united states news

President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, a first-term senator and former mixed martial arts fighter known for his confrontational style, to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary. Mullin, who requires Senate confirmation, has been a vocal supporter of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies and has defended DHS agents involved in controversial incidents, including the fatal shooting of two US citizens by immigration officials. The Department of Homeland Security has faced mounting scrutiny recently, operating under a partial government shutdown that Mullin has criticized Democrats for causing. Mullin gained notoriety in 2023 when he attempted to physically fight a union leader during a Senate committee hearing, exemplifying the combative temperament he will bring to the cabinet position.

A gunman opened fire outside an Austin, Texas bar, killing three people and injuring sixteen others in an attack that authorities are investigating as possible terrorism. Police responded within 57 seconds and fatally shot the suspect, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized American citizen originally from Senegal. Investigators discovered items in his home connecting him to Iran, including an Iranian flag and photos of Iranian leaders, and he was reportedly wearing clothing referencing Iran and Allah during the attack. The incident occurred during the same weekend as U.S. military strikes against Iran, raising concerns about potential retaliatory violence on American soil. # Key Takeaways

In 1938, the Owls Club, an all-Black women's softball team from Seattle, Washington, achieved historic success by winning the first Black women's professional softball championship, then repeated their victory in 1939 under the new name Brown Bombers. Despite dominating the local sports scene and drawing large crowds across Seattle's Black communities, the team mysteriously disbanded around 1940 and faded from public memory for nearly nine decades. Historian Stephanie Johnson-Toliver and the Black Heritage Society of Washington State have been working to uncover the stories of these remarkable athletes, discovering that some players like Alice Powell went on to notable lives, while World War II likely contributed to the team's dissolution. Today, the Owls Club is memorialized at Steelheads Alley, a brewery and museum space in Seattle that preserves their legacy as trailblazers in sports history.

President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing her with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin effective March 31. Noem, a former South Dakota governor, will transition to a new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a Western Hemisphere security initiative being announced in Florida. Her departure follows intense congressional criticism from both parties regarding fatal shootings of U.S. citizens during immigration operations in Minneapolis, controversial spending on immigration advertisements, and her past admission of killing a puppy. The removal makes Noem the first Cabinet member ousted during Trump's second term, and it comes amid congressional concerns that have led to funding issues for the department and threatened impeachment proceedings.

Historical Bethel AME Church celebrated both Black History Month and Valentine's Day with a special brunch honoring the women of their congregation. The church's men's ministry, called Man of Bethel (MOB), organized and hosted the event, which featured colorful decorations, live musical performances, and a full meal service where the men took on roles as cooks and servers. The celebration included entertainment from local band Fuzzy & the Band and singer Floyd Smith, along with remarks from a guest pastor. Among the honorees was Brigitte Jordan, who received recognition for her significant contributions to the men's ministry group. # Key Takeaways

A recent national poll conducted in January 2026 reveals widespread voter concern about child care accessibility and affordability for working families across the United States. The survey demonstrates strong bipartisan support for federal child care funding programs, with overwhelming majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents believing such investments help reduce costs for families. Most voters view the current child care situation as either a crisis or significant problem requiring government intervention. Support remains robust for maintaining or increasing funding levels for programs like the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which voters across the political spectrum consider a worthwhile use of tax dollars.

This article commemorates the independence anniversaries of Ghana and Mauritius from British colonial rule. Ghana achieved independence on March 6, 1957, becoming the first Sub-Saharan African nation to break free from European colonialism after nationalist movements and political activism throughout the post-World War II period led by Kwame Nkrumah. Mauritius gained independence on March 12, 1968, after over 150 years of British control, with Seewoosagur Ramgoolam serving as its first prime minister. Both nations achieved peaceful transitions to independence through electoral victories and negotiations with the United Kingdom, with Ghana's liberation inspiring decolonization movements across Africa and Mauritius evolving into one of Africa's most prosperous economies. # Key Takeaways

Iran's military strategy in its escalating conflict with Israel and the US prioritizes survival over conventional victory, relying on deterrence and endurance rather than direct battlefield success. The country has developed layered defenses including ballistic missiles, drones, and regional allied groups, while exploiting economic asymmetries where cheap Iranian projectiles force enemies to expend expensive interceptors. Iran is leveraging the Strait of Hormuz as an economic pressure point and targeting neighboring countries hosting US forces, though this risks further isolation and pushes those nations closer to its adversaries. The military appears to operate with decentralized command structures that allow continued operations despite leadership losses, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's death, though this increases risks of miscalculation and unintended escalation. # Key Takeaways

NBC Today show host Savannah Guthrie recently visited her network's New York office to discuss returning to work while law enforcement continues searching for her elderly mother in Arizona. Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her residence on February 1st in what investigators suspect was a nighttime abduction, though the case remains unsolved after nearly five weeks. The family has put up a substantial seven-figure reward for information leading to her safe return, while authorities have collected tens of thousands of public tips and identified a suspect through home security footage. Despite recovering potential DNA evidence from a discarded glove, investigators have not yet made a breakthrough in the case, which has also involved ransom demands sent to news organizations. # Key Takeaways

The National Capital Planning Commission has postponed its vote on President Trump's proposed White House ballroom until April 2nd after receiving over 32,000 public comments, predominantly opposed to the project. The controversial plan involves constructing a 22,000 square-foot ballroom capable of seating 1,000 guests where the East Wing previously stood, which was demolished in October without prior public approval. Critics characterize the $400 million project as a vain and extravagant misuse of the historic "People's House," while supporters and administration officials argue it addresses a genuine need for updated diplomatic event space and that demolition was more cost-effective than renovation. A preservation lawsuit attempting to halt construction was recently dismissed on technical grounds, though the judge indicated willingness to reconsider a revised legal challenge.

A Florida-based line dancing group called Flava Inc., led by founder DeRhonda "Diamond Diva" Jackson, is using dance to improve community health while celebrating African American cultural heritage. Jackson established the organization approximately three years ago in response to increased sedentary behavior she observed after the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to provide exercise that doesn't feel like traditional working out. The group, nicknamed the "Flava Divas," has grown to roughly 70 members who regularly perform at charitable events and practice together. Line dancing's historical significance traces back to enslaved Americans and has deep African and Caribbean roots, making the group's work both a fitness initiative and a living continuation of Black cultural traditions. # Key Takeaways

Political strategist Jasmyne A. Cannick argues that effective resistance against the Trump administration requires financial commitment, not just social media outrage. She contends that Trump's attacks on DEI programs and similar initiatives are strategic efforts to dismantle the infrastructure supporting marginalized communities, including nonprofits, community media, and advocacy organizations that are losing corporate funding. While conservatives understand that sustained movements require consistent financial support, progressives are allowing crucial institutions to collapse through inaction. Cannick emphasizes that meaningful resistance means making modest, recurring donations to preserve the organizations that defend democracy, protect rights, and serve vulnerable populations.

The Ecuadorean military discovered and confiscated a 35-meter semi-submersible vessel loaded with fuel in a nature reserve along the Colombian border, which authorities believe was prepared for extensive drug smuggling operations. The operation, conducted in the Cayapas-Mataje reserve's mangrove swamps, also uncovered a criminal logistics camp and resulted in the seizure of multiple speedboats, motors, and fuel barrels while troops faced gunfire from armed individuals. This action follows President Daniel Noboa's announcement of an intensified campaign against drug cartels in Ecuador, a nation that has become a crucial transit route for cocaine moving from major South American producers to markets worldwide. The government is collaborating with the Trump administration on drug interdiction efforts, though no U.S. forces were reported participating in this specific operation.

A 22-year-old Iowa man has been arrested in Colorado in connection with the murders of three women found dead in Wayne County, Utah. Two bodies were discovered on a hiking trail on Wednesday, while a third victim was found at a nearby home. Authorities tracked the suspect as he fled through southeastern Utah and Arizona while driving a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. The three deceased women were aged in their 30s, 60s, and 80s, and investigators believe the suspect had no prior connection to any of them. # Key Takeaways

The article highlights two significant March 5th events in African American history. In 1897, scholar Alexander Crummell established the American Negro Academy in Washington, D.C., creating the nation's first organization dedicated to Black scholarship and intellectual advancement. This institution played a crucial role in combating racist ideologies through academic work and publishing, while promoting education and cultural development as means of achieving racial equality. The article also commemorates the 1939 birth of Philadelphia native Charles Fuller, who became an acclaimed playwright after military service and co-founding a theater company, ultimately winning the Pulitzer Prize for his influential drama about race and military life.

Roland Wilson, a 38-year-old San Diego resident, died on February 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication to family. Known for his gentle nature, humor, and generous spirit, he was particularly devoted to caring for both his children and his grandmother simultaneously. He leaves behind his grandmother Leomia, two children (Coral and Roland Jr.), his mother Sandra, two brothers, and his children's mother Star Lemus. Several family members, including his grandfather Eddie and cousin Deon, had passed away before him. # Key Takeaways

Three members of Congress are introducing the Fair Housing for Survivors Act, which would expand federal housing protections to prevent discrimination against survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The legislation would amend existing fair housing laws to treat survivors similarly to other protected classes, preventing evictions or housing denials based on their survivor status. This initiative addresses a significant problem, as nearly 40 percent of domestic violence survivors experience homelessness at some point in their lives. The bill builds upon existing Violence Against Women Act protections that currently only cover federally subsidized housing, extending safeguards to the private housing market as well. # Key Takeaways

Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales has acknowledged having an extramarital affair with his married aide Regina Santos-Aviles, reversing his previous denials of the relationship. The admission occurred following the launch of a House Ethics Committee investigation and during a competitive primary run-off election where he faces challenger Brandon Herrera. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025, though Gonzales maintains her death was unrelated to their relationship, a claim disputed by her husband's attorney who alleges workplace harassment after the affair's discovery. The congressman, who has six children and was previously endorsed by President Trump, now faces mounting pressure to resign from fellow Republicans who have accused him of predatory behavior. The ethics probe will examine whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct and provided improper preferential treatment to his employee. # Key Takeaways

Hundreds of Scottish travelers stranded in Dubai during Iranian missile strikes have returned home after a harrowing ordeal that left many fearing for their safety. The passengers experienced flight cancellations, airport evacuations, and witnessed missiles overhead with explosions near their hotels, with one couple narrowly avoiding injury when their hotel was struck just hours after they checked out. Over 300 people arrived at Edinburgh Airport on Wednesday evening, though thousands remain stuck in the Middle East following escalating military actions between the US, Israel, and Iran. Travelers described chaotic scenes at airports with little staff support, emergency alerts on their phones, and in some cases being forced to shelter in hotel basements during the attacks.

Michigan is incentivizing school districts to require high school seniors to complete the FAFSA form as a graduation requirement by awarding grant money through its Universal FAFSA Challenge program. The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential distributed $10 million to 67 school districts in 2025 to support these efforts, which include helping students and families navigate college applications and financial aid processes. This initiative aligns with Governor Gretchen Whitmer's goal of having 60% of working-age adults hold a skills certificate or college degree by 2030, up from the current 51.6%. While there is no statewide mandate requiring FAFSA completion for graduation, individual districts are adopting these requirements locally with opt-out provisions, using grant funds for college visits, informational meetings, staff support, and student incentives. # Key Takeaways

Iran's military has launched missile and drone strikes against Iranian Kurdish opposition group headquarters in northern Iraq, killing one person and injuring several others. These attacks come amid reports that President Trump wants Kurdish forces to join military operations against Iran, though Kurdish leaders deny their fighters have crossed into Iranian territory. Kurdish opposition representatives say they cannot move without U.S. air support to neutralize Iran's security infrastructure, calling the regime brutal while noting their limited weaponry. The approximately 9 million Iranian Kurds, who comprise about 10% of Iran's population, have historically faced discrimination and oppression, and experts suggest that igniting armed insurrection among Iran's ethnic minorities could create significant challenges for the Tehran regime.

Detroit Public Schools Community District is exploring a new approach to charter school authorization that would limit how many students charters can enroll from the district. This strategy emerged from a proposal for Sound Mind Sound Body Preparatory Academy, a grades 4-8 charter focused on athletics and enrichment that would cap district student enrollment at 20% and require students to apply to district high schools. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti has shifted his stance on charters since 2017, now seeing opportunities for partnerships that serve specific student needs while feeding students back into district high schools. However, board members want to develop a comprehensive charter authorization strategy before approving individual contracts, as over half of Detroit's students currently attend charter schools and district enrollment has declined as charters have proliferated.

Detroit is launching two free home repair programs that will accept applications for a limited two-week period starting March 9th. The city acknowledges that home repair costs present a significant ongoing challenge for Detroit residents, particularly affecting elderly homeowners most severely. While Detroit has utilized federal pandemic relief funds to address housing maintenance needs, the demand far exceeds available resources. The programs, called Critical Home Repair and Detroit LeadSafe, will use a unified application system through the city's Neighborly platform, with the application window closing on March 22nd. # Key Takeaways

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that an American submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian warship Iris Dena in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday, marking the first US submarine torpedo attack since World War II. The frigate, which had approximately 130-180 people aboard and was returning from military exercises hosted by India, sank roughly 40 kilometers off Sri Lanka's coast. Sri Lankan rescue teams recovered 80 bodies and rescued 32 seriously injured survivors following a Wednesday morning distress call. Iran's Foreign Minister condemned the attack as an "atrocity at sea" that occurred without warning in international waters, threatening future consequences for the United States. The incident occurs amid ongoing US and Israeli air strikes against Iran and broader regional military escalations involving Israel, Lebanon, and retaliatory Iranian attacks. # Key Takeaways

Energy companies serving the Channel Islands are closely monitoring fuel prices following increases linked to the Middle East conflict and Iran's warnings about the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil and gas shipments. Islands Energy Group reports that spot gas prices have become highly volatile and risen sharply since hostilities began, potentially forcing the company to adjust its pricing if elevated costs persist. Meanwhile, Guernsey Electricity has mitigated price shocks by importing most electricity through undersea cables from mainland Europe and using forward hedging strategies. This approach previously protected Guernsey customers from the dramatic tariff increases that affected UK consumers during the 2022 Ukraine crisis.

Venezuela's interim government is preparing to reform its mining sector laws to attract foreign investment, particularly from US companies, following similar changes already made to its oil sector. US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum visited Caracas to meet with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, discussing cooperation on developing Venezuela's vast mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and rare earth elements. This diplomatic engagement comes after the US seizure of former president Nicolás Maduro in January, who faces trial in March on charges related to criminal activities including illegal mining. President Trump praised the developing relationship and indicated the US would benefit from Venezuelan oil while promising improvements for Venezuelan citizens, as over two dozen major American mining companies attended the meeting representing potential billions in investment. # Key Takeaways

A federal trade court judge has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide tariff refunds to businesses that paid levies under emergency powers, which the Supreme Court invalidated last month. The ruling applies broadly to all importers who paid these duties, representing a significant defeat for the Trump administration, which collected approximately $130 billion through these tariffs and has expressed opposition to issuing refunds. While the payment mechanism remains unclear, the decision came from a case filed by Tennessee-based Atmus Filtration, though the same judge will oversee all related refund cases. The administration is simultaneously working to implement a replacement 15% global tariff to substitute the invalidated emergency powers tariffs.

The US Senate rejected a bipartisan war powers resolution by a 53-47 vote that would have required congressional approval before continuing military action against Iran. While the measure failed mostly along party lines, it highlighted divisions over President Trump's authority to conduct the ongoing military strikes against Iran that began over the weekend, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth estimating the conflict could last eight weeks. Democrats accused the administration of bypassing Congress and providing inconsistent justifications for the war, though the Trump administration maintains it met legal notification requirements. The resolution now moves to the House of Representatives where it faces difficult odds of passing, as Republicans largely argue that supporting the measure would undermine troops and embolden Iran.

Lou Holtz, the renowned college football coach who led Notre Dame to an undefeated championship season in 1988, has passed away at age 89 in Orlando, Florida. Throughout his five-decade coaching career, he achieved 249 total victories across 33 seasons at multiple universities and one NFL season with the New York Jets. Beyond his athletic achievements, Holtz became known for his motivational leadership style and instituted lasting traditions at Notre Dame, including the famous "Play Like A Champion" locker room sign. After retiring from coaching, he worked as a sports commentator and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020 for his contributions to football and his charitable work. # Key Takeaways