The Senate voted against a proposal to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fourth time, as parts of the agency have been shut down for nearly a month. The disagreement between political parties is primarily about immigration reform and funding for specific DHS offices like the TSA. This deadlock is causing significant problems, such as financial strain on TSA workers and longer security lines at airports.
Key Facts
The Senate voted 51 to 46 against the DHS funding bill.
This marks the fourth rejection of the bill intended to fund DHS.
The department has been partially shut down since February 14.
TSA workers are missing paychecks due to the shutdown.
The Senate needs 60 votes to pass the funding bill.
The shutdown is linked to disagreements on immigration enforcement reforms.
Airports are experiencing long security lines and delays during busy travel times.
Political parties continue to blame each other for the funding impasse.
A college student expressed frustration when their instructor marked them absent despite arriving two minutes before the class start time. The student argued with the instructor, and after seeking assistance from their academic adviser, their attendance record was eventually corrected. The incident highlights issues around university attendance policies and their impact on grades.
Key Facts
The student arrived at their Psychology class at 7:58 a.m. for an 8 a.m. start but was marked absent.
Attendance counts for 50% of the overall grade in this course.
The class meets once a week, making each attendance entry very important.
A road closure for a movie shoot delayed the student's usual arrival.
The school was supposed to send a closure warning email, but the student claims it was not received.
The student's attendance record was corrected after meeting with their academic adviser and department head.
There were other complaints about the same instructor marking students absent under similar circumstances.
University attendance rules and instructors' discretion can greatly affect students' grades.
House and Senate Democrats are planning to investigate companies, colleges, and law firms that worked with President Trump. These investigations would involve using congressional committees and subpoenas to gather information. Democrats believe they may gain control of the House after November elections, allowing them to expand these investigations.
Key Facts
Democrats in Congress are discussing plans to investigate entities that cooperated with President Trump.
Potential investigations could target companies, colleges, and law firms.
Key figures in these discussions include Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
Democrats are focused on how these entities supported the Trump administration, including financial contributions.
The House of Representatives is seen as more likely to switch to Democratic control than the Senate.
The investigations could involve issuing subpoenas to gather more information.
Previous requests for information have been made regarding Trump's dealings and relationships with major institutions.
A driver drove into a Jewish temple in Michigan, causing a fire and dying in the process. The incident is being investigated as a targeted attack against the Jewish community. Several police officers were treated for smoke inhalation, and the temple's preschool was evacuated.
Key Facts
A man drove his vehicle into Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
The vehicle caught fire inside the building, but it is unclear how the suspect died.
Security guards at the temple shot at the suspect, and police are investigating the fire's cause.
The FBI is treating the act as targeted violence against the Jewish community.
Thirty police officers received treatment for smoke inhalation due to the fire.
The temple’s preschool was evacuated and all students and staff were reported safe.
Authorities searched the vehicle for explosives as a precaution.
President Trump expressed support for the Michigan Jewish community.
A shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia resulted in one death and two injuries. The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism. The shooter, who was killed by students, had a history of attempting to support the Islamic State.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
One person died, and two others were injured.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism.
The suspect, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was killed at the scene.
Jalloh was a former Virginia National Guard member with a past conviction for trying to support the Islamic State.
Students who were part of the ROTC program subdued the shooter.
The class instructor, a retired military officer, was the person who died.
FBI Director credited the quick actions of students and law enforcement with saving lives.
President Donald Trump suggests attaching the SAVE America Act to the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This is causing complications for House Speaker Mike Johnson as Congress faces a tight deadline for renewing FISA. Conservatives in Congress are divided over linking the two bills, with some seeing it as a strategic move to pass the SAVE Act.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Republicans to combine the SAVE America Act with the FISA reauthorization.
FISA allows certain U.S. agencies to conduct wiretapping on non-U.S. citizens overseas without warrants.
The current authorization for FISA Section 702 will end on April 20 if not renewed by Congress.
The House of Representatives plans to vote on the reauthorization during its next working period.
GOP leaders prefer a simple extension of FISA, without attachments.
Some conservatives, like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, support linking the SAVE Act to FISA.
The Senate is preparing for a debate on the SAVE Act, but it faces strong Democratic opposition.
The House may pass FISA with bipartisan support, despite the debate over procedural rules.
Two recent attacks in the United States have raised concerns about public safety. A synagogue in Michigan was struck by a driver in a truck, and a shooting occurred at Old Dominion University in Virginia.
Key Facts
A truck crashed into a synagogue in Michigan.
The incident in Michigan is part of a pattern of attacks affecting the Jewish community in the U.S.
A shooting took place on the campus of Old Dominion University in Virginia.
Both incidents have heightened worries about safety in public places.
Investigations are ongoing to understand the motives behind these attacks.
The Senate did not pass a proposal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, as the partial government shutdown continues. Rep. James Clyburn announced he will run for an 18th term in Congress. In Russia, a court found 19 people guilty related to a 2024 shooting at a Moscow concert hall.
Key Facts
The Senate voted against reopening the Department of Homeland Security.
The ongoing government shutdown is about to enter its second month.
Rep. James Clyburn from South Carolina announced plans to seek an 18th term in Congress.
In Russia, 19 individuals were convicted for their roles in a shooting at a Moscow concert hall in 2024.
The mentioned shooting incident in Russia was deadly.
A new poll shows Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is behind Democrat Amy Acton by 10 points in the Ohio governor race. The poll indicates Acton currently has more support from independents, suburban voters, and women, while Ramaswamy is favored by men and rural voters.
Key Facts
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican, is running for governor in Ohio.
Ramaswamy is trailing Democrat Amy Acton by 10 points, with Acton at 53% and Ramaswamy at 43%.
The poll surveyed 1,343 likely voters in Ohio from February 10 to February 22.
Acton has strong support from Democratic voters and independents.
Ramaswamy has more support from men and rural voters.
The margin of error in the poll is 2.7%.
Ohio's primary election is on May 5, and the general election is on November 3.
The article examines how members of Congress are held accountable when they break laws. It looks into the ongoing ethics investigations of current lawmakers and the system in place to enforce ethical behavior.
Key Facts
Congress is responsible for making laws in the U.S.
Some members of Congress are currently under ethics investigations.
An ethics system exists to hold lawmakers accountable.
The ethics system is described as mostly invisible, meaning not well-known or visible to the public.
The article highlights the need for oversight of Congress members' actions.
A collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and a commercial airplane near Washington D.C. killed 67 people in January 2025. The article reports that existing technology, which could have prevented the accident, was not mandatory by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), despite recommendations. It calls for legislative action to close safety loopholes, especially concerning military aircraft operations in civilian airspace.
Key Facts
On January 29, 2025, a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair with American Eagle Flight 5342.
67 people, including the author's wife and son, died in the crash.
The Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) technology could have prevented the collision.
ADS-B In, which was recommended by safety boards, is not mandatory in cockpits.
The FAA has not required ADS-B In for the last 18 years.
The crash involved a military helicopter that was not broadcasting its position.
Current FAA rules exempt military flights from certain civilian airspace requirements.
The Senate is considering new safety legislation, with bipartisan support from Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell.
Former Senator Joe Manchin responded to Senator John Cornyn's recent support for changing the Senate filibuster rule. Cornyn now supports altering the rule to advance the SAVE America Act, which has been stalled due to the filibuster. President Trump wants this bill to be a priority in Congress.
Key Facts
Senator John Cornyn supports changing the Senate filibuster rule to advance the SAVE America Act.
The filibuster requires 60 votes to end debate and move many bills forward in the Senate.
The SAVE America Act requires proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections and includes voter ID requirements.
President Donald Trump has stated the bill is a top priority and won't sign other bills until it passes.
Cornyn faces a competitive race against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who might withdraw if the filibuster is bypassed.
Joe Manchin, a former senator, criticized Cornyn's change of stance on the filibuster, calling it disappointing.
Manchin believes the filibuster is important for encouraging cooperation in the Senate.
Mohamed Jalloh, the man who opened fire at Old Dominion University's campus, was previously involved in a case related to ISIS support. Jalloh, a former National Guardsman, died after the incident, which left one person dead and two injured. He had been sentenced to prison in 2017 for attempting to support ISIS.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, killing one and injuring two.
Mohamed Jalloh, the shooter, died during the incident.
Jalloh was previously arrested in 2016 for trying to support ISIS.
In 2017, Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his ISIS-related activities.
He was released from prison in 2024.
Jalloh was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone.
Conservative activists reacted online, questioning how Jalloh was free after his ISIS-related conviction.
President Donald Trump commented on an attack at Temple Israel near Detroit, where a car crashed into a synagogue, followed by a shooting. Trump expressed his concern and support for the Jewish community in Michigan and promised a thorough investigation into the incident.
Key Facts
An attack occurred at Temple Israel, a synagogue near Detroit.
A car rammed into the synagogue, followed by a shooting.
President Donald Trump has been informed about the incident.
Trump expressed support for Michigan’s Jewish community.
Trump promised a thorough investigation into the attack.
The incident is described as breaking news, with more updates expected.
Rep. Jim Clyburn announced he will run for an 18th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. At 85 years old, he is a senior figure among South Carolina Democrats. His decision comes amid discussions about bringing younger leaders into the party.
Key Facts
Jim Clyburn is a U.S. Representative from South Carolina.
He announced he will seek an 18th term in office.
Clyburn is 85 years old.
He is a longtime member and senior figure in the Democratic Party.
His decision goes against some calls for new, younger leadership.
Clyburn made the announcement at the state party headquarters in Columbia, South Carolina.
The Democratic Party is facing internal debates after President Joe Biden's failed reelection campaign.
The National Weather Service warned millions of people in 13 U.S. states to stay away from windows for about 12 hours due to strong winds. These winds could cause flying debris and damage, posing a risk to safety. The warning mainly affected areas in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and some Northern Plains states.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued a warning for high winds in 13 states.
Winds with gusts up to 100 mph were expected in some places.
The affected states included Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, North Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington.
Staying away from windows was advised to avoid injury from flying debris or broken glass.
High wind warnings indicate strong winds capable of causing widespread damage.
Semi-trucks could potentially tip over due to strong winds, especially in Wyoming.
Lower-level wind advisories were more widespread but less severe.
Strong winds could cause blowing dust, reducing visibility and increasing fire risks.
A man previously convicted of trying to support ISIS has been identified as the shooter at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The incident occurred at Constant Hall, where two people were injured, and the shooter was pronounced dead. The campus was locked down, and classes were canceled for the day.
Key Facts
The shooter was identified as Mohammad Jollah, a former Army National guardsman.
In 2017, Jollah was sentenced to 11 years for attempting to support ISIS.
He had connections with ISIS members overseas and an FBI informant in the U.S.
Jollah was involved in a shooting at Old Dominion University's Constant Hall.
Two people were injured in the shooting and taken to a hospital.
Jollah was pronounced dead at the scene.
The university canceled classes and events for the rest of the day.
Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and has about 24,000 students.
President Donald Trump recently described high oil prices as beneficial, after previously promoting low gas prices in a speech. This shift follows an increase in oil prices due to conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump referred to high oil prices as positive because the U.S. is a major oil producer.
Last month, Trump highlighted low gas prices of $2.30 per gallon in his State of the Union address.
Gas prices have since increased by more than 50%, reaching an average of $3.60 per gallon.
The price increase is linked to a conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
Trump's team has faced difficulties in resolving issues in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil tankers.
Democrats have gained a total of 28 seats in state legislatures during President Donald Trump's second term. These switches include victories in states like New Hampshire, Texas, and Virginia. These changes could impact policies on important topics like voting, guns, and redistricting.
Key Facts
Democrats have flipped 28 seats in state legislatures since President Trump's second term began.
Bobbi Boudman, a Democrat, won a seat in a typically Republican area in New Hampshire.
Democrats won state seats in several regions, including Texas, Arkansas, and Virginia.
Controlling state legislatures is crucial for policy-making on issues such as abortion, voting access, and gun laws.
Both political parties are focusing on state legislatures to push their agendas due to gridlock in Congress.
Upcoming elections in states like Arizona, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin are expected to see increased campaign funding.
These legislative gains may affect the midterm elections in 2026 and the redistricting cycle in 2030.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will take part in an event to celebrate Women's History Month. The event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) at the White House.
Key Facts
President Trump is the current U.S. President.
First Lady Melania Trump will also attend the event.
The event is a celebration of Women's History Month.
It will take place on Thursday at the White House.
The event is set to begin at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
The event can be watched live via a video link.
The article mentions the importance of a free press in a democracy.
