Democratic lawmakers criticized the Department of Defense for reportedly shooting down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone. The drone was shot down near Fort Hancock, Texas, amid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restrictions. Lawmakers expressed concerns over the lack of coordination between the Pentagon and border agencies.
Key Facts
The Department of Defense reportedly shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone.
The incident occurred near Fort Hancock, Texas.
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed restrictions in the area for "Special Security Reasons."
Democratic lawmakers issued a statement criticizing the lack of coordination between the Pentagon and border agencies.
The FAA had previously planned a traffic halt at El Paso International Airport, but it was canceled.
Lawmakers mentioned concerns about the White House's decision not to fully coordinate on drone system operations.
The situation involves a high-risk counter-unmanned aircraft system.
The story is still developing, and more information is expected.
A U.S. federal judge ruled that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) violated privacy laws by wrongly sharing taxpayer information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) around 42,695 times. This unauthorized sharing violated a strict confidentiality law that protects taxpayer data from being disclosed without permission. The case stems from a data-sharing agreement between the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security to support non-tax criminal enforcement, which critics say risks taxpayer privacy.
Key Facts
A federal judge found the IRS broke privacy laws by sharing taxpayer data with ICE approximately 42,695 times.
The violation involved sharing taxpayer addresses without meeting legal requirements.
IRS Code 6103 largely prohibits sharing tax return information without consent.
A declaration from IRS official Dottie Romo revealed about 47,000 people's information was shared.
The federal judge's ruling is being appealed by the government.
The data-sharing agreement with ICE is part of broader government data consolidation efforts.
Critics argue this agreement undermines taxpayer privacy protections established after the Watergate scandal.
The Center for Taxpayer Rights filed a lawsuit against the government over these privacy violations.
Hillary Clinton recently testified to the House Oversight Committee regarding her connection to Jeffrey Epstein. In her statement, she denied knowing Epstein or visiting his home. Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify soon as well.
Key Facts
Hillary Clinton provided testimony to the House Oversight Committee.
She stated she did not know Jeffrey Epstein and had never been to his house.
Hillary Clinton emphasized her desire for "the truth to come out."
Bill Clinton is expected to give his testimony on Friday.
The US Department of Justice is being accused of not releasing some files related to President Donald Trump from the Jeffrey Epstein case. A woman claims Epstein raped her as a minor and also accused Trump of sexual abuse, which Trump denies. The DOJ states some documents contain false claims made just before the 2020 election, and they will review any improperly tagged documents.
Key Facts
The DOJ is accused of withholding files related to President Trump in the Epstein case.
A woman alleges Epstein raped her in the early 1980s and that Trump also abused her.
President Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
The DOJ claims some documents are sensationalist and false, submitted before the 2020 election.
The DOJ said it will release any documents found to be incorrectly labeled if they meet legal standards.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is facing criticism from some Democratic candidates for endorsing certain candidates before the primaries. This endorsement, part of the "Red to Blue" program, has upset candidates who believe the process seems unfair to others still trying to win support.
Key Facts
The DCCC endorsed a dozen candidates in its "Red to Blue" program, meant to support select candidates with funds.
This endorsement happened despite it being six months before the primary elections.
Criticism came because endorsed candidates often have opponents within their own party still contesting elections.
Jason Knapp, running in Virginia, expressed frustration that his opponent received the endorsement.
The anger is about the perception that the endorsement process picks favorites and narrows democratic choice in primaries.
The DCCC defends its choices, stating they endorse candidates who run strong campaigns that could win general elections.
A group of 17 opposing Democratic candidates issued a statement arguing the importance of keeping primaries competitive.
Some candidates use the DCCC's actions as a new point in their campaigns to portray themselves as outsiders challenging the establishment.
Hillary Clinton spoke to lawmakers about her knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein in a closed-door meeting with the House Oversight Committee. She stated she never met Epstein, visited his properties, or knew about his criminal activities. The deposition had unusual questions, but details may be released after approval.
Key Facts
Hillary Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee.
She stated she never met Jeffrey Epstein or visited his properties.
Clinton emphasized she has no information about Epstein's criminal activities.
The deposition included unexpected questions about unrelated conspiracy theories.
A transcript of the deposition may be released pending approval.
The meeting followed months of tension between the Clintons and the Republican-led committee.
Epstein, who died in 2019, had connections with many public figures, including Bill Clinton and President Trump.
Hillary Clinton testified in a closed-door session with Congress about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes. She stated she had no knowledge of their activities and did not recall meeting Epstein. The questioning lasted over six hours and was part of an investigation involving both Clintons.
Key Facts
Hillary Clinton testified before Congress, saying she knew nothing about Jeffrey Epstein's or Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes.
She stated that she does not remember meeting Epstein.
The deposition took over six hours to complete.
Former President Bill Clinton is also scheduled for questioning.
The questions are part of an investigation by the House Oversight Committee.
Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial for abusing underage girls.
This marks the first instance of a former president testifying before Congress.
President Donald Trump expressed regret over the Clintons being compelled to testify.
Hillary Clinton spoke to lawmakers in a private meeting about Jeffrey Epstein. She said she did not know about any crimes linked to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell and did not recall meeting Epstein.
Key Facts
Hillary Clinton gave a deposition to lawmakers.
The meeting was private and not open to the public.
Clinton stated she had no knowledge of any crimes by Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell.
She also mentioned she did not remember meeting Epstein.
This deposition was part of a two-day session by the House Oversight Committee.
Justice correspondent Ali Rogin reported on the event.
The U.S. government is stopping $259 million in Medicaid funds for Minnesota because of concerns about fraud. Vice President JD Vance announced this decision, and Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz believes it is politically driven.
Key Facts
The Trump administration has decided to stop $259 million in Medicaid funding for Minnesota.
Vice President JD Vance announced this funding halt.
The decision was made due to concerns about fraud in Minnesota.
Medicaid is a program that helps provide medical care for people with low income.
Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz believes the decision is politically motivated.
The issue was discussed by Geoff Bennett and Matt Sepic, a Minnesota Public Radio reporter.
Michael Whatley is leading the Republican primary race for a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, according to a new poll. The primary will take place on March 3 and will decide the GOP nominee for an open Senate seat after Thom Tillis’ decision not to run again. President Trump supports Whatley, who holds significant approval among GOP voters who favor Trump.
Key Facts
Michael Whatley leads the North Carolina Republican Senate primary by 30 points in a recent poll.
The poll indicates 50% of GOP primary voters are still undecided just days before the election.
The primary is on March 3 and will pick the Republican candidate for the November general election.
Former Senator Thom Tillis chose not to seek re-election, leaving the seat open.
President Trump supports Whatley, and most GOP voters who approve of Trump also back Whatley.
The poll had 600 GOP primary voters participating and a margin of error of 4%.
Democrat Roy Cooper is seen as a strong contender for the general election in November.
A shooting during a youth hockey game in Rhode Island has resulted in the deaths of three family members. The shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan, targeted his own family before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Several bystanders intervened to help stop the attack.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred at a youth hockey game in Rhode Island.
Three people from the same family were killed: Gerald Dorgan, his daughter Rhonda Dorgan, and his grandson Aidan Dorgan.
Gerald Dorgan died from his injuries, making him the third victim to pass away.
The shooter was Robert Dorgan, who was also known as Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano.
Robert Dorgan was targeting his own family members, including his ex-wife and adult son.
The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Two other people, Linda Dorgan and Thomas Geruso, were injured in the incident.
Bystanders intervened to help contain the shooter and prevent further harm.
A former lawyer for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims the agency is cutting back on training for new recruits and is advising them to ignore the Constitution. The lawyer, Ryan Schwank, says the training academy is inadequate and poorly managed.
Key Facts
Ryan Schwank, a former ICE lawyer, has raised concerns about reduced training for recruits.
He claims the training academy is not meeting necessary standards and is flawed.
Schwank states that recruits are being told to ignore constitutional guidelines.
He believes this is part of an effort to quickly produce new officers for more arrests.
Schwank discussed these issues with a reporter and his lawyer, David Kligerman.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to officially cancel a rule that would have changed how disability benefits are calculated for veterans. The rule would have considered how veterans function on medication instead of their underlying disabilities. After strong negative reactions from veterans and their advocates, the VA decided not to enforce this rule.
Key Facts
The VA introduced a rule that would change disability ratings based on veterans' functioning while on medication.
More than 18,500 veterans and advocates submitted public comments against the rule.
VA Secretary Doug Collins stated the rule would no longer be enforced due to the backlash.
There were concerns the rule could lower disability ratings by considering medication effects.
Veterans feared it could lead them to stop taking prescribed medicines to maintain their benefit levels.
Lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, are pushing for laws to prevent such policies from being implemented in the future.
The VA's notice clarified that the rule will not be enforced now or in the future.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Donald Trump to discuss building 12,000 housing units in the city. They have developed an unlikely relationship despite different political views. During the meeting, Mamdani also asked for the release of a detained student, which Trump agreed to.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani met President Trump to discuss housing and other issues.
Mamdani proposed building around 12,000 new housing units in New York City.
President Trump reportedly showed enthusiasm for the housing proposal.
Mamdani's team prepared a mock newspaper featuring Trump to engage him.
Trump agreed to release a Columbia University student detained by ICE after Mamdani's request.
Mamdani and Trump have communicated through text and developed a working relationship.
Mamdani's proposal would be a significant federal investment in housing if approved.
Representative Lauren Boebert shared a photo she took of Hillary Clinton during a private deposition. The photo was later posted by podcaster Benny Johnson, which led to some backlash. Boebert stated that no rule-breaking occurred when she took the photo, and no ambassadors were harmed.
Key Facts
Lauren Boebert is a Republican representative from Colorado.
Boebert shared a photo from a closed-door deposition involving Hillary Clinton.
Benny Johnson, a podcaster, posted the photo online.
Boebert said she was not reprimanded for her actions.
The deposition was in Chappaqua, New York, where the Clintons reside.
The deposition is significant as it's the first time a former president has been forced to testify before Congress.
Chairman James Comer stated any video footage of the deposition will be reviewed by Clinton’s attorneys before release.
A student at Columbia University was released from custody after being arrested by immigration agents. The agents reportedly pretended to be local police to enter the student's dorm. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani intervened by talking to President Donald Trump, which led to the student's release.
Key Facts
A Columbia University student was detained by immigration agents.
The agents allegedly pretended to be NYPD officers to enter the dorm.
The student, Elmina Aghayeva, was accused of not having a valid U.S. visa.
The Department of Homeland Security says agents did not misrepresent themselves.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Trump to discuss the arrest.
President Trump informed Mamdani that the student would be released.
The arrest led to calls for laws to limit ICE access to places like schools and dorms.
President Donald Trump met with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to talk about investing in new housing projects in the city. Mayor Mamdani used a mock newspaper front page to show Trump how positive media coverage might look. They discussed the potential impacts of federal housing investments.
Key Facts
President Trump met with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House.
The meeting focused on large new housing investments in New York City.
Mayor Mamdani showed Trump a mock newspaper front page to illustrate positive media reactions.
The mock front page said "Trump to City: Let's Build," linking to a historical newspaper headline.
Trump's media influence and interest were part of the meeting's strategy.
Anna Bahr, Mamdani's communications director, helped create the fake newspaper page.
The initiative aims to encourage federal housing investments in the city.
A Texas Democrat, Representative Joaquin Castro, is requesting the release of text messages and phone calls related to the shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in South Padre Island. Castro wants transparency from federal and local agencies about the incident, which involved the shooting by an ICE agent. The Department of Homeland Security and Texas Rangers have completed investigations, but differing accounts of the event remain.
Key Facts
Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from Texas, is asking for text messages and phone calls related to a shooting involving an ICE agent.
Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old, died in the incident on March 15, 2025, in South Padre Island, Texas.
ICE claimed that Martinez tried to hit an agent with his car, leading the agent to shoot.
An eyewitness, Joshua Orta, said Martinez was driving slowly and tried to follow police directions when he was shot.
The incident was investigated by the FBI, the Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Texas Rangers.
The Texas Rangers submitted their findings to the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.
A Texas grand jury chose not to indict the ICE agent involved.
Castro is calling for the release of all communications and footage related to the event to ensure transparency.
An ICE agent, Jack Stevens, was identified in a police report as the person who fatally shot Ruben Ray Martinez in South Padre, Texas, in March 2025. A Texas grand jury decided not to charge Stevens after evaluating the evidence. Martinez's death has sparked discussions about federal agency transparency and the use of force in immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
An ICE agent named Jack Stevens shot and killed Ruben Ray Martinez in South Padre, Texas.
The incident took place on March 15, 2025.
A Texas grand jury did not charge Stevens after reviewing the evidence.
Toxicology reports showed Martinez had high alcohol levels and traces of marijuana at the time.
The shooting was the third known death of a U.S. citizen by a federal immigration officer since President Trump's second term began.
Concerns have been raised about transparency and the use of force in federal agency operations.
Texas law allows the public to access police reports, including officers’ names.
A GoPro caught two skiers rescuing a skier buried under deep snow in Lake Tahoe, California. The rescuers noticed the man's skis sticking out of the snow and quickly dug him out to prevent suffocation. The incident highlights the importance of skiing safety and staying with a friend.
Key Facts
A skier got buried under snow in Lake Tahoe, California.
Two other skiers noticed and rescued him.
They saw the man's skis sticking out from the snow.
The rescue was captured on a GoPro camera.
The rescuers acted fast to dig him out before he suffocated.
The rescuer, Carson Schmidt, shared the video to raise awareness about skiing safely with a buddy.
