Police in North Carolina solved a 47-year-old cold case of a newborn baby's death using modern DNA technology. Cathy McKee was arrested after being identified as the baby's mother. The case was reopened thanks to careful evidence preservation by original investigators.
Key Facts
A newborn baby's body was found in a landfill in Columbus County, North Carolina, in 1979.
The case remained unsolved for 47 years despite multiple generations of investigators working on it.
Original investigators preserved evidence carefully, even before modern DNA technology was available.
Advances in DNA technology recently allowed investigators to find new leads in the case.
Cathy McKee, identified through DNA evidence, was arrested for Felony Concealing the Birth of a Child.
The arrest was made by the Columbus County Sheriff's Office with help from state investigators.
Officials praised the dedication of past investigators and the teamwork in solving the case.
A study by ConsumerAffairs examined how far a $100,000 salary can stretch in various U.S. cities, focusing on differences in taxes and living costs. It found that this salary goes furthest in Southern cities, especially in Texas, while providing the least purchasing power in expensive cities on the West Coast and East Coast.
Key Facts
The study analyzed the 100 largest U.S. cities to see how far $100,000 goes after taxes.
Cities in Texas like Laredo and El Paso offer high purchasing power due to no state or local income taxes.
In Laredo, a $100,000 salary equals approximately $89,864 in purchasing power.
Housing prices in Texas are lower due to less strict regulations and new home developments.
Expensive cities like San Francisco and New York City offer much less purchasing power, around $62,371 in San Francisco.
These expensive cities have high state and local taxes, affecting take-home pay and living costs.
Median U.S. household income was $83,730 in 2024, with an increase in lower-income households living paycheck to paycheck.
An analysis on Nate Silver's website suggests Texas Republicans may risk losing a Senate seat due to poor candidate selection. Texas has been a strong Republican state, but recent election trends and candidate quality could lead to unexpected outcomes. Despite challenges, Republicans are still predicted to have an advantage in the Texas race.
Key Facts
Nate Silver's website highlighted the risk Texas Republicans face in a Senate race due to candidate selection.
Texas has been a reliably Republican state, but recent elections have shown vulnerabilities.
The candidates in the primary are U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt.
Primary voting is on March 3, with a possible runoff on May 26 if no candidate receives a majority.
The analysis noted that Republicans sometimes lose races by picking candidates with limited appeal.
National political conditions, like voter turnout and presidential approval, can affect local races.
Despite these factors, Republicans are still favored in Texas, though the margin may narrow.
The Republican National Committee asserts Texas will remain a stronghold for their party in 2026.
President Donald Trump's administration is pushing for a law called the "Dalilah Law" to prevent undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial driver's licenses. This proposal could affect thousands of truck drivers and close many trucking schools that do not meet federal standards. The plan aims to improve highway safety by addressing licensing loopholes and enforcing language requirements.
Key Facts
President Trump is advocating for the "Dalilah Law" to bar states from giving commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
The proposal follows a 2024 crash involving a truck driver, which brought attention to licensing issues.
The proposed changes could impact at least 194,000 truck drivers, and over 550 trucking schools could be closed.
The law needs Congress's approval to be enacted.
Specific issues include unverified background checks and misuse of foreign trucking licenses.
The Department of Transportation is also focusing on enforcing English-language proficiency for CDL holders.
At least 17 fatal crashes in 2025 were linked to truck drivers who would be ineligible under the new regulations.
The issue has received mixed reactions, with discussions on safety and discrimination concerns.
A Homeland Security official has assured state election managers that immigration agents will not be present at polling locations during the upcoming midterm elections in November. This statement aims to address concerns about potential election interference by the Trump administration.
Key Facts
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official spoke to state election officials.
The official stated that immigration agents will not be at polling places in November.
This assurance aims to ease fears of election interference.
Heather Honey, a DHS deputy assistant secretary, conveyed this message.
Arizona's Secretary of State confirmed that this statement was made.
Officials from Oregon and Kentucky also acknowledged the pledge from DHS.
A time capsule buried in Waymart, Pennsylvania, in 1976 is planned to be opened during the borough's 175th anniversary celebration in 2026. This event will coincide with the United States' 250th anniversary. The time capsule was moved when utility lines were added in 2006, and efforts are underway to locate it using modern search techniques.
Key Facts
Waymart, Pennsylvania, will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2026.
A time capsule was buried in Waymart in 1976 during its 125th anniversary.
The capsule needs to be located, as its exact position isn't known.
Modern search tools like a seismic echo machine will be used to find it.
Waymart was established as a borough in 1851.
Pennsylvania was among the first states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
The time capsule will be a highlight of the anniversary event.
Senator Tammy Duckworth has accused President Donald Trump of trying to privatize and dismantle the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during a recent congressional hearing. The discussion focused on a controversial VA disability compensation rule and broader concerns over how veterans' care should be managed.
Key Facts
Senator Tammy Duckworth claims President Trump wants to privatize the VA.
The dispute centers around a VA rule about disability compensation.
Duckworth says the VA rule could limit veterans from getting benefits.
The VA has paused enforcement of this rule but concerns remain.
Duckworth argues the rule was implemented without proper consultation.
Duckworth says the issue is not about political parties but veterans' rights.
VA Secretary Doug Collins stated the department is stopping the rule's enforcement to gather more feedback.
President Trump has launched a new initiative called TrumpRx to help lower prescription drug prices in the United States. This program offers discounted prices on over 40 popular medications through a government-backed website. The initiative aims to give consumers more control over their drug expenses without relying solely on government price setting.
Key Facts
President Trump launched TrumpRx to reduce prescription drug prices.
TrumpRx offers over 40 high-demand medications at discounted prices.
The program's platform is set to expand, adding more drugs in the future.
TrumpRx helps patients avoid complex intermediary pricing by providing direct discounts.
A limitation is that TrumpRx purchases don't currently count toward insurance deductibles, but plans are in place to change this.
The Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with Express Scripts to credit TrumpRx costs toward deductibles.
A new law signed by President Trump requires PBMs to be more transparent with drug pricing and data.
The program targets uninsured patients and those with health savings accounts or gaps in insurance coverage.
Hilary Knight, captain of the US women's ice hockey team, called President Donald Trump's comments to the men's hockey team "distasteful." Trump invited the men's team to attend the State of the Union address and joked he should invite the women's team too to avoid impeachment. The men's team attended, but the women's team declined due to scheduling conflicts.
Key Facts
Hilary Knight is the captain of the US women's ice hockey team.
The women's team won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
President Trump made a comment to the men's team, which Knight found distasteful.
Trump invited the men's team to the State of the Union address.
Trump joked he should also invite the women's team to avoid impeachment.
The women's team declined the invitation, citing scheduling issues.
The White House expressed interest in hosting the women's team in the Oval Office.
An internal email revealed that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is facing challenges in vetting new recruits due to a large number of hires. ICE has implemented a process to handle misconduct allegations against these recruits as they aim to meet the deportation goals set by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
ICE is hiring many new officers, which is putting pressure on their vetting process.
An internal email was sent to supervisors about managing misconduct allegations against new recruits.
The Trump administration wants to hire thousands of ICE officers to support its deportation goals.
Field offices are finding it hard to handle background checks for so many new hires.
Supervisors are instructed to refer any serious misconduct allegations to ICE’s internal Integrity Investigations Unit.
ICE has expanded quickly with help from increased funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Bill and Hillary Clinton are set to testify in depositions about their past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. They will testify in Chappaqua, New York, and their depositions will not be televised but will be video-recorded. Neither Clinton is accused of any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify to the House Oversight Committee about their past connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Hillary Clinton will testify on February 26, and Bill Clinton on February 27.
This is the first time a former president has been required to testify before Congress.
The background for the depositions includes the release of millions of pages of documents related to Epstein.
The depositions will occur in Chappaqua, New York, with their lawyers present, and will not be televised but recorded.
Both Clintons have denied any wrongdoing and say they want the depositions to be public.
The House Oversight Committee previously issued subpoenas in July, which the Clintons initially did not comply with.
Bill Clinton appears in photos with Epstein, but both Clintons claim no knowledge of his crimes.
ICE aims to build new immigration detention centers across the U.S., but some Republicans oppose these facilities being located in their local areas. Despite the national Republican support for immigration policies, local Republican leaders in states like Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Tennessee are pushing back against new ICE facility plans.
Key Facts
ICE wants to set up new detention centers that can hold about 100,000 immigrants in total.
The initiative has a budget of $38 billion to be used by November.
Republican officials in several states, including New Hampshire and Tennessee, are actively opposing ICE facility plans in their local areas.
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte successfully opposed an ICE facility plan in Merrimack.
Tennessee Rep. Clark Boyd and Sen. Masha Blackburn worked to block a facility near Nashville.
DHS aims to work with both political parties to expand detention space.
ICE has already purchased facilities in several states such as Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas.
Some property deals have been canceled in other states due to public opposition.
Hillary Clinton and her husband, Bill Clinton, have agreed to testify before a U.S. House panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. The Clintons had previously resisted testifying but changed their stance to avoid contempt-of-Congress proceedings. The hearings will take place near their home in Chappaqua, New York.
Key Facts
Hillary Clinton will testify before a U.S. House panel about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes.
Both Hillary and Bill Clinton had previously resisted demands to testify, calling them politically motivated.
They changed their decision to avoid potential contempt-of-Congress charges.
Bill Clinton is scheduled to provide his own testimony the day after Hillary's appearance.
The hearings will occur in Chappaqua, New York, near the Clintons' home.
The Clintons have accused the panel's leader of using the investigation for partisan politics.
They have previously submitted sworn statements regarding their limited knowledge of Epstein.
Testimonies will be public to prevent selective leaking of information to the media.
Over 3.2 million grill brushes have been recalled across the United States due to safety concerns. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that the small metal wire bristles on these brushes can detach and cause serious injuries if ingested.
Key Facts
The recall involves over 3.2 million grill brushes.
The brushes were recalled due to metal bristles detaching and causing injury.
Weber-Stephen Products LLC issued the recall on February 26.
The affected models range from 12-inch to 21-inch handles, made between 2011 and 2026.
The brushes were sold online and in stores like Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Target.
As of the recall date, there were 38 reports of bristles detaching, with four injuries requiring medical help.
Consumers are advised to stop using the brushes and contact Weber for a replacement.
Georgia's Senate and House have approved a new state budget for 2026 that includes tax rebates and property tax relief, potentially giving some households about $1,000. The budget also features bonuses for state employees and teachers and funding for a new mental health facility. The budget is now with Governor Brian Kemp for final decision.
Key Facts
The 2026 budget includes income tax rebates and property tax relief.
Married couples could get up to $500, and single filers could get up to $250 in tax rebates.
A total of about $2 billion will be returned to taxpayers.
A $2,000 one-time bonus is included for state employees and teachers.
$409 million is allocated for a new forensic mental health facility.
The Georgia Senate approved the budget unanimously, and only two Republicans opposed it in the House.
The budget is now waiting for approval from Governor Brian Kemp.
A report links Trump administration staffer Garrett Wade to the popular online account "Johnny MAGA," which shares pro-Trump content. The account has over 280,000 followers but has not disclosed its connection to the White House. Wade, who is married to a White House press assistant, reportedly runs this account alongside his official role.
Key Facts
Garrett Wade is a Trump administration staffer linked to the "Johnny MAGA" online account.
The Johnny MAGA account has over 280,000 followers and shares pro-Trump content.
The account does not disclose its connection to the White House.
Garrett Wade is 27 years old and works as a rapid response manager.
He reportedly earns $74,500 for his role in the Trump administration.
Wade is married to Allison Schuster, a White House press assistant.
The relationship between Wade and the account has not been publicly confirmed.
President Donald Trump highlighted a new government website that helps reduce drug prices in his State of the Union address. Dr. Casey Means, nominated for surgeon general, was questioned about her stance on vaccines in a Senate hearing. The CDC reported an increase in measles cases and noted a decline in kindergartners' vaccination rates.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced the website TrumpRx.gov, which helps lower the cost of prescription drugs.
Trump criticized the Affordable Care Act (often called Obamacare) and promoted his "Great Healthcare Plan."
Dr. Casey Means, nominated for surgeon general, discussed vaccines and emphasized informed consent.
The CDC reported 982 measles cases in 2026 and highlighted several outbreaks.
The CDC updated its messaging on vaccines and autism, leading to controversy.
Vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) among kindergartners fell from 95.2% to 92.5%.
The decline in vaccination rates raises concerns about measles outbreaks due to insufficient herd immunity.
The U.S. Justice Department is accused by a top Democrat of withholding files involving allegations against President Donald Trump related to Jeffrey Epstein. The Justice Department asserts that only duplicates, privileged information, or materials part of an ongoing investigation were withheld. President Trump denies any wrongdoing, and official statements claim the released documents contain no evidence against him.
Key Facts
A top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee claims the Justice Department is hiding files with allegations against President Trump.
The Justice Department says they only withheld duplicates, privileged files, or ongoing investigation materials, and nothing was deleted.
President Trump claims he has been completely cleared of any wrongdoing regarding Epstein.
The Justice Department describes some allegations as "untrue and sensationalist."
President Trump signed an act prompting the release of documents related to Epstein, although some files remain unreleased or redacted.
The Democrat, Robert Garcia, can view unredacted Epstein files legally due to his role in Congress.
Some FBI interview summaries related to the Epstein investigation appear to be missing from publicly available documents.
The missing documents are related to interviews with an alleged Epstein victim who accused Epstein of rape when she was a minor.
The FBI, during President Biden's term, subpoenaed phone records of Kash Patel and Susie Wiles, who is now the White House chief of staff under President Trump. This was part of an investigation related to possible mishandling of classified documents by President Trump. Susie Wiles was surprised by this action as she was unaware of some recordings.
Key Facts
The FBI subpoenaed phone records of Kash Patel and Susie Wiles when they were private citizens.
Susie Wiles is currently the White House chief of staff for President Trump.
The investigation is connected to alleged mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
FBI obtained phone call details made by Patel and Wiles in 2022 and 2023.
A recorded phone call involved Wiles and her attorney; her attorney knew about the recording, but Wiles did not.
About 10 FBI employees were removed this week due to their work on the Mar-a-Lago investigation.
Kash Patel had been previously scrutinized and testified in front of a grand jury regarding the classified documents issue.
A person found two tracking devices hidden in their car after picking it up from a dealership where it had been serviced. The person reported the trackers to the police, who are investigating the situation to find out who placed them there.
Key Facts
A car owner found two tracking devices on their car after a service visit.
The trackers were magnetically attached inside the rear bumper.
Tracking times matched the car's use from Saturday to Sunday morning.
The car stayed at a dealership in an unsecured lot for maintenance from Monday to Friday.
The car owner asked the dealership about the trackers but was told they were not responsible.
The police are investigating and may issue a warrant to find the owner of the trackers.
Similar incidents have been reported, such as discovering an Apple AirTag in a car.
