Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya has filed paperwork to launch a U.S. Senate bid as a Republican for the seat currently held by Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN). Smith announced last year that she would not seek re-election. According to NBC News, three sources familiar with Tafoya’s decision confirmed her Senate run. An official announcement is expected on Wednesday. Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya has filed FEC paperwork to run as a Republican for US Senate in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/DdIF2IiVbT — InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) January 20, 2026 NBC News shared further: While Republicans are looking to expand their four-seat Senate majority next year by targeting states Donald Trump won in 2024, including Michigan and Georgia, some in the party have been optimistic that Democratic Sen. Tina Smith’s retirement could put Minnesota in play. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig are both competing for the Democratic nod. Tafoya, a longtime reporter who worked for NBC Sports and currently hosts a podcast, had been seriously weighing a Senate run for months and met with the National Republican Senatorial Committee in December, according to a source familiar with the meeting. Last year’s GOP nominee for the Senate, former professional basketball player Royce White, is also in the race, along with former state GOP chairman David Hann and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze. Tafoya’s entering as a well-known reporter and relative political outsider could give her party a boost. A self-described “pro-choice” Republican, she could also have some bipartisan appeal. But Republicans have not won a statewide election there since 2006, and they have struggled to recruit candidates who can make the races close. “Here comes the Fox News UniParty to rally the right in Minnesota. We LOVE the UniParty in Minnesota. This is how Minnesota became the h***hole it is now. Michele Tafoya, milquetoast moderate, John Thune and Steve Daines type. Same donors, same verticals, same social media influencer supporters,” White commented. “Watch the people who come out to support her, it will tell you all you need to know,” he continued. Here comes the Fox News UniParty to rally the right in Minnesota. We LOVE the UniParty in Minnesota. This is how Minnesota became the hellhole it is now. Michele Tafoya, milquetoast moderate, John Thune and Steve Daines type. Same donors, same verticals, same social media… https://t.co/WT6lAbfCrg — Royce White (@Highway_30) January 21, 2026 CNN has more: She has been critical of Minnesota leaders who have objected to the immigration crackdown and ripped dozens of protesters who interrupted a Sunday church service because a pastor there appeared to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official. “In Minnesota, law enforcement has been demonized for years,” Tafoya posted on X recently, responding to a video from Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is running in the Democratic primary for Senate against Rep. Angie Craig. “We are short on officers. Morale has plummeted. Career criminals are released to offend again. And radical leftists care more about them than they do about honest Minnesotans who simply want to see the chaos end.”

Maryland’s Redistricting Advisory Commission has recommended a new congressional map that would remove the state’s lone GOP-controlled district. The district, currently represented by Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), would shift more friendly to Democrats. Maryland’s congressional delegation consists of seven Democrats and one Republican in the House of Representatives. BREAKING: Maryland Democrats are now moving to ABOLISH the one remaining Republican Congressional District in 2026, which would make the map 8D-0R I repeat, 100% Democrats in Congress from Maryland. Virginia Dems are moving too. INDIANA RINOS betrayed MAGA and didn't want… pic.twitter.com/LZWjBO0t0l — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 20, 2026 NBC News has more: The map now heads to Maryland’s Democratic-controlled Legislature, where its future is uncertain because of continued opposition in the state Senate. Maryland Democrats have been split on whether to join the national mid-decade redistricting fight. Moore and national Democrats have urged state lawmakers to retaliate against GOP-controlled states that drew new maps last year, and the state’s new House speaker, Joseline Peña-Melnyk, is on board, too. But Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson has repeatedly said the Democratic caucus won’t back a redrawn map, arguing that it would be legally risky and could backfire politically. Ferguson sharply criticized the commission’s map proposal Tuesday. “The Governor’s Commission recommended a map today that is objectively unconstitutional and jeopardizes Maryland’s existing map,” Ferguson said in a statement. “From the outset, the Senate’s position has been consistent: in this important moment, Maryland cannot risk going backwards by giving the Trump Administration another seat or two in Congress from Maryland’s delegation.” “At a moment when other states are moving aggressively to redraw maps, and when fundamental voting rights protections face renewed threats, Maryland has a responsibility to lead with urgency,” Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) stated, according to The Hill. “Our goal is to ensure our congressional delegation reflects the will of the people, protects representation for historically underrepresented communities, and gives Marylanders a Congress that can serve as a real check on this President,” she added. BREAKING: The Redistricting Advisory Commission has recommended a new congressional map in Maryland. It uses the Bay Bridge as a land mass to cross the Chesapeake Bay and connect people from Ocean City to Howard County in one district. @WMAR2News pic.twitter.com/F7Sm86T8J8 — Jeff Morgan (@JeffMorganTV) January 20, 2026 The Hill shared further: Alsobrooks noted that the vote is “not the end of public input,” encouraging Marylanders to review the proposed map concept and share feedback as it goes before the General Assembly, where lawmakers will need to introduce and pass a bill. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) spearheaded the redistricting commission late last year to explore redrawing the state’s congressional maps, after GOP-led redistricting in Texas and a Democrat-friendly response in California ramped up the national redistricting fight across the country. Several other states have pursued mid-cycle redistricting ahead of the high-stakes midterms, as Republicans try to hold on to their narrow control of the House. State lawmakers in nearby Virginia last week passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers temporarily bypass the state’s redistricting commission to redraw a new House map by October 2030.

Democrats picked up a victory in a special election for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Democrat Garrett McGuire defeated Republican Christopher Cardiff to replace state Del. Mark Sickles (D) in the 17th House District. Kamala Harris won the district by 43 points in the 2024 election, so the Democrat victory did not surprise anyone. RACE CALL: VoteHub projects that Garrett McGuire (D) has won the VA State House District 17 Special, a Democratic hold. pic.twitter.com/Ry3Jd2bG5S — VoteHub (@VoteHub) January 21, 2026 The Hill has more: Democrats have the majority in the House of Delegates, where state lawmakers moved forward quickly this month with constitutional amendments on abortion access, mid-decade redistricting and other major issues. Another special election is slated for Feb. 10, as State Sen. Adam Ebbin is also resigning from the Virginia Senate — where Democrats have a tighter margin — to serve in Spanberger’s administration as senior adviser at Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority. “This is the single greatest honor of my life. I do not take the trust that the voters of the 17th district have placed in me and I am fully committed to being the delegate they deserve,” McGuire said. “Thank you to everyone that made this possible, we will celebrate soon but for now, it’s time to get to work!” he added. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/sqTbVQr5xM — Garrett McGuire (@GMcGuireVA) January 21, 2026 Virginia Mercury provided further info: McGuire will serve the remainder of Sickles’ term, which runs through 2027. He is expected to be sworn in in the coming days. Sickles, a Democrat first elected to the House in 2003, stepped down late last year after Spanberger tapped him to lead the state’s finance portfolio, a move that triggered the special election. His departure was one of several that have reshaped the House since Democrats regained control of the chamber, as multiple lawmakers have left to join the new administration or pursue higher office. In a statement Tuesday night, House Democrats praised McGuire’s win. “We’re excited to welcome Garrett to the House Democratic Caucus and to work alongside him to deliver a Virginia that lowers costs for families, keeps our communities safe, and stands firm against (President Donald) Trump’s attacks on Virginians’ rights and freedoms,” the caucus said. McGuire, a longtime Fairfax County public policy professional and community leader, has chaired the board of United Community — the largest nonprofit serving the Route 1 corridor — and previously led the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, where he helped steer mental health and disability services through the COVID-19 pandemic and a major staffing shortage, his campaign biography says. District 17 has favored Democrats by comfortable margins in recent statewide races. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, the district supported Democratic nominees for governor, attorney general and lieutenant governor in the most recent general election, and Democrats hold a significant edge in voter registration.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the “largest” lithium refinery in the United States is “now operational.” The largest Lithium refinery in America is now operational https://t.co/CLVlISRCy4 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 14, 2026 The refinery, which is the “first battery-grade lithium hydroxide refining facility in North America,” is now operational in Texas, The Center Square reports. “Our Lithium Refinery ushers in energy independence for North America. Regionalized access to critical battery minerals brings jobs, cuts emissions & helps accelerate our mission,” Tesla North America stated. Check it out: Our Lithium Refinery ushers in energy independence for North America Regionalized access to critical battery minerals brings jobs, cuts emissions & helps accelerate our mission pic.twitter.com/zy8eFX7i3c — Tesla North America (@tesla_na) January 14, 2026 More from The Center Square: In May 2023, Gov. Greg Abbott, Tesla founder Elon Musk and other officials broke ground at what would become Tesla North America’s new lithium refinery in Robstown. By January 2026, it was fully operational. The facility is the first of its kind to ever be built in North America, The Center Square reported. The facility is part of Abbott’s goal for Texas to lead in reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and technology. Under Abbott, Texas is leading in semiconductor manufacturing and development, state-led Artificial Intelligence development and nuclear energy expansion to counter Chinese dominance and threats, The Center Square reported. Australia, Chile and China account for 90% of lithium production; China overwhelmingly refines the majority of lithium, controlling global supply, according to International Energy Agency and other reports. China also sources materials used for lithium-ion batteries mined through forced child labor in the Congo and Nigeria, raising human rights concerns. Traditional lithium mining has created an environmental catastrophe in other countries. “Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide used in lithium extraction penetrate the soil and water, poisoning ecosystems and endangering species. Deforestation, habitat destruction and water pollution further exacerbate the ecological toll. … The carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions that come with the process of lithium mining, extraction and overall production are worse for the climate than the production of fossil fuel-powered vehicles,” Mining Technology notes, citing multiple reports. Tesla’s new lithium refinery is located in the Coastal Bend of Texas, a wildlife-rich region and primary destination of hunters, fishers, birders, ecologists, nature enthusiasts, tourists and vacationers who drive a multibillion-dollar ecotourism industry. The Nueces Delta Preserve includes more than 2,000 acres of wetlands and coastal prairies. There are more than 10 state parks and 150 miles of coastline and beaches in the Coastal Bend region. This year, @Tesla broke ground on a new lithium refinery in Robstown. I was proud to join @ElonMusk to celebrate this investment in South Texas. Texas remains the home of innovation, attracting companies large and small to invest in our state. pic.twitter.com/22m0S2fi14 — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 28, 2023 “Tesla built the most advanced lithium refinery in the world and it is very clean,” Musk commented. Tesla built the most advanced lithium refinery in the world and it is very clean https://t.co/gvZP5NnNIO — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2026 OilPrice.com shared further details: The refinery converts spodumene ore directly into battery-grade lithium hydroxide, in a first-of-its-kind process in North America. Tesla uses a new technology platform that allows a cleaner, simpler, and cheaper process to obtain battery-grade lithium from the raw material, spodumene ore, says Jason Bevan, Site Manager for Tesla’s Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery. Tesla says it sustainably sources spodumene and brings it to site where it runs it through a series of conveyance systems, takes it through a kiln and a cooler. From there, the material is taken through an alkaline leech and additional purification steps, and then into crystallization to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide. “Our process is more sustainable than traditional methods and eliminates hazardous byproducts and instead produces a co-product named anhydrite used in concrete mixes,” a refinery employee says in the Tesla video. Tesla notes that this refinery enables it to have access to the critical minerals for energy storage, for battery manufacturing, and ultimately for EV growth. The first-of-its-kind lithium refinery in North America also enables Tesla to accelerate its mission by “regionalizing supply chains for battery minerals and materials, by providing jobs, by cutting emissions from transportation that’s required for those supply chains.

Police in Portland, Oregon, are searching for a suspect who allegedly shot and wounded two police officers on Monday night. The suspect is described as a “Caucasian male in his mid-30’s with facial hair and who was wearing a black baseball cap, a black jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black shoes,” Fox News shared. “This is a stark reminder of the dangers of the job, the jobs that our officers go out every day to serve and protect our community, and we’re grateful for,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said, according to the outlet. “We’re very concerned for the officers that were shot. We’re happy to hear that they are in stable condition, and we wish them a speedy recovery, and we send them our prayers,” Wilson added. Police released photos of the suspect. UPDATE: Photos released of the suspect who is believed to have shot 2 police officers in Portland, Oregon. "The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his mid-30's, facial hair, black baseball cap, black jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. He… pic.twitter.com/8FPLKOqklE — AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) January 20, 2026 Fox News shared further: Investigators said the shooting happened around 8:20 p.m. Monday after police responded to a report of a threat with a weapon call and located the suspect on Northeast Clackamas Street between Northeast 16th Avenue and Northeast 17th Avenue. “The suspect fired shots at the officers, striking two of them. The officers were transported to the hospital by ambulance, treated, and their conditions are stable,” the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement. “The suspect ran off, and numerous officers set up a perimeter around the area in an effort to contain the suspect,” it added. “The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), the Air Support Unit, the PPB Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit, K9, and others responded to the scene to assist with the search.” Police say the individual is believed to be armed with a knife and a handgun. Wilson and Portland Police Chief Bob Day gave a press conference about the shooting. Check it out: “Are you gonna shed a tear?” Portland Police Chief Bob Day & Mayor Keith Wilson gave a press conference about the shooting of two police officers. A suspect is at large. Video by @GUYERDIGITAL: pic.twitter.com/ENQsm77I1v — Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 20, 2026 KATU has more: Just after 5:30 a.m. the following morning, police said they had concluded the search for the suspect in the Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood, but had not found him. Portland Police has kept a heavy presence in the neighborhood as they continue to search for the shooter. “I know the fear and uncertainty you’re feeling right now is very real,” said Deputy Chief Chris Gjovik to those living in the area. “While we haven’t apprehended the suspect responsible, we want to assure you that we have dedicated homicide detectives and officers assigned to this case, and we will pursue all leads.” Police declined to say late Monday night whether any officers fired their weapons. Nearly 90 police units responded on Monday night, and Police Chief Bob Day said every available resource the bureau had went to the scene. According to Broadcastify, a service that records dispatch audio, one of the officers was shot in the leg, and the other was shot in the arm and the ear. Police did not confirm that information.