Republican Senator Thom Tillis Ends Senate Career Citing Partisan Gridlock and Medicaid Concerns

In 1998, Thom Tillis and his wife, Susan, along with their children, moved to North Carolina, settling in Cornelius, a town near Charlotte. This move marked a significant shift in Tillis's personal and professional life, as he soon became more involved in his local community. His entry into politics began around 2002 when he championed the establishment of a bike trail in Cornelius. This initiative demonstrated his commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and recreational opportunities for residents. As a result of his advocacy and community involvement, Tillis was invited to join Cornelius’s parks and recreation advisory board, giving him a formal role in local governance. This position allowed him to influence the development and maintenance of public spaces, further solidifying his reputation in the community. Building on this momentum, Tillis ran for office and in 2003 was elected to the town board of commissioners in Cornelius. His election marked the official start of his political career. During his time on the board, Tillis gained valuable experience in local government administration and public service, setting the stage for his future political ascent. His work at the local level paved the way for his later election to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2006, where he served until 2015, eventually becoming Speaker of the House. Tillis's early political career was rooted in community engagement and a focus on improving quality of life through tangible local projects like bike trails and recreational facilities. This foundation underscored his broader political trajectory from local to state and eventually national politics.

Whitmer Clarifies She Will Not Enter the 2028 Presidential Race

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has decisively ended speculation about a presidential run by stating, “I’m not going to run for president.” This declaration puts to rest ongoing rumors that positioned her as a potential leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Despite widespread belief in political circles that Whitmer’s rising national profile and effective leadership could make her a strong candidate, she emphasized her focus remains elsewhere. Whitmer’s political journey has been marked by staunch advocacy for Michigan, notably securing federal commitments like the Brandon Road Interbasin Project to protect the Great Lakes economy. This recent achievement highlights her dedication to state issues and regional economic security rather than national ambitions. She acknowledged her passion for the country’s future, stating she cares deeply about where the nation is headed and the work needed to steer it on the right path. However, she noted that she does not feel the need to be “the main character” in that narrative, suggesting she may contribute in other capacities beyond a presidential bid. Although Whitmer cannot seek a third term as Michigan governor in 2026 due to term limits, her comments reveal a thoughtful stance on her political trajectory. She continues to engage actively in leadership roles but appears intent on focusing on impactful work outside of the presidential race for now. Her recent public statements and policy accomplishments reinforce her image as a committed governor prioritizing Michigan’s welfare over broader political speculation. <br /> <br /> This clarification from Whitmer ends rumors, providing a clearer picture of her current ambitions and reaffirming her dedication to serving Michigan and the country in ways beyond presidential politics.

Could Donald Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Define the Political Landscape in 2026?

Patricia Murphy is the senior political columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), having joined the paper's politics team in 2020. Before joining AJC, she was a nationally syndicated political columnist for CQ Roll Call. Murphy's extensive journalism career includes roles as Capitol Hill Bureau Chief for Politics Daily, a columnist for Newsweek/Daily Beast, and a contributor to The Washington Post and Garden & Gun. Her diverse background also includes working as a staffer for three U.S. senators, providing her with a deep understanding of political processes from both a journalistic and insider perspective. An Atlanta native, Murphy graduated from The Westminster Schools and Vanderbilt University, and earned a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. Since relocating from Washington, D.C., to Georgia, she has focused on covering local and national politics from a regional lens, emphasizing the sophistication and informed nature of Southern voters. Her reporting provided important insights during the Georgia runoff elections and has explored the dynamics shaping Georgia’s political landscape. Known for her thoughtful analysis, Murphy often highlights the humanity and dedication of public servants and the complexities of political life. She has addressed the polarization in American politics, urging a better understanding beyond partisan divides. Her work at AJC includes in-depth political columns that dissect state and national issues, candidate profiles, and the impact of policy decisions on communities. Murphy’s reporting continues to enrich public discourse with clarity and nuance, making her a respected voice in political journalism. <br /> <br /> Her career trajectory—from political staffer to top-tier political columnist—reflects her comprehensive expertise and commitment to informing the public about the intricacies of governance and electoral politics. Murphy remains an influential figure in political journalism, known for balancing insider knowledge with accessible storytelling.

Still waiting on your Georgia $500 tax refund? Stay calm, help is on the way

David Wickert is an experienced journalist currently reporting for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he focuses on state budget, finance, and voting issues. He has been with the publication since 2010, bringing a deep understanding of governmental affairs and fiscal matters. Prior to his current role, Wickert covered local government and politics, specifically in Gwinnett and Fulton counties, two significant regions in the Atlanta metropolitan area. This background has equipped him with insight into the intricate workings of local and state politics, which he now applies to broader state-level coverage. Before joining the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he gained valuable experience working at various newspapers across the United States, including in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington. This diverse geographic and political reporting experience enriches his perspective and reporting style, allowing him to draw on a wide array of political and governmental contexts. His focus on finance and voting reflects a commitment to covering the core issues that directly affect citizens' daily lives and the functioning of state government. Wickert's career trajectory illustrates a steady evolution from covering local politics to tackling complex statewide issues, making his reporting a key resource for those interested in the fiscal policies, budget decisions, and electoral processes shaping Georgia. His work exemplifies a dedication to informing the public about the practical implications of government actions and political developments, ensuring transparency and accountability in public affairs. <br /> <br /> With his solid grounding in local politics and extensive reporting history across several states, David Wickert remains a prominent voice in political journalism in Georgia. His insights into the state budget and voting systems continue to contribute significantly to public discourse, helping readers understand how political decisions impact their communities.

Inside the Geopolitical Dynamics of the Iran Israel Conflict

The ongoing war between Israel and Iran marks a significant escalation in a decades-long conflict primarily centered on Iran's nuclear program. This program dates back to the 1950s with Iran's Tehran Research Reactor obtained under the U.S. “Atoms for Peace” initiative. However, the dynamics drastically shifted after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when the new Iranian regime labeled Israel as a major adversary and the nuclear program became shrouded in secrecy and suspicion. Tensions intensified notably in the early 2000s, when Iran’s covert Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was exposed, sparking international concerns over potential weapons development. Israel perceives Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat, prompting a history of covert operations targeting Iranian scientists and facilities. In June 2025, Israel launched a large-scale military strike in Tehran, targeting nuclear and military sites, including killing top Iranian military and nuclear scientists. This offensive, code-named Operation Rising Lion, aimed to severely damage Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories, and military capabilities amid fears that Iran was nearing nuclear weapons capability and reviving weaponization activities. The attack followed Israel’s exploitation of a strategic opportunity after weakening Iran’s regional proxies like Hezbollah and destroying Tehran’s air defenses in prior conflicts. The conflict rapidly escalated, causing over a thousand deaths in Iran and dozens in Israel before a ceasefire was declared after 12 days. This war has not only destabilized the Middle East but also intensified geopolitical tensions involving the United States, which supports Israel and has called for diplomacy while facing the challenge of curbing Iran’s nuclear progress without wider regional war. Understanding this conflict requires seeing it as part of a complex interplay of historical grievances, strategic calculations, and international diplomacy centered on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s security imperatives.<br /> <br />

How Socialist Muslims Steadily Influenced the Democratic Party Over Two Decades

Zohran Mamdani’s rise as New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee marks a significant moment shaped by a unique “red-green-blue” alliance, blending socialist ideals with Muslim identity and progressive politics. At just 33 years old, Mamdani has energized a diverse coalition seeking change, leveraging grassroots support and strategic narratives that resonate across a broad spectrum of voters. His campaign has been notable for its reliance on small individual donations, collecting over $1.7 million from more than 20,000 contributors, contrasting with former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $4 million from fewer, larger donors. This financial base reflects a movement-driven, participatory campaign style that prioritizes community engagement over traditional political machinery. Mamdani’s platform focuses on affordability and social justice, including proposals to make city buses free, freeze rent increases on rent-stabilized apartments, and open city-run grocery stores funded by a $10 billion tax increase on businesses and the wealthy. His messaging deliberately intertwines progressive economic policies with cultural identity, appealing to working-class New Yorkers and minority communities alike. Backed by endorsements from prominent progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, his narrative has successfully challenged establishment figures and mobilized younger and marginalized voters. This “red-green-blue” alliance—socialist (red), Muslim (green), and progressive Democratic (blue)—has been bolstered not only by grassroots efforts but also significant donors aligned with these intersecting causes. Through careful storytelling and broad coalition-building, Mamdani’s candidacy exemplifies how strategic narratives and financial support can elevate a relatively inexperienced candidate to become the Democratic front-runner in one of the nation’s most crucial mayoral races. <br /> <br /> As Mamdani prepares for the November general election, he faces incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, independent Jim Walden, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. His campaign’s success underscores a shifting political landscape in NYC, where progressive and identity-based alliances hold growing power in shaping electoral outcomes.