Squad-backed progressives hit with ‘cold shower’ as moderates win Illinois primaries
A trio of progressive Democrats backed by members of “The Squad” suffered blistering rebukes on Tuesday as Illinois voters rejected them in favor of more moderate candidates, prompting questions from onlookers about whether the party’s core, and momentum, should be entrusted to the far-left wing of its base. To James Carville, a longtime Democratic strategist, the answer has been “no” for a long time. Talking to Fox News Digital in response to several progressive candidates losing in Tuesday’s Democratic primary in deep blue Illinois, he questioned the narrative that Squad-aligned progressives are gaining momentum. “What momentum? About 15% of the Democratic Party identifies themselves as progressive. And what’s unique, they win about 15% in the primaries at most,” Carville said. “This was something I’ve dealt with all my life.” “In New York, [Zohran] Mamdami got 50.5% — which is not overwhelming. That’s hardly the basis for some national movement,” Carville said, referring to the socialist mayor of New York City. AIPAC-BACKED CHICAGO DEMOCRAT LOSES PRIMARY DESPITE OUTSIDE SPENDING BLITZ The progressive losses all came despite high-profile support from some of the most progressive figures in Congress. Kat Abughazaleh, the 26-year-old Palestinian American running on an anti-establishment platform and promises to implement a “wealth tax,” attracted support from the likes of Rep. Rashida Talib, D-Mich., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, but lost on Tuesday. Defeated technology entrepreneur Junaid Ahmed told voters he would push for the self-determination of Gaza and implement healthcare for all, earning the support of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. And Robert Peters, a state senator who raised $1.1 million on his track record of helping to end cash bail and raising the minimum wage at the state level, garnered backing from Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt, and Warren, but lost his bid for Congress to Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller. BILLIONAIRE JB PRITZKER SAYS HE’S HAD TO OVERCOME HIS WEALTH, WHICH WOULD BE ‘OBSTACLE’ IN 2028 Between them, they raised $5.7 million. Anthony Driver Jr., widely regarded as a progressive candidate in Illinois’ 7th District Democratic primary, lost to the more moderate, establishment-aligned Democrat, La Shawn Ford. Driver was endorsed by Jayapal and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Liam Kerr, co-founder of the Welcome PAC, a group that supports moderate Democrats, believes their losses should give the party a clear takeaway. “Illinois is just the latest reminder that the noise machine around far-left candidates rarely translates into actual votes,” Kerr said. “There’s a real hunger in this party to win, and the candidates who keep losing are the ones more focused on ideological performance than tried and true economic concerns. The blueprint is simple: ditch the clout-chasing ideologues and invest in hard-working candidates who know their communities.” Kerr’s framing was echoed by Jim Kessler, vice president of policy at Third Way, a Democrat think tank focused on moderate platforms. “Illinois delivered a cold shower to the progressive fringe in the Democratic Party. Every winner was a mainstream Democrat. A lesson Democrats always have to relearn is that mainstream beats extreme,” Kessler said. But to other onlookers, the results aren’t so definitive. Even as figures like Carville argue far-left policies aren’t a recipe for national success, others see the Illinois losses as far less decisive for progressives than critics suggest. Michael Ceraso, a veteran of the 2016 Sanders presidential campaign, pointed out that some of Tuesday’s winners can’t be swept neatly into the “moderate” camp. He doesn’t believe progressives really even lost the night at all. “Daniel Biss is a progressive. The dude pushed climate and building regulations in Evanston,” Ceraso said, referring to the winner for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District — the candidate that beat out Abughazaleh. Ceraso also noted that several candidates backed by Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker won out. “The Illinois governor is a progressive. He backed [Juliana] Stratton,” Ceraso said, referring to the lieutenant governor and Senate candidate who won the Democratic nomination in a high-profile, competitive, contentious, and expensive primary showdown. “[They] increased the minimum wage, ended the sub-minimum wage for disabled people and protected reproductive care. That’s what progress means: moving toward a goal that lifts others, not protecting the status quo.” Still, other voices, like that of Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, noted that outside groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) had focused their attention on defeating the most progressive voices in the election. “The real debate inside the Democratic Party is not whether progressive economic policies appeal to voters,” Green argued. “It is whether candidates who genuinely believe in those ideas can compete against industries willing to spend millions to co-opt that message in support of candidates who will never actually challenge power,” Green said. Having now cleared the primaries, Illinois will hold its general elections on Nov. 3.
White men ‘clearly’ targeted as Virginia Dems’ race-sex bill hits Spanberger’s desk: experts
A Virginia state bill passed along party lines directing state agencies to consider the race and sex of small businesses’ ownership when distributing discretionary funds for procurement and contracts is likely to face major legal headwinds, experts told Fox News Digital. The Small SWAM Business Procurement Enhancement Program Act “provides that executive branch agencies and covered institutions are required to increase their small SWAM business utilization rates by three percent per year until reaching the 42-percent target or, if unable to do so, to implement achievable goals to increase their utilization rates,” according to its text. SWAM stands for small, women-owned and minority-owned. Purchases between $10,000 and $200,000 must be set aside to be awarded to SWAM businesses as well, according to the text of the bill drafted by Delegate Jeion Ward, D-Hampton. INVESTIGATION OF NIKE’S DEI PRACTICES COULD HAVE MAJOR NATIONWIDE IMPACT ON HIRING, SAYS ALAN DERSHOWITZ As the bill approaches Democrat Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk, Oversight Project Vice President of Legal Kyle Brosnan told Fox News Digital it appears par for the course for the way Richmond is moving. Brosnan said the bill constitutes “clearly intentional discrimination against White men.” “Since reclaiming total control of state government, Virginia Democrats have shown their true colors as nothing short of radical ideologues,” Brosnan said. “By setting race and sex quotas for 42% of the state discretionary spending on government contracts, Gov. Spanberger and her far left enablers in Richmond are showing their true colors as radicals.” Zack Smith, a former federal prosecutor for the Northern District of Florida, added that whenever the government proposes to treat people differently based on race and gender, it is unconstitutional. “I think we saw the Supreme Court speak explicitly to this with its Harvard and UNC decisions banning the use of race in admissions in higher education,” he said. VIRGINIA DEMS INTRODUCE CLASSROOM DEI CURRICULUM LAW ON DAY 1 OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION “As a result of that Students for Fair Admissions decision, we’ve seen some federal courts apply that same logic to other federal government programs that seek to prioritize minority-owned businesses (that) are treating people differently based on their race, and so I would certainly think the same logic would apply to this state law action as well.” Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion in that Supreme Court case, and Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a concurrence in a historic decision ending affirmative action in college admissions. “While I am painfully aware of the social and economic ravages which have befallen my race and all who suffer discrimination, I hold our enduring hope that this country will live up to its principles [that] all men are created equal … and must be treated equally before the law,” Thomas said at the time. DEM GOVERNOR-ELECT TAPS CROCKETT’S FORMER ‘CHIEF BRAND STRATEGIST’ FOR TOP DEI ROLE Smith said that, even prior to this, the Supreme Court found quotas “impermissible” and that if Spanberger signs the bill there will be business owners who are outraged and will demand accountability. “I do think there is likely going to be litigation surrounding this because this would involve a federal constitutional issue in addition to other legal claims that may be raised,” Smith said Wednesday. “This could be brought in federal court,” he said, suggesting arguments against it will fall on 14th Amendment grounds. CORPORATE AMERICA HAS DECIDED THAT DEI NEEDS TO DIE Brosnan agreed, criticizing the bill’s section requiring Virginia taxpayers to fund $1 million for system updates, staffing and reporting to “institutionalize discrimination” in his words. “It also ‘sets aside’ government contracts of up to $200,000 for women- and minority-owned businesses so long as their bids are no more than 5% higher than the lowest “noncertified” — read ‘White male-owned’— business. “Did Virginians expect to get this institutionalized wokeism when they voted for the ‘moderate’ governor?” The conservative outlet The Federalist said the bill instituted “racial rigging” and reported a section of the bill authorizes the director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity to conduct a “disparity study” every five years, which the outlet said translated to determining how to reduce the number of White males winning government contracts. Fox News Digital reached out to Spanberger for an indication whether she will sign the bill. Fox News Digital also reached out to Ward, who is also the chairwoman of the Labor & Commerce Committee on Capitol Square.
CM Rekha Gupta-led govt issues tender for Rs 6.2 crore VIP boats with AC cabin, pantry for Yamuna inspection
The Delhi government is set to acquire two high-end boats with air-conditioned cabins for VIP inspections of the Yamuna River at a total cost of Rs 6 crore. The tender notice, issued by the government’s Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department on March 12, specifies that the boats will be equipped with all amenities to facilitate dignitaries’ visits, including customised business-class seats, a pantry, and washrooms.
New rules in driving license renewal process, AI based face verification now mandatory, check details
To make the Driving License renewal process more secure and transparent, the Transport Department has decided to implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based face verification system under its faceless services. Now, applicants renewing their licenses after the completion of the 15-year validity period will be required to undergo facial verification.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: India to celebrate on Saturday, March 21, 2026; Check city-wise Eid-Ul-Fitr 2026 moon sighting time
It seems the wait for the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration will continue in India as the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal wasn’t sighted on Thursday, according to clerics’ announcements. Following which, the clerics have decided that Eid-ul-Fitr will likely be on Saturday.
Eid ul-Fitr 2026 date in India: Delhi Jama Masjid says crescent moon not sighted in India, confirms Eid date
Delhi Jama Masjid has confirmed that the crescent moon is not sighted in India and therefore it has declared Eid ul-Fitr to be celebrated in India on March 21, Saturday. The announcement was made by Deputy Shahi Imam, Jama Masjid, New Delhi.
Texas jails aren’t meeting deadlines to free inmates, costing some counties thousands in settlements
The state does not track the prevalence or provide guidance on the issue, leaving inmates to languish in jail and eventually sue counties for damages.
Inside Joe Kent’s abrupt fall as GOP backlash grows over antisemitism accusations, FBI probe
Joe Kent’s eyebrow-raising resignation as director of the National Counterterrorism Center Tuesday has given way to news that Kent is under FBI investigation — and has been for weeks — for allegedly leaking classified information. It’s a stunning turn of events for someone in such a high-profile job, but Kent’s incendiary letter and subsequent statements have exposed an apparent fracture in President Donald Trump’s national security team, pitting officials who favor a more aggressive military posture against those aligned with a more isolationist approach. Kent rose on the right as a combat veteran turned political insurgent — a former Green Beret and CIA officer who channeled his battlefield experience into a critique of America’s “endless wars” and the D.C. establishment that sustained them. A vocal ally of Trump and a participant in post-2020 election challenges, Kent became a prominent voice in the populist wing of the GOP. Now, his recent resignation — and his accusation that the war in Iran was driven by “pressure from Israel” — has triggered a swift GOP backlash, leaving Kent isolated from parts of the political movement that once embraced him. TRUMP RESURFACES OLD TWEET FROM INTEL OFFICIAL WHO RESIGNED His Tuesday resignation letter directly challenged the Trump administration’s justification for the Iran war, stating that “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation” and arguing the conflict was driven by “pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” He also alleged that a “misinformation campaign” by Israeli officials and U.S. media had pushed the United States toward war, claims that drew condemnation from lawmakers in both parties. After Kent’s resignation, officials said he had been under FBI investigation for weeks for allegedly leaking classified information. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was unaware of the probe, a senior intelligence official told Fox News Digital Thursday. Administration officials also told Fox News Kent had been cut out of planning meetings for the current Iran mission, known as Operation Epic Fury, as well as the president’s daily briefings. Kent’s resignation, now shadowed by the FBI investigation into alleged leaks, has placed a once-rising figure in Trump’s orbit at the center of a growing clash over the administration’s Iran strategy, the use of intelligence in military decision-making, and internal tensions within the national security team. Kent’s rise in conservative circles was shaped as much by his military career as by personal loss. A 20-year Army Special Forces veteran and former CIA paramilitary officer, he served in multiple combat deployments before entering public life. His profile grew significantly after the 2019 death of his first wife, Navy Senior Chief Shannon, who was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria. Kent frequently has cited her death as a turning point for him, fueling his criticism of what he describes as failed U.S. foreign policy and “endless wars” in the Middle East. He later entered politics, running for Congress in 2022 and 2024 in Washington state as a Republican aligned with President Donald Trump’s “America First” movement. Kent secured Trump’s endorsement during his campaigns and became a prominent voice in the populist wing of the party, combining a hardline stance on national security with opposition to prolonged military interventions. Kent’s recent departure has raised questions about internal dynamics within the Trump administration’s national security team, particularly as differences emerge over Iran strategy and the intelligence used to justify it. While Gabbard has long aligned herself with a more restrained approach to foreign policy, the White House has taken a more aggressive posture toward Iran, raising the possibility of a widening divide over both strategy and the intelligence used to justify it. Gabbard has responded cautiously in the days since Kent’s resignation, avoiding a direct defense of his claims while emphasizing the role of the president in making final decisions. In a statement on Iran threats following Kent’s departure, Gabbard did not mention him by name, instead stressing that intelligence agencies provide assessments but that “the president is responsible for determining what is and is not an imminent threat.” Pressed by senators in a worldwide threat hearing Wednesday over whether she agreed with the White House that Iran posed an imminent threat to the U.S. prior to strikes that began Feb. 28, she repeatedly declined to say so, arguing it was up to the president to make such a determination. During a parallel hearing in the House Thursday, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., read portions of Kent’s resignation letter — including his claim that Israeli officials and U.S. media had pushed the United States toward war — and asked whether Gabbard agreed with the statement. “He said a lot of things in that letter,” Gabbard responded, adding that the president “makes his own decisions based on the information that’s available to him.” When asked whether Kent’s comments concerned her, Gabbard replied simply: “Yes.” TOP COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICIAL RESIGNS IN PROTEST OF US WAR AGAINST IRAN Kent’s remarks also have drawn sharp criticism from senior Republicans. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell described the language in Kent’s resignation letter as “virulent anti-Semitism,” calling it “baseless and incendiary conspiracies” and saying such views have “no place” in government. In early March, Gabbard’s chief of staff, Matt Baker, left his role, though a senior intelligence official told Fox News Digital Baker’s departure was a long-planned return to the private sector. Gabbard also has recently brought on Dan Caldwell, an outspoken advocate of a more restrained foreign policy. Caldwell previously was the subject of a Pentagon leak probe during his time working with War Secretary Pete Hegseth, though the results of that probe have not been publicized and Caldwell insists they are unsubstantiated. A source familiar with that move said Caldwell will be doing administration work rather than shaping policy. Gabbard’s office could not immediately be reached for comment. Non-interventionist Republicans praised Kent after his departure. “Another insider sees what we see: no imminent threat, just lobby pressure. This is why we need to defund and debate,” said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. “Joe Kent is a GREAT
Pentagon seeks at least $200B from Congress for Iran war
War Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday the Pentagon will ask Congress for additional funding related to the Iran war as Operation Epic Fury continues into its third week. Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing, Hegseth said the supplemental request would help cover the costs of operations and replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles. “As far as $200 billion, I think that number could move, obviously. It takes money to kill bad guys,” he told reporters, confirming reporting from The Washington Post that the Department of War is seeking that level of funding. “We’re going back to Congress and our folks there to ensure that we’re properly funded for what’s been done, for what we may have to do in the future, ensure that our ammunition is – everything’s refilled, and not just refilled, but above and beyond,” Hegseth added. TRUMP RALLIES DEFENSE TITANS TO SURGE WEAPONS OUTPUT AS IRAN WAR RAGES In December, Congress authorized about $856 billion for the Pentagon in fiscal year 2026 as part of a broader $891 billion national defense budget. Fox News confirmed Thursday that the War Department is seeking funding “north of $200 billion,” with replenishing ammunition stockpiles expected to be the biggest challenge. A senior House Republican source also told Fox News the price tag “will be whatever it will be.” HEGSETH WARNS ‘MORE CASUALTIES’ EXPECTED IN OPERATION EPIC FURY AGAINST IRAN The multibillion-dollar ask could face significant hurdles in Congress, where some lawmakers are expected to demand spending offsets that may be difficult to secure following recent budget cuts. Democratic support also appears unlikely amid ongoing concerns about the lack of congressional authorization for the conflict. The narrow Republican majority in the House adds another challenge, while any measure in the Senate would likely need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Lawmakers have discussed using the budget reconciliation process to bypass the Senate threshold, but some Republicans remain wary of pursuing another reconciliation bill. NEW IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER ‘LIKELY DISFIGURED,’ HEGSETH SAYS Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the U.S. will continue pursuing its military objectives and expand strikes deeper into Iranian territory. He told reporters the U.S. military recently dropped 5,000-pound penetrator munitions on underground storage facilities housing coastal defense cruise missiles and other support equipment. “These weapons are bespokely designed to get through concrete and or rocks and function after penetrating those barriers,” he said. “We continue to hunt and kill mine storage facilities and naval ammunition depots. We continue to hunt and kill afloat assets, including more than 120 vessels and 44 minelayers and the pressure will continue.”
Pentagon targets Iran-linked militias in Iraq as Hegseth vows ‘we will finish this’ for fallen US troops
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said the U.S. military is striking “Iranian-aligned militia groups” in Iraq as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth vowed Thursday to “honor” the sacrifice of six U.S. service members killed in a plane crash there last week. President Donald Trump, Hegseth and Caine on Wednesday attended the dignified transfer of the six fallen soldiers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The Pentagon said last week that the U.S. forces were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a combat mission in support of Operation Epic Fury. Caine said Thursday that in Iraq, AH-64 helicopters “have been striking against Iranian-aligned militia groups to make sure that we suppress any threat in Iraq against U.S. forces or U.S. interests.” “And we remain focused on pursuit of any platform that Iran could field to harm Americans or our partners,” he added. TRUMP THREATENS KEY IRANIAN GAS FIELD AFTER ISRAELI STRIKE Reflecting on the fallen U.S. service members, Hegseth said, “Yesterday at Dover Air Force Base, President Trump, the chairman, and I stood in solemn silence as heroes came home.” “Flag-draped caskets. We honored them. We grieved with their families, and we listened. What I heard through tears, through hugs, through strength and through unbreakable resolve was the same from family after family. They said, ‘finish this. Honor their sacrifice. Do not waver. Do not stop until the job is done.’ My response, along with that of the president, was simple — of course, we will finish this. We will honor their sacrifice,” Hegseth said. “Yesterday’s ceremony reminded us why we fight. Not for nation building or democracy promotion, but to crush direct threats to America, Americans, and our interests. We fight to win, and we are winning, on our terms, following our objectives,” he continued. 12 ARAB AND ISLAMIC COUNTRIES UNITE TO CONDEMN ‘HEINOUS’ IRANIAN ATTACKS “My 13-year-old son popped into my office last night while I was editing these remarks. He asked about the war and the families I met at Dover, and I looked at him and I said, ‘They died for you, son, so that your generation doesn’t have to deal with a nuclear Iran’,” Hegseth also said. “It’s the truth. And they did. So to the families who said, ‘finish this,’ we will. And I say the same to every American who wants peace through strength. May Almighty God continue to bless our troops in this fight. And again to the American people, please pray for them, every day, on bended knee, with your family, in your schools, in your churches, in the name of Jesus Christ. To the troops, keep going and Godspeed.” Those killed were Maj. John “Alex” Klinner, 33; Maj. Ariana Savino, 31; Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34; Capt. Seth Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30; and Master. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28. Caine said at the Pentagon Thursday that, “Our nation will never forget their sacrifice, and we will never forget their names,” and, “Our entire joint force mourns with you today.” Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz contributed to this report.