⚕️FDA Walks Back Autism Hopes for Leucovorin, Citing Insufficient Evidence After Earlier Claims

Agency clarifies that the generic drug will be approved only for an ultra-rare genetic disorder linked to cerebral folate deficiency, not as a treatment for autism.

WASHINGTON | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said this week that current scientific evidence does not support the use of the generic drug leucovorin as a treatment for autism, marking a significant shift from earlier statements by top federal health officials who had suggested the medication could benefit large numbers of children with the condition.

Senior FDA officials told reporters that the agency’s latest decision reflects a commitment to approving therapies only when clear clinical evidence of safety and effectiveness exists. Instead of approving leucovorin for autism-related conditions, regulators authorized the drug for a rare genetic disorder known as FOLR1-related cerebral folate transport deficiency, a condition that affects fewer than one in a million people.

The move effectively narrows the scope of the drug’s regulatory approval after months of public discussion surrounding its potential broader neurological benefits.

🗳️📚Kamala Harris’s Long Goodbye—or Strategic Pause? Democrats Quietly Look Beyond 2028

As the former vice president extends a national book tour that keeps her political future alive, conversations across the Democratic Party suggest a growing search for the next generation of leadership.

CHARLESTON, S.C. | The title of Kamala Harris’s memoir, 107 Days, refers to the short, turbulent stretch that defined her presidential campaign. Yet the political afterlife of that campaign has lasted far longer.

More than 166 days into a national book tour, the former vice president continues to fill auditoriums, visit local businesses and speak about the political moment that reshaped her career. Officially, the tour is about storytelling and reflection. Unofficially, it has become something else: a holding pattern for a politician who has not yet closed the door on a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

In American politics, time can be both refuge and strategy. Harris’s public appearances—carefully staged conversations with authors, journalists and civic leaders—allow her to remain in the national conversation without committing to another campaign.

But beneath the applause and book signings, a quieter conversation is unfolding inside the Democratic Party.

Many Democrats are already imagining a future without her at the top of the ticket.

⛽GOP Alarm Grows as War-Driven Energy Price Spike Threatens Economic Messaging Ahead of Midterms

Rising gasoline prices linked to the U.S.–Iran conflict raise concerns among Republican lawmakers that energy costs could offset tax-cut gains and complicate the party’s economic pitch to voters.

DORAL, Florida | A sudden surge in oil and gasoline prices tied to escalating conflict between the United States and Iran is fueling growing anxiety among Republican lawmakers, who fear the economic ripple effects could undermine their political messaging ahead of the midterm elections.

With crude oil prices briefly surging toward $120 per barrel before settling below $90, lawmakers gathered this week at a House Republican policy retreat in Florida are grappling with a politically sensitive reality: rising fuel costs threaten to erase some of the financial relief Americans experienced from last year’s sweeping Republican tax legislation.

Analysts at the Wall Street advisory firm Evercore ISI estimate that increased household costs driven by the energy shock could offset tax benefits for roughly the bottom 30 percent of U.S. households, even if oil prices retreat from recent highs.

For a party hoping to campaign on economic relief and fiscal reform, the prospect of voters facing higher gasoline prices has triggered quiet concern among GOP leaders.

“The price of gas is always kind of a benchmark,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters on Capitol Hill. “We’ve increased our domestic supply, which will help, but it’s something we’ve got to pay attention to.”

🚨🎤Shooting Targets Rihanna’s Beverly Hills Home; Suspect Arrested After High-Speed LAPD Response

Authorities say the singer and entrepreneur was inside the residence when gunfire struck the property; a 35-year-old suspect now faces attempted murder charges

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. | A shooting incident at the Beverly Hills home of global superstar and entrepreneur Rihanna has prompted a major investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department after authorities confirmed the singer was inside the residence when shots were fired Sunday afternoon.

According to law-enforcement sources, the incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. PT, when a woman allegedly fired multiple rounds toward the property from a vehicle parked across from the gated entrance. One bullet reportedly penetrated the wall of the home, while investigators also discovered bullet holes in the gate and a nearby RV parked outside the property.

Despite the alarming nature of the attack, no injuries were reported, officials said.

Suspect Arrested After LAPD Helicopter Search

Police quickly launched a search after the 911 call was placed. Authorities said the suspect fled the scene in a white Tesla, heading south along Coldwater Canyon Drive.

🏊Kentucky Divers Eye NCAA Championship Berths at Zone C Qualifier in Michigan

Wildcats Send Strong Men’s and Women’s Squads to NCAA Diving Zone C Championships as Athletes Chase National Championship Spots

LEXINGTON, Ky. | The road to the NCAA Championships runs through Michigan this week, and the Kentucky Wildcats diving program is ready to make its move.

Kentucky’s men’s and women’s divers will compete at the NCAA Diving Zone C Championships from March 9–11 at the Michael H. Jones Natatorium in Ypsilanti, Michigan, hosted by Eastern Michigan University. The three-day competition represents the final qualifying stage for divers seeking a coveted berth at the NCAA Championships later this month.

With a deep roster and several rising talents, the Wildcats enter the meet looking to translate a season of strong performances into national qualification.

🏀Oklahoma Survives Texas in Overtime Thriller, Sooners Win 88–85 in Regular-Season Finale

Nijel Pack and Xavier Brown combine for 44 points as Oklahoma outlasts Texas in a dramatic SEC rivalry showdown at Moody Center, securing momentum heading into the SEC Tournament.

AUSTIN, Texas | In a rivalry showdown worthy of postseason intensity, Oklahoma defeated Texas 88–85 in overtime Saturday night at a sold-out Moody Center, capping the regular season with a thrilling road victory that showcased resilience, clutch shooting, and defensive grit.

The Sooners (17–14, 7–11 SEC) extended their late-season surge, winning four straight games and six of their last eight, while also reinforcing a growing trend in the new SEC rivalry — the road team has now won all four matchups since Oklahoma and Texas joined the conference in 2024.

Pack and Brown Power the Sooners

Oklahoma’s backcourt duo of Nijel Pack and Xavier Brown delivered when it mattered most.

Pack led the Sooners with 23 points, knocking down three three-pointers and sealing the game with two clutch free throws in the final seconds of overtime.

Brown added 21 points, along with a team-high four assists and a game-high four steals, providing leadership and defensive intensity throughout the contest.

Together, the pair accounted for 44 points and 15 made field goals, marking their eighth 20-point performances in SEC play this season.

🏀No. 24 Vanderbilt Stuns No. 23 Tennessee in Rivalry Thriller, Tyler Tanner’s 25 Points Power Commodores’ Statement Win

Tanner’s dominant second-half surge leads Vanderbilt to an 86–82 road victory in Knoxville as the Commodores close the regular season strong and turn their focus toward the SEC Tournament in Nashville.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | No. 24 Vanderbilt delivered one of its most impressive performances of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating No. 23 Tennessee 86–82 at Food City Center in a rivalry clash that carried major SEC Tournament implications.

Leading the way was Tyler Tanner, who erupted for a game-high 25 points, adding three assists and two steals while cementing his place among elite company in college basketball history. Tanner became just the third high-major player in the last 30 seasons to average 21+ points, 5.5+ assists, and 2.0+ steals during conference play, joining former NBA standouts Jason Terry and Jay Williams.

The victory pushes Vanderbilt to 24–7 overall and 11–7 in SEC play, closing the regular season with momentum and strengthening the Commodores’ postseason résumé.

🚨🏛️Corey Lewandowski Exits DHS After Kristi Noem’s Ouster, Renewing Scrutiny Over Leadership and Oversight at Homeland Security

Former Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski departs the Department of Homeland Security following Kristi Noem’s removal as secretary, amid questions about her qualifications, allegations of misinformation, and claims that he wielded influence as a “shadow” decision-maker inside the agency.

WASHINGTON | Corey Lewandowski, a longtime adviser to former President Donald Trump, is departing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the removal of former Secretary Kristi Noem, a development that is intensifying scrutiny over leadership, transparency, and political influence inside one of the federal government’s most powerful security agencies.

Lewandowski, who reportedly held no formal role at DHS, had been widely described by critics and some lawmakers as a “shadow leader” within the department. His departure comes amid broader questions about the agency's management and the circumstances surrounding Noem’s tenure as leader.

The Department of Homeland Security oversees a sweeping portfolio of national security responsibilities, including border enforcement, immigration policy, disaster response, cybersecurity protection, and counterterrorism operations. The agency's leadership is traditionally reserved for officials with extensive experience in national security, law enforcement, or federal administration.

Critics of Noem’s tenure argued that her background — largely rooted in state-level politics — left her ill-prepared to lead an agency with such complex operational responsibilities. Those concerns resurfaced in recent weeks following contentious congressional testimony and mounting criticism over statements she made regarding policy matters and internal DHS operations.

🌽🚜Trump Trade War Strains U.S. Farmers, Raising Alarm Bells for GOP Ahead of Midterms

Rising farm bankruptcies and declining producer sentiment are prompting rural Republicans to push for new aid and market access before the 2026 elections.

WASHINGTON | Mounting financial stress across America’s agricultural sector is creating new political challenges for Donald Trump and congressional Republicans as the country approaches the 2026 midterm elections.

While the administration has rolled out new trade agreements and direct aid payments to offset losses from the ongoing tariff battles, many farmers say the economic damage from the trade war — combined with rising input costs and shrinking export markets — is continuing to strain rural economies.

The warning signs are appearing in new data showing rising farm bankruptcies, declining producer confidence, and growing anxiety across farm country — a traditionally reliable Republican voter base.

🚨🏛️Pam Bondi Faces Rising GOP Backlash as House Panel Subpoenas Attorney General Over Epstein Files

Growing Republican frustration on Capitol Hill threatens Bondi’s political standing as lawmakers demand answers on the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein documents.

WASHINGTON | Attorney General Pam Bondi faces increasing political pressure from both parties in Congress after a House committee voted to subpoena her testimony regarding the Justice Department’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. 

The subpoena from the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform highlights a growing rift between Bondi and some Republicans on Capitol Hill, who claim the Department of Justice has been too slow in releasing materials connected to the Epstein case. 

This rising scrutiny comes at a politically sensitive time for Donald Trump's administration, especially after the president recently removed Kristi Noem from her Cabinet role — a move some lawmakers see as evidence that officials who lose support within the party may face political repercussions.

📉Trump Faces Turbulent Week as Weak Jobs Report, Rising Gas Prices and DHS Shakeup Test Administration

Economic uncertainty and the removal of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary expose new political challenges for the White House ahead of the 2026 midterms.

WASHINGTON | A string of economic setbacks and a major Cabinet shakeup have placed new pressure on Donald Trump as the administration navigates rising energy prices, a weakening labor market, and growing political scrutiny over immigration policy.

Over the past week, the White House has confronted a series of developments that threaten to complicate its core political message ahead of the 2026 midterm elections: a disappointing jobs report, soaring gasoline prices linked to tensions with Iran, and the abrupt removal of Kristi Noem from her leadership role at the United States Department of Homeland Security.

The convergence of economic and political challenges is raising concerns among Republican strategists that the administration’s strongest campaign issues — economic growth and immigration enforcement — could become vulnerabilities.

“If you combine an economy that people don’t like with a prolonged war that voters didn’t sign up for, that’s a toxic problem,” said a Trump ally familiar with internal party discussions.

Labor Market Shows Signs of Strain

The latest report from the United States Department of Labor showed that U.S. payrolls unexpectedly contracted by more than 90,000 jobs, marking one of the most significant labor market setbacks since Trump returned to office.