The Hitchhiker’s Guide to special election results for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District
Observations on Republican Matt Van Epps defeating Democratic rival Aftyn Behn in Tuesday’s special election to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District: Flipping seats in special elections for House seats is hard. The party challenging the seat sometimes makes a race of it. That often signals a weakness in the party in power or even the president as you approach the next election. Democrats came close in multiple special elections in 2017, but didn’t win any. There have truly only been four major “flips” in House special elections in the past 18 years. TRUMP-BACKED REPUBLICAN KEEPS CRUCIAL CONGRESSIONAL SEAT IN GOP HANDS WITH SPECIAL ELECTION VICTORY Should Democrats have run a moderate? Behn was progressive. A centrist may have won a district like this based on Abigail Spanberger winning the Virginia gubernatorial race. Van Epps’ win may encourage other Republicans to quit. The House majority will be 220-214, but some Republicans are itching to leave. They may think there’s enough of a cushion, even though Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene departs in January. TRUMP-BACKED REPUBLICAN TOUTS ‘GREAT TURNOUT FOR US’ IN MUST-WIN SPECIAL ELECTION FOR GOP Moderate Republicans may look at this race and insist on the party addressing healthcare, seeing a competitive race as in a district with a plus-20 in favor of the GOP. Moderate Republicans in California, New York and elsewhere should be worried in the midterms considering the Democratic strength in this race. Dems flipped the House in 2018 after coming close in several special elections. The Van Epps win underscores the point that gerrymandering/redistricting works. Tennessee Republicans drew former Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper, and any other Democrat, out of a Nashville area district a few years ago. The GOP trifurcated Nashville and the suburbs, diluting the Democratic vote among several GOP districts, which helped the GOP win Tuesday night.
Who is Madhav Khurana, special public prosecutor in Delhi Red Fort blast case?
The government said Khurana has been selected to handle the trial and all related matters in the case before the NIA Special Court and the Delhi High Court. His term will be for three years from the date of the notification or until the trial is completed, whichever is earlier, the government said.
Vande Bharat BIG Update: Indian Railways adds new stoppages on major Maharashtra-Karnataka routes, check full details here
Indian Railways announces new stops for Vande Bharat Express on Pune-Hubli and CSMT-Solapur routes at Kirloskarwadi and Daund stations. The move enhances regional connectivity, offering passengers faster, premium travel. The future Vande Bharat 4.0 aims to set global standards in rail technology.
Delhi-NCR AQI: Air quality remains in ‘very poor’ levels, AQI crosses 400 in Anand Vihar, Bawana, Chandni Chowk; check areawise pollution levels
Delhi’s air quality has still slipped into the very poor to severe, pointing to the impact of local pollution sources, mainly from vehicles and combustion sources, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said in a report. Check Delhi’s areawise AQI levels here
Who is Vedamurti Devavrat Mahesh Rekhe, 19-year-old Vedic scholar PM Modi posted about?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also represents Kashi in the Parliament, appreciated Devavrat’s dedication. He said that every person who loves Indian culture feels proud of his extraordinary accomplishment.
Texas will unveil its newest state park with a guided hike on New Year’s Day
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park in North Texas will open sometime next year. Visitors can reserve spots for a sneak peek on New Year’s Day.
Texas removes women and minorities from Historically Underutilized Business program for state contracts
The program will now only be eligible for service-disabled veterans. It will be called Veteran Heroes United in Business.
Jasmine Crockett, leaning toward Senate bid, schedules campaign event Monday
The Dallas congresswoman said she discussed polling with Colin Allred and James Talarico.
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina launches run for Congress, seeking to flip South Texas district red
National GOP recruiters see Webb County’s top elected official as a promising candidate to unseat longtime U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in 2026.
Camp Mystic announces enhanced safety plans after deaths of 25 girls, two counselors
Months after parents criticized plans for the camp to reopen next summer, Mystic’s owners said in a letter Tuesday that safety upgrades will exceed new state law.