JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 953

Austin — Republican voters in Texas held a pivotal Senate primary Tuesday this week as Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt competed for the GOP nomination. Cornyn received major establishment support and tens of millions in spending; Paxton faced legal and ethics controversies and drew MAGA-aligned voters; Democrats emphasized crossover candidates and warned of risks. Campaign advertisements intensified in final days, including unverified personal allegations and warnings about down-ballot consequences. Early voting began Feb. 17 and final pitches occurred the weekend before the primary, and turnout projections varied. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Austin, Texas. Democrats are engaged in a contentious U.S. Senate primary as Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico compete for the party nomination ahead of the March 3 primary. Early voting closed Feb. 27, and Texas law forces a runoff on May 26 if no candidate tops 50 percent. Crockett emphasizes progressive turnout among Black and urban voters and secured high-profile endorsements; Talarico promotes moderate, cross-partisan appeal. Campaign disputes included accusations over racially charged ads and questions about electability. National Democrats view the race as pivotal for November and turnout. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday Feb. 28 that U.S. forces had begun major combat operations in Iran, saying the strikes aim to destroy Iranian missiles and dismantle its missile industry. He said operations are "massive and ongoing" and warned of possible U.S. casualties. Trump urged Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard to lay down arms and promised immunity, and called on Iranians to take over government after operations. U.S. and Israeli forces reportedly coordinated attacks, and U.S. intelligence reportedly disputes some missile threat claims. Thomas Massie called the strikes acts of war. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Tehran — United States and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes across Iran on Saturday, targeting multiple sites in Tehran and other cities to degrade Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. President Donald Trump announced “major combat operations” in a video and urged Iranians to take over their government, offering immunity to surrendering fighters. Israeli officials named the mission Operation Shield of Judah and described the strikes as preemptive. Iranian media reported explosions near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and smoke; Iran closed airspace. Officials reported no confirmed casualty figures at publication. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

LA PAZ — A Bolivian military C-130 transport plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed while landing at El Alto International Airport on Friday, veering off the runway and hitting vehicles on a nearby avenue, officials and news agencies said. Firefighters extinguished flames, authorities recovered bodies and police repelled bystanders who rushed to seize scattered bills. Local witnesses reported heavy hail and lightning at the time. Officials gave differing death tolls, with most reports citing at least 15 fatalities and some reporting up to 20, and investigators have launched an inquiry into the cause. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former President Joe Biden spoke Friday at the Columbia Museum of Art, thanking South Carolina Democrats for their 2020 primary support and urging them to mobilize ahead of this year's midterm elections. He credited the state's 2020 victory with rescuing his campaign, praised longtime ally Rep. Jim Clyburn and was introduced by state party leaders. Biden also accused former President Donald Trump of attempting to suppress votes and warned of threats to election integrity. The event drew several hundred and marked one of Biden's few public appearances since leaving office. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump said on Friday he is not satisfied with talks with Iran after U.S. envoys returned from Geneva without a deal and warned that the United States may use military force if diplomacy fails. No decision has been made on immediate strikes. Trump reiterated demands that Iran forswear nuclear weapons as U.S. forces mass in the region, and said further discussions were planned. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Iran as a “state sponsor of unlawful detention,” citing hostage diplomacy and warning of possible passport and travel restrictions. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Nashville reporters synthesized forecasts: local weather services reported sunny, springlike conditions across parts of Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Montana and Tennessee's mid-state, while National Weather Service surveyed storm damage in Trussville and Pinson areas. Forecasts call for daytime highs ranging from the upper 30s in Kentucky to near 80 degrees in parts of Alabama by early March, occasional overnight showers in Tennessee, gusty winds and mountain snow in Montana, and a temporary cool down early next week. Officials issued a Winter Weather Advisory for West Glacier and encouraged preparedness during statewide drills today. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — Gallup reported Tuesday that Americans' sympathies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have shifted toward Palestinians, with 41% saying they sympathize more with the Palestinians and 36% with the Israelis. Gallup data show the gap narrowed from a long Israeli lead dating to 2001, began closing in 2019, and accelerated after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack and Israel's subsequent Gaza operations; a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect Oct. 10, 2025. The change is clearest among Democrats and independents and has influenced debates over U.S. assistance to Israel. Poll results were widely reported domestically. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, Members of Congress moved this week after President Trump ordered military strikes against Iran on Saturday. House Democrats and several Republicans introduced a War Powers resolution to restrict the president’s authority and demanded Congress reconvene to vote next week. Lawmakers cited constitutional duty, legal concerns, and risks of escalation after retaliatory Iranian attacks. Administration officials said strikes targeted nuclear and leadership sites; Iran reported casualties and struck U.S. bases and regional targets. State and local officials issued mixed statements across states. Congressional leaders prepared debate and public votes to record positions. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.