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  • The Daily Brief: Top Trump Counterterrorism Official Resigns, Political Fallout Forces Gregory Bovino Out of DHS, and more.

The Daily Brief: Top Trump Counterterrorism Official Resigns, Political Fallout Forces Gregory Bovino Out of DHS, and more.

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Good Afternoon! It’s Tuesday, March 17.

Los Angeles saw sunny skies on Tuesday, with highs reaching 95°. Cloudy conditions are expected on Wednesday, when temperatures will top out at 91°.

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Top Counterterrorism Official Resigns Over Trump’s Iran War

Joe Kent, the nation’s top counterterrorism official, resigned in protest of the ongoing Iran conflict, saying it began without an imminent threat and has already cost American lives. In a letter to President Trump, Kent called Middle East wars a costly trap that drains both lives and national resources. His departure marks the first high-level resignation tied to the war, as the administration continues to defend the operation despite growing criticism and casualties.

Gregory Bovino Ousted as DHS Career Ends Amid Controversy

Gregory Bovino, a longtime Border Patrol official and former commander in Los Angeles operations, will retire at the end of the month following a turbulent period marked by national scrutiny. His exit comes after a Minneapolis immigration enforcement incident in which two U.S. citizens were fatally shot, leading to his demotion and reassignment to California. Bovino later resurfaced during a tense federal presence outside a Little Tokyo event involving state leaders, underscoring ongoing clashes over immigration policy. After 30 years of service, he leaves behind a deeply polarizing legacy.

Calls Grow to Suspend California Gas Tax as Prices Surge

Luka Dončić Powers Lakers to Sixth Straight Win, Earns Player of the Week Honor

Luka Dončić continues his dominant stretch, scoring 36 points to lead the Lakers past the Rockets and extend their winning streak to six games. Fresh off being named Western Conference Player of the Week, Dončić has now scored 30 or more in six straight contests, fueling the team’s surge to an 8-1 March record and a climb to third place in the West. With contributions from LeBron James and a defense-first mindset under head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are finding ways to win on both ends of the floor as momentum builds.

Pam Bondi Subpoenaed in Expanding Epstein Files Probe

House lawmakers have issued a subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding she testify about the Justice Department’s handling of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes as the House Oversight Committee investigates whether federal officials complied with transparency requirements and properly managed evidence related to Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their associates. The inquiry is also drawing in other high-profile figures, including Leon Black, as newly surfaced emails and past financial ties raise fresh questions about the scope of the investigation and potential oversight failures.

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