The House Oversight Committee released a video of Bill Clinton's testimony about Jeffrey Epstein. Clinton was asked about a hot tub photo featuring him, which he said he did not know was taken and claimed to not know the other person in the photo. Clinton is the first sitting or former president to testify in front of Congress regarding this issue.
Key Facts
Bill Clinton gave testimony about Jeffrey Epstein to the House Oversight Committee.
A photo of Clinton in a hot tub was discussed during the testimony.
Clinton stated he did not know the photo was taken and did not recognize the other person in it.
Clinton is the first president, past or present, asked to testify before Congress about Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died in 2019.
The House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Nancy Mace for allegedly asking for too much reimbursement money to maintain her home in Washington, D.C. Mace's lawyer claims the charges are incorrect, and the inquiry may impact her run for governor of South Carolina.
Key Facts
The House Ethics Committee is looking into claims that Rep. Nancy Mace over-billed her congressional office.
The investigation centers on Mace's alleged "improper reimbursement practices."
The report suggests that Mace received around $9,500 more than she should have over two years.
Allegations state that Mace claimed full property costs, even though she owned only 28% of the house.
Mace has not spoken to the Office of Congressional Conduct about the inquiry.
Mace's lawyer argues the report may have been biased and influenced by her former fiancé.
The investigation could affect Mace's campaign for governor of South Carolina.
Mace has accused her former fiancé and others of misconduct, but he has denied this and filed a defamation lawsuit.
Hillary Clinton became upset during a deposition related to Jeffrey Epstein when a photo from the room was leaked. A lawmaker admitted to sharing a photo before the hearing started, leading to a pause in the proceedings.
Key Facts
Hillary Clinton was testifying to US lawmakers about Jeffrey Epstein.
Her deposition was paused after a leaked photo from inside the room was noticed.
A lawmaker admitted to sharing a photo but said it was taken before the hearing began.
The deposition video was released by the House Oversight Committee.
This event was part of an investigation into Epstein's crimes.
The House Oversight Committee released a video of Hillary Clinton's deposition about her connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Clinton testified for six hours and often directed questions to her husband, Bill Clinton. The testimony was part of a Republican-led investigation into Epstein's activities and potential links to influential figures.
Key Facts
The House Oversight Committee released Hillary Clinton's full deposition video on Monday.
Clinton's testimony lasted six hours and was recorded on Thursday.
Clinton stated she did not have a personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and denied meeting him.
The investigation is part of a broader effort to understand Epstein's activities and potential connections with influential figures.
Clinton often deferred questions to her husband, Bill Clinton, during the testimony.
The testimony video and transcript were released within 24 hours of her deposition.
The investigation aims to address public concerns and mistrust related to Epstein's case.
Ryan Zinke, a Republican representative from Montana, announced he will not run for reelection after his current term. He cites a belief in term limits and upcoming surgeries as the reasons for his decision.
Key Facts
Ryan Zinke is a Republican congressman from Montana.
He was first elected to Congress in 2014.
Zinke served as the Secretary of the Interior under President Donald Trump.
He announced he will not run for another term after his current one ends.
Zinke mentioned a belief in term limits as part of his decision.
He also plans to take time for surgeries and recovery due to past injuries.
Republicans currently have a slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Important historical documents from the United States are starting a national tour on the "Freedom Plane" as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebration. These documents, normally kept at the National Archives, include the 1783 Treaty of Paris and the 1774 Articles of Association and will be displayed in museums across the country.
Key Facts
The "Freedom Plane" is touring the United States with important historical documents.
This tour is part of the U.S. 250th anniversary commemoration.
Documents such as the 1783 Treaty of Paris and the 1774 Articles of Association will be shown.
These documents are typically stored in secure vaults at the National Archives.
Important figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin signed these documents.
The documents will be displayed for free at local museums across the country.
Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch questioned the government's stance in a case about whether marijuana users can own guns. The case involves a Texas man whom the government charged with a crime for possessing a gun and using marijuana. The court seemed to lean toward ruling in favor of the man.
Key Facts
Justices Barrett and Gorsuch questioned the government's view on prohibiting marijuana users from owning guns.
The case involves a federal law that bans illegal drug users from having guns.
The Trump administration wanted to revive a criminal case against a man who used marijuana and owned a gun.
Barrett asked for evidence on whether marijuana use makes someone dangerous.
Gorsuch noted that states have different laws on cannabis, leading to a complex legal situation.
The man’s lawyer argued many marijuana users can safely own guns.
Some justices worried a ruling for the man could lead to broader firearm access for drug users.
Chief Justice John Roberts expressed the importance of leaving certain decisions to Congress and the executive branch.
A new bill called the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act was introduced, proposing a 5% yearly tax on billionaires in the U.S. This tax aims to raise $4.4 trillion over ten years to support social programs, including $3,000 payments to households earning $150,000 or less. The bill focuses on addressing wealth inequality and funding healthcare and education improvements.
Key Facts
The bill proposes a 5% annual wealth tax on U.S. billionaires.
It is estimated to generate $4.4 trillion over ten years.
The revenue would fund social programs, including $3,000 cash payments to some households.
It would reverse $1.1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
It plans to expand Medicare for dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
It sets a $60,000 minimum salary for public school teachers nationwide.
Billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos would owe billions in taxes under this law.
The bill faces challenges in a Congress currently controlled by the GOP.
Authorities provided updates on a shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas, where three people died, including the shooter. The suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. The FBI is investigating a possible terrorism link, but no motive has been determined yet.
Key Facts
A shooting at Buford's bar in Austin, Texas, resulted in three deaths and 14 injuries.
The shooter, Ndiaga Diagne, was 53 years old, originally from Senegal, and living in Pflugerville, Texas.
Diagne died at the scene after being shot by police officers.
The FBI is investigating potential links to terrorism.
Diagne had a history of arrests in New York City and Texas.
The firearms used in the attack were legally purchased.
The shooting took place as bars were closing in a busy entertainment district.
Officials confirmed security plans for the SXSW festival remain unchanged despite the incident.
Emergency crews in Longview, Texas, successfully rescued two people from a hot air balloon after it hit a cell phone tower at about 920 feet above the ground. Both passengers were safely rescued without any injuries.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Longview, Texas.
A hot air balloon collided with a cell phone tower at 920 feet.
Emergency crews conducted the rescue.
The Longview Fire Department was involved in the operation.
Both occupants of the balloon were rescued without injuries.
The article discusses the challenges facing US Democrats in the 2024 election cycle with rising debates about the party's direction and voter preferences under President Donald Trump. It focuses on two progressive candidates, Nida Allam and Kat Abughazaleh, who are running for congressional seats and advocating for anti-war and progressive policies. These candidates' primary elections are seen as a measure of the current sentiment among Democratic voters.
Key Facts
The 2024 election cycle is seen as crucial for US Democrats regarding their party's future.
Nida Allam and Kat Abughazaleh are running progressive campaigns in early US congressional primaries.
Allam is competing in North Carolina's fourth congressional district, while Abughazaleh is in Illinois' ninth district.
Both candidates emphasize anti-war stances and criticize current US policies.
Their campaigns are part of a broader debate on the Democratic Party's strategy and voter preferences under President Trump's second term.
Success or failure of these candidates in primaries may influence party leadership's midterm strategies.
The November election will decide which party controls the House of Representatives and Senate.
Allam previously ran against and lost to Valerie Foushee in 2022, supported by significant funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego announced his support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner. Platner, a Democrat, aims to win a Senate seat currently held by an opposing party.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for a Senate seat in Maine.
He is a Democrat and has received an endorsement from Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego.
Platner is a first-time candidate, known for being an oyster farmer and combat veteran.
Gallego praises Platner for his independence and focus on working families.
Gallego himself won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024.
President Donald Trump won Arizona in the same election by nearly 6 points.
President Trump has been taking actions without getting approval from Congress during his second term. This includes decisions like military strikes and imposing tariffs. Some lawmakers are concerned about these moves, while others support him.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered military strikes on Iran without Congress' approval, sparking debate over his authority.
He authorized a raid in Venezuela and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, also without Congress' sign-off.
Trump imposed tariffs on several countries using a national emergency law, which the Supreme Court later ruled illegal.
He ordered name changes for government departments and centers, which typically require Congressional approval.
Trump tried to reorganize and reduce the size of federal agencies, leading to legal challenges and court rulings against him.
President Trump is using a common cream on his neck as a preventive skin treatment. The cream causes temporary redness, which was noticed during a recent event. His doctor explained that this is expected and part of the treatment process.
Key Facts
President Trump is using a cream prescribed by his doctor.
The cream is applied to the right side of his neck.
It is a preventive skin treatment.
The cream is expected to cause temporary redness.
The redness might last several weeks.
The notice about the treatment was released after social media commented on the redness.
The statement was given by Dr. Sean Barbabella, the President’s doctor.
Security at the U.S. Capitol is being increased because of rising tensions in Iran. Law enforcement agencies are stepping up precautions to prevent possible attacks in the United States.
Key Facts
Security measures at the U.S. Capitol are being increased.
The changes come in response to an escalating conflict in Iran.
The Office of the Sergeant at Arms is coordinating with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
There will be more police officers seen around the Capitol.
The goal is to address the risk of attacks on U.S. soil.
The situation is ongoing, with updates expected as more information comes.
A group called the Texas Nationalist Movement wants Texas to become independent from the United States. They mentioned Texas Independence Day to highlight their cause and point to Texas's strong economy as a reason it could stand alone as a nation. Recent polls show decreasing support for state secession across the United States.
Key Facts
The Texas Nationalist Movement advocates for Texas to secede from the U.S.
Texas Independence Day was commemorated by the group to highlight their independence goals.
Texas once declared independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836.
Texas has the 8th-largest economy globally, which the group uses to argue for its ability to self-govern.
Support for state secession is at 18% nationwide, down from 23% two years ago, according to a YouGov poll.
Texas has a 24% secession support rate, while California has the highest at 27%.
Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support secession.
Texas State University marked Texas Independence Day, acknowledging the historical significance.
More Americans are inheriting their homes, especially in California, due to high housing costs and regional rules that encourage passing properties down to family members. In 2025, 18% of property transfers in California were through inheritance, which is a significant increase from 2019. This trend may lead to fewer homes being available for sale, making it harder for buyers to find properties.
Key Facts
In 2025, 18% of property transfers in California were due to inheritance, up from 12.6% in 2019.
Nationwide, 7.4% of property transfers in 2025 involved inherited homes, up from 4.2% in 2019.
340,000 homes were inherited across the United States in 2025.
In California, inherited homes now outnumber new-home sales by more than two to one.
California's property tax rules encourage holding onto properties because they allow low tax rates to be passed down to heirs.
Homeowners may prefer to pass homes to family rather than sell in a tough market, reducing available homes for sale.
The trend of inherited homes can make it more difficult for first-time buyers to find affordable homes.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading in polls and prediction markets against Senator John Cornyn ahead of the Republican Senate primary. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, the race will go to a runoff in May. President Donald Trump has not endorsed any candidates in this primary race.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton is currently leading John Cornyn in polls by a small margin.
The primary race might result in a runoff if no candidate secures over 50% of the votes.
Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi show Paxton as the favorite.
President Donald Trump has not endorsed any candidates in this race.
Representative Wesley Hunt is also a candidate and could influence the outcome.
John Cornyn has been supported in previous elections but is now facing significant competition.
Early voting in Texas started on February 17, and the primary election is on March 3.
A study by Nursa ranked U.S. states based on fitness using health and lifestyle data from various sources. Vermont, Massachusetts, and Washington emerged as the fittest states, while Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia were among the least fit. The study considered factors like obesity, smoking, exercise, and availability of gyms and walking routes.
Key Facts
Nursa ranked all 50 states on fitness using 10 health indicators.
Vermont ranked first with high exercise rates and low smoking and obesity levels.
Massachusetts and Washington followed, both with strong exercise statistics.
Louisiana had the lowest score, with high obesity and smoking rates.
The study used data from sources like the CDC and the Apple Heart & Movement Study.
Southern states generally had lower fitness rankings.
10 metrics included obesity, smoking, sleep, diet, inactivity, and infrastructure like gyms.
The data used in the report was current as of February 19.
Texas Democrats are deciding between James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett in a primary race for the U.S. Senate. Polls show a tight competition, with Talarico slightly leading. The outcome of this primary is important for Democrats as they see a chance to gain a Senate seat in the upcoming November elections.
Key Facts
James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett are competing in the Texas Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate.
Polls show Talarico with a small lead over Crockett just before the primary.
The primary will take place on March 3, 2026, with a possible runoff on May 26, 2026, if no candidate gets over 50% of the vote.
Texas is a Republican-leaning state but Democrats see it as a potential win in November due to President Trump's lower approval rating.
The current GOP Senate majority is 53-47, and Democrats are targeting two main GOP-held Senate seats in Maine and North Carolina.
Betting odds favor Talarico to win the primary.
Some past comments by Crockett have been controversial and could influence voter support.
The Texas primary has drawn national attention and is marked by debate over which candidate is more electable.
