Democratic divides define Illinois primaries and Trump's Iran off-ramps: Morning Rundown
By David Hickey
Published on March 17, 2026.
The Illinois primaries have highlighted deep divisions within the Democratic Party, with retirements by key House Democrats and senior senator Dick Durbin contributing to the intra-party hostilities. Major disagreements include immigration and Israel policy issues, tactical battles over the Trump administration, and a tug of war between progressives and moderates for influence in the party. Outside spending has also influenced these contests, particularly from groups with cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence ties. Military officials have included off-ramps in regular war planning for President Trump to end the Iran conflict if he chooses them, but so far he hasn't. The Israeli military has claimed that it has killed Iran's top security chief, Ali Larijani, and that Israel's defense minister Israel Katz posted a note commemorating Iran's dead sailors online. The U.S. Border Patrol head, Gregory Bovino, will retire at the end of the month.
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