36 Republicans quitting Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms — the most in 100 years, per ABC News and the Brookings Institution. In 2018, 34 retired and Democrats flipped 40 seats. Dems currently need just 3 seats to take the House. Only 374 members seeking reelection — lowest this century. "Republicans are staring down the barrel of the minority party." — GWU political scientist

#Midterms2026 #GOPRetirements #BlueWave #TheWashingtonPretzel #USPoliTickle

The Washington Pretzel | US PoliTickle

Iran war economic damage: Gas up $1/gallon in one month. 30-year mortgage hit 6.38% — four straight weeks of increases. Nasdaq in correction, down 10%+ from highs. S&P down 7% in 2026. Feb jobs: minus 92,000. Recession odds at 40-50% per EY-Parthenon and Moody's. Pentagon seeking $200B from Congress. The 10-year Treasury yield up 50 basis points since the war began.

#IranWar #Economy #Recession #GasPrices #TheWashingtonPretzel #USPoliTickle

The Washington Pretzel | US PoliTickle

2 pilots killed at LaGuardia. Air Canada hit a fire truck with no transponder. Radar never alerted controllers. ATC audio: "I messed up." FAA is 3,500 controllers short of target staffing. Trump fired hundreds of FAA support staff weeks after the last crash killed 67.

#LaGuardia #AirCanada #FAA #AviationSafety #TheWashingtonPretzel #USPoliTickle

The Washington Pretzel | US PoliTickle