'Gut check time': Dissent among Senate GOP ranks threatens to reduce Trump's spending cut demand

Texas officials dropped the ball on securing just $1 million for a flood warning system near popular campsites along the Guadalupe River—leaving tens of thousands of residents and tourists at risk. Despite the relatively small price tag, agencies couldn’t pull together the funding, raising questions about preparedness in a state no stranger to extreme weather.

Editor’s Note: Floods can hit fast, especially in areas like the Guadalupe River where campers and locals gather. A warning system could save lives, but the lack of funding—especially in a state with Texas’s resources—feels like a glaring oversight. It’s not just about the money; it’s about who gets left vulnerable when bureaucracy moves too slowly.

The U.S. and Russia are on a dangerous collision course as tensions spike between Trump and Putin. Russia has escalated attacks on Ukraine after Trump publicly criticized Putin, including strikes hitting civilian areas. Meanwhile, a political showdown is brewing between Texas and Florida—details are still emerging on that front.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just diplomatic posturing—the escalating rhetoric and military actions raise real risks of a broader conflict. With Ukraine already suffering, the world’s watching to see if this cold war-style standoff turns hotter. And the Texas-Florida angle? That’s a wildcard worth keeping an eye on, too.

Senate Republicans just shut down a move by Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto to bring back the full tax deduction for gambling losses. Under Trump’s recent tax overhaul, the deduction was slashed from 100% to 90%—a change that hits gamblers, especially in casino-heavy states like Nevada. Cortez Masto tried to fast-track a fix, but GOP lawmakers blocked it without debate.

Editor’s Note: This might seem like niche tax drama, but it’s a big deal for Nevada’s economy and frequent gamblers. The deduction cut means higher tax bills for anyone who itemizes gambling losses—think high rollers or even casual players who had a rough year. It’s also a political flashpoint: Cortez Masto’s push highlights how the GOP tax package’s fine print affects specific industries, and Democrats aren’t letting it slide quietly.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s wife, Angela, has filed for divorce after 38 years of marriage. The split comes just weeks after Paxton was acquitted in his impeachment trial and as he’s gearing up to challenge Senator John Cornyn in a GOP primary. Angela cited "Biblical grounds" in her filing, though specifics weren’t disclosed.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just personal drama—it’s political. Paxton’s already a polarizing figure, and a messy divorce could fuel more scrutiny, especially as he eyes a Senate run. The "Biblical grounds" angle adds intrigue, given Paxton’s conservative base. Timing-wise, it’s another headache for him when he’s trying to rally support. For Texas politics, this could ripple beyond gossip into real electoral consequences.

A fresh survey reveals that a whopping 76% of Americans see child care costs as a "major problem," with broad support for policies that would make day care more affordable or even free. The AP-NORC poll highlights just how strained families feel under the current system.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another poll—it’s a loud signal that child care affordability is hitting a breaking point for everyday families. With most people backing solutions like subsidized care, it could push policymakers to finally tackle an issue that’s been draining wallets and stressing parents for years.