French Left-Wing Parties Negotiate Strategic Alliances for Municipal Run-offs
Following the first round of municipal elections in France, left-wing political parties are actively engaged in negotiations to form strategic alliances. These efforts aim to consolidate support and maximize electoral success in the upcoming second round, as parties seek to overcome fragmentation and present a unified front against political opponents in key municipalities.
A commemorative plaque honoring the law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack has been installed. The memorial, located at the Capitol, was unveiled following a three-year delay, serving as a permanent tribute to the bravery and service of the officers who protected the building and those inside during the riot.
Texas Republican Primary Results Trigger Senate Runoff Between Cornyn and Paxton
Following the Texas Republican primary, incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton have advanced to a runoff election. Neither candidate secured the majority of votes required to win the nomination outright. The upcoming runoff will determine the Republican candidate for the general election in the United States Senate race.
Texas US Senate Primary Campaigns Conclude Ahead of Super Tuesday Vote
Texas US Senate candidates concluded their primary campaigns ahead of the March 5, 2024, Super Tuesday elections. Incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz sought his party's nomination, while a crowded field of Democrats, including U.S. Representative Colin Allred and State Senator Roland Gutierrez, vied for the chance to challenge him in the general election.
One Nation Gains Ground in Latest Roy Morgan Poll as Major Parties See Slight Dip
The Roy Morgan Poll, conducted from February 23 to March 1, 2026, reveals a 1.5 percentage point increase in primary support for One Nation, reaching 22%. Concurrently, the ALP and L-NP Coalition experienced minor decreases in their primary vote, while the ALP maintains a lead on a two-party preferred basis.
Yolanda Díaz Reaffirms Commitment to Oppose Santiago Abascal's Governance in Spain
Spanish Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz has reiterated her firm commitment to prevent Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, from governing. This stance highlights the deep ideological divide in Spanish politics, with Díaz leading the left-wing Sumar alliance and Abascal heading a national conservative movement.
Congress to Vote on Bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that a bipartisan coalition in the U.S. Congress will force a vote next week on a war powers resolution. This measure aims to prevent military action against Iran without explicit congressional approval, reasserting legislative authority over war declarations amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions and ongoing nuclear talks.
Democratic Alliance Opens Nominations for Federal Leadership Ahead of April Congress
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in South Africa has officially opened nominations for its federal leadership positions, with the Federal Congress scheduled for April 11 and 12, 2026, in Gauteng. Current Federal Leader John Steenhuisen and Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille will not seek re-election. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced his candidacy for Federal Leader, while Solly Msimanga and Ashor Sarupen are vying for Federal Chairperson.
U.S. States Propose Legislation to Bar Former ICE Employees from State Government Jobs
Democratic lawmakers in at least four U.S. states—California, Colorado, New Jersey, and Washington—are introducing bills that would make new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees ineligible for future state government positions, including roles in law enforcement and public education. These proposals cite concerns over ICE tactics and civil rights.
Federal Court Upholds Utah Congressional Map Expected to Favor Democrats
A federal court has upheld Utah's new congressional map, rejecting a Republican-led attempt to block its use in the 2026 elections. The map, imposed by a state judge after the previous one was deemed a partisan gerrymander, is expected to create a more competitive district favoring Democrats. The federal court's decision, which cited the 'Purcell principle,' follows a similar ruling by the Utah Supreme Court, solidifying the new boundaries for the upcoming midterms.
Trump's Disapproval Rating Hits 60% Ahead of State of the Union, Poll Finds
A new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll reveals that 60% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump's job performance, with the survey conducted just before his upcoming State of the Union address. The poll highlights significant public discontent across various policy areas.
Farrer By-election Looms as Sussan Ley Retires Following Liberal Leadership Change
Australia's Farrer electorate faces a by-election following Sussan Ley's retirement from politics. This comes after Angus Taylor defeated Ley for the Liberal Party leadership on February 13, 2026. Both Liberal and National parties confirm they will contest the historically conservative seat, setting the stage for a multi-party contest.
Federal Judge Blocks Pentagon's Action Against Senator Mark Kelly Over 'Illegal Orders' Video
A federal judge has blocked the Pentagon from downgrading Senator Mark Kelly's military rank and pay. The action stemmed from a November 2025 video where Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers urged military members to 'refuse illegal orders,' which the Pentagon deemed a violation of military discipline. The judge cited First Amendment protections for Kelly's speech.
Grand Jury Declines to Indict Six Democratic Lawmakers Over 'Illegal Orders' Video
A federal grand jury in Washington D.C. has rejected attempts by the Justice Department to indict six Democratic members of Congress. The lawmakers were targeted after releasing a video last fall urging military personnel to refuse 'illegal orders,' a move that drew strong condemnation from former President Donald Trump.
DHS Funding Deadline Looms as Congress Remains Divided Over Immigration Reforms
The U.S. Congress faces a critical deadline on Friday, February 13, 2026, to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security. A potential partial government shutdown looms as Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over proposed reforms to immigration enforcement agencies like ICE and CBP.
Australian Coalition Reunites After 17-Day Split Over Hate Speech Laws
Australia's Liberal and National parties have formally reunited after a 17-day split, following a deal brokered by leaders Sussan Ley and David Littleproud. The separation stemmed from disagreements over government hate speech legislation enacted after the Bondi Beach mass shooting.
Axel Kicillof to Lead Buenos Aires Justicialist Party, Replacing Máximo Kirchner
Axel Kicillof, Governor of Buenos Aires Province, is set to become the new president of the Buenos Aires Partido Justicialista (PJ) on March 15, following an agreement with Kirchnerism. He will succeed Máximo Kirchner, who will now preside over the party's congress. The move aims to consolidate unity and strengthen Kicillof's political standing.
Democrats Threaten DHS Funding Block Over Demands for ICE Reforms
Democrats are threatening to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant reforms are implemented for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Key demands include judicial warrants for property entry, mandatory body cameras, agent identification, and restrictions on operations near sensitive locations. The standoff follows recent fatal shootings involving federal agents and could lead to a partial government shutdown if an agreement isn't reached by February 13.
President Trump Urges Swift Action to End Partial Government Shutdown Amidst House Challenges
President Donald Trump has called for immediate passage of a federal funding package to avert a prolonged partial government shutdown. The move comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson faces significant challenges in uniting his caucus and addressing Democratic demands for immigration reforms.
Democrat Taylor Rehmet Flips Historically Republican Texas State Senate Seat in Special Election
Democrat Taylor Rehmet secured a significant victory in a special election for Texas State Senate District 9, flipping a long-held Republican seat. Rehmet, a labor union leader and veteran, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss in the Fort Worth-area district, which former President Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024. The win is seen as a notable upset for the Democratic Party.