Trump administration underestimated Iran war's impact on Strait of Hormuz  —  The Middle East Donald Trump Oil & gas Economy  —  The Pentagon and National Security Council significantly underestimated Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes …

Vance was ‘skeptical’ voice in White House on Iran strikes … A second senior Trump official said “his role is to provide the president and the administration, you know, all points of views of what could happen from many different angles and, you know, he does that.  But once the decision has been made, he's fully on board.”

All 6 U.S. crew members killed after refueling plane crashes in Iraq  —  The crash brings the number of U.S. service personnel killed since the Iran war began Feb. 28 to 12.  A 13th died of a medical issue.  — ADD NBC NEWS TO GOOGLE  —  All six U.S. crew members have been confirmed dead …

Florida's Legislature passes its version of SAVE America Act.  But there's a catch. … “What is our tolerance for fraud and lack of integrity?” said state Sen. Erin Grall, a Vero Beach Republican and sponsor of the bill.  “Yes, we have safe elections in Florida, but they don't stay safe …

What we know about the armed attack on Michigan synagogue  —  Police responded to reports of an active shooter opening fire on Thursday at Temple Israel, a reform synagogue located in the Detroit suburbs.  —  Investigators said a man armed with a rifle drove into the building before security guards shot and killed him.

Trump Removes Sanctions on Russia to Help Oil Flow Amid Iran Conflict  —  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was “unfortunate” that the move could benefit Russia, but maintained that it was only for the short term.  —  The United States on Thursday temporarily lifted sanctions …

Consumer Prices Rose in January, Before Iran War Added Price Pressures  —  The economy also grew more slowly at the end of 2025 than first thought, revised data showed.  —  Economic growth was slower at the end of 2025 than data first showed and inflationary pressures persisted at the start of this year …

Hegseth: Strait of Hormuz Is Open  —  The Strait of Hormuz is open for transit, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.  “The only thing prohibiting transit in the straits right now is Iran shooting at shipping,” he said.  “It is open for transit should Iran not do that.”

US economy expanded at sluggish 0.7% in fourth quarter, government says, downgrading first estimate  —  The U.S. economy, hobbled by last fall's 43-day government shutdown, advanced at an unexpectedly sluggish .7% annual rate from October through December, the Commerce Department reported Friday …

Cuban President Acknowledges Talks with the Trump Administration  —  Facing a massive energy crisis and increasing protests on the streets, the Cuban government acknowledged that it had entered into negotiations with the Trump administration.  —  With oil running out and the nation increasingly plunging …

Dark money group offers influencers $1,500 for posts attacking Chicago Democratic primary candidate  —  Progressive House candidate Kat Abughazaleh told MS NOW the secretive campaign is “filled with false and defamatory claims.”  —  A week out from a crowded and contentious Democratic primary …

Why China could emerge a winner from Trump's global energy shock  —  China's evolution into an “electrostate” may help insulate it from spiking oil prices.  —  As the threat of strikes by Iran forces oil tankers destined for Asia to idle in the Persian Gulf, some top Republicans have declared …

Democrats move to censure GOP Reps. Fine and Ogles  —  Democrats are moving to censure Reps. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) and Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) for a series of anti-Muslim posts the two congressmen have made over the last several weeks. … - The Fine resolution is more top-of-mind for many lawmakers …

Fox News correspondent backs Voice of America during awards reception  —  A Fox News Channel correspondent expressed her support for hundreds of journalists who were laid off from the Voice of America (VOA) last year, the outlet where she began her broadcast career more than three decades ago.

Hegseth's Boasts of ‘Maximum’ Engagement Authorities Face Scrutiny After School Is Hit  —  The defense secretary has disparaged restrictive rules for opening fire that are aimed at reducing the risk of mistakes and civilian casualties.  —  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made contempt for what he calls …

Gunman in fatal Old Dominion University shooting ID'd as convicted ISIS supporter, officials say  —  The shooter opened fire just before 10:49 a.m. at ODU's Constant Hall in Norfolk, Virginia, killing one person and wounding two others.  The gunman is also dead.  — ADD NBC NEWS TO GOOGLE

The Secret Police Playbook  —  Since the Pendleton Act of 1883, the U.S. federal government has rested on a simple promise: professionalism, merit-based recruitment, independent oversight.  Over time, U.S. federal law enforcement became a global reference point—effective, technically sophisticated …