Month: March 2026

Sen. Markwayne Mullin is one step nearer to becoming the next head of the Department of Homeland Security after the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee narrowly approved his nomination on Thursday.

The panel voted 8–7 to advance President Donald Trump’s pick, sending the Oklahoma Republican’s nomination to the full Senate for a final decision. The vote revealed unusual bipartisan crossover: Republican Sen. Rand Paul opposed the nomination, while Democratic Sen. John Fetterman backed it—ultimately allowing Mullin to move forward.

The decision followed a tense confirmation hearing a day earlier that highlighted sharp concerns about Mullin’s temperament and past behavior. Paul, who chairs the committee, openly challenged Mullin over previous remarks in which he called the senator a “freaking snake” and suggested he understood why Paul was physically attacked by a neighbor in 2017. The Kentucky senator, who suffered serious injuries in that incident, questioned whether someone perceived as condoning violence should lead a major federal agency. “I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force?” Paul said.

Mullin did not apologize during the exchange, instead pushing back on Paul’s criticism and defending his direct communication style. “For you to say I’m a liar, sir, that’s not accurate,” he said, adding that while the two lawmakers may not get along, he remains committed to doing the job if confirmed. Paul later confirmed his opposition, citing concerns about Mullin’s demeanor and lack of remorse. “I think there are anger issues,” Paul said. “I think there’s a lack of contrition.”

Democrats on the committee largely echoed those concerns. Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the panel’s top Democrat, argued that Mullin failed to demonstrate the judgment and transparency needed to lead DHS. He pointed to multiple incidents, including a 2023 hearing where Mullin challenged a labor leader to a fight, as well as questions surrounding a past overseas trip Mullin described as classified—though, Peters noted, federal agencies had no record of such designation. “Throughout the nomination process, he has failed to be forthright and transparent,” Peters said, adding that the department requires steady leadership capable of rebuilding public trust.

Despite the criticism, Mullin secured key support from Fetterman, who emphasized their working relationship and the need for leadership at DHS. “My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security,” Fetterman said.

Mullin has positioned himself as a different kind of leader from his predecessor, Kristi Noem, whose tenure faced heavy criticism. During his hearing, he emphasized a collaborative approach and a focus on restoring confidence in the agency. “I want to protect the homeland, I want to bring peace of mind, I want to bring confidence back to the agency,” Mullin said. “I’m not going to be the smartest guy in any room I walk into, but I know how to get talent and I know how to bring those people together.”

If confirmed by the full Senate, Mullin would take over a department at the center of contentious immigration debates and ongoing political disputes, including a prolonged funding standoff. He would also oversee major enforcement agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a period of heightened scrutiny.

A full Senate vote is expected soon, where Mullin needs only a simple majority to secure confirmation.

Editorial credit: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock.com

Update: Authorities announced on Thursday that University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey, 20, who was reported missing in Barcelona, Spain while on spring break, has been found dead.

A representative from the Barcelona police said in a statement to CNN that the body of Gracey of Elmhurst, Ill. was found on Somorrostro beach near the Shôko Barcelona nightclub where he was last seen. “Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act,” the statement said.

CBS News reported slightly different details about where Gracey’s body was found, saying authorities recovered his body after sending out boats, divers and drones to search the sea.

Gracey, a junior accounting major, was last seen at Shôko, a beachfront nightclub in Villa Olimpica. A friend said he saw Gracey at around 3 a.m. (local time), but he failed to return to his Airbnb rental and was reported missing the following day. His parents, Taras and Therese Gracey, said in a statement after news of his discovery was released: “We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read. “We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another. Thank you for respecting our privacy and holding our family in your thoughts.”

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Authorities in Barcelona had expanded efforts to locate Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student who vanished during a spring break trip. Investigators focused heavily on the waterfront near where he was last seen, deploying helicopters, boats, divers, and ground units as they work through multiple possible scenarios.

Gracey disappeared in the early morning hours of March 17 after spending time with friends at Shôko Barcelona, a beachfront nightclub near Port Olímpic. According to those with him, he stayed behind when others left around 3 a.m. and never returned to his Airbnb. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him leaving the venue with another individual, though details remain unclear.

In the days since, investigators have been piecing together his movements. Reports from Spanish media indicate that his wallet may have been recovered floating in the sea near Somorrostro Beach, prompting an intensified search of the surrounding waters; however, authorities have not officially confirmed that detail. There are also conflicting accounts about whether his phone has been recovered, though officials acknowledge that analyzing location data could be key to understanding what happened.

Police, including the Mossos d’Esquadra, say they are exploring several possibilities, including the chance that Gracey entered the water. Search conditions have proven difficult, with divers working in extremely low visibility. At the same time, detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the nightclub and nearby areas to reconstruct a timeline and identify anyone he may have been with.

Gracey is described as about 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants—likely joggers—and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. Friends and classmates have joined the effort on the ground, distributing flyers and raising awareness across the city.

The family of Jimmy Gracey continues to emphasize how unusual his disappearance is. In a statement, they said that “Our family is deeply concerned about James “Jimmy” Gracey, who has been missing in Barcelona since the early morning hours of March 17. Jimmy is a 20-year-old University of Alabama student visiting friends abroad during spring break. He was last seen around 3:00 AM CET at the Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants (likely joggers), and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He is approximately 6’1” and 175 pounds. We are asking anyone who may have seen Jimmy or has any information—no matter how small—to please contact 224.505.3886. Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends. We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts as we continue to do everything we can to bring him home safely. Thank you. — The Gracey Family”

Loved ones, along with U.S. officials including the State Department, are working closely with Spanish authorities as the search continues. Anyone with information is urged to come forward by calling 224-505-3886, as efforts remain focused on bringing Gracey home safely.

Editorial credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

The Trump Administration has approved a 60-day suspension of the Jones Act, aiming to ease pressure on fuel prices and stabilize supply chains disrupted by escalating tensions involving Iran.

The century-old law typically requires that goods transported between U.S. ports travel on ships that are American-built, owned, and crewed. By temporarily lifting these restrictions, the administration is allowing foreign vessels to move key resources—including oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal—between domestic ports, expanding shipping capacity and improving delivery speed.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on X: “President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury. This action will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow freely to U.S. ports for sixty days, and the Administration remains committed to continuing to strengthen our critical supply chains.”

The policy shift comes as energy prices surge sharply. Since late February, gasoline prices have climbed to an average of $3.84 per gallon, while diesel has exceeded $5.00—significant increases from both a month ago and the previous year. Analysts attribute much of the spike to conflict-related disruptions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route handling roughly 20% of global oil shipments. Restrictions in that region have tightened supply and rattled markets worldwide.

The waiver also addresses strain on fertilizer availability, an issue with direct consequences for U.S. agriculture. By opening access to more ships, suppliers can move goods more efficiently along the coasts. However, experts caution that the impact on prices may be limited. Estimates suggest the change could lower fuel costs by only a few cents per gallon. Some industry voices, including maritime advocacy groups, have raised concerns that the temporary exemption could disadvantage U.S. shipping companies and workers if overused.

Additional measures are also being deployed to manage the economic fallout, including tapping emergency oil reserves and easing certain sanctions—such as allowing U.S. firms to engage with Venezuela’s state-run energy sector.

Editorial credit: Kyle Lee / Shutterstock.com

Senior U.S. intelligence officials faced sharp questioning on Capitol Hill during a high-stakes Senate hearing on global threats, with lawmakers zeroing in on the ongoing conflict with Iran, domestic security concerns, and the integrity of upcoming U.S. elections.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard repeatedly declined to discuss whether she warned President Donald Trump that Iran could retaliate by targeting Gulf nations or shutting down the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global energy supplies—if attacked. Pressed by lawmakers, she maintained: “I have not and won’t divulge internal conversations. I will say that those of us within the intelligence community continue to provide the president with all of the best objective intelligence available to inform his decisions.

Her reluctance frustrated Democratic senators, who sought clarity on whether the administration had anticipated Iran’s response. The hearing also unfolded against the backdrop of controversy surrounding a U.S. strike in Iran that reportedly hit an elementary school, killing more than 165 people. Lawmakers signaled they would examine whether outdated intelligence contributed to the incident, which the White House says is under review.

Internal disagreements have also surfaced, highlighted by the resignation of counterterrorism official Joe Kent, who said he could not “in good conscience” support the war. CIA Director John Ratcliffe pushed back, telling senators, “The intelligence reflects the contrary,” while Gabbard avoided directly stating whether Iran posed an “imminent threat,” saying that determination lies with the president. She did note that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened but warned the country could rebuild over time.

Gabbard, however, avoided directly answering whether Iran posed an “imminent threat,” telling lawmakers that determining such a threat ultimately rests with the president. That response drew pushback from senators who argued it is the intelligence community’s responsibility to assess national security risks.

In her broader assessment, Gabbard described Iran’s leadership as weakened but still standing, noting the country’s military capabilities have been significantly degraded. She warned that internal instability could grow as economic conditions worsen and suggested that, if the current regime endures, it may attempt to rebuild its military strength over time.

Beyond foreign policy, lawmakers raised concerns about domestic security following a string of violent incidents linked to extremist motivations, including attacks in Texas, Michigan, Virginia, and New York. Officials emphasized ongoing efforts to prevent further threats but acknowledged the heightened risk environment. When asked directly whether foreign threats to upcoming elections exist, Gabbard avoided a clear answer, instead pointing to broader intelligence priorities aligned with the administration’s national security strategy. That prompted a pointed exchange, with one senator noting that the lack of reporting could imply no threat exists—an assertion many lawmakers strongly dispute.

Gabbard also faced scrutiny over her involvement in domestic election-related activities, including her presence at an FBI search of an election office in Fulton County, Georgia. She said she attended at the president’s request but did not participate in the operation, explaining, “I did not participate in a law enforcement activity, nor would I, because that does not exist within my authorities.”

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel’s leadership has also come under the microscope, particularly after significant personnel changes within the bureau. Lawmakers expressed concern that the loss of experienced agents could weaken national security capabilities at a time of increasing threats.

Editorial credit: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock.com

A sudden, powerful boom that rattled parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning was most likely caused by a meteor streaking through the atmosphere, according to officials.

Residents across northeastern Ohio — including areas near Cleveland — reported hearing what many described as “the loudest boom,” with some saying their homes shook from the force. The sound carried widely, with reports stretching as far as Pennsylvania and even into New York. At the same time, witnesses described seeing a bright fireball and a glowing streak racing across the sky.

The National Weather Service confirmed that “the boom was a result of a meteor,” citing satellite data and lightning-detection technology. Imagery from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellites showed a brief flash over the region despite clear skies, a key sign of a meteor rather than lightning. A NASA spokesperson also confirmed the news to News 5 Cleveland, noting that it was spotted near Medina.

A video captured by an employee at the weather service’s Pittsburgh office showed the object blazing through the sky with a long, fiery tail. Additional confirmation came from NASA, which reported a meteor sighting near Medina, about 25 miles south of Cleveland.

19 News Meteorologist Jeff Tanchak explained that the booming sound likely occurred when the object broke the sound barrier as it entered Earth’s atmosphere. While the exact timing and trajectory remain unclear, no injuries or damage have been reported.

More than 100 sightings were submitted to the American Meteor Society from multiple states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond, highlighting just how widely the event was observed. Scientists note that space rocks are called meteoroids while traveling in space, become meteors when they burn through the atmosphere, and are classified as meteorites if any fragments reach the ground.

Editorial credit: Vadim Sadovski / Shutterstock.com