusing heavily on Black voter outreach efforts. The tension is compounded by criticism from figures like Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and warnings from southern state chairs regarding voter loyalty.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu initiated efforts to dissuade business owners from leasing private property to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This included submitting a Freedom of Information Act request for local responses to ICE's interest in staging facilities in the city. DHS responded by calling her actions "unhinged," arguing that she has no authority to block federal law enforcement from using private property.

Statewide runoff elections are testing the clout of Donald Trump's endorsements in South Carolina and Oklahoma. Darline Graham faces a make-or-break GOP Senate nomination runoff in South Carolina to succeed her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Separately, Mike Mazzei is backed by Trump for the gubernatorial nomination in Oklahoma, while a special election runoff also takes place in Georgia.

Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon denied being a socialist despite acknowledging her membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Representative Carlos Gimenez criticized this position, arguing that such a stance indicates either bona-fide socialism or poor judgment. Gimenez also cited examples from Venezuela and Nicaragua to suggest that groups promoting socialism often restructure government away from democratic processes.

The Trump administration proposed a rule to codify an unprecedented fee of $103,265 for cap-subject H-1B petitions, intended to cover federal costs of administering the legal immigration system. However, a federal judge previously struck down a temporary version of this fee, ruling it an unconstitutional tax. The Department of Homeland Security's proposed rule would make the substantial charge permanent.

The U.S. military conducted a strike in the Eastern Pacific on a low-profile vessel operating along established narco-trafficking routes, killing two individuals described as "narco-terrorists." This operation was executed under the direction of Gen. Francis L. Donovan and Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, which aims to impose systemic friction on these networks.

William Lawrence, a far-left candidate for the House of Representatives in Michigan, faced resurfacing documents detailing his 2013 arrest during a protest against the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline. During that time, he was charged with trespassing, resisting, and obstructing a police officer. The scrutiny accompanies him challenging Rep. Tom Barrett, amidst political attacks regarding past activism like calling to defund the Police.

The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a group aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, announced raising over $500 million ahead of the 2026 U.S. Senate elections to defend a Republican majority. SLF plans to use its resources and messaging strategy—focusing on issues like crime and inflation—to counter efforts by Democrats. The group stated confidence that combining record funding, strong candidates, and a winning message will allow Senate Republicans to maintain their majority.

A political fight is emerging in Texas over data centers due to concerns about skyrocketing power and water costs associated with AI technology. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a four-point plan addressing data center expansion while running against state Sen. James Talarico, who has used the issue as a political point of attack. The conflict highlights differing views on whether big tech money should influence political action.

A small town in New Jersey, where Trump has a golf course, could decide the fate of Congress for the latter half of Donald Trump's term. Tom Kean Jr. is seeking re-election in the Garden State's 7th Congressional District, which Mike Johnson stated was a top three race. Democrats are betting on this district and sending Rebecca Bennett as a challenger, noting that victory would potentially halt Republican goals.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon vowed that the federal government will crack down on sexual misconduct by adults in schools. She criticized school districts for allegedly reassigning rather than firing teachers accused of misconduct involving students. The Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District regarding similar allegations.