First Thing: Trump-backed Ken Paxton ousts John Cornyn in Texas primary

Texas Senate Runoff Yields Surprising Results, Highlighting President Trump's Influence in the Lone Star State In a shocking turn of events, scandal-plagued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has emerged victorious in the Republican primary runoff for senator, securing the nomination with the backing of former President Donald Trump. This outcome underscores the enduring grip Trump maintains over the state, despite his tumultuous presidency. Paxton's history of scandals has raised eyebrows, but his win signals a strong connection between the president and the Texas Republican base. Now, Paxton will face off against Democrat Beto O'Rourke's former running mate, Mike Talarico, who has gained a significant following with his message of peace and populism. Can Talarico, as a Democrat, overcome the odds in a deep-red state, or will Paxton's win cement the Republicans' stronghold on Texas?

Paxton’s win, despite his history of scandals, signals the president’s enduring grip over the state. Plus, one sex educator on why she doesn’t define sex at allGood morning.Ken Paxton, the scandal-ridden Texas attorney general who was backed by Donald Trump, beat the incumbent, John Cornyn, in the Republican primary runoff for senator, signaling how much sway the president still has in the deep red state.And Paxton’s new opponent? As a Democrat, Talarico faces long odds in Texas, but has built a groundswell of popularity through his message of peace and populism. Ahead of the primary, Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, a former Democratic candidate for the Senate and a partner at Ascend Strategy Labs, a social justice consulting firm in Austin, said that “if Ken Paxton becomes the candidate, Talarico has a shot”.How much has funding declined? The WFP’s funding was cut last year by a third, with the US, the largest donor by far, decreasing its contribution by more than half.How does the US-Israel war on Iran affect famine? Most directly, it drives up food prices, mostly because of transport costs, but some aid routes have also been blocked. Continue reading...