## Your Morning News Briefing: What's Happening Today

Here is a comprehensive look at the most important stories dominating the headlines this morning — from national security developments to political drama and breaking world news.

---

## Top Stories You Need to Know

### Pentagon Identifies Fallen U.S. Service Members

Military officials have released the identities of four of the six American service members who lost their lives in a devastating drone attack. The tragic announcement marks a sobering moment for the nation as details surrounding the incident continue to emerge.

### Israel Sends Warning to Iran's New Supreme Leader

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel has issued a stern warning directed at whoever steps into his role. The message signals that tensions in the region remain at a critical boiling point amid ongoing geopolitical instability.

### Texas Senate Democratic Primary Sees Major Upset

A rising political star has unseated incumbent Representative Jasmine Crockett in a high-profile Texas Senate Democratic primary, sending shockwaves through the state's political landscape.

---

## Major Headlines Across the Nation

### Navy SEAL Congressman Loses Seat to Trump Ally

A sitting congressman and decorated Navy SEAL has been voted out of office, losing his race to a staunch Trump loyalist. The defeat comes in the wake of a public confrontation involving Senator Ted Cruz at an airport.

### Texas GOP Senate Race Heads to Runoff

A fiercely contested and financially draining Republican Senate primary in Texas has failed to produce a clear winner, forcing a runoff election as candidates continue their battle for dominance in the Lone Star State.

### Metal Detectors Sweep Yard in Search for Savannah Guthrie's Mother

In a desperate search effort, investigators have deployed metal detector equipment to scan the front yard of a property connected to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother, intensifying concerns for her safety.

### Austin Mass Shooting Suspect's Online Activity Investigated

Authorities are examining the social media posts of the suspect linked to a mass shooting in Austin, Texas, as investigators work to piece together a possible motive behind the horrific attack.

### Minnesota K-9 Officer Dies Suddenly

A deeply respected Minnesota police officer and devoted father, known for his work alongside his K-9 partner, has tragically passed away less than 24 hours after receiving a sudden and unexpected medical diagnosis.

---

## Politics & Government

### Noem Prepares for Congressional Showdown

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is bracing for a confrontational hearing before House Democrats following bipartisan criticism in the Senate over controversies tied to dogs and ICE enforcement policies.

### Comer to Accuse Walz of Enabling Fraud

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is expected to deliver explosive testimony alleging that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz enabled widespread fraud and failed to protect whistleblowers, in what promises to be a bombshell hearing.

### Former Trump Official's Ties to Epstein Exposed

Newly surfaced details are shedding light on how a former senior Trump administration official became entangled in Jeffrey Epstein's far-reaching network of influence, raising fresh questions about accountability.

### Melania Trump Makes History at the United Nations

First Lady Melania Trump has made history by becoming the first sitting first lady to address the United Nations Security Council, marking a landmark moment in American diplomatic history.

---

## Media & Culture

### Church's Child-Friendly Policy Sparks Online Debate

A church's viral announcement welcoming loud and active children during services has ignited a passionate debate across social media platforms, with opinions sharply divided on the policy.

### Charlamagne Criticizes Bill Clinton Over Epstein Response

Media personality Charlamagne tha God publicly blasted former President Bill Clinton, calling his response to questions about Jeffrey Epstein and former President Trump "cowardly" and evasive.

### Morning Show Personality Alleges Early-Career Harassment

A prominent television morning show figure has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment that she says occurred early in her broadcasting career, adding her voice to ongoing conversations about workplace misconduct in media.

### Luigi Mangione Musical Heads to New York City

A theatrical musical based on accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione is heading to New York City following a sold-out run in San Francisco, continuing to generate both controversy and curiosity.

---

## Opinion Highlights

**Van Hipp** argues that former President Trump's firm stance against kicking the Iran nuclear issue down the road may prove to be one of the most consequential decisions for future generations of Americans.

**Beth A. Williams** examines how the United States can effectively protect both its national security interests and core democratic values in an increasingly dangerous and unstable world.

---

## In Other News

- **Health Alert:** New research suggests that exposure to so-called "forever chemicals" may accelerate the body's aging and metabolic decline.
- **Workplace Controversy:** Smoothie King employees were terminated after allegedly refusing to serve customers who identified as Trump supporters.
- **Archaeological Discovery:** An archaeologist believes he has located the long-lost burial site of a legendary Viking ruler in a remote location.
- **Dramatic Rescue:** Two individuals narrowly escaped serious injury after a hot-air balloon collided with a tower in a terrifying incident captured on video.

---

## Global Reaction: U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran

International reaction is intensifying following coordinated U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The attacks have rattled global financial markets, disrupted commercial air travel, and renewed urgent debates about Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional stability.

Former CIA Director and retired General David Petraeus noted that the strike on Iranian leadership achieved something he described as "truly historic," while Senator Ted Cruz expressed surprise at what he characterized as Democratic defense of the Iranian regime.

---

*Stay informed and check back throughout the day for updates on these developing stories.*

Pentagon identifies four of six U.S. troops killed in a drone attack. Plus Israel warns Iran, Texas primary upsets, and more top headlines today.

Morning Briefing: Pentagon Names Troops Killed in Drone Atta

large_four-american-soldiers-lost-in-kuwait.jpg

medium_four-american-soldiers-lost-in-kuwait.jpg

small_four-american-soldiers-lost-in-kuwait.jpg

thumbnail_four-american-soldiers-lost-in-kuwait.jpg

four-american-soldiers-lost-in-kuwait.jpg

Morning Briefing: Pentagon Names Fallen Troops, Israel Issues Warning to Iran's New Supreme Leader

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow testified before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, where he urged Congress to pass the bipartisan Renewed Hope Act of 2026, which addresses the escalating crisis of online child exploitation.&nbsp; Tebow, the founder and chairman of his Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF), gave an emotional testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in March 2024, particularly when he read a message from one of at least 20,000 boys and girls whose images and videos of their sexual abuse and rape were housed in a global database at Interpol, and their identities were unknown." Tebow said more of the same on Tuesday, where he broke down "Operation Renewed Hope," the largest victim identification operation in the world.&nbsp; CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM  "Over the course of 3 operations — 1,119 children have been tentatively identified. 500 children have been safeguarded. Almost half of those were American children," Tebow said during his testimony.&nbsp; "In preparation for this hearing we asked Interpol what the new number was of unidentified images. And it’s now over 89,000 series. And that’s just one database. The UK has a database called CAID. The Child Abuse Image database. Canada has a database. Their database has over 94 million uncategorized files waiting for assessment that it has scraped from the dark web. We don’t even know yet how many children that represents." Furthermore, in the past six months, more than 338,000 unique IP addresses in the United States were identified trading child sexual abuse images across peer-to-peer networks. TIM TEBOW TELLS STORY OF JESUS THROUGH EYES OF THE CROSS IN REVEALING NEW BOOK The Renewed Hope Act of 2026 would establish and equip a dedicated workforce of analysts, investigators, and forensic specialists focused on identifying unknown children seen in sexual abuse images so they can be located and safeguarded.&nbsp; The bill passed committee markup in the House on Jan. 13.&nbsp;  As of now, the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center has seven full-time victim identification analysts assigned to identify the large number of children impacted by sexual abuse and rape. And identification requires extensive time and coordination with jurisdictions before law enforcement gets involved.&nbsp; "Our country’s most precious and vulnerable lives have been forgotten," Tebow, the Florida Gators national champion who played three seasons in the NFL, said. "Every day, these children lose hope, and it’s not the fault of law enforcement that these children wait. They need more resources, plain and simple.&nbsp; "I am deeply grateful to the members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who are coming together to support the Renewed Hope Act of 2026. This legislation gives our nation the opportunity to build a stronger rescue team of analysts and investigators so that children who are suffering can be identified and protected. This is a problem we can solve." Tebow and his foundation, in partnership with the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), are also filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to hear a landmark case against X. The case centers around the platform’s failure to remove child sexual abuse material and its reliance on Section 230 immunity to avoid accountability for possession and distribution of this content.  CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP With faith, hope and love being the three pillars of his foundation, Tebow continues to fight for what he calls the MVPs of the world – the most vulnerable people.&nbsp; Follow Fox News Digital’s&nbsp;sports coverage on X&nbsp;and subscribe to&nbsp;the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow testified before Senate urging them to pass the bipartisan Renewed Hope Act of 2026 to combat the online child exploitation cri

Tim Tebow testifies before Senate committee on bipartisan bi

large_tim-tebow-1.jpg

medium_tim-tebow-1.jpg

small_tim-tebow-1.jpg

thumbnail_tim-tebow-1.jpg

tim-tebow-1.jpg

Tim Tebow testifies before Senate committee on bipartisan bill to combat child exploitation

## Tom Brady Turns Up the Heat on Logan Paul

The simmering rivalry between NFL icon Tom Brady and WWE superstar Logan Paul reached a boiling point this Tuesday when Brady unleashed a strikingly blunt message aimed at Paul — all while working out alongside his longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski.

In a video shared across social media, Gronkowski opened the clip by praising Paul's impressive athletic abilities, which have been on full display inside the WWE ring on multiple occasions. Paul has earned widespread respect for performing moves that even seasoned professional wrestlers struggle to execute, going viral several times for his in-ring athleticism.

### Brady Drops an Explicit Message

Brady, however, had a far less complimentary take. Rushing in behind Gronkowski mid-video, the seven-time Super Bowl champion delivered his verdict without holding back.

"Logan Paul's a b---h," Brady said bluntly. "Just say he's a b---h. Come play with the big boys — you're lucky you won't get hit."

Gronkowski appeared genuinely caught off guard by Brady's sharp-tongued commentary, expressing surprise at just how much of a "s--- talker" his former Patriots and Buccaneers teammate could be.

## How the Feud Started

The tension between Brady and Paul first surfaced during Super Bowl week, when the two crossed paths at radio row ahead of the upcoming Fanatics Flag Football Classic — an event currently scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia at the end of March.

During that initial exchange, Brady acknowledged Paul's athleticism but was quick to put him in his place relative to elite NFL competition.

"I'm actually a little worried for you. You're a good athlete, but you're like… These guys are at another level," Brady told Paul. "You're not the level. You're a good athlete."

Paul pushed back by questioning whether star running back Saquon Barkley could perform a "flip off the top rope," to which Brady responded with thinly veiled condescension.

"That's cute. I love WWE. It's very cute. But honestly, this is like real football. This is real competition," Brady replied.

### Logan Paul Fires Back on Social Media

Paul didn't let the remarks slide. He responded by posting a video highlighting his vertical leap, drawing a direct comparison to the way Barkley famously hurdled defenders during the Philadelphia Eagles' 2024 Super Bowl championship run.

## Logan Paul's Athletic and Wrestling Credentials

While Brady may be dismissive, Paul's résumé outside of football is far from insignificant. Beyond the WWE, the host of the popular *IMPAULSIVE* podcast has competed in high-profile boxing matches against KSI, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Dillon Danis.

Inside the WWE ring, Paul has claimed the United States Championship and has become a consistent presence on the *Monday Night Raw* roster. His in-ring talent has also been formally recognized by the industry — *Pro Wrestling Illustrated* ranked him No. 37 on their prestigious list of the top 500 singles wrestlers in 2024.

Whether this rivalry stays verbal or spills over into the Fanatics Flag Football Classic remains to be seen, but both Brady and Paul appear more than willing to keep throwing shots until then.

Tom Brady fired an explicit shot at Logan Paul during a workout with Rob Gronkowski, escalating their rivalry ahead of the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

Tom Brady Blasts Logan Paul in Explicit Workout Video

large_nfl-tom-brady-030426-1.jpg

medium_nfl-tom-brady-030426-1.jpg

small_nfl-tom-brady-030426-1.jpg

thumbnail_nfl-tom-brady-030426-1.jpg

nfl-tom-brady-030426-1.jpg

Tom Brady Fires Explicit Shot at Logan Paul Amid Growing Rivalry with Rob Gronkowski by His Side

## Noem Braces for Another Heated Congressional Showdown

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is stepping back into the congressional spotlight for a second consecutive day, this time facing a determined group of House Democrats ready to challenge her on a range of contentious issues — including ICE arrests, warrantless enforcement operations, and the Trump administration's aggressive immigration agenda. The high-pressure hearing comes while DHS itself grapples with uncertainty surrounding a potential partial government shutdown.

## Senate Battle Sets the Stage

Noem's Wednesday appearance before the House Judiciary Committee follows a turbulent Tuesday session in the Senate, where she navigated sharp criticism from Democrats while receiving mostly favorable treatment from Republicans. GOP members largely applauded her efforts to reverse what they characterize as the Biden administration's failures at the southern border.

However, not all Republicans were supportive. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined the entire Democratic bloc in confronting Noem directly during the Senate hearing, making her experience notably more adversarial than a typical partisan divide might suggest. She also clashed with Senate ranking member Richard Durbin of Illinois over the arrests of DACA recipients, and pushed back against Senators Chris Coons of Delaware and Alex Padilla of California over concerns about ICE presence near polling locations on Election Day — pointedly asking whether their objections were related to fears about undocumented immigrants voting, which is a federal crime.

## House Judiciary Hearing: Key Critics to Watch

The House Judiciary Committee hearing is expected to be equally combative, with several outspoken Democratic members lined up to question the DHS Secretary.

### Rep. Jamie Raskin

Ranking member Jamie Raskin of Maryland is anticipated to lead the charge early in the session. Raskin has previously called for stronger oversight of DHS and pushed to roll back policies that permit warrantless enforcement operations.

### Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Washington's Pramila Jayapal, widely regarded as one of the committee's most progressive voices, has been vocal in her criticism of Noem's leadership of ICE. She has specifically questioned enforcement tactics deployed in cities such as Minneapolis and New Orleans.

### Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon

Pennsylvania's Mary Gay Scanlon represents Delaware County — a district that once leaned Republican but has steadily moved toward Democrats in recent election cycles. Her constituency has also witnessed high-profile anti-ICE demonstrations, including large-scale protests at the prominent intersection of Baltimore Pike and PA-320.

### Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Texas Democrat Jasmine Crockett, who was simultaneously navigating a competitive Senate primary on Tuesday, is scheduled to question Noem toward the end of the Wednesday hearing.

### Additional Democratic Voices

Noem will also field questions from Representative Henry "Hank" Johnson of Georgia and Representative Becca Balint of Vermont — both of whom recently clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi. Representatives Eric Swalwell of California and Jesús García of Illinois round out the list of expected critics. García has previously spoken out against ICE operations conducted in his heavily Hispanic Chicago-area district.

## Republican Members Expected to Offer Smoother Exchanges

In contrast to the Democratic side, Noem is likely to encounter a far more cooperative atmosphere when responding to questions from Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio and his Republican colleagues. Border-state representatives including Andy Biggs of Arizona, Kevin Kiley, Tom McClintock, and Darrell Issa of California are all expected to take a more supportive tone.

One notable wildcard remains Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who has drawn criticism from within the MAGA movement for occasionally diverging from the administration's preferred positions.

Other Republican committee members of note include Representatives Ben Cline of Virginia, Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, Brandon Gill of Texas, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Brad Knott of North Carolina, and Scott Fitzgerald of Wisconsin — all part of the 44-member panel.

## What's at Stake

As Noem navigates this second marathon hearing in as many days, the broader debate over immigration enforcement, executive authority, and DHS funding continues to intensify on Capitol Hill. With a partial shutdown looming over her agency and Democrats sharpening their oversight efforts, Wednesday's session promises to be another defining moment in the ongoing national conversation about border security and civil liberties.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem faces House Democrats in a second straight day of congressional hearings over ICE arrests, deportations, and warrantless operations.

Kristi Noem Faces House Democrats Over ICE Operations

large_kristi-noem-dhs-oversight-hearing-2.jpg

medium_kristi-noem-dhs-oversight-hearing-2.jpg

small_kristi-noem-dhs-oversight-hearing-2.jpg

thumbnail_kristi-noem-dhs-oversight-hearing-2.jpg

kristi-noem-dhs-oversight-hearing-2.jpg

Kristi Noem Faces House Democrats in Second Consecutive Day of Intense Congressional Hearings

## Newly Released Documents Expose the Depth of Epstein's Political Web

A sweeping collection of newly declassified Jeffrey Epstein documents has cast an unflinching light on the elaborate network of powerful connections the disgraced financier spent decades carefully assembling. Among the most troubling revelations is how those relationships — particularly in South Florida — allowed Epstein to receive preferential treatment from the very officials who were supposed to hold him accountable.

Released under the Epstein Transparency Act, the documents paint a detailed picture of how Epstein systematically cultivated influence within legal and political circles, including inside the U.S. Department of Justice. At the center of the controversy is Alex Acosta, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, who negotiated and approved a widely condemned non-prosecution agreement that effectively shielded Epstein from far more serious federal charges.

## The Sweetheart Deal That Changed Everything

The Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) brokered by Acosta in 2007 remains one of the most scrutinized legal decisions in recent American history. At the time, federal investigators had already identified approximately 30 victims and were preparing a 60-count federal indictment against Epstein. Prosecutors who had spent years building the case were reportedly blindsided when the deal was finalized.

The agreement granted Epstein and his co-conspirators sweeping federal immunity, effectively dismantling the investigation and allowing Epstein to plead to lesser state charges. Critics argue the deal enabled Epstein to continue abusing young women and girls for nearly another decade before his eventual arrest in 2019.

FBI Director Kash Patel has since described Acosta's handling of the case as the "original sin" in a broader pattern of institutional failures. The Justice Department itself later acknowledged that the agreement reflected "poor judgment" from Acosta's office and "undercut public confidence in the legitimacy of the resulting agreement."

### A Data Gap That Raises More Questions

Adding to the growing list of concerns is a suspicious gap in Acosta's computer records. Data spanning nearly 12 months — from May 2007 to April 2008 — was reportedly wiped from Acosta's system. Notably, that window corresponds precisely to the period when Epstein's defense lawyers were most aggressively lobbying federal prosecutors to shut down the federal investigation.

While the Justice Department addressed the data gap in a 2020 memo, former judge and victims' attorney Paul Cassell dismissed that review as superficial. Cassell noted that the gap appeared to "surgically strike" the exact timeframe during which the most consequential decisions about the Epstein case were being made.

## Epstein's Reach Into the Legal Community

Beyond Acosta, newly released records and investigative reporting have revealed additional troubling connections between Epstein's legal team and prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida. Among the more striking examples: a former assistant U.S. attorney who helped draft key provisions of Epstein's plea agreement was later found to have briefly dated one of Epstein's defense attorneys.

A source familiar with the timeline noted that the relationship did not overlap with the attorney's active involvement in the Epstein case, though the revelation has nonetheless raised eyebrows and added to the broader narrative of Epstein's calculated efforts to blur the lines between adversaries and allies.

## Congress Presses for Answers

The release of these documents has reignited pressure on Capitol Hill, where the House Oversight Committee has been actively probing the federal government's handling of the Epstein investigation. Acosta testified before the committee for more than six hours last fall, but Democratic lawmakers were far from satisfied with his responses.

"The transcripts of Alex Acosta's interview confirm what we've known all along: he has no remorse for his mishandling of the Epstein case," said Sara Guerrero, spokesperson for Oversight Democrats. "Because of the deal Alex Acosta gave Epstein, he was able to continue assaulting and raping young women and girls for another decade."

Acosta, who resigned from his position as President Trump's Labor Secretary in 2019 amid mounting controversy, has consistently defended his actions, characterizing them as "straightforward" and the most pragmatic course available to the government at the time.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has vowed to continue the investigation. "We're trying to find out more — who dropped the ball? Was it Acosta? Was it the FBI? Was it the local prosecutors? Was it the Department of Justice?" Comer told reporters. "Those are the questions we need answered, because that's part of what the victims asked us to do."

## A Legacy of Institutional Failure

What the Epstein documents collectively reveal is not simply the story of one corrupt deal, but a systemic failure of accountability at multiple levels of government and law enforcement. Through charm, calculated generosity, and strategic relationship-building, Epstein managed to construct a near-impenetrable shield of influence — one that held firm for years while victims were left without justice.

Acosta did not respond to requests for comment regarding the ongoing House Oversight Committee investigation or the newly surfaced reports.

Newly released Epstein documents expose how Alex Acosta's controversial plea deal and powerful connections allowed the financier to evade justice for years.

Epstein Documents Reveal How Alex Acosta's Deal Shielded Him

large_alex-acosta-epstein.jpg

medium_alex-acosta-epstein.jpg

small_alex-acosta-epstein.jpg

thumbnail_alex-acosta-epstein.jpg

alex-acosta-epstein.jpg

How Jeffrey Epstein Built a Shield of Influence That Protected Him for Decades

## A Turning Point in America's Fight Against Terrorism

Operation Epic Fury may represent one of the most significant shifts in America's counterterrorism strategy in recent memory. By taking direct and decisive action against a state long recognized as a sponsor of terrorism — one that has endangered innocent civilians, including American citizens, for nearly five decades — President Donald Trump has signaled a bold new chapter in national security policy.

Yet bold action abroad does not guarantee safety at home. Intelligence officials and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, have already elevated their alert levels in anticipation of potential retaliatory strikes on U.S. soil. Neither Iran's proxies nor other terror organizations are expected to stand idle.

## Reflecting on 25 Years Since September 11

The timing of these military operations is deeply significant. As the United States approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the nation faces an important moment of reflection. How effectively has America defended itself since that devastating day? And are the country's intelligence and security institutions prepared for the threats that lie ahead?

A bipartisan congressional panel — chaired by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and co-chaired by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) — is currently examining how well the Intelligence Community has acted on the recommendations of the original 9/11 Commission. Their central question is whether America's security apparatus is genuinely equipped to handle the next 25 years of evolving threats.

The U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), created at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, is uniquely positioned to inform that conversation. Its mission is to ensure that national security efforts remain firmly grounded in respect for civil liberties and privacy rights. Based on that work, several critical priorities deserve serious attention.

## Key Priorities for Defending America Going Forward

### 1. Keep Terrorism at the Center of National Security Strategy

The global focus has increasingly shifted toward great power competition with nations like China and Russia. While that competition is real and consequential, it must not come at the expense of counterterrorism readiness.

The fact that the United States has not suffered another large-scale mass casualty terrorist attack in 25 years is not coincidence or luck. It is the direct result of sustained military operations that dismantled terror networks overseas, combined with relentless behind-the-scenes work by law enforcement and intelligence professionals who have quietly foiled numerous plots. A new generation of counterterrorism specialists must be thoroughly trained and properly resourced to continue that work.

### 2. Prevent the Rebuilding of Information Silos

One of the most consequential failures leading up to September 11 was the existence of a bureaucratic barrier — commonly known as "the wall" — that prohibited the sharing of intelligence between FBI agents working on national security matters and those handling criminal investigations.

The 9/11 Commission documented a striking example: an agent attempting to locate two of the eventual hijackers was denied critical information by an intelligence analyst who believed the wall required such refusal. The agent's warning at the time proved tragically prophetic — someone would, indeed, die if that information was withheld.

Lawmakers and executive branch officials must remain vigilant that future counterterrorism regulations do not inadvertently recreate these dangerous information barriers in a new form.

### 3. Anticipate and Prepare for Emerging Terrorist Tactics

The September 11 hijackers succeeded in part because they exploited a method of attack that security planners had never seriously considered — turning commercial aircraft into guided missiles. Prior assumptions about hijackings focused on hostage scenarios or onboard explosions, leaving a catastrophic blind spot.

That lesson must not be forgotten. Today's threat landscape includes dangers that were unimaginable a decade ago: drone-based attacks on critical infrastructure, AI-powered cyberterrorism, and the potential for bioterrorism enabled by advancing technology. Complacency about the creativity and adaptability of terrorist organizations is itself a national security risk.

### 4. Maintain Public Transparency About Intelligence Programs

Effective intelligence work is, by necessity, largely conducted in secret. However, the United States has consistently led the world — including many democratic allies — in providing the public with meaningful information about how its intelligence programs operate.

This transparency reflects American values and sustains public confidence in the institutions responsible for national security. PCLOB contributed significantly to this goal in 2025, releasing five public reports — its most productive output on record — covering topics such as the Terrorist Watchlist and the FBI's use of open-source intelligence. Continued and expanded transparency, including honest accounts of both successes and shortcomings, strengthens rather than undermines national security.

### 5. Embrace Technology Without Sacrificing Civil Liberties

Advancing technology offers powerful tools for counterterrorism — but only if those tools are developed and deployed with privacy protections built in from the start.

As one example, PCLOB staff reviewed the TSA's facial recognition program at airport security checkpoints and found it to be a well-structured initiative that meaningfully reduces privacy risks in its current form. This model demonstrates that security and civil liberties need not be in opposition.

The same principle applies to the expanding role of artificial intelligence in counterterrorism operations. AI has enormous potential to enhance threat detection and response — provided it is designed and governed responsibly, with clear safeguards against misuse or overreach.

## Balancing Security and Principles: The Ongoing Challenge

As Congress looks back across 25 years of counterterrorism efforts, the core question is whether America's intelligence community has genuinely learned from the failures that allowed September 11 to happen — and whether those lessons have been applied in ways consistent with the values upon which the nation was founded.

The threats ahead are real, evolving, and in some cases unprecedented. Meeting them will require not only strength and vigilance, but also wisdom, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the balance between liberty and security that defines the American character.

As Operation Epic Fury reshapes counterterrorism strategy, America must apply 25 years of hard lessons to protect both security and civil liberties.

Operation Epic Fury: Defending America's Security and Values

large_donald-trump-iran.jpg

medium_donald-trump-iran.jpg

small_donald-trump-iran.jpg

thumbnail_donald-trump-iran.jpg

donald-trump-iran.jpg

Beyond Operation Epic Fury: Protecting America's Security and Core Values in an Uncertain World

## Minnesota Police Sergeant Dies Within 24 Hours of Brain Infection Diagnosis

A beloved police sergeant from northern Minnesota has tragically passed away less than a day after receiving a devastating medical diagnosis, leaving behind two toddler sons and a community in mourning. Sgt. Cody Siebert, a K9 officer serving the East Range Police Department, died on February 27, according to an official department announcement.

### A Dedicated Officer and Community Pillar

Siebert was widely regarded as far more than a law enforcement officer. He played a pivotal role in establishing the K9 program in Babbitt, Minnesota, working alongside his police dog, Taconite, before transitioning to the East Range Police Department. His reputation extended well beyond his badge — colleagues, students, and neighbors all remembered him as someone who made every interaction feel meaningful.

The East Range Police Department honored his memory with a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, describing his infectious personality and natural ability to connect with people.

> *"Sgt. Siebert was well known for his happy-go-lucky personality. It was best said that if you couldn't get along with Cody, it was your fault."*

The department added that the void left by his passing would be impossible to fill.

### What Led to His Sudden Death

According to his life partner, Karen Blais, Siebert woke up one morning last week complaining of a headache that had started the previous day. After being rushed to the hospital, medical professionals made a shocking discovery — a nasal passage infection had rapidly spread to his brain. He died within 24 hours of that diagnosis.

His brother, Brandon Siebert, reflected on Cody's deep commitment to public service, noting that his role went far beyond traditional police work.

> *"He loved people — being in that position and being able to help people in general. Not just getting the bad guys, going to the school, checking in with people."*

### Family Grief Compounded by Recent Loss

The heartbreak surrounding Sgt. Siebert's death is made even more profound by a tragedy the family endured just months earlier. His sister-in-law, Alyssa Siebert, passed away in October from a brain aneurysm — a loss still fresh in the family's memory.

Another sister-in-law, Ashley Siebert, struggled to find words for the compounding grief.

> *"We're in a déjà vu of an unusual situation. They both helped others the whole time. They were both great people. They've done more than most 30-year-olds have accomplished in their lives."*

In a final act of generosity mirroring his sister-in-law's legacy, Siebert chose to donate his organs.

### Community and Schools Mourn the Loss

Messabi East Schools also issued a touching tribute, honoring Siebert's lasting influence on students and staff alike.

> *"The impact he had on our students and staff cannot be measured. He wasn't just our K9 officer — he was a mentor, a role model, a friend, and a steady, positive presence in our Giants community."*

His family wrote on their fundraising page that Cody possessed a rare and genuine ability to connect with people, and that his absence would leave a lasting void in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

### Support Pours In for His Family

Sgt. Siebert is survived by Karen Blais and their two young sons, aged one and two. A GoFundMe campaign launched on behalf of his family has already surpassed **$107,000** in donations, a reflection of the widespread love and respect the community held for him.

Sgt. Cody Siebert of the East Range Police Department died within 24 hours of a brain infection diagnosis, leaving behind two young sons and a grieving communit

Latest