In our news wrap Wednesday, Democrats are celebrating a win in Virginia, where voters approved a plan to redraw the state’s congressional map in a way that could help them pick up four seats in the midterms. The Supreme Court found that an Army veteran who was injured by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan can sue the contractor who hired the attacker and Democratic Rep. David Scott of Georgia died.
National Democrats in Virginia are celebrating a win after voters narrowly approved a plan to redraw the state’s congressional map, which could help them gain four seats in this year’s midterm elections. Currently, Virginia is represented by six Democrats and five Republicans in the House, but the new map, drawn by Democrats, would leave just one clearly Republican district. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries defended the new plan as a response to redistricting efforts in Republican-led states. On the other hand, Republicans have challenged the map and the state’s Supreme Court will determine if the redistricting plan is legal.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an Army veteran injured by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan can sue the contractor who hired the attacker. Former Army Specialist Winston Hencely was wounded in a bombing at Bagram Airfield in 2016 and his lawsuit was initially blocked due to federal government protection during wartime. Additionally, the Trump administration is reportedly considering sending hundreds of Afghans who worked with U.S. forces to the Democratic Republic of Congo, rather than bringing them to the U.S. as promised. The decision has raised concerns, with some questioning the safety of the destination.
Wildfires are intensifying in the Southeastern U.S. as strong winds and low humidity fuel the flames. More than 100 blazes are ongoing in Florida, while in Georgia, nearly 50 homes have been destroyed, and hundreds more are at risk. Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for the affected areas. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, a chemical leak at a refinery has resulted in two deaths and 19 others being hospitalized. A new report by the American Lung Association highlights that over 150 million Americans live in areas with harmful levels of pollution, affecting one in four Americans.
Los Angeles school officials are implementing limits on screen time for students, as the district becomes the first major school district in the nation to set such guidelines. Stocks on Wall Street climbed higher despite concerns over the Iran war and oil prices, with the Dow Jones industrial average gaining 340 points, the Nasdaq jumping nearly 400 points, and the S&P 500 hitting a new all-time high. Additionally, Dave Mason, co-founder of the band Traffic, has passed away at 79 years old.
Congressman David Scott of Georgia has also passed away. A Democrat and former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Scott was a leading voice in his party for farm aid policies. Despite concerns over his declining health, Scott was seeking a 13th term in Congress. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Scott as a trailblazer.
