Words This Friday (WTF) with Dr. Kyle Dell

Executive Director Dr. Kyle Dell breaks down the words making headlines this week in “Words This Friday” (WTF) — a quick, insightful look at the language shaping our news and civic conversations.

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Former Special Counsel Jack Smith Testifies Publicly on President Trump‑Related Investigations

Source 1: ABC News, Source 2: CNN

Supreme Court Again Delays Ruling on President Trump’s Tariff Policy

Source 1: New York Post, Source 2: Fox News

U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries

Source 1: CNN , Source 2: Fox News

Key Votes Viz by Region: West, South, Midwest, Northeast

Congress

State

House Passed HR 2988 - Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act, which establishes requirements for fiduciaries of employer-sponsored retirement plans and limits when fiduciaries may consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in employer-sponsored retirement plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Ohio (OH) - House Passed HB 485 - Requires Schools to Show Students a Video Depicting Fetal Development From Conception Each Year Starting in Fifth Grade.

House Passed HR 5764 - AI for Main Street Act, which requires Small Business Development Centers to assist small businesses in evaluating artificial intelligence.

Mississippi (MS) - House Passed HB 2 - Authorizes Money From the State Education Fund to be Used for Private School Tuition, Tutoring, and Other Expenses.

House Passed HR 5763 - Main Street Parity Act, which reduces the amount of equity a borrower must provide for certain small business loans by 5% for limited or single-use properties.

Virginia (VA) - House & Senate Passed HJ 2 - Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights.

For full details on legislation, visit our Vote Smart Issue Summary page.

Democrat Garret McGuire of Virginia defeated his Republican opponent Christopher Cardiff 78.2% to 21.8% for Virginia House of Delegates District 17 special general election held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Democrats hold a 63-36 advantage over Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates. Members serve two-year terms; the next regular elections are in 2027. District 17 is located near Alexandria, a suburb of Washington D.C. Democrat Mark Sickles resigned after being appointed Virginia Treasurer. Sickles was reelected by a 77% to 23% margin over Republican Naomi Mesfin this past November.

Republican Dale Fincher of New Hampshire won his write-in campaign against 3 other primary challengers, including Republican candidate Dallas Emery and fellow write-in candidate Jenna Dancy, 56.6% to 23.1% / 17.7%, for the State House District Carroll 7 Republican special primary election held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Fincher will face off against Democratic candidate Bobbi Boudman, who won her uncontested primary. The special general election will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

2025 Ballot Measures: California, Colorado, Maine, New York, Texas, and Washington

This week, several special elections took place across the country. Click on the link below to view the results: